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Vyasa Puja Offerings 2022
(View Devamrita Swami's 2022 offering to Srila Prabhupada)
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Aakash Tiwari
My Dear Guru Maharaj,
I have no spiritual qualities to be able to bow my head at your lotus feet but please kindly accept the humble obeisances of this insignificant person at your lotus feet.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, chittete koriya aikya
How you have pleased Srila Prabhupada by taking his vani to your life and soul and have previously spread the great philosophy of Krishna Consciousness in the Communist Nations! I do not have any qualities to please you Guru Maharaj but I will simply try to please you by following your instructions.
Guru Maharaj, my spiritual nourishment is hampered by this material atmosphere so please give me a tiny drop of your mercy in my life so that I may be capable to get out from the existence of this material bondage.
This human form of life is the most valuable boat and Guru Maharaj you are the captain who guides this boat to sail across the ocean of nescience. Guru Maharaj, attachment to your lotus feet is the perfection that fulfils all desires and my only desire is to be the servant of the servant of the Supreme Lord.
"By serving the lotus feet of the spiritual master, one is able to develop transcendental ecstasy in the service of the Personality of Godhead, who is the unchangeable enemy of the Madhu demon and whose service vanquishes one's material distresses." (SB 3.7.19)
Your insignificant servitor,
Aakash Tiwari
I have no spiritual qualities to be able to bow my head at your lotus feet but please kindly accept the humble obeisances of this insignificant person at your lotus feet.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, chittete koriya aikya
How you have pleased Srila Prabhupada by taking his vani to your life and soul and have previously spread the great philosophy of Krishna Consciousness in the Communist Nations! I do not have any qualities to please you Guru Maharaj but I will simply try to please you by following your instructions.
Guru Maharaj, my spiritual nourishment is hampered by this material atmosphere so please give me a tiny drop of your mercy in my life so that I may be capable to get out from the existence of this material bondage.
This human form of life is the most valuable boat and Guru Maharaj you are the captain who guides this boat to sail across the ocean of nescience. Guru Maharaj, attachment to your lotus feet is the perfection that fulfils all desires and my only desire is to be the servant of the servant of the Supreme Lord.
"By serving the lotus feet of the spiritual master, one is able to develop transcendental ecstasy in the service of the Personality of Godhead, who is the unchangeable enemy of the Madhu demon and whose service vanquishes one's material distresses." (SB 3.7.19)
Your insignificant servitor,
Aakash Tiwari
Aatmeshwar Krsna Das
Dearmost Gurudeva,
Please accept our obeisances in the dust of your lotus Feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara.
With our alp buddhi, we are attempting to glorify your personality, your life journey and your divine activities. Kindly forgive us if we commit any mistakes.
On the occasion of your appearance, we would like to say happy appearance day. We are fortunate to have you in our life.
You have appeared to deliver the fallen ones and distribute Krishna consciousness far and wide, you have been tirelessly preaching and making devotees of krsna wherever you go. Keeping the flame of Krishna’s devotion in one's heart is something challenging in Kaliyuga time where forgetfulness is prominent. Although it is not an easy thing to travel around the world, in different time zones, for the sake of Krishna preaching, you keep on travelling regardless of the ill impact on your health. This is compassion on us.
We always pray for your longevity and sound health. While counselling with devotees, the amount of stress and negative vibes of your audiences that you come across could be detrimental for you. Perhaps understanding this, we never ever desire to bring any issue if we ever face, rather we would like to consult senior and local devotees to resolve it.
We have to admit that we always put our work schedule on top of you, missing the opportunities to associate with you. This results in lacking the interest in associating with you personally. It's been a long time to see you. That owes to our latent attitude to take yourself seriously, thinking that it would waste your precious time and energy. We kept ourselves away from not only taking your physical association but your vaani association as well for a while.
Perhaps we were not inclined by then. Now I am slowly waking up from this illusion and ignorance and realising how wrong I was. We beg your mercy to resume our interest in devotional life again, associate with you and serve guru parampara
I have to acknowledge that I am the cause of my current situation, realising my ignorance is an obstacle in the way of my sadhna, resulting in more distractions. This perhaps could be due to vaishnava aparadha.
Lately, we have been shifted to western side of Melbourne. Although there are many devotees around there, we miss Melbourne Mahaprabhu temple. Our life's routine revolved around the temple's schedule but now our schedules are tuned to our mundane activities and priorities.
We tend to grab every opportunity to serve the devotees around us.Serving the local preachers, Bhakti Vriksha Programs and devotees at new places is the only way out to engage us as a family in Krishna’s devotional service.
May we serve you eternally by serving your appointed senior devotee, May we evolve
Your servant at the Sri Radha Vallabha Temple,
Aatmeshwar Krsna Das, Poonam Bharti, Gaursundar Kumar
Please accept our obeisances in the dust of your lotus Feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara.
With our alp buddhi, we are attempting to glorify your personality, your life journey and your divine activities. Kindly forgive us if we commit any mistakes.
On the occasion of your appearance, we would like to say happy appearance day. We are fortunate to have you in our life.
You have appeared to deliver the fallen ones and distribute Krishna consciousness far and wide, you have been tirelessly preaching and making devotees of krsna wherever you go. Keeping the flame of Krishna’s devotion in one's heart is something challenging in Kaliyuga time where forgetfulness is prominent. Although it is not an easy thing to travel around the world, in different time zones, for the sake of Krishna preaching, you keep on travelling regardless of the ill impact on your health. This is compassion on us.
We always pray for your longevity and sound health. While counselling with devotees, the amount of stress and negative vibes of your audiences that you come across could be detrimental for you. Perhaps understanding this, we never ever desire to bring any issue if we ever face, rather we would like to consult senior and local devotees to resolve it.
We have to admit that we always put our work schedule on top of you, missing the opportunities to associate with you. This results in lacking the interest in associating with you personally. It's been a long time to see you. That owes to our latent attitude to take yourself seriously, thinking that it would waste your precious time and energy. We kept ourselves away from not only taking your physical association but your vaani association as well for a while.
Perhaps we were not inclined by then. Now I am slowly waking up from this illusion and ignorance and realising how wrong I was. We beg your mercy to resume our interest in devotional life again, associate with you and serve guru parampara
I have to acknowledge that I am the cause of my current situation, realising my ignorance is an obstacle in the way of my sadhna, resulting in more distractions. This perhaps could be due to vaishnava aparadha.
Lately, we have been shifted to western side of Melbourne. Although there are many devotees around there, we miss Melbourne Mahaprabhu temple. Our life's routine revolved around the temple's schedule but now our schedules are tuned to our mundane activities and priorities.
We tend to grab every opportunity to serve the devotees around us.Serving the local preachers, Bhakti Vriksha Programs and devotees at new places is the only way out to engage us as a family in Krishna’s devotional service.
May we serve you eternally by serving your appointed senior devotee, May we evolve
Your servant at the Sri Radha Vallabha Temple,
Aatmeshwar Krsna Das, Poonam Bharti, Gaursundar Kumar
Acyuta Aravindaksa Das
Dear Maharaj,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. Wish you a happy Vyasapuja Day. You have been offering your service to Srila Prabhupada for many decades till now. However due to my Immaturity I could not appreciate your greatness sufficiently enough and I don't think I will ever be able to measure your unflinching glories. Being in Sydney, so far I didn't get an opportunity to meet my Diksha Guru, who has been enacting his physical pastimes outside Australia for the past 6 years. But, I feel whatever guidance he wants to provide me in person, he is providing it through you and Ramai Swami Maharaj. It is mentioned in the scriptures, that a spiritual master is as heavy as a thunderbolt and as soft as a lotus petal. In the beginning it was theoretical knowledge for me. But it is no longer a theory anymore. When I got an opportunity to personally serve Ramai Swami Maharaj, he showed me the tender nature of a spiritual master by accepting and appreciating my menial imperfect services and when ever I had a your personal darshan, you showed me the thunderbolt nature of the spiritual master, by shattering my ignorance and false pride with your straightforward instructions and high expectations. By listening to your words, so far I have realised that the only way to please you is to take good care of our spiritual life through sincere and attentive chanting of the holy name , regular reading of Srimad Bhagavatam and ultimately engaging in book distribution far and wide across the globe. But, I am ashamed to say that, I could not fulfil any of those expectations so far. However I desire that, at least In the future, I will be able to fulfil your instructions even in unfavourable circumstances. On this auspicious day, I seek your blessings, so that I will become the most beloved son of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, by whole heartedly surrendering my thoughts and deeds, for fulfilling all their unknown secret missions in this globe.
Your Sincere Siksha Disciple
Acyuta Aravindaksa Das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. Wish you a happy Vyasapuja Day. You have been offering your service to Srila Prabhupada for many decades till now. However due to my Immaturity I could not appreciate your greatness sufficiently enough and I don't think I will ever be able to measure your unflinching glories. Being in Sydney, so far I didn't get an opportunity to meet my Diksha Guru, who has been enacting his physical pastimes outside Australia for the past 6 years. But, I feel whatever guidance he wants to provide me in person, he is providing it through you and Ramai Swami Maharaj. It is mentioned in the scriptures, that a spiritual master is as heavy as a thunderbolt and as soft as a lotus petal. In the beginning it was theoretical knowledge for me. But it is no longer a theory anymore. When I got an opportunity to personally serve Ramai Swami Maharaj, he showed me the tender nature of a spiritual master by accepting and appreciating my menial imperfect services and when ever I had a your personal darshan, you showed me the thunderbolt nature of the spiritual master, by shattering my ignorance and false pride with your straightforward instructions and high expectations. By listening to your words, so far I have realised that the only way to please you is to take good care of our spiritual life through sincere and attentive chanting of the holy name , regular reading of Srimad Bhagavatam and ultimately engaging in book distribution far and wide across the globe. But, I am ashamed to say that, I could not fulfil any of those expectations so far. However I desire that, at least In the future, I will be able to fulfil your instructions even in unfavourable circumstances. On this auspicious day, I seek your blessings, so that I will become the most beloved son of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, by whole heartedly surrendering my thoughts and deeds, for fulfilling all their unknown secret missions in this globe.
Your Sincere Siksha Disciple
Acyuta Aravindaksa Das
Aghahanta 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.
“My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get”. A famous line from a movie in the early nineties. It sounds pretty good for the most part. I mean sure, you might get the odd nut or unwanted surprise in there, but by the by, who would complain right? Waking us up from this chocolate box dream, you repeatedly remind us that actually our situation in this material world is more like that of a drowning man, where every now and then we get a short gasp of air, and in that brief moment of relief, we think we are happy. We do not even realise our own suffering situation, nor do we know what real happiness is. It's a simple revelation which you have been sharing for several decades now and one that I never tire of hearing, yet here I find myself still clinging onto that chocolate box fantasy. Thank you Gurudeva, for all your patience, tolerance and compassion. Continuing to always be there for me, despite my stubborn and misplaced faith in material enjoyment.
As the atmosphere the world over becomes ever more thick with division, fear and confusion, you continue to hold the line. Remaining ever more steadfast in your service to your spiritual master, despite all the turmoil, you continue to push forward in spreading the real revolution for change that every man and woman so desperately seeks in their life. By your example you show us what it means to be the true revolutionary, sacrificing everything for the greatest cause of all: Krishna consciousness.
Thank you Gurudeva for everything that you have done and continue to do both for myself, our family and this entire planet. Praying to one day develop even just a drop of your selfless and compassionate qualities, your eternally indebted and aspiring disciple, Aghahanta das.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
“My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get”. A famous line from a movie in the early nineties. It sounds pretty good for the most part. I mean sure, you might get the odd nut or unwanted surprise in there, but by the by, who would complain right? Waking us up from this chocolate box dream, you repeatedly remind us that actually our situation in this material world is more like that of a drowning man, where every now and then we get a short gasp of air, and in that brief moment of relief, we think we are happy. We do not even realise our own suffering situation, nor do we know what real happiness is. It's a simple revelation which you have been sharing for several decades now and one that I never tire of hearing, yet here I find myself still clinging onto that chocolate box fantasy. Thank you Gurudeva, for all your patience, tolerance and compassion. Continuing to always be there for me, despite my stubborn and misplaced faith in material enjoyment.
As the atmosphere the world over becomes ever more thick with division, fear and confusion, you continue to hold the line. Remaining ever more steadfast in your service to your spiritual master, despite all the turmoil, you continue to push forward in spreading the real revolution for change that every man and woman so desperately seeks in their life. By your example you show us what it means to be the true revolutionary, sacrificing everything for the greatest cause of all: Krishna consciousness.
Thank you Gurudeva for everything that you have done and continue to do both for myself, our family and this entire planet. Praying to one day develop even just a drop of your selfless and compassionate qualities, your eternally indebted and aspiring disciple, Aghahanta das.
Akarsini Devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept my Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to you
“A Vaisnava can be understood by how much he is favoured by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in terms of his inconceivable activities.” (Srila Prabhupada SB 9:5:20, Purport).
Mysteriously you created something from nothing simply because your pockets were full of a most valuable thing ‘knowledge in the art of love’.
It seems an impossible task to constantly be engaged in the maintenance of so many others, it’s difficult enough just trying to keep my own boat afloat amongst the waves that keep hitting the ship one after the other, occasionally getting stuck in eddies, sending it sailing round in circles.
During you last visit to Wellington you said in one of your classes that we have no spiritual culture for support in Bhakti, you gave the analogy of a lotus flower surrounded by mud.Although blunt it was a sobering truth and a solid warning about protecting oneself from the murky waters of a confused culture polluted with avarice and self interest.
Fortunately you found a way to support devotees by creating a framework to maintain a community rich in guidance and association to make it simple and easy to remember Krsna. Building something like this in an atheistic country appears inconceivable, especially since religiousness has become a relic of the past, something that gets dragged out at weddings or funerals. Recently I watched some footage of the Queen’s funeral, a royal occasion performed with great pomp set in the beautiful setting of Westminster abbey decorated with hymns sung by choir boys, the congregation clad in black still wore looks of boredom at intervals almost like they were tolerating having to sing the next song or listen to another sermon about God. If that’s the attractive potency of religion then one would surely have to be disappointed
Thank you for introducing me to genuine religious culture that’s attractive joyful and blissful. Without your sacrifice and patience, moving closer to Krsna would not have been a possibility. Thank you for letting me serve you here in Wellington surrounded by so many enthusiastic devotees even though though my service is of little significance. The Devotees here do things so nicely and make it such an easy space to grow in Bhakti. During the community programmes in the Week-ends I noticed my fondness for the atmosphere here has increased over time. Walking into the temple room feels so warm and golden, joyful faces chanting and dancing in front of Panca Tattva, the purity of the atmosphere is developing an addiction to want to attend more. Thanking you again for achieving the impossible, ‘a cultural oasis amid the dark swamps of this age’. I know you can never repay the debt to the Spiritual Master but I see no harm in trying. Begging that I can become infected with your compassionate, tolerant and enthusiastic quality.
Still trying to be your servant
Akarsini Devi dasi
Please Accept my Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to you
“A Vaisnava can be understood by how much he is favoured by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in terms of his inconceivable activities.” (Srila Prabhupada SB 9:5:20, Purport).
Mysteriously you created something from nothing simply because your pockets were full of a most valuable thing ‘knowledge in the art of love’.
It seems an impossible task to constantly be engaged in the maintenance of so many others, it’s difficult enough just trying to keep my own boat afloat amongst the waves that keep hitting the ship one after the other, occasionally getting stuck in eddies, sending it sailing round in circles.
During you last visit to Wellington you said in one of your classes that we have no spiritual culture for support in Bhakti, you gave the analogy of a lotus flower surrounded by mud.Although blunt it was a sobering truth and a solid warning about protecting oneself from the murky waters of a confused culture polluted with avarice and self interest.
Fortunately you found a way to support devotees by creating a framework to maintain a community rich in guidance and association to make it simple and easy to remember Krsna. Building something like this in an atheistic country appears inconceivable, especially since religiousness has become a relic of the past, something that gets dragged out at weddings or funerals. Recently I watched some footage of the Queen’s funeral, a royal occasion performed with great pomp set in the beautiful setting of Westminster abbey decorated with hymns sung by choir boys, the congregation clad in black still wore looks of boredom at intervals almost like they were tolerating having to sing the next song or listen to another sermon about God. If that’s the attractive potency of religion then one would surely have to be disappointed
Thank you for introducing me to genuine religious culture that’s attractive joyful and blissful. Without your sacrifice and patience, moving closer to Krsna would not have been a possibility. Thank you for letting me serve you here in Wellington surrounded by so many enthusiastic devotees even though though my service is of little significance. The Devotees here do things so nicely and make it such an easy space to grow in Bhakti. During the community programmes in the Week-ends I noticed my fondness for the atmosphere here has increased over time. Walking into the temple room feels so warm and golden, joyful faces chanting and dancing in front of Panca Tattva, the purity of the atmosphere is developing an addiction to want to attend more. Thanking you again for achieving the impossible, ‘a cultural oasis amid the dark swamps of this age’. I know you can never repay the debt to the Spiritual Master but I see no harm in trying. Begging that I can become infected with your compassionate, tolerant and enthusiastic quality.
Still trying to be your servant
Akarsini Devi dasi
Akhanda Rasa Das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances on the auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for allowing me to become your disciple. I want to sincerely thank for your mercy.
I regularly hear your lectures and feel inspired by them. As you have mentioned that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste and this pandemic crisis of lockdown over past years has caused me to reflect inwards to discover what is the true purpose of life.
With your guidance and advise I am hoping to take shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet more & more. Although it is very challenging to get away from material energy and turn towards spiritual energy.
As you have outlined in various lectures that the material world is not a place to be as its ‘dukhayala aswasatam’. Here no one is really happy and on mostly gets what one does not want and not what he wants. The real happiness is serving the Supreme Lord and his associates in the spiritual world.
My wife & myself will miss your visit in October this year as we are travelling to India. I pray to the lord for your good health & well-being.
I will strive to follow your instructions and assist in spreading mission of Iskcon.
Your humble servant
Akhanda Rasa Das
Please accept my humble obeisances on the auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for allowing me to become your disciple. I want to sincerely thank for your mercy.
I regularly hear your lectures and feel inspired by them. As you have mentioned that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste and this pandemic crisis of lockdown over past years has caused me to reflect inwards to discover what is the true purpose of life.
With your guidance and advise I am hoping to take shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet more & more. Although it is very challenging to get away from material energy and turn towards spiritual energy.
As you have outlined in various lectures that the material world is not a place to be as its ‘dukhayala aswasatam’. Here no one is really happy and on mostly gets what one does not want and not what he wants. The real happiness is serving the Supreme Lord and his associates in the spiritual world.
My wife & myself will miss your visit in October this year as we are travelling to India. I pray to the lord for your good health & well-being.
I will strive to follow your instructions and assist in spreading mission of Iskcon.
Your humble servant
Akhanda Rasa Das
Alka Rani
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my very humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you Srila Gurudeva.
There is so much I can write about you but I'm always short of words to describe how indebted I am to you and your inspiring association. I had your first darshans at the Hare Krishna valley retreat in 2019 and since then whenever I hear your instructions, I am more and more convinced about my Krishna consciousness and to keep moving ahead despite any obstacles I am facing.
Gurudeva, once I asked you that my family is not Krishna conscious so what should I do? You simply asked me if it bothers me? I said sorry Gurudev? You asked me again that does it bother me? I said no. After that you didn't say anything but simply smiled. This one instruction helps me and gives me confidence to keep moving ahead in my Krishna conscious journey. Your instructions give me strength to stay focused on my goal and not drift away by any obstacles, hurdles or issues that come into my material life. I am trying my best to do my sadhana and services in the temple and bhakti vriksha programs with the help of association of devotees and with guidance of my shiska gurus.
I am humbly seeking your blessings Srila Gurudeva that I can always be engaged in the service of the Lord and the Vaishnavas and stay fixed up in my Krishna consciousness.
Your servant
Alka
Please accept my very humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you Srila Gurudeva.
There is so much I can write about you but I'm always short of words to describe how indebted I am to you and your inspiring association. I had your first darshans at the Hare Krishna valley retreat in 2019 and since then whenever I hear your instructions, I am more and more convinced about my Krishna consciousness and to keep moving ahead despite any obstacles I am facing.
Gurudeva, once I asked you that my family is not Krishna conscious so what should I do? You simply asked me if it bothers me? I said sorry Gurudev? You asked me again that does it bother me? I said no. After that you didn't say anything but simply smiled. This one instruction helps me and gives me confidence to keep moving ahead in my Krishna conscious journey. Your instructions give me strength to stay focused on my goal and not drift away by any obstacles, hurdles or issues that come into my material life. I am trying my best to do my sadhana and services in the temple and bhakti vriksha programs with the help of association of devotees and with guidance of my shiska gurus.
I am humbly seeking your blessings Srila Gurudeva that I can always be engaged in the service of the Lord and the Vaishnavas and stay fixed up in my Krishna consciousness.
Your servant
Alka
Amani Gaurahari das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you
During your Srimad Bhagavtam classes or when we get the rare opportunity to do some reading with you, I often wonder how it is you are able to extract so much nectar that even I become attracted to hearing about Krishna.
Not only are you are assisting the parampara in passing down the sweet mango of Krishna katha, in tact, you are also packaging it an easily swallowed way and hand-feeding it to the unfortunate condition souls.
Thank you for being an example of a successful bhakti practitioner and assisting me in heading in the same direction.
I pray that one day I may be able to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada
Your aspiring servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you
During your Srimad Bhagavtam classes or when we get the rare opportunity to do some reading with you, I often wonder how it is you are able to extract so much nectar that even I become attracted to hearing about Krishna.
Not only are you are assisting the parampara in passing down the sweet mango of Krishna katha, in tact, you are also packaging it an easily swallowed way and hand-feeding it to the unfortunate condition souls.
Thank you for being an example of a successful bhakti practitioner and assisting me in heading in the same direction.
I pray that one day I may be able to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada
Your aspiring servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Amrita-tattva Dasa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
I offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Shrila Prabhupada.
Now I’m initiated and I feel like a different man. By your grace I’ve been accepted in the family of ISKCON headed by Srila Prabhupada. With the passing of time I realize more and more that I’m not as advanced as I thought I was. What you said at my initiation ceremony is true. Initiation is only the beginning of our spiritual career. The serious start. Often I need some time to realize the depth of the words you express. Time to contemplate, to meditate.
Thoughts of previous experiences haunting me like ghosts, scenes from being in nightclubs, sit ins, bars, women… but then cut.. I wake up. Was it all just a dream? Dream world - chasing a mirage in the desert. I was lost and I still am, imprisoned in the walls of my own mind. Bound by the ropes of the three modes. But now it feels like there is some light at the end of the tunnel.. Seeing your example, your behavior as a constant in my life. A real teacher teaches by example yad yad acharati shrestas.
When I asked you what the quickest way from anartha nivritti to nishda is, you told me it is to stay in the association of devotees who are steady. The way you said it, burned a deep impression in my mind. Looking at me & quoting bhaktivinoda thakur:”I wouldn't mind taking birth as in insect.. as long as I can live in the house of a devotee”
But Maya wants to kick me out of that house. So every night I’m falling on my knees and pray to never leave the association of devotees.
One thing that I heard you saying recently in a lecture, which is related to dealing with people that are new to krsna consciousness or even just somebody that we approach on book distribution. You said that you meditate on something like: ”This person is now covered by illusion, but if he would take to krishna consciousness, he would be a far better devotee than I can ever be.” Hearing you say these words with utter humility touched my heart.
I beg you that I can develop this vision one day, so I can be free from envy. Why is it so hard to be an honest well wisher?
Everyday I pray that you give me the ability to chant attentive rounds. That you take me by the hand & bring me a step closer to krishna. Step by step, one step at a time, just keep going, don't overcomplicate, strictly following the easy path. Every breath I take, move I make, words I say is an offering to you. Please accept me as an instrument & give me the intelligence to become steady in bhakti.
You’re insignificant servant,
Amrita-tattva Das
I offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Shrila Prabhupada.
Now I’m initiated and I feel like a different man. By your grace I’ve been accepted in the family of ISKCON headed by Srila Prabhupada. With the passing of time I realize more and more that I’m not as advanced as I thought I was. What you said at my initiation ceremony is true. Initiation is only the beginning of our spiritual career. The serious start. Often I need some time to realize the depth of the words you express. Time to contemplate, to meditate.
Thoughts of previous experiences haunting me like ghosts, scenes from being in nightclubs, sit ins, bars, women… but then cut.. I wake up. Was it all just a dream? Dream world - chasing a mirage in the desert. I was lost and I still am, imprisoned in the walls of my own mind. Bound by the ropes of the three modes. But now it feels like there is some light at the end of the tunnel.. Seeing your example, your behavior as a constant in my life. A real teacher teaches by example yad yad acharati shrestas.
When I asked you what the quickest way from anartha nivritti to nishda is, you told me it is to stay in the association of devotees who are steady. The way you said it, burned a deep impression in my mind. Looking at me & quoting bhaktivinoda thakur:”I wouldn't mind taking birth as in insect.. as long as I can live in the house of a devotee”
But Maya wants to kick me out of that house. So every night I’m falling on my knees and pray to never leave the association of devotees.
One thing that I heard you saying recently in a lecture, which is related to dealing with people that are new to krsna consciousness or even just somebody that we approach on book distribution. You said that you meditate on something like: ”This person is now covered by illusion, but if he would take to krishna consciousness, he would be a far better devotee than I can ever be.” Hearing you say these words with utter humility touched my heart.
I beg you that I can develop this vision one day, so I can be free from envy. Why is it so hard to be an honest well wisher?
Everyday I pray that you give me the ability to chant attentive rounds. That you take me by the hand & bring me a step closer to krishna. Step by step, one step at a time, just keep going, don't overcomplicate, strictly following the easy path. Every breath I take, move I make, words I say is an offering to you. Please accept me as an instrument & give me the intelligence to become steady in bhakti.
You’re insignificant servant,
Amrita-tattva Das
Anadi Kaisora dasa
Please accept my obeisances.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
Dear Gurudeva,
We live in a world of unexpected occurrences. Generally whatever direction we imagine a situation going it turns out the opposite … so we’re left to embrace the changes, following all the twists and turns.
The most unexpected happening in my life was meeting you and furthermore I haven’t always had the ability to respond to the unexpected in a positive way. But the changes which have taken place in me and my fresh outlook are all thanks to you.
By your mercy my recent years have been saturated with a variegated range of diverse experiences. Amazingly, when I reflect on some of the sweetest memories they’re often borne of the most adverse circumstances. Here’s a few which I’m particularly fond of;
On travelling sankirtan with Hriman Krishna in Kaitaia my book box was stolen on the street, fortunately I had distributed most of my books and collected enough to cover the missing ones. Later while I was doing yoga next to the van near the beach a rough-round-the-edges Māori girl pestered me, refusing to leave me alone even as I explained (mid-asana) that I was a monk and wanted nothing to do with her. Little did I know she was the distraction while her friends raided the van; stealing my bag and personal belongings. Now I can tell people the story of getting robbed twice in one day!
Or there was the time when I couldn’t focus my mind on distributing books in receipt of text messages of chastisement from Vrindavan Madhurya because I had left for travelling with a team of boys from PKA and taken practically the whole stock of books, leaving him with not enough to distribute. He told me I got a little too fired up.
Not to mention when I drove a coughing and sputtering overheating diesel van with 3 tonnes of books from Otaki to Wellington with the passenger seat up so the engine was exposed next to me roaring at an unbearable volume with plumes of steam billowing up. To top it off Aravinda Naba’s motor mechanic father had advised me to spit on the engine to check if it was overheating past the point of no return. Meanwhile Amani Gaurahari prabhu peacefully chanted japa on the back seat.
Oh, and how could one forget repeatedly climbing out the window of the van in a gamcha at 3am to pour ice cold water over oneself at the roadside before clambering back in and chanting japa for two hours with numb fingers and then flooding some of the smallest towns in NZ with Prabhupada’s books?
Although these were, at the time, some of the most challenging moments in my life looking back now they were also the sweetest - needless to say because I took shelter of you and subsequently Krishna.
Along this train of thought I adapted some of a jazz standard, which I assume you are familiar with.
Thanks for the memory...
Rainy towns on sankirtan, riding in the van,
With tonnes of books and planks for beds the facilities were grand,
But how lovely it was.
Thanks for the memory...
Of flashlights and bivouacs, tucked up in sleeping sacks,
In Whangarei and Golden Bay with book bags on our backs.
How lovely it was.
Many's the time that we feasted,
And many's the time that we fasted,
Oh well, it was swell while it lasted.
We did have fun, and no harm done
So thanks for the memory...
Prasad matts on the floor, getting people through the door,
Being part of a community with preaching at the core!
I thank you so much,
Thanks for the memory!
I could go on but I think you get the point.
Anyway, here I am at another juncture of change in life. Ripe with juicy opportunities for new experiences and no shortage of challenging situations. But I know that simply by taking shelter of you I will be guided safely through whatever unexpected or seemingly adverse circumstances arise. I know I am safe under your wing, so thank you, for more than just the memories. Thank you for guiding me through all three phases of time.
Your somewhat adolescent and still quite convalescent aspiring servant,
Anadi Kaisora dasa
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
Dear Gurudeva,
We live in a world of unexpected occurrences. Generally whatever direction we imagine a situation going it turns out the opposite … so we’re left to embrace the changes, following all the twists and turns.
The most unexpected happening in my life was meeting you and furthermore I haven’t always had the ability to respond to the unexpected in a positive way. But the changes which have taken place in me and my fresh outlook are all thanks to you.
By your mercy my recent years have been saturated with a variegated range of diverse experiences. Amazingly, when I reflect on some of the sweetest memories they’re often borne of the most adverse circumstances. Here’s a few which I’m particularly fond of;
On travelling sankirtan with Hriman Krishna in Kaitaia my book box was stolen on the street, fortunately I had distributed most of my books and collected enough to cover the missing ones. Later while I was doing yoga next to the van near the beach a rough-round-the-edges Māori girl pestered me, refusing to leave me alone even as I explained (mid-asana) that I was a monk and wanted nothing to do with her. Little did I know she was the distraction while her friends raided the van; stealing my bag and personal belongings. Now I can tell people the story of getting robbed twice in one day!
Or there was the time when I couldn’t focus my mind on distributing books in receipt of text messages of chastisement from Vrindavan Madhurya because I had left for travelling with a team of boys from PKA and taken practically the whole stock of books, leaving him with not enough to distribute. He told me I got a little too fired up.
Not to mention when I drove a coughing and sputtering overheating diesel van with 3 tonnes of books from Otaki to Wellington with the passenger seat up so the engine was exposed next to me roaring at an unbearable volume with plumes of steam billowing up. To top it off Aravinda Naba’s motor mechanic father had advised me to spit on the engine to check if it was overheating past the point of no return. Meanwhile Amani Gaurahari prabhu peacefully chanted japa on the back seat.
Oh, and how could one forget repeatedly climbing out the window of the van in a gamcha at 3am to pour ice cold water over oneself at the roadside before clambering back in and chanting japa for two hours with numb fingers and then flooding some of the smallest towns in NZ with Prabhupada’s books?
Although these were, at the time, some of the most challenging moments in my life looking back now they were also the sweetest - needless to say because I took shelter of you and subsequently Krishna.
Along this train of thought I adapted some of a jazz standard, which I assume you are familiar with.
Thanks for the memory...
Rainy towns on sankirtan, riding in the van,
With tonnes of books and planks for beds the facilities were grand,
But how lovely it was.
Thanks for the memory...
Of flashlights and bivouacs, tucked up in sleeping sacks,
In Whangarei and Golden Bay with book bags on our backs.
How lovely it was.
Many's the time that we feasted,
And many's the time that we fasted,
Oh well, it was swell while it lasted.
We did have fun, and no harm done
So thanks for the memory...
Prasad matts on the floor, getting people through the door,
Being part of a community with preaching at the core!
I thank you so much,
Thanks for the memory!
I could go on but I think you get the point.
Anyway, here I am at another juncture of change in life. Ripe with juicy opportunities for new experiences and no shortage of challenging situations. But I know that simply by taking shelter of you I will be guided safely through whatever unexpected or seemingly adverse circumstances arise. I know I am safe under your wing, so thank you, for more than just the memories. Thank you for guiding me through all three phases of time.
Your somewhat adolescent and still quite convalescent aspiring servant,
Anadi Kaisora dasa
Ananda-candra dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Prabhupada
All respects to you on this special day and every day
This past year was a rocky road in New Zealand which many found challenging to navigate. Devotees were feeling bewilderment materially and spiritually. There was uncertainty in the air, difficult decisions to be made and made, discouragement, disheartenment, perceived service barriers, hurt, tears, frustration, analysis, criticism, division, fear, job redundancies, financial loss, relationship break-ups, family moves, sudden goodbyes, revolutionary energies, excitement, hope, curiosity, danger, urgency and emergency. A cloud of confusion loomed the skies.
One thing that particularly saddened me during this time was the growing disharmony between devotees. There were subtle and unsubtle insults being thrown at one another, even toward leaders, heated debates on social media and "diplomatic" battles to prove who was the biggest Mr. or Mrs. Clever, Wattsap groups starting positive but eventually turning into sour snake pitts of Vaisnava aparadha. Often such hot off the press topics were the subject of Vaisnava conversations, or no talk about it directly, but at least a wonder in the back of the mind of which team one another was batting for. It certainly was a murky soup of material affairs mixed in with spiritual affairs, or mistaken as being one.
SB 12:6:3 "I do not consider it at all amazing that great souls such as yourself, whose minds are always absorbed in the infallible Personality of Godhead, show mercy to the foolish conditioned souls, tormented as we are by the problems of material life."
I read this verse soon after a particular class you gave in Mayapur during this time. There you began to address some of the events in New Zealand. You did this not so much directly, but by sharing perfect examples from Srila Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktisiddhantha Saraswati Thakurs efforts as outreach genuises. You spoke of their crystal clear Krsna Conscious leadership, expertly keeping material as material and spiritual as spiritual. You mentioned how Bhakti is its own flag and we should act in ways to best keep that flag waving high above the mundane flags of so called political and social freedoms, because who knows what way the "crocodiles tail" may swing.
In one brilliant class, various multi-faceted problems seemed instantly solved. I could sense how the devotees present there, especially from New Zealand, became lighter.
Soon afterwards, you travelled to Wellington and gave similar classes there. Indeed, the whole atmosphere changed, the winds softened, the temperatures cooled, the waves calmed, the air became clearer. Issues were no longer huge issues, impediments felt foreign, case was closed. The flowers started to grow again. It was so obvious to witness, even from abroad.
SB 12:6:5 "My Lord, I now have no fear of Takṣaka or any other living being, or even of repeated deaths, because I have absorbed myself in that purely spiritual Absolute Truth, which you have revealed and which destroys all fear."
Your power in purity and sharp intelligence to pacify a huge range of people with diverse views, circumstances, ages, backgrounds, ashrams was demonstrated right in front of our eyes. I felt amazement and conviction of your spiritual potency.
On 9 September 1972 Prabhupada wrote a letter in reply to his disciple Krsna dasa which said "Eternally I want to remain your guide provided you want to accept me. You mentioned that your pathway has become filled with stumbling blocks, but there are no stumbling blocks, I can kick out all those stumbling blocks immediately, provided you accept my guidance. With one stroke of my kick I can kick out all stumbling blocks."
The almighty vigor of your one transcendental kick certainly made all stumbling blocks shatter, for those willing to receive. Your chastity to Prabhupada and the Parampara gave you the immense strength to boot out a filthy black storm of dark illusion that impeded our tiny visions.
Devotee relationships became smoother again, the most important aspect of our lives.
Thank you so much.
Your servant
Ananda-candra
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Prabhupada
All respects to you on this special day and every day
This past year was a rocky road in New Zealand which many found challenging to navigate. Devotees were feeling bewilderment materially and spiritually. There was uncertainty in the air, difficult decisions to be made and made, discouragement, disheartenment, perceived service barriers, hurt, tears, frustration, analysis, criticism, division, fear, job redundancies, financial loss, relationship break-ups, family moves, sudden goodbyes, revolutionary energies, excitement, hope, curiosity, danger, urgency and emergency. A cloud of confusion loomed the skies.
One thing that particularly saddened me during this time was the growing disharmony between devotees. There were subtle and unsubtle insults being thrown at one another, even toward leaders, heated debates on social media and "diplomatic" battles to prove who was the biggest Mr. or Mrs. Clever, Wattsap groups starting positive but eventually turning into sour snake pitts of Vaisnava aparadha. Often such hot off the press topics were the subject of Vaisnava conversations, or no talk about it directly, but at least a wonder in the back of the mind of which team one another was batting for. It certainly was a murky soup of material affairs mixed in with spiritual affairs, or mistaken as being one.
SB 12:6:3 "I do not consider it at all amazing that great souls such as yourself, whose minds are always absorbed in the infallible Personality of Godhead, show mercy to the foolish conditioned souls, tormented as we are by the problems of material life."
I read this verse soon after a particular class you gave in Mayapur during this time. There you began to address some of the events in New Zealand. You did this not so much directly, but by sharing perfect examples from Srila Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktisiddhantha Saraswati Thakurs efforts as outreach genuises. You spoke of their crystal clear Krsna Conscious leadership, expertly keeping material as material and spiritual as spiritual. You mentioned how Bhakti is its own flag and we should act in ways to best keep that flag waving high above the mundane flags of so called political and social freedoms, because who knows what way the "crocodiles tail" may swing.
In one brilliant class, various multi-faceted problems seemed instantly solved. I could sense how the devotees present there, especially from New Zealand, became lighter.
Soon afterwards, you travelled to Wellington and gave similar classes there. Indeed, the whole atmosphere changed, the winds softened, the temperatures cooled, the waves calmed, the air became clearer. Issues were no longer huge issues, impediments felt foreign, case was closed. The flowers started to grow again. It was so obvious to witness, even from abroad.
SB 12:6:5 "My Lord, I now have no fear of Takṣaka or any other living being, or even of repeated deaths, because I have absorbed myself in that purely spiritual Absolute Truth, which you have revealed and which destroys all fear."
Your power in purity and sharp intelligence to pacify a huge range of people with diverse views, circumstances, ages, backgrounds, ashrams was demonstrated right in front of our eyes. I felt amazement and conviction of your spiritual potency.
On 9 September 1972 Prabhupada wrote a letter in reply to his disciple Krsna dasa which said "Eternally I want to remain your guide provided you want to accept me. You mentioned that your pathway has become filled with stumbling blocks, but there are no stumbling blocks, I can kick out all those stumbling blocks immediately, provided you accept my guidance. With one stroke of my kick I can kick out all stumbling blocks."
The almighty vigor of your one transcendental kick certainly made all stumbling blocks shatter, for those willing to receive. Your chastity to Prabhupada and the Parampara gave you the immense strength to boot out a filthy black storm of dark illusion that impeded our tiny visions.
Devotee relationships became smoother again, the most important aspect of our lives.
Thank you so much.
Your servant
Ananda-candra
Ananta-naga das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
It feels like every year is bringing more challenges to our already
complicated lives.
The constant battle of the worlds reigning and emerging powers for control and dominance resulting in a political, economic, and environmental mess.
We are witnessing an escalation of the conflict in recent years as the post-pandemic world is seeing the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, consequent food and energy supply shock, particularly for European nations, inflating prices of everything. With inflation on the rise, governments are struggling to keep the local economies going into a complete collapse.
As many individuals, we may feel stress from economic pressures as life becomes more expensive and from political and social uncertainty as we lose trust in government and society.
My intelligence gets a boost every time I hear you speak, and I realise I have a long way to go in my practice.
You have given me the lifestyle by which I can become immune to what has happened and what is yet to come. By your grace, I take shelter in chanting the Holy Name and hearing the pastimes of Krishna and His devotees.
In your talks, you remind us that there is no happiness in this temporary and miserable world and the calamities we are experiencing are like unlimited waves of the ocean of material existence. They will keep coming relentlessly and the only way to overcome this pressure is to surrender to Krishna and His bona fide representative.
You are relentlessly pushing on the mission of your Spiritual Master, adjusting, adapting to, and transcending a variety of challenges brought by global unrest. You show unbreakable determination to carry on no matter what happens.
Your only concern is how to save as many struggling conditioned souls as possible, following in the footsteps of Prahlada Maharaja, SB 7.9.43:
“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.”
I feel very lucky and privileged to have you as my Spiritual Master.
Thank you again for accepting me as your disciple and connecting me to devotional service to Krishna.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
It feels like every year is bringing more challenges to our already
complicated lives.
The constant battle of the worlds reigning and emerging powers for control and dominance resulting in a political, economic, and environmental mess.
We are witnessing an escalation of the conflict in recent years as the post-pandemic world is seeing the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, consequent food and energy supply shock, particularly for European nations, inflating prices of everything. With inflation on the rise, governments are struggling to keep the local economies going into a complete collapse.
As many individuals, we may feel stress from economic pressures as life becomes more expensive and from political and social uncertainty as we lose trust in government and society.
My intelligence gets a boost every time I hear you speak, and I realise I have a long way to go in my practice.
You have given me the lifestyle by which I can become immune to what has happened and what is yet to come. By your grace, I take shelter in chanting the Holy Name and hearing the pastimes of Krishna and His devotees.
In your talks, you remind us that there is no happiness in this temporary and miserable world and the calamities we are experiencing are like unlimited waves of the ocean of material existence. They will keep coming relentlessly and the only way to overcome this pressure is to surrender to Krishna and His bona fide representative.
You are relentlessly pushing on the mission of your Spiritual Master, adjusting, adapting to, and transcending a variety of challenges brought by global unrest. You show unbreakable determination to carry on no matter what happens.
Your only concern is how to save as many struggling conditioned souls as possible, following in the footsteps of Prahlada Maharaja, SB 7.9.43:
“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.”
I feel very lucky and privileged to have you as my Spiritual Master.
Thank you again for accepting me as your disciple and connecting me to devotional service to Krishna.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Ananya-bhakti devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories unto you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
Growing up I never realized how much my parents did for me. It was only until I was older, more mature, and had left home that I started to realize and appreciate the many ways in which they took care of me. Similarly, every year I am able to understand and appreciate a little more what you have done and are doing for me. How you've changed not just the course of my life in this one body, but how you've changed the course of me as a soul in this material world. Thanks to you I know that it's only a matter of time until I'm reunited with Krishna.
Coming to these realizations leaves me feeling humbled, grateful, and a bit speechless. I can't seem to find the words that fully express what it is that I'm feeling. I don't think it's even possible. I think I said this to you last year, but I mean it even more now. I don't just want to tell you how grateful I am, but I want to show you. I want my actions to reflect the deep-felt appreciation, the admiration, and the love that I feel for you. I want to walk the talk. Not just today, but everyday for the rest of my material existence (and beyond that too).
When I reflect on what you've done for me, how you've saved me, I am reminded of your immense compassion. I am reminded of your dedication to Srila Prabhupada. You are the greatest teacher, not only because you have dedicated your life to learning the scriptures and teaching them to others, but because you teach through your example. You are a living example of the scriptures and Prabhupada’s instructions. And when you teach us, you do it in an earnest yet loving way, just as a father would. You possess so many great qualities, yet you never demand respect and is the first one to offer respect. I admire you for all of your great qualities and am inspired by your example.
During our last darshan, when I asked if you would be pleased if I moved to Gita Nagari and you smiled and told me you'd be very happy, I knew in that moment that if I lived the rest of my life trying to please you that my life would be perfect. It would be perfect because by pleasing you I will please Krishna, and because I know that anything I do that is pleasing to you is because it is beneficial for my spiritual advancement. I am far from living a life that is fully pleasing to you, but I want to at least try. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to please you.
It is my greatest misfortune that I don't have real love for Krishna, that I don't have complete faith in Him, and that I have no real desire to fully surrender to Him. But it is my greatest fortune that I have all of these things for you. So in the words of Srila Prabhupada, make me dance, Gurudeva, make me dance as you like.
Thank you, Gurudeva. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Hare Krishna.
Your spiritual daughter,
Ananya-bhakti devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories unto you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
Growing up I never realized how much my parents did for me. It was only until I was older, more mature, and had left home that I started to realize and appreciate the many ways in which they took care of me. Similarly, every year I am able to understand and appreciate a little more what you have done and are doing for me. How you've changed not just the course of my life in this one body, but how you've changed the course of me as a soul in this material world. Thanks to you I know that it's only a matter of time until I'm reunited with Krishna.
Coming to these realizations leaves me feeling humbled, grateful, and a bit speechless. I can't seem to find the words that fully express what it is that I'm feeling. I don't think it's even possible. I think I said this to you last year, but I mean it even more now. I don't just want to tell you how grateful I am, but I want to show you. I want my actions to reflect the deep-felt appreciation, the admiration, and the love that I feel for you. I want to walk the talk. Not just today, but everyday for the rest of my material existence (and beyond that too).
When I reflect on what you've done for me, how you've saved me, I am reminded of your immense compassion. I am reminded of your dedication to Srila Prabhupada. You are the greatest teacher, not only because you have dedicated your life to learning the scriptures and teaching them to others, but because you teach through your example. You are a living example of the scriptures and Prabhupada’s instructions. And when you teach us, you do it in an earnest yet loving way, just as a father would. You possess so many great qualities, yet you never demand respect and is the first one to offer respect. I admire you for all of your great qualities and am inspired by your example.
During our last darshan, when I asked if you would be pleased if I moved to Gita Nagari and you smiled and told me you'd be very happy, I knew in that moment that if I lived the rest of my life trying to please you that my life would be perfect. It would be perfect because by pleasing you I will please Krishna, and because I know that anything I do that is pleasing to you is because it is beneficial for my spiritual advancement. I am far from living a life that is fully pleasing to you, but I want to at least try. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to please you.
It is my greatest misfortune that I don't have real love for Krishna, that I don't have complete faith in Him, and that I have no real desire to fully surrender to Him. But it is my greatest fortune that I have all of these things for you. So in the words of Srila Prabhupada, make me dance, Gurudeva, make me dance as you like.
Thank you, Gurudeva. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Hare Krishna.
Your spiritual daughter,
Ananya-bhakti devi dasi
Antara
Gurudevaya Namaha!
My humble obeisances to Gurudeva!
It's a great inner calling that probably originated somewhere in the soul of the universe that orchestrated the diving timing that allowed this me to have a glimpse of Guruji maharaja!
I will always remember how the entire room was exuberating and jubilating with a overflowing vibration of joy having had Guruji maharaj himself sitting in it in Krishna-Chintan.
This me would rather say that the calmness that is hard to obtain even after practicing Bhaktiyoga for years, will itself pierce through one's soul to lure one into cosmic joy of Bhakti as soon as one comes into the sphere of Gurudeva's divine presence.
I'm ever grateful to Shrimati Sukanthi Radha Devi Dasi ji who made it possible for me to hear His enlightening words once and get initiated on the path of consciousness in an ever-effortlessly-joyful way!
My humble obeisances to Gurudeva!
It's a great inner calling that probably originated somewhere in the soul of the universe that orchestrated the diving timing that allowed this me to have a glimpse of Guruji maharaja!
I will always remember how the entire room was exuberating and jubilating with a overflowing vibration of joy having had Guruji maharaj himself sitting in it in Krishna-Chintan.
This me would rather say that the calmness that is hard to obtain even after practicing Bhaktiyoga for years, will itself pierce through one's soul to lure one into cosmic joy of Bhakti as soon as one comes into the sphere of Gurudeva's divine presence.
I'm ever grateful to Shrimati Sukanthi Radha Devi Dasi ji who made it possible for me to hear His enlightening words once and get initiated on the path of consciousness in an ever-effortlessly-joyful way!
Apurva-mādhurī devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this day of your appearance!
While the currents of my mind continue to spin me around in circles, pulling me constantly in different directions, I sometimes feel like I'm hanging on by a thread to your instructions. That thread - however thick or thin it may feel - is my spiritual lifeline. You are the mountainous banyan tree that my little bhakti creeper looks up at in awe and astonishment. I can't even see the top of it properly. But I feel your shade and your stability nurturing me always, even when I turn my gaze away from you for whatever length of time.
In Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya chapter 22, Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructs Sanatana on how devotional service is bestowed by the blessings of a pure devotee. Reading these verses has helped me sharpen my focus in preparation for your Vyasa Puja this year, Gurudeva. I'm grateful that Krishna arranged for me to land on these verses at this special time.
In verse 42, the Lord quotes Dhruva Maharaja in Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya:
sthānābhilāṣī tapasi sthito ’haṁ
tvāṁ prāptavān deva-munīndra-guhyam
kācaṁ vicinvann api divya-ratnaṁ
svāmin kṛtārtho ’smi varaṁ na yāce
‘O my Lord, because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.’
You have shared from your personal experience how much one can dedicate themseles wholeheartedly to strive for and even achieve some material success. But why not utilise that same determination to achieve the real treasure - pure love of God?
I think many devotees have been touched by the very powerful metaphor used to represent material opulence versus pure devotional service to Krishna. Glass does seem nice at first, but it's so easy to melt and it can cause bleeding and injury. It has nothing of the splendour and rarity of a valuable jewel. Because of you and Srila Prabhupada, I am starting to understand the difference between the two.
In verse 45, Mahaprabhu says:
kona bhāgye kāro saṁsāra kṣayonmukha haya
sādhu-saṅge tabe kṛṣṇe rati upajaya
“By good fortune one becomes eligible to cross the ocean of nescience, and when one’s term of material existence decreases, one may get an opportunity to associate with pure devotees. By such association, one’s attraction to Kṛṣṇa is awakened.'
The only 'real' and lasting good fortune a conditioned being can attain is coming across a pure devotee and/or their instructions. So often I ride the wave of good/bad, pleasure/pain, happy/sad, forgetting that it's all different manifestations of avidyā. But I've received this gift of bhāgya from you and Srila Prabhupada - what an incredible opportunity.
In verse 53, Mahaprabhu quotes Narada to Yudhisthira in SB 7th Canto:
naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-’bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat
‘Unless human society accepts the dust of the lotus feet of great mahātmās — devotees who have nothing to do with material possessions — mankind cannot turn its attention to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Those lotus feet vanquish all the unwanted, miserable conditions of material life.’
The teacher is the one who points us towards the Supreme Absolute Truth and, in doing so, automatically relieves us from the suffocation of material happiness and distress. This verse reminds me so much of your continued living legacy, and, of course, the tremendous legacy of Srila Prabhupada. I believe that the true impact of such souls on the world I believe can never be accurately measured. Such is the subtlty of real spiritual work - it does not fall into any of our man-made metrics of success.
I pray that one day I can understand these verses in their full gravity.
I will try to follow your example, Gurudeva. I know I need to keep going. Thank you for your priceless guidance and encouragement. You are the most generous father to both of us.
Forever your servant and daughter,
Apurva-mādhurī devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this day of your appearance!
While the currents of my mind continue to spin me around in circles, pulling me constantly in different directions, I sometimes feel like I'm hanging on by a thread to your instructions. That thread - however thick or thin it may feel - is my spiritual lifeline. You are the mountainous banyan tree that my little bhakti creeper looks up at in awe and astonishment. I can't even see the top of it properly. But I feel your shade and your stability nurturing me always, even when I turn my gaze away from you for whatever length of time.
In Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya chapter 22, Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructs Sanatana on how devotional service is bestowed by the blessings of a pure devotee. Reading these verses has helped me sharpen my focus in preparation for your Vyasa Puja this year, Gurudeva. I'm grateful that Krishna arranged for me to land on these verses at this special time.
In verse 42, the Lord quotes Dhruva Maharaja in Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya:
sthānābhilāṣī tapasi sthito ’haṁ
tvāṁ prāptavān deva-munīndra-guhyam
kācaṁ vicinvann api divya-ratnaṁ
svāmin kṛtārtho ’smi varaṁ na yāce
‘O my Lord, because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.’
You have shared from your personal experience how much one can dedicate themseles wholeheartedly to strive for and even achieve some material success. But why not utilise that same determination to achieve the real treasure - pure love of God?
I think many devotees have been touched by the very powerful metaphor used to represent material opulence versus pure devotional service to Krishna. Glass does seem nice at first, but it's so easy to melt and it can cause bleeding and injury. It has nothing of the splendour and rarity of a valuable jewel. Because of you and Srila Prabhupada, I am starting to understand the difference between the two.
In verse 45, Mahaprabhu says:
kona bhāgye kāro saṁsāra kṣayonmukha haya
sādhu-saṅge tabe kṛṣṇe rati upajaya
“By good fortune one becomes eligible to cross the ocean of nescience, and when one’s term of material existence decreases, one may get an opportunity to associate with pure devotees. By such association, one’s attraction to Kṛṣṇa is awakened.'
The only 'real' and lasting good fortune a conditioned being can attain is coming across a pure devotee and/or their instructions. So often I ride the wave of good/bad, pleasure/pain, happy/sad, forgetting that it's all different manifestations of avidyā. But I've received this gift of bhāgya from you and Srila Prabhupada - what an incredible opportunity.
In verse 53, Mahaprabhu quotes Narada to Yudhisthira in SB 7th Canto:
naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-’bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat
‘Unless human society accepts the dust of the lotus feet of great mahātmās — devotees who have nothing to do with material possessions — mankind cannot turn its attention to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Those lotus feet vanquish all the unwanted, miserable conditions of material life.’
The teacher is the one who points us towards the Supreme Absolute Truth and, in doing so, automatically relieves us from the suffocation of material happiness and distress. This verse reminds me so much of your continued living legacy, and, of course, the tremendous legacy of Srila Prabhupada. I believe that the true impact of such souls on the world I believe can never be accurately measured. Such is the subtlty of real spiritual work - it does not fall into any of our man-made metrics of success.
I pray that one day I can understand these verses in their full gravity.
I will try to follow your example, Gurudeva. I know I need to keep going. Thank you for your priceless guidance and encouragement. You are the most generous father to both of us.
Forever your servant and daughter,
Apurva-mādhurī devi dasi
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.
Thank you for giving me Srila Prabhupadas books and inspiring me to read them.
Today i read this peice of a purport and thought of you.
Purport to CC 3.20.52
"..A pure devotee has no way of sensing happiness except by seeing that Krsna is happy in every respect."
Once i drove you to lunch at a devotees house. These sincere devotees had tryed there best, yet the circumstances were not ideal. Taking lunch outdoor in the cold, you began to sniff and looked visibly cold.
Out of love and affection to teach your young disciples, you remained grave and silent.
Finishing your lunch we left without saying much at all.
As i drove out of the drive way, i said,
"Gurudeva it seems you visted these devotees only for their benefit.
You replied "why else would I visit them"
Humbled, i realized the vast difference in our consciousness. I think happiness will come to me by going here and there.
But for You, the only way of sensing happiness is seeing that Krishna is happy. Never mind this difficulty or that difficulty, your happy to selfessly serve Krishna.
This is so nicely explained in Prabhupadas purport to SB 1.9.22
"..A living entity is so made by the will of the Almighty that he is most happy when placing himself in a condition of absolute dependence."
your a living example of Srila Prabhupadas purports and Krishnas words. I watch with wonder how you deeply consider what to do next for Krishnas pleasure.
In all activities your depending upon Krishna and always working under his protection. In such devotional service your fully conscious of Krishna.
Early this year I had gone to hospital. To my surprise when i woke up in the morning you were the first devotee to txt me and ask me if i was ok.
Later, Doctor Nalini Kantha had told me that you had asked him multiple times about how my health was.
You actually care for me because you see me as Krishnas devotee. Out of love for Krishna you have spoken such kind words to me and also exposed my false ego on other occasions.
You encourage me and humble me not for your own happiness, but just to please Krishna.
Thank you for being my transcendental loving father.
On the auspicious day of your appearance im thinking of your selfless love for everyone. Your books, videos, personal intractions, everything, its an expression of love.
Beyond the exchange of emotions and secretions you connect with everyone as a servant of the supreme personality of godhead, Krishna.
When will i also learn this transcendental art of love?
Aspiring to serve you,
Aravinda Nabha das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for giving me Srila Prabhupadas books and inspiring me to read them.
Today i read this peice of a purport and thought of you.
Purport to CC 3.20.52
"..A pure devotee has no way of sensing happiness except by seeing that Krsna is happy in every respect."
Once i drove you to lunch at a devotees house. These sincere devotees had tryed there best, yet the circumstances were not ideal. Taking lunch outdoor in the cold, you began to sniff and looked visibly cold.
Out of love and affection to teach your young disciples, you remained grave and silent.
Finishing your lunch we left without saying much at all.
As i drove out of the drive way, i said,
"Gurudeva it seems you visted these devotees only for their benefit.
You replied "why else would I visit them"
Humbled, i realized the vast difference in our consciousness. I think happiness will come to me by going here and there.
But for You, the only way of sensing happiness is seeing that Krishna is happy. Never mind this difficulty or that difficulty, your happy to selfessly serve Krishna.
This is so nicely explained in Prabhupadas purport to SB 1.9.22
"..A living entity is so made by the will of the Almighty that he is most happy when placing himself in a condition of absolute dependence."
your a living example of Srila Prabhupadas purports and Krishnas words. I watch with wonder how you deeply consider what to do next for Krishnas pleasure.
In all activities your depending upon Krishna and always working under his protection. In such devotional service your fully conscious of Krishna.
Early this year I had gone to hospital. To my surprise when i woke up in the morning you were the first devotee to txt me and ask me if i was ok.
Later, Doctor Nalini Kantha had told me that you had asked him multiple times about how my health was.
You actually care for me because you see me as Krishnas devotee. Out of love for Krishna you have spoken such kind words to me and also exposed my false ego on other occasions.
You encourage me and humble me not for your own happiness, but just to please Krishna.
Thank you for being my transcendental loving father.
On the auspicious day of your appearance im thinking of your selfless love for everyone. Your books, videos, personal intractions, everything, its an expression of love.
Beyond the exchange of emotions and secretions you connect with everyone as a servant of the supreme personality of godhead, Krishna.
When will i also learn this transcendental art of love?
Aspiring to serve you,
Aravinda Nabha das
Ashleigh Parkinson
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In your recent welcome address to Wellington devotees you said " One problem with the beginning stages of Bhakti is that you have your good fortune, the greatest fortune but you aren't aware of the value you have. It's like ... putting a most valuable diamond in the hands of a three year old child. "
Eight years ago I had the greatest fortune of meeting devotees and had opportunity to take up the Bhakti process, but due to my ignorance, misdirected attachments and foolish thinking that there were more important things to do I didn't see the value of this rare gem and make the most of it. I thought I was ' making the most of life ' in Nelson as my weak mind would jump around between sense objects, but it is only due to your causeless mercy that this year I have start to understand the value of this diamond of chanting and hearing Krishna's glories and truly try to make the most of this human form of life. You are so merciful and giving and I'm so grateful for that. Please help me never lose my gratitude and enthusiasm for service. As you have said before, " true wealth is devotional service."
Before I moved here 9 months ago, for years I had heard my beautiful sister talk about Krishna, You and your glories, and the potency of the Maha mantra and Bhakti process. However, I wasn't hearing or applying it. The more I saw divine qualities develop within her due to your mercy upon her, I was increasingly inspired and attracted. I craved the association with devotees and would sit in Nelson praying for how I could be closer to devotees association and service. I stayed at the ashram more often and got a higher taste to the point where when I left to fly home I was bought to tears. I knew I wanted to be in devotees association, but felt I was running away from the shining opportunity that was right in front of me. Like a child with a diamond, I knew it was something special but wasn't comprehending the true value.
When I first took darshan with you years ago, my mind was full of anxieties, yet I wanted to give myself and others Bhakti. You instructed me to just chant Hare Krishna, be steady and be an example to others, and naturally they would be effected. Before I moved here, the profound effects of chanting 16 rounds and hearing daily was so inconceivable.
Only by your great mercy was I able to move to NGV this year to serve and live in association of devotees. Steadiness has been difficult, but only due to the protection and mercy of you and your wonderful devotees, cooking for me, caring for me, and inspiring me in service and sadhana have I been able to keep going. Like a ring, with no diamond, alone, without your mercy I am worthless.
The first day I moved to NGV Saumya-mayī wrote me a sweet note which ended with " Take deep shelter of chanting, reading, devotees and service." I couldn't conceive of what taking shelter truly meant and the effects that would come with trying to sincerely do so.
I took darshan with you in April. For the first time ever I felt what pure love and genuine care on a soul level was like. I felt and still feel immense gratitude. I felt so unworthy, yet you still kindly made time to give me instructions. Since then, I have tried to take shelter of your instructions and been so fortunate to have started to get a glimpse into how potent the Bhakti process is from my tiny endeavors to take shelter. Only by your mercy has this been possible. It really is an experiential process. Over years in Nelson speculating, I could never have imagined how the Bhakti process could be so transformative and purifying.
In my darshan you said " I never thought you would land. I am very proud of you." If I were a diamond, I would be one that requires lots of time and pressure to form. Thank you for your tolerance, patience and compassion over the years while I was preparing to land. I am so sorry for any offenses I may have caused towards you.
When we come to the material world, we are all diamonds in the rough. We have spiritual potential, but need education and polishing up(purification). Thank you for polishing my heart, heart through your instructions and invaluable education to allow me to see the potential and opportunity I have now.
Thank you for establishing the Bhakti lounge, NGV, a community of inspirational devotees to serve, an amazing mentor system and everything else you have given so mercifully. Like a diamond ring enclosed in a case, I feel so well protected by the shelter of your instructions and your devotees. I have the greatest fortune of being kindly guided by Saumya-mayī and my mentor Radha Prasada.Thank you so much for guiding them, so that they can patienty guide me.
Thank you for opening my eyes to help me see the true value of the diamond that is chanting and hearing the glories of Krishna, showing me how to truly make the most of this human form of life and being so merciful upon me. Thank you for the facility you have given me to try and serve you, your devotees and play a small part in Lord Caitanya's mission.
Please help me be steady in my practice, purify my selfish desires, stop caring about others opinions, and not get my mind thrown around in the material ocean, like a diamond in the hand of a child. Please continue to facilitate my desire to increase my service and give others Bhakti. Please help me always remember the value of the diamond you have gifted to me, and help me truly hear and apply your instructions. Please help me direct all of my attention, energy and desires towards serving you, your devotees and Lord Caitanya's mission.
Diamonds are symbols of purity, unity, and love. You are the personification of these qualities and more. Your divine qualities exceed the value of all the diamonds in all of the worlds. I am eternally indebted to you and grateful for your mercy, association, instructions and example.
They say " Diamonds are a girl's best friend." I pray to always have the opportunity to prioritize this best friend of mine that is Krishna's service, that shines right in front of me thanks to your causeless mercy.
Your aspiring servant of your servants,
Ashleigh Parkinson
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In your recent welcome address to Wellington devotees you said " One problem with the beginning stages of Bhakti is that you have your good fortune, the greatest fortune but you aren't aware of the value you have. It's like ... putting a most valuable diamond in the hands of a three year old child. "
Eight years ago I had the greatest fortune of meeting devotees and had opportunity to take up the Bhakti process, but due to my ignorance, misdirected attachments and foolish thinking that there were more important things to do I didn't see the value of this rare gem and make the most of it. I thought I was ' making the most of life ' in Nelson as my weak mind would jump around between sense objects, but it is only due to your causeless mercy that this year I have start to understand the value of this diamond of chanting and hearing Krishna's glories and truly try to make the most of this human form of life. You are so merciful and giving and I'm so grateful for that. Please help me never lose my gratitude and enthusiasm for service. As you have said before, " true wealth is devotional service."
Before I moved here 9 months ago, for years I had heard my beautiful sister talk about Krishna, You and your glories, and the potency of the Maha mantra and Bhakti process. However, I wasn't hearing or applying it. The more I saw divine qualities develop within her due to your mercy upon her, I was increasingly inspired and attracted. I craved the association with devotees and would sit in Nelson praying for how I could be closer to devotees association and service. I stayed at the ashram more often and got a higher taste to the point where when I left to fly home I was bought to tears. I knew I wanted to be in devotees association, but felt I was running away from the shining opportunity that was right in front of me. Like a child with a diamond, I knew it was something special but wasn't comprehending the true value.
When I first took darshan with you years ago, my mind was full of anxieties, yet I wanted to give myself and others Bhakti. You instructed me to just chant Hare Krishna, be steady and be an example to others, and naturally they would be effected. Before I moved here, the profound effects of chanting 16 rounds and hearing daily was so inconceivable.
Only by your great mercy was I able to move to NGV this year to serve and live in association of devotees. Steadiness has been difficult, but only due to the protection and mercy of you and your wonderful devotees, cooking for me, caring for me, and inspiring me in service and sadhana have I been able to keep going. Like a ring, with no diamond, alone, without your mercy I am worthless.
The first day I moved to NGV Saumya-mayī wrote me a sweet note which ended with " Take deep shelter of chanting, reading, devotees and service." I couldn't conceive of what taking shelter truly meant and the effects that would come with trying to sincerely do so.
I took darshan with you in April. For the first time ever I felt what pure love and genuine care on a soul level was like. I felt and still feel immense gratitude. I felt so unworthy, yet you still kindly made time to give me instructions. Since then, I have tried to take shelter of your instructions and been so fortunate to have started to get a glimpse into how potent the Bhakti process is from my tiny endeavors to take shelter. Only by your mercy has this been possible. It really is an experiential process. Over years in Nelson speculating, I could never have imagined how the Bhakti process could be so transformative and purifying.
In my darshan you said " I never thought you would land. I am very proud of you." If I were a diamond, I would be one that requires lots of time and pressure to form. Thank you for your tolerance, patience and compassion over the years while I was preparing to land. I am so sorry for any offenses I may have caused towards you.
When we come to the material world, we are all diamonds in the rough. We have spiritual potential, but need education and polishing up(purification). Thank you for polishing my heart, heart through your instructions and invaluable education to allow me to see the potential and opportunity I have now.
Thank you for establishing the Bhakti lounge, NGV, a community of inspirational devotees to serve, an amazing mentor system and everything else you have given so mercifully. Like a diamond ring enclosed in a case, I feel so well protected by the shelter of your instructions and your devotees. I have the greatest fortune of being kindly guided by Saumya-mayī and my mentor Radha Prasada.Thank you so much for guiding them, so that they can patienty guide me.
Thank you for opening my eyes to help me see the true value of the diamond that is chanting and hearing the glories of Krishna, showing me how to truly make the most of this human form of life and being so merciful upon me. Thank you for the facility you have given me to try and serve you, your devotees and play a small part in Lord Caitanya's mission.
Please help me be steady in my practice, purify my selfish desires, stop caring about others opinions, and not get my mind thrown around in the material ocean, like a diamond in the hand of a child. Please continue to facilitate my desire to increase my service and give others Bhakti. Please help me always remember the value of the diamond you have gifted to me, and help me truly hear and apply your instructions. Please help me direct all of my attention, energy and desires towards serving you, your devotees and Lord Caitanya's mission.
Diamonds are symbols of purity, unity, and love. You are the personification of these qualities and more. Your divine qualities exceed the value of all the diamonds in all of the worlds. I am eternally indebted to you and grateful for your mercy, association, instructions and example.
They say " Diamonds are a girl's best friend." I pray to always have the opportunity to prioritize this best friend of mine that is Krishna's service, that shines right in front of me thanks to your causeless mercy.
Your aspiring servant of your servants,
Ashleigh Parkinson
Asrayananda dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
We are blessed again to continue to celebrate your appearance day. Though this year you will be elsewhere, we will celebrate at the temple on your behalf. This day always brings us all together, offering immense opportunities to take the association of our godbrothers and sisters, to deepen our seva and relish the chanting and dancing of the Holy Name.
You continue to show us your steadfast determination in your outreach and continue to support devotees all over the world.
A verse from Bhagavad Gita that comes to mind is 18.33:
"O son of Pṛthā, that determination which is unbreakable, which is sustained with steadfastness by yoga practice, and which thus controls the activities of the mind, life and senses is determination in the mode of goodness."
The energy and effort you exert to deliver Krishna Consciousness to countless individuals worldwide is probably unrelatable for most. I feel I have only a minute understanding, having a somewhat large grhastha ashram, it commands a lot of energy and effort. However my motivations are certainly not entirely selfless, though it seems to be gradually beaten out of me!
What I'm trying to express is that its all too easy to take your time and efforts for granted. Being a parent of four has helped me to understand this! When I reflect on the time you have given me over the years, I feel immense gratitude and fortune to have been given those moments with you.
I humbly ask your blessings that we may continue to deepen our Krishna Consciousness, to somehow reciprocate your love and guidance and assist in advancing the sankirtan mission.
Happy appearance day Gurudeva!
Your infantile servant
Asrayananda dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
We are blessed again to continue to celebrate your appearance day. Though this year you will be elsewhere, we will celebrate at the temple on your behalf. This day always brings us all together, offering immense opportunities to take the association of our godbrothers and sisters, to deepen our seva and relish the chanting and dancing of the Holy Name.
You continue to show us your steadfast determination in your outreach and continue to support devotees all over the world.
A verse from Bhagavad Gita that comes to mind is 18.33:
"O son of Pṛthā, that determination which is unbreakable, which is sustained with steadfastness by yoga practice, and which thus controls the activities of the mind, life and senses is determination in the mode of goodness."
The energy and effort you exert to deliver Krishna Consciousness to countless individuals worldwide is probably unrelatable for most. I feel I have only a minute understanding, having a somewhat large grhastha ashram, it commands a lot of energy and effort. However my motivations are certainly not entirely selfless, though it seems to be gradually beaten out of me!
What I'm trying to express is that its all too easy to take your time and efforts for granted. Being a parent of four has helped me to understand this! When I reflect on the time you have given me over the years, I feel immense gratitude and fortune to have been given those moments with you.
I humbly ask your blessings that we may continue to deepen our Krishna Consciousness, to somehow reciprocate your love and guidance and assist in advancing the sankirtan mission.
Happy appearance day Gurudeva!
Your infantile servant
Asrayananda dasa
Ātmā-Dharma dāsa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my respectful obeisance's,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You are exceptionally broad-minded, and your devotion is unfathomable, you cannot be put into a box, and I cannot understand you at all.
the western countries are so far away from human civilization and India is also following in its footsteps, everyone has no idea of the purpose of life they are forced to take body after body
SB5.5.5
"As long as one does not inquire about the spiritual values of life, one is defeated and subjected to miseries arising from ignorance. Be it sinful or pious, karma has its resultant actions. If a person is engaged in any kind of karma, his mind is called karmātmaka, coloured with fruitive activity. As long as the mind is impure, consciousness is unclear, and as long as one is absorbed in fruitive activity, he has to accept a material body"
we were all chasing after illusion, and you have shown us reality distinguished from illusion.
The Supreme Personality of godhead says (SB2/9/34)
"O Brahmā, whatever appears to be of any value, if it is without relation to Me, has no reality. Know it as My illusory energy, that reflection which appears to be in darkness"
You are trying to simultaneously give everyone the opportunity to live as human beings and to become Krishna Conscious, this task seems impossible, impossible is a word in fool's dictionary
By your commitment and fidelity to your spiritual master you have hope and push on through even when it appears hopeless, nothing gets in the way of your desire to please Srila Prabhupada, the perfect examples are your years of dedication trying to preach Krishna Consciousness in this backward country.
You clearly are empowered and have mercy, I beg for even a drop of that mercy
My small offering is my attempt to do some preaching in New Plymouth.
Your Servant,
Ātmā-Dharma dāsa
Please accept my respectful obeisance's,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You are exceptionally broad-minded, and your devotion is unfathomable, you cannot be put into a box, and I cannot understand you at all.
the western countries are so far away from human civilization and India is also following in its footsteps, everyone has no idea of the purpose of life they are forced to take body after body
SB5.5.5
"As long as one does not inquire about the spiritual values of life, one is defeated and subjected to miseries arising from ignorance. Be it sinful or pious, karma has its resultant actions. If a person is engaged in any kind of karma, his mind is called karmātmaka, coloured with fruitive activity. As long as the mind is impure, consciousness is unclear, and as long as one is absorbed in fruitive activity, he has to accept a material body"
we were all chasing after illusion, and you have shown us reality distinguished from illusion.
The Supreme Personality of godhead says (SB2/9/34)
"O Brahmā, whatever appears to be of any value, if it is without relation to Me, has no reality. Know it as My illusory energy, that reflection which appears to be in darkness"
You are trying to simultaneously give everyone the opportunity to live as human beings and to become Krishna Conscious, this task seems impossible, impossible is a word in fool's dictionary
By your commitment and fidelity to your spiritual master you have hope and push on through even when it appears hopeless, nothing gets in the way of your desire to please Srila Prabhupada, the perfect examples are your years of dedication trying to preach Krishna Consciousness in this backward country.
You clearly are empowered and have mercy, I beg for even a drop of that mercy
My small offering is my attempt to do some preaching in New Plymouth.
Your Servant,
Ātmā-Dharma dāsa
Atmamaya devi dasi
Hare Krishna my dear Guru Maharaj🙏
All glories to you, Srila Prabhupada and all the Devotees🙏
From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on your Vyasa-puja day🙏
Until my last day I will be thanking you for saving me from this horrible & terrible material world and carefully leading me home to Krishna. And I, in turn, lead those whom I love (my mother, having become a devotee, has already left this world for Krishna ... so said her spiritual master Caitanya-candra-caran prabhu, and in a dream she came to me and told me to chant Hare Krishna - this is the main thing)
My children and grandson and relatives and acquaintances all already know about Krishna and someday they will become devotees....
And having received wonderful instructions from you and Srila Prabhupada, I feel protection and care and I know that you love me .... My life belongs to you Srila Prabhupala and Krishna ... I am forever at your lotus feet ...
Your disciple and servant, Atmamaya from Omsk...
All glories to you, Srila Prabhupada and all the Devotees🙏
From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on your Vyasa-puja day🙏
Until my last day I will be thanking you for saving me from this horrible & terrible material world and carefully leading me home to Krishna. And I, in turn, lead those whom I love (my mother, having become a devotee, has already left this world for Krishna ... so said her spiritual master Caitanya-candra-caran prabhu, and in a dream she came to me and told me to chant Hare Krishna - this is the main thing)
My children and grandson and relatives and acquaintances all already know about Krishna and someday they will become devotees....
And having received wonderful instructions from you and Srila Prabhupada, I feel protection and care and I know that you love me .... My life belongs to you Srila Prabhupala and Krishna ... I am forever at your lotus feet ...
Your disciple and servant, Atmamaya from Omsk...
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your never ending formidable service to His Divine Grace!
In Sri Caitanya Bhagavata Adi Khanda 2.49-52, it is explained how Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu personally placed His devotees who were equal to Himself, into various countries and families to purify those families for many many generations and to purify those places for many miles around. By doing so, they would make these places into places of pilgrimage for the benefit of all.
Srila Prabhupada often said that his disciples were not to be considered from an external viewpoint. They also had been similarly placed in various countries and families of the world. When their time for service ripened they all appeared to offer thier lives for the service of His Divine Grace.
This reality is so clear to us when we consider your uncommon life of devotional service.
I recall how you told us that years before you entered the devotional service arena, you would often spend time wandering in the very 26th 2nd avenue area during the same time period where your eternal master Srila Prabhupada was residing.
In 10.8.2:
"When Nanda Mahārāja saw Gargamuni present at his home, Nanda was so pleased that he stood up to receive him with folded hands. Although seeing Gargamuni with his eyes, Nanda Mahārāja could appreciate that Gargamuni was adhokṣaja; that is, he was not an ordinary person seen by material senses."
You make some very fascinating comments surrounding this subject while lecturing on Srimad Bhagavatam 10.25.09.
"Garga Rsi appeared and Nanda Maharaj offered him all honour, and he said a very important thing.
'You are adhoksaja dhiya, even though I'm seeing you with my material senses, you are actually a person who can't be understood by material senses. Although I can see you with my material senses, I offer you respect because I know you are a transcendental phenomenon.'
This is Nanda Maharaj teaching us how to approach Krsna's representative. Nanda Maharaj is taking into account two things, yes, you are within the ordinary range of my ordinary sense perception, at the same time I respect you because you are beyond my sense perception. So in that way even an apperently simple cowhered man can balance such deep truths.
I'm seeing but I'm not seeing.
He doesn't deny what his ordinary senses are picking up, at the same time he's saying I know that there's so much more that I'm not seeing. And I'm not going to become familiar with you just because I can see you materially. I'm going to give you all respect as a spiritual entity even though I can see you with my material eyes. Very deep point."
So, in contemplating your unique presence in our lives, I have only experienced the surface of an unfathomable deep ocean, full of the rarest touchstones of Love of Godhead that you possess. Your only sole purpose of existence is to relish and distribute Love of Krsna.
Until I begin to further my efforts to serve your instructions to become Krsna conscious, to become sensitive to Kṛṣṇa's pleasure, I will miss out on what you are really here to offer us.
According to HH Gour Govinda Swami until the Svarupa of the Guru is realised by the disciples, we have been cheated.
Reflecting on this point, I can see that due to spiritual apathy, I have failed to become purified to appreciate the fullness of what your presence in our lives could indeed be, do and where it should have lead us to.
Srila Prabhupada commonly said "First deserve then desire".
You caution us that the entry level prerequisite for even contemplation of such subjects, is that we should have spontaneous attraction to hearing Srimad Bhagavatam in association with devotees. Until then Radha Madhava and these internal esoteric affairs are not for us.
You've stated that Radha Madhava are not a subject matter for conditioned souls. We only ever have a chance when we identify as servants of Guru and Gauranga. Therefore via Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu's sankirtan of the Holy names, you explain that we will gain genuine revelation of Navadvipa, the Panca Tattva, Vrndavan, Radha Madhava and our specific relationship of service with you eternally in the spiritual world.
I once asked you if there was any more service I could offer you after your lunch. You said," yes eternally."
However, dwelling prematurely on these themes is like the jumping of monkeys and Radha Madhava will not purify us but putrify us. Due to dragging the sanctity of Krsna and His transcendental pastimes with His energies into the dirty sphere of our polluted perceptions, we become cheap sahajiya's.
Your person is so rare to be seen, even the Devas desire to have your darshan.
In Caitanya Bhagavata Antya-khaṇḍa 8.168-169:
śrī-mukhe advaita-candra bāra bāra kahe
e saba vaiṣṇava—devatāro dṛśya nahe
"Advaita Ācārya would repeatedly declare “All these Vaiṣṇavas cannot be seen by even the demigods.”
rodana kariyā kahe caitanya-caraṇe
vaiṣṇava dekhila prabhu,—tomāra kāraṇe
"Crying while holding the feet of Lord Caitanya, He said, “O Lord, only because of You am I able to see all these Vaiṣṇavas!”
The Devas may possess grand sensual ability or stunning powers of material control, but what is the use if they are missing out on love of Krsna, the supreme gifts of the devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu?
Even Lord Brahma isn't capable of tasting one drop of the confidential ecstatic Love of Krsna that you are so freely spreading amongst us lowly, strange, earthbound creatures.
When you say "Chant Hare Krishna" and "Become Krsna conscious", you have blessed us unlimitedly. But the complete full experience of these blessings in myself is greatly absent and sadly I'm almostly completely unaware of what you offer and who you truly are.
As you have so kindly reminded us "Now you have to think about this, everybody who is sane, who understands what is reality, is longing for Krsna Prema, love of Krsna".
In Madhya lila 2.81:
"By personally tasting the mellows of love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahāprabhu taught His direct disciples the process. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a wealthy capitalist possessing the touchstone of love of God. Not considering whether one is a proper or improper recipient, He gives His treasure to anyone and everyone. Thus He is the most munificent."
In Adi Lila 11.59:
anargala prema sabāra, ceṣṭā anargala
prema dite, kṛṣṇa dite dhare mahābala
"All these devotees had unlimited strength to deliver unobstructed, unceasing love of Kṛṣṇa. By their own strength they could offer anyone Kṛṣṇa and love of Kṛṣṇa."
Purport: By the grace of a Vaiṣṇava or bona fide spiritual master one can get both love of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, and Kṛṣṇa Himself.
In the Isopanisad introduction:
"His devotee can deliver Him to you: "Here He is, take Him." That is the potency of Kṛṣṇa's devotees."
All thanks to you, I am in amazement and reverence of you and what you are offering to us lowly creatures of this planet. It is also alarming to witness your disciples dedication to becoming fearless pure devotees in practicing and sharing pure devotional service with all others.
Hoping to one day become a sane and deserving disciple.
Your aspiring servant
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your never ending formidable service to His Divine Grace!
In Sri Caitanya Bhagavata Adi Khanda 2.49-52, it is explained how Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu personally placed His devotees who were equal to Himself, into various countries and families to purify those families for many many generations and to purify those places for many miles around. By doing so, they would make these places into places of pilgrimage for the benefit of all.
Srila Prabhupada often said that his disciples were not to be considered from an external viewpoint. They also had been similarly placed in various countries and families of the world. When their time for service ripened they all appeared to offer thier lives for the service of His Divine Grace.
This reality is so clear to us when we consider your uncommon life of devotional service.
I recall how you told us that years before you entered the devotional service arena, you would often spend time wandering in the very 26th 2nd avenue area during the same time period where your eternal master Srila Prabhupada was residing.
In 10.8.2:
"When Nanda Mahārāja saw Gargamuni present at his home, Nanda was so pleased that he stood up to receive him with folded hands. Although seeing Gargamuni with his eyes, Nanda Mahārāja could appreciate that Gargamuni was adhokṣaja; that is, he was not an ordinary person seen by material senses."
You make some very fascinating comments surrounding this subject while lecturing on Srimad Bhagavatam 10.25.09.
"Garga Rsi appeared and Nanda Maharaj offered him all honour, and he said a very important thing.
'You are adhoksaja dhiya, even though I'm seeing you with my material senses, you are actually a person who can't be understood by material senses. Although I can see you with my material senses, I offer you respect because I know you are a transcendental phenomenon.'
This is Nanda Maharaj teaching us how to approach Krsna's representative. Nanda Maharaj is taking into account two things, yes, you are within the ordinary range of my ordinary sense perception, at the same time I respect you because you are beyond my sense perception. So in that way even an apperently simple cowhered man can balance such deep truths.
I'm seeing but I'm not seeing.
He doesn't deny what his ordinary senses are picking up, at the same time he's saying I know that there's so much more that I'm not seeing. And I'm not going to become familiar with you just because I can see you materially. I'm going to give you all respect as a spiritual entity even though I can see you with my material eyes. Very deep point."
So, in contemplating your unique presence in our lives, I have only experienced the surface of an unfathomable deep ocean, full of the rarest touchstones of Love of Godhead that you possess. Your only sole purpose of existence is to relish and distribute Love of Krsna.
Until I begin to further my efforts to serve your instructions to become Krsna conscious, to become sensitive to Kṛṣṇa's pleasure, I will miss out on what you are really here to offer us.
According to HH Gour Govinda Swami until the Svarupa of the Guru is realised by the disciples, we have been cheated.
Reflecting on this point, I can see that due to spiritual apathy, I have failed to become purified to appreciate the fullness of what your presence in our lives could indeed be, do and where it should have lead us to.
Srila Prabhupada commonly said "First deserve then desire".
You caution us that the entry level prerequisite for even contemplation of such subjects, is that we should have spontaneous attraction to hearing Srimad Bhagavatam in association with devotees. Until then Radha Madhava and these internal esoteric affairs are not for us.
You've stated that Radha Madhava are not a subject matter for conditioned souls. We only ever have a chance when we identify as servants of Guru and Gauranga. Therefore via Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu's sankirtan of the Holy names, you explain that we will gain genuine revelation of Navadvipa, the Panca Tattva, Vrndavan, Radha Madhava and our specific relationship of service with you eternally in the spiritual world.
I once asked you if there was any more service I could offer you after your lunch. You said," yes eternally."
However, dwelling prematurely on these themes is like the jumping of monkeys and Radha Madhava will not purify us but putrify us. Due to dragging the sanctity of Krsna and His transcendental pastimes with His energies into the dirty sphere of our polluted perceptions, we become cheap sahajiya's.
Your person is so rare to be seen, even the Devas desire to have your darshan.
In Caitanya Bhagavata Antya-khaṇḍa 8.168-169:
śrī-mukhe advaita-candra bāra bāra kahe
e saba vaiṣṇava—devatāro dṛśya nahe
"Advaita Ācārya would repeatedly declare “All these Vaiṣṇavas cannot be seen by even the demigods.”
rodana kariyā kahe caitanya-caraṇe
vaiṣṇava dekhila prabhu,—tomāra kāraṇe
"Crying while holding the feet of Lord Caitanya, He said, “O Lord, only because of You am I able to see all these Vaiṣṇavas!”
The Devas may possess grand sensual ability or stunning powers of material control, but what is the use if they are missing out on love of Krsna, the supreme gifts of the devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu?
Even Lord Brahma isn't capable of tasting one drop of the confidential ecstatic Love of Krsna that you are so freely spreading amongst us lowly, strange, earthbound creatures.
When you say "Chant Hare Krishna" and "Become Krsna conscious", you have blessed us unlimitedly. But the complete full experience of these blessings in myself is greatly absent and sadly I'm almostly completely unaware of what you offer and who you truly are.
As you have so kindly reminded us "Now you have to think about this, everybody who is sane, who understands what is reality, is longing for Krsna Prema, love of Krsna".
In Madhya lila 2.81:
"By personally tasting the mellows of love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahāprabhu taught His direct disciples the process. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a wealthy capitalist possessing the touchstone of love of God. Not considering whether one is a proper or improper recipient, He gives His treasure to anyone and everyone. Thus He is the most munificent."
In Adi Lila 11.59:
anargala prema sabāra, ceṣṭā anargala
prema dite, kṛṣṇa dite dhare mahābala
"All these devotees had unlimited strength to deliver unobstructed, unceasing love of Kṛṣṇa. By their own strength they could offer anyone Kṛṣṇa and love of Kṛṣṇa."
Purport: By the grace of a Vaiṣṇava or bona fide spiritual master one can get both love of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, and Kṛṣṇa Himself.
In the Isopanisad introduction:
"His devotee can deliver Him to you: "Here He is, take Him." That is the potency of Kṛṣṇa's devotees."
All thanks to you, I am in amazement and reverence of you and what you are offering to us lowly creatures of this planet. It is also alarming to witness your disciples dedication to becoming fearless pure devotees in practicing and sharing pure devotional service with all others.
Hoping to one day become a sane and deserving disciple.
Your aspiring servant
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Balarama Acarya dasa
Dear Gurudeva, my dear spiritual master and father,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your expert preaching all over the world.
Dear Gurudeva, I have been contemplating on saranagati - the six processes of surrender to take shelter of the Lord wrote by Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In this connection, Srila Prabhupada wrote in his purport to CC Madhya 22.100:
“One who is fully surrendered is qualified with the six following characteristics: (1) The devotee has to accept everything that is favourable for the rendering of transcendental loving service to the Lord. (2) He must reject everything unfavourable to the Lord’s service. This is also called renunciation. (3) A devotee must be firmly convinced that Kṛṣṇa will give him protection. No one else can actually give one protection, and being firmly convinced of this is called faith. This kind of faith is different from the faith of an impersonalist who wants to merge into the Brahman effulgence in order to benefit by cessation of repeated birth and death. A devotee wants to remain always in the Lord’s service. In this way, Kṛṣṇa is merciful to His devotee and gives him all protection from the dangers found on the path of devotional service. (4) The devotee should accept Kṛṣṇa as his supreme maintainer and master. He should not think that he is being protected by a demigod. He should depend only on Kṛṣṇa, considering Him the only protector. The devotee must be firmly convinced that within the three worlds he has no protector or maintainer other than Kṛṣṇa. (5) Self-surrender means remembering that one’s activities and desires are not independent. The devotee is completely dependent on Kṛṣṇa, and he acts and thinks as Kṛṣṇa desires. (6) The devotee is meek and humble.”
Dear Gurudeva, you fully exhibit the six processes of being a surrendered soul: you are completely and thoroughly engaged in Krishna’s loving service restlessly as Krishna’s eternal servant, despite the seeming austerities and inconveniences to my material vision; you have taken the safest and sweetest shelter of Krishna with absolute conviction, and you actively inspire others with that absolute conviction, by your action, speech, and pure Krishna conscious intent, bringing conditioned souls closer and closer back home, back to the Supremely attractive - Sri Krishna; you have no time to waste, but constantly orchestrate and utilise the time energy given by Krishna to expand His pleasure.
Dear Gurudeva, you are my esteemed, respectable, and beloved spiritual master and father, and I am your insignificant and foolish servant of your servants. I am very happy and grateful to follow your footsteps in serving Srila Prabhupada, the parampara and Krishna. Gradually, with spiritual intelligence, mercifully granted by you, I may imbibe a tiny but important drop of your servitude and Krishna consciousness. My service to you and your mission at Bhakti Lounge in the transcendental Wellington Bhakti community is my running after you calling ‘Krishna ! Krishna ! Please kindly give us Krishna Gurudeva !’.
"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." (Verse 8, Gurv-astaka)
My service to you is my humble attempt to try to serve you in some menial way. I hope you will be satisfied Gurudeva. If you are willing, please always and continue to correct and instruct me on how I should improve my offerings to you and Srila Prabhupada, so I may, by your mercy, satisfy you more and more, eternally.
Prostrated and begging at your lotus feet for your mercy so this conditioned soul may be given a chance to make some real spiritual progress.
Your servant of your servants, your spiritual son,
Balarama Acaraya dasa
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your expert preaching all over the world.
Dear Gurudeva, I have been contemplating on saranagati - the six processes of surrender to take shelter of the Lord wrote by Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In this connection, Srila Prabhupada wrote in his purport to CC Madhya 22.100:
“One who is fully surrendered is qualified with the six following characteristics: (1) The devotee has to accept everything that is favourable for the rendering of transcendental loving service to the Lord. (2) He must reject everything unfavourable to the Lord’s service. This is also called renunciation. (3) A devotee must be firmly convinced that Kṛṣṇa will give him protection. No one else can actually give one protection, and being firmly convinced of this is called faith. This kind of faith is different from the faith of an impersonalist who wants to merge into the Brahman effulgence in order to benefit by cessation of repeated birth and death. A devotee wants to remain always in the Lord’s service. In this way, Kṛṣṇa is merciful to His devotee and gives him all protection from the dangers found on the path of devotional service. (4) The devotee should accept Kṛṣṇa as his supreme maintainer and master. He should not think that he is being protected by a demigod. He should depend only on Kṛṣṇa, considering Him the only protector. The devotee must be firmly convinced that within the three worlds he has no protector or maintainer other than Kṛṣṇa. (5) Self-surrender means remembering that one’s activities and desires are not independent. The devotee is completely dependent on Kṛṣṇa, and he acts and thinks as Kṛṣṇa desires. (6) The devotee is meek and humble.”
Dear Gurudeva, you fully exhibit the six processes of being a surrendered soul: you are completely and thoroughly engaged in Krishna’s loving service restlessly as Krishna’s eternal servant, despite the seeming austerities and inconveniences to my material vision; you have taken the safest and sweetest shelter of Krishna with absolute conviction, and you actively inspire others with that absolute conviction, by your action, speech, and pure Krishna conscious intent, bringing conditioned souls closer and closer back home, back to the Supremely attractive - Sri Krishna; you have no time to waste, but constantly orchestrate and utilise the time energy given by Krishna to expand His pleasure.
Dear Gurudeva, you are my esteemed, respectable, and beloved spiritual master and father, and I am your insignificant and foolish servant of your servants. I am very happy and grateful to follow your footsteps in serving Srila Prabhupada, the parampara and Krishna. Gradually, with spiritual intelligence, mercifully granted by you, I may imbibe a tiny but important drop of your servitude and Krishna consciousness. My service to you and your mission at Bhakti Lounge in the transcendental Wellington Bhakti community is my running after you calling ‘Krishna ! Krishna ! Please kindly give us Krishna Gurudeva !’.
"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." (Verse 8, Gurv-astaka)
My service to you is my humble attempt to try to serve you in some menial way. I hope you will be satisfied Gurudeva. If you are willing, please always and continue to correct and instruct me on how I should improve my offerings to you and Srila Prabhupada, so I may, by your mercy, satisfy you more and more, eternally.
Prostrated and begging at your lotus feet for your mercy so this conditioned soul may be given a chance to make some real spiritual progress.
Your servant of your servants, your spiritual son,
Balarama Acaraya dasa
Benny
Dearest Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet
All glories to you on this auspicious day
I wish you stable good health and travels wherever you maybe. From meeting with you, reading your books, listening to your lectures and classes it is clear that everything you do is with Krishna as the sole focus, with an astonishing dedication to Srila Prabhupada you inspire so many devotees to really take to Krishna Consciousness just as he did.
When I hear your voice , I hear nothing but love for Krishna and compassion for all, when I hear your laugh my heart warms with joy and when I hear your words I feel cleansed.
Maharaj, the service that you provide all over this earth is truly extraordinary and truly inspirational. You are a guide and protector for so many and I can only pray for a drop of your determination and mercy.
I wish you nothing but love and joy as you celebrate this auspicious day with devotees
Your humble servant
Benny
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet
All glories to you on this auspicious day
I wish you stable good health and travels wherever you maybe. From meeting with you, reading your books, listening to your lectures and classes it is clear that everything you do is with Krishna as the sole focus, with an astonishing dedication to Srila Prabhupada you inspire so many devotees to really take to Krishna Consciousness just as he did.
When I hear your voice , I hear nothing but love for Krishna and compassion for all, when I hear your laugh my heart warms with joy and when I hear your words I feel cleansed.
Maharaj, the service that you provide all over this earth is truly extraordinary and truly inspirational. You are a guide and protector for so many and I can only pray for a drop of your determination and mercy.
I wish you nothing but love and joy as you celebrate this auspicious day with devotees
Your humble servant
Benny
Bhakta Caleb
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to You on this auspicious day of your appearance.
How can one match the radiance of your heart, so clean from the pure chanting of the holy names of KRSNA? Constantly being bewildered by Your propensity to love more and more each year. I am left wondering why I continue to choose so often to be a rascal. You give us so much opportunity to come to our senses and still, when we deviate, You are still happy to help us out of causeless mercy. What did I do to deserve such love? And yet I don't take full advantage.
Constantly, I'm surrendering to the dictations of my mind and senses, continuing to tangle myself further in the modes. When will I escape who knows but what I do know is that by your mercy anything is possible and I will surely attain love for KRSNA some lifetime soon. Only if I continue to serve Your devotees, who are excelling on their mission to give KRSNA to everyone, founded solely on their love for you. Materialists, like myself, cannot fully appreciate the seemingly infinite capacity of your love and what it is doing to change the world.
But the world is in jeopardy and they need your love more than ever. So, it my greatest pleasure and achievement to render my insignificant self in in the tiny amount of service to ensure your real devotees are less burdened in their service to you, as you can turn whatever they do into the greatest boon to human existence, sharing the holy name far and wide and change the surface of this planet. For this I owe you my life, for what good can it be used otherwise.
For all my offences and deviations to yours and Prabhupada's instructions, I apologise for I am so insincere and hope one day I can stop and fully surrender. Thank you so much for tolerating me. I don't deserve a drop of your mercy, but I feel like I am swimming in it. One day I hope I can please you in my service and I beg that I can be allowed to and have the capacity to do more.
Please Forgive my shortcomings,
your aspiring servant
Bhakta Caleb
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to You on this auspicious day of your appearance.
How can one match the radiance of your heart, so clean from the pure chanting of the holy names of KRSNA? Constantly being bewildered by Your propensity to love more and more each year. I am left wondering why I continue to choose so often to be a rascal. You give us so much opportunity to come to our senses and still, when we deviate, You are still happy to help us out of causeless mercy. What did I do to deserve such love? And yet I don't take full advantage.
Constantly, I'm surrendering to the dictations of my mind and senses, continuing to tangle myself further in the modes. When will I escape who knows but what I do know is that by your mercy anything is possible and I will surely attain love for KRSNA some lifetime soon. Only if I continue to serve Your devotees, who are excelling on their mission to give KRSNA to everyone, founded solely on their love for you. Materialists, like myself, cannot fully appreciate the seemingly infinite capacity of your love and what it is doing to change the world.
But the world is in jeopardy and they need your love more than ever. So, it my greatest pleasure and achievement to render my insignificant self in in the tiny amount of service to ensure your real devotees are less burdened in their service to you, as you can turn whatever they do into the greatest boon to human existence, sharing the holy name far and wide and change the surface of this planet. For this I owe you my life, for what good can it be used otherwise.
For all my offences and deviations to yours and Prabhupada's instructions, I apologise for I am so insincere and hope one day I can stop and fully surrender. Thank you so much for tolerating me. I don't deserve a drop of your mercy, but I feel like I am swimming in it. One day I hope I can please you in my service and I beg that I can be allowed to and have the capacity to do more.
Please Forgive my shortcomings,
your aspiring servant
Bhakta Caleb
Bhakta Hamish
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I have embarrassingly little realisation of how deeply you have impacted my life and it's trajectory. My words are not worthy of offering but I will attempt to express my gratitude, as your aspiring servant. So, I pray to Lord Krishna that the appropriate words may come and enable me to make a worthy offering to you.
“When one receives the seed of devotional service by the mercy of the guru and Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one's real life begins. If one abides by the orders of the spiritual master, by the grace of Kṛṣṇa he is freed from service to the mind.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.11.17)
Without your mercy I would still be hurtling towards the hellish planets. You have provided a life raft for so many souls, like me, drowning in the ocean of material existence. What you have accomplished in your life is extraordinary. The ashrams, outreach centres, support networks and the overall culture you have created here is a testament to how seriously you have taken the bhakti process and how much love and dedication you have for Srila Prabhupada. You inspire me to make chanting Hare Krishna, reading Prabhupada’s books and following your instructions my life’s soul mission.
Before I met your disciples, I was a miserable little bolt desperately trying to find the machine that I belonged to. So many different jobs I thought would give me a purpose, so many causes I thought would give my life meaning. By your divine grace I have been scooped up and placed amongst your disciples, the most incredible and inspiring people I have ever met.
My real job is to serve you, Gurudeva. Thank you for giving me a real job, a real cause to fight for and for giving me the chance to live a real life.
I feel deeply indebted to you. I pray to Lord Krishna for the spiritual strength and intelligence to never fall away from your service. I pray that I may one day come to appreciate what you have given me and that I may begin to take this opportunity to serve you seriously.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
ar na koriho mane asa
My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Hamish
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I have embarrassingly little realisation of how deeply you have impacted my life and it's trajectory. My words are not worthy of offering but I will attempt to express my gratitude, as your aspiring servant. So, I pray to Lord Krishna that the appropriate words may come and enable me to make a worthy offering to you.
“When one receives the seed of devotional service by the mercy of the guru and Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one's real life begins. If one abides by the orders of the spiritual master, by the grace of Kṛṣṇa he is freed from service to the mind.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.11.17)
Without your mercy I would still be hurtling towards the hellish planets. You have provided a life raft for so many souls, like me, drowning in the ocean of material existence. What you have accomplished in your life is extraordinary. The ashrams, outreach centres, support networks and the overall culture you have created here is a testament to how seriously you have taken the bhakti process and how much love and dedication you have for Srila Prabhupada. You inspire me to make chanting Hare Krishna, reading Prabhupada’s books and following your instructions my life’s soul mission.
Before I met your disciples, I was a miserable little bolt desperately trying to find the machine that I belonged to. So many different jobs I thought would give me a purpose, so many causes I thought would give my life meaning. By your divine grace I have been scooped up and placed amongst your disciples, the most incredible and inspiring people I have ever met.
My real job is to serve you, Gurudeva. Thank you for giving me a real job, a real cause to fight for and for giving me the chance to live a real life.
I feel deeply indebted to you. I pray to Lord Krishna for the spiritual strength and intelligence to never fall away from your service. I pray that I may one day come to appreciate what you have given me and that I may begin to take this opportunity to serve you seriously.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
ar na koriho mane asa
My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Hamish
Bhakta Rajat
Dear GuruMaharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishna, Panca-Tattva and the glorious Acharyas.
I am quite undeservingly fortunate for having received your causeless mercy via your directions and your associates. It was an Autumn Hamilton evening in the year 2019 where I had the fortune to see you at Mantra lounge. I still remember our conversation and it’s inference was exactly what I was looking for-the one word answer to everything. Amazingly enough the answer was not “one word” but rather “three word”-‘CHANT HARE KRISHNA.’ That night I didn’t really realise the depth of it (not that I do now) but my conscience told me, “this is it”. Fortunately for me I had your selfless disciples who schooled me from then onwards regarding ‘chanting Hare Krishna’. Hopefully one day I will ‘chant Hare Krishna’ but until then I will keep trying.
I have only heard about your relentless exploits in Bhakti and your selfless service to Guru and Gauranga. And the more I hear the more I feel inspired so as to one day be able to follow in your footsteps of giving Krishna to everyone. As for now, I am trying to begin with giving Krishna to myself first whilst pretending to “give Krishna to others”.
It’s funny how every time you give me what I exactly need to hear-nothing too much or too little. And sometimes, when in your presence I am at loss of words, awestruck, and sometimes at complete bliss where words are insignificant. This might sound very cheesy but I always wanted to have a spiritual father who could guide me towards the answer for everything. Needless to say, when I met you I saw the potential in that desire manifesting to full bloom. And more the days pass by through this raging fire the more I realise how my existence would be a complete joke without your guidance. Hopefully one day I will be able to benefit from all the relentless guidance.
It’s so hard being a person (a husband, a son, an individual......). But you have helped me so much, even in this short span of approx. 2 years to become a better ‘person’ compared to where I was before. It’s amazing how you are so expert in personalism, and so are your disciples. As I struggle to break through the shackles of impersonalism I find great fortitude in you-your lectures, your personality, etc. You help me realise that anything (attention to detail, scientific analysis, communication, objectivity, and the likes) which is essential in this material world when dovetailed towards Krishna is the perfection of spiritual life just by your example. What could be more awesome than that? From being an escapist (facing myself and my extensions) to aspiring to be “a real man”, and actually “being something” for Krishna, for a real purpose is what you have taught me in this short while, that too just by example.
My only hope is that one day I can qualify myself to be able to be of service to Guru, Gauranga and give to others what I have. Until then my “Bhakti lata bija” will surely be forever nourished under your selfless shelter.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Rajat.
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishna, Panca-Tattva and the glorious Acharyas.
I am quite undeservingly fortunate for having received your causeless mercy via your directions and your associates. It was an Autumn Hamilton evening in the year 2019 where I had the fortune to see you at Mantra lounge. I still remember our conversation and it’s inference was exactly what I was looking for-the one word answer to everything. Amazingly enough the answer was not “one word” but rather “three word”-‘CHANT HARE KRISHNA.’ That night I didn’t really realise the depth of it (not that I do now) but my conscience told me, “this is it”. Fortunately for me I had your selfless disciples who schooled me from then onwards regarding ‘chanting Hare Krishna’. Hopefully one day I will ‘chant Hare Krishna’ but until then I will keep trying.
I have only heard about your relentless exploits in Bhakti and your selfless service to Guru and Gauranga. And the more I hear the more I feel inspired so as to one day be able to follow in your footsteps of giving Krishna to everyone. As for now, I am trying to begin with giving Krishna to myself first whilst pretending to “give Krishna to others”.
It’s funny how every time you give me what I exactly need to hear-nothing too much or too little. And sometimes, when in your presence I am at loss of words, awestruck, and sometimes at complete bliss where words are insignificant. This might sound very cheesy but I always wanted to have a spiritual father who could guide me towards the answer for everything. Needless to say, when I met you I saw the potential in that desire manifesting to full bloom. And more the days pass by through this raging fire the more I realise how my existence would be a complete joke without your guidance. Hopefully one day I will be able to benefit from all the relentless guidance.
It’s so hard being a person (a husband, a son, an individual......). But you have helped me so much, even in this short span of approx. 2 years to become a better ‘person’ compared to where I was before. It’s amazing how you are so expert in personalism, and so are your disciples. As I struggle to break through the shackles of impersonalism I find great fortitude in you-your lectures, your personality, etc. You help me realise that anything (attention to detail, scientific analysis, communication, objectivity, and the likes) which is essential in this material world when dovetailed towards Krishna is the perfection of spiritual life just by your example. What could be more awesome than that? From being an escapist (facing myself and my extensions) to aspiring to be “a real man”, and actually “being something” for Krishna, for a real purpose is what you have taught me in this short while, that too just by example.
My only hope is that one day I can qualify myself to be able to be of service to Guru, Gauranga and give to others what I have. Until then my “Bhakti lata bija” will surely be forever nourished under your selfless shelter.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Rajat.
Bhakti-lata devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
The material word is a dangerous place and it is by great inconceivable fortune that after millions of lifetimes we finally get connected to Krishna again through the spiritual master. The guidance and mercy of the spiritual master is very important to advance spiritually. By expressing our gratitude, we can reflect and appreciate more deeply on the role of the spiritual master in our life. By the mercy of the spiritual master, the mercy of Krishna is accessed.
Ever grateful for your appearance in my life, I meditate on your sacrifice, example, determination, surrender to Srila Prabhupada and his mission for the last 50 years.
Your life is based on the principle of serving and giving to others, without expecting anything in return. Recently, I was asked by a guest, what was my impression of you when I met you for the first time. I told him that my first thought was that I had met a very selfless person.
Thank you for allowing us to travel with you and let us render some menial service. In your personal association, we get a glimpse of understanding of the consciousness of a Vaishnava, everything for Krishna and Krishna’s service. We get to understand what pleases Krishna through the devotees and what it means to be Krishna Conscious only through the examples of the lives of Vaishnava’s like yourself.
The secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and thereby getting his sincere blessings. [Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.8, purport]
Thank you for gifting me the supreme treasure of an opportunity of a life centered around Krishna’s service, based on the foundation of hearing and chanting. I seek your guidance so I can be of some assistance to you.
Your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
The material word is a dangerous place and it is by great inconceivable fortune that after millions of lifetimes we finally get connected to Krishna again through the spiritual master. The guidance and mercy of the spiritual master is very important to advance spiritually. By expressing our gratitude, we can reflect and appreciate more deeply on the role of the spiritual master in our life. By the mercy of the spiritual master, the mercy of Krishna is accessed.
Ever grateful for your appearance in my life, I meditate on your sacrifice, example, determination, surrender to Srila Prabhupada and his mission for the last 50 years.
Your life is based on the principle of serving and giving to others, without expecting anything in return. Recently, I was asked by a guest, what was my impression of you when I met you for the first time. I told him that my first thought was that I had met a very selfless person.
Thank you for allowing us to travel with you and let us render some menial service. In your personal association, we get a glimpse of understanding of the consciousness of a Vaishnava, everything for Krishna and Krishna’s service. We get to understand what pleases Krishna through the devotees and what it means to be Krishna Conscious only through the examples of the lives of Vaishnava’s like yourself.
The secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and thereby getting his sincere blessings. [Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.8, purport]
Thank you for gifting me the supreme treasure of an opportunity of a life centered around Krishna’s service, based on the foundation of hearing and chanting. I seek your guidance so I can be of some assistance to you.
Your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Bhakti-sar 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.
An ordinary man’s life has no purpose and it is wasted by useless activities. Saunaka Rishi in Srimad Bhagavatam points this out:
mandasya manda-prajñasya vayo mandāyuṣaś ca vai
nidrayā hriyate naktaṁ divā ca vyartha-karmabhiḥ
Lazy human beings with paltry intelligence and a short duration of life pass the night sleeping and the day performing activities that are for naught. Here vyartha karmabhih is translated as activities that are for naught. Generally everyone thinks that their life is very important and that they are doing activities with the aim to fulfil their various duties. In one lecture, Gurudeva, you mentioned that we assume our duties based on who gave us those duties. We believe that our family members, relatives, employers and society have a right to give us a set of duties and we have an obligation to carry out those duties. We take this unnecessary burden of false duties on our head and spend our life to chase illusory milestones.
By Krsna’s grace, we get a spiritual master in our life and he adds real meaning in our lives. Spiritual master enrols us in a mission that he received from the guru parampara.
Srila Prabhupada writes in purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.9 - “In this world of duality everyone is envious of all others and death is inevitable…Lord is the only shelter of fearlessness for the surrendered soul.” We usually take shelter of flimsy material things like money, relatives or friends, but it is by the mercy of spiritual master we realise that only Krsna can save us.
We don’t know where we started our material journey and we don’t know where we are going. By the mercy of Krsna, spiritual master comes in the life of a disciple unexpectedly and changes the course of his life. In Srimad Bhagavatam 4.29.30-31 it is mentioned - “The living entity is exactly like a dog, who, overcome with hunger, goes from door to door for some food. According to his destiny, he sometimes receives punishment and is driven out and at other times receives a little food to eat. Similarly, the living entity, being influenced by so many desires, wanders in different species of life according to destiny. Sometimes he is high, and sometimes he is low. Sometimes he goes to the heavenly planets, sometimes to hell, sometimes to the middle planets, and so on.”
Another miracle that spiritual master performs is that he transforms the hopes and desires of his disciples. In conditioned state we are caught in a network or hundreds of hopes for fulfilling material desires (āśā-pāśa-śatair baddhāḥ…BG 16.12) and in bhava stage we get āśā-bandha, the strong conviction that we will certainly receive the favour of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Gurudeva please bless me so I can remain faithful the mission of guru parampara.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Bhakti-sara Dasa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
An ordinary man’s life has no purpose and it is wasted by useless activities. Saunaka Rishi in Srimad Bhagavatam points this out:
mandasya manda-prajñasya vayo mandāyuṣaś ca vai
nidrayā hriyate naktaṁ divā ca vyartha-karmabhiḥ
Lazy human beings with paltry intelligence and a short duration of life pass the night sleeping and the day performing activities that are for naught. Here vyartha karmabhih is translated as activities that are for naught. Generally everyone thinks that their life is very important and that they are doing activities with the aim to fulfil their various duties. In one lecture, Gurudeva, you mentioned that we assume our duties based on who gave us those duties. We believe that our family members, relatives, employers and society have a right to give us a set of duties and we have an obligation to carry out those duties. We take this unnecessary burden of false duties on our head and spend our life to chase illusory milestones.
By Krsna’s grace, we get a spiritual master in our life and he adds real meaning in our lives. Spiritual master enrols us in a mission that he received from the guru parampara.
Srila Prabhupada writes in purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.9 - “In this world of duality everyone is envious of all others and death is inevitable…Lord is the only shelter of fearlessness for the surrendered soul.” We usually take shelter of flimsy material things like money, relatives or friends, but it is by the mercy of spiritual master we realise that only Krsna can save us.
We don’t know where we started our material journey and we don’t know where we are going. By the mercy of Krsna, spiritual master comes in the life of a disciple unexpectedly and changes the course of his life. In Srimad Bhagavatam 4.29.30-31 it is mentioned - “The living entity is exactly like a dog, who, overcome with hunger, goes from door to door for some food. According to his destiny, he sometimes receives punishment and is driven out and at other times receives a little food to eat. Similarly, the living entity, being influenced by so many desires, wanders in different species of life according to destiny. Sometimes he is high, and sometimes he is low. Sometimes he goes to the heavenly planets, sometimes to hell, sometimes to the middle planets, and so on.”
Another miracle that spiritual master performs is that he transforms the hopes and desires of his disciples. In conditioned state we are caught in a network or hundreds of hopes for fulfilling material desires (āśā-pāśa-śatair baddhāḥ…BG 16.12) and in bhava stage we get āśā-bandha, the strong conviction that we will certainly receive the favour of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Gurudeva please bless me so I can remain faithful the mission of guru parampara.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Bhakti-sara Dasa
Bhaktin Ananya & Bhakta Vraj Dham
Dear Guru Maharaj,
All Glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Krishna consciousness Birthday to you.
First on this wonderful and auspicious occasion of your appearance day, we pray that you live for eternity and distributed the message of Lord Shri Krishna.
Growing up in India is a great experience and performing bhakti is a little difficult due to immense academic pressure and hectic schedules. But by the great efforts of our parents, we get a chance to visit the temple at least once in a week. We both keep on participating in the dramas and attending yatras.
We try to chant whenever we can.
Please bless us so that we can get away from the distractions of the internet and mobile.
We are innocent and not really ready yet but you're an expert in engaging the conditioned souls to get engaged in the loving service.
We also pray that soon we could have your darshan in India.
Your aspiring servants,
Bhaktin Ananya & Bhakta Vraj Dham
All Glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Krishna consciousness Birthday to you.
First on this wonderful and auspicious occasion of your appearance day, we pray that you live for eternity and distributed the message of Lord Shri Krishna.
Growing up in India is a great experience and performing bhakti is a little difficult due to immense academic pressure and hectic schedules. But by the great efforts of our parents, we get a chance to visit the temple at least once in a week. We both keep on participating in the dramas and attending yatras.
We try to chant whenever we can.
Please bless us so that we can get away from the distractions of the internet and mobile.
We are innocent and not really ready yet but you're an expert in engaging the conditioned souls to get engaged in the loving service.
We also pray that soon we could have your darshan in India.
Your aspiring servants,
Bhaktin Ananya & Bhakta Vraj Dham
Bhaktin Annabelle
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Happy Appearance Day. Here is a small offering, which you may accept as a token of gratitude and respect, if it so pleases you.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for coming to New Zealand and setting up outreach centres here. Through these centres, you have created opportunities for people to contact devotees, the Bhakti Yoga process, and Krishna Consciousness. Without centres like the Mantra Lounge, the Loft, and Bhakti Lounge, and most importantly your disciples who are the essence of these centres, people like me would never have had a chance to hear about Krishna.
Secondly, I would like to thank you for teaching the science of matter, spirit, and the controller of both. Thank you for teaching the science of the self, the Supreme Self (Krishna), and the relationship between the self and the Supreme Self. You are a true teacher, as you have selected the appropriate subject matter for studying, realised this knowledge practically, and at the same time imparted this knowledge to others so effectively. You are very expert at thinking of so many genius ways to explain spiritual concepts in ways that are easier for us to understand. I really appreciate how you present the topics of Krishna so concisely, accessibly, and captivatingly.
Thirdly, I would like to thank you for presenting the message of Srila Prabhupada, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Krishna as it is. One reason why the spiritual master is to be respected on the level of Krishna is because he understands the science of Krishna thoroughly and presents it without interpretation. As it says in Sri Gurvashtakam prayers, the spiritual master is to be honoured as much as the Supreme Lord, and is a bonafide representative of Krishna.
I’d also like to thank you for being compassionate to everyone. Thank you for spreading the knowledge that compassion goes beyond the temporary material body, and that a deeper level of compassion is the advancement of spiritual knowledge. Only when we have spiritual knowledge are we able to be compassionate to the true self, and to others. I’d especially like to thank you for taking the time and energy to give each individual person unique guidance, in order to best promote their spiritual advancement.
The Bhakti Yoga process, which I have come across due to your mercy, and the mercy of your disciples, is certainly logical and scientific. I can practically see that by applying this process, a person can develop all good qualities. I can see this in your disciples, who I have the great fortune to associate with.
Lastly, I’d like to thank you for dedicating your life to Krishna Consciousness, and teaching Krsna Consciousness to others. Every aspect of life requires guidance, but the spiritual aspect is most essential. You are a perfect example of how to use this life in the best way.
Your Servant,
Bhaktin Annabelle
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Happy Appearance Day. Here is a small offering, which you may accept as a token of gratitude and respect, if it so pleases you.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for coming to New Zealand and setting up outreach centres here. Through these centres, you have created opportunities for people to contact devotees, the Bhakti Yoga process, and Krishna Consciousness. Without centres like the Mantra Lounge, the Loft, and Bhakti Lounge, and most importantly your disciples who are the essence of these centres, people like me would never have had a chance to hear about Krishna.
Secondly, I would like to thank you for teaching the science of matter, spirit, and the controller of both. Thank you for teaching the science of the self, the Supreme Self (Krishna), and the relationship between the self and the Supreme Self. You are a true teacher, as you have selected the appropriate subject matter for studying, realised this knowledge practically, and at the same time imparted this knowledge to others so effectively. You are very expert at thinking of so many genius ways to explain spiritual concepts in ways that are easier for us to understand. I really appreciate how you present the topics of Krishna so concisely, accessibly, and captivatingly.
Thirdly, I would like to thank you for presenting the message of Srila Prabhupada, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Krishna as it is. One reason why the spiritual master is to be respected on the level of Krishna is because he understands the science of Krishna thoroughly and presents it without interpretation. As it says in Sri Gurvashtakam prayers, the spiritual master is to be honoured as much as the Supreme Lord, and is a bonafide representative of Krishna.
I’d also like to thank you for being compassionate to everyone. Thank you for spreading the knowledge that compassion goes beyond the temporary material body, and that a deeper level of compassion is the advancement of spiritual knowledge. Only when we have spiritual knowledge are we able to be compassionate to the true self, and to others. I’d especially like to thank you for taking the time and energy to give each individual person unique guidance, in order to best promote their spiritual advancement.
The Bhakti Yoga process, which I have come across due to your mercy, and the mercy of your disciples, is certainly logical and scientific. I can practically see that by applying this process, a person can develop all good qualities. I can see this in your disciples, who I have the great fortune to associate with.
Lastly, I’d like to thank you for dedicating your life to Krishna Consciousness, and teaching Krsna Consciousness to others. Every aspect of life requires guidance, but the spiritual aspect is most essential. You are a perfect example of how to use this life in the best way.
Your Servant,
Bhaktin Annabelle
Bhaktin Noemi (Bhakti Lounge)
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja!
Thank you so much Gurudeva for being so tolerant and patient with me. I’m sorry for being stubborn in old my ways and very slow.
In a recent darshan you told me “You need to go deeper in your knowledge, read the books and apply them in your life”
I have heard this so many times, but this time it penetrated my dull brain. I was thinking how you are a living example of what it actually means to read the books and apply them. Since your first encounter with Srila Prabhupada’s books you started reading for many hours a day and you read them over and over again even before entering the bramacharis ashram, and for more than 40 years now. In your classes we can get a glimpse of what it means to actually read Sastra and have a taste for hearing and chanting.
Your lectures are outstanding, you make us experience the pastimes from different angles, you show us how to go deeper. Whenever I read a pastime after I listened to you giving a class on it, I wonder if I’m reading the same books you are reading. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from you, otherwise I would not be able to understand anything with my dull consciousness.
Thank you for having accepted me as your spiritual daughter last year.
You recently told me: “You are not going to be in the ashram for long” “You need to learn how to deal with yourself” “Please remember that being a nice girls is not enough”
Gurudeva, I can see your care and protection in your instructions. You want us to go the long distance in Bhakti, as you often remark. In a recent class I’ve asked you how to cope with changes in life and you told me to get spiritual stability.
Thank you for training me and many other young ladies in spiritual life. Your motto is "we make it easy" you are giving us everything we need to practice Bhakti in the midst of Kali Yuga. The holy names, devotees association, mentoring system and transcendental engagement for our wild mind and senses.
What would I be doing without your mercy and guidance Gurudeva?
Please allow me to take shelter under your lotus feet.
Recently you were telling me that I have a jewel in my hands but I don't understand the value. Please Gurudeva, be merciful to me and help me to realise the jewel you are giving us and to fully take shelter of your instructions.
You are giving us the highest perfection of life but I am so unfortunate that have no taste for it.
Thank you for saving me Gurudeva from the madness of Kali yuga, thank you for your kindness and guidance.
I am totally incapable to glorify you but I pray to show you my gratitude by attempting to assist you in your mission.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Noemi
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja!
Thank you so much Gurudeva for being so tolerant and patient with me. I’m sorry for being stubborn in old my ways and very slow.
In a recent darshan you told me “You need to go deeper in your knowledge, read the books and apply them in your life”
I have heard this so many times, but this time it penetrated my dull brain. I was thinking how you are a living example of what it actually means to read the books and apply them. Since your first encounter with Srila Prabhupada’s books you started reading for many hours a day and you read them over and over again even before entering the bramacharis ashram, and for more than 40 years now. In your classes we can get a glimpse of what it means to actually read Sastra and have a taste for hearing and chanting.
Your lectures are outstanding, you make us experience the pastimes from different angles, you show us how to go deeper. Whenever I read a pastime after I listened to you giving a class on it, I wonder if I’m reading the same books you are reading. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from you, otherwise I would not be able to understand anything with my dull consciousness.
Thank you for having accepted me as your spiritual daughter last year.
You recently told me: “You are not going to be in the ashram for long” “You need to learn how to deal with yourself” “Please remember that being a nice girls is not enough”
Gurudeva, I can see your care and protection in your instructions. You want us to go the long distance in Bhakti, as you often remark. In a recent class I’ve asked you how to cope with changes in life and you told me to get spiritual stability.
Thank you for training me and many other young ladies in spiritual life. Your motto is "we make it easy" you are giving us everything we need to practice Bhakti in the midst of Kali Yuga. The holy names, devotees association, mentoring system and transcendental engagement for our wild mind and senses.
What would I be doing without your mercy and guidance Gurudeva?
Please allow me to take shelter under your lotus feet.
Recently you were telling me that I have a jewel in my hands but I don't understand the value. Please Gurudeva, be merciful to me and help me to realise the jewel you are giving us and to fully take shelter of your instructions.
You are giving us the highest perfection of life but I am so unfortunate that have no taste for it.
Thank you for saving me Gurudeva from the madness of Kali yuga, thank you for your kindness and guidance.
I am totally incapable to glorify you but I pray to show you my gratitude by attempting to assist you in your mission.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Noemi
Bhaktine Anna (Cardiff)
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupadha.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to be in a position where an ignsignificant soul like myself, is able to address you, the divine representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally by letter.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I thank you for your exemplary steadfastness, spiritual strength and compassion. When I actually meditate on these three qualities of yours, which only describe a mere drop within an ocean, my heart sinks. I feel the overwhelming ache of indebtedness and embarrassment.
I fervently pray that I can realise, on a very deep level, that there is no greater occupation than making my life a practice of surrender unto you by remembering that ‘without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement’ (8, Sri Sri Gurvastakam).
I eagerly anticipate your return to Wales, to once again participate in your ecstatic Kirtan and hear your enlivening, crystal clear deliberations on Krishna Conscious philosophy.
All glories to your divine lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Anna Denning
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupadha.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to be in a position where an ignsignificant soul like myself, is able to address you, the divine representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally by letter.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I thank you for your exemplary steadfastness, spiritual strength and compassion. When I actually meditate on these three qualities of yours, which only describe a mere drop within an ocean, my heart sinks. I feel the overwhelming ache of indebtedness and embarrassment.
I fervently pray that I can realise, on a very deep level, that there is no greater occupation than making my life a practice of surrender unto you by remembering that ‘without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement’ (8, Sri Sri Gurvastakam).
I eagerly anticipate your return to Wales, to once again participate in your ecstatic Kirtan and hear your enlivening, crystal clear deliberations on Krishna Conscious philosophy.
All glories to your divine lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Anna Denning
Bhaskar Patel
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhutale
srimate 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 obeisance at your divine lotus feet!
Dear Guru Maharaj,
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja celebration, I bow down at your lotus feet to offer my heart felt prayers to seek your blessings.
Just a few months ago, we had a god family get together here in Melbourne and I was really blessed and fortunate to attend. One of the devotees talked about your personal sadhana, your strict daily routine and how you are always eager to attend programs meant for spreading Krishna consciousness. And how you are reluctant to even stay one extra day in another city if there are no plans to organise an event where you can spread Krishna consciousness. I was really inspired by how you do priority chanting between 5-7 am every day because this is what I am struggling with at the moment. Please bless me so that I can do priority chanting of minimum 16 mala every morning in Brahma Muhurta.
This year, you have been very kind by approving to give me the shelter of your lotus feet. On this special day, I bow down at your lotus feet and beg for your mercy to make me your disciple and take me in your shelter eternally. I am eagerly waiting for the day when I will get officially initiated by yourself. Please bless me so that I can use my intelligence to perform devotional services especially scrutinisingly study and then distribute Srila Prabhupada’s and your books.
Gurudev, by your and lord's mercy we have been blessed with a baby boy few weeks ago. We are looking forward to meeting you with the newborn so that we can get your blessings to train the child in Krishna consciousness.
I pray to their Lordships that your eternal shelter continues to allow my family to become instruments in serving Srila Prabhupada’s preaching mission by serving the servants of the servants of the Lord in a way that pleases you.
I pray to their Lordships Shri Shri Radha Vallabha, Gaura Nitai and Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Mai for your good health and well-being to continue to spread the knowledge, glories and pastimes of their Lordships.
Desiring to serve you,
Your insignificant servants,
Bhaskar, Sweta, Srisa and baby Shriram
srimate 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 obeisance at your divine lotus feet!
Dear Guru Maharaj,
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja celebration, I bow down at your lotus feet to offer my heart felt prayers to seek your blessings.
Just a few months ago, we had a god family get together here in Melbourne and I was really blessed and fortunate to attend. One of the devotees talked about your personal sadhana, your strict daily routine and how you are always eager to attend programs meant for spreading Krishna consciousness. And how you are reluctant to even stay one extra day in another city if there are no plans to organise an event where you can spread Krishna consciousness. I was really inspired by how you do priority chanting between 5-7 am every day because this is what I am struggling with at the moment. Please bless me so that I can do priority chanting of minimum 16 mala every morning in Brahma Muhurta.
This year, you have been very kind by approving to give me the shelter of your lotus feet. On this special day, I bow down at your lotus feet and beg for your mercy to make me your disciple and take me in your shelter eternally. I am eagerly waiting for the day when I will get officially initiated by yourself. Please bless me so that I can use my intelligence to perform devotional services especially scrutinisingly study and then distribute Srila Prabhupada’s and your books.
Gurudev, by your and lord's mercy we have been blessed with a baby boy few weeks ago. We are looking forward to meeting you with the newborn so that we can get your blessings to train the child in Krishna consciousness.
I pray to their Lordships that your eternal shelter continues to allow my family to become instruments in serving Srila Prabhupada’s preaching mission by serving the servants of the servants of the Lord in a way that pleases you.
I pray to their Lordships Shri Shri Radha Vallabha, Gaura Nitai and Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Mai for your good health and well-being to continue to spread the knowledge, glories and pastimes of their Lordships.
Desiring to serve you,
Your insignificant servants,
Bhaskar, Sweta, Srisa and baby Shriram
Bhauma Vrindavan Das
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I’ll always am in awe of your detailed relationship with your disciples, your caring attitude towards each devotee is like a shield wall against maya, your loving nature in which you want to understand and know your devotees on a personal level, but also your care and devotion to your outreach efforts. The way in which you navigate the outreach lectures and questions, just inspiring, you plant the creeper so carefully. Forever I will be in your debt at the patience and tolerance shown during my early days at a the Loft. You and your devotees showed me nothing but love and care. You are the true representation of a spiritual father.
I was watching a recent morning class that you were giving and within the class you spoke of the books. How you just like reading them because they’re enjoyable to read. I really liked this point and something that I have found myself doing recently is reading the books because I like to read them. Also I’m going to just try and enjoy practicing Bhakti more and look towards it with enjoyment. I was reflecting on this point of just enjoying Krishna Consciousness and you just present it so joyfully, making it inviting and enlivening.
Cc.Adi-Lila 1.45
guru kṛṣṇa-rūpa hana śāstrera pramāṇe
guru-rūpe kṛṣṇa kṛpā karena bhakta-gaṇe
Purport by Srila Prabhupada - “The relationship of a disciple with his spiritual master is as good as his relationship with the Supreme Lord. A spiritual master always represents himself as the humblest servitor of the Personality of Godhead, but the disciple must look upon him as the manifested representation of Godhead.”
I hope that this insignificant soul doesn’t become to familiar or cheapen who you are and what you represent. I hope to take your words and instruction seriously and apply them with enthusiasm and joy.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Translation - “I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my guru, my spiritual master, opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.”
Thank you for opening my eyes
Your humble servant,
Always
Bhauma Vrindavan Das
Please accept my humble obeisances all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I’ll always am in awe of your detailed relationship with your disciples, your caring attitude towards each devotee is like a shield wall against maya, your loving nature in which you want to understand and know your devotees on a personal level, but also your care and devotion to your outreach efforts. The way in which you navigate the outreach lectures and questions, just inspiring, you plant the creeper so carefully. Forever I will be in your debt at the patience and tolerance shown during my early days at a the Loft. You and your devotees showed me nothing but love and care. You are the true representation of a spiritual father.
I was watching a recent morning class that you were giving and within the class you spoke of the books. How you just like reading them because they’re enjoyable to read. I really liked this point and something that I have found myself doing recently is reading the books because I like to read them. Also I’m going to just try and enjoy practicing Bhakti more and look towards it with enjoyment. I was reflecting on this point of just enjoying Krishna Consciousness and you just present it so joyfully, making it inviting and enlivening.
Cc.Adi-Lila 1.45
guru kṛṣṇa-rūpa hana śāstrera pramāṇe
guru-rūpe kṛṣṇa kṛpā karena bhakta-gaṇe
Purport by Srila Prabhupada - “The relationship of a disciple with his spiritual master is as good as his relationship with the Supreme Lord. A spiritual master always represents himself as the humblest servitor of the Personality of Godhead, but the disciple must look upon him as the manifested representation of Godhead.”
I hope that this insignificant soul doesn’t become to familiar or cheapen who you are and what you represent. I hope to take your words and instruction seriously and apply them with enthusiasm and joy.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Translation - “I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my guru, my spiritual master, opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.”
Thank you for opening my eyes
Your humble servant,
Always
Bhauma Vrindavan Das
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!
You have such deep compassion for the real sufferings of people in this world of birth, death, old age and disease. You often say that if you want to help people you have to become qualified to help them. You have that qualification Gurudeva, through your spiritual strength, real vision and your wisdom of how to really care for people and your deep compassion.
I don't know how you care for so many devotees, you phone, you message, you enquire after devotees, you connect, or you give space and time you know the right thing to do. You have 100's of devotees clambering for your attention, for your darsan, for your opinion on sastra or topical issues, for your role as GBC, for your blessings, or matchmaking, for baby names, feeding babies their first grains, opinions about health, marriage or a long list of complaints. All this via email, whatsapp, or zoon, after classes, or devotees jumping out at you at random encounters.
One time when our family was in Vrindavana (we didn't even know you were there) and I saw you in Radha Damodar temple, you were doing parikrama of the samadhis, with your head down, super fast, super focused, a place of such spiritual potency, the land of Vraja, where Srila Prabhupada had his rooms, where he would beg for the mercy of the goswami's to fulfill the order of his spiritual master. I don't know where your consciousness was, but in such a place I interrupted your meditation, approaching you out of the blue, wanting some attention, some small talk. You were of course gracious and personal, but I should not have intruded on your contemplation, do you ever get a moment of peace? That is often my dilemour I want to take advantage of your vapu, but I don't want to waste your time, so I mostly try to serve you. But then I get mental and think I should be more personal, enquierying more from you. Then I get mental as I realise I have nothing to enquire about and should not waste your time. Then I get mental about how I am mental. Then I just try to serve you and follow your instructions which are my anchor, and I feel better... and less mental. You probably get that a lot. People being mental around you. You have so many minds to deal with, but you don't give up caring.
In a recent darsan you told me, "Don't get stressed, I want you to chant Hare Krishna and be happy. I'm grateful for whatever service you can do, and what you can't do, well, what can be done?" You were so pragmatic, and I felt less mental.
Thank you for your care, from the very 1st time you found this dreadlocked lost in the cosmos hippy in Wellington to this grey haired girl who has found her place trying to serve your instructions. Your care and compassion have always been my shelter.
Your aspiring servant, Bhava Sandhi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
You have such deep compassion for the real sufferings of people in this world of birth, death, old age and disease. You often say that if you want to help people you have to become qualified to help them. You have that qualification Gurudeva, through your spiritual strength, real vision and your wisdom of how to really care for people and your deep compassion.
I don't know how you care for so many devotees, you phone, you message, you enquire after devotees, you connect, or you give space and time you know the right thing to do. You have 100's of devotees clambering for your attention, for your darsan, for your opinion on sastra or topical issues, for your role as GBC, for your blessings, or matchmaking, for baby names, feeding babies their first grains, opinions about health, marriage or a long list of complaints. All this via email, whatsapp, or zoon, after classes, or devotees jumping out at you at random encounters.
One time when our family was in Vrindavana (we didn't even know you were there) and I saw you in Radha Damodar temple, you were doing parikrama of the samadhis, with your head down, super fast, super focused, a place of such spiritual potency, the land of Vraja, where Srila Prabhupada had his rooms, where he would beg for the mercy of the goswami's to fulfill the order of his spiritual master. I don't know where your consciousness was, but in such a place I interrupted your meditation, approaching you out of the blue, wanting some attention, some small talk. You were of course gracious and personal, but I should not have intruded on your contemplation, do you ever get a moment of peace? That is often my dilemour I want to take advantage of your vapu, but I don't want to waste your time, so I mostly try to serve you. But then I get mental and think I should be more personal, enquierying more from you. Then I get mental as I realise I have nothing to enquire about and should not waste your time. Then I get mental about how I am mental. Then I just try to serve you and follow your instructions which are my anchor, and I feel better... and less mental. You probably get that a lot. People being mental around you. You have so many minds to deal with, but you don't give up caring.
In a recent darsan you told me, "Don't get stressed, I want you to chant Hare Krishna and be happy. I'm grateful for whatever service you can do, and what you can't do, well, what can be done?" You were so pragmatic, and I felt less mental.
Thank you for your care, from the very 1st time you found this dreadlocked lost in the cosmos hippy in Wellington to this grey haired girl who has found her place trying to serve your instructions. Your care and compassion have always been my shelter.
Your aspiring servant, Bhava Sandhi dd
Bhava-vibhusana Das
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This year, after a long time I was flying on a plane to India. I had Sriman Nrsimha Prabhu seated next to me on one side and Kamsari Sena Prabhu seated on the other side. As I looked around the plane, I saw everyone watching movies on their screen. I quickly pulled my eyes away and opened up my Caitanya Caritamrita to read. After a couple of minutes, a baby nearby started crying loudly. Later I was thinking how you have to travel like this, cramped up in a plane so many times every year. And then what to speak of jetlag afterwards.
Although I was lucky to have my godbrothers on either side of me, you usually travel alone and have to spend so many hours seated next to a non-devotee eating meat and watching movies right next to you. It then dawned on me how much austerity you must take, in constantly taking one plane after another in travelling the globe to do outreach.
As Sukadev Goswami states in the 8th Canto “It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone’s heart.” (SB 8.7.44)
Although you are in your 70s and have already done so much to spread Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement in the last 5 decades, still you continue to voluntarily take up so many austerities for the benefit of others. You’re the living example of what Srila Prabhupada explains in the 3rd Canto:
“Transcendental service to the Lord is not mundane. The service attitude of the devotee gradually increases and never becomes slackened. Generally, in old age a person is allowed retirement from mundane service. But in the transcendental service of the Lord there is no retirement at all; on the contrary, the service attitude increases more and more with the progress of age.” (SB 3.2.3)
You often mention how the 70s were like Satya Yuga in comparison to what is going on today. How much tolerance and patience must you have to exhibit in order to reach out to the local people in western countries. And how much compassion must you have, to keep on pushing with western outreach. As Srila Prabhupada explains in Sri Caitanya Caritamrita (Adi 3.98):
“Since the ācārya is a confidential servitor of the Lord, his heart is always full of compassion for humanity in its suffering. He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the Lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change people’s activities, making them favorable for the attainment of devotion.”
Thank you, Gurudev, for setting such an exemplary example of selfless service in spreading Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement, for all of us to follow.
Your very grateful servant,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This year, after a long time I was flying on a plane to India. I had Sriman Nrsimha Prabhu seated next to me on one side and Kamsari Sena Prabhu seated on the other side. As I looked around the plane, I saw everyone watching movies on their screen. I quickly pulled my eyes away and opened up my Caitanya Caritamrita to read. After a couple of minutes, a baby nearby started crying loudly. Later I was thinking how you have to travel like this, cramped up in a plane so many times every year. And then what to speak of jetlag afterwards.
Although I was lucky to have my godbrothers on either side of me, you usually travel alone and have to spend so many hours seated next to a non-devotee eating meat and watching movies right next to you. It then dawned on me how much austerity you must take, in constantly taking one plane after another in travelling the globe to do outreach.
As Sukadev Goswami states in the 8th Canto “It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone’s heart.” (SB 8.7.44)
Although you are in your 70s and have already done so much to spread Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement in the last 5 decades, still you continue to voluntarily take up so many austerities for the benefit of others. You’re the living example of what Srila Prabhupada explains in the 3rd Canto:
“Transcendental service to the Lord is not mundane. The service attitude of the devotee gradually increases and never becomes slackened. Generally, in old age a person is allowed retirement from mundane service. But in the transcendental service of the Lord there is no retirement at all; on the contrary, the service attitude increases more and more with the progress of age.” (SB 3.2.3)
You often mention how the 70s were like Satya Yuga in comparison to what is going on today. How much tolerance and patience must you have to exhibit in order to reach out to the local people in western countries. And how much compassion must you have, to keep on pushing with western outreach. As Srila Prabhupada explains in Sri Caitanya Caritamrita (Adi 3.98):
“Since the ācārya is a confidential servitor of the Lord, his heart is always full of compassion for humanity in its suffering. He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the Lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change people’s activities, making them favorable for the attainment of devotion.”
Thank you, Gurudev, for setting such an exemplary example of selfless service in spreading Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan movement, for all of us to follow.
Your very grateful servant,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Bhishmapitamaha Das
Hare Krishna Gurumaharaj
All glories to Srila gurudev
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Please accept my humble obeisances on to your lotus feet,
On this most auspicious day, the appearance day of His Divine Grace , I am once again faced with my own poor-heartedness, my inability to properly glorify my own spiritual master, who is the great spiritual master and dedicated servant of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
How fortunate we are to have you as our spiritual master, for your spiritual qualities truly have no limit. There is no end to your purity and depth, your simple honesty that springs mightily from the fully realized vision of an eternally liberated soul.
Being a very greedy and foolish person still by the grace of your’s accepted me as your disciple, I began reading your book hiding in Unnatural happiness and hearing your lectures. In attending the live bhagavatam classes it helped me to understand your unmotivated preaching mood.
One by one my doubts were getting answered. I wanted to know more and more from you gurudev where I can aspire to become a sincere devotee of the lord.
I remember during my Initial days in Radha Vallabha temple in Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. During the Guru Puja I saw boys happily dancing in front of you. I thought who are you? Why all are dancing so madly for Krishna and you? Why should we do like that but later on as soon as Kirtan ended, till atleast for a month I couldn’t get the happiness which I felt at the Kirtan.
This material world was frustrating me, burning me, torturing me. I did not know what to do. But you came in my life like a monsoon rain. You cleared all my doubts and given me shelter under your lotus feet even though I am fit for nothing. And the dancing and chanting gave me so much relief and it was streebustors for my so called Australian lifestyle.
Dear Srila Gurudev, please shower your mercy upon me that in whatever situation and circumstances I may be in I continue chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra minimum 16 rounds a day. And I never break any of the four regulative principles. These days I can see that I am not having any taste for doing services, chanting and reading, I am in a wrost situation and can’t do anything but I can only ask to shower your mercy on me.
O Sri Guru Karuna Sindhu, I bow down again and again to your lotus feet to express my gratitude and beg for you mercy so that I can follow some of your teachings and spread your words.
On this most auspicious day, I just want to say “Thank You” for everything what I am now and it’s all because of your grace And I beg you to continue guiding me forever.
Your eternal insignificant servant
Bhishmapitamaha Das
All glories to Srila gurudev
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Please accept my humble obeisances on to your lotus feet,
On this most auspicious day, the appearance day of His Divine Grace , I am once again faced with my own poor-heartedness, my inability to properly glorify my own spiritual master, who is the great spiritual master and dedicated servant of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
How fortunate we are to have you as our spiritual master, for your spiritual qualities truly have no limit. There is no end to your purity and depth, your simple honesty that springs mightily from the fully realized vision of an eternally liberated soul.
Being a very greedy and foolish person still by the grace of your’s accepted me as your disciple, I began reading your book hiding in Unnatural happiness and hearing your lectures. In attending the live bhagavatam classes it helped me to understand your unmotivated preaching mood.
One by one my doubts were getting answered. I wanted to know more and more from you gurudev where I can aspire to become a sincere devotee of the lord.
I remember during my Initial days in Radha Vallabha temple in Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. During the Guru Puja I saw boys happily dancing in front of you. I thought who are you? Why all are dancing so madly for Krishna and you? Why should we do like that but later on as soon as Kirtan ended, till atleast for a month I couldn’t get the happiness which I felt at the Kirtan.
This material world was frustrating me, burning me, torturing me. I did not know what to do. But you came in my life like a monsoon rain. You cleared all my doubts and given me shelter under your lotus feet even though I am fit for nothing. And the dancing and chanting gave me so much relief and it was streebustors for my so called Australian lifestyle.
Dear Srila Gurudev, please shower your mercy upon me that in whatever situation and circumstances I may be in I continue chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra minimum 16 rounds a day. And I never break any of the four regulative principles. These days I can see that I am not having any taste for doing services, chanting and reading, I am in a wrost situation and can’t do anything but I can only ask to shower your mercy on me.
O Sri Guru Karuna Sindhu, I bow down again and again to your lotus feet to express my gratitude and beg for you mercy so that I can follow some of your teachings and spread your words.
On this most auspicious day, I just want to say “Thank You” for everything what I am now and it’s all because of your grace And I beg you to continue guiding me forever.
Your eternal insignificant servant
Bhishmapitamaha Das
Bhuri bhoja
Dear GuruMaharaj ,
I bow down before your lotus feet ,
all glories to you on your Vyasapuja
all glories to Srila Prabhupada .
In awe over the decades of innovation , contemplation, Mercy , and compassion that you have successfully imbibed towards the Loft urban outreach centres worldwide . We’re people can come to a place and call it there’s , a Spiritual night club that caters dance parties , reggae music and good vibes, Bhagavad Gita workshops while simultaneously yoga classes are going on .
Initially like myself and many others we have experienced the culture and nature how the loft operates and we get to plug in or connect accordingly to our Ashrama status .
You have etched in my heart a service attitude which I pray to always cultivate
, and lean into even when faced with the challenges . You always remind us to keep Reading , and chanting Krishnas names and to share with others what we have realised in Krishna consciousness .
you are most glorified because of your being connected to the parampara and for being a representative , of Srila Prabhupada and lord Caitanya and there desire to spread the Sankirtan Movement throughout the entire universe .
praying to always be guided on the path of Bhakti yoga and to share with others what you are sharing with everyone , love of Krishna .
Trying to become your servant , Bhuribhoja
I bow down before your lotus feet ,
all glories to you on your Vyasapuja
all glories to Srila Prabhupada .
In awe over the decades of innovation , contemplation, Mercy , and compassion that you have successfully imbibed towards the Loft urban outreach centres worldwide . We’re people can come to a place and call it there’s , a Spiritual night club that caters dance parties , reggae music and good vibes, Bhagavad Gita workshops while simultaneously yoga classes are going on .
Initially like myself and many others we have experienced the culture and nature how the loft operates and we get to plug in or connect accordingly to our Ashrama status .
You have etched in my heart a service attitude which I pray to always cultivate
, and lean into even when faced with the challenges . You always remind us to keep Reading , and chanting Krishnas names and to share with others what we have realised in Krishna consciousness .
you are most glorified because of your being connected to the parampara and for being a representative , of Srila Prabhupada and lord Caitanya and there desire to spread the Sankirtan Movement throughout the entire universe .
praying to always be guided on the path of Bhakti yoga and to share with others what you are sharing with everyone , love of Krishna .
Trying to become your servant , Bhuribhoja
Bimala Prasād Dāsa 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 Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to You on this auspicious day.
By grace of your boundless mercy, we are once again able to celebrate your Vyāsa-pūjā in your personal presence here in Melbourne. It is clear to us that this is not for your personal pleasure, as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has not yet abated, and the risk to yourself at your advanced age is increased in the presence of a large crowd. This event instead provides an opportunity for your disciples to serve you and the wider congregation, and is also a preaching opportunity highlighting the importance of the spiritual master, the respect due unto them, and the guru-disciple relationship. We hence request that you continue to allow your disciples to hold such Vyāsa-pūjā celebrations in the future, as this festival brings us all together in a service atmosphere, as well as allowing the entire Melbourne community to benefit from your divine association.
As the years pass, we are further able to understand the reasoning behind your strict time management and the precision in your actions to facilitate this. By your exemplary character, you are demonstrating the great importance of not wasting even a single moment of time and spending every moment serving Kṛṣṇa. In this way, we have found that you are instructing us through every single action you perform – we need not wait to receive direct instructions from you. One example of your commitment to time management is that we were once serving you prasādam, after which you were attending our godsister’s marriage at the temple. As there was no-one else to take you to the temple, you called me to drive you. As this was unplanned, I briefly cleaned the car before coming to you. Overall, this process took approximately four minutes. When I arrived, however, you checked your watch and expressed that I should have come faster. In another incident, Charan was fortunate enough to accompany you on the boat cruise. As you were heading towards the boat, you told him to go ahead and confirm if you were in the right place and that the boat was present. He did so, and by the time he returned to affirm this was the case, you had caught up to him and subsequently boarded the boat without delay. Please bless us so we may be able to cultivate a similar presence of mind when managing our time, thereby enabling us to practice devotional service more effectively.
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 blessings so we can continue to serve your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas, for it is only through your and their mercy that we may even dream of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your most fallen of servants,
Bimala Prasād Dāsa, Lalitā Prasād Devī Dāsī,
Bhakta Charan and Bhaktin Kṛṣṇa Priya
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to You on this auspicious day.
By grace of your boundless mercy, we are once again able to celebrate your Vyāsa-pūjā in your personal presence here in Melbourne. It is clear to us that this is not for your personal pleasure, as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has not yet abated, and the risk to yourself at your advanced age is increased in the presence of a large crowd. This event instead provides an opportunity for your disciples to serve you and the wider congregation, and is also a preaching opportunity highlighting the importance of the spiritual master, the respect due unto them, and the guru-disciple relationship. We hence request that you continue to allow your disciples to hold such Vyāsa-pūjā celebrations in the future, as this festival brings us all together in a service atmosphere, as well as allowing the entire Melbourne community to benefit from your divine association.
As the years pass, we are further able to understand the reasoning behind your strict time management and the precision in your actions to facilitate this. By your exemplary character, you are demonstrating the great importance of not wasting even a single moment of time and spending every moment serving Kṛṣṇa. In this way, we have found that you are instructing us through every single action you perform – we need not wait to receive direct instructions from you. One example of your commitment to time management is that we were once serving you prasādam, after which you were attending our godsister’s marriage at the temple. As there was no-one else to take you to the temple, you called me to drive you. As this was unplanned, I briefly cleaned the car before coming to you. Overall, this process took approximately four minutes. When I arrived, however, you checked your watch and expressed that I should have come faster. In another incident, Charan was fortunate enough to accompany you on the boat cruise. As you were heading towards the boat, you told him to go ahead and confirm if you were in the right place and that the boat was present. He did so, and by the time he returned to affirm this was the case, you had caught up to him and subsequently boarded the boat without delay. Please bless us so we may be able to cultivate a similar presence of mind when managing our time, thereby enabling us to practice devotional service more effectively.
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 blessings so we can continue to serve your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas, for it is only through your and their mercy that we may even dream of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your most fallen of servants,
Bimala Prasād Dāsa, Lalitā Prasād Devī Dāsī,
Bhakta Charan and Bhaktin Kṛṣṇa Priya
Brahmakund dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, Please accept my humble obeisance’s at the dust of your lotus feet.
In SB 3.29.33 Kapiladeva tells Devahuti “Therefore I do not find a greater person than he who has no interest outside of Mine and who therefore engages and dedicates all his activities and all his life -everything-unto Me without cessation.”
Gurudeva, this description from Lord Kapiladeva, fits you perfectly. You have no interest outside of Devotional Service. Recently, I was having a discussion with an upcoming devotee, and the devotee mentioned to me “I don’t think I can always do everything to please Krishna, what about me and my pleasure, why does it always have to be about Krishna, why is Krishna so self-centered?”
I tried to explain to him from different viewpoints and I asked him “do you think Devamrita Swami is happy, he said Devamrita Swami looks so happy and always has a smile on his face, I asked him, would you like to have that smile & happiness, the devotee said Yes, then I asked him what do you think Devamrita Swami is doing to be happy, devotee instantly replied, he is always serving to please Krishna.
In SB 1.4.12, the translation mentions “Those who are devoted to the cause of the Personality of Godhead live only for the welfare, development and happiness of others. They do not live for any selfish interest.”
And in
Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 25, Prabhupada writes “When a devotee is never tired of executing devotional service and is always engaged in Kṛṣṇa conscious activities, constantly relishing the transcendental mellows in relationship with Kṛṣṇa, he is called perfect.”
Gurudeva, you are that perfect devotee. For the last 50 years, selflessly & mystically you have been extending and stretching yourself to share the science of Krishna with others. You mentioned in a talk that during the days of spreading Krishna Conscious in the communist countries, you would drive 8 hours, just to follow up on a vague lead that there was someone wearing a Shiva T-shirt in such and such town, and you saw it as an opportunity for that person to take up the Bhakti lifestyle, because that’s all you had to work with.
You ignore all the dirt we have in our heart but only focus on the tiny bit of desire we may have to serve. With your every action & word you are teaching us how to take shelter of Krishna. You are always accommodating everyone - arranging your day, travels & activities in such a way that you can maximise your service to Prabhupada.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made it easy in Kaliyuga to become Krishna Conscious and you are doing the same thing, through your lectures and sharing of your experiences, you are making it easier for us to understand the knowledge and try to serve Krishna. Recently, in a talk you were mentioning how Prabhupada made it easy on us to assimilate this deep knowledge, and it takes a lot of transcendental energy to do that. We can say the same for you. Seeing how you interact with newcomers, connecting with them on their level, speaking to them in their language, you are showing us how to share Krishna Consciousness with others.
By staying under your guidance and shelter, you are protecting us from Maya. One time while travelling with you, we were in Paris and you were doing an outreach program at the city centre. We went to the program by public transport and for the return you were going to come back with one of the devotees in his car. But there was not enough space in the car for both Bhakti-lata and me to come with you. So, in my mind I had planned that after you leave, on my way back to the house, I will checkout the glamour of Paris City and see the Eiffel Tower.
But before you left the centre, I asked you, what would you like me to do, should I come back with you in the car or come with Bhaktilata on the train. You said, Bhaktilata can come with her parents, you come with me. I couldn’t believe you said that, but you protected me from material contamination.
Gurudeva, you are the perfect captain, acting in our best interest, guiding and steering our lives so that we can serve in the best possible way.
In a letter to Devananda, Prabhupada wrote, Guru and Krishna are two parallel lines on which the spiritual express runs very smoothly.
Every day in Guru Puja, we sing, “By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna.”
I seek your instructions and shelter so I can progress in my Krishna Consciousness smoothly and assist you in your mission.
Your servant,
Brahmakund dasa
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, Please accept my humble obeisance’s at the dust of your lotus feet.
In SB 3.29.33 Kapiladeva tells Devahuti “Therefore I do not find a greater person than he who has no interest outside of Mine and who therefore engages and dedicates all his activities and all his life -everything-unto Me without cessation.”
Gurudeva, this description from Lord Kapiladeva, fits you perfectly. You have no interest outside of Devotional Service. Recently, I was having a discussion with an upcoming devotee, and the devotee mentioned to me “I don’t think I can always do everything to please Krishna, what about me and my pleasure, why does it always have to be about Krishna, why is Krishna so self-centered?”
I tried to explain to him from different viewpoints and I asked him “do you think Devamrita Swami is happy, he said Devamrita Swami looks so happy and always has a smile on his face, I asked him, would you like to have that smile & happiness, the devotee said Yes, then I asked him what do you think Devamrita Swami is doing to be happy, devotee instantly replied, he is always serving to please Krishna.
In SB 1.4.12, the translation mentions “Those who are devoted to the cause of the Personality of Godhead live only for the welfare, development and happiness of others. They do not live for any selfish interest.”
And in
Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 25, Prabhupada writes “When a devotee is never tired of executing devotional service and is always engaged in Kṛṣṇa conscious activities, constantly relishing the transcendental mellows in relationship with Kṛṣṇa, he is called perfect.”
Gurudeva, you are that perfect devotee. For the last 50 years, selflessly & mystically you have been extending and stretching yourself to share the science of Krishna with others. You mentioned in a talk that during the days of spreading Krishna Conscious in the communist countries, you would drive 8 hours, just to follow up on a vague lead that there was someone wearing a Shiva T-shirt in such and such town, and you saw it as an opportunity for that person to take up the Bhakti lifestyle, because that’s all you had to work with.
You ignore all the dirt we have in our heart but only focus on the tiny bit of desire we may have to serve. With your every action & word you are teaching us how to take shelter of Krishna. You are always accommodating everyone - arranging your day, travels & activities in such a way that you can maximise your service to Prabhupada.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made it easy in Kaliyuga to become Krishna Conscious and you are doing the same thing, through your lectures and sharing of your experiences, you are making it easier for us to understand the knowledge and try to serve Krishna. Recently, in a talk you were mentioning how Prabhupada made it easy on us to assimilate this deep knowledge, and it takes a lot of transcendental energy to do that. We can say the same for you. Seeing how you interact with newcomers, connecting with them on their level, speaking to them in their language, you are showing us how to share Krishna Consciousness with others.
By staying under your guidance and shelter, you are protecting us from Maya. One time while travelling with you, we were in Paris and you were doing an outreach program at the city centre. We went to the program by public transport and for the return you were going to come back with one of the devotees in his car. But there was not enough space in the car for both Bhakti-lata and me to come with you. So, in my mind I had planned that after you leave, on my way back to the house, I will checkout the glamour of Paris City and see the Eiffel Tower.
But before you left the centre, I asked you, what would you like me to do, should I come back with you in the car or come with Bhaktilata on the train. You said, Bhaktilata can come with her parents, you come with me. I couldn’t believe you said that, but you protected me from material contamination.
Gurudeva, you are the perfect captain, acting in our best interest, guiding and steering our lives so that we can serve in the best possible way.
In a letter to Devananda, Prabhupada wrote, Guru and Krishna are two parallel lines on which the spiritual express runs very smoothly.
Every day in Guru Puja, we sing, “By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna.”
I seek your instructions and shelter so I can progress in my Krishna Consciousness smoothly and assist you in your mission.
Your servant,
Brahmakund dasa
Brijesh Mishra
Vyas puja offering
Hare Krishna Gurudev.
I beg to offer my humble obesiences to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I had a great fortune to meet you in 2017 in Melbourne Temple. I was extremely attracted to your calm and yet super energising voice. I still remember that Bhagvatam Class where you spoke about the futility of material advancement if it is not done to advance in Bhakti. I was also very attracted to your sense of humour where you were sarcastically glorifying the material endeavours, bringing home the point of self-realisation as ultimate goal.
That lecture was a turning point in my spiritual journey as I realised the importance of getting on the train of Bhakti now. There was no confusion at that point. Until then I was just treading waters.
Another aha moment was when you spoke about importance of Guru. Until that day, I use to think of Guru as a guide, and teacher. I did not understand the concept of worshiping the Guru as I thought of Guru is like same as my high school teacher who is teaching me about digestive system and how pulley and lever used to lift heavy stuff. I am not saying I understand the Guru tattva completely now, but I was left with a conviction in my heart that Guru is someone more than just a guide.
Thank you Gurudev for inspiring me to stay on this path. Although I am on this path, numerous instances have convinced me that I cannot stay on this path with my own endeavours. I need mercy of the Lord, which flows through the Guru.
With my ignorance, a large part of me thinks that I am the controller but a small part of me knows that I need the mercy of Krishna, Prabhupada and Gurudev. I know that the only thing that is in my hand is my desire to endeavour to serve the Lord and His devotees.
I remember when I met you on zoom during the pandemic and requested you to take me in your shelter. You said that you are happy to assist me in my spiritual journey. I almost cried after that meeting. Because I remembered an incident that I have seen in India, where a father after seeing his son fall in the sewer drainage, put his hand in the dirty water and lifts the child out of it and then washed him thoroughly to ensure there are no germs and is sanitised after that with cow urine etc.
Similarly I know that Gurudev, you know very well my fallen condition, you know how deep I am in this material contamination, but just like a loving compassionate father you are ready to take me out of the dirt and clean my heart so that I can understand my true nature as of servant of Servant of Lord. I am eternally grateful to you for accepting me in the service of your lotus feet. My only wish is to get a benediction to serve your Lotus feet constantly, I know in my heart that that is the only way I am able to fulfil the purpose of this human life.
Srila Prabhupada asked the Lord to use him as a puppet, I am not trying to imitate SP, but I want to sincerely request you and pray at your lotus feet to use me in your service as I can not be trusted to do it myself, I am like a kitten, please hold me with your strength as I don’t have any strength, I don’t have any qualification, I want to dependent on your instructions only.
I have tried depending on my mind throughout this life and I ended up in a pub or movie theatre or MCG to watch Boxing Day test cricket at the max. So please accept my request, I know that I cannot be trusted, my only hope is if you keep me close to your lotus feet. I want to serve you eternally, I want to serve you the way you like, I want to serve you with all my heart and my soul. I want to follow you like the North Star, but the problem is that I am blind, so please let me hold on to your lotus feet so that I can be dragged with you to wherever you want me to go. Please help me stay true to my eternal goal – to serve you.
Hare Krishna Gurudev.
I beg to offer my humble obesiences to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I had a great fortune to meet you in 2017 in Melbourne Temple. I was extremely attracted to your calm and yet super energising voice. I still remember that Bhagvatam Class where you spoke about the futility of material advancement if it is not done to advance in Bhakti. I was also very attracted to your sense of humour where you were sarcastically glorifying the material endeavours, bringing home the point of self-realisation as ultimate goal.
That lecture was a turning point in my spiritual journey as I realised the importance of getting on the train of Bhakti now. There was no confusion at that point. Until then I was just treading waters.
Another aha moment was when you spoke about importance of Guru. Until that day, I use to think of Guru as a guide, and teacher. I did not understand the concept of worshiping the Guru as I thought of Guru is like same as my high school teacher who is teaching me about digestive system and how pulley and lever used to lift heavy stuff. I am not saying I understand the Guru tattva completely now, but I was left with a conviction in my heart that Guru is someone more than just a guide.
Thank you Gurudev for inspiring me to stay on this path. Although I am on this path, numerous instances have convinced me that I cannot stay on this path with my own endeavours. I need mercy of the Lord, which flows through the Guru.
With my ignorance, a large part of me thinks that I am the controller but a small part of me knows that I need the mercy of Krishna, Prabhupada and Gurudev. I know that the only thing that is in my hand is my desire to endeavour to serve the Lord and His devotees.
I remember when I met you on zoom during the pandemic and requested you to take me in your shelter. You said that you are happy to assist me in my spiritual journey. I almost cried after that meeting. Because I remembered an incident that I have seen in India, where a father after seeing his son fall in the sewer drainage, put his hand in the dirty water and lifts the child out of it and then washed him thoroughly to ensure there are no germs and is sanitised after that with cow urine etc.
Similarly I know that Gurudev, you know very well my fallen condition, you know how deep I am in this material contamination, but just like a loving compassionate father you are ready to take me out of the dirt and clean my heart so that I can understand my true nature as of servant of Servant of Lord. I am eternally grateful to you for accepting me in the service of your lotus feet. My only wish is to get a benediction to serve your Lotus feet constantly, I know in my heart that that is the only way I am able to fulfil the purpose of this human life.
Srila Prabhupada asked the Lord to use him as a puppet, I am not trying to imitate SP, but I want to sincerely request you and pray at your lotus feet to use me in your service as I can not be trusted to do it myself, I am like a kitten, please hold me with your strength as I don’t have any strength, I don’t have any qualification, I want to dependent on your instructions only.
I have tried depending on my mind throughout this life and I ended up in a pub or movie theatre or MCG to watch Boxing Day test cricket at the max. So please accept my request, I know that I cannot be trusted, my only hope is if you keep me close to your lotus feet. I want to serve you eternally, I want to serve you the way you like, I want to serve you with all my heart and my soul. I want to follow you like the North Star, but the problem is that I am blind, so please let me hold on to your lotus feet so that I can be dragged with you to wherever you want me to go. Please help me stay true to my eternal goal – to serve you.
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this day of your appearance.
Several years ago when I was living in the Bhakti Lounge ladies’ ashram I had a dream in which you asked to see me. When I entered the room you were in, you were sitting at a desk with your back to me, counting money. You turned around in the chair and handed the money to me, counting each note out loud as you put it into my hand. As you placed the final note in my hand I said, “You’ve given me too much.” You responded by saying, “Make a lifetime career out of your chanting.”
While I have no real understanding of the depth of what you’ve given me, I would like to attempt to express my gratitude to you for the shelter, care, guidance and encouragement you’ve showered down on me over the past decade. Despite my slow pace on the bhakti train, my connection to you is what encourages me to keep pushing ahead.
Thank you for lifting me up, for pulling me out of the depths of illusion and resuscitating me. You’ve created an inspiring community at Bhakti Lounge that provides such nourishment and solace to so many. Without this community I would surely have become lost at sea again.
Gurudeva, how can I ever repay you for all that you’ve given me?
The answer is simply that I cannot, but that it is my duty to try.
I pray that I may somehow follow your instructions and make a lifetime career out of my chanting. That I may make my life an offering to you.
With gratitude,
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this day of your appearance.
Several years ago when I was living in the Bhakti Lounge ladies’ ashram I had a dream in which you asked to see me. When I entered the room you were in, you were sitting at a desk with your back to me, counting money. You turned around in the chair and handed the money to me, counting each note out loud as you put it into my hand. As you placed the final note in my hand I said, “You’ve given me too much.” You responded by saying, “Make a lifetime career out of your chanting.”
While I have no real understanding of the depth of what you’ve given me, I would like to attempt to express my gratitude to you for the shelter, care, guidance and encouragement you’ve showered down on me over the past decade. Despite my slow pace on the bhakti train, my connection to you is what encourages me to keep pushing ahead.
Thank you for lifting me up, for pulling me out of the depths of illusion and resuscitating me. You’ve created an inspiring community at Bhakti Lounge that provides such nourishment and solace to so many. Without this community I would surely have become lost at sea again.
Gurudeva, how can I ever repay you for all that you’ve given me?
The answer is simply that I cannot, but that it is my duty to try.
I pray that I may somehow follow your instructions and make a lifetime career out of my chanting. That I may make my life an offering to you.
With gratitude,
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Candanesvara Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your auspicious Appearance Day!
Thank you so much Gurudev for agreeing and being personally present in Melbourne for Vyasa puja celebrations this year.
I am very grateful to you for accepting me as your disciple. And after my limited years in Krishna consciousness I am still trying to understand what it means to be a disciple.
Srila Prabhupada explains different types of disciples. Uttama disciple is the disciple who even without the spiritual master giving a direct order that, “I want this to be done” can understand the mind and desire of the spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada sometimes would just raise his finger without any indication or spoken words and the servant would jump up and close the window or turn on the light or somehow or other they would just do exactly what he wanted, sometimes they would do the wrong thing.
I am personally very very far from being a perfect disciple, but you are the closest example I have seen of a perfect disciple. Throughout your life, you have carried out the orders of Prabhupada without any explicit instructions or personal guidance. Today, Srila Prabhupada is no longer physically present to communicate his desires directly or indirectly. He is not lifting his finger, yet you continue to understand what Srila Prabhupada expects from you. I am so fortunate to have you as my spiritual master to guide me in my journey of purification towards Krishna.
Opposite of the Uttama disciples are the Kanishta or the neophyte disciples.They try to follow the order of the spiritual master, but are not cent percent expert or capable. They want to follow, but are not always able to do it in the most enthusiastic way or in the most perfect way. If I am being perfectly open and honest, I am on the Kanishta platform. It feels that I am a disciple externally but there is a lot to work on internally. My only hope is that with guidance and association of devotees I will be able to cross my anarthas and truly try to serve you in a better way.
Gurudev, I am so grateful to you for giving me this god family who set very high standards of being a disciple to serve you and Krishna. They make your instructions their life and soul and embody them completely. Their service attitude and compassion especially for the non-devotees always reminds me of your compassion. Just like a touchstone, you have turned our iron hearts into gold. Only by your guidance, encouragement and motivation can we continue our service. I can only pray at your lotus feet and lotus feet of all my god family and all other Melbourne devotees to give me the enthusiasm to serve you better.
My most fond memory which I cherish is when I was the recipient of your boundless compassion, even before you formally accepted me as your disciple. There was a situation where it felt like I would have to move to Sydney. I was very concerned about leaving the association of Melbourne devotee community. I expressed some of my concerns to you.
Without hesitation you said, "There is no harm in going to Sydney. If you like I can arrange your stay with devotees and you continue to offer your service in preaching over there. I am soon going to start a university preaching program over there." The love and care you expressed was life transforming. You were ready to take care of me even when I was not your disciple. Your magnanimity and deep concern for my material and spiritual welfare inspired me to take the Krishna Conscious process more seriously. I feel secure in your love that has only grown deeper over time.
I would like to seek your shelter on this auspicious day to grant me the courage, enthusiasm and determination to continue to serve you. Please continue to engage me in Lord Chaitanya's movement which is an incredibly rare opportunity. Your guidance and mercy has been boundless. I hope one day to become truly your worthy disciple.
Aspiring to be your disciple,
Candanesvara das
Suvarna Radhika Dasi
Narottam and Sudama
Please accept my humble obeisance!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your auspicious Appearance Day!
Thank you so much Gurudev for agreeing and being personally present in Melbourne for Vyasa puja celebrations this year.
I am very grateful to you for accepting me as your disciple. And after my limited years in Krishna consciousness I am still trying to understand what it means to be a disciple.
Srila Prabhupada explains different types of disciples. Uttama disciple is the disciple who even without the spiritual master giving a direct order that, “I want this to be done” can understand the mind and desire of the spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada sometimes would just raise his finger without any indication or spoken words and the servant would jump up and close the window or turn on the light or somehow or other they would just do exactly what he wanted, sometimes they would do the wrong thing.
I am personally very very far from being a perfect disciple, but you are the closest example I have seen of a perfect disciple. Throughout your life, you have carried out the orders of Prabhupada without any explicit instructions or personal guidance. Today, Srila Prabhupada is no longer physically present to communicate his desires directly or indirectly. He is not lifting his finger, yet you continue to understand what Srila Prabhupada expects from you. I am so fortunate to have you as my spiritual master to guide me in my journey of purification towards Krishna.
Opposite of the Uttama disciples are the Kanishta or the neophyte disciples.They try to follow the order of the spiritual master, but are not cent percent expert or capable. They want to follow, but are not always able to do it in the most enthusiastic way or in the most perfect way. If I am being perfectly open and honest, I am on the Kanishta platform. It feels that I am a disciple externally but there is a lot to work on internally. My only hope is that with guidance and association of devotees I will be able to cross my anarthas and truly try to serve you in a better way.
Gurudev, I am so grateful to you for giving me this god family who set very high standards of being a disciple to serve you and Krishna. They make your instructions their life and soul and embody them completely. Their service attitude and compassion especially for the non-devotees always reminds me of your compassion. Just like a touchstone, you have turned our iron hearts into gold. Only by your guidance, encouragement and motivation can we continue our service. I can only pray at your lotus feet and lotus feet of all my god family and all other Melbourne devotees to give me the enthusiasm to serve you better.
My most fond memory which I cherish is when I was the recipient of your boundless compassion, even before you formally accepted me as your disciple. There was a situation where it felt like I would have to move to Sydney. I was very concerned about leaving the association of Melbourne devotee community. I expressed some of my concerns to you.
Without hesitation you said, "There is no harm in going to Sydney. If you like I can arrange your stay with devotees and you continue to offer your service in preaching over there. I am soon going to start a university preaching program over there." The love and care you expressed was life transforming. You were ready to take care of me even when I was not your disciple. Your magnanimity and deep concern for my material and spiritual welfare inspired me to take the Krishna Conscious process more seriously. I feel secure in your love that has only grown deeper over time.
I would like to seek your shelter on this auspicious day to grant me the courage, enthusiasm and determination to continue to serve you. Please continue to engage me in Lord Chaitanya's movement which is an incredibly rare opportunity. Your guidance and mercy has been boundless. I hope one day to become truly your worthy disciple.
Aspiring to be your disciple,
Candanesvara das
Suvarna Radhika Dasi
Narottam and Sudama
Caṇḍīdāsa dāsa
nama oṁ viṣṇu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre pūrva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Every year while preparing all the nice offerings from all your many disciples, aspiring disciples and well-wishers, I feel my own lack of meaningful realisation.
All I know is that I'm very grateful to be able to do this service for you and the devotees. Devotional service is my life and soul. Thank you for creating so many service opportunities.
your servant, Caṇḍīdāsa dāsa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre pūrva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Every year while preparing all the nice offerings from all your many disciples, aspiring disciples and well-wishers, I feel my own lack of meaningful realisation.
All I know is that I'm very grateful to be able to do this service for you and the devotees. Devotional service is my life and soul. Thank you for creating so many service opportunities.
your servant, Caṇḍīdāsa dāsa
Charumukhi devi dasi
Dear Gurudev, please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet!
All Glories to you! All Glories to Srila Praphupada!
On this amazing day of your Devine appearance, I would like to thank you for everything!
All my spiritual achievements were only possible because of your causeless mercy and your kind guidance.
Thank you so much dear Gurumaharaj for accepting me as your disciple and making my spiritual path so bright and joyful!
This year I had so many service opportunities and when they come i always remember you! I am so grateful for that!
Thank you so much dear Gurumaharaj I will try to be a better disciple and please you.
Please forgive me for any offences I may have accidentally committed.
I fully depend on your mercy!
Your servant
Charumukhi dd
All Glories to you! All Glories to Srila Praphupada!
On this amazing day of your Devine appearance, I would like to thank you for everything!
All my spiritual achievements were only possible because of your causeless mercy and your kind guidance.
Thank you so much dear Gurumaharaj for accepting me as your disciple and making my spiritual path so bright and joyful!
This year I had so many service opportunities and when they come i always remember you! I am so grateful for that!
Thank you so much dear Gurumaharaj I will try to be a better disciple and please you.
Please forgive me for any offences I may have accidentally committed.
I fully depend on your mercy!
Your servant
Charumukhi dd
Citta Mohini
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the very special day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, you are very kind, charitable, merciful and magnanimous, always tirelessly traveling and guiding others. Recently, i saw you in darshan with a devotee in Melbourne. You had many engagements, but still you were giving your personal time to so many devotees for darshans. Physically you might have been exhausted but it seems nothing can stop you from preaching and caring for devotees. The level of energy and enthusiasm you have for spreading Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission is inconceivable to me.
Gurudeva, you are always reminding us of the rare opportunity that we have got in the form of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy. And how we need to keep up with our daily practice. Listening to your lectures always gives me fresh enthusiasm. Thank you for giving me the most amazing and precious jewel of bhakti. I pray for your mercy that i am able to hold the jewel that you have given me.
Gurudeva, you are so personal. You have so many disciples, but still you are able to remember whats going in lives of so many. I am very fortunate to have such a loving and caring spiritual father.
Srila Prabhupada says in purport of SB 3.25.8:
"<i>The disciple or conditioned soul is put into this darkest region of ignorance and therefore is entangled in the material existence of sense gratification. It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance. The spiritual master is therefore worshiped as one who delivers the disciple from the mire of ignorance with the light of the torch of knowledge…… By the instruction of the spiritual master, the darkness of ignorance is removed, and thus the disciple is enabled to go to the side of freedom. </i> "
Time and again, you are repeating yourself, giving the knowledge to us. Now it's up to the individual to be wanting to accept. Gurudeva, I beg you for the strength to be able to follow your instructions, serve you in some small way and save myself from the rotating cycle of birth and death.
Your indebted servant and spiritual daughter
Citta Mohini dd
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the very special day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, you are very kind, charitable, merciful and magnanimous, always tirelessly traveling and guiding others. Recently, i saw you in darshan with a devotee in Melbourne. You had many engagements, but still you were giving your personal time to so many devotees for darshans. Physically you might have been exhausted but it seems nothing can stop you from preaching and caring for devotees. The level of energy and enthusiasm you have for spreading Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission is inconceivable to me.
Gurudeva, you are always reminding us of the rare opportunity that we have got in the form of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy. And how we need to keep up with our daily practice. Listening to your lectures always gives me fresh enthusiasm. Thank you for giving me the most amazing and precious jewel of bhakti. I pray for your mercy that i am able to hold the jewel that you have given me.
Gurudeva, you are so personal. You have so many disciples, but still you are able to remember whats going in lives of so many. I am very fortunate to have such a loving and caring spiritual father.
Srila Prabhupada says in purport of SB 3.25.8:
"<i>The disciple or conditioned soul is put into this darkest region of ignorance and therefore is entangled in the material existence of sense gratification. It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance. The spiritual master is therefore worshiped as one who delivers the disciple from the mire of ignorance with the light of the torch of knowledge…… By the instruction of the spiritual master, the darkness of ignorance is removed, and thus the disciple is enabled to go to the side of freedom. </i> "
Time and again, you are repeating yourself, giving the knowledge to us. Now it's up to the individual to be wanting to accept. Gurudeva, I beg you for the strength to be able to follow your instructions, serve you in some small way and save myself from the rotating cycle of birth and death.
Your indebted servant and spiritual daughter
Citta Mohini dd
Dainyārnava Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories onto your lotus feet!
Its amazing how chanting Hare Krishna year after year, we realise our good fortune in having a means to go against the status quo.
As we grow older, and feel more settled, become more calm, we can hear our chanting more. It is wonderful to have something to hold onto and feel content that we are getting closer to our destination.
I realise not everyone is willing to give Krishna consciousnes a try. I also realise how lucky I have been to have your presence and receive your guidance in my life.
I pray that you have a very happy Appearance Day and many many happy returns of this day.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories onto your lotus feet!
Its amazing how chanting Hare Krishna year after year, we realise our good fortune in having a means to go against the status quo.
As we grow older, and feel more settled, become more calm, we can hear our chanting more. It is wonderful to have something to hold onto and feel content that we are getting closer to our destination.
I realise not everyone is willing to give Krishna consciousnes a try. I also realise how lucky I have been to have your presence and receive your guidance in my life.
I pray that you have a very happy Appearance Day and many many happy returns of this day.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Daityari-hari Dasa
Hare Krishna Maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for all the relentless yet thoughtfully placed energy you put into everything that you do. You demonstrate courage determination resourcefulness, incredible spiritual intelligence and selfless love in all the acts that you do.
You've preached Krishna Consciousness in some of the most dangerous situations, such as behind the iron curtain. As a black bodied American to do that in an environment where nobody else in the USSR would have looked like that and where someone who looked like that surely would have stood out a mile everywhere he went is in itself courageous. However on top of that, to be preaching a message that could have easily lead to your being sent to a Gulag or even executed under those circumstances is a phenomenal display of courage. The fact that you had such success and are alive today to tell the tale of this demonstrates that you are a surrendered soul, completely under the protection of Lord Caitanya and the internal potency.
The setbacks you faced in so many situations like when the Australian BBT put obstacles in your path out of self confessed envy of you and the various projects in which people failed to stand by you would be enough for any ordinary human being to become disillusioned or even traumatized to the point of wanting to give up, but the fact is that you continually tried to serve Srila Prabhupada under all circumstances using whatever resources you had available and successfuly turning each seeming setback into a greater gain. Examples such as your phenomenaly well researched and written book, "Searching for Vedic India" during the period of misunderstanding with the Australian BBT and the success you have achieved in creating so many devotees through your personaly masterminded preaching initiatives according to time place and circumstances, regardless of the various impediments, are certainly a mark of the kind of person you are.
These example illustrate your determination as well as your highly empowered spiritual intelligence and resourcefulness and willingness to do the best thing possible under any circumstance.
It certainly demonstrates that you are Prabhupada ma, following strictly in his footsteps by your personal example.
Lastly, your quality of selfless love is demonstrated by your willingness to show mercy to so many fallen people. You grew up under relatively privalaged circumstances and had the best education. Your a highly refined, sophisticated and developed person even from the material standpoint. Usually such people, turn their noses up at people from the lower walks of life who don't know how to behave properly and are poorly educated. Even among devotees I often see this subtle tendancy that we see everything and everyone through the lense of our own conditioning. You however, reach out to all kinds of people and give shelter to anyone who correctly follows the basics of Krsna Consciousness and expresses an interest to be your disciple. Not only that but you maintain a personal relationship with each and every one of your disciples from all walks of life and on different levels of spiritual development. I have to openly confess that this is why I expressed interest in becoming your disciple initially. I was desperate to accept a guru, and while I can't relay any noteworthy personal stories from any of my interactions with you or I can't honestly say that I really educated myself properly as to what a guru disciple relationship was or prepared myself properly for it, I knew I needed someone's mercy and could perceive your willingness to show mercy on fallen people.
When I see the straight forward and simple willingness set by sincere devotees to selflessly dedicate their lives to the orders of their guru's free from personal motives, it makes me feel pain when I see my own selfishness. I've been serving this mission for over seven years now, and I'm confident that there's nothing better in this world. However my reflections on spiritual life and my own experiences of personal victories would be actually real if I was following your instructions in this simple and straightforward way
I lack all the qualities mentioned above. I have given out Prabhupada's books throughout these last seven years and tried to serve devotees and be consistent in my service efforts. However there are so many challenges ahead I feel unable to face or even cope with, I just pray to be able to sincerely take shelter of your lotus feet free from any reservations, and whatever stands in the way of me doing this I pray to be removed by any means necessary, whether I like it or not.
Your aspiring servant.
Daityari-hari dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for all the relentless yet thoughtfully placed energy you put into everything that you do. You demonstrate courage determination resourcefulness, incredible spiritual intelligence and selfless love in all the acts that you do.
You've preached Krishna Consciousness in some of the most dangerous situations, such as behind the iron curtain. As a black bodied American to do that in an environment where nobody else in the USSR would have looked like that and where someone who looked like that surely would have stood out a mile everywhere he went is in itself courageous. However on top of that, to be preaching a message that could have easily lead to your being sent to a Gulag or even executed under those circumstances is a phenomenal display of courage. The fact that you had such success and are alive today to tell the tale of this demonstrates that you are a surrendered soul, completely under the protection of Lord Caitanya and the internal potency.
The setbacks you faced in so many situations like when the Australian BBT put obstacles in your path out of self confessed envy of you and the various projects in which people failed to stand by you would be enough for any ordinary human being to become disillusioned or even traumatized to the point of wanting to give up, but the fact is that you continually tried to serve Srila Prabhupada under all circumstances using whatever resources you had available and successfuly turning each seeming setback into a greater gain. Examples such as your phenomenaly well researched and written book, "Searching for Vedic India" during the period of misunderstanding with the Australian BBT and the success you have achieved in creating so many devotees through your personaly masterminded preaching initiatives according to time place and circumstances, regardless of the various impediments, are certainly a mark of the kind of person you are.
These example illustrate your determination as well as your highly empowered spiritual intelligence and resourcefulness and willingness to do the best thing possible under any circumstance.
It certainly demonstrates that you are Prabhupada ma, following strictly in his footsteps by your personal example.
Lastly, your quality of selfless love is demonstrated by your willingness to show mercy to so many fallen people. You grew up under relatively privalaged circumstances and had the best education. Your a highly refined, sophisticated and developed person even from the material standpoint. Usually such people, turn their noses up at people from the lower walks of life who don't know how to behave properly and are poorly educated. Even among devotees I often see this subtle tendancy that we see everything and everyone through the lense of our own conditioning. You however, reach out to all kinds of people and give shelter to anyone who correctly follows the basics of Krsna Consciousness and expresses an interest to be your disciple. Not only that but you maintain a personal relationship with each and every one of your disciples from all walks of life and on different levels of spiritual development. I have to openly confess that this is why I expressed interest in becoming your disciple initially. I was desperate to accept a guru, and while I can't relay any noteworthy personal stories from any of my interactions with you or I can't honestly say that I really educated myself properly as to what a guru disciple relationship was or prepared myself properly for it, I knew I needed someone's mercy and could perceive your willingness to show mercy on fallen people.
When I see the straight forward and simple willingness set by sincere devotees to selflessly dedicate their lives to the orders of their guru's free from personal motives, it makes me feel pain when I see my own selfishness. I've been serving this mission for over seven years now, and I'm confident that there's nothing better in this world. However my reflections on spiritual life and my own experiences of personal victories would be actually real if I was following your instructions in this simple and straightforward way
I lack all the qualities mentioned above. I have given out Prabhupada's books throughout these last seven years and tried to serve devotees and be consistent in my service efforts. However there are so many challenges ahead I feel unable to face or even cope with, I just pray to be able to sincerely take shelter of your lotus feet free from any reservations, and whatever stands in the way of me doing this I pray to be removed by any means necessary, whether I like it or not.
Your aspiring servant.
Daityari-hari dasa.
Damodara Katha Das
- [ ]
- [ ] Please accept my humble obeisances and glories to Srila Prabhupada. I witnessed your humility, kindness, greatness, and grace when one time you walked me around the barn at Gita Nagari and asked me to clean around the barn because the trash destroys the aesthetics of the farm. However while I was being told to clean up I was surprised because you were actually picking up the trash while you told me to clean the barn. It showed that you have been trained very well and regardless of your position you are willing to do anything to be an example, and for the future. I always remember Lord Caitanyas line "I am not a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra. I am not a brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha or sannyasi. What am I? I am the eternal servant of the servant of the servant of Lord Krsna". It was your attitude of service that brighten everything and matter of fact it was actually one of the most impactful experience in my Krishna Consciousness experience. Your humble than a blade of grass and tolerant than a tree.
Damodara Krsna dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you,
On the material platform everything is mixed (misra). As long as one is in contact with the material energy, tri-guna-mayi, then all one's motivations are mixed with that material energy. Therefore the prakrta-bhakta, the materialistic devotee (or the sakama-bhakta), can only offer mixed devotional service.
You on the other hand are on the spiritual platform of unmotivated and uninterrupted service to Srila Prabhupada and the Panca-Tattva. You are a suddha-bhakta; that is my conviction. As you have explained before, suddha-bhakti means "whatever Krsna wants, however Krsna wants, whenever Krsna wants." Thy will, not my will. That is purity. That is the force.
What is the hope for the prakrta-bhaktas, those who know that Krsna is Bhagavan and that bhakti to Him is the goal, but yet hold material pursuits as a higher priority? The mood of the devas, "I will worship Visnu and enjoy Svarga."
The hope for such materially motivated devotees is the association of pure devotees. Such is the example of Dhruva Maharaja.
Therefore I conclude that as long as I can somehow get a bit of your association then there is still hope for me. Time has definently shown I am not above material allurements and entrapments. But still, there is hope as long as I have you. Without you there is no hope for me.
sadhu-sanga', 'sadhu-sanga'—sarva-sastre kaya
lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya
I like to contemplate how you have said, "Krsna never grabs at matter for enjoyment." Naturally, neither does such a pure devotee like yourself.
I am grateful to have you as the shining example of suddha-bhakti in this darkness of Kali.
Thankful and indebted,
Damodara Krsna dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you,
On the material platform everything is mixed (misra). As long as one is in contact with the material energy, tri-guna-mayi, then all one's motivations are mixed with that material energy. Therefore the prakrta-bhakta, the materialistic devotee (or the sakama-bhakta), can only offer mixed devotional service.
You on the other hand are on the spiritual platform of unmotivated and uninterrupted service to Srila Prabhupada and the Panca-Tattva. You are a suddha-bhakta; that is my conviction. As you have explained before, suddha-bhakti means "whatever Krsna wants, however Krsna wants, whenever Krsna wants." Thy will, not my will. That is purity. That is the force.
What is the hope for the prakrta-bhaktas, those who know that Krsna is Bhagavan and that bhakti to Him is the goal, but yet hold material pursuits as a higher priority? The mood of the devas, "I will worship Visnu and enjoy Svarga."
The hope for such materially motivated devotees is the association of pure devotees. Such is the example of Dhruva Maharaja.
Therefore I conclude that as long as I can somehow get a bit of your association then there is still hope for me. Time has definently shown I am not above material allurements and entrapments. But still, there is hope as long as I have you. Without you there is no hope for me.
sadhu-sanga', 'sadhu-sanga'—sarva-sastre kaya
lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya
I like to contemplate how you have said, "Krsna never grabs at matter for enjoyment." Naturally, neither does such a pure devotee like yourself.
I am grateful to have you as the shining example of suddha-bhakti in this darkness of Kali.
Thankful and indebted,
Damodara Krsna dasa.
Dandakaranya das
Nama Om Visnu Padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutala
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 Gurumaharaja,
I have been reflecting on a point you made in a class on how the material world is just a perverted reflection of Krsna’s pleasure pastimes in the spiritual realm of Goloka Vrindavana. You gave an example of teenagers who like to go to forest rave dance parties in the middle of the night and take intoxication. That propensity has it’s origin in Krsna’s pure lila’s with the gopis in Vrindavana.
In chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita Krsna provides an example of an upside down Banyan tree to elaborate on this point of the material world being a reflection of the spiritual reality.
In the purport to BG 15.1 Prabhupada writes:
“This tree, being the reflection of the real tree, is an exact replica. Everything is there in the spiritual world. The impersonalists take Brahman to be the root of this material tree, and from the root, according to Sankhya philosophy, come prakriti, purusa, then the three gunas, then the five gross elements (panca-maha-bhuta), then the ten senses (dasendriya), mind, etc. In this way they divide up the whole material world into twenty-four elements. If Brahman is the center of all manifestations, then this material world is a manifestation of the center by 180 degrees, and the other 180 degrees constitute the spiritual world. The material world is the perverted reflection, so the spiritual world must have the same variegatedness, but in reality. The prakriti is the external energy of the Supreme Lord, and the purusa is the Supreme Lord Himself, and that is explained in Bhagavad-gita. Since this manifestation is material, it is temporary. A reflection is temporary, for it is sometimes seen and sometimes not seen. But the origin from whence the reflection is reflected is eternal. The material reflection of the real tree has to be cut off. When it is said that a person knows the Vedas, it is assumed that he knows how to cut off attachment to this material world. If one knows that process, he actually knows the Vedas. One who is attracted by the ritualistic formulas of the Vedas is attracted by the beautiful green leaves of the tree. He does not exactly know the purpose of the Vedas. The purpose of the Vedas, as disclosed by the Personality of Godhead Himself, is to cut down this reflected tree and attain the real tree of the spiritual world.”
In the purport to text 3-4 in chapter 15 Prabhupada further writes:
“The word asanga is very important in this connection because the attachment for sense enjoyment and lording it over the material nature is very strong. Therefore one must learn detachment by discussion of spiritual science based on authoritative scriptures, and one must hear from persons who are actually in knowledge. As a result of such discussion in the association of devotees, one comes to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then the first thing one must do is surrender to Him. The description of that place whence having gone one never returns to this false reflected tree is given here. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, is the original root from whom everything has emanated. To gain favor of that Personality of Godhead, one has only to surrender, and this is a result of performing devotional service by hearing, chanting, etc. He is the cause of the extension of the material world. This has already been explained by the Lord Himself. Aham sarvasya prabhavah: [Bg. 10.8] "I am the origin of everything." Therefore to get out of the entanglement of this strong banyan tree of material life, one must surrender to Krsna. As soon as one surrenders unto Krsna, one becomes detached automatically from this material extension.”
In another class you made a point on how it takes around 7 years for a student of one of the reductionist sciences (maybe molecular biology from memory?) to be able to adjust their perception of reality to see the world as nothing more than material atoms and molecules interacting with one another.
In the same way the bhakti yoga practitioner, through the process of sadhana bhakti, sravanam kirtanam visno smaranam, is purifying their perceptions to see the Krsna reality everywhere. We read in the Caitanya Caritamrta how Lord Caitanya was so absorbed in Krsna’s pastimes that he saw the sand dunes in Jagannath Puri as Govardhana Hill.
As Prabhupada writes in the purport to Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 2.9:
“Because of the winds of the sea, sometimes the sand would form dunes. Such sand dunes are called cataka parvata. Instead of seeing these sand dunes simply as hills of sand, the Lord would take them to be Govardhana Hill. Sometimes He would run toward these dunes at high speed, crying very loudly, expressing the state of mind exhibited by Radharani. Thus Caitanya Mahaprabhu was absorbed in thoughts of Krsna and His pastimes. His state of mind brought Him the atmosphere of Vrndavana and Govardhana Hill, and thus He enjoyed the transcendental bliss of separation and meeting.”
As Prabhupada states “At night we have the night dreams and during the day we have the day dream.” Thank-you for slowly starting to wake me up to the reality within the dream.
Your servant
Dandakaranya das
Krsna-presthaya Bhutala
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 Gurumaharaja,
I have been reflecting on a point you made in a class on how the material world is just a perverted reflection of Krsna’s pleasure pastimes in the spiritual realm of Goloka Vrindavana. You gave an example of teenagers who like to go to forest rave dance parties in the middle of the night and take intoxication. That propensity has it’s origin in Krsna’s pure lila’s with the gopis in Vrindavana.
In chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita Krsna provides an example of an upside down Banyan tree to elaborate on this point of the material world being a reflection of the spiritual reality.
In the purport to BG 15.1 Prabhupada writes:
“This tree, being the reflection of the real tree, is an exact replica. Everything is there in the spiritual world. The impersonalists take Brahman to be the root of this material tree, and from the root, according to Sankhya philosophy, come prakriti, purusa, then the three gunas, then the five gross elements (panca-maha-bhuta), then the ten senses (dasendriya), mind, etc. In this way they divide up the whole material world into twenty-four elements. If Brahman is the center of all manifestations, then this material world is a manifestation of the center by 180 degrees, and the other 180 degrees constitute the spiritual world. The material world is the perverted reflection, so the spiritual world must have the same variegatedness, but in reality. The prakriti is the external energy of the Supreme Lord, and the purusa is the Supreme Lord Himself, and that is explained in Bhagavad-gita. Since this manifestation is material, it is temporary. A reflection is temporary, for it is sometimes seen and sometimes not seen. But the origin from whence the reflection is reflected is eternal. The material reflection of the real tree has to be cut off. When it is said that a person knows the Vedas, it is assumed that he knows how to cut off attachment to this material world. If one knows that process, he actually knows the Vedas. One who is attracted by the ritualistic formulas of the Vedas is attracted by the beautiful green leaves of the tree. He does not exactly know the purpose of the Vedas. The purpose of the Vedas, as disclosed by the Personality of Godhead Himself, is to cut down this reflected tree and attain the real tree of the spiritual world.”
In the purport to text 3-4 in chapter 15 Prabhupada further writes:
“The word asanga is very important in this connection because the attachment for sense enjoyment and lording it over the material nature is very strong. Therefore one must learn detachment by discussion of spiritual science based on authoritative scriptures, and one must hear from persons who are actually in knowledge. As a result of such discussion in the association of devotees, one comes to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then the first thing one must do is surrender to Him. The description of that place whence having gone one never returns to this false reflected tree is given here. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, is the original root from whom everything has emanated. To gain favor of that Personality of Godhead, one has only to surrender, and this is a result of performing devotional service by hearing, chanting, etc. He is the cause of the extension of the material world. This has already been explained by the Lord Himself. Aham sarvasya prabhavah: [Bg. 10.8] "I am the origin of everything." Therefore to get out of the entanglement of this strong banyan tree of material life, one must surrender to Krsna. As soon as one surrenders unto Krsna, one becomes detached automatically from this material extension.”
In another class you made a point on how it takes around 7 years for a student of one of the reductionist sciences (maybe molecular biology from memory?) to be able to adjust their perception of reality to see the world as nothing more than material atoms and molecules interacting with one another.
In the same way the bhakti yoga practitioner, through the process of sadhana bhakti, sravanam kirtanam visno smaranam, is purifying their perceptions to see the Krsna reality everywhere. We read in the Caitanya Caritamrta how Lord Caitanya was so absorbed in Krsna’s pastimes that he saw the sand dunes in Jagannath Puri as Govardhana Hill.
As Prabhupada writes in the purport to Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 2.9:
“Because of the winds of the sea, sometimes the sand would form dunes. Such sand dunes are called cataka parvata. Instead of seeing these sand dunes simply as hills of sand, the Lord would take them to be Govardhana Hill. Sometimes He would run toward these dunes at high speed, crying very loudly, expressing the state of mind exhibited by Radharani. Thus Caitanya Mahaprabhu was absorbed in thoughts of Krsna and His pastimes. His state of mind brought Him the atmosphere of Vrndavana and Govardhana Hill, and thus He enjoyed the transcendental bliss of separation and meeting.”
As Prabhupada states “At night we have the night dreams and during the day we have the day dream.” Thank-you for slowly starting to wake me up to the reality within the dream.
Your servant
Dandakaranya das
Dasya-Prema das
Dear Guru Maharaja, please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to you! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Guru Maharaja, you once asked me what kind of disciple I was going to be. "Will you be the kind of disciple that just keeps the picture of their Guru on their wall and that's it?"
It was a very deep and thought-provoking question. How much do I want to selflessly serve Krishna by fully surrendering to the orders of the spiritual master? There are so many excuses that I can come up with in order to not come to this higher stage. Sometimes I feel like I can write whole books or give full seminars on these excuses. The mind is always trying to settle for less; to be comfortable in Krishna consciousness; to serve Krishna in a way that I want to. But is this the standard of Bhakti that you teach; enduring such discomfort and taxing your brain so as to expand the number of bhaktas?
Surely there is much glory in performing any level of Bhakti, but as Rupa Goswami states: anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ
jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu-
śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā
We encourage everyone, but the highest standard must be made available, just as Rupa and Sanatan Goswami praised Lord Caitanya for his distributing pure love of Krishna.
Guru Maharaja, you are constantly leading us to the gold standard by your acar and pracar. I feel so fortunate for your constant pushings. You are urging us to come to this highest platform even if it means having to dismantle our excuses for the umpteenth time. Guru Maharaja please do not give up on me and please continue to invite me into this realm of selfless devotion to Guru and Krishna.
Striving to be your unconditional servant, Dasya-Prema das
Guru Maharaja, you once asked me what kind of disciple I was going to be. "Will you be the kind of disciple that just keeps the picture of their Guru on their wall and that's it?"
It was a very deep and thought-provoking question. How much do I want to selflessly serve Krishna by fully surrendering to the orders of the spiritual master? There are so many excuses that I can come up with in order to not come to this higher stage. Sometimes I feel like I can write whole books or give full seminars on these excuses. The mind is always trying to settle for less; to be comfortable in Krishna consciousness; to serve Krishna in a way that I want to. But is this the standard of Bhakti that you teach; enduring such discomfort and taxing your brain so as to expand the number of bhaktas?
Surely there is much glory in performing any level of Bhakti, but as Rupa Goswami states: anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ
jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu-
śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā
We encourage everyone, but the highest standard must be made available, just as Rupa and Sanatan Goswami praised Lord Caitanya for his distributing pure love of Krishna.
Guru Maharaja, you are constantly leading us to the gold standard by your acar and pracar. I feel so fortunate for your constant pushings. You are urging us to come to this highest platform even if it means having to dismantle our excuses for the umpteenth time. Guru Maharaja please do not give up on me and please continue to invite me into this realm of selfless devotion to Guru and Krishna.
Striving to be your unconditional servant, Dasya-Prema das
Dasyamrita
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
It is hard to express how indebted I feel to you with words. It is a far deeper feeling of gratitude than can be explained through the English language.
The dedication you have for serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission is unfathomable for someone with such polluted consciousness to understand, but gives me so much hope and enthusiasm for the future.
It has become clear to me through the wonderful shelter I have been blessed with while living with the yatras and associating with other such sincere disciples, that your renunciation and love are immense, and seem to know no bounds.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude because you have enlivened my life. The family mood you have welcomed my family and I into is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, but everything I’ve always wanted.
You have been serving Prabhupada so sincerely for so long, and I wish to have the opportunity to try to do the same for you.
I know I will never come close to the surrender you have, but I pray that with your blessings I can be of some service to your mission.
Your aspiring servant, for ever,
Dasyamrita.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
It is hard to express how indebted I feel to you with words. It is a far deeper feeling of gratitude than can be explained through the English language.
The dedication you have for serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission is unfathomable for someone with such polluted consciousness to understand, but gives me so much hope and enthusiasm for the future.
It has become clear to me through the wonderful shelter I have been blessed with while living with the yatras and associating with other such sincere disciples, that your renunciation and love are immense, and seem to know no bounds.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude because you have enlivened my life. The family mood you have welcomed my family and I into is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, but everything I’ve always wanted.
You have been serving Prabhupada so sincerely for so long, and I wish to have the opportunity to try to do the same for you.
I know I will never come close to the surrender you have, but I pray that with your blessings I can be of some service to your mission.
Your aspiring servant, for ever,
Dasyamrita.
Dayal Nitai Dasa
Nama om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to your divine lotus feet.
This year whilst thinking about writing this offering I have taken the opportunity to ponder just how I am indebted to you.
I am Indebted to you for your merciful glance that has so definitely raised me from the ashes of a sinful life, a life with no direction or meaningful purpose. I am indebted to you for your expert guidance and personal care, indebted to you for not giving up on me, indebted to you for affording me the opportunity to rectify everything that is wrong in my life, and most importantly, indebted to you for making it possible for me to have the association of devotees and an opportunity to serve them.
How much hellish suffering have we been released from by taking shelter at your lotus feet? The answer we will probably never fully understand, it must be an unlimited ocean of suffering. I can still remember what life is like outside the shade of your lotus feet, being at the mercy of maya and constantly smashed on the rocks of selfish desire. Without your mercy I guess it would just go on, body after body, lifetime after lifetime of intense suffering.
But here we are now, living comfortably in the association of devotees, with endless opportunities for devotional service and ample guidance to get us through. For this we should be truly appreciative.
Despite it not being possible to absolve this debt, I want to show some gratitude by doing my best to humbly follow your instruction and live a life that is true to the principles of Krishna consciousness, a life you have so diligently demonstrated by your example.
gurudev!
krpa-bindu diya, koro' ei dase,
trnapekha ati hina
sakala sahane, bala diya koro',
nija-mane sprha-hina
Gurudeva! With a drop of mercy make this servant of yours humbler than a blade of grass. Give me the strength to bear all trials and troubles, and free me from all desire for honor. (verse 1 Gurudeva, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur)
Your aspiring servant,
Dayal NItai Dasa.
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to your divine lotus feet.
This year whilst thinking about writing this offering I have taken the opportunity to ponder just how I am indebted to you.
I am Indebted to you for your merciful glance that has so definitely raised me from the ashes of a sinful life, a life with no direction or meaningful purpose. I am indebted to you for your expert guidance and personal care, indebted to you for not giving up on me, indebted to you for affording me the opportunity to rectify everything that is wrong in my life, and most importantly, indebted to you for making it possible for me to have the association of devotees and an opportunity to serve them.
How much hellish suffering have we been released from by taking shelter at your lotus feet? The answer we will probably never fully understand, it must be an unlimited ocean of suffering. I can still remember what life is like outside the shade of your lotus feet, being at the mercy of maya and constantly smashed on the rocks of selfish desire. Without your mercy I guess it would just go on, body after body, lifetime after lifetime of intense suffering.
But here we are now, living comfortably in the association of devotees, with endless opportunities for devotional service and ample guidance to get us through. For this we should be truly appreciative.
Despite it not being possible to absolve this debt, I want to show some gratitude by doing my best to humbly follow your instruction and live a life that is true to the principles of Krishna consciousness, a life you have so diligently demonstrated by your example.
gurudev!
krpa-bindu diya, koro' ei dase,
trnapekha ati hina
sakala sahane, bala diya koro',
nija-mane sprha-hina
Gurudeva! With a drop of mercy make this servant of yours humbler than a blade of grass. Give me the strength to bear all trials and troubles, and free me from all desire for honor. (verse 1 Gurudeva, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur)
Your aspiring servant,
Dayal NItai Dasa.
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
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.
In a lecture on Damodarastakam SB 10.9.4 you speak with urgency and gravity:
" Don't make your life complicated, try to understand, you don't have that much time in your lifetime".
" You stick to the basics of Krsna Consciousness stick to the programme as Srīla Prabhupada has given it, day after day, and you'll get the result... you will get the result."
"After practicing for 30 years I can tell you the process actually works, it actually works, but we are so impatient about our performance of Krsna Consciousness. Instant everything".
Hearing you speak every day is so much needed in my life.
These words are instructive and are full of gravity and compassion.
Your words ask for commitment and reassure the disciple that it can be done.
Your life is a testimonial to the process of Krsna Consciousness as Srila Prabhupada gave it. Therefore you are able to give the same thing to others.
Therefore my real offering to you will be that day in day out I stick to the programme as given by Srila Prabhupada and become qualified to give what you have given me, a testimonial example of success in bhakti. To continue on the mission of Srila Prabhupada and inspire others to do the same.
Your servant
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
In a lecture on Damodarastakam SB 10.9.4 you speak with urgency and gravity:
" Don't make your life complicated, try to understand, you don't have that much time in your lifetime".
" You stick to the basics of Krsna Consciousness stick to the programme as Srīla Prabhupada has given it, day after day, and you'll get the result... you will get the result."
"After practicing for 30 years I can tell you the process actually works, it actually works, but we are so impatient about our performance of Krsna Consciousness. Instant everything".
Hearing you speak every day is so much needed in my life.
These words are instructive and are full of gravity and compassion.
Your words ask for commitment and reassure the disciple that it can be done.
Your life is a testimonial to the process of Krsna Consciousness as Srila Prabhupada gave it. Therefore you are able to give the same thing to others.
Therefore my real offering to you will be that day in day out I stick to the programme as given by Srila Prabhupada and become qualified to give what you have given me, a testimonial example of success in bhakti. To continue on the mission of Srila Prabhupada and inspire others to do the same.
Your servant
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dayamaya devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the most auspicious day of your appearance.
As the years role by, I gain deeper respect and appreciation for all that you have done for myself and others. Without your shelter, I dread to think what would have become of me!
Gurudeva, you are decorated with all the nice qualities that are so rare to find altogether in one person.
1. Although highly qualified, you renounced all opportunities for material success and have willingly surrendered your life to Srila Prabhupada and made his instructions your life and soul.
2. You continue to, diligently and with one-pointed intelligence (vyavasayatmika buddhi), fine tune your outreach efforts through your projects like Bhakti Lounge and the Loft. Your motto is to 'make it easy' and you tirelessly do that for the rapidly degrading inhabitants of kali yuga.
3. In a recent darshan, you asked about this guest 'Ron', who had been coming to the loft for years, if he was still coming. You asked us to get in touch with him and encourage him to resume his visits to the loft. Gurudeva, I pray I could have the same compassion and patience you have for even those who prefer to remain as 'friends of Krsna'.
4.You continue to care for your disciples, both personally and through mentors, making sure we are all properly situated and happily thriving in Krsna's service.
5. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, you undauntedly preach, tolerating all the offences of those who, not only, ungratefully leave you but also criticize you.
6.You are an equal opportunity employer. So many of my dear God sisters and God brothers have availed the service opportunities you have given them. But unfortunately I have not been daring and active enough to do so.
Gurudeva, you once revealed your heart by saying : 'My constant prayer is how the set distribution can increase.'
Gurudeva, I want to make your desire as my desire. But I feel quite incompetent and limited in executing this tall order.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I'm begging at your lotus feet to be an instrument in fulfilling your desire of distributing Srimad Bhagavatam sets to everyone I meet on sankirtan and cultivate them. Without your mercy, my efforts are just like the efforts of the little sparrow who tried to dry the ocean.
Aspiring to make your instructions as my life and soul,
Ys
Dayamaya devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the most auspicious day of your appearance.
As the years role by, I gain deeper respect and appreciation for all that you have done for myself and others. Without your shelter, I dread to think what would have become of me!
Gurudeva, you are decorated with all the nice qualities that are so rare to find altogether in one person.
1. Although highly qualified, you renounced all opportunities for material success and have willingly surrendered your life to Srila Prabhupada and made his instructions your life and soul.
2. You continue to, diligently and with one-pointed intelligence (vyavasayatmika buddhi), fine tune your outreach efforts through your projects like Bhakti Lounge and the Loft. Your motto is to 'make it easy' and you tirelessly do that for the rapidly degrading inhabitants of kali yuga.
3. In a recent darshan, you asked about this guest 'Ron', who had been coming to the loft for years, if he was still coming. You asked us to get in touch with him and encourage him to resume his visits to the loft. Gurudeva, I pray I could have the same compassion and patience you have for even those who prefer to remain as 'friends of Krsna'.
4.You continue to care for your disciples, both personally and through mentors, making sure we are all properly situated and happily thriving in Krsna's service.
5. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, you undauntedly preach, tolerating all the offences of those who, not only, ungratefully leave you but also criticize you.
6.You are an equal opportunity employer. So many of my dear God sisters and God brothers have availed the service opportunities you have given them. But unfortunately I have not been daring and active enough to do so.
Gurudeva, you once revealed your heart by saying : 'My constant prayer is how the set distribution can increase.'
Gurudeva, I want to make your desire as my desire. But I feel quite incompetent and limited in executing this tall order.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I'm begging at your lotus feet to be an instrument in fulfilling your desire of distributing Srimad Bhagavatam sets to everyone I meet on sankirtan and cultivate them. Without your mercy, my efforts are just like the efforts of the little sparrow who tried to dry the ocean.
Aspiring to make your instructions as my life and soul,
Ys
Dayamaya devi dasi.
Dayavira Dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Twenty-one years ago we touched down in Ukraine, being one of our destinations on our four-month world Sankirtana tour. We traveled overland to get to the black sea festival on the coast. We stayed in a seaside complex with many devotees from around the world with the bulk of them being local, from Ukraine & Russia. All was very festive centered, around much kirtana and classes given by yourself, our Kiwi connection Bhakti Chaitanya Maharaja & two local leaders Bhakti Vijnana Maharaja & Niranjana Maharaja. Everyone was very jubilant and peaceful. The local devotees loved kirtana broken up with the odd dip in the ocean. Of course from our western viewpoint this was an ex-Soviet bloc country with its one star accommodation. Everything was a little grey, reminding me of a 1960 concrete jungle theme. We did lose the water supply for a few days resulting in me and Bhumnakrsna taking our daily showers from a two-liter drink bottle. It must have been eggplant season there also, as the prasad was based around this humble vegetable which we got to know very well over the next couple of weeks. All this gave me an appreciation for the devotees living in this part of the world where opulence is not obviously seen from the outside like here in NZ, but something to be tasted from within the heart in connection to higher thinking and simple living in Krishna consciousness.
Certainly, times have changed from the tranquil scenes of 2001. Reading about those towns and cities that we visited like Odessa which endures constant shelling from Putin's war machine and Simferopol in the Crimea now in Russian control having being annexed from Ukraine back in 2014. It's quite a wake up call knowing that those very same devotees could be faced with the reality of looking down the end of a gun barrel at each other, now that conscription is being enforced.
As you have often warned us over the years Maharaja, that this world is like a powder keg just waiting for the right spark to unleash its destructive Kali force. Yes, you are no stranger to the perils of leading a spiritual network in the material atmosphere and it would seem like the realities of the iron curtain days of your preaching are all a little closer to home for all of us now.
Please let me humbly express my gratitude for your mammoth-like efforts over the last five decades giving your all in all on this very real battle with nescience to serve Srila Prabhupdada and the previous acharyas. Even though my vision is narrow and clouded with hesitance to give my heart to Krishna and his dearest devotees, I marvel at the thought of your courage, sacrifice and compassion getting out there on the front lines every day so we, the masses can have some hope.
Thank you.
Your Servant,
Dayavira Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Twenty-one years ago we touched down in Ukraine, being one of our destinations on our four-month world Sankirtana tour. We traveled overland to get to the black sea festival on the coast. We stayed in a seaside complex with many devotees from around the world with the bulk of them being local, from Ukraine & Russia. All was very festive centered, around much kirtana and classes given by yourself, our Kiwi connection Bhakti Chaitanya Maharaja & two local leaders Bhakti Vijnana Maharaja & Niranjana Maharaja. Everyone was very jubilant and peaceful. The local devotees loved kirtana broken up with the odd dip in the ocean. Of course from our western viewpoint this was an ex-Soviet bloc country with its one star accommodation. Everything was a little grey, reminding me of a 1960 concrete jungle theme. We did lose the water supply for a few days resulting in me and Bhumnakrsna taking our daily showers from a two-liter drink bottle. It must have been eggplant season there also, as the prasad was based around this humble vegetable which we got to know very well over the next couple of weeks. All this gave me an appreciation for the devotees living in this part of the world where opulence is not obviously seen from the outside like here in NZ, but something to be tasted from within the heart in connection to higher thinking and simple living in Krishna consciousness.
Certainly, times have changed from the tranquil scenes of 2001. Reading about those towns and cities that we visited like Odessa which endures constant shelling from Putin's war machine and Simferopol in the Crimea now in Russian control having being annexed from Ukraine back in 2014. It's quite a wake up call knowing that those very same devotees could be faced with the reality of looking down the end of a gun barrel at each other, now that conscription is being enforced.
As you have often warned us over the years Maharaja, that this world is like a powder keg just waiting for the right spark to unleash its destructive Kali force. Yes, you are no stranger to the perils of leading a spiritual network in the material atmosphere and it would seem like the realities of the iron curtain days of your preaching are all a little closer to home for all of us now.
Please let me humbly express my gratitude for your mammoth-like efforts over the last five decades giving your all in all on this very real battle with nescience to serve Srila Prabhupdada and the previous acharyas. Even though my vision is narrow and clouded with hesitance to give my heart to Krishna and his dearest devotees, I marvel at the thought of your courage, sacrifice and compassion getting out there on the front lines every day so we, the masses can have some hope.
Thank you.
Your Servant,
Dayavira Dasa
Deva Darshana Das
Haribol Gurudeva,
Dandavats. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my humble obeisances on your Vyasa Puja.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
Jñānāñjana-śalākayā
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
It was so wonderful being able to spend so much time with you and serving you during your last visit to Los Angeles this past summer. It was so rejuvenating. It was also a huge reminder for me of how important this work of spreading Krsna Consciousness truly is. I’m always so amazed how selflessly you travel all around the world just for this purpose, and have been for 50+ years. This is my greatest inspiration and I’m forever grateful to be able to follow in your footsteps.
Thank you so much for your selfless service. Your example humbles and inspires me every day.
Your aspiring servant,
Deva Darshana Das
Dandavats. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my humble obeisances on your Vyasa Puja.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
Jñānāñjana-śalākayā
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
It was so wonderful being able to spend so much time with you and serving you during your last visit to Los Angeles this past summer. It was so rejuvenating. It was also a huge reminder for me of how important this work of spreading Krsna Consciousness truly is. I’m always so amazed how selflessly you travel all around the world just for this purpose, and have been for 50+ years. This is my greatest inspiration and I’m forever grateful to be able to follow in your footsteps.
Thank you so much for your selfless service. Your example humbles and inspires me every day.
Your aspiring servant,
Deva Darshana Das
Dhīra Śiromani Dāsa, Ramani Śiromani and Sudevi Kisori
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 Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at Your lotus feet. I wish You a very happy and glorious Vyasa puja. This is the time when my heart jumps with joy because I get the chance to put my feelings into words to express my deepest gratitude.
As I meditate on my fortune of how I first met You, I also see in parallel the crossroad on which I was standing at that point in time in my life. I was at the peak of my youth where I was swimming through troubled waters searching for answers out of frustration. For some moments, I really thought the phantasmagorical world and its promises were real. Who would have thought it would never last? Here I was, at such a juncture where I considered myself to have the world at my feet, only to realise how ephemeral material success can be. Whatever promises were made quickly evaporated long before I could even taste what I had dreamt of. Afterall, I was indoctrinated since birth, that happiness is only achieved through material success. I was quickly brought to my knees. I was at a point in my life where I was sifting through the memories, grasping for some hope searching for some meaning before what I considered my life to be the final end. That’s when magic happened. I now can clearly see Krsna’s hands and plans.
Where would I be without Your mercy Gurudeva? Just as the sun dispels the darkness, Your first few words pierced my ignorance, resonated so much with me by cutting through my illusion and provided me with answers to questions which was deeply buried in my heart. I clearly recall how I felt uplifted only minutes after a brief conversation with You. In Your own humorous way, You asked me: So has your life fizzled out? And how about your surgeries, medicines and science? Have they been able to stop the death rate? Has Your hospital been able to break the cycle of birth and death? Then, You looked at me with dilated pupil as if piercing through my heart, to say that death rate is 100% and the solution is not in material success.
I was taken aback. I had never heard anyone not glamourising material success. It is at this point, I believe, the seed was planted. I may have been going to temple ritualistically since I was a child, but I then realised, I never ever had stepped in a temple in the true sense, afterall I never had the fortune of Your association and words of wisdom prior to that. I could see the compassion in You while You explained to me about a different perspective and Your humility of how You asked me to adopt a different lifestyle.
In the third canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Kapiladeva explains to His mother, Devahuti, that sadhus are empowered to sow bhakti in the heart of others due to their own unflinching engagement in devotional life.
Titiksavah karunikah
Suhrdah sarva dehinam
Ajata satravah santah
Sadhavah sadhu bhusanah
The symptoms of a sadhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
You exemplify this to the highest degree. Often at the farm retreat when I get the chance to serve You, I observe these in You. There is not a single moment which You waste. Your every action is noteworthy and my faith exponentially increases with each encounter. I feel the warmth of Your care and affection. Every time, I shamelessly feel I do not deserve anything but yet just like a caring father, You neglect all my impurities and shower me with so much love. Thank You infinitely.
Your eagerness to hear Srila Prabhupada’s words struck me. I remember You were listening to one of His lectures and You caught the ineffectiveness of the translator who was translating from French to English. You called me to ask what did the translator say in French. I was moved to what degree of seriousness You must have listened to that particular lecture and how much You were attentive to details. How then can an insignificant being like me describe your ocean of qualities?
Your charismatic personality, Your zeal of sharing the jewel of Krsna Consciousness, Your absorption and staunch faith in the Holy name, Your effective presentation of the science of bhakti to all caste and creed, Your commitment to Your spiritual master’s words, Your eloquent and innovative preaching method, Your thunderous yet captivating laughter, Your exemplary way of dealing with devotees and guests… the list goes on and on.
Gurumaharaj, I have never seen Srila Prabhupada during His physical presence on this planet, however just by observing You, I can get an iota of His greatness. It is said that the fruit does not fall far from the tree. What a representative of Srila Prabhupada You are. Relentlessly, decades after decades, You have been serving His mission and carried His mercy around and openly gave it to everyone You come in contact with. A perfect disciple. A perfect Spiritual master.
On such an auspicious day of Yours, may I pray to be an instrument at Your hand. I have no purity to understand the depth of Srila Prabhupada’s prayers on Jaladuta when He begged Krsna to make Him dance to whichever way He wanted. Dear Gurumaharaj may the tune You want me to dance becomes louder than my mind’s chatterbox. My inflated ego and lust are the greatest impediments. I feel worthless. In such a dejected state of mind, I present myself with straw between my teeth, begging for more mercy to have the right service attitude. May I become more serious and be a microscopic part of Your mission to serve Your spiritual master. A speck like myself can only pray to move from selfishness to selflessness. I feel very close to You as I try to meditate on Your instructions. I know the only thing which pleases You the most is broadcasting Srila Prabhupada’s words and teachings. May I reiterate my commitment to You on Your Vyasa puja day, renew my vows and hoping to share with others the great fortune and treasure of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. I remain forever grateful to You for extending the mercy to Ramani Siromani and Sudevi Kisori. You have blessed us with such simple and yet profound instructions of keeping Krsna as the focal point, living a life for others and serving devotees. You encourage us every time and inspire us to commit further and reach new horizons. Our attempts are juvenile and our progress seems to be hindered by our baby steps. But yet the hope of somehow pleasing You lingers in the deepest corner of our heart. A silent and sincere prayer to serve You as a whole family in your mission, somehow. We love You Gurumaharaj.
Your insignificant servants,
Dhira Siromani Dasa, Ramani Siromani and Sudevi Kisori
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
Reading chapter 41 in Krsna book entitled “Krsna enters Mathura” and hearing the talks of the residents of Mathura among themselves about the elevated and pious activities of the people of Vrndavana , I was reflecting on the great fortune of the devotees in New Zealand. I was thinking how they had your association for such a long duration of time during the lockdown which in ordinary times would not have happened.
Srila Prabhupada writes in this chapter that “ the residents of Mathura were surprised at the pious activities the cowherd men in Vrndavana must have performed in their previous lives to be able to see Krsna and Balaram daily as cowherd boys. I could appreciate the great Sankirtan efforts devotees in New Zealand make to please you and I guess due to which they had your association for such a good period of time in those difficult times of crisis.
I was certainly able to appreciate and participate with increased enthusiasm in the kirtan you lead at Iskcon Laguna beach temple, before Sri Pancatattva on your last visit here in California recently after such a long time. Your taste for chanting and absorption in the Holy names got everyone chanting and dancing with great enthusiasm.
At the same time we were able to have access to most of your talks and kirtans you gave/lead there in New Zealand during this long stay there. Still the significance of having both the association of the spiritual master in person (vapu) while it’s possible and instructions (Vani) simultaneously can not be emphasized enough.
I felt this is a perfect day to share these few reflections on some of your glorious qualities. I beg you to allow me to develop proper mood and understanding to increase this appreciation of your kind association and the association of the devotees also.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
Reading chapter 41 in Krsna book entitled “Krsna enters Mathura” and hearing the talks of the residents of Mathura among themselves about the elevated and pious activities of the people of Vrndavana , I was reflecting on the great fortune of the devotees in New Zealand. I was thinking how they had your association for such a long duration of time during the lockdown which in ordinary times would not have happened.
Srila Prabhupada writes in this chapter that “ the residents of Mathura were surprised at the pious activities the cowherd men in Vrndavana must have performed in their previous lives to be able to see Krsna and Balaram daily as cowherd boys. I could appreciate the great Sankirtan efforts devotees in New Zealand make to please you and I guess due to which they had your association for such a good period of time in those difficult times of crisis.
I was certainly able to appreciate and participate with increased enthusiasm in the kirtan you lead at Iskcon Laguna beach temple, before Sri Pancatattva on your last visit here in California recently after such a long time. Your taste for chanting and absorption in the Holy names got everyone chanting and dancing with great enthusiasm.
At the same time we were able to have access to most of your talks and kirtans you gave/lead there in New Zealand during this long stay there. Still the significance of having both the association of the spiritual master in person (vapu) while it’s possible and instructions (Vani) simultaneously can not be emphasized enough.
I felt this is a perfect day to share these few reflections on some of your glorious qualities. I beg you to allow me to develop proper mood and understanding to increase this appreciation of your kind association and the association of the devotees also.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Dhirabhakta Das
Jai Srila Gurudev
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus Feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Sri Gurudev
As I ponder what to write and express my deep feelings and realisations based on our few but productive conversations it's that of example. It is one thing to say this is how to live a life that bring us closer to Sri Krishna and actually living this life to which we have you as the perfect example.
The deep realisation that you by example gave up so much material advantages to follow the instructions of His Devine Grace Srila Prabhupada and following your guru Maharaj perfect example became the perfect example.
As I sat beside a client whilst they took there final breath I reflected on this request you made of me, the same way that each saintly Guru gives his aspiring disciplines in order to help advance. That it may take a while for the instruction to become deeply ingrained in the heart but that you like many guru's before you reciprocate so that the request becomes a reality in one's life. It reminded me how Srila Prabhupada always praised his own Gurudev for sending so many nice American and European boys and girls to help him, sincere spirit souls like you who made it your lifetime mission to help fallen souls like me make progress.
The relatives of the client upon hearing I was on shift said they wouldn't come in due to mental and physical exhaustion, they felt safe to leave him in my care. I sat chanting quietly as he to his last breath humbled again by your reciprocate in making this happen. A reciprocation that can no easily be neglected.
So on this your appearance day I remain humbled and inspired by the fine example of following Sri Gurudev instruction and making it life's mission even when there is difficulty, and that we can thank's to the internet by able to listen to your words of inspiration and instruction.
Thank you
Yours Humbly
Dhirabhkta Das
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus Feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Sri Gurudev
As I ponder what to write and express my deep feelings and realisations based on our few but productive conversations it's that of example. It is one thing to say this is how to live a life that bring us closer to Sri Krishna and actually living this life to which we have you as the perfect example.
The deep realisation that you by example gave up so much material advantages to follow the instructions of His Devine Grace Srila Prabhupada and following your guru Maharaj perfect example became the perfect example.
As I sat beside a client whilst they took there final breath I reflected on this request you made of me, the same way that each saintly Guru gives his aspiring disciplines in order to help advance. That it may take a while for the instruction to become deeply ingrained in the heart but that you like many guru's before you reciprocate so that the request becomes a reality in one's life. It reminded me how Srila Prabhupada always praised his own Gurudev for sending so many nice American and European boys and girls to help him, sincere spirit souls like you who made it your lifetime mission to help fallen souls like me make progress.
The relatives of the client upon hearing I was on shift said they wouldn't come in due to mental and physical exhaustion, they felt safe to leave him in my care. I sat chanting quietly as he to his last breath humbled again by your reciprocate in making this happen. A reciprocation that can no easily be neglected.
So on this your appearance day I remain humbled and inspired by the fine example of following Sri Gurudev instruction and making it life's mission even when there is difficulty, and that we can thank's to the internet by able to listen to your words of inspiration and instruction.
Thank you
Yours Humbly
Dhirabhkta Das
Dhumala devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaj, please accept humble obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet.
On the day of your Vyasa Puja I want to express my gratitude, deep respect and reverence to you. I am grateful to you for your titanic work in preaching Krishna consciousness.
Your lectures are always lively, emotional, rich, and kirtans are distinguished by irrepressible shakti, I pray that I will always be at your feet and become your worthy disciple.
Dhumala devi dasi
My God-sister Haritalika devi dasi joins my offering.
On the day of your Vyasa Puja I want to express my gratitude, deep respect and reverence to you. I am grateful to you for your titanic work in preaching Krishna consciousness.
Your lectures are always lively, emotional, rich, and kirtans are distinguished by irrepressible shakti, I pray that I will always be at your feet and become your worthy disciple.
Dhumala devi dasi
My God-sister Haritalika devi dasi joins my offering.
Dina Dayala devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your divine Vyasa Puja.
When I read Srimad-Bhagavatam, I think of you in every chapter. Srila Vyasadeva describes devotees of the highest spiritual caliber and while hearing of their divine qualities and activities, we recognise them in you. How fortunate we are to associate with these devotees of the Bhagavatam in sound— but I think how much more fortunate we are to be able to associate with you in person and through your instructions.
I remember how you came to my derelict flat in Auckland back in November 1996. You sat on the armchair that had a thin scarf thrown over it to cover it’s bare springs and there, despite your discomfort, you read us Krishna Book. You remember how empty that flat was: you once said, “It had no furniture in it!” My heart was, at that time, just the same—empty, sad and vulnerable. Meeting you, the person Bhagavatam, then, was a case of inconceivable good fortune. In that dark empty space, you planted a seed and cast inward the light of hope for my future in Krishna consciousness. You never judged me for what I was on the outside but saw deep within to the potential of the soul. Then, for over 20 years you have helped me to protect that seed and nourish it. You have always been there for me, faultless, compassionate and expert. With the utmost gratitude, thank you for everything, through all the years.
It is wonderful to be engaged in your service again, after the demanding first years of motherhood. Gopinath has begun working more hours so I don’t have to find any other occupation: he says that we have a large debt to repay. We both want to see you happy when the Loft is full of people hammering to become Krishna conscious. Please infuse my attempts to cultivate people with potency and bless us that we may always engage in your service,
Your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi.
Please accept my respectful obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your divine Vyasa Puja.
When I read Srimad-Bhagavatam, I think of you in every chapter. Srila Vyasadeva describes devotees of the highest spiritual caliber and while hearing of their divine qualities and activities, we recognise them in you. How fortunate we are to associate with these devotees of the Bhagavatam in sound— but I think how much more fortunate we are to be able to associate with you in person and through your instructions.
I remember how you came to my derelict flat in Auckland back in November 1996. You sat on the armchair that had a thin scarf thrown over it to cover it’s bare springs and there, despite your discomfort, you read us Krishna Book. You remember how empty that flat was: you once said, “It had no furniture in it!” My heart was, at that time, just the same—empty, sad and vulnerable. Meeting you, the person Bhagavatam, then, was a case of inconceivable good fortune. In that dark empty space, you planted a seed and cast inward the light of hope for my future in Krishna consciousness. You never judged me for what I was on the outside but saw deep within to the potential of the soul. Then, for over 20 years you have helped me to protect that seed and nourish it. You have always been there for me, faultless, compassionate and expert. With the utmost gratitude, thank you for everything, through all the years.
It is wonderful to be engaged in your service again, after the demanding first years of motherhood. Gopinath has begun working more hours so I don’t have to find any other occupation: he says that we have a large debt to repay. We both want to see you happy when the Loft is full of people hammering to become Krishna conscious. Please infuse my attempts to cultivate people with potency and bless us that we may always engage in your service,
Your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi.
Dina-palika devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada! And all glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
In one lecture you gave in 2004 between the Bhakti Bhava seminars in Christchurch and those in Russia, in reference to what we may experience after being in bhakti after a few years, you stated:
"In the beginning, as we are moving away from false ego and toward real ego, there may seem to be a bit of slump, because the spiritual ego hasn't fully taken over yet. Meanwhile you've divested yourself of your material ego, therefore sometimes it can seem like you're in a bit of a gully. You've haven't completely yet taken shelter of the spiritual platform. You're still in-between a little bit, though moving toward the spiritual platform. It's like you've got one foot solidly down in the spiritual realm and you're lifting your back foot, so you're still a little bit compromised, but all you do is keep walking forward and you're fully on the spiritual platform. It's like you've got to get used to yourself– your real self– in Krsna consciousness. The ghost of your false ego is disappearing and so you're just like, 'what happened to me? What do I do now? Who am I?'"
Gurudeva, I thank you beyond words for helping me to keep walking forward, taking the leap of faith right into my real ego. My only fear is that you won't keep telling me these things, exposing my desires and giving me a reality check. Thank you for helping me pass through this stage of trying to come to the spiritual but still clinging to my material comforts, like a person hugging a thorny tree and saying "it hurts!" but not letting go. Thank you for taking me beyond my painful desire for recognition and distinction and, as you said, the desire to be a "bigger fish in a smaller pond." Oh, what a relief it is to have you shatter my illusion, call me out on all the falsities I think will keep me safe, and take me to a higher platform of actual security by following your instructions and calling out to Krsna with more intensity– intensity that doesn't depend on where I am or who I'm serving with. You are taking this "little tike" through the insecure teenage years to maturity.
Thank you for giving me your shelter. I can see now in so many ways you have cared for me, by giving me the opportunity to grow more spiritually, giving me the opportunity to regain my health, giving me the facility to have a morning program and study Bhagavatam with devotees, go on sankirtana with devotees, learn so many new skills to use in Krsna's service, cultivate others and, above all, cultivate the proper mood within myself. I have also been able to see this past year how the desire of the spiritual master is not ordinary; with that desire comes pre-packaged all the tools and determination to be able to execute the order. This is surely better than any deal at Pak n' Save, and not subject to inflation!
Why have I been able to learn new things like cooking, cultivating, and cleaning and grow into these services even in the short time I've been here? Because it is your instruction, and with your instruction comes the whole weight of the parampara behind it.
Regarding intensity in Krsna consciousness, you said to me recently, "You can't rely on the externals, you have to generate that internally. Because circumstances will change" and to "buckle down and be more self-reliant." Having received this instruction, I feel a complete transformation in my bhakti, like something has really clicked and the realizations have flowed. No doubt this inspiration and realization have been because it is your instruction.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam 8.16.21 purport, Srila Prabhupada writes:
"Kṛṣṇa is dīna-anukampana: He is very merciful to everyone. Therefore if one wants to fulfill his material desires, Kṛṣṇa helps him. Of course, sometimes if a devotee is very sincere, the Lord, as a special favor to him, refuses to fulfill his material desires and directly blesses him with pure, unalloyed devotional service. It is said in Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 22.38-39):
kṛṣṇa kahe, — ‘āmā bhaje, māge viṣaya-sukha
amṛta chāḍi’ viṣa māge — ei baḍa mūrkha
āmi — vijña, ei mūrkhe ‘viṣaya’ kene diba?
sva-caraṇāmṛta diyā ‘viṣaya’ bhulāiba
'Kṛṣṇa says, "If one engages in My transcendental loving service but at the same time wants the opulence of material enjoyment, he is very, very foolish. Indeed, he is just like a person who gives up ambrosia to drink poison. Since I am very intelligent, why should I give this fool material prosperity? Instead I shall induce him to take the nectar of the shelter of My lotus feet and make him forget illusory material enjoyment."' If a devotee maintains some material desire and at the same time very sincerely desires to engage at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa may directly give him unalloyed devotional service and take away all his material desires and possessions. This is the Lord’s special favor to devotees. Otherwise, if one takes to Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service but still has material desires to fulfill, he may become free from all material desires, as Dhruva Mahārāja did, but this may take some time. However, if a very sincere devotee wants only Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, Kṛṣṇa directly gives him the position of śuddha-bhakti, unalloyed devotional service." Gurudeva, thank you so much for saying something. Thank you for not allowing me to just coast and "stay comfortable" in bhakti, wallowing in my material desires and chewing the already chewed flavors of self-pity and speculation. Of course I would not call myself a sincere devotee as mentioned in this verse, yet somehow or other, due to your granting us the special mercy of Lord Caitnaya, you are still giving bhakti beyond material desires to an insincere soul like me. I beg you to please continue showing me your favor in this way, and let me act to earn this favor.
Gurudeva, in Caitanya Caritamrta Antya 5.62 Pradyumna Misra says to Ramananda Raya, "'I do not know how to inquire, for I do not know what is good and what is bad. Seeing me to be poor in knowledge, kindly speak whatever is good for me by your own good will.'" Please allow me to some day approach in this mood. You are the kindest father because you do not chastise me out of envy, but rather push me to be my best and reach higher levels– levels that my tiny intelligence cannot even conceive. Still, due to so much Kali-yuga pounding, my heart does not always freely give to you and my mind becomes tangled in the net of mental speculation, doubts, and figuring out life and Krsna consciousness for myself, like a fish struggling in fear, gasping for breath. How much wasted energy! But no more time lamenting, there's no time to waste. There's too much more to be done in Krsna's service and with your instruction, "The more you give Krsna, the more you get. That is Lord Caitanya's program, in which you can play a great role," I have the power to do it!
Therefore I pray to you as Queen Kunti prays to Lord Krsna (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.42), "O Lord of Madhu, as the Ganges forever flows to the sea without hindrance, let my attraction be constantly drawn unto You without being diverted to anyone else." I pray that the levies holding back my service and devotion weaken and crumble by the weight of your unceasing affection toward not only me, but all the devotees and non-devotees. As Haridas Thakura says to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in CC Antya-lila 4.188, "'My dear Sir, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead and are most merciful toward us. No one can understand what is within Your deeply affectionate heart.'"
Aspiring to be your consistent and enthusiastic servant,
Dina-palika devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada! And all glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
In one lecture you gave in 2004 between the Bhakti Bhava seminars in Christchurch and those in Russia, in reference to what we may experience after being in bhakti after a few years, you stated:
"In the beginning, as we are moving away from false ego and toward real ego, there may seem to be a bit of slump, because the spiritual ego hasn't fully taken over yet. Meanwhile you've divested yourself of your material ego, therefore sometimes it can seem like you're in a bit of a gully. You've haven't completely yet taken shelter of the spiritual platform. You're still in-between a little bit, though moving toward the spiritual platform. It's like you've got one foot solidly down in the spiritual realm and you're lifting your back foot, so you're still a little bit compromised, but all you do is keep walking forward and you're fully on the spiritual platform. It's like you've got to get used to yourself– your real self– in Krsna consciousness. The ghost of your false ego is disappearing and so you're just like, 'what happened to me? What do I do now? Who am I?'"
Gurudeva, I thank you beyond words for helping me to keep walking forward, taking the leap of faith right into my real ego. My only fear is that you won't keep telling me these things, exposing my desires and giving me a reality check. Thank you for helping me pass through this stage of trying to come to the spiritual but still clinging to my material comforts, like a person hugging a thorny tree and saying "it hurts!" but not letting go. Thank you for taking me beyond my painful desire for recognition and distinction and, as you said, the desire to be a "bigger fish in a smaller pond." Oh, what a relief it is to have you shatter my illusion, call me out on all the falsities I think will keep me safe, and take me to a higher platform of actual security by following your instructions and calling out to Krsna with more intensity– intensity that doesn't depend on where I am or who I'm serving with. You are taking this "little tike" through the insecure teenage years to maturity.
Thank you for giving me your shelter. I can see now in so many ways you have cared for me, by giving me the opportunity to grow more spiritually, giving me the opportunity to regain my health, giving me the facility to have a morning program and study Bhagavatam with devotees, go on sankirtana with devotees, learn so many new skills to use in Krsna's service, cultivate others and, above all, cultivate the proper mood within myself. I have also been able to see this past year how the desire of the spiritual master is not ordinary; with that desire comes pre-packaged all the tools and determination to be able to execute the order. This is surely better than any deal at Pak n' Save, and not subject to inflation!
Why have I been able to learn new things like cooking, cultivating, and cleaning and grow into these services even in the short time I've been here? Because it is your instruction, and with your instruction comes the whole weight of the parampara behind it.
Regarding intensity in Krsna consciousness, you said to me recently, "You can't rely on the externals, you have to generate that internally. Because circumstances will change" and to "buckle down and be more self-reliant." Having received this instruction, I feel a complete transformation in my bhakti, like something has really clicked and the realizations have flowed. No doubt this inspiration and realization have been because it is your instruction.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam 8.16.21 purport, Srila Prabhupada writes:
"Kṛṣṇa is dīna-anukampana: He is very merciful to everyone. Therefore if one wants to fulfill his material desires, Kṛṣṇa helps him. Of course, sometimes if a devotee is very sincere, the Lord, as a special favor to him, refuses to fulfill his material desires and directly blesses him with pure, unalloyed devotional service. It is said in Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 22.38-39):
kṛṣṇa kahe, — ‘āmā bhaje, māge viṣaya-sukha
amṛta chāḍi’ viṣa māge — ei baḍa mūrkha
āmi — vijña, ei mūrkhe ‘viṣaya’ kene diba?
sva-caraṇāmṛta diyā ‘viṣaya’ bhulāiba
'Kṛṣṇa says, "If one engages in My transcendental loving service but at the same time wants the opulence of material enjoyment, he is very, very foolish. Indeed, he is just like a person who gives up ambrosia to drink poison. Since I am very intelligent, why should I give this fool material prosperity? Instead I shall induce him to take the nectar of the shelter of My lotus feet and make him forget illusory material enjoyment."' If a devotee maintains some material desire and at the same time very sincerely desires to engage at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa may directly give him unalloyed devotional service and take away all his material desires and possessions. This is the Lord’s special favor to devotees. Otherwise, if one takes to Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service but still has material desires to fulfill, he may become free from all material desires, as Dhruva Mahārāja did, but this may take some time. However, if a very sincere devotee wants only Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, Kṛṣṇa directly gives him the position of śuddha-bhakti, unalloyed devotional service." Gurudeva, thank you so much for saying something. Thank you for not allowing me to just coast and "stay comfortable" in bhakti, wallowing in my material desires and chewing the already chewed flavors of self-pity and speculation. Of course I would not call myself a sincere devotee as mentioned in this verse, yet somehow or other, due to your granting us the special mercy of Lord Caitnaya, you are still giving bhakti beyond material desires to an insincere soul like me. I beg you to please continue showing me your favor in this way, and let me act to earn this favor.
Gurudeva, in Caitanya Caritamrta Antya 5.62 Pradyumna Misra says to Ramananda Raya, "'I do not know how to inquire, for I do not know what is good and what is bad. Seeing me to be poor in knowledge, kindly speak whatever is good for me by your own good will.'" Please allow me to some day approach in this mood. You are the kindest father because you do not chastise me out of envy, but rather push me to be my best and reach higher levels– levels that my tiny intelligence cannot even conceive. Still, due to so much Kali-yuga pounding, my heart does not always freely give to you and my mind becomes tangled in the net of mental speculation, doubts, and figuring out life and Krsna consciousness for myself, like a fish struggling in fear, gasping for breath. How much wasted energy! But no more time lamenting, there's no time to waste. There's too much more to be done in Krsna's service and with your instruction, "The more you give Krsna, the more you get. That is Lord Caitanya's program, in which you can play a great role," I have the power to do it!
Therefore I pray to you as Queen Kunti prays to Lord Krsna (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.42), "O Lord of Madhu, as the Ganges forever flows to the sea without hindrance, let my attraction be constantly drawn unto You without being diverted to anyone else." I pray that the levies holding back my service and devotion weaken and crumble by the weight of your unceasing affection toward not only me, but all the devotees and non-devotees. As Haridas Thakura says to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in CC Antya-lila 4.188, "'My dear Sir, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead and are most merciful toward us. No one can understand what is within Your deeply affectionate heart.'"
Aspiring to be your consistent and enthusiastic servant,
Dina-palika devi dasi
Divya Vrndavana
Dearest Gurudeva!
Please accept my humble obesicances all glories to you on this most magnificent day, I bow down to your lotus feet.
I pray for your forgiveness and any offenses or misgivings in not appreciating the tattva of the guru disciple relationship. I will try to write an offering…
Seeing you after a long and languishing covid 19 pandemic felt a lifetime! But the deep compassion, relentless energy, and care for your disciples was shown in your online classes which I vehemently tried to attend as much as possible.
Attending these made me feel connected to you and our worldwide family which I have cherished in my heart a lot throughout the last two and half years I wished to deeply thank you for this.
I recently attended a Srimad Bhagavatam class online by HG Rukimni Walker and she made a comment “This relationship of the service and a servtior is the most congenial form of intimacy. This will please us to the most complete satisfaction.” This made me reflect more deeply on my desire to serve you more, but also to the degree in which I can feel closer to your instruction.
My ability on Sankirtan I feel despite my miniscule efforts five years on in the mission of Srila Prabupada - I feel is getting more stronger and more determined. This mission of book distribution I see is my lever to
try and make you most proud of me, which I deeply desire. My mediation to not be left like a riven cloud in the dross and depths of my mind and maya - leads me to see this is my strategy for the long game in Bhakti.
You touched upon this point during your visit to Wales, I see more and more as I have previously moulded a material career for myself - I need to apply this method and strategy to my spiritual life in a mature and simple way. This takes engineering and adaptability and also accepting my own individual nature which for a long time in Bhakti I have at times
Struggled to understand how I gel with myself and the application of Bhakti.
Something which I see you embody so perfectly in Bhakti with such genius wisdom, humour and fortitude. This to me is unfathomable.
As I continue to grip tightly to the literature and the holy name, and begin to try and grow my understanding more and more in order to feel closer to you.
I am struggling to know of what else to say this year, which may make you chuckle - as I am aware this is rather rare! Other than as my first year as Divya Vrndavana I feel more and more eternally grateful, and more and more less qualified in service attitude.
Nothing feels as important or as cherishable - I have felt more and more able to walk away from material responsibilities this year and this has felt like a desire you wish to have for me. However, as I have read recently in SB 10.14.7 Srila Prabupada comments how even if the most learned scholars could Somehow count the particles of earth, snow and light they would fail to understand the immeasurable rable qualities of the Lord.
This further highlights the supreme beauty, infinite qualities of the Lord ship which hugely inspires me to deeply desire to grow more and more in n a way which pleases you and Krsna.
I write this, during a hiking trip to Scotland, sat on a rock on the island of Easdale, a remote island off the Scottish Highlands. 53 occupants. Only accessible by small boat, which includes the children travelling to school on a separate island. It’s full of raw rugged hills and shallow deep pools of pure water. Amongst the unfathomable beauty of the nature I have deeply seen Chapter 10 of The Bhagavad Gita come alive for me and nature continues to illuminate Krsna for me in so many wonderous ways.
Yet such beauty encompasses this island. However it’s so pertinent to me that without developing the goal or a practical endeavour for a service relationship with guru and Krsna, this itself remains a mere island; and for the occupants here no more than a splendid dress for a drowning body.
Thank you for the unfathomable gifts you have given me. Thank you for accepting me as a disciple.
Aspiring to be your servant and daughter always.
Ys Divya Vrndavana
Please accept my humble obesicances all glories to you on this most magnificent day, I bow down to your lotus feet.
I pray for your forgiveness and any offenses or misgivings in not appreciating the tattva of the guru disciple relationship. I will try to write an offering…
Seeing you after a long and languishing covid 19 pandemic felt a lifetime! But the deep compassion, relentless energy, and care for your disciples was shown in your online classes which I vehemently tried to attend as much as possible.
Attending these made me feel connected to you and our worldwide family which I have cherished in my heart a lot throughout the last two and half years I wished to deeply thank you for this.
I recently attended a Srimad Bhagavatam class online by HG Rukimni Walker and she made a comment “This relationship of the service and a servtior is the most congenial form of intimacy. This will please us to the most complete satisfaction.” This made me reflect more deeply on my desire to serve you more, but also to the degree in which I can feel closer to your instruction.
My ability on Sankirtan I feel despite my miniscule efforts five years on in the mission of Srila Prabupada - I feel is getting more stronger and more determined. This mission of book distribution I see is my lever to
try and make you most proud of me, which I deeply desire. My mediation to not be left like a riven cloud in the dross and depths of my mind and maya - leads me to see this is my strategy for the long game in Bhakti.
You touched upon this point during your visit to Wales, I see more and more as I have previously moulded a material career for myself - I need to apply this method and strategy to my spiritual life in a mature and simple way. This takes engineering and adaptability and also accepting my own individual nature which for a long time in Bhakti I have at times
Struggled to understand how I gel with myself and the application of Bhakti.
Something which I see you embody so perfectly in Bhakti with such genius wisdom, humour and fortitude. This to me is unfathomable.
As I continue to grip tightly to the literature and the holy name, and begin to try and grow my understanding more and more in order to feel closer to you.
I am struggling to know of what else to say this year, which may make you chuckle - as I am aware this is rather rare! Other than as my first year as Divya Vrndavana I feel more and more eternally grateful, and more and more less qualified in service attitude.
Nothing feels as important or as cherishable - I have felt more and more able to walk away from material responsibilities this year and this has felt like a desire you wish to have for me. However, as I have read recently in SB 10.14.7 Srila Prabupada comments how even if the most learned scholars could Somehow count the particles of earth, snow and light they would fail to understand the immeasurable rable qualities of the Lord.
This further highlights the supreme beauty, infinite qualities of the Lord ship which hugely inspires me to deeply desire to grow more and more in n a way which pleases you and Krsna.
I write this, during a hiking trip to Scotland, sat on a rock on the island of Easdale, a remote island off the Scottish Highlands. 53 occupants. Only accessible by small boat, which includes the children travelling to school on a separate island. It’s full of raw rugged hills and shallow deep pools of pure water. Amongst the unfathomable beauty of the nature I have deeply seen Chapter 10 of The Bhagavad Gita come alive for me and nature continues to illuminate Krsna for me in so many wonderous ways.
Yet such beauty encompasses this island. However it’s so pertinent to me that without developing the goal or a practical endeavour for a service relationship with guru and Krsna, this itself remains a mere island; and for the occupants here no more than a splendid dress for a drowning body.
Thank you for the unfathomable gifts you have given me. Thank you for accepting me as a disciple.
Aspiring to be your servant and daughter always.
Ys Divya Vrndavana
Dvija Pītāmbara dasa
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to your divine appearance day.
Thankfully COVID is over or at least its restrictions. We have looked forward to this very keenly, as we missed your vapu association and organising outreach events for you.
Gurudev your visit to Melbourne means a lot to us. With your arrival you bring a ton of services for us and we struggle to meet them. But all the frenzy of organising the events is rewarded amply when we get to hear you speak at those events. Your deep realisations, delivered with great expertise, compassion and humour are feasts to our ears. When there is a generation gap, it’s often hard for audiences to connect with the speaker for they share very different perspectives towards life. However you are so much in touch with what’s trending and the mindset of your audiences that you are very relatable to the audiences of all stripes and colours. In your retreats to Indian students and young professionals, you seem to know them more than yourself. You challenge their beliefs and nudge them to progress in their spiritual journeys.
In one lecture you mentioned that one boy was nearly in tears after hearing your talk at one of the western outreach centre. He came and told you, “you just smashed everything that I ever believed in!”
Outreach and book distribution are very pleasing to you and you always encourage devotees to engage in spreading Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. After one book distribution marathon, you acknowledged my little effort in book distribution with what I felt was the greatest blessing. You said, “very pleased!”
yasya deve parā bhaktir yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthā prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
"The real import of the scriptures is revealed to one who has unflinching faith in both the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the spiritual master." (Śvetāśvatara Up. 6.23)
The transcendental literature written by Śrīla Prabhupāda is very dear to your heart and when we read and distribute them we know for sure that you are “very pleased!”
Your pleasure is our meditation and goal. On this very auspicious day, I pray at your lotus feet that as I continue to struggle in this world because of my past karma, may I never forget this goal, to please you who have been so kind to all of us.
Servant of your servants,
Dvija Pītāmbara Dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to your divine appearance day.
Thankfully COVID is over or at least its restrictions. We have looked forward to this very keenly, as we missed your vapu association and organising outreach events for you.
Gurudev your visit to Melbourne means a lot to us. With your arrival you bring a ton of services for us and we struggle to meet them. But all the frenzy of organising the events is rewarded amply when we get to hear you speak at those events. Your deep realisations, delivered with great expertise, compassion and humour are feasts to our ears. When there is a generation gap, it’s often hard for audiences to connect with the speaker for they share very different perspectives towards life. However you are so much in touch with what’s trending and the mindset of your audiences that you are very relatable to the audiences of all stripes and colours. In your retreats to Indian students and young professionals, you seem to know them more than yourself. You challenge their beliefs and nudge them to progress in their spiritual journeys.
In one lecture you mentioned that one boy was nearly in tears after hearing your talk at one of the western outreach centre. He came and told you, “you just smashed everything that I ever believed in!”
Outreach and book distribution are very pleasing to you and you always encourage devotees to engage in spreading Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. After one book distribution marathon, you acknowledged my little effort in book distribution with what I felt was the greatest blessing. You said, “very pleased!”
yasya deve parā bhaktir yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthā prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
"The real import of the scriptures is revealed to one who has unflinching faith in both the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the spiritual master." (Śvetāśvatara Up. 6.23)
The transcendental literature written by Śrīla Prabhupāda is very dear to your heart and when we read and distribute them we know for sure that you are “very pleased!”
Your pleasure is our meditation and goal. On this very auspicious day, I pray at your lotus feet that as I continue to struggle in this world because of my past karma, may I never forget this goal, to please you who have been so kind to all of us.
Servant of your servants,
Dvija Pītāmbara Dāsa
Ekant Dham Das
Hare Krishna!
Dandvat Pranam
Please accept my humble obesiances
My dear Guru Maharaj
It has been almost three years I have not met you personally Guru Maharaj. Though I wish to meet you and serve you physically, however I don't feel that you are far from your disciples. You are there with us continuously in the form of your teachings you gave us through your books and lectures. With your blessings I am trying to serve this mission and spread the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. I still remember that in one of your lectures, you had given us the example of fever, in which you had guided us to restrict our senses to a minimum level. Though I am a fallen soul and continue to commit silly mistakes, still I request you to please bless us that we all God Brothers and Sisters should remain cooperative with each other and help Srila Prabhupada in fulfilling His mission of preaching. Thank you Guru Maharaj.
Your ever servant
Ekant Dham Das
Dandvat Pranam
Please accept my humble obesiances
My dear Guru Maharaj
It has been almost three years I have not met you personally Guru Maharaj. Though I wish to meet you and serve you physically, however I don't feel that you are far from your disciples. You are there with us continuously in the form of your teachings you gave us through your books and lectures. With your blessings I am trying to serve this mission and spread the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. I still remember that in one of your lectures, you had given us the example of fever, in which you had guided us to restrict our senses to a minimum level. Though I am a fallen soul and continue to commit silly mistakes, still I request you to please bless us that we all God Brothers and Sisters should remain cooperative with each other and help Srila Prabhupada in fulfilling His mission of preaching. Thank you Guru Maharaj.
Your ever servant
Ekant Dham Das
Ekatma Gaura Das
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet as you are an ocean of auspicious qualities.
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day.
On this auspicious day, I sincerely pray for your good health and many more years of unstoppable service to Srila Prabhupada and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Only by your mercy I am in Krishna consciousness and trying to follow the process of bhakti.
Gurudev, You are changing and touching the hearts of so many fallen souls everyday through your instructions with your real loving care and grace. Without a Guru's loving grace, who is also a sincere disciple of his own guru, one cannot make any spiritual advancement. I feel there is no place more secure than your lotus feet.
I sincerely pray for your long life. Please bless me and my family so that we continue to serve the Lord.
Trying to be your useful servant
Ekatma Gaura Das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet as you are an ocean of auspicious qualities.
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day.
On this auspicious day, I sincerely pray for your good health and many more years of unstoppable service to Srila Prabhupada and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Only by your mercy I am in Krishna consciousness and trying to follow the process of bhakti.
Gurudev, You are changing and touching the hearts of so many fallen souls everyday through your instructions with your real loving care and grace. Without a Guru's loving grace, who is also a sincere disciple of his own guru, one cannot make any spiritual advancement. I feel there is no place more secure than your lotus feet.
I sincerely pray for your long life. Please bless me and my family so that we continue to serve the Lord.
Trying to be your useful servant
Ekatma Gaura Das
Gadai Gauranga 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 you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
"O devotee of the Lord, to see you is the perfection of the eyes, to touch your body is the perfection of bodily activities, and to glorify your qualities is the perfection of the tongue, for it is very rare to find a pure devotee like you."
Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (13.2)
What will I do for you this year, Gurudeva? What will I do?
I can say so many nice things, but what will I actually do?
My real glorification of you will be the devotional service that I try to perform under your direction this year, and for that matter, every other year too.
What devotional service have I done for you thus far? That's the real glorification that I’ve made of you up to this point.
As Kṛṣṇa says in the 77th Chapter of Kṛṣṇa book
“Those who are actually heroes do not talk much. They prove their prowess by practical exhibition of chivalrous activities”
O, to be a hero of devotional service - A product champion of bhakti. To actually do something practical in the field of devotional service - in order to glorify my spiritual master. That is my hope.
As Krishna explains in the Bhagavad gita (3.8), we should do our duty, for that's better than not doing one's duty. He furthermore adds that we can't even maintain our body, if we don't do our duty.
Then he explains a little later (3.20) that great personalities - such as King Janaka - attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties.
And, on top of that - just for the sake of educating the people in general, we should perform our duties.
The whole Bhagavad gita was spoken to get Arjuna to act, for Krishna’s pleasure. Yes, we need to reflect and analyze our situation and our motivations. But once we know the solution, we should immediately execute it.
As Arjuna says to Kṛṣṇa at the end of Bhagavad Gita
“My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy.
I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.”
And what happens to one who does not act for Kṛṣṇa, who does not follow his instructions?
“But those who, out of envy, disregard these teachings and do not follow them regularly are to be considered bereft of all knowledge, befooled, and ruined in their endeavors for perfection. (BG.3.32)
And just in case we missed that, Krishna says a similar thing near the end of Bhagavad Gita
“He who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whims attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination.” (BG.16.23)
Yes, we need to get knowledge, but once we have it, we need to execute it.
As Kṛṣṇa says in BG (18.55)
Only by devotional service can I be known.
So, how will I know Kṛṣṇa, if I don't do any devotional service?
Bhakti is a process of revelation. We have to do devotional service in order to realize the knowledge Kṛṣṇa has given us.
“No one can understand the transcendental nature of the name, form, quality and pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa through his materially contaminated senses. Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to the Lord are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the Lord revealed to him.”
(Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.234)
When one has served Kṛṣṇa nicely, then revelation comes. By applying what we hear, we get realization.
And this is why you are so glorious, Gurudeva.
You have heard from the right source.
You have applied the wisdom in your life.
And
You have realized it.
You are the real hero.
A champion of devotional service.
An exemplar of practical activity in the realm of bhakti
Your life is a glorification of Srila Prabhupada.
I bow down at your lotus feet
Aspiring to be a speck of dust at your lotus feet,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
"O devotee of the Lord, to see you is the perfection of the eyes, to touch your body is the perfection of bodily activities, and to glorify your qualities is the perfection of the tongue, for it is very rare to find a pure devotee like you."
Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (13.2)
What will I do for you this year, Gurudeva? What will I do?
I can say so many nice things, but what will I actually do?
My real glorification of you will be the devotional service that I try to perform under your direction this year, and for that matter, every other year too.
What devotional service have I done for you thus far? That's the real glorification that I’ve made of you up to this point.
As Kṛṣṇa says in the 77th Chapter of Kṛṣṇa book
“Those who are actually heroes do not talk much. They prove their prowess by practical exhibition of chivalrous activities”
O, to be a hero of devotional service - A product champion of bhakti. To actually do something practical in the field of devotional service - in order to glorify my spiritual master. That is my hope.
As Krishna explains in the Bhagavad gita (3.8), we should do our duty, for that's better than not doing one's duty. He furthermore adds that we can't even maintain our body, if we don't do our duty.
Then he explains a little later (3.20) that great personalities - such as King Janaka - attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties.
And, on top of that - just for the sake of educating the people in general, we should perform our duties.
The whole Bhagavad gita was spoken to get Arjuna to act, for Krishna’s pleasure. Yes, we need to reflect and analyze our situation and our motivations. But once we know the solution, we should immediately execute it.
As Arjuna says to Kṛṣṇa at the end of Bhagavad Gita
“My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy.
I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.”
And what happens to one who does not act for Kṛṣṇa, who does not follow his instructions?
“But those who, out of envy, disregard these teachings and do not follow them regularly are to be considered bereft of all knowledge, befooled, and ruined in their endeavors for perfection. (BG.3.32)
And just in case we missed that, Krishna says a similar thing near the end of Bhagavad Gita
“He who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whims attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination.” (BG.16.23)
Yes, we need to get knowledge, but once we have it, we need to execute it.
As Kṛṣṇa says in BG (18.55)
Only by devotional service can I be known.
So, how will I know Kṛṣṇa, if I don't do any devotional service?
Bhakti is a process of revelation. We have to do devotional service in order to realize the knowledge Kṛṣṇa has given us.
“No one can understand the transcendental nature of the name, form, quality and pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa through his materially contaminated senses. Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to the Lord are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the Lord revealed to him.”
(Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.234)
When one has served Kṛṣṇa nicely, then revelation comes. By applying what we hear, we get realization.
And this is why you are so glorious, Gurudeva.
You have heard from the right source.
You have applied the wisdom in your life.
And
You have realized it.
You are the real hero.
A champion of devotional service.
An exemplar of practical activity in the realm of bhakti
Your life is a glorification of Srila Prabhupada.
I bow down at your lotus feet
Aspiring to be a speck of dust at your lotus feet,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesha-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of Sri Vyasa Puja
I am lost, the ocean of illusion has me subdued.
Swim as I try with all my might,
the shore of peace is nowhere nearer to my sight.
I've cried, pleaded, and begged.
But there is always something I seem to forget.
This suffering and pain, can I ever prevent?
I have tried and tried with my ego so bold,
to stay afloat in this ocean, but I've kept my pride on a firm hold.
But what would happen... if I just surrendered?
I'd finally settle enough to actually remember
that a few feet away is a lifeboat of grace
and once acknowledged, I would never need to hesitate.
I thank you, dearest father and guide,
your teachings have touched me - soul, heart, and mind
gently soothing a tsunami of doubt into a peaceful tide,
ever still and always kind
I still swim as I have for many lifetimes,
yet now the current pulls me elsewhere from the mind.
What was turbulent is now grace.
I have you and your own master to thank for this change of pace.
On this day I ask for blessings,
may I serve the saints forevermore, hereby becoming worthy
to always receive nectar drops of spiritual mirth and honey.
You are my eternal master,
your words and grace - my eternal shelter.
Aspiring to be a servant
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesha-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of Sri Vyasa Puja
I am lost, the ocean of illusion has me subdued.
Swim as I try with all my might,
the shore of peace is nowhere nearer to my sight.
I've cried, pleaded, and begged.
But there is always something I seem to forget.
This suffering and pain, can I ever prevent?
I have tried and tried with my ego so bold,
to stay afloat in this ocean, but I've kept my pride on a firm hold.
But what would happen... if I just surrendered?
I'd finally settle enough to actually remember
that a few feet away is a lifeboat of grace
and once acknowledged, I would never need to hesitate.
I thank you, dearest father and guide,
your teachings have touched me - soul, heart, and mind
gently soothing a tsunami of doubt into a peaceful tide,
ever still and always kind
I still swim as I have for many lifetimes,
yet now the current pulls me elsewhere from the mind.
What was turbulent is now grace.
I have you and your own master to thank for this change of pace.
On this day I ask for blessings,
may I serve the saints forevermore, hereby becoming worthy
to always receive nectar drops of spiritual mirth and honey.
You are my eternal master,
your words and grace - my eternal shelter.
Aspiring to be a servant
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
Gaura Gopal das
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicous Vyasapuja day.
Dear Maharaj,
You have been a part of my life since I was perhaps 15 or so years of age.
I remember I would always look forward to when you and your Sankirtan party would travel to Katikati for a program. Sometimes I had to wait years and other times, I would be able to see you often.
You always encouraged me from such a young age, and continue to encourage me, and give me opportunities to serve you here and there. It was always worth the wait. For this I will be forever grateful.
The past 6 months has been extremely challenging for me, as Lord Krishna has decided to teach me many lessons, really test my devotion, sincerity, and who I am by taking almost everything away from me, and placing me at the mercy of the devotees.
This lesson has helped me move forward in my Krishna Conscious journey and step out of the 2nd Gen Gurukuli mindset that I have had for many years.
I have found it incredibly inspiring regularly attending The Loft over the past couple months and doing small services. This has been very reassuring of where I want to be situated in my life. Kirtan and Outreach.
It is no secret how much Kirtan means to me, as this is how I feel connected to the Lord, and you have been merciful to me over the years, by giving me opportunities to be an instrument in the Kirtan party here and there.
There was a stage this year where this taste for Kirtan had disappeared, where Lord Krishna really wanted to test my faith. It was almost breaking point.
I was at the Otaki retreat in April, my life was turning upside down, and I had no idea which way to look, I just knew I had to take shelter of the holy name somehow, and then you asked me to lead the final Kirtan of the festival... I couldn't believe it. It was absolute nectar.
gay gora madhur sware
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rame Rama Rama Hare Hare
Lord Gaurasundara sings in a very sweet voice, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
grhe thako, vane thako, sada 'hari' bole' dako
sukhe duhkhe bhulo na'ko, vadane hari-nam koro re
Whether you are a householder or a sannyasi, constantly chant "Hari, Hari!" Do not forget this chanting, whether you are in a happy condition or a distressful one. Just fill your lips with the hari-nama.
I pray that with Mahaprabhu's mercy, Your mercy, and the mercy of the Vaishnavas, I will be able to continue to try serving Sri Nama Prabhu for the rest of my days.
Your humble servant
Gaura Gopal Das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicous Vyasapuja day.
Dear Maharaj,
You have been a part of my life since I was perhaps 15 or so years of age.
I remember I would always look forward to when you and your Sankirtan party would travel to Katikati for a program. Sometimes I had to wait years and other times, I would be able to see you often.
You always encouraged me from such a young age, and continue to encourage me, and give me opportunities to serve you here and there. It was always worth the wait. For this I will be forever grateful.
The past 6 months has been extremely challenging for me, as Lord Krishna has decided to teach me many lessons, really test my devotion, sincerity, and who I am by taking almost everything away from me, and placing me at the mercy of the devotees.
This lesson has helped me move forward in my Krishna Conscious journey and step out of the 2nd Gen Gurukuli mindset that I have had for many years.
I have found it incredibly inspiring regularly attending The Loft over the past couple months and doing small services. This has been very reassuring of where I want to be situated in my life. Kirtan and Outreach.
It is no secret how much Kirtan means to me, as this is how I feel connected to the Lord, and you have been merciful to me over the years, by giving me opportunities to be an instrument in the Kirtan party here and there.
There was a stage this year where this taste for Kirtan had disappeared, where Lord Krishna really wanted to test my faith. It was almost breaking point.
I was at the Otaki retreat in April, my life was turning upside down, and I had no idea which way to look, I just knew I had to take shelter of the holy name somehow, and then you asked me to lead the final Kirtan of the festival... I couldn't believe it. It was absolute nectar.
gay gora madhur sware
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rame Rama Rama Hare Hare
Lord Gaurasundara sings in a very sweet voice, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
grhe thako, vane thako, sada 'hari' bole' dako
sukhe duhkhe bhulo na'ko, vadane hari-nam koro re
Whether you are a householder or a sannyasi, constantly chant "Hari, Hari!" Do not forget this chanting, whether you are in a happy condition or a distressful one. Just fill your lips with the hari-nama.
I pray that with Mahaprabhu's mercy, Your mercy, and the mercy of the Vaishnavas, I will be able to continue to try serving Sri Nama Prabhu for the rest of my days.
Your humble servant
Gaura Gopal Das
Gaura Keli Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
On this most auspicious day I am contemplating the tremendous impact you have had in my life. My conclusion is that although I am not able to fully comprehend it, still, the small part I have been able to experience is enough to make me eternally grateful.
The absence of the many layers of dark ignorance in my heart, which I know have been consumed by the shining lamp of knowledge imparted by you, has already given me so much peace and clarity. And yet there is so much more ignorance left but considering your unfathomable mercy, compassion and qualifications I am hopeful. Hopeful to one day be able to see my true position as your eternal servant even more clearly and be able to serve you properly.
The person from Yale University who told you: “You are a Yale man… You are going to change the world!” was very right but in ways far beyond he could possibly imagine. Thank you so very much for walking the earth and so expertly preaching Lord Chaitanya’s message to all fallen souls like myself.
I am sure that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is most pleased with you and the many decades of absolute dedication you have shown to Him and His mission. My most audacious goal and desire is to serve and please you by one millionth the way you have served and pleased Him.
Your eternally grateful servant,
Gaura Keli Das.
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
On this most auspicious day I am contemplating the tremendous impact you have had in my life. My conclusion is that although I am not able to fully comprehend it, still, the small part I have been able to experience is enough to make me eternally grateful.
The absence of the many layers of dark ignorance in my heart, which I know have been consumed by the shining lamp of knowledge imparted by you, has already given me so much peace and clarity. And yet there is so much more ignorance left but considering your unfathomable mercy, compassion and qualifications I am hopeful. Hopeful to one day be able to see my true position as your eternal servant even more clearly and be able to serve you properly.
The person from Yale University who told you: “You are a Yale man… You are going to change the world!” was very right but in ways far beyond he could possibly imagine. Thank you so very much for walking the earth and so expertly preaching Lord Chaitanya’s message to all fallen souls like myself.
I am sure that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is most pleased with you and the many decades of absolute dedication you have shown to Him and His mission. My most audacious goal and desire is to serve and please you by one millionth the way you have served and pleased Him.
Your eternally grateful servant,
Gaura Keli Das.
Gaura Kishore dasa
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.
Where to begin, ah I know with words that shook me out of my navel glazing slumber….. “If you can figure out setting up in NZ, when the borders open, that would be great”
Hang on a minute, life was meant to be easy, yeah I know we were going through a pandemic and some very seemingly draconian restrictions but things were steady. I was in my comfort zone, making plans to stay in the middle lane of UK life. Yet soon after I received your email I was listening to a class by Srila Prabhupada (LA Dec 9,1968) in which he made the following statement, “ we should take up the words from the spiritual master as our life and soul. We should try to carry out the instruction, the specific instruction of the spiritual master, very rigidly, without caring for our personal benefit or loss.”
There it was, if I was to try and make good all the years of care, guidance and kindness that you have shown me, then for once I must take your instructions seriously.
So here I am on a rock, surrounded by water a long way from my so called comforts, writing this offering as a way of gratitude to you for leading by example, for shaking me out of my slumber, for showering your care and love irrespective of my foolish neglect to value such shelter in the correct way. And, most importantly for showing by your own personal example how a true disciple of the spiritual master is meant to live their life and progress in bhakti.
Perhaps this time I will be less foolish, more personal and less careless with the valuable jewels of your instructions, wisdom and patience so that I may honour you in the right way and in that way truly begin to repay all that you have given.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Where to begin, ah I know with words that shook me out of my navel glazing slumber….. “If you can figure out setting up in NZ, when the borders open, that would be great”
Hang on a minute, life was meant to be easy, yeah I know we were going through a pandemic and some very seemingly draconian restrictions but things were steady. I was in my comfort zone, making plans to stay in the middle lane of UK life. Yet soon after I received your email I was listening to a class by Srila Prabhupada (LA Dec 9,1968) in which he made the following statement, “ we should take up the words from the spiritual master as our life and soul. We should try to carry out the instruction, the specific instruction of the spiritual master, very rigidly, without caring for our personal benefit or loss.”
There it was, if I was to try and make good all the years of care, guidance and kindness that you have shown me, then for once I must take your instructions seriously.
So here I am on a rock, surrounded by water a long way from my so called comforts, writing this offering as a way of gratitude to you for leading by example, for shaking me out of my slumber, for showering your care and love irrespective of my foolish neglect to value such shelter in the correct way. And, most importantly for showing by your own personal example how a true disciple of the spiritual master is meant to live their life and progress in bhakti.
Perhaps this time I will be less foolish, more personal and less careless with the valuable jewels of your instructions, wisdom and patience so that I may honour you in the right way and in that way truly begin to repay all that you have given.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
Gaura-arati dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, saviour of the three worlds, of whom you are a very dear and dedicated servant.
On this holy day of your appearance I want to express my gratitude to you for training us, your disciples, in the essence of Krishna consciousness. Hearing, chanting, distributing, and selfless service to the devotees of the Lord. This training, is a lifelong gift that will serve us all and deliver the highest goal, if we apply it the best we can through all the ups and downs of life. We can certainly be inspired by the example you set in your own life, your relish for hearing and chanting about Sri Krishna is so clearly evident in your classes and personal association.
“Put your heart into your chanting.”
"All your strength comes from the purity and potency of your hearing and chanting.”
"Selfless service feeds into quality hearing and chanting and hearing and chanting feeds into selfless service."
Are all 'mantras' many of your disciples will have heard you urge from the very first months and years of our bhakti practice.
Earlier this year I attended a seminar on japa. It is always wonderful to hear about the glories of chanting Hare Krishna. The process and the efficacy. We need to hear constantly for we live in the atmosphere of forgetfulness. The main point of the workshop was that we need to chant heart deep to progress in our relationship with Krishna and His holy name. Not lip service, not just from the mind, but from the heart. The devotee giving the workshop explained that for 20 years she chanted, because that is what we ‘Hare Krishnas’ do. She wasn’t really taught ‘how’ to chant, and said many other devotees of her time were the same. She shared that when she attended japa workshops and learnt the need to chant with her heart it was such a game changer in her spiritual life, therefore she now conducts these seminars to help educate others. Throughout the workshop I was feeling so grateful to you, because you taught us this from the very beginning days of our spiritual life. That hearing and chanting are the foundations from which we build everything else. The foundations that will keep us stable through the earthquakes the illusory energy will shake us with. The foundations that we can offer shelter to others from. The foundations from which our bhakti-lata will grow with health.
How extremely fortunate I am to have such a glorious bonafide spiritual master! A master who has fully dedicated his life for the welfare of others. You have given the keys of a strong foundation in spiritual life right from day one. All lack of advancement is due to my own lack of application.
Although I have a long way to go in having attachment for the foundational practises of hearing and chanting, I feel very fortunate that I have dear friends who have taken your instructions in this regard to heart, and by who's friendship I become inspired in bhakti. My most cherished time of the week is undoubtedly my regular reading dates with some of your illustrious disciples - Bhava sandhi, Radha Prasad, Hiranyangi. I pray that by associating with the devotees, and your continued mercy on me, I may develop deeper and deeper affection for hearing and chanting about Krishna, and serving His devotees with love.
As you know, come March, Krishna willing, we will have a newborn in our household. That will no doubt multiply the juggling act of family life, sadhana, and selfless service manifold. When a new Mother told you how she hadn’t been keeping her chanting vow, you mentioned to me that this happens almost as soon as one thinks it is optional to chant one’s rounds. I found this very instructional. Today on this most auspicious day of your appearance, I beg you for the intelligence to always keep the essence of bhakti as you have taught us, as the guiding light by which to revolve my life choices. I beg for the humility to really call out the holy names like the helpless child that I am, to always make time for associating with Srila Prabhupada by reading his books in the company of devotees and to have the heart to share bhakti with others in some way, shape or form.
Gurudeva, thank you for being such a fine instrument in the hands of your spiritual master, to deliver the treasure that every soul longs for to those of us who in no way deserve it. The devotee of Krishna is more merciful even than He. Please continue to help me take better advantage of this treasure for without doing so, my life will be worthless.
Aspiring to be a useful and progressive servant of yours,
Gaura-arati dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, saviour of the three worlds, of whom you are a very dear and dedicated servant.
On this holy day of your appearance I want to express my gratitude to you for training us, your disciples, in the essence of Krishna consciousness. Hearing, chanting, distributing, and selfless service to the devotees of the Lord. This training, is a lifelong gift that will serve us all and deliver the highest goal, if we apply it the best we can through all the ups and downs of life. We can certainly be inspired by the example you set in your own life, your relish for hearing and chanting about Sri Krishna is so clearly evident in your classes and personal association.
“Put your heart into your chanting.”
"All your strength comes from the purity and potency of your hearing and chanting.”
"Selfless service feeds into quality hearing and chanting and hearing and chanting feeds into selfless service."
Are all 'mantras' many of your disciples will have heard you urge from the very first months and years of our bhakti practice.
Earlier this year I attended a seminar on japa. It is always wonderful to hear about the glories of chanting Hare Krishna. The process and the efficacy. We need to hear constantly for we live in the atmosphere of forgetfulness. The main point of the workshop was that we need to chant heart deep to progress in our relationship with Krishna and His holy name. Not lip service, not just from the mind, but from the heart. The devotee giving the workshop explained that for 20 years she chanted, because that is what we ‘Hare Krishnas’ do. She wasn’t really taught ‘how’ to chant, and said many other devotees of her time were the same. She shared that when she attended japa workshops and learnt the need to chant with her heart it was such a game changer in her spiritual life, therefore she now conducts these seminars to help educate others. Throughout the workshop I was feeling so grateful to you, because you taught us this from the very beginning days of our spiritual life. That hearing and chanting are the foundations from which we build everything else. The foundations that will keep us stable through the earthquakes the illusory energy will shake us with. The foundations that we can offer shelter to others from. The foundations from which our bhakti-lata will grow with health.
How extremely fortunate I am to have such a glorious bonafide spiritual master! A master who has fully dedicated his life for the welfare of others. You have given the keys of a strong foundation in spiritual life right from day one. All lack of advancement is due to my own lack of application.
Although I have a long way to go in having attachment for the foundational practises of hearing and chanting, I feel very fortunate that I have dear friends who have taken your instructions in this regard to heart, and by who's friendship I become inspired in bhakti. My most cherished time of the week is undoubtedly my regular reading dates with some of your illustrious disciples - Bhava sandhi, Radha Prasad, Hiranyangi. I pray that by associating with the devotees, and your continued mercy on me, I may develop deeper and deeper affection for hearing and chanting about Krishna, and serving His devotees with love.
As you know, come March, Krishna willing, we will have a newborn in our household. That will no doubt multiply the juggling act of family life, sadhana, and selfless service manifold. When a new Mother told you how she hadn’t been keeping her chanting vow, you mentioned to me that this happens almost as soon as one thinks it is optional to chant one’s rounds. I found this very instructional. Today on this most auspicious day of your appearance, I beg you for the intelligence to always keep the essence of bhakti as you have taught us, as the guiding light by which to revolve my life choices. I beg for the humility to really call out the holy names like the helpless child that I am, to always make time for associating with Srila Prabhupada by reading his books in the company of devotees and to have the heart to share bhakti with others in some way, shape or form.
Gurudeva, thank you for being such a fine instrument in the hands of your spiritual master, to deliver the treasure that every soul longs for to those of us who in no way deserve it. The devotee of Krishna is more merciful even than He. Please continue to help me take better advantage of this treasure for without doing so, my life will be worthless.
Aspiring to be a useful and progressive servant of yours,
Gaura-arati dasi
Gauramandala das & family
nama om vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
Please accept our humble obeisance at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja day.
Srimad Bhagavatam 4.20.25 gives a perfect understanding of how conditioned soul wakes up from the dream of enjoying material world for eons over uncountable lifetimes by just hearing the potent words of pure devotees glorifying the Supreme Lord.
“My dear Lord, You are glorified by the selected verses uttered by great personalities. Such glorification of Your lotus feet is just like saffron particles. When the transcendental vibration from the mouths of great devotees carries the aroma of the saffron dust of Your lotus feet, the forgetful living entity gradually remembers his eternal relationship with You. Devotees thus gradually come to the right conclusion about the value of life. My dear Lord, I therefore do not need any other benediction but the opportunity to hear from the mouth of Your pure devotee.”
As I relished the first time, I heard you to wake from my dreadful dream of material consciousness in the same way or more profound way I aspire to hear and drink it as I hear you many more times through this life. I have desire to transcribe as much of your words and read, re-read, absorb, ruminate and internalize as much my intellect allows and share it most compassionately and lovingly with others I come across.
We pray and beg on this auspicious day to shower your mercy so that we don’t fall back into material consciousness and be never neglectful of the priceless devotional service and nurture and savor at every step of life and share the fruits heartfully to others.
Your aspiring servants
Gauramandala das and Vraja mandal devi dasi, Sanjitha and Shruti.
srimate devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
Please accept our humble obeisance at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja day.
Srimad Bhagavatam 4.20.25 gives a perfect understanding of how conditioned soul wakes up from the dream of enjoying material world for eons over uncountable lifetimes by just hearing the potent words of pure devotees glorifying the Supreme Lord.
“My dear Lord, You are glorified by the selected verses uttered by great personalities. Such glorification of Your lotus feet is just like saffron particles. When the transcendental vibration from the mouths of great devotees carries the aroma of the saffron dust of Your lotus feet, the forgetful living entity gradually remembers his eternal relationship with You. Devotees thus gradually come to the right conclusion about the value of life. My dear Lord, I therefore do not need any other benediction but the opportunity to hear from the mouth of Your pure devotee.”
As I relished the first time, I heard you to wake from my dreadful dream of material consciousness in the same way or more profound way I aspire to hear and drink it as I hear you many more times through this life. I have desire to transcribe as much of your words and read, re-read, absorb, ruminate and internalize as much my intellect allows and share it most compassionately and lovingly with others I come across.
We pray and beg on this auspicious day to shower your mercy so that we don’t fall back into material consciousness and be never neglectful of the priceless devotional service and nurture and savor at every step of life and share the fruits heartfully to others.
Your aspiring servants
Gauramandala das and Vraja mandal devi dasi, Sanjitha and Shruti.
Gauranga Mohan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on the auspicious day.
You took shelter from Srila Prabhupada who is very close to Krishna, and he is so merciful to conditioned souls. You are following your spiritual master's instruction as it is, spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world by overcoming many material obstacles (like travel restrictions, health issues) and giving spiritual seed to fallen conditioned souls.
Gurudeva you are so kind and merciful to everyone. Even though you are so busy traveling to different continents, you give your personal time and guidance to people who are more enthusiastic to know about Krishna and who want to give Krishna to others.
As stated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja: (CC Madhya 19.151)
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide 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.”
Gurudeva, I am so fortunate that I got your mercy, shelter, and personal guidance. You took the time to reply to my emails. You gave me not just spiritual guidance but also gave advice for my material dealings to continue my Krishna consciousness. Also, your lectures are always fuel for my sadhana. By listening to your lectures, I am getting so much energy and encouragement to my bhakti practice.
Gurudeva, please give me the strength to follow your instructions, and serve you in my capacity to please you, Srila Prabhupada, and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Your insignificant servant
Gauranga Mohan Das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on the auspicious day.
You took shelter from Srila Prabhupada who is very close to Krishna, and he is so merciful to conditioned souls. You are following your spiritual master's instruction as it is, spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world by overcoming many material obstacles (like travel restrictions, health issues) and giving spiritual seed to fallen conditioned souls.
Gurudeva you are so kind and merciful to everyone. Even though you are so busy traveling to different continents, you give your personal time and guidance to people who are more enthusiastic to know about Krishna and who want to give Krishna to others.
As stated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja: (CC Madhya 19.151)
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide 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.”
Gurudeva, I am so fortunate that I got your mercy, shelter, and personal guidance. You took the time to reply to my emails. You gave me not just spiritual guidance but also gave advice for my material dealings to continue my Krishna consciousness. Also, your lectures are always fuel for my sadhana. By listening to your lectures, I am getting so much energy and encouragement to my bhakti practice.
Gurudeva, please give me the strength to follow your instructions, and serve you in my capacity to please you, Srila Prabhupada, and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Your insignificant servant
Gauranga Mohan Das
Gauranga-gopala dasa
Dear Guru maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila prabhupada.
Recently, I have been attempting once again to reform myself, aiming for better steadiness in spiritual life. Having received from you the gayatri mantras a few months back, I was too soon to neglect them, not organising myself properly to chant at the right time, and paying no much attention to their sound and deep meaning. As you often explain, the default position of the conditioned soul in the material world is impersonalism. As soon as we stop being attentive and careful, we drift back again into this unfortunate setting. They call this phenomenon the "law of entropy".
We regularly hear Srila Prabhupada stating that taking to Krsna consciousness is more or less declaring war against the illusory energy of the Lord. We proclaim "I want Krsna!", and our sincerity get tested in unlimited creative ways by maya. But you remind us that each trial is actually an opportunity for personal victory over the mind, offering us the reward of ever increasing faith in the holy name and its sacred potencies. From sraddha eventually comes prema, so this process is perfect and complete, leading us to the highest destination.
"Bhakti is a lifetime career", you also say. We are in it for the long run, and patience is certainly a great virtue we should cultivate every moment. You are demonstrating how a lifelong effort of watering and growing the bhakti creeper in the methods and techniques revealed to us by Srila Prabhupada can bear the most beautiful and tasty fruits. You are a powerful inspiration for devotees all over the world and your guidance is a rare treasure that you are offering freely to those who will be willing to hear. Indeed your love for Krsna is so pure that naturally it overflows and you become unable to keep it for yourself.
Thank you for letting me taste the remnants of the fruit of your devotion by engaging in a deeper relationship with me, and offering me ever new opportunities for service. By your grace, may I one day be able to start to understand the greatness of our Lord. For now, I shall diligently and patiently carry on my duties, by keeping to my vows, and aspire to chant without offenses, in great meditation on your lotus feet.
Your insignificant servant,
Gauranga gopala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila prabhupada.
Recently, I have been attempting once again to reform myself, aiming for better steadiness in spiritual life. Having received from you the gayatri mantras a few months back, I was too soon to neglect them, not organising myself properly to chant at the right time, and paying no much attention to their sound and deep meaning. As you often explain, the default position of the conditioned soul in the material world is impersonalism. As soon as we stop being attentive and careful, we drift back again into this unfortunate setting. They call this phenomenon the "law of entropy".
We regularly hear Srila Prabhupada stating that taking to Krsna consciousness is more or less declaring war against the illusory energy of the Lord. We proclaim "I want Krsna!", and our sincerity get tested in unlimited creative ways by maya. But you remind us that each trial is actually an opportunity for personal victory over the mind, offering us the reward of ever increasing faith in the holy name and its sacred potencies. From sraddha eventually comes prema, so this process is perfect and complete, leading us to the highest destination.
"Bhakti is a lifetime career", you also say. We are in it for the long run, and patience is certainly a great virtue we should cultivate every moment. You are demonstrating how a lifelong effort of watering and growing the bhakti creeper in the methods and techniques revealed to us by Srila Prabhupada can bear the most beautiful and tasty fruits. You are a powerful inspiration for devotees all over the world and your guidance is a rare treasure that you are offering freely to those who will be willing to hear. Indeed your love for Krsna is so pure that naturally it overflows and you become unable to keep it for yourself.
Thank you for letting me taste the remnants of the fruit of your devotion by engaging in a deeper relationship with me, and offering me ever new opportunities for service. By your grace, may I one day be able to start to understand the greatness of our Lord. For now, I shall diligently and patiently carry on my duties, by keeping to my vows, and aspire to chant without offenses, in great meditation on your lotus feet.
Your insignificant servant,
Gauranga gopala dasa
Gaurangachandra Das
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudev
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I have been thinking about my first and second initiation and how it was so perfectly timed that I got your mercy.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned in many lectures how one gets a Spiritual master by the grace of Krishna and how by the grace of Spiritual master one gets Krishna. Now I am really experiencing that in my own life.
Now again when my daughter was about to join the college, you expertly gave her the instructions and guidance on what her final goal should be and I can clearly see how much impact those conversations had made in her.
Gurudev, I am really grateful for everything you provided in my life at the right time, your instructions always strike me with the thinking what am I doing for the mission of Srila Prabhupada, then immediately I start to think about how I can progress more in the path of Krishna Consciousness.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I sincerely pray to Krishna that you live a long healthy, peaceful life and guide many souls in the path of Krishna Consciousness.
Your humble servant,
Gaurangachandra Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudev
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I have been thinking about my first and second initiation and how it was so perfectly timed that I got your mercy.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned in many lectures how one gets a Spiritual master by the grace of Krishna and how by the grace of Spiritual master one gets Krishna. Now I am really experiencing that in my own life.
Now again when my daughter was about to join the college, you expertly gave her the instructions and guidance on what her final goal should be and I can clearly see how much impact those conversations had made in her.
Gurudev, I am really grateful for everything you provided in my life at the right time, your instructions always strike me with the thinking what am I doing for the mission of Srila Prabhupada, then immediately I start to think about how I can progress more in the path of Krishna Consciousness.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I sincerely pray to Krishna that you live a long healthy, peaceful life and guide many souls in the path of Krishna Consciousness.
Your humble servant,
Gaurangachandra Das
Girigovardhan das
Dear Guru Maharaja, please accept my respectful obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada! On this auspicious day, let me congratulate you.
Gurudev, as a result of listening to your instructions in the seminar ‘Vrindavan through the eyes of Uddhava’, your disciple read the entire Chaitanya Caritamrita and the verse 78 of chapter 8 of Antya-lila particularly touched my heart. Thanks to your instructions to read Krishna book before going to bed, my heart, mind and emotions have received nectar, and your disciple is immensely grateful for that. By your causeless mercy you took such a kripana and a rascal on an amazing journey called Krishna Consciousness. Through the seminar ‘Vrindavan in the eyes of Uddhava’ you, Guru Maharaja, taught me to drink water from an endless source of nectar, and through the Prema-Netra seminar, you Gurudev performed eye surgery.
Be blessed for all time by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Obeisance to you from a worthless disciple, Girigovardhana das.
Gurudev, as a result of listening to your instructions in the seminar ‘Vrindavan through the eyes of Uddhava’, your disciple read the entire Chaitanya Caritamrita and the verse 78 of chapter 8 of Antya-lila particularly touched my heart. Thanks to your instructions to read Krishna book before going to bed, my heart, mind and emotions have received nectar, and your disciple is immensely grateful for that. By your causeless mercy you took such a kripana and a rascal on an amazing journey called Krishna Consciousness. Through the seminar ‘Vrindavan in the eyes of Uddhava’ you, Guru Maharaja, taught me to drink water from an endless source of nectar, and through the Prema-Netra seminar, you Gurudev performed eye surgery.
Be blessed for all time by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Obeisance to you from a worthless disciple, Girigovardhana das.
Gita Govinda devi dasi
Hare Krsna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
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 Vaishnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion.
Gurudeva, I relish your personal association so much because I learn so much from observing you, hearing your talks, witnessing your interactions with devotees and newcomers to Bhakti, and from my fortunate darshans with you. Your heart and mind are always focused on giving Krishna consciousness to others, and through your example we can see that this is real life in Bhakti – the more we give Krishna to others, the more we get Krishna. When you recently arrived in Wellington, at your welcome address, you encouraged us all in continuing our outreach efforts and said that people will be attracted by the purity of the devotees. I was so enthused by this statement and pray for your mercy that I may become purified in order to have the potency to attract others out of the gutter of the material world and towards Krishna’s lotus feet. When I hear from you, I feel refocused and encouraged in my Bhakti practice, and the desire to give more always sprouts in my heart.
Gurudev, you connect with each and every devotee, no matter where they’re at, and give them so much love and shelter. You are so merciful and compassionate. We are refugees from Kali Yuga – the wounded, distressed, and mad; Our minds so badly butchered by years of abuse and assault. We are often self-destructive – wanting and desiring things that are harmful to us, and like an infant with a diamond, throwing away haphazardly that which is our life and soul. But Gurudev, like a loving father with a wayward child, you give more love despite being hurt by our actions. You are understanding and tolerant, and you are always there. Even when you are not there physically, you are sheltering each and every devotee from within their heart. Recently, when I was in some bodily discomfort and chanting japa, I remembered you, and it helped me transcend the bodily concept. You have dedicated your life to sacrifice, have endured unimaginable austerities, and given yourself to the mission of your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Therefore, your body is composed of penance, austerity, sacrifice, mercy, compassion, and pure love.
I pray that I may always remain under your shelter because it is the only safe place in this material world. I pray that I will learn to take my Krishna Consciousness more seriously and become fixed in following your instructions. By your mercy, I pray that I may continue to try and hear the Holy Names of the Maha-Mantra, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. I pray that I may become more tolerant, equanimous, grateful, and always relish the glories of the devotees. Finally, I pray that I may render some service for you unto your lotus feet, in whatever way possible.
With gratitude, your servant,
Gita Govinda devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
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 Vaishnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion.
Gurudeva, I relish your personal association so much because I learn so much from observing you, hearing your talks, witnessing your interactions with devotees and newcomers to Bhakti, and from my fortunate darshans with you. Your heart and mind are always focused on giving Krishna consciousness to others, and through your example we can see that this is real life in Bhakti – the more we give Krishna to others, the more we get Krishna. When you recently arrived in Wellington, at your welcome address, you encouraged us all in continuing our outreach efforts and said that people will be attracted by the purity of the devotees. I was so enthused by this statement and pray for your mercy that I may become purified in order to have the potency to attract others out of the gutter of the material world and towards Krishna’s lotus feet. When I hear from you, I feel refocused and encouraged in my Bhakti practice, and the desire to give more always sprouts in my heart.
Gurudev, you connect with each and every devotee, no matter where they’re at, and give them so much love and shelter. You are so merciful and compassionate. We are refugees from Kali Yuga – the wounded, distressed, and mad; Our minds so badly butchered by years of abuse and assault. We are often self-destructive – wanting and desiring things that are harmful to us, and like an infant with a diamond, throwing away haphazardly that which is our life and soul. But Gurudev, like a loving father with a wayward child, you give more love despite being hurt by our actions. You are understanding and tolerant, and you are always there. Even when you are not there physically, you are sheltering each and every devotee from within their heart. Recently, when I was in some bodily discomfort and chanting japa, I remembered you, and it helped me transcend the bodily concept. You have dedicated your life to sacrifice, have endured unimaginable austerities, and given yourself to the mission of your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Therefore, your body is composed of penance, austerity, sacrifice, mercy, compassion, and pure love.
I pray that I may always remain under your shelter because it is the only safe place in this material world. I pray that I will learn to take my Krishna Consciousness more seriously and become fixed in following your instructions. By your mercy, I pray that I may continue to try and hear the Holy Names of the Maha-Mantra, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. I pray that I may become more tolerant, equanimous, grateful, and always relish the glories of the devotees. Finally, I pray that I may render some service for you unto your lotus feet, in whatever way possible.
With gratitude, your servant,
Gita Govinda devi dasi
Gokul lila dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you!
As I danced in your exuberant kirtan at the opening of London’s first conscious nightclub, studio 108, July this year, I marvelled at my fate.
20 years earlier, in 2001, my optimistic 18-year-old self was working at Fabric live, a nightclub in London, rated world’s number 1 nightclub several times. My ambitions in London were fulfilled. Be amidst the London drum and bass scene and party hard. That’s what life in London is all about, apparently.
My problem in London 2001 is I couldn’t enjoy how I used to; you had already cleverly intervened in my hellish existence. I was seeing everything through new lenses. Despite trying to deny my experiences in Krishna consciousnesses, I had at the Loft (AKA Bhakti Lounge Wellington), I couldn’t forget the taste.
You are the mastermind of the Loft and Bhakti Lounge, so ingeniously set up to attract young people to the enchanting world of Krishna. I liked to party; your vision for the urban outreach centres is a transcendental nightclub scene.
Fast forward to the year 2022, here I am dancing in London city at studio 108; this time, there was no DJ that had the crowd dancing madly; it was you, Gurudeva!
Your heart beats to the tune of Srila Prabhupada’s wishes. Without which I don’t know if I would be writing this homage today. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to you today and every day.
You rescued me by your transcendental tactics as everything at your urban outreach centres is focused on offering such a tasty deal the conditioned soul cannot forget. I am a testimony to that! Much attention to detail and thought you pour into these places year and year.
All glories to your service!
Thank you for saving me Gurudeva.
I recently read this purport ŚB 1.6.26, and I thought of you–
The life of a sincere devotee of the Lord is thus explained in a nutshell by Nārada Muni by his personal example. Such a devotee, after his initiation by the Lord or His bona fide representative, takes very seriously chanting of the glories of the Lord and traveling all over the world so that others may also hear the glories of the Lord. Such devotees have no desire for material gain. They are conducted by one single desire: to go back to Godhead. This awaits them in due course on quitting the material body. Because they have the highest aim of life, going back to Godhead, they are never envious of anyone, nor are they proud of being eligible to go back to Godhead. Their only business is to chant and remember the holy name, fame and pastimes of the Lord and, according to personal capacity, to distribute the message for others’ welfare without motive of material gain.
Your servant,
Gokul lila dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you!
As I danced in your exuberant kirtan at the opening of London’s first conscious nightclub, studio 108, July this year, I marvelled at my fate.
20 years earlier, in 2001, my optimistic 18-year-old self was working at Fabric live, a nightclub in London, rated world’s number 1 nightclub several times. My ambitions in London were fulfilled. Be amidst the London drum and bass scene and party hard. That’s what life in London is all about, apparently.
My problem in London 2001 is I couldn’t enjoy how I used to; you had already cleverly intervened in my hellish existence. I was seeing everything through new lenses. Despite trying to deny my experiences in Krishna consciousnesses, I had at the Loft (AKA Bhakti Lounge Wellington), I couldn’t forget the taste.
You are the mastermind of the Loft and Bhakti Lounge, so ingeniously set up to attract young people to the enchanting world of Krishna. I liked to party; your vision for the urban outreach centres is a transcendental nightclub scene.
Fast forward to the year 2022, here I am dancing in London city at studio 108; this time, there was no DJ that had the crowd dancing madly; it was you, Gurudeva!
Your heart beats to the tune of Srila Prabhupada’s wishes. Without which I don’t know if I would be writing this homage today. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to you today and every day.
You rescued me by your transcendental tactics as everything at your urban outreach centres is focused on offering such a tasty deal the conditioned soul cannot forget. I am a testimony to that! Much attention to detail and thought you pour into these places year and year.
All glories to your service!
Thank you for saving me Gurudeva.
I recently read this purport ŚB 1.6.26, and I thought of you–
The life of a sincere devotee of the Lord is thus explained in a nutshell by Nārada Muni by his personal example. Such a devotee, after his initiation by the Lord or His bona fide representative, takes very seriously chanting of the glories of the Lord and traveling all over the world so that others may also hear the glories of the Lord. Such devotees have no desire for material gain. They are conducted by one single desire: to go back to Godhead. This awaits them in due course on quitting the material body. Because they have the highest aim of life, going back to Godhead, they are never envious of anyone, nor are they proud of being eligible to go back to Godhead. Their only business is to chant and remember the holy name, fame and pastimes of the Lord and, according to personal capacity, to distribute the message for others’ welfare without motive of material gain.
Your servant,
Gokul lila dd
Gopa-Vṛndeśa Dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
All glories to Gurudeva!
The role of a spiritual master is to attract suffering souls from the grip of material existence and offer them at the lotus feet of Sri Krsna. In this way, a genuine guru acts as a representative of the Lord. As explained by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, the Lord empowers very advanced devotees to accept the role of a spiritual master to carry forward the preaching mission on the Lord’s behalf. In general, this compassionate task is not done directly by the Lord or His bhajanānandī-uttama-bhaktas. These great devotees who act as bonafide spiritual masters are deeply realised and their internal service to Śrī Śrī Rādha and Kṛṣṇa continue even while engaged in guiding disciples or reaching out to fallen souls. They are driven by pure compassion — a manifestation of genuine love for the Lord — for the suffering souls. A guru’s genuine care and affection for the Lord is reflected in his care for his disciples who may act very insensitively or foolishly because of strong material conditioning.
Your potent instructions are surcharged with care and affection for your followers and they are available to us in your lectures and personal instructions. Finding least time for socialising, you directly address the problem, however insane it may be, faced by your disciples. You always give us the next step to take in our spiritual journey. Your care for the disciples is so much so that before instructing the disciples you carefully judge the ability of the disciple to follow your instruction. You don’t want to see your followers taking backward steps by not following your instructions. At the same time you compassionately tolerate the misgivings of your disciples. As Ṛṣabhadeva instructs.
putrāṁś ca śiṣyāṁś ca nṛpo gurur vā
mal-loka-kāmo mad-anugrahārthaḥ
itthaṁ vimanyur anuśiṣyād ataj-jñān
If one is serious about going back home, back to Godhead, he must consider the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead the summum bonum and chief aim of life. If he is a father instructing his sons, a spiritual master instructing his disciples, or a king instructing his citizens, he must instruct them as I have advised. Without being angry, he should continue giving instructions, even if his disciple, son or citizen is sometimes unable to follow his order. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.15
When I met you recently, the first question you posed was, “are you preaching?” It reminded me of my first meeting with you around 20 years back where you encouraged me to preach Krsna consciousness even though I was very new to bhakti. I reflected on how you were guiding me in preaching all these years. You encouraged me to do western outreach when I had no clue on how to relate or speak to brand new western guests. You explained the difference between western and Indian outreach even though both in principle are the same. You carefully explained the skillset required for outreach. You instructed that Krsna’s teaching on surrender, “sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja” and Lord Caitanyā’s teaching “yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa” are one and the same. Indeed, you exemplify this in your life.
I had the good fortune of being a recipient of your care and nourishment in all aspects of my life. You care for my health and remind me to exercise as the body is not getting younger. Once you shared your realisation on honouring prasādam. You said, “eat to serve,” however, at that time I found that statement very difficult to digest. You always cared for my sādhana. Once I mentioned you that I am so busy that I am unable to properly read Srila Prabhupada’s books. You strongly responded, “I can also make such excuses,” and you emphatically sated that reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books is part of being busy. You always encouraged me to go deeper in chanting and sastra.
I am eternally indebted to you for all that you have given me and I seek the ability to serve you with all my words, deeds and heart.
Your servant,
Gopa-Vṛndeśa Dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
All glories to Gurudeva!
The role of a spiritual master is to attract suffering souls from the grip of material existence and offer them at the lotus feet of Sri Krsna. In this way, a genuine guru acts as a representative of the Lord. As explained by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, the Lord empowers very advanced devotees to accept the role of a spiritual master to carry forward the preaching mission on the Lord’s behalf. In general, this compassionate task is not done directly by the Lord or His bhajanānandī-uttama-bhaktas. These great devotees who act as bonafide spiritual masters are deeply realised and their internal service to Śrī Śrī Rādha and Kṛṣṇa continue even while engaged in guiding disciples or reaching out to fallen souls. They are driven by pure compassion — a manifestation of genuine love for the Lord — for the suffering souls. A guru’s genuine care and affection for the Lord is reflected in his care for his disciples who may act very insensitively or foolishly because of strong material conditioning.
Your potent instructions are surcharged with care and affection for your followers and they are available to us in your lectures and personal instructions. Finding least time for socialising, you directly address the problem, however insane it may be, faced by your disciples. You always give us the next step to take in our spiritual journey. Your care for the disciples is so much so that before instructing the disciples you carefully judge the ability of the disciple to follow your instruction. You don’t want to see your followers taking backward steps by not following your instructions. At the same time you compassionately tolerate the misgivings of your disciples. As Ṛṣabhadeva instructs.
putrāṁś ca śiṣyāṁś ca nṛpo gurur vā
mal-loka-kāmo mad-anugrahārthaḥ
itthaṁ vimanyur anuśiṣyād ataj-jñān
If one is serious about going back home, back to Godhead, he must consider the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead the summum bonum and chief aim of life. If he is a father instructing his sons, a spiritual master instructing his disciples, or a king instructing his citizens, he must instruct them as I have advised. Without being angry, he should continue giving instructions, even if his disciple, son or citizen is sometimes unable to follow his order. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.15
When I met you recently, the first question you posed was, “are you preaching?” It reminded me of my first meeting with you around 20 years back where you encouraged me to preach Krsna consciousness even though I was very new to bhakti. I reflected on how you were guiding me in preaching all these years. You encouraged me to do western outreach when I had no clue on how to relate or speak to brand new western guests. You explained the difference between western and Indian outreach even though both in principle are the same. You carefully explained the skillset required for outreach. You instructed that Krsna’s teaching on surrender, “sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja” and Lord Caitanyā’s teaching “yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa” are one and the same. Indeed, you exemplify this in your life.
I had the good fortune of being a recipient of your care and nourishment in all aspects of my life. You care for my health and remind me to exercise as the body is not getting younger. Once you shared your realisation on honouring prasādam. You said, “eat to serve,” however, at that time I found that statement very difficult to digest. You always cared for my sādhana. Once I mentioned you that I am so busy that I am unable to properly read Srila Prabhupada’s books. You strongly responded, “I can also make such excuses,” and you emphatically sated that reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books is part of being busy. You always encouraged me to go deeper in chanting and sastra.
I am eternally indebted to you for all that you have given me and I seek the ability to serve you with all my words, deeds and heart.
Your servant,
Gopa-Vṛndeśa Dāsa
Gopala Guru dasa
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
Amidst the busyness, confusion, and calamity of this modern life you have lit a beacon that guides us toward where we really should be going – towards Krishna’s lotus feet. Along the way there are so many shiny things that attract my attention, diverting me from where I really should be going. Yet still your beacon shines brightly, and your association and practical guidance makes the shiny things in my life disappear and make the real thing, Krishna Bhakti, stand out like water in a dessert. You make the path so clear.
The above may sound simple, but it really is an amazing thing you are doing Gurudeva, and you are so very empowered to do your service of bringing conditioned souls like me back to Krishna’s service. It is extraordinary.
Thank you for your perseverance and tolerance Gurudeva, thank you for your dedication to Srila Prabhupada and for setting such an amazing example of what we can really achieve in Krishna’s service.
Your servant,
Gopala Guru dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
Amidst the busyness, confusion, and calamity of this modern life you have lit a beacon that guides us toward where we really should be going – towards Krishna’s lotus feet. Along the way there are so many shiny things that attract my attention, diverting me from where I really should be going. Yet still your beacon shines brightly, and your association and practical guidance makes the shiny things in my life disappear and make the real thing, Krishna Bhakti, stand out like water in a dessert. You make the path so clear.
The above may sound simple, but it really is an amazing thing you are doing Gurudeva, and you are so very empowered to do your service of bringing conditioned souls like me back to Krishna’s service. It is extraordinary.
Thank you for your perseverance and tolerance Gurudeva, thank you for your dedication to Srila Prabhupada and for setting such an amazing example of what we can really achieve in Krishna’s service.
Your servant,
Gopala Guru dasa
Goparaj Das
Hare Krishna! 🌸 please accept my humble obeisances🙏🙏🙏 All glory to Srila Prabhupada! Vyasa Puja Day is a sacred day for a disciple! The Spiritual Master is a living manifestation of God for the disciple, and by his grace he can receive the mercy of Krishna (yasya prasadat bhagavat prasado!) A spiritual master can put knowledge into the heart of a disciple (divyagyan hrede prokashito) that is what you are doing through your seminars to us, revealing the mood of Lord Chaitanya and his servants! this is very valuable, because modern society is prone to religious and impersonalism, and devotees are no exception... But due to you, changes are taking place in my heart, for which I am very grateful to you. I would like to become a model disciple of Your Grace.. I'm trying, but there's still a lot to grow. I hope for your mercy. I really want to inspire you with my service, to become someone who can glorify you with his example. thank you again and I hope to meet you... Your servant Goparaj Das🙏🙏🙏
Gopi ramana dasa
Dear Devamrita Swami, please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your vyasa puja.
All glories to srilla prabhupada.
Thank you for your association.
Thank you for your kirtans.
Thank you for your Lectures and classes.
Thank you for your instructions and guidance.
I am extremely grateful for your compassion kindness and tolerance.
You are an ocean of good qualities.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and connecting me to an awesome family of God brothers and sisters.
Please forgive me for my innumerable offences.
All glories.
Ys Gopi Ramana dasa
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your vyasa puja.
All glories to srilla prabhupada.
Thank you for your association.
Thank you for your kirtans.
Thank you for your Lectures and classes.
Thank you for your instructions and guidance.
I am extremely grateful for your compassion kindness and tolerance.
You are an ocean of good qualities.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and connecting me to an awesome family of God brothers and sisters.
Please forgive me for my innumerable offences.
All glories.
Ys Gopi Ramana dasa
Gopi-gitāmrita devi dasi
Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva!
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Gurudeva, I have no words to describe how thankful I am to you and to Krishna!
You gave me that stable foundation on which I can build my whole life in the most perfect way.
Storms may appear in my life but your instructions and kind words always keep me strong and safe!
Although at first I couldn’t understand your personal instructions now all makes sense to me. Whatever I do I just have to do it for Krishna!
Every little step I make towards the progress in Krishna consciousness I dedicate it to you!
Srila Prabhupada writes in commentary 5.14.41
“However, if by Kṛṣṇa’s grace one is fortunate enough to come under the shelter of the guru, by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa he receives lessons on how to execute devotional service to the Supreme Lord. In this way he receives a clue of how to get out of his continuous struggle up and down within the material world”
Forever grateful,
Your servant,
Gopi-gitāmrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Gurudeva, I have no words to describe how thankful I am to you and to Krishna!
You gave me that stable foundation on which I can build my whole life in the most perfect way.
Storms may appear in my life but your instructions and kind words always keep me strong and safe!
Although at first I couldn’t understand your personal instructions now all makes sense to me. Whatever I do I just have to do it for Krishna!
Every little step I make towards the progress in Krishna consciousness I dedicate it to you!
Srila Prabhupada writes in commentary 5.14.41
“However, if by Kṛṣṇa’s grace one is fortunate enough to come under the shelter of the guru, by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa he receives lessons on how to execute devotional service to the Supreme Lord. In this way he receives a clue of how to get out of his continuous struggle up and down within the material world”
Forever grateful,
Your servant,
Gopi-gitāmrita devi dasi
Gopipremamrita dd
Hare Krishna Dearest GuruMaharaj
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
For years I have been chanting your pranam mantra just like a robot until one day I heard Prabhupad mentioning in a lecture that thinking of spiritual master means glorifying his qualities and he was explaining about how pranam mantra glories the qualities of Spiritual master. I slowly started paying more attention to chanting the pranam mantra, meditating more on the meaning if not always at least a few times. I take this opportunity on this day to glorify Your Pranam mantra which describes your glorious qualities.
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.
Unique skill in Preaching
You are an awesome preacher GuruMaharaj. Recently I was listening to a Bhagavatham class that you gave in the US and the way you answered the questions of a few westerns, who were new and who had come to the temple was awe inspiring . You always encourage and appreciate new devotees when they ask questions. You are an expert at preaching to new devotees, Practising devotees and to others. You quote the exact Statistics as and where required. You always present things in a way that can relate to the current world situation and make it more practical for us to follow the sastras. You also know how to deal with people when the questions are not asked with the right intention. Indeed you have unique skills in preaching. Guru Maharaj I pray to you that whichever part of the Globe I am , let me always be engaged in giving Krishna to others, to guide them in their spiritual journey. Let me always be used as your instrument in giving Krishna to others.
Competence in Vaishnava dealings
You are an epitome at Vaishnava dealing GuruMaharaj.You know exactly how to deal with each devotee be it your Godbrothers, senior vaishnava , practising devotees and new devotees. You always give them proper respect and make them feel welcomed.Be it a discussion with your God Brothers or other devotees who are much much younger to you or you glorifying your God Brother you are extremely humble in all of your dealings. The way you put your views across or the way you speak about your experience behind the iron curtain or the way you talk about how you take your chanting very seriously is extremely humble and always follows the vaishnava etiquettes while dealing with devotees. You always mention that associating with devotees is not a material skill, you need to beg the Lord to give you intelligence to associate with devotees. GuruMaharaj I'm begging at your lotus feet that as your spiritual daughter let me imbibe a tinge of this glorious quality of my all Glorious father.
Selflessness and compassion
You are an ocean of Selflessness and Compassion. Year after year you travel around the globe selflessly and out of compassion to make a huge change in people's life by spreading Lord Chaitanya's sankirtan movement. Out of Compassion you took so much risk to preach behind the iron curtains. You always give much attention and importance to other needs rather than yours. Thank you for accepting me and always guiding me. If not for your compassion I do not know what I would have done with my life. Gurumaharaj please bless me that one day let my heart also be filled with selfless and compassion , so I can always give attention and importance to others' needs rather than holding on to my selfish desires and agenda.
GuruMaharaj Please accept my heartfelt Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Srila Bhakthivinod thakur sings
gurudev!
kṛpā-bindu diyā, koro' ei dāse,
tṛṇāpekhā ati hīna
sakala sahane, bala diyā koro',
nija-māne spṛhā-hīna
Gurudeva! by a drop of your mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass. Give me the strength to bear all trials , troubles and free me from all desire of personal honor.
sakale sammāna korite śakati,
deho' nātha! jathājatha
tabe to' gāibo, hari-nāma-sukhe,
aparādha ha 'be hata
O Lord and master! invest me with the power to properly honor all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offences cease.
GuruMaharaj on this most auspicious day please give me your drop of mercy so I can remain more humble than a grass, have all strength to bear all trials and troubles, be free from desire for personal honour, honor all living beings and thereby chant the holy name without offences. You always insist on attentive Chanting and Guidance. Please bless me to always have wonderful devotee association under whose guidance I will always hold the goal of attentive chanting as my highest priority in life
On this most Auspicious day I pray to Lord Narashima dev to bless you with good health, so you can continue to preach around the world and touch the lives of many other fallen souls and help them turn towards the Supreme Lord.
yours aspiring servant
Gopipremamrita dd
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
For years I have been chanting your pranam mantra just like a robot until one day I heard Prabhupad mentioning in a lecture that thinking of spiritual master means glorifying his qualities and he was explaining about how pranam mantra glories the qualities of Spiritual master. I slowly started paying more attention to chanting the pranam mantra, meditating more on the meaning if not always at least a few times. I take this opportunity on this day to glorify Your Pranam mantra which describes your glorious qualities.
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.
Unique skill in Preaching
You are an awesome preacher GuruMaharaj. Recently I was listening to a Bhagavatham class that you gave in the US and the way you answered the questions of a few westerns, who were new and who had come to the temple was awe inspiring . You always encourage and appreciate new devotees when they ask questions. You are an expert at preaching to new devotees, Practising devotees and to others. You quote the exact Statistics as and where required. You always present things in a way that can relate to the current world situation and make it more practical for us to follow the sastras. You also know how to deal with people when the questions are not asked with the right intention. Indeed you have unique skills in preaching. Guru Maharaj I pray to you that whichever part of the Globe I am , let me always be engaged in giving Krishna to others, to guide them in their spiritual journey. Let me always be used as your instrument in giving Krishna to others.
Competence in Vaishnava dealings
You are an epitome at Vaishnava dealing GuruMaharaj.You know exactly how to deal with each devotee be it your Godbrothers, senior vaishnava , practising devotees and new devotees. You always give them proper respect and make them feel welcomed.Be it a discussion with your God Brothers or other devotees who are much much younger to you or you glorifying your God Brother you are extremely humble in all of your dealings. The way you put your views across or the way you speak about your experience behind the iron curtain or the way you talk about how you take your chanting very seriously is extremely humble and always follows the vaishnava etiquettes while dealing with devotees. You always mention that associating with devotees is not a material skill, you need to beg the Lord to give you intelligence to associate with devotees. GuruMaharaj I'm begging at your lotus feet that as your spiritual daughter let me imbibe a tinge of this glorious quality of my all Glorious father.
Selflessness and compassion
You are an ocean of Selflessness and Compassion. Year after year you travel around the globe selflessly and out of compassion to make a huge change in people's life by spreading Lord Chaitanya's sankirtan movement. Out of Compassion you took so much risk to preach behind the iron curtains. You always give much attention and importance to other needs rather than yours. Thank you for accepting me and always guiding me. If not for your compassion I do not know what I would have done with my life. Gurumaharaj please bless me that one day let my heart also be filled with selfless and compassion , so I can always give attention and importance to others' needs rather than holding on to my selfish desires and agenda.
GuruMaharaj Please accept my heartfelt Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Srila Bhakthivinod thakur sings
gurudev!
kṛpā-bindu diyā, koro' ei dāse,
tṛṇāpekhā ati hīna
sakala sahane, bala diyā koro',
nija-māne spṛhā-hīna
Gurudeva! by a drop of your mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass. Give me the strength to bear all trials , troubles and free me from all desire of personal honor.
sakale sammāna korite śakati,
deho' nātha! jathājatha
tabe to' gāibo, hari-nāma-sukhe,
aparādha ha 'be hata
O Lord and master! invest me with the power to properly honor all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offences cease.
GuruMaharaj on this most auspicious day please give me your drop of mercy so I can remain more humble than a grass, have all strength to bear all trials and troubles, be free from desire for personal honour, honor all living beings and thereby chant the holy name without offences. You always insist on attentive Chanting and Guidance. Please bless me to always have wonderful devotee association under whose guidance I will always hold the goal of attentive chanting as my highest priority in life
On this most Auspicious day I pray to Lord Narashima dev to bless you with good health, so you can continue to preach around the world and touch the lives of many other fallen souls and help them turn towards the Supreme Lord.
yours aspiring servant
Gopipremamrita dd
Govindakund devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you.
Your Vyasapuja is a special occasion that gives me an opportunity to thank you for making my life worthwhile in yours and Krishna's service.
It is an immense privilege and fortune to be under the shelter of your lotus feet. You are a transcendental mine of spiritual inspiration.
It is very inspiring to see your faith and conviction in Prabhupada. Your determination to serve Prabhupada is unparalleled. Preaching Krishna Consciousness to others is a very difficult service and yet you have made this service of sharing Bhagavad Gita your heart and soul. It is an impossible task to convince people to give up their most precious material sense gratification and become an unconditional servant of Krishna but you have gained success in this most difficult path because you have faith in your Guru Maharaja and Krishna.
Your life demonstrates as an example that Krishna consciousness is not a philosophy but it is a very practical and blissful way to live life. You are also the best example of how to work in co-operation with other devotees and please Srila Prabhupada
You certainly carry the magnanimity of Lord Nityananda in your heart. Your life is simply meant for the upliftment of fallen souls like me.
Guru Maharaja, thank you for entering my darkened life and making it brighten. I am trying to improve the quality of chanting and read more.Please bless me to progress in my spiritual path and serve Krishna under your guidance.
Listening to your lectures is very inspiring and motivates me to serve more.
Missing your personal association and pray that you come to Vrindavan soon.
Your servant
Govindakund devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you.
Your Vyasapuja is a special occasion that gives me an opportunity to thank you for making my life worthwhile in yours and Krishna's service.
It is an immense privilege and fortune to be under the shelter of your lotus feet. You are a transcendental mine of spiritual inspiration.
It is very inspiring to see your faith and conviction in Prabhupada. Your determination to serve Prabhupada is unparalleled. Preaching Krishna Consciousness to others is a very difficult service and yet you have made this service of sharing Bhagavad Gita your heart and soul. It is an impossible task to convince people to give up their most precious material sense gratification and become an unconditional servant of Krishna but you have gained success in this most difficult path because you have faith in your Guru Maharaja and Krishna.
Your life demonstrates as an example that Krishna consciousness is not a philosophy but it is a very practical and blissful way to live life. You are also the best example of how to work in co-operation with other devotees and please Srila Prabhupada
You certainly carry the magnanimity of Lord Nityananda in your heart. Your life is simply meant for the upliftment of fallen souls like me.
Guru Maharaja, thank you for entering my darkened life and making it brighten. I am trying to improve the quality of chanting and read more.Please bless me to progress in my spiritual path and serve Krishna under your guidance.
Listening to your lectures is very inspiring and motivates me to serve more.
Missing your personal association and pray that you come to Vrindavan soon.
Your servant
Govindakund devi dasi
Hari-Bhakta dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your 72nd Vyasa Puja!
Your presence alone is truly transformative, inspiring, and enlivening, as a community here in Los Angeles it brought us so much jubilation to have your darshan after 3 years of being away from your presence. Nonetheless although faced with many obstacles, the outreach mission continued. Only by your instructions and perfect example, have we been allowed to flourish and remain steady and our efforts to share Krishna consciousness with others.
Gurudev, not being in your presence these last couple of years was particularly hard for me. It was incredible how my first encounter with you after being away from your association was truly a breath of fresh air.
Although your presence is truly important in my life, I pray in the core of my heart that I may live by your instructions eternally. I pray that in this lifetime, I can wholeheartedly embrace the essence of your mission, your vision, and your desire to please Srila Prabhupada.
This year I revealed to you my desire to establish myself in the grihastha ashram, and I am deeply grateful for the reality check that you gave me. I will take those lessons with me for the rest of my life. I just hope that I can make my life an offering to your mission, your guidance and the influence of your deep care are the forefront of my direction in life. With this desire, I hope that I can work together with my Godbrothers and Godsisters to please you in your outreach mission for years to come.
Gurudev, I am eternally indebted to you, for you have given us the greatest gift in this kali-yuga, the art of sharing Krishna Consciousness. We pray for strength so that we may never deviate from this mission of yours, the art of pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Your aspiring servant,
Hari-Bhakta dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your 72nd Vyasa Puja!
Your presence alone is truly transformative, inspiring, and enlivening, as a community here in Los Angeles it brought us so much jubilation to have your darshan after 3 years of being away from your presence. Nonetheless although faced with many obstacles, the outreach mission continued. Only by your instructions and perfect example, have we been allowed to flourish and remain steady and our efforts to share Krishna consciousness with others.
Gurudev, not being in your presence these last couple of years was particularly hard for me. It was incredible how my first encounter with you after being away from your association was truly a breath of fresh air.
Although your presence is truly important in my life, I pray in the core of my heart that I may live by your instructions eternally. I pray that in this lifetime, I can wholeheartedly embrace the essence of your mission, your vision, and your desire to please Srila Prabhupada.
This year I revealed to you my desire to establish myself in the grihastha ashram, and I am deeply grateful for the reality check that you gave me. I will take those lessons with me for the rest of my life. I just hope that I can make my life an offering to your mission, your guidance and the influence of your deep care are the forefront of my direction in life. With this desire, I hope that I can work together with my Godbrothers and Godsisters to please you in your outreach mission for years to come.
Gurudev, I am eternally indebted to you, for you have given us the greatest gift in this kali-yuga, the art of sharing Krishna Consciousness. We pray for strength so that we may never deviate from this mission of yours, the art of pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Your aspiring servant,
Hari-Bhakta dasa
Hari-Namamrita 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 auspicious day of your appearance day, I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to you for picking me up from the gutter of my past life and giving a wonderful & pure Krishna Conscious life. If not for your love and care, there is no chance that I would have had access to such a valuable life.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Sarangati prayer sings:
kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇa dīte pāro,
tomāra śakati āche
āmi to' kāńgāla, 'kṛṣṇa' 'kṛṣṇa' boli',
dhāi tava pāche pāche
"Krsna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Krsna! Krsna!""
Narottama Dasa Thakura in his Prarthana sings:
gańgāra paraśa hoile paścate pāvan
darśane pavitra koro-ei tomāra guṇ
"After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power."
Even though today is your appearance day and I'm meant to offer your glories as gifts, as a selfish child, I'm begging for a special gift from you. Please grant me that - "In any circumstances, please do not leave my heart nor hate me if I struggle to fully follow your instructions - including those of your inner desires."
Wherever I'm, I would like to recommit to my initiation vows to you and would like to be engaged in the service of preaching the glories of the holy name and try being a useful instrument in your service to Srila Prabhupada. I really wish that I can please you one day.
I pray to Lord Narasimha dev to give you physical strength and good health so you can carry on the mission of saving the rogues and candalas like me in the streets of this lost world.
With love and gratitude,
Hari-Namamrita das
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet.
All glories to you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance day, I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to you for picking me up from the gutter of my past life and giving a wonderful & pure Krishna Conscious life. If not for your love and care, there is no chance that I would have had access to such a valuable life.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Sarangati prayer sings:
kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇa dīte pāro,
tomāra śakati āche
āmi to' kāńgāla, 'kṛṣṇa' 'kṛṣṇa' boli',
dhāi tava pāche pāche
"Krsna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Krsna! Krsna!""
Narottama Dasa Thakura in his Prarthana sings:
gańgāra paraśa hoile paścate pāvan
darśane pavitra koro-ei tomāra guṇ
"After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power."
Even though today is your appearance day and I'm meant to offer your glories as gifts, as a selfish child, I'm begging for a special gift from you. Please grant me that - "In any circumstances, please do not leave my heart nor hate me if I struggle to fully follow your instructions - including those of your inner desires."
Wherever I'm, I would like to recommit to my initiation vows to you and would like to be engaged in the service of preaching the glories of the holy name and try being a useful instrument in your service to Srila Prabhupada. I really wish that I can please you one day.
I pray to Lord Narasimha dev to give you physical strength and good health so you can carry on the mission of saving the rogues and candalas like me in the streets of this lost world.
With love and gratitude,
Hari-Namamrita das
Hriman Krishna dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Singing, clad in white sheets whilst banging a drum and cymbals, I first witnessed a handful of devotees doing Harinam on Willis Street when I was seventeen. My initial remark was blasphemous.
Two years later I paid seven dollars for Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita from a second hand shop. I was meaning to buy a copy but could never afford a new version on student allowance and I got more than I bargained for...
After three months I find myself wearing the white sheets and doing the swami-step at Gaura Yoga. I sat with you after a Sunday feast lecture and nervously asked if I could still be Krishna conscious after confessing my sins.
Your instruction to me that night was simple – “go clean yourself up!”
It’s been twenty years and still cleaning.
I never thought to meet a minister like this before, after all Jesuit priests were all I grew up with. Your purity, intellect and incisive direction in my life was clear. Instantly I knew you were my spiritual father, not even my parents could talk with me like that to any effect. The profundity of your words struck me even more when I learned the first line of the Siksastakam prayers: this sri-krsna-sankirtan cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the blazing fire of conditional life of repeated birth and death.
Now, practicing Krishna consciousness I lament at squandering my life prior and hope to make best use of what little time I have left in this body. Narottama dasa Thakur sings:
“O Lord Hari, I have wasted my life. Although I have taken this rare human birth, like a miser, I have not served Radha and Krishna, and thus I have knowingly drunk poison”. (Ista-deve Vijnapti 1)
Over the years, it’s clear to me now how hard you work to push on Srila Prabhupada’s message. Having to deal with the refugees of Kali in these modern and industrialized cities requires hefty super-human qualifications. Your acceptance of these difficulties that naturally come while preaching Krishna consciousness is the hallmark of the gosthy-anandis, the confidential associates of Lord Caitanya who widely distribute Krishna consciousness. You embody the spirit of Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. Such preachers organize spiritual institutions and at times face hostility while living in Kali’s domain; yet you happily embrace the difficulties and more. The Lord says in the second canto of the Bhagavatam that austerity and penance is his heart and that such austerity is non-different from him – tapo me hṛdayaṁ sākṣād, ātmāhaṁ tapaso 'nagha.
Prthu Maharaja says: “How can such persons, who have rendered unlimited service by explaining the path of self-realization in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and whose explanations are given for our enlightenment with complete conviction and Vedic evidence, be repaid except by folded palms containing water for their satisfaction? Such great personalities can be satisfied only by their own activities, which are distributed amongst human society out of their unlimited mercy.” (SB 4.22.47).
Real life began after meeting you gurudeva, you are the direct representative of Srila Prabhupada and your instructions remain incisive and decisive as always since I first had your darshan. My fortune knows no bounds as I attempt to take more strides towards surrender in serving you and your divine master. Even at times when there seem to be tests that come with preaching, I just look to you and Srila Prabhupada as glaring beacons of exemplars and my determination is ablaze. It’s only through serving you and the Bhagavatam can I access a divine evolution of consciousness, of which I am eternally grateful.
In a lecture you said, ‘Krishna consciousness becomes easier when you realize that struggling for attaining life’s ultimate goal is totally fine; better struggle for Krishna than struggle to fulfill ones dreams in Maya, which only ends in disaster’.
In this auspicious day of your appearance I take inspiration from your dedication in spite of all odds to serve Srila Prabhupada and his mission.
Praying to remain your obedient and selfless servant
Hriman Krsna dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Singing, clad in white sheets whilst banging a drum and cymbals, I first witnessed a handful of devotees doing Harinam on Willis Street when I was seventeen. My initial remark was blasphemous.
Two years later I paid seven dollars for Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita from a second hand shop. I was meaning to buy a copy but could never afford a new version on student allowance and I got more than I bargained for...
After three months I find myself wearing the white sheets and doing the swami-step at Gaura Yoga. I sat with you after a Sunday feast lecture and nervously asked if I could still be Krishna conscious after confessing my sins.
Your instruction to me that night was simple – “go clean yourself up!”
It’s been twenty years and still cleaning.
I never thought to meet a minister like this before, after all Jesuit priests were all I grew up with. Your purity, intellect and incisive direction in my life was clear. Instantly I knew you were my spiritual father, not even my parents could talk with me like that to any effect. The profundity of your words struck me even more when I learned the first line of the Siksastakam prayers: this sri-krsna-sankirtan cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the blazing fire of conditional life of repeated birth and death.
Now, practicing Krishna consciousness I lament at squandering my life prior and hope to make best use of what little time I have left in this body. Narottama dasa Thakur sings:
“O Lord Hari, I have wasted my life. Although I have taken this rare human birth, like a miser, I have not served Radha and Krishna, and thus I have knowingly drunk poison”. (Ista-deve Vijnapti 1)
Over the years, it’s clear to me now how hard you work to push on Srila Prabhupada’s message. Having to deal with the refugees of Kali in these modern and industrialized cities requires hefty super-human qualifications. Your acceptance of these difficulties that naturally come while preaching Krishna consciousness is the hallmark of the gosthy-anandis, the confidential associates of Lord Caitanya who widely distribute Krishna consciousness. You embody the spirit of Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. Such preachers organize spiritual institutions and at times face hostility while living in Kali’s domain; yet you happily embrace the difficulties and more. The Lord says in the second canto of the Bhagavatam that austerity and penance is his heart and that such austerity is non-different from him – tapo me hṛdayaṁ sākṣād, ātmāhaṁ tapaso 'nagha.
Prthu Maharaja says: “How can such persons, who have rendered unlimited service by explaining the path of self-realization in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and whose explanations are given for our enlightenment with complete conviction and Vedic evidence, be repaid except by folded palms containing water for their satisfaction? Such great personalities can be satisfied only by their own activities, which are distributed amongst human society out of their unlimited mercy.” (SB 4.22.47).
Real life began after meeting you gurudeva, you are the direct representative of Srila Prabhupada and your instructions remain incisive and decisive as always since I first had your darshan. My fortune knows no bounds as I attempt to take more strides towards surrender in serving you and your divine master. Even at times when there seem to be tests that come with preaching, I just look to you and Srila Prabhupada as glaring beacons of exemplars and my determination is ablaze. It’s only through serving you and the Bhagavatam can I access a divine evolution of consciousness, of which I am eternally grateful.
In a lecture you said, ‘Krishna consciousness becomes easier when you realize that struggling for attaining life’s ultimate goal is totally fine; better struggle for Krishna than struggle to fulfill ones dreams in Maya, which only ends in disaster’.
In this auspicious day of your appearance I take inspiration from your dedication in spite of all odds to serve Srila Prabhupada and his mission.
Praying to remain your obedient and selfless servant
Hriman Krsna dasa
Indranila devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you Lotusfeet.
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you so much for your last visit. It was the first one since things started opening up after covid.
We were all a bit semi depressed and dull after so many months in lockdown.
And you as always we’re like the rising sun. Our hero coming to our rescue helping us rise out of the ashes of the illusory energy.
We were a bit rusty and committed a couple of mistake and didn’t offer you the best of services at all times. But you were so incredibly tolerant as always. Like a father is with their toddlers. Because that’s how immature some of us were.
You were so humbly you were afraid to ask us to reheat your food as we had brought it in too early. I had to guess that that’s what you wanted and you silently replied “Yes please".
You were also so kind as to give my daughter Nadia your attention. She was upset that she hadn’t come to SB class to see you so we brought her with us to serve you lunch. And you showered her with attention by asking fun questions.
You also expressed to my husband how satisfied and pleased you were to still see us together after 20 years. You know about our ups and downs and I have always known as your disciple that these sacrifices would please you.
Staying together in matrimony is not just an expression of love towards your partner, children and your community but also an expression of love towards Krsna.
In marriage we are given the opportunity to control our senses, to keep Krsna in the centre of all we do, to learn to tolerate things we don’t always appreciate, to develop compassion towards other’s shortcomings just as Krsna constantly does with us and to develop patience and faith in Krsna. We learn to depend on the mercy of the Lord. We learn to be flexible and become detached of our own plans and open our minds up to Krsna’s plans for us.
You asked us both what our realizations were after so many years in marriage and of course I couldn’t give a proper answer as I can never think properly when you’re nearby and also because most of my realizations of matrimony are mostly negative and I don’t want to bombard you with negativity.
But some of my realizations are that we can never satisfy our senses by material means. There’s nothing in this world that can satisfy our material senses enough. We will either become satiated or extremely unhappy. We can try to practice so many different practices to feel happier both mentally, emotionally and physically but the lingering emptiness can not be filled by any material drug.
It’s only our connection with Krsna, the service we offer Him in our daily actions, how we try to use ours senses in His service, how we remember him throughout the day, how we pray and depend on Him to give us what we need. It’s our relationship with Krsna that makes us happy.
And I understand couples have come together either by Karma or by arrangement of Krsna and either way it’s glorious. If it’s for karma we’re becoming liberated and if its Krsna’s arrangement we are getting purified. Either way we’re advancing closer to our Lord. And to continue serving the spiritual master with our partner is an excellent way of becoming purified. Like the diamonds being polished. Beautiful enough to one day be able to be in the presence of our Lord.
And same goes for our relationship with our Spiritual Master. You are someone that has collectively been chosen to be our spiritual father and we’re learning how to best serve Krsna under your guidance. Thankfully we have a wonderful example in you of living a simple dedicated life to Krsna. We see in you qualities expressed in the Bhagavatam of the person Bhagavata so readily for us to follow. A devotee is always meek and humble patiently awaiting the Lord’s mercy. In the Bhagavatam we hear of all inconveniences the devotees of the Lord underwent but they never stopped taking shelter of the Lord’s Lotusfeet. In the same way you have always showed us how to continue taking shelter of the Holy Names of our Lord, how to always remember Him, how to forgive the devotees, how to continue serving with enthusiasm and how to continue serving Srila Prabhupada within ISKCON.
And you also work so so hard. One time I told you I felt I was bothering you and that you’re always so busy. You answered: “ Shouldn’t I be busy serving the Lord?” And that’s what you have been doing all these years. Being an excellent example for all of us to follow. You continue to follow you Asrama vows and I hope to follow in your footsteps by following my Asram vows.
You are a living example for all of us to follow now.
Your servant,
Indranila dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you Lotusfeet.
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you so much for your last visit. It was the first one since things started opening up after covid.
We were all a bit semi depressed and dull after so many months in lockdown.
And you as always we’re like the rising sun. Our hero coming to our rescue helping us rise out of the ashes of the illusory energy.
We were a bit rusty and committed a couple of mistake and didn’t offer you the best of services at all times. But you were so incredibly tolerant as always. Like a father is with their toddlers. Because that’s how immature some of us were.
You were so humbly you were afraid to ask us to reheat your food as we had brought it in too early. I had to guess that that’s what you wanted and you silently replied “Yes please".
You were also so kind as to give my daughter Nadia your attention. She was upset that she hadn’t come to SB class to see you so we brought her with us to serve you lunch. And you showered her with attention by asking fun questions.
You also expressed to my husband how satisfied and pleased you were to still see us together after 20 years. You know about our ups and downs and I have always known as your disciple that these sacrifices would please you.
Staying together in matrimony is not just an expression of love towards your partner, children and your community but also an expression of love towards Krsna.
In marriage we are given the opportunity to control our senses, to keep Krsna in the centre of all we do, to learn to tolerate things we don’t always appreciate, to develop compassion towards other’s shortcomings just as Krsna constantly does with us and to develop patience and faith in Krsna. We learn to depend on the mercy of the Lord. We learn to be flexible and become detached of our own plans and open our minds up to Krsna’s plans for us.
You asked us both what our realizations were after so many years in marriage and of course I couldn’t give a proper answer as I can never think properly when you’re nearby and also because most of my realizations of matrimony are mostly negative and I don’t want to bombard you with negativity.
But some of my realizations are that we can never satisfy our senses by material means. There’s nothing in this world that can satisfy our material senses enough. We will either become satiated or extremely unhappy. We can try to practice so many different practices to feel happier both mentally, emotionally and physically but the lingering emptiness can not be filled by any material drug.
It’s only our connection with Krsna, the service we offer Him in our daily actions, how we try to use ours senses in His service, how we remember him throughout the day, how we pray and depend on Him to give us what we need. It’s our relationship with Krsna that makes us happy.
And I understand couples have come together either by Karma or by arrangement of Krsna and either way it’s glorious. If it’s for karma we’re becoming liberated and if its Krsna’s arrangement we are getting purified. Either way we’re advancing closer to our Lord. And to continue serving the spiritual master with our partner is an excellent way of becoming purified. Like the diamonds being polished. Beautiful enough to one day be able to be in the presence of our Lord.
And same goes for our relationship with our Spiritual Master. You are someone that has collectively been chosen to be our spiritual father and we’re learning how to best serve Krsna under your guidance. Thankfully we have a wonderful example in you of living a simple dedicated life to Krsna. We see in you qualities expressed in the Bhagavatam of the person Bhagavata so readily for us to follow. A devotee is always meek and humble patiently awaiting the Lord’s mercy. In the Bhagavatam we hear of all inconveniences the devotees of the Lord underwent but they never stopped taking shelter of the Lord’s Lotusfeet. In the same way you have always showed us how to continue taking shelter of the Holy Names of our Lord, how to always remember Him, how to forgive the devotees, how to continue serving with enthusiasm and how to continue serving Srila Prabhupada within ISKCON.
And you also work so so hard. One time I told you I felt I was bothering you and that you’re always so busy. You answered: “ Shouldn’t I be busy serving the Lord?” And that’s what you have been doing all these years. Being an excellent example for all of us to follow. You continue to follow you Asrama vows and I hope to follow in your footsteps by following my Asram vows.
You are a living example for all of us to follow now.
Your servant,
Indranila dd
Isa Sanga Devi Dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to You on this special day of your appearance!
Writing these offerings, it’s my favorite time of the year, because I can meditate on you more intensely and more deeply. I’m sitting in front of Gaura Nitai in the temple room, where you gave me initiation in July, and I try to collect all the wonderful things you’ve done for me so far, only by your pure kindness and compassion. I’m forever indebted to you for everything. Your dedication to serve your spiritual master is always an inspiration for me on sankirtan, your mood and the way you explain the science of bhakti give me reason be alive and serve the movement.
You’re the most amazing, kind hearted, compassionate person I’ve ever met and I’m so thankful for being able to call you my spiritual master. You know how fallen I am and still you keep me in your shelter.
My only wish is to serve you until we get back home, and after that.
Your insignificant servant
Isa Sanga Devi Dasi
please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to You on this special day of your appearance!
Writing these offerings, it’s my favorite time of the year, because I can meditate on you more intensely and more deeply. I’m sitting in front of Gaura Nitai in the temple room, where you gave me initiation in July, and I try to collect all the wonderful things you’ve done for me so far, only by your pure kindness and compassion. I’m forever indebted to you for everything. Your dedication to serve your spiritual master is always an inspiration for me on sankirtan, your mood and the way you explain the science of bhakti give me reason be alive and serve the movement.
You’re the most amazing, kind hearted, compassionate person I’ve ever met and I’m so thankful for being able to call you my spiritual master. You know how fallen I am and still you keep me in your shelter.
My only wish is to serve you until we get back home, and after that.
Your insignificant servant
Isa Sanga Devi Dasi
Isvara Candra dasa and Candrika devi dasi
Hare Krishna, dear GuruMaharj. Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you and your service.
We came to Sri Mayapur 3 days ago. The flights we took were long and exhausting. The only think that kept us was the memory of how sweet and spiritually enlivening is the Holly Dhama.
Sitting in the Doha airport, waiting for the connection to Kolkata, we were struck with the realization that you spent a substantial part of your life at airports and in airplanes. To preach Krishna consciousness you passed through so many different airports and sat in so many different airplane seats. Countless take offs and landings. Variety of people sitting next to you.
How many turbulences did you experienced; how many loudly crying children; how many times did you had to cover your nose to protect yourself from the obnoxious smell of steaming meat preparations for the people around you; how many other inconveniences you had to endure?
The list of your qualities is of many pages and it will take many more to describe them, therefore on your most auspicious Vyasa-puja, this year we would like to concentrate on your perseverance and determination in flying for Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada explains that the devotee should always show two qualities – loving service to his superiors and mercy and compassion to his inferiors. You, Gurudeva, are perfect example of this comment by Srila Prabhupada. Your life and activities are always driven by it. There is not a single time where you diverted from it and your flying for Krishna is one of the most obvious results of it.
In Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.8.81 Srila Parbhupada writes: “Therefore those who are devotees have no problems in this material world. Viśvaṁ pūrṇa-sukhāyate (Caitanya-candrāmṛta): devotees are free from all problems because they are fully surrendered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. For a devotee, everything in the world is very pleasing because he knows how to use everything in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.” Therefore, for us all inconveniences you endured on your flights are to be accepted as uddipanas, impetuses for glorification of your devotion.
The crying children are actually us crying in pain from the illness of material desires and you as a benevolent physician take the time and effort to come and relieve us from our miseries.
The turbulences are our moment falldowns of not desiring to surrender to Krishna and you as a patient teacher take the time and effort to come and rectify and uplift us.
The obnoxious smell of steaming meat preparations are our stinking pride and offences and you as a loving father take the time and effort to come and cut them out.
All of your flights are simultaneously mercy, compassion and benevolence that you are giving us, your inferiors, and a loving, unconditional and uninterrupted service to your superior, Srila Prabhupada.
There is nothing more important to you than serving Srila Prabhupada and helping those devoid of Krishna consciousness like us. Therefore your devotional service and devotional ecstasy are unmatched. Your delight in bhakti is of the highest type. You are a modern day saint and an intimate servant and associate of the spiritual master of the whole universe – Srila Prabhupada. You, dear Gurudeva, are a pure devotee.
praying to become selfless servants,
isvara candra dasa and candrika devi dasi
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you and your service.
We came to Sri Mayapur 3 days ago. The flights we took were long and exhausting. The only think that kept us was the memory of how sweet and spiritually enlivening is the Holly Dhama.
Sitting in the Doha airport, waiting for the connection to Kolkata, we were struck with the realization that you spent a substantial part of your life at airports and in airplanes. To preach Krishna consciousness you passed through so many different airports and sat in so many different airplane seats. Countless take offs and landings. Variety of people sitting next to you.
How many turbulences did you experienced; how many loudly crying children; how many times did you had to cover your nose to protect yourself from the obnoxious smell of steaming meat preparations for the people around you; how many other inconveniences you had to endure?
The list of your qualities is of many pages and it will take many more to describe them, therefore on your most auspicious Vyasa-puja, this year we would like to concentrate on your perseverance and determination in flying for Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada explains that the devotee should always show two qualities – loving service to his superiors and mercy and compassion to his inferiors. You, Gurudeva, are perfect example of this comment by Srila Prabhupada. Your life and activities are always driven by it. There is not a single time where you diverted from it and your flying for Krishna is one of the most obvious results of it.
In Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.8.81 Srila Parbhupada writes: “Therefore those who are devotees have no problems in this material world. Viśvaṁ pūrṇa-sukhāyate (Caitanya-candrāmṛta): devotees are free from all problems because they are fully surrendered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. For a devotee, everything in the world is very pleasing because he knows how to use everything in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.” Therefore, for us all inconveniences you endured on your flights are to be accepted as uddipanas, impetuses for glorification of your devotion.
The crying children are actually us crying in pain from the illness of material desires and you as a benevolent physician take the time and effort to come and relieve us from our miseries.
The turbulences are our moment falldowns of not desiring to surrender to Krishna and you as a patient teacher take the time and effort to come and rectify and uplift us.
The obnoxious smell of steaming meat preparations are our stinking pride and offences and you as a loving father take the time and effort to come and cut them out.
All of your flights are simultaneously mercy, compassion and benevolence that you are giving us, your inferiors, and a loving, unconditional and uninterrupted service to your superior, Srila Prabhupada.
There is nothing more important to you than serving Srila Prabhupada and helping those devoid of Krishna consciousness like us. Therefore your devotional service and devotional ecstasy are unmatched. Your delight in bhakti is of the highest type. You are a modern day saint and an intimate servant and associate of the spiritual master of the whole universe – Srila Prabhupada. You, dear Gurudeva, are a pure devotee.
praying to become selfless servants,
isvara candra dasa and candrika devi dasi
Isvaresvara Das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my prostrate obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day! All glories to you! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The occasion of writing an offering always serves as a reminder and direct proof of how eager the Supreme Lord and eternal best friend Krsna is to see His devotees glorified, in that through the mercy descending via the guru parampara He inspires even someone who is otherwise simply miserly absorbed in his insignificant life. This feeling of immediate upliftment of our consciousness gives us a tiny hint of how it must be for someone completely absorbed in spreading Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s message.
Guru Maharaja, this quality of yours, ‘pracare purva daksam ca’, always particularly amazes me, a skill which cannot be acquired by the greatest scholarship, expertise in poetry or any other mundane considerations, but is rather purely awarded by Krsna to someone who is eager and qualified to receive it, that is simply humbly acting as a mouthpiece of the previous acaryas in the disciplic succession without desiring any credit for oneself.
One aspect which strikes me, and which exemplifies the fact that the qualities of the spiritual master are reflected in the perfect disciple, is that besides the unlimited value of the content of the perfect knowledge being passed down in disciplic succession, also the language, the expert choice of words, used by Srila Prabhupada and you, Guru Maharaja, is evidently not from this world. Just as when I sometimes have to pause reading Srila Prabhupada’s purports, to try to somewhat grasp how ingeniously penetrating a particular point is presented by His Divine Grace, I sometimes get startled by how brilliantly your words are making it relate to the contemporary context, cutting through layers of illusion, yet simultaneously making the conditioned souls laugh at ourselves. I guess these experiences give me some idea of what the great demigods Lord Brahma and Lord Siva face, when trying to understand the sound of Krsna’s flute.
Guru Maharaja, by your causeless mercy, even someone as heavily contaminated like myself is clear that hearing you speak is not at all merely listening to someone speaking something with the hope that maybe that person would mention a few interesting points. Rather, your every talk is a symphony directed by the Supreme Orchestrator Bhagavan Sri Krsna Himself, Whom you must have pleased very much through your tireless selfless service to His most dear devotee Srila Prabhupada, to always make you choose the transcendentally most potent words.
One inconceivably extraordinary transcendental feat of Srila Prabhupada is to write books which explain the topmost knowledge even to the degraded “common man” of Kali-yuga, while simultaneously churning the hearts of the most advanced devotees with newer and newer nectar. Similarly, you are sharing with devotees your relishing the most confidential topics, as well as conveying the basics of spiritual knowledge to complete newcomers in an ever-fresh, fascinating way.
Guru Maharaja, even in your preaching itself there is aside from pracar also acar. For instance, by your repeatedly explaining topics such as Lord Balarama’s bewilderment in Brahma-vimohan-lila or Gopa Kumara’s travelling throughout the various spheres of existence, you are exhibiting how Krsna-katha is ever-fresh and in fact ever-increasing in bliss and relish. And of course, simply seeing your loving, caring and humble dealings with everyone and especially with your Godbrothers such as Sivarama Maharaja, gives us a demonstration of ideal Vaisnava behaviour.
Guru Maharaja, out of your compassion you have been putting great effort in teaching us, inspiring us to acquire the skill of discerning maya from Krsna, even and especially in the practice of Krsna consciousness. While neophytes tend to prefer hearing only Krsna-lila rather than about the power of the material energy, you demonstrated through the example of Maharaja Nimi that pure devotees are also anxious to hear about and thoroughly understand Krsna’s illusory potency.
You explained emphatically how the rebellious souls of the material world are so proud of wielding their so-called independence in making all the various choices in their life, completely ignorant of the fact that in and to all such choices they are simply pushed by the material energy according to the modes they are conditioned by. And on the bigger picture, how we are “operated upon” by the Lord’s illusory potency, one of these brilliant choices of words of Srila Prabhupada. In other words, that we are oblivious to the reality of not only getting shoved around by maya in this lifetime but are kicked out of the present body and forced into another one out of the 8.4 million species on any place within the material cosmos.
The famous and simple way out of this mess is surrender to the controller of this material energy, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as Krsna declares Himself in BG 7.14. Yet, despite having the great fortune of having received this kind of transcendental knowledge, at least in theory, I am still foolishly trying to manoeuvre through the Lord’s bewitching energy instead of fully surrendering. Thus, I cling my hope to a verse spoken by Vidura to Maitreya Rsi, which you beautifully explained.
arthābhāvaṁ viniścitya
pratītasyāpi nātmanaḥ
tāṁ cāpi yuṣmac-caraṇa-
sevayāhaṁ parāṇude
‘But, my dear sir, I am obliged to you because now I can understand that this material manifestation is without substance, although it appears real. I am confident that by serving your feet it will be possible for me to give up the false idea.’ - ŚB 3.7.18
In the succeeding verse Vidura further states that service to the feet of the spiritual master not only frees one from maya but also enables one to develop transcendental ecstasy in the service of the Personality of Godhead.
Guru Maharaja, I am praying to Lord Nrsimhadeva to keep your body in good health and thereby allowing us for many more years to be able to directly see your lotus feet, which are the only hope for wretched souls like myself.
Your unworthy servant,
Isvaresvara Das
Please accept my prostrate obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day! All glories to you! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The occasion of writing an offering always serves as a reminder and direct proof of how eager the Supreme Lord and eternal best friend Krsna is to see His devotees glorified, in that through the mercy descending via the guru parampara He inspires even someone who is otherwise simply miserly absorbed in his insignificant life. This feeling of immediate upliftment of our consciousness gives us a tiny hint of how it must be for someone completely absorbed in spreading Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s message.
Guru Maharaja, this quality of yours, ‘pracare purva daksam ca’, always particularly amazes me, a skill which cannot be acquired by the greatest scholarship, expertise in poetry or any other mundane considerations, but is rather purely awarded by Krsna to someone who is eager and qualified to receive it, that is simply humbly acting as a mouthpiece of the previous acaryas in the disciplic succession without desiring any credit for oneself.
One aspect which strikes me, and which exemplifies the fact that the qualities of the spiritual master are reflected in the perfect disciple, is that besides the unlimited value of the content of the perfect knowledge being passed down in disciplic succession, also the language, the expert choice of words, used by Srila Prabhupada and you, Guru Maharaja, is evidently not from this world. Just as when I sometimes have to pause reading Srila Prabhupada’s purports, to try to somewhat grasp how ingeniously penetrating a particular point is presented by His Divine Grace, I sometimes get startled by how brilliantly your words are making it relate to the contemporary context, cutting through layers of illusion, yet simultaneously making the conditioned souls laugh at ourselves. I guess these experiences give me some idea of what the great demigods Lord Brahma and Lord Siva face, when trying to understand the sound of Krsna’s flute.
Guru Maharaja, by your causeless mercy, even someone as heavily contaminated like myself is clear that hearing you speak is not at all merely listening to someone speaking something with the hope that maybe that person would mention a few interesting points. Rather, your every talk is a symphony directed by the Supreme Orchestrator Bhagavan Sri Krsna Himself, Whom you must have pleased very much through your tireless selfless service to His most dear devotee Srila Prabhupada, to always make you choose the transcendentally most potent words.
One inconceivably extraordinary transcendental feat of Srila Prabhupada is to write books which explain the topmost knowledge even to the degraded “common man” of Kali-yuga, while simultaneously churning the hearts of the most advanced devotees with newer and newer nectar. Similarly, you are sharing with devotees your relishing the most confidential topics, as well as conveying the basics of spiritual knowledge to complete newcomers in an ever-fresh, fascinating way.
Guru Maharaja, even in your preaching itself there is aside from pracar also acar. For instance, by your repeatedly explaining topics such as Lord Balarama’s bewilderment in Brahma-vimohan-lila or Gopa Kumara’s travelling throughout the various spheres of existence, you are exhibiting how Krsna-katha is ever-fresh and in fact ever-increasing in bliss and relish. And of course, simply seeing your loving, caring and humble dealings with everyone and especially with your Godbrothers such as Sivarama Maharaja, gives us a demonstration of ideal Vaisnava behaviour.
Guru Maharaja, out of your compassion you have been putting great effort in teaching us, inspiring us to acquire the skill of discerning maya from Krsna, even and especially in the practice of Krsna consciousness. While neophytes tend to prefer hearing only Krsna-lila rather than about the power of the material energy, you demonstrated through the example of Maharaja Nimi that pure devotees are also anxious to hear about and thoroughly understand Krsna’s illusory potency.
You explained emphatically how the rebellious souls of the material world are so proud of wielding their so-called independence in making all the various choices in their life, completely ignorant of the fact that in and to all such choices they are simply pushed by the material energy according to the modes they are conditioned by. And on the bigger picture, how we are “operated upon” by the Lord’s illusory potency, one of these brilliant choices of words of Srila Prabhupada. In other words, that we are oblivious to the reality of not only getting shoved around by maya in this lifetime but are kicked out of the present body and forced into another one out of the 8.4 million species on any place within the material cosmos.
The famous and simple way out of this mess is surrender to the controller of this material energy, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as Krsna declares Himself in BG 7.14. Yet, despite having the great fortune of having received this kind of transcendental knowledge, at least in theory, I am still foolishly trying to manoeuvre through the Lord’s bewitching energy instead of fully surrendering. Thus, I cling my hope to a verse spoken by Vidura to Maitreya Rsi, which you beautifully explained.
arthābhāvaṁ viniścitya
pratītasyāpi nātmanaḥ
tāṁ cāpi yuṣmac-caraṇa-
sevayāhaṁ parāṇude
‘But, my dear sir, I am obliged to you because now I can understand that this material manifestation is without substance, although it appears real. I am confident that by serving your feet it will be possible for me to give up the false idea.’ - ŚB 3.7.18
In the succeeding verse Vidura further states that service to the feet of the spiritual master not only frees one from maya but also enables one to develop transcendental ecstasy in the service of the Personality of Godhead.
Guru Maharaja, I am praying to Lord Nrsimhadeva to keep your body in good health and thereby allowing us for many more years to be able to directly see your lotus feet, which are the only hope for wretched souls like myself.
Your unworthy servant,
Isvaresvara Das
Jack (Wellington)
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances on his auspicious date of your appearance.
You are amongst the most highly elevated persons on the planet, you are a reservoir of all good qualities found in devotees of the lord. Your senses and mind are always controlled and you only speak of matters related to Krishna and Krishna's service. You set the perfect example of how one shoud use their human form of life, always engaged in Krishnas service. You are well versed in the scriptures and you can convince others to give up their sinful life and follow the path of Bhakti. Therefore I can only conclude that you are fully surrendered at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotus feet.
Recently in your visit to New Zealand I got to see once again your most expert preaching that has caused so many kali yuga animals to become devotees and aspiring devotees of the lord. Although such feats are not very wonderful for someone as surrendered as you, still I was in awe to see the magic happen in front of me. So expert you are at delivering the medicine in such a palatable way. In amongst jokes and laughter you introduce ideas that leave people silent with contemplation. “Is this really a human civilization?’’, “am I really just acting like an animal?” You give these people as well as myself an opportunity to use our human form of life for inquiring into the higher and engaging in bhakti.
I asked one of the new boys coming along how his first meeting with you went and he said. “He has such a unique energy around him. I like it, it makes me want to find out more about this Krishna consciousness''. Gurudeva you are the inspiration that makes us all want to become Krishna conscious, your Krishna consciousness is contagious. Just by seeing you my struggles become insignificant, and hearing your classes makes me more and more eager to chant with attention and engage in devotional service with my heart. Thank you for all that you do for me and waiting for me to sort myself so that one day I may be useful. I pray that I can realize your association through your instructions so I can always be inspired the way I am when I am in your personal presence.
Your aspiring disciple and servant,
Jack
Please accept my respectful obeisances on his auspicious date of your appearance.
You are amongst the most highly elevated persons on the planet, you are a reservoir of all good qualities found in devotees of the lord. Your senses and mind are always controlled and you only speak of matters related to Krishna and Krishna's service. You set the perfect example of how one shoud use their human form of life, always engaged in Krishnas service. You are well versed in the scriptures and you can convince others to give up their sinful life and follow the path of Bhakti. Therefore I can only conclude that you are fully surrendered at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotus feet.
Recently in your visit to New Zealand I got to see once again your most expert preaching that has caused so many kali yuga animals to become devotees and aspiring devotees of the lord. Although such feats are not very wonderful for someone as surrendered as you, still I was in awe to see the magic happen in front of me. So expert you are at delivering the medicine in such a palatable way. In amongst jokes and laughter you introduce ideas that leave people silent with contemplation. “Is this really a human civilization?’’, “am I really just acting like an animal?” You give these people as well as myself an opportunity to use our human form of life for inquiring into the higher and engaging in bhakti.
I asked one of the new boys coming along how his first meeting with you went and he said. “He has such a unique energy around him. I like it, it makes me want to find out more about this Krishna consciousness''. Gurudeva you are the inspiration that makes us all want to become Krishna conscious, your Krishna consciousness is contagious. Just by seeing you my struggles become insignificant, and hearing your classes makes me more and more eager to chant with attention and engage in devotional service with my heart. Thank you for all that you do for me and waiting for me to sort myself so that one day I may be useful. I pray that I can realize your association through your instructions so I can always be inspired the way I am when I am in your personal presence.
Your aspiring disciple and servant,
Jack
Jaisacinandana 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,
Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this auspicious day.
To witness the celebrations today is extremely enlivening especially given the doom and gloom that has engulfed the world and with Melbourne being the most locked down city after Buenos Aires.
We are blessed to have your association today, to feel your presence amongst us is a great benediction for your disciples, the congregation and our well wishers.
The earth has been bereft of leadership over the last two years, society is in disarray yet your marathon to liberate fallen souls continues irrespective of the ongoing challenges.
Your are an inspiration and a beacon of hope when it comes to dealing with adversity and the onslaught of material nature,.
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.
I pray for your long life and wellbeing
Kindly continue to engage me in your service even though I have no qualification.
Your Servant
Jaisacinandana Das
Arjun
Gudakesa
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudeva,
Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this auspicious day.
To witness the celebrations today is extremely enlivening especially given the doom and gloom that has engulfed the world and with Melbourne being the most locked down city after Buenos Aires.
We are blessed to have your association today, to feel your presence amongst us is a great benediction for your disciples, the congregation and our well wishers.
The earth has been bereft of leadership over the last two years, society is in disarray yet your marathon to liberate fallen souls continues irrespective of the ongoing challenges.
Your are an inspiration and a beacon of hope when it comes to dealing with adversity and the onslaught of material nature,.
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.
I pray for your long life and wellbeing
Kindly continue to engage me in your service even though I have no qualification.
Your Servant
Jaisacinandana Das
Arjun
Gudakesa
James
Jaya HH Devamrita Swami! All glories to you
I offer my obeisances unto you, Our Great General, for you are always victorious
~ 2022 Vyasa-puja offering ~
Although the Vyasa-puja ceremony of the spiritual master happens annually, it is also going on internally daily as a regular event.. The spiritual master sits within the heart of the enduring disciple & gives directions, & the devotee student gladly reciprocates. In this way the Vyasa-puja praises are sung on a daily basis.
A few years ago at the temple after your morning class while waiting in line for prasadam, an elder TKG disciple also in line relayed to me that Tamal Krishna Goswami had stated that you are the best speaker/preacher in ISKCON; he said it confidently. I had already come to this conclusion myself but it was nice to hear it coming from someone else too.
One time this year while at home listening to your classes, in a burst of conviction I madly shouted out, "Devamrita Swami is the best preacher! Thats it, it's over!"
You are exceptionally gifted in the preaching art but also in your personal dealings; it spills over into everything else, a wonderful flood of everything good in life...
You have a wonderful vocabulary Srila Gurudeva; often in your classes you will say a word I've never heard before. I think of your brilliant dialect as "Word Perfect" - that each word is carefully selected to give just the right amount of spice or flavour / pop, punch or bang wanted to emphasise a point.
I like to call you "the master of the balance" - always in perfect balance
Some time ago I searched for any new video classes of yours that may be up; not knowing what to expect, a new online talk came up.. Upon seeing the thumbnail image- your bright face, happy to be making the effort for other peoples benefit, & genuinely interested in doing so, I began to cry. Even during lockdown complexities you continue to keep pushing forward, keep making the sincere effort, for others well being. It really shines through...
I think of your patience & persistence in preaching like trying to break through a brick wall.. The dry hardened wall is fenced up around the heart where inside bhakti love resides, but is dammed in, held captive. Your care & attention in presentation coupled with clarity & humour, gradually starts to moisten & soften the dense brick matter. With further repeat attempts, little trickles of curious bhakti streams start to seep through the wall. "Aha! I knew it!" you exclaim. It's only a matter of time before that wall comes crashing down & the flood of bhakti pours forth in rapids & torrents.
I have said it before in a previous offering but there is really no end to thanking you for the gift of bhakti; it is the greatest gift & the greatest mission to be assigned.
Yours sincerely, James
I offer my obeisances unto you, Our Great General, for you are always victorious
~ 2022 Vyasa-puja offering ~
Although the Vyasa-puja ceremony of the spiritual master happens annually, it is also going on internally daily as a regular event.. The spiritual master sits within the heart of the enduring disciple & gives directions, & the devotee student gladly reciprocates. In this way the Vyasa-puja praises are sung on a daily basis.
A few years ago at the temple after your morning class while waiting in line for prasadam, an elder TKG disciple also in line relayed to me that Tamal Krishna Goswami had stated that you are the best speaker/preacher in ISKCON; he said it confidently. I had already come to this conclusion myself but it was nice to hear it coming from someone else too.
One time this year while at home listening to your classes, in a burst of conviction I madly shouted out, "Devamrita Swami is the best preacher! Thats it, it's over!"
You are exceptionally gifted in the preaching art but also in your personal dealings; it spills over into everything else, a wonderful flood of everything good in life...
You have a wonderful vocabulary Srila Gurudeva; often in your classes you will say a word I've never heard before. I think of your brilliant dialect as "Word Perfect" - that each word is carefully selected to give just the right amount of spice or flavour / pop, punch or bang wanted to emphasise a point.
I like to call you "the master of the balance" - always in perfect balance
Some time ago I searched for any new video classes of yours that may be up; not knowing what to expect, a new online talk came up.. Upon seeing the thumbnail image- your bright face, happy to be making the effort for other peoples benefit, & genuinely interested in doing so, I began to cry. Even during lockdown complexities you continue to keep pushing forward, keep making the sincere effort, for others well being. It really shines through...
I think of your patience & persistence in preaching like trying to break through a brick wall.. The dry hardened wall is fenced up around the heart where inside bhakti love resides, but is dammed in, held captive. Your care & attention in presentation coupled with clarity & humour, gradually starts to moisten & soften the dense brick matter. With further repeat attempts, little trickles of curious bhakti streams start to seep through the wall. "Aha! I knew it!" you exclaim. It's only a matter of time before that wall comes crashing down & the flood of bhakti pours forth in rapids & torrents.
I have said it before in a previous offering but there is really no end to thanking you for the gift of bhakti; it is the greatest gift & the greatest mission to be assigned.
Yours sincerely, James
Janesvari Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Your glorious appearance in this world!!!
Gurudeva! By a drop of your mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass.
Give me strength to bear all trials and troubles, and free me from all desires for personal honor.
O Lord and master! invest me with the power to properly honor all living beings.
Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offenses cease.
O Lord and master! When will this devotee be blessed by obtaining your mercy? I am low, fallen and devoid of all strength and intelligence.
Please make me your beloved servant.
When I examine myself, I find nothing of value. Your mercy is therefore essential to me. If you are not merciful, I will constantly weep, and I will not maintain my life any longer.
(from Saranagati)
Dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees is conducive to devotional service, while service to the Vaisnavas is itself the supreme perfection and the root of the tender creeper of Divine Love.
(from Saranagati)
Dear Guru Maharaja,
I was extremely blessed this year to be in your personal presence during your Atlanta visits.
I witnessed so many sincere souls flocking to come and hear your enlightening discourses from the "Ancient Yoga Texts".
Your realized knowledge and enthusiasm for Bhakti and your expertise in sharing these profound truths opens up the door for hearing more and diving deeper into the ever-increasing ocean of transcendental knowledge.
"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"
(Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23)
Gurudeva, your implicit faith in both the Lord and Srila Prabhupada are a great source of inspiration for your aspiring servants like myself.
I pray that you will continue to inspire me to share this knowledge with others.
This age of Kali is getting more complex and dark every day.
Srila Prabhupada so mercifully brought these ancient teachings to the West, he sacrificed everything to save us from this dark, deep ocean of material existence.
Gurudeva,
I am eternally indebted to you for showering your merciful glance upon me, and showing me the way out of this ocean of material suffering.
I pray for the determination and steadfastness to somehow or other crawl my way out of this material entanglement, and leave behind all my false conceptions of "I" and "Mine", my false pride and arrogance.
So I can once and for all embrace the shelter of your lotus feet, without any hindrances.
I beg to remain your eternal aspiring servant,
Janesvari Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Your glorious appearance in this world!!!
Gurudeva! By a drop of your mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass.
Give me strength to bear all trials and troubles, and free me from all desires for personal honor.
O Lord and master! invest me with the power to properly honor all living beings.
Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offenses cease.
O Lord and master! When will this devotee be blessed by obtaining your mercy? I am low, fallen and devoid of all strength and intelligence.
Please make me your beloved servant.
When I examine myself, I find nothing of value. Your mercy is therefore essential to me. If you are not merciful, I will constantly weep, and I will not maintain my life any longer.
(from Saranagati)
Dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees is conducive to devotional service, while service to the Vaisnavas is itself the supreme perfection and the root of the tender creeper of Divine Love.
(from Saranagati)
Dear Guru Maharaja,
I was extremely blessed this year to be in your personal presence during your Atlanta visits.
I witnessed so many sincere souls flocking to come and hear your enlightening discourses from the "Ancient Yoga Texts".
Your realized knowledge and enthusiasm for Bhakti and your expertise in sharing these profound truths opens up the door for hearing more and diving deeper into the ever-increasing ocean of transcendental knowledge.
"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"
(Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23)
Gurudeva, your implicit faith in both the Lord and Srila Prabhupada are a great source of inspiration for your aspiring servants like myself.
I pray that you will continue to inspire me to share this knowledge with others.
This age of Kali is getting more complex and dark every day.
Srila Prabhupada so mercifully brought these ancient teachings to the West, he sacrificed everything to save us from this dark, deep ocean of material existence.
Gurudeva,
I am eternally indebted to you for showering your merciful glance upon me, and showing me the way out of this ocean of material suffering.
I pray for the determination and steadfastness to somehow or other crawl my way out of this material entanglement, and leave behind all my false conceptions of "I" and "Mine", my false pride and arrogance.
So I can once and for all embrace the shelter of your lotus feet, without any hindrances.
I beg to remain your eternal aspiring servant,
Janesvari Devi Dasi
Janmastami Das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your most auspicious Vyasa Puja Day!
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and teaching me what is the purpose of this life.
How can I show my Gratitude towards you Guru Dev.
When I was thinking about showing my gratitude, I can only think of Udhava prayer SB 11.29.6
“My dear Lord, even if someone lives as long as Brahmā, he would still be unable to express his gratitude to You for the benefits derived from remembering You. Out of Your causeless mercy You drive away all inauspicious conditions for Your devotee, expressing Yourself from outside as the spiritual master and from inside as the Supersoul.”
Guru Dev, with my contaminated mind and senses, I can never repay you for what you have given to me.
As Puru Maharaj says in SB 9.18.43:
"Pūru replied: O Your Majesty, who in this world can repay his debt to his father? By the mercy of one’s father, one gets the human form of life, which can enable one to become an associate of the Supreme Lord."
In that purport Srila Prabhupad beautifully establishes the importance of spiritual father as :
"Everyone gets a father and mother, but if one gets the benediction of Kṛṣṇa and guru, he can conquer material nature and return home, back to Godhead."
Guru Dev please shower your mercy upon me, so your useless servant can get rid of unlimited, unwanted lusty desires and then develop some taste for devotional service at your lotus feet.
Guru Dev, I always cherish the tiny moment which happened to serve you during your last visit.
As stated in SB 1.18.13 "The value of a moment's association with the devotee of the Lord cannot even be compared to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from matter"
Guru Dev, How happy you were when I said I read Srila Prabhupad books and read such books so far. You are encouraging me to read more books and giving me your blessings to start reading Chaitanya Charitamrita.
Guru Dev, Sri Kavi says in SB 11.2.37 "One should accept his spiritual master as a worshipable deity and as his very life and soul and engage in the unalloyed devotional service under his guidance".
However as Prahlad Mahara says this vimukha-cetasa (Srila Prabhupad translate as - the fools and rascals who are bereft of Kṛṣṇa consciousness) has not done anything for the instruction which you gave to me. I can only think of myself as Puru Maharaj says in SB 9.18.44 "A son who refuses his father’s order is like his father’s stool".
Guru Dev, for the instructions, you asked me to start somewhere. Guru Dev I have not done anything. I was foolishly thinking "Yes Guru Maharaj said, I can do". Thank you so much for teaching me that I cannot do anything without your mercy. I am begging you to give me the strength, intelligence, knowledge and please guide me so I can start somewhere.
Guru Dev, On this most auspicious day, this more fallen than the most fallen servant begging for your mercy to keep me in the shades of your lotus feet !!!
Janmastami Das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your most auspicious Vyasa Puja Day!
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and teaching me what is the purpose of this life.
How can I show my Gratitude towards you Guru Dev.
When I was thinking about showing my gratitude, I can only think of Udhava prayer SB 11.29.6
“My dear Lord, even if someone lives as long as Brahmā, he would still be unable to express his gratitude to You for the benefits derived from remembering You. Out of Your causeless mercy You drive away all inauspicious conditions for Your devotee, expressing Yourself from outside as the spiritual master and from inside as the Supersoul.”
Guru Dev, with my contaminated mind and senses, I can never repay you for what you have given to me.
As Puru Maharaj says in SB 9.18.43:
"Pūru replied: O Your Majesty, who in this world can repay his debt to his father? By the mercy of one’s father, one gets the human form of life, which can enable one to become an associate of the Supreme Lord."
In that purport Srila Prabhupad beautifully establishes the importance of spiritual father as :
"Everyone gets a father and mother, but if one gets the benediction of Kṛṣṇa and guru, he can conquer material nature and return home, back to Godhead."
Guru Dev please shower your mercy upon me, so your useless servant can get rid of unlimited, unwanted lusty desires and then develop some taste for devotional service at your lotus feet.
Guru Dev, I always cherish the tiny moment which happened to serve you during your last visit.
As stated in SB 1.18.13 "The value of a moment's association with the devotee of the Lord cannot even be compared to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from matter"
Guru Dev, How happy you were when I said I read Srila Prabhupad books and read such books so far. You are encouraging me to read more books and giving me your blessings to start reading Chaitanya Charitamrita.
Guru Dev, Sri Kavi says in SB 11.2.37 "One should accept his spiritual master as a worshipable deity and as his very life and soul and engage in the unalloyed devotional service under his guidance".
However as Prahlad Mahara says this vimukha-cetasa (Srila Prabhupad translate as - the fools and rascals who are bereft of Kṛṣṇa consciousness) has not done anything for the instruction which you gave to me. I can only think of myself as Puru Maharaj says in SB 9.18.44 "A son who refuses his father’s order is like his father’s stool".
Guru Dev, for the instructions, you asked me to start somewhere. Guru Dev I have not done anything. I was foolishly thinking "Yes Guru Maharaj said, I can do". Thank you so much for teaching me that I cannot do anything without your mercy. I am begging you to give me the strength, intelligence, knowledge and please guide me so I can start somewhere.
Guru Dev, On this most auspicious day, this more fallen than the most fallen servant begging for your mercy to keep me in the shades of your lotus feet !!!
Janmastami Das
Jayadeva Kavi dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
What great fortune we share in observing your appearance; we reminisce and celebrate the magnificence which is your life. You live to give. And you've given so much. But how can we reciprocate, even partially?
It's coming up 3 decades since you came to New Zealand to give mercy and share Krishna Consciousness. Had you not travelled out of your comfort zone to come down here, where would I be? What would I be doing with this rare situation: life in a human body?
I remember some years ago I was driving you to an engagement in South Auckland. You pointed to a tubby, older man leisurely plodding along on the footpath with a guitar around his neck, casually strumming away, carefree, as if time was not acting. Aware of my background as a musician, you deftly proclaimed with a chuckle, "THIS COULD HAVE BEEN YOU." Then at once your mildly laughing visage turned into a concerned and compassionate gaze. I could see you really felt for the condition of this man [para-dukha-dukhi.)
That really hit me.
Dreams of being part of a successful alternative-metal band of renown, travelling and creating what I love while earning my living – that all got warped into, and became displayed in this one person before us. REALITY = old age will come and you don't always get what you want. The more horrific thing is depleting the (seemingly long but factually fleeting) human life span without coming to real knowledge of Lord Hari and His service.
<i>kiṁ pramattasya bahubhiḥ
parokṣair hāyanair iha
varaṁ muhūrtaṁ viditaṁ
ghaṭate śreyase yataḥ</i>
<strong>'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.'</strong> [SB 2.1.12]
This is your vision, and I realised it by the concerned look in your eyes that day.
My situation was thus so: living on selfish hopes of future happiness. Absent of knowledge. Fearful and dejected but naïvely optimistic. Due to your mercy I now have access to pure knowledge of real happiness in my relationship with Krishna and a growing wariness of the effect of worldly influences. Now I just need to take it all seriously.
I am writing this with mental difficulty on 4 hrs sleep (teething baby) and 30 minutes before the midnight deadline (classic). It's really the least I could do. What started as a meagre austerity has become a blessing because I have the chance to convey my gratitude to you on this special day.
Thank you for having my best interest at heart and I pray that one day I can even partially reciprocate with everything you have done for me.
Your unworthy servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
What great fortune we share in observing your appearance; we reminisce and celebrate the magnificence which is your life. You live to give. And you've given so much. But how can we reciprocate, even partially?
It's coming up 3 decades since you came to New Zealand to give mercy and share Krishna Consciousness. Had you not travelled out of your comfort zone to come down here, where would I be? What would I be doing with this rare situation: life in a human body?
I remember some years ago I was driving you to an engagement in South Auckland. You pointed to a tubby, older man leisurely plodding along on the footpath with a guitar around his neck, casually strumming away, carefree, as if time was not acting. Aware of my background as a musician, you deftly proclaimed with a chuckle, "THIS COULD HAVE BEEN YOU." Then at once your mildly laughing visage turned into a concerned and compassionate gaze. I could see you really felt for the condition of this man [para-dukha-dukhi.)
That really hit me.
Dreams of being part of a successful alternative-metal band of renown, travelling and creating what I love while earning my living – that all got warped into, and became displayed in this one person before us. REALITY = old age will come and you don't always get what you want. The more horrific thing is depleting the (seemingly long but factually fleeting) human life span without coming to real knowledge of Lord Hari and His service.
<i>kiṁ pramattasya bahubhiḥ
parokṣair hāyanair iha
varaṁ muhūrtaṁ viditaṁ
ghaṭate śreyase yataḥ</i>
<strong>'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.'</strong> [SB 2.1.12]
This is your vision, and I realised it by the concerned look in your eyes that day.
My situation was thus so: living on selfish hopes of future happiness. Absent of knowledge. Fearful and dejected but naïvely optimistic. Due to your mercy I now have access to pure knowledge of real happiness in my relationship with Krishna and a growing wariness of the effect of worldly influences. Now I just need to take it all seriously.
I am writing this with mental difficulty on 4 hrs sleep (teething baby) and 30 minutes before the midnight deadline (classic). It's really the least I could do. What started as a meagre austerity has become a blessing because I have the chance to convey my gratitude to you on this special day.
Thank you for having my best interest at heart and I pray that one day I can even partially reciprocate with everything you have done for me.
Your unworthy servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Jayadvaita Das
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
The worship of a devotee is greater than the direct worship of Krsna (mad-bhakta-pūjābhyadhikā, SB 11.19.21).
On this auspicious day of your vyasapuja, I am contemplating how your instructions in Krishna consciousness have seen me through the lowest point of my life. In 2021 I have had a sole immigrant’s worst nightmare come true when I lost my mother to COVID in India in May 2021. The wounds of this loss multiplied when I attended her funeral on whatsapp because of the draconian Pandemic restrictions imposed by the government.
I vividly remember the Zoom call with you days before she passed away. Your words underpinned my healing from this huge loss and helped me consel others out of their grief. Despite having a huge discipleship and busy schedule, the valuable time you spared for the call made me feel sheltered and eternally grateful. You pulled me out of the darkest region of my mental contemplations. The simple yet illuminating instruction you gave me on that call “we are not the body” really went deep into my heart. It became the shining beacon that gave me hope to continue beyond that point in time. It firmed up my faith in scriptures. The following verse of Srimad Bhagvatam helped me to understand importance of Guru Bhakti after having experienced the difference your words made in my life.
bhrātṛvyam enaṁ tad adabhra-vīryam
upekṣayādhyedhitam apramattaḥ
guror hareś caraṇopāsanāstro
jahi vyalīkaṁ svayam ātma-moṣam
(SB 5.11.17)
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.
The last year and a half have certainly been turbulent, to say the least. My recovery from it has taken longer than I would have wanted it to. But devotee association and hearing your classes have been a saving grace. I share and feel Gaura Keli Prabhu’s realisation in this year’s vyasa puja offering {The person from Yale University who told you: “You are a Yale man… You are going to change the world!” was very right but in ways far beyond he could possibly imagine.”}. Thank you so kindly for accepting me as your disciple and trusting me to help you serve in Lord Caitanya’s mission. I will try my best to serve and please you to the best of the capabilities I get bestowed by your mercy and blessings.
Your Aspiring Servant
Jayadvaita Das
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
The worship of a devotee is greater than the direct worship of Krsna (mad-bhakta-pūjābhyadhikā, SB 11.19.21).
On this auspicious day of your vyasapuja, I am contemplating how your instructions in Krishna consciousness have seen me through the lowest point of my life. In 2021 I have had a sole immigrant’s worst nightmare come true when I lost my mother to COVID in India in May 2021. The wounds of this loss multiplied when I attended her funeral on whatsapp because of the draconian Pandemic restrictions imposed by the government.
I vividly remember the Zoom call with you days before she passed away. Your words underpinned my healing from this huge loss and helped me consel others out of their grief. Despite having a huge discipleship and busy schedule, the valuable time you spared for the call made me feel sheltered and eternally grateful. You pulled me out of the darkest region of my mental contemplations. The simple yet illuminating instruction you gave me on that call “we are not the body” really went deep into my heart. It became the shining beacon that gave me hope to continue beyond that point in time. It firmed up my faith in scriptures. The following verse of Srimad Bhagvatam helped me to understand importance of Guru Bhakti after having experienced the difference your words made in my life.
bhrātṛvyam enaṁ tad adabhra-vīryam
upekṣayādhyedhitam apramattaḥ
guror hareś caraṇopāsanāstro
jahi vyalīkaṁ svayam ātma-moṣam
(SB 5.11.17)
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.
The last year and a half have certainly been turbulent, to say the least. My recovery from it has taken longer than I would have wanted it to. But devotee association and hearing your classes have been a saving grace. I share and feel Gaura Keli Prabhu’s realisation in this year’s vyasa puja offering {The person from Yale University who told you: “You are a Yale man… You are going to change the world!” was very right but in ways far beyond he could possibly imagine.”}. Thank you so kindly for accepting me as your disciple and trusting me to help you serve in Lord Caitanya’s mission. I will try my best to serve and please you to the best of the capabilities I get bestowed by your mercy and blessings.
Your Aspiring Servant
Jayadvaita Das
Jitamitra das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj, please accept
my humble obeisances. All glory to Srila Prabhupada.
You are the perfect tool in the hands of Srila Prabhupada. I am very much inspired by your ability to joke and be happy. You are setting an example of the living sermon, which I want and I should strive for.
I want to live in such a way that you and Srila Prabhupada are satisfied with how I spend my life. Please accept my achievements for this year, which by the grace of Krishna I have managed to achieve.
1. Glory to Krishna! By His grace, I am very keen on reading Srila Prabhupada's books. Over the past year, I have read these books:
a) Bhagavad-gita four times, with an introduction and forewords, but without comments. My goal was to realiz looke the significance of the Bhagavad-gita and, if possible, to memorize its content and structure. Also, when studying the Bhagavad-gita, I often began to use a detailed proverbial translation of Haridev prabhu's Bhagavad-gita;
b) Sri Isopanishad of Srila Prabhupada together with translation of Baladeva Vidyabhushana and commentary on it by Bhanu Swami;
c) Srimad Bhagavatam the last volume of the 4th canto and the 5th canto;
d) now I am reading Madhurya Kadambini by Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura – this book is a godsend for me, it answers many questions.
2. I bought wireless headphones, and now I can often listen to your lectures. After listening to your seminar "Vrindavan through the eyes of Uddhava" several times, I was inspired and started reading the book "Krishna"! The most interesting thing is that this time the reading of this book has started for me. Thanks to you, now I'm interested in reading it, and before that I started it twice, but then stopped.
3. I have been living in the temple for the second year. I continue to appoint lecturers for the morning lectures on the Bhagavatam. This is my most exclusive service! I am also responsible for purchasing for the temple kitchen.
Sometimes, when I evaluate the balance between how much I pay attention to reading and how much I pay attention to everything else, it seems to me that I am crazy. But when I start thinking about how else I can allocate my time and effort, I realize that I can't do it any other way.
4. The training in the worship of Deities can be said to be over. About 1 time a week I help to conduct morning puja to our deities Sri Sri Nitai Gourasundar. I can't say that I really like being a pujari. Unfortunately, I do not see Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda in the Deities. In this tattva and in this service I have a very theoretical perception, I just try not to allow offensive thoughts.
5. I also continue to work at cafe Govindas. I work 3-4 days in the week. Almost every time I come "to work" in a cafe, thoughts of gratitude come to me by themselves: "how Krishna cares about me, what a wonderful life He has arranged for me – in the morning japa and reading, at 10 o'clock "to work" where are prasad and devotees!"
6. This year I again visited the All-Russian festival Sadhu-sanga. It’s the eighth time in my life.
7. This year, by the grace of Krishna, I have saved up money for a trip to the holy dhama. I've already bought plane tickets. I'm afraid to be happy that I'm going, because recently everything in the world is not stable. I just pray that the borders will not be closed in Russia, and I will be able to fly to India in November. This will be my first visit to India.
8. Last year I realized how important it is to be able to dream and wish fervently - the importance of lauliam! I'm trying to understand myself, what do I really want very much? At the same time, I meditate on the level of Jnana-maya (to think, feel, desire), about which Srila Prabhupada writes not often, but not infrequently.
Guru Maharaj, I ask for Your blessings to be like you, in the strength of the desire to serve Krishna. I also ask for Your blessings for purity and maturity in Krishna consciousness.
Guru Maharaj, I would like to wish you to stay with us longer on this planet and at the same time be with Krishna on Goloka Vrindavan. I also wish you the deepest love affair with Srila Prabhupada.
Your disciple: Jitamitra das.
my humble obeisances. All glory to Srila Prabhupada.
You are the perfect tool in the hands of Srila Prabhupada. I am very much inspired by your ability to joke and be happy. You are setting an example of the living sermon, which I want and I should strive for.
I want to live in such a way that you and Srila Prabhupada are satisfied with how I spend my life. Please accept my achievements for this year, which by the grace of Krishna I have managed to achieve.
1. Glory to Krishna! By His grace, I am very keen on reading Srila Prabhupada's books. Over the past year, I have read these books:
a) Bhagavad-gita four times, with an introduction and forewords, but without comments. My goal was to realiz looke the significance of the Bhagavad-gita and, if possible, to memorize its content and structure. Also, when studying the Bhagavad-gita, I often began to use a detailed proverbial translation of Haridev prabhu's Bhagavad-gita;
b) Sri Isopanishad of Srila Prabhupada together with translation of Baladeva Vidyabhushana and commentary on it by Bhanu Swami;
c) Srimad Bhagavatam the last volume of the 4th canto and the 5th canto;
d) now I am reading Madhurya Kadambini by Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura – this book is a godsend for me, it answers many questions.
2. I bought wireless headphones, and now I can often listen to your lectures. After listening to your seminar "Vrindavan through the eyes of Uddhava" several times, I was inspired and started reading the book "Krishna"! The most interesting thing is that this time the reading of this book has started for me. Thanks to you, now I'm interested in reading it, and before that I started it twice, but then stopped.
3. I have been living in the temple for the second year. I continue to appoint lecturers for the morning lectures on the Bhagavatam. This is my most exclusive service! I am also responsible for purchasing for the temple kitchen.
Sometimes, when I evaluate the balance between how much I pay attention to reading and how much I pay attention to everything else, it seems to me that I am crazy. But when I start thinking about how else I can allocate my time and effort, I realize that I can't do it any other way.
4. The training in the worship of Deities can be said to be over. About 1 time a week I help to conduct morning puja to our deities Sri Sri Nitai Gourasundar. I can't say that I really like being a pujari. Unfortunately, I do not see Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda in the Deities. In this tattva and in this service I have a very theoretical perception, I just try not to allow offensive thoughts.
5. I also continue to work at cafe Govindas. I work 3-4 days in the week. Almost every time I come "to work" in a cafe, thoughts of gratitude come to me by themselves: "how Krishna cares about me, what a wonderful life He has arranged for me – in the morning japa and reading, at 10 o'clock "to work" where are prasad and devotees!"
6. This year I again visited the All-Russian festival Sadhu-sanga. It’s the eighth time in my life.
7. This year, by the grace of Krishna, I have saved up money for a trip to the holy dhama. I've already bought plane tickets. I'm afraid to be happy that I'm going, because recently everything in the world is not stable. I just pray that the borders will not be closed in Russia, and I will be able to fly to India in November. This will be my first visit to India.
8. Last year I realized how important it is to be able to dream and wish fervently - the importance of lauliam! I'm trying to understand myself, what do I really want very much? At the same time, I meditate on the level of Jnana-maya (to think, feel, desire), about which Srila Prabhupada writes not often, but not infrequently.
Guru Maharaj, I ask for Your blessings to be like you, in the strength of the desire to serve Krishna. I also ask for Your blessings for purity and maturity in Krishna consciousness.
Guru Maharaj, I would like to wish you to stay with us longer on this planet and at the same time be with Krishna on Goloka Vrindavan. I also wish you the deepest love affair with Srila Prabhupada.
Your disciple: Jitamitra das.
Jiva Pandita Dasa
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I am so grateful to you Gurudeva that you suggested to me that I come to Gita Nagari. I feel as though I have grown in such a short amount of time since I’ve been here on the farm. This past year has been full of tests towards my sincerity, but by your mercy Gurudeva I am still here and I feel I have made some progress in terms of developing a sincere desire to serve Krishna and the vaishnavas. I have fortunately realized, by your mercy, that this project is extremely important to not just ISKCON, but human society as a whole. In your lectures recently you have been intensely smashing the materialistic way of life, trying to help us understand the futility of economic advancement. The things we strive for so arduously in material life can be taken away from us in a moment by the cataclysms of material nature. The so-called government leaders who swear to protect us are nothing but cheaters who scheme on how to exploit their followers. Human society is currently sandwiched between the threats of nuclear war and climate change. In circumstances like these, how can someone not drown in an ocean of anxiety? Unfortunately, the avidya potency and the long-cherished desire for material enjoyment keeps the masses confused and steadily walking down a path of destruction.
Despite the precarious situation in human society, people cannot stop marching to the same tune of material advancement. They are locked into the mass consensual trance. But if these unfortunate souls have the opportunity to hear from a self-realized soul like you, they can be brought back to their proper senses and begin to strive for their actual self interest.
tulayāma lavenāpi
na svargaṁ nāpunar-bhavam
bhagavat-saṅgi-saṅgasya
martyānāṁ kim utāśiṣaḥ
“Even a moment’s association with a pure devotee cannot be compared to being transferred to heavenly planets or even merging into the Brahman effulgence in complete liberation. For living entities who are destined to give up the body and die, association with pure devotees is the highest benediction.” (SB 4.30.34)
In your lectures recently you have been urging the devotees to try and understand the importance of an agrarian based lifestyle. I deeply admire how adamant you have been on trying to inspire others to really start thinking about the importance of farm projects. You can see where the world is headed and you want the devotees to be prepared for what's yet to come. Thank you for being so compassionate to us. Thank you for trying to help situate all of us somewhere we can peacefully and safely pursue a spiritual life. You have said that cities are worth living in if one is committed to preaching, otherwise, there's no real point to city life. Words cannot express how fortunate I am being here thanks to your mercy.
I am so fortunate that I am able to serve here at a place like Gita Nagari. Everyday I get to take care of SSRD’s cows. I get to see the deities daily and I have the opportunity to regularly serve your advanced disciples. I get to breathe fresh air everyday; I eat fresh homegrown vegetables daily and can drink milk and yogurt to my heart's content. I have really nice friends and mentors here also. I have everything that I need to be satisfied and joyful in Krishnas service. However, despite all of this, I cannot seem to stop making the 10th offense to chanting the holy names. I still do not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy name and I continue to maintain material attachments, even after understanding so many instructions on this matter. This long cherished desire of mine for material enjoyment is very strong, and it has been rocking my boat lately. How could I be so foolish that after everything that I have heard from you Gurudeva, Srila Prabhupada and sastra; that after everything I have personally experienced in my spiritual life, that I still cling to the hope that material enjoyment is out there and waiting for me? I am such a fool Gurudeva, I know I cannot be the number one of anything, but I am most likely your second most foolish disciple.
Gurudeva, despite all of these material desires, I sincerely desire to become one of SSRD’s people. I want to be part of Their inner circle. I want to become a dependable member of the farm, and I want to execute your instruction. You instructed me during my darshan with you to become an expert at my service here at the farm so that one day I can teach others. Several months ago, I had a dream with His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja. We were speaking together on Govardhana hill here at the farm, and he instructed me, “It is nice that you want to do so many services here on the farm, but why don't you try to become expert at the services you already have? Become an expert cowherd boy.” I received the same instruction from the both of you, and I am so grateful for the divine direction, and I want to execute this order to the best of my ability, but I fear that my desire for material enjoyment prevents me from making the sacrifice necessary to do this. Gurudeva, I humbly beg and pray for your mercy that I may remain steadfast in my spiritual life. I beg for the strength to maintain my vows and to go above and beyond what is needed here at Gita Nagari. Please allow me to put my false ego aside and embrace my identity as the servant of the servant of the Lord’s devotees. By your mercy I have received purpose and meaning for my life, now I just need the strength to fulfill your order. By the mercy of the Guru even a lame man can cross mountains and a dumb man become the greatest orator. I have faith that if you so desire Gurudeva, then maybe I can do something useful while I am here.
Thank you for being a steady example in my life for how to always be engaged in the Lord’s service. You expertly dedicate every moment of your time to propagating the glories of the Lord and serving His devotees. Your attachment to the holy name is wonderful. During the initiation ceremony you last performed here, if you weren’t addressing the devotees present, you had your hand in your bead bag and you were chanting. You exemplify what Srila Prabhupada meant by saying “one should chant the holy name constantly and incessantly.” I hope one day I can relish the holy name the way you do. Thank you so much for all of the love and affection you have shown to all of us here at Gita Nagari. You remind me that the devotees are my lifeline and link to Krishna and that they should always be cherished. Thank you for everything Gurudeva.
Your servant,
Jiva Pandita das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I am so grateful to you Gurudeva that you suggested to me that I come to Gita Nagari. I feel as though I have grown in such a short amount of time since I’ve been here on the farm. This past year has been full of tests towards my sincerity, but by your mercy Gurudeva I am still here and I feel I have made some progress in terms of developing a sincere desire to serve Krishna and the vaishnavas. I have fortunately realized, by your mercy, that this project is extremely important to not just ISKCON, but human society as a whole. In your lectures recently you have been intensely smashing the materialistic way of life, trying to help us understand the futility of economic advancement. The things we strive for so arduously in material life can be taken away from us in a moment by the cataclysms of material nature. The so-called government leaders who swear to protect us are nothing but cheaters who scheme on how to exploit their followers. Human society is currently sandwiched between the threats of nuclear war and climate change. In circumstances like these, how can someone not drown in an ocean of anxiety? Unfortunately, the avidya potency and the long-cherished desire for material enjoyment keeps the masses confused and steadily walking down a path of destruction.
Despite the precarious situation in human society, people cannot stop marching to the same tune of material advancement. They are locked into the mass consensual trance. But if these unfortunate souls have the opportunity to hear from a self-realized soul like you, they can be brought back to their proper senses and begin to strive for their actual self interest.
tulayāma lavenāpi
na svargaṁ nāpunar-bhavam
bhagavat-saṅgi-saṅgasya
martyānāṁ kim utāśiṣaḥ
“Even a moment’s association with a pure devotee cannot be compared to being transferred to heavenly planets or even merging into the Brahman effulgence in complete liberation. For living entities who are destined to give up the body and die, association with pure devotees is the highest benediction.” (SB 4.30.34)
In your lectures recently you have been urging the devotees to try and understand the importance of an agrarian based lifestyle. I deeply admire how adamant you have been on trying to inspire others to really start thinking about the importance of farm projects. You can see where the world is headed and you want the devotees to be prepared for what's yet to come. Thank you for being so compassionate to us. Thank you for trying to help situate all of us somewhere we can peacefully and safely pursue a spiritual life. You have said that cities are worth living in if one is committed to preaching, otherwise, there's no real point to city life. Words cannot express how fortunate I am being here thanks to your mercy.
I am so fortunate that I am able to serve here at a place like Gita Nagari. Everyday I get to take care of SSRD’s cows. I get to see the deities daily and I have the opportunity to regularly serve your advanced disciples. I get to breathe fresh air everyday; I eat fresh homegrown vegetables daily and can drink milk and yogurt to my heart's content. I have really nice friends and mentors here also. I have everything that I need to be satisfied and joyful in Krishnas service. However, despite all of this, I cannot seem to stop making the 10th offense to chanting the holy names. I still do not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy name and I continue to maintain material attachments, even after understanding so many instructions on this matter. This long cherished desire of mine for material enjoyment is very strong, and it has been rocking my boat lately. How could I be so foolish that after everything that I have heard from you Gurudeva, Srila Prabhupada and sastra; that after everything I have personally experienced in my spiritual life, that I still cling to the hope that material enjoyment is out there and waiting for me? I am such a fool Gurudeva, I know I cannot be the number one of anything, but I am most likely your second most foolish disciple.
Gurudeva, despite all of these material desires, I sincerely desire to become one of SSRD’s people. I want to be part of Their inner circle. I want to become a dependable member of the farm, and I want to execute your instruction. You instructed me during my darshan with you to become an expert at my service here at the farm so that one day I can teach others. Several months ago, I had a dream with His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja. We were speaking together on Govardhana hill here at the farm, and he instructed me, “It is nice that you want to do so many services here on the farm, but why don't you try to become expert at the services you already have? Become an expert cowherd boy.” I received the same instruction from the both of you, and I am so grateful for the divine direction, and I want to execute this order to the best of my ability, but I fear that my desire for material enjoyment prevents me from making the sacrifice necessary to do this. Gurudeva, I humbly beg and pray for your mercy that I may remain steadfast in my spiritual life. I beg for the strength to maintain my vows and to go above and beyond what is needed here at Gita Nagari. Please allow me to put my false ego aside and embrace my identity as the servant of the servant of the Lord’s devotees. By your mercy I have received purpose and meaning for my life, now I just need the strength to fulfill your order. By the mercy of the Guru even a lame man can cross mountains and a dumb man become the greatest orator. I have faith that if you so desire Gurudeva, then maybe I can do something useful while I am here.
Thank you for being a steady example in my life for how to always be engaged in the Lord’s service. You expertly dedicate every moment of your time to propagating the glories of the Lord and serving His devotees. Your attachment to the holy name is wonderful. During the initiation ceremony you last performed here, if you weren’t addressing the devotees present, you had your hand in your bead bag and you were chanting. You exemplify what Srila Prabhupada meant by saying “one should chant the holy name constantly and incessantly.” I hope one day I can relish the holy name the way you do. Thank you so much for all of the love and affection you have shown to all of us here at Gita Nagari. You remind me that the devotees are my lifeline and link to Krishna and that they should always be cherished. Thank you for everything Gurudeva.
Your servant,
Jiva Pandita das
Jiva-maya devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, who emulates him in your own unique way, with joyful spiritual greed.
When we think of material "greed", we may think of a guzzling glutton first. The gross madness.
Somewhere slighter subtler we have a greed for peace, a kind of impersonal cognitive comfort. Its own kind of crazy, considering our collective.
But you pin down the pure - you tackle such a characteristic down to the root, encouraging and exemplifying becoming greedy for Krishna and His service. Service to His devotees.
An adult lifetime of being greedy for the Highest love, and now you have love from us all. Greedy for wisdom, and now you have all the answers.
You communicate loving answers to us both straightforwardly and unpredictably, often simultaneously.
Thank you for always being there for new and old questions. For repeating, repeating, and living the answers.
Praying for your longevity to keep filling your plate with your own spiritual nourishment, and praying for scraps or even a grain of salt of that same quality for this soul!
Your aspiring but sad and weak-hearted servant,
Jiva-maya devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, who emulates him in your own unique way, with joyful spiritual greed.
When we think of material "greed", we may think of a guzzling glutton first. The gross madness.
Somewhere slighter subtler we have a greed for peace, a kind of impersonal cognitive comfort. Its own kind of crazy, considering our collective.
But you pin down the pure - you tackle such a characteristic down to the root, encouraging and exemplifying becoming greedy for Krishna and His service. Service to His devotees.
An adult lifetime of being greedy for the Highest love, and now you have love from us all. Greedy for wisdom, and now you have all the answers.
You communicate loving answers to us both straightforwardly and unpredictably, often simultaneously.
Thank you for always being there for new and old questions. For repeating, repeating, and living the answers.
Praying for your longevity to keep filling your plate with your own spiritual nourishment, and praying for scraps or even a grain of salt of that same quality for this soul!
Your aspiring but sad and weak-hearted servant,
Jiva-maya devi dasi
Joel
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srlia Prabhupada!
Thank you for all the blessings and letting me stick around for another year. I'm very grateful for that, anything is tolerable in the good association of your disciples and others who you inspire, uplift, guide and protect. I've seen those who have unflinching faith in your guidance, example and saintly character.
Reflecting on these personalities a bit deeper as I'm writing, they're my main source of fuel for inspiration to keep pursuing this Hare Krsna path and keep out of Maya. Thank you for all the unseen resources, effort, devotion and love you have put into all these sadu's.
Thank you for giving me something practical and simple to do with the coming days and for this lifetime. You save me from wasting many lifetimes of all sorts of lowly engagements. Thank you.
If your willing please let me accept you and your disciples in my heart as spirit guides forever. Hare Krsna.
Your well wisher
Joel
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srlia Prabhupada!
Thank you for all the blessings and letting me stick around for another year. I'm very grateful for that, anything is tolerable in the good association of your disciples and others who you inspire, uplift, guide and protect. I've seen those who have unflinching faith in your guidance, example and saintly character.
Reflecting on these personalities a bit deeper as I'm writing, they're my main source of fuel for inspiration to keep pursuing this Hare Krsna path and keep out of Maya. Thank you for all the unseen resources, effort, devotion and love you have put into all these sadu's.
Thank you for giving me something practical and simple to do with the coming days and for this lifetime. You save me from wasting many lifetimes of all sorts of lowly engagements. Thank you.
If your willing please let me accept you and your disciples in my heart as spirit guides forever. Hare Krsna.
Your well wisher
Joel
Jules Belbachir
Hare Krishna Devamrita Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
I am writing these words from the brahmacari sankirtana bus. Your faithful disciple Hriman Krishna Dasa has kindly offered me to assist him in your compassionate service. We are traveling over the Northland, as emissaries of your mercy. May you bless us so that we can assist in the deliverance of this suffering land.
I'd like to express my gratitude, for you showing such kindness, by allowing us, misguided souls, to help you in your relentless task of fulfilling Lord Caitanya's desire, to make the world Krishna conscious. It seems to the unfaithful materialistic eyes, that this may be a utopia, and it is even for some devotees, sometimes hard to imagine. But isn't it worth trying our best ? What is there to loose ? This contaminated material atmosphere is unbreathable anyway.
When I hear about your inspiring adventures behind the iron curtain, I understand that you have firm faith in Lord Caitanya's words, what to speak of Prabhupada's instructions. I can only imagine how much devotion and selflessness such a sacrifice requires. I heard that you cultivated a couple for many years, they became devotees, until they broke up, left the devotees and all your efforts were seemingly rendered nill. But as Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita (3.19) : "Therefore without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme." No matter the apparent failures, you kept going, understanding that real success resides in pleasing Guru and Krishna.
Rising above the dualities of this world, you are assisting the Supreme gardener, by sowing the seed of devotional service in our materialistic hearts, persistently digging such an unfertile ground, knowing that nothing can ever stop the flood of Prema. As Lord Siva can perceive even the minutest good in the lowest living entities, you penetrated the conditioned hearts with your merciful glance and allowed the most fallen to access the highest perfection of life, thank you for carrying this burden of love on your shoulders.
Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita (3.21): "Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standard he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues." I pray for the ability to follow in your divine footsteps, and assist you indefinitely in delivering this materially afflicted world. I'm begging for your empowerment, without which I'm completely helpless. Please grant me shelter at your lotus feet, in order for me to become an instrument in pleasing you and the parampara.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Jules.
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
I am writing these words from the brahmacari sankirtana bus. Your faithful disciple Hriman Krishna Dasa has kindly offered me to assist him in your compassionate service. We are traveling over the Northland, as emissaries of your mercy. May you bless us so that we can assist in the deliverance of this suffering land.
I'd like to express my gratitude, for you showing such kindness, by allowing us, misguided souls, to help you in your relentless task of fulfilling Lord Caitanya's desire, to make the world Krishna conscious. It seems to the unfaithful materialistic eyes, that this may be a utopia, and it is even for some devotees, sometimes hard to imagine. But isn't it worth trying our best ? What is there to loose ? This contaminated material atmosphere is unbreathable anyway.
When I hear about your inspiring adventures behind the iron curtain, I understand that you have firm faith in Lord Caitanya's words, what to speak of Prabhupada's instructions. I can only imagine how much devotion and selflessness such a sacrifice requires. I heard that you cultivated a couple for many years, they became devotees, until they broke up, left the devotees and all your efforts were seemingly rendered nill. But as Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita (3.19) : "Therefore without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme." No matter the apparent failures, you kept going, understanding that real success resides in pleasing Guru and Krishna.
Rising above the dualities of this world, you are assisting the Supreme gardener, by sowing the seed of devotional service in our materialistic hearts, persistently digging such an unfertile ground, knowing that nothing can ever stop the flood of Prema. As Lord Siva can perceive even the minutest good in the lowest living entities, you penetrated the conditioned hearts with your merciful glance and allowed the most fallen to access the highest perfection of life, thank you for carrying this burden of love on your shoulders.
Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita (3.21): "Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standard he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues." I pray for the ability to follow in your divine footsteps, and assist you indefinitely in delivering this materially afflicted world. I'm begging for your empowerment, without which I'm completely helpless. Please grant me shelter at your lotus feet, in order for me to become an instrument in pleasing you and the parampara.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Jules.
Julian Gillespie
Hare Krishna Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It's hard to imagine where I would be without Krishna consciousness in my life right now. I was very lost before I met your disciples who brought me into shelter, sanity and love. Thank you for being the leading light in this little corner of the world. It would be a lot darker without your grace.
I pray that in time I can be a source of sheltering light for others, a small mirror reflecting your great lighthouse to other souls in this ocean of faults.
When I see you relish Krishna Consciousness I can tell there is so much more to this life than my material sense can gather. This is a great relief for me - I am tired of this material existence. I hope myself and the other devotees can make it back Home together with you.
All glories to your purity, dedication and causeless mercy.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Julian
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It's hard to imagine where I would be without Krishna consciousness in my life right now. I was very lost before I met your disciples who brought me into shelter, sanity and love. Thank you for being the leading light in this little corner of the world. It would be a lot darker without your grace.
I pray that in time I can be a source of sheltering light for others, a small mirror reflecting your great lighthouse to other souls in this ocean of faults.
When I see you relish Krishna Consciousness I can tell there is so much more to this life than my material sense can gather. This is a great relief for me - I am tired of this material existence. I hope myself and the other devotees can make it back Home together with you.
All glories to your purity, dedication and causeless mercy.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Julian
Kaama Sarovara Devi Dasi
Vyaspuja 2022
Nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
Thank you, once again, for allowing me to stay in Krsna consciousness, for inspiring me and giving me the direction I need to stay on track.
Across the past year many challenges of all varieties have come my way from many fronts – spiritually and materially, but due to your guiding words of always encouraging depth I have somehow been able to navigate and survive various trials despite knowing how so far I have yet to go in my bhakti.
Thank you for sticking with me even though I have a very long arduous journey ahead. Thank you for being the example that constantly reminds me how important it is to fill myself up with Krishna before I can really give Krishna to my children.
You are both highly spiritually intelligent and materially brilliant, and the way you simplify everything is so amazing.
I can only beg from you that I can freshly, full-heartedly try for the pleasure of you, Srila Prabhupada and Gaura-Nitai so I can uplift myself and try to make a difference in this crazy world. With your blessing, I also need spiritual intelligence to see clearly how to best benefit myself and others. And lastly at this time, please bless me with the intelligence, humility and love to learn to work together with other devotees, along with our naturally different approaches and opinions, as we try to learn to serve in a combined effort - the unity in diversity that Srila Prabhupada taught is so vital.
Guru Maharaj, please keep me engaged at your lotus feet in spite of my countless faults.
Thank you Guru Maharaj.
Happy Vyasa Puja
Trying to be humble servant,
Kaama Sarovar DD
Nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
Thank you, once again, for allowing me to stay in Krsna consciousness, for inspiring me and giving me the direction I need to stay on track.
Across the past year many challenges of all varieties have come my way from many fronts – spiritually and materially, but due to your guiding words of always encouraging depth I have somehow been able to navigate and survive various trials despite knowing how so far I have yet to go in my bhakti.
Thank you for sticking with me even though I have a very long arduous journey ahead. Thank you for being the example that constantly reminds me how important it is to fill myself up with Krishna before I can really give Krishna to my children.
You are both highly spiritually intelligent and materially brilliant, and the way you simplify everything is so amazing.
I can only beg from you that I can freshly, full-heartedly try for the pleasure of you, Srila Prabhupada and Gaura-Nitai so I can uplift myself and try to make a difference in this crazy world. With your blessing, I also need spiritual intelligence to see clearly how to best benefit myself and others. And lastly at this time, please bless me with the intelligence, humility and love to learn to work together with other devotees, along with our naturally different approaches and opinions, as we try to learn to serve in a combined effort - the unity in diversity that Srila Prabhupada taught is so vital.
Guru Maharaj, please keep me engaged at your lotus feet in spite of my countless faults.
Thank you Guru Maharaj.
Happy Vyasa Puja
Trying to be humble servant,
Kaama Sarovar DD
Kajal Thaker
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srīla Prabhupāda.
I have been asking Krishna to guide me to a Guru that feels as passionately as I do about Bhumi Mata(Mother Earth), Gau Mata (Mother cow) and waateful, consumeristic society we live in.
When I heard your lecture on what is happiness, my heart sang! All the burdens fell away and I no longer felt alone!
Thank you Maharaj for accepting me as a disciple!
I can’t wait to get more of your association,blessings and guidance!
May Krishna bless you with health and Bhakti on this auspicious day!
Haribol :)
Your servant
Kajal
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srīla Prabhupāda.
I have been asking Krishna to guide me to a Guru that feels as passionately as I do about Bhumi Mata(Mother Earth), Gau Mata (Mother cow) and waateful, consumeristic society we live in.
When I heard your lecture on what is happiness, my heart sang! All the burdens fell away and I no longer felt alone!
Thank you Maharaj for accepting me as a disciple!
I can’t wait to get more of your association,blessings and guidance!
May Krishna bless you with health and Bhakti on this auspicious day!
Haribol :)
Your servant
Kajal
Kala-Svarupa Das
Guru Maharaja,
please accept my humble obesciences,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this day of your Vyasa Puja, I am contemplating the changing nature of the material world. In these past few years, both the world situation and my own situation has changed dramatically. In the past couple of years, I have gone from ashram resident, to living outside the ashram, to traveling around owning nothing that couldn’t fit in a van, to becoming a farmer. Through this experience, I have learned much about myself, our transcendental society and the process of devotional service. And through all the changes in this material world, there is the constant of your transcendental instructions.
I have been meditating recently on the meaning of the name that you gave me. The servant of the Form of Time, or if one is feeling more macabre, the servant of the Form of Death. Both of these meanings call me to consider the finitude of the present situation. All around the world, we are beset by financial troubles, by governmental mismanagement, by social unrest, by war and every other horrible thing. Because of my tendency to view things in terms of friends and enemies, I think “Oh if only my party wins out over the others, then we will be happy.” But actually Krishna as the form of time is supreme – no matter if my party or the other party wins I know what sort of activities will result – eating, sleeping, mating and defending. And I know the result of such activities– birth, death, old age and disease. Everything material is washed away by time just as the ocean washes away writing in the sand.
And Krishna as the form of death is also supreme. My material father would sometimes use the phrase “let’s make hay while the sun shines” (a phrase I understand the import of much more now that I am residing at Gita-Nagari Dhama). Krishna Consciousness is not automatic - one must follow the process in order to get the result. And at the time death we will not be given the perfection of life simply because we showed up, but because we seriously applied ourselves to the process. So I continuously try to remember the instructions that you have given me again and again - that the only actual solution is to go internal; we must increase the intensity of our hearing and chanting if we want any chance at peace – internal or external.
I hope to one day have the ability to follow your instructions in a serious manner. It has been said that a man cannot serve two masters – I cannot serve my mind and serve you at the same time. Please allow my to always serve you. Thank you Gurudeva, for giving me access to the knowledge of Krishna and for not giving up on me, even when I am the world’s biggest rascal.
Longing to serve you,
Kala-Svaruapa Das
please accept my humble obesciences,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this day of your Vyasa Puja, I am contemplating the changing nature of the material world. In these past few years, both the world situation and my own situation has changed dramatically. In the past couple of years, I have gone from ashram resident, to living outside the ashram, to traveling around owning nothing that couldn’t fit in a van, to becoming a farmer. Through this experience, I have learned much about myself, our transcendental society and the process of devotional service. And through all the changes in this material world, there is the constant of your transcendental instructions.
I have been meditating recently on the meaning of the name that you gave me. The servant of the Form of Time, or if one is feeling more macabre, the servant of the Form of Death. Both of these meanings call me to consider the finitude of the present situation. All around the world, we are beset by financial troubles, by governmental mismanagement, by social unrest, by war and every other horrible thing. Because of my tendency to view things in terms of friends and enemies, I think “Oh if only my party wins out over the others, then we will be happy.” But actually Krishna as the form of time is supreme – no matter if my party or the other party wins I know what sort of activities will result – eating, sleeping, mating and defending. And I know the result of such activities– birth, death, old age and disease. Everything material is washed away by time just as the ocean washes away writing in the sand.
And Krishna as the form of death is also supreme. My material father would sometimes use the phrase “let’s make hay while the sun shines” (a phrase I understand the import of much more now that I am residing at Gita-Nagari Dhama). Krishna Consciousness is not automatic - one must follow the process in order to get the result. And at the time death we will not be given the perfection of life simply because we showed up, but because we seriously applied ourselves to the process. So I continuously try to remember the instructions that you have given me again and again - that the only actual solution is to go internal; we must increase the intensity of our hearing and chanting if we want any chance at peace – internal or external.
I hope to one day have the ability to follow your instructions in a serious manner. It has been said that a man cannot serve two masters – I cannot serve my mind and serve you at the same time. Please allow my to always serve you. Thank you Gurudeva, for giving me access to the knowledge of Krishna and for not giving up on me, even when I am the world’s biggest rascal.
Longing to serve you,
Kala-Svaruapa Das
Kamsari Sena dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
om ajñāna-timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
“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.”
Srila Prabhupada writes that this sloka gives us the definition of guru.
"One who enlightens his disciple and saves him from rotting in the darkness of ignorance in this material world is a true guru" [Srimad Bhagavatam 6.15.16, Purport]
In this age of Kali, it is hard to find genuine spiritual guidance. How common it is to find someone seeking some sort of spirituality but end up being misguided by many pseudo-spiritualists. Either bombarded by speculations born from their mad minds or spoon-fed to them by social media, the residents of Kali-yuga remain tightly bound up in material existence unable to see the path out.
As Prahlada Maharaja informs his father:
Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of enjoying material life, and who have therefore accepted as their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external sense objects, cannot understand that the goal of life is to return home, back to Godhead, and engage in the service of Lord Viṣṇu… [Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.31]
In this purport Prabhupada emphasises how Prahlada Maharaja did not accept a seminal spiritual master for such a person is simply absorbed in material affairs. In fact, he states:
An actual guru is śrotriya, one who has heard or received perfect knowledge through paramparā, the disciplic succession. [Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.31, Purport]
We can see that you are an actual guru for you have thoroughly read and heard from Srila Prabhupada and vigorously preaching the glories of Sri Krsna as Srila Prabhupada wanted. You have received through the parampara perfect knowledge and you disseminate it as it is. Yet as the bona fide representative you never take the credit. Repeatedly, you emphasise the importance of the parampara. You can see it even in your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year!
“How much you love Kṛṣṇa—through the paramparā—I can’t, of course, ever fathom”
It reminds me of an incident I’ll never forget. After I received the Gayatri mantra and I was about to leave the room but you stopped me and said “Whenever you go on the altar to worship Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha remember you are simply assisting the Guru-parampara”.
It is a simple instruction but something I always try to remember during all my services. But whenever I do remember fills me with joy because I have taken shelter of a bona fide spiritual master who is always giving credit to the Lord and the predecessor acaryas.
This spiritual son of yours takes the opportunity on your most glorious Vyasa-Puja day to re-offer himself unto your lotus feet. Gurudeva, you have opened my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge and saved me from rotting in material existence by giving the greatest treasure of devotional service to Krsna. Although you do not take the credit I know that I am simply a product of your efforts and guidance.
Your spiritual son,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
om ajñāna-timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
“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.”
Srila Prabhupada writes that this sloka gives us the definition of guru.
"One who enlightens his disciple and saves him from rotting in the darkness of ignorance in this material world is a true guru" [Srimad Bhagavatam 6.15.16, Purport]
In this age of Kali, it is hard to find genuine spiritual guidance. How common it is to find someone seeking some sort of spirituality but end up being misguided by many pseudo-spiritualists. Either bombarded by speculations born from their mad minds or spoon-fed to them by social media, the residents of Kali-yuga remain tightly bound up in material existence unable to see the path out.
As Prahlada Maharaja informs his father:
Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of enjoying material life, and who have therefore accepted as their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external sense objects, cannot understand that the goal of life is to return home, back to Godhead, and engage in the service of Lord Viṣṇu… [Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.31]
In this purport Prabhupada emphasises how Prahlada Maharaja did not accept a seminal spiritual master for such a person is simply absorbed in material affairs. In fact, he states:
An actual guru is śrotriya, one who has heard or received perfect knowledge through paramparā, the disciplic succession. [Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.31, Purport]
We can see that you are an actual guru for you have thoroughly read and heard from Srila Prabhupada and vigorously preaching the glories of Sri Krsna as Srila Prabhupada wanted. You have received through the parampara perfect knowledge and you disseminate it as it is. Yet as the bona fide representative you never take the credit. Repeatedly, you emphasise the importance of the parampara. You can see it even in your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year!
“How much you love Kṛṣṇa—through the paramparā—I can’t, of course, ever fathom”
It reminds me of an incident I’ll never forget. After I received the Gayatri mantra and I was about to leave the room but you stopped me and said “Whenever you go on the altar to worship Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha remember you are simply assisting the Guru-parampara”.
It is a simple instruction but something I always try to remember during all my services. But whenever I do remember fills me with joy because I have taken shelter of a bona fide spiritual master who is always giving credit to the Lord and the predecessor acaryas.
This spiritual son of yours takes the opportunity on your most glorious Vyasa-Puja day to re-offer himself unto your lotus feet. Gurudeva, you have opened my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge and saved me from rotting in material existence by giving the greatest treasure of devotional service to Krsna. Although you do not take the credit I know that I am simply a product of your efforts and guidance.
Your spiritual son,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Karuna-Purna devidasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I am grateful for
...your endless care and compassion
...your ability to open our hearts to Krishna's love and service
...your personal investment in every relationship with your disciples
...your steadiness that gives us a role model to keep going year after year
...your love and patience when we struggle
...your strength in delivering Lord Caitanya's message
...your ability to dismantle Maya's energy and reveal Krishna's beauty
...your presence in my life for the last 17 years
Thank you!
Your servant,
Karuna-purna dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I am grateful for
...your endless care and compassion
...your ability to open our hearts to Krishna's love and service
...your personal investment in every relationship with your disciples
...your steadiness that gives us a role model to keep going year after year
...your love and patience when we struggle
...your strength in delivering Lord Caitanya's message
...your ability to dismantle Maya's energy and reveal Krishna's beauty
...your presence in my life for the last 17 years
Thank you!
Your servant,
Karuna-purna dasi
Kārunyāmṛta Dāsa & Lāvaṇyāmṛta Devi Dāsi
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 Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisance.
All Glories to Guru and Gauranga.
Very happy krishna conscious appearance day to you. May Radha Vallabha shower their blessings upon you all the time.
We are following your personal instructions to us - chanting minimum 16 round of the mahamantra everyday and hearing Krishna katha where possible.
We beg at your lotus feet to always keep us enganged in association of devotees and empower us to distribute Sirla Prabhupada's books. As you said in your lecture "we have a short life", but with a great escape plan of following your instructions and guidance through your lectures, we can get out of this duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam, cycle of repeated birth and death and attain the highest perfection.
You are the ocean of mercy, you fulfil all our spiritual desires. With your blessings, we are now hosting Bhakti Vriksha.
Thank you for engaging us in your service and mission. Hare Krishna, once again we wish you a very happy Vyasa-puja day.
Your aspiring to be humble servants,
Kārunyāmṛta Dāsa
Lāvaṇyāmṛta Devi Dāsi
Achintya Nitai
Agrani Gaura
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisance.
All Glories to Guru and Gauranga.
Very happy krishna conscious appearance day to you. May Radha Vallabha shower their blessings upon you all the time.
We are following your personal instructions to us - chanting minimum 16 round of the mahamantra everyday and hearing Krishna katha where possible.
We beg at your lotus feet to always keep us enganged in association of devotees and empower us to distribute Sirla Prabhupada's books. As you said in your lecture "we have a short life", but with a great escape plan of following your instructions and guidance through your lectures, we can get out of this duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam, cycle of repeated birth and death and attain the highest perfection.
You are the ocean of mercy, you fulfil all our spiritual desires. With your blessings, we are now hosting Bhakti Vriksha.
Thank you for engaging us in your service and mission. Hare Krishna, once again we wish you a very happy Vyasa-puja day.
Your aspiring to be humble servants,
Kārunyāmṛta Dāsa
Lāvaṇyāmṛta Devi Dāsi
Achintya Nitai
Agrani Gaura
Kasi Priya das
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories onto you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
I am very grateful to you that you pulled me out of the ocean of material existence and placed me on Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON life boat which comes to the rescue of all the lost and confused and materially entangled spirit souls with the aim of bringing them back home to Lord Krishna’s soothing lotus feet. Spirit souls from a huge variety of material backgrounds assemble on that boat and somehow or other work united towards the unifying goal of pleasing Krishna and His devotees, a society of unity in diversity.
Never before has it been so difficult for me to navigate this diversity than in the last two and a half years.
In some of your classes you sometimes mentioned ‘The Big Lie’, how there is something so attractive about a very big lie so people happily accept it as truth. I’m not sure if I should feel lucky or unlucky to have learned a lot about the workings of the big lie over the last couple of years. Yes, the big lie is initiated by continuous repetition and ritualistic performances and fed by fear and confusion. In this way the big lie becomes almost a tangible reality in the everyday life of the people actively living this lie. And when actively living a lie over a prolonged period of time, even when exposed to truth, there is always that doubt that there must be truth to it, the lie is just too big. That’s one aspect. The other aspect is the false ego. It cannot be a lie because, after all, it’s me and I cannot be cheated. In this way the false ego even blocks attempts of presenting the actual facts just to protect itself, especially if encouraged and fed by the narrative of the lie itself.
Having seen this big lie unfolding, taking hold and being accepted as truth by the majority of people was astonishing and most shocking, especially the reactions one receives just by questioning the narrative, the polarization in society. And yes, it took me some time to see through it myself, shake of the confusion. Of course I’m talking about the whole pandemic thing. Note, I’m not saying there is or was no virus. Fear and confusion has been created, ritualistic behaviors introduced, everyone is talking about it and reinforcing the lie as truth. Questioning streng verboten! The most transparent single sources of truth have spoken and everyone is nodding in agreement. Overblown models which never came true, statistical fraud, the broadest censorship campaign of all times in all classic and modern social media and most of all absolutely meaningless testing were the means to convince the populace of confining themselves and taking part in medical experimentation. Yes, all based on meaningless tests, indeed there is actually not a single covid test on the market and it would only take a few minutes to explain this fact. It was painful to see people being coerced and pressured into taking experimental gene therapies marketed as vaccines. Even the definition of pandemic and vaccine had to be changed to be able to call it as such. What to say about side effects, no excess deaths in 2020 but excess deaths of 40% in 2021 after rollout throughout all age groups in the same order as the roll out per age group and so on... But it seems no one wants to hear, even though it’s all documented. One just has to look, the information is not spoon fed at the 1pm show though. Even Sweden still exists... No, I will not take part in this lie, I have seen too much. I have seen Putana as the witch that she is, it will be hard to convince me accepting her as a goddess, she will really has to be one in order to do so but I'm open.
I want to take this opportunity to beg for forgiveness of the offense of not hosting you for lunch at our house despite your request. You were asking if I would agree to wear a mask, I wouldn’t. You were asking if I would be close by and have my wife serve you, I wouldn’t. I was really looking forward to one day welcome you in our home, just not like this. I figured you would still have your lunch and the only one missing out is actually me. But I simply could not do it, I had to be true to myself. I still hope, there will be an opportunity in the future to serve you in this way under normal circumstances.
Somebody may think that I try to impress you how I figured all that out but I know, that that won’t impress you at all. The only thing possibly impressing or better pleasing you is seeing us absorbed in devotional service, trying our utmost to please Srila Prabupada. So in fact I know for sure, that I did not impress you at all over the last couple of years. Instead I was a little shaken by the harsh reality hiding behind the big lie, not just covid, no, it’s much bigger, from Ukraine to Syria, the most secure elections to 9 11 to climate change, history back at least 250 years if not 3 millennia, even the so called origin of the big lie is a part of the big lie. Chapter 16 of Bhagavad Gita is far more relevant than I ever thought it would be. It’s not just only describing our own little tendencies, no, those Hiranyakasipu-like psychopathic demons are actually around right know and pulling the strings in this material world behind the scenes on this planet.
I explain to my daughter that when Putana tried to kill Krishna, everyone thought she was a Goddess even though in fact she was an ugly witch doing her nasty business. But in the spiritual world, it doesn’t matter if you see her as a Goddess or as what she really is. What matters only is that we’re seeking refuge in Krishna, that we’re absorbed in His past times. It may be part of the past time that some know and others don’t, in any case, He is pulling our heartstrings to absorb us even more into His reality. This is the beauty of the spiritual world, the beauty of Prabhupada’s ISKCON, the beauty of the society of unity in diversity which you have invited me into. I’m very grateful for that. And you show and teach us always through your personal example how to be absorbed in devotional service only, a lesson I still have to learn.
I thank you for your patience and tolerance.
Your aspiring servant
Kasi Priya das
please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories onto you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
I am very grateful to you that you pulled me out of the ocean of material existence and placed me on Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON life boat which comes to the rescue of all the lost and confused and materially entangled spirit souls with the aim of bringing them back home to Lord Krishna’s soothing lotus feet. Spirit souls from a huge variety of material backgrounds assemble on that boat and somehow or other work united towards the unifying goal of pleasing Krishna and His devotees, a society of unity in diversity.
Never before has it been so difficult for me to navigate this diversity than in the last two and a half years.
In some of your classes you sometimes mentioned ‘The Big Lie’, how there is something so attractive about a very big lie so people happily accept it as truth. I’m not sure if I should feel lucky or unlucky to have learned a lot about the workings of the big lie over the last couple of years. Yes, the big lie is initiated by continuous repetition and ritualistic performances and fed by fear and confusion. In this way the big lie becomes almost a tangible reality in the everyday life of the people actively living this lie. And when actively living a lie over a prolonged period of time, even when exposed to truth, there is always that doubt that there must be truth to it, the lie is just too big. That’s one aspect. The other aspect is the false ego. It cannot be a lie because, after all, it’s me and I cannot be cheated. In this way the false ego even blocks attempts of presenting the actual facts just to protect itself, especially if encouraged and fed by the narrative of the lie itself.
Having seen this big lie unfolding, taking hold and being accepted as truth by the majority of people was astonishing and most shocking, especially the reactions one receives just by questioning the narrative, the polarization in society. And yes, it took me some time to see through it myself, shake of the confusion. Of course I’m talking about the whole pandemic thing. Note, I’m not saying there is or was no virus. Fear and confusion has been created, ritualistic behaviors introduced, everyone is talking about it and reinforcing the lie as truth. Questioning streng verboten! The most transparent single sources of truth have spoken and everyone is nodding in agreement. Overblown models which never came true, statistical fraud, the broadest censorship campaign of all times in all classic and modern social media and most of all absolutely meaningless testing were the means to convince the populace of confining themselves and taking part in medical experimentation. Yes, all based on meaningless tests, indeed there is actually not a single covid test on the market and it would only take a few minutes to explain this fact. It was painful to see people being coerced and pressured into taking experimental gene therapies marketed as vaccines. Even the definition of pandemic and vaccine had to be changed to be able to call it as such. What to say about side effects, no excess deaths in 2020 but excess deaths of 40% in 2021 after rollout throughout all age groups in the same order as the roll out per age group and so on... But it seems no one wants to hear, even though it’s all documented. One just has to look, the information is not spoon fed at the 1pm show though. Even Sweden still exists... No, I will not take part in this lie, I have seen too much. I have seen Putana as the witch that she is, it will be hard to convince me accepting her as a goddess, she will really has to be one in order to do so but I'm open.
I want to take this opportunity to beg for forgiveness of the offense of not hosting you for lunch at our house despite your request. You were asking if I would agree to wear a mask, I wouldn’t. You were asking if I would be close by and have my wife serve you, I wouldn’t. I was really looking forward to one day welcome you in our home, just not like this. I figured you would still have your lunch and the only one missing out is actually me. But I simply could not do it, I had to be true to myself. I still hope, there will be an opportunity in the future to serve you in this way under normal circumstances.
Somebody may think that I try to impress you how I figured all that out but I know, that that won’t impress you at all. The only thing possibly impressing or better pleasing you is seeing us absorbed in devotional service, trying our utmost to please Srila Prabupada. So in fact I know for sure, that I did not impress you at all over the last couple of years. Instead I was a little shaken by the harsh reality hiding behind the big lie, not just covid, no, it’s much bigger, from Ukraine to Syria, the most secure elections to 9 11 to climate change, history back at least 250 years if not 3 millennia, even the so called origin of the big lie is a part of the big lie. Chapter 16 of Bhagavad Gita is far more relevant than I ever thought it would be. It’s not just only describing our own little tendencies, no, those Hiranyakasipu-like psychopathic demons are actually around right know and pulling the strings in this material world behind the scenes on this planet.
I explain to my daughter that when Putana tried to kill Krishna, everyone thought she was a Goddess even though in fact she was an ugly witch doing her nasty business. But in the spiritual world, it doesn’t matter if you see her as a Goddess or as what she really is. What matters only is that we’re seeking refuge in Krishna, that we’re absorbed in His past times. It may be part of the past time that some know and others don’t, in any case, He is pulling our heartstrings to absorb us even more into His reality. This is the beauty of the spiritual world, the beauty of Prabhupada’s ISKCON, the beauty of the society of unity in diversity which you have invited me into. I’m very grateful for that. And you show and teach us always through your personal example how to be absorbed in devotional service only, a lesson I still have to learn.
I thank you for your patience and tolerance.
Your aspiring servant
Kasi Priya das
Kasinatha Das
Hare Krishna Gurudev .Please accept my humble obeisance all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine namas te saraswate deve gaura-vani-pracarine nirvishesha-shunyavadi-pashchatya-desha-tarine
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale srimate Devamrita svamin
its namine
🙏🏼
Hare Krishna Gurudev
Ten years ago i left the shelter of the mens ashram into a future world where as you mentioned in your lecture on 'spiritual economics, "the satisfier and maximiser are in a constant struggle with choice and happiness, multiple options, and opportunity costs .Were dose one go in such a world ? were ones own family members ,billboard adverts ,neon lights, political leaders ,religious leaders ,educational leaders ,music heroes, fashionable new scientists all exhort and encourage a downward spiral of false identity ,trend based politics ,foolish theories about the universe and human origins ,spend spend spend ,i ,me and mine ,invest invest your future will be fine !?"whilst the poor get poorer the rich, richer and the middle classes in there frustrations churn up even more hate ,with endless protest marches over the slow suiciding of a society, that's killing itself the environment and the planet ! Were do we go in the material world when all our authority,s with there trend bound philosophies ,politics ,theories ,turn out to be yet again ,totally bogus ?
Ten years on after leaving the ,ashram i consider myself totally bogus as well ,having been attracted yet again to sense gratification ,material life and its endless tsunami of options ,choices ,opportunity costs and then misery .When all other philosophies ,politics, education ,gender trends ,scientific speculations ,all exposed as bogus yet again ! , what I've found to be permanently not bogus, but Bona a fide, is Prabhupada,s books and the process of Krishna consciousness .IN mayas kingdom, Gurudev you have found the way out of the matrix, and stayed true to Iskcon, Prabhupadas mission ,and Krishna,s unbroken teachings from the Parampara ,for that i offer you my full dandavats .In your lectures and books you have helped me and many other,s see the fallacy of unsustainable happiness ,and were actual happiness is, which i sincerely thank you for .I thank you to for coming to London and opening a new centre ,which looks all set to save many more lost souls from the matrix of mayas kingdom.Looking around at many of your disciples ,many of whom are great achievers in both there material and spiritual life i feel simultaneously embarrassed as i didn't achieve anything materially and not much spiritually ,but also proud and excited to be on your team .I pray that i can be empowered to follow any instructions you may give ,and offer you whatever service i can do .
your wretched disciple
Kasinatha das
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine namas te saraswate deve gaura-vani-pracarine nirvishesha-shunyavadi-pashchatya-desha-tarine
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale srimate Devamrita svamin
its namine
🙏🏼
Hare Krishna Gurudev
Ten years ago i left the shelter of the mens ashram into a future world where as you mentioned in your lecture on 'spiritual economics, "the satisfier and maximiser are in a constant struggle with choice and happiness, multiple options, and opportunity costs .Were dose one go in such a world ? were ones own family members ,billboard adverts ,neon lights, political leaders ,religious leaders ,educational leaders ,music heroes, fashionable new scientists all exhort and encourage a downward spiral of false identity ,trend based politics ,foolish theories about the universe and human origins ,spend spend spend ,i ,me and mine ,invest invest your future will be fine !?"whilst the poor get poorer the rich, richer and the middle classes in there frustrations churn up even more hate ,with endless protest marches over the slow suiciding of a society, that's killing itself the environment and the planet ! Were do we go in the material world when all our authority,s with there trend bound philosophies ,politics ,theories ,turn out to be yet again ,totally bogus ?
Ten years on after leaving the ,ashram i consider myself totally bogus as well ,having been attracted yet again to sense gratification ,material life and its endless tsunami of options ,choices ,opportunity costs and then misery .When all other philosophies ,politics, education ,gender trends ,scientific speculations ,all exposed as bogus yet again ! , what I've found to be permanently not bogus, but Bona a fide, is Prabhupada,s books and the process of Krishna consciousness .IN mayas kingdom, Gurudev you have found the way out of the matrix, and stayed true to Iskcon, Prabhupadas mission ,and Krishna,s unbroken teachings from the Parampara ,for that i offer you my full dandavats .In your lectures and books you have helped me and many other,s see the fallacy of unsustainable happiness ,and were actual happiness is, which i sincerely thank you for .I thank you to for coming to London and opening a new centre ,which looks all set to save many more lost souls from the matrix of mayas kingdom.Looking around at many of your disciples ,many of whom are great achievers in both there material and spiritual life i feel simultaneously embarrassed as i didn't achieve anything materially and not much spiritually ,but also proud and excited to be on your team .I pray that i can be empowered to follow any instructions you may give ,and offer you whatever service i can do .
your wretched disciple
Kasinatha das
Kasturika Devi Dasi
Dearest Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances...
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada...
All Glories to You...
How can i, most unqualified can fathom Your glories, yet only for my purification I still write this offering.
Life has become simple and straight forward and i wondered wasn't my life simple before... Definitely not, as I was swallowed by heavy mode of passion and ignorance. In your recent lecture, you were mentioning how material nature entices living entity to strive relentlessly for success without a break. Living entity being so tiny it submits to illusion and surrounded by a false sense of empowerment, I can do it, if I don't get this time I still try harder, I will get it next time... Creating a false belief in our own tiny strength and intelligence. That disease played out to max and today's problems are an evidence of that...And How individuals are destroying both physically and psychologically and also the whole world. Down the line, as I turn back I see how this disease was greatly present in me and today I started to recognise it. You being an expert doctor spotted out my disease and took under your care for treatment.
Srimad Bhagavatam elucidates same point in sb 6.9.50,
svayaṁ niḥśreyasaṁ vidvān
na vakty ajñāya karma hi
na rāti rogiṇo ’pathyaṁ
vāñchato ’pi bhiṣaktamaḥ
A pure devotee who is fully accomplished in devotional service will never instruct a foolish person to engage in fruitive activities for material enjoyment just as an experienced phsyician who never encourages a patient to eat food injurious to his health inspite of his persistent desires.
But this isn't all, you nourish us by engaging us in sankirtan yajna of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, which is vibrant and lively. In another lecture, you were discussing about monthly sankirtan festival how even if a devotee goes out and distributes one book is glorious as it can still reap the fruit, as it brought people to kc. We can strive for more and more as our strength is bestowed. This is such a tremendous contrast between material pursuits to spiritual pursuits, where empowerment is handed out through parampara. This is a special gift which you gave me, yet my desire is weak and so is my determination but i gain alot of inspiration from my God family, how they are such empowered souls and offer genuinely the credit to You and to Srila Prabhupada, and to Parampara. Thank you Gurudeva.
I was reading in CC Madhya 23.105 purport and you personified the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, "To broadcast the cult of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one has to learn the possibility of renunciation in terms of country, time and candidate". Creating loft and bhakti lounge urban outreach centres where training and education in vaisnava lifestyle is always made easy and adaptable for young devotees who come western backgrounds and shine out with high standards. This is only due to Your excellence and Your dedication to Srila Prabhupada.
When the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, You were greatly disturbed about the safety of those vaisnavas who were struck in war zones, and you mentioned how you were thinking I have a comfortable bed and they don't. This very statement made me appreciate what is surfacing is just one tiny drop , as your heart is the ocean of compassion. Thank you Gurudeva for being so merciful and compassionate.
The spiritual master is also called ācārya, or a transcendental professor of spiritual science.sb 11.17.27 purport... And you profess all times how bhakti is spiritual science and help us understand and approach it scientifically. You wanted always us to understand the intricacies of material world and how important us to appreciate bhakti. You urge us to be destination conscious, so that we aim rightly. You bring the subtleties into limelight and make us understand through Srimad Bhagavatam. One such is lecture on Hamsa avatar, and enquiries of 4 kumaras and Lord Brahma.
I recently read one of quotes, it says "Real knowledge is evidenced in our actions" And I thought it's not easy. And in one lecture, you mentioned how it's not easy to apply yet it is very much possible through right lifestyle and guidance. I thought this is just like Arjuna telling Krsna I cannot control my mind. Krsna acknowledges Arjuna's problem and also devises a solution.
Thank you Gurudeva, for writing back an email to my father and he was touched by your kindness. He appreciated that inspite of you being busy in your tight schedules and travels, you took time for him.
You always encouraged and made me appreciate how valuable is to stay in Sri Vrindavan dham. Me living here is a miracle of your mercy. How do i fit here - how fallen and how poor is my consciousness yet your mercy is allowing me to have this residence.
Recently, one of the days during my chanting, I got glimpse of understanding what it means to have a steel framed heart. My heart is filled with envy, lust, pride,greed, anger, while my mind is crooked, cunning and duplicitous and always distracted yet I roam around with a brave face. Although you give me all instructions and techniques of bhakti to make life simple and lively, I am so much addicted to my bad habits and I fail bitterly. Today I want to sincerely beg your blessings so that I work on my spiritual choice muscles and genuinely have a change of heart and forever engage in sankirtan yajna.
Exactly the way You defined in live to give global campaign of 2021( Srila Prabhupada marathon) : You defined 9 progressive stages of bhakti in relation to Your vision of world global sankirtan mission:
1. Sraddha - slight inclination developed upon hearing about to live to give campaign
2.sadhusanga- associating with those who pursue such goals.
3. Bhajana kriya - starting out to learn how to do it
4.anartha nivritti - selfishness fades away
5.nista- absorbing such campaigns
6.ruci - getting taste directed by sastric intelligence to excute that desire
7.asakti - let's do it for Lord Caitanya, as it is pouring out
8 &9. Bhava and Prema - highest sankirtan levels: realising this is Goloka vrindavan and Navadvipa phenomenon.
( although I'm far far away from such genuine appreciation and desire to engage in sankirtan, but Your very guidance and blessings can make it possible)
Thank you for everything you gave me Gurudeva.
Praying for your good health...
Aspiring to be servant of your servants,
Kasturika. Dd
Please accept my humble obeisances...
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada...
All Glories to You...
How can i, most unqualified can fathom Your glories, yet only for my purification I still write this offering.
Life has become simple and straight forward and i wondered wasn't my life simple before... Definitely not, as I was swallowed by heavy mode of passion and ignorance. In your recent lecture, you were mentioning how material nature entices living entity to strive relentlessly for success without a break. Living entity being so tiny it submits to illusion and surrounded by a false sense of empowerment, I can do it, if I don't get this time I still try harder, I will get it next time... Creating a false belief in our own tiny strength and intelligence. That disease played out to max and today's problems are an evidence of that...And How individuals are destroying both physically and psychologically and also the whole world. Down the line, as I turn back I see how this disease was greatly present in me and today I started to recognise it. You being an expert doctor spotted out my disease and took under your care for treatment.
Srimad Bhagavatam elucidates same point in sb 6.9.50,
svayaṁ niḥśreyasaṁ vidvān
na vakty ajñāya karma hi
na rāti rogiṇo ’pathyaṁ
vāñchato ’pi bhiṣaktamaḥ
A pure devotee who is fully accomplished in devotional service will never instruct a foolish person to engage in fruitive activities for material enjoyment just as an experienced phsyician who never encourages a patient to eat food injurious to his health inspite of his persistent desires.
But this isn't all, you nourish us by engaging us in sankirtan yajna of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, which is vibrant and lively. In another lecture, you were discussing about monthly sankirtan festival how even if a devotee goes out and distributes one book is glorious as it can still reap the fruit, as it brought people to kc. We can strive for more and more as our strength is bestowed. This is such a tremendous contrast between material pursuits to spiritual pursuits, where empowerment is handed out through parampara. This is a special gift which you gave me, yet my desire is weak and so is my determination but i gain alot of inspiration from my God family, how they are such empowered souls and offer genuinely the credit to You and to Srila Prabhupada, and to Parampara. Thank you Gurudeva.
I was reading in CC Madhya 23.105 purport and you personified the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, "To broadcast the cult of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one has to learn the possibility of renunciation in terms of country, time and candidate". Creating loft and bhakti lounge urban outreach centres where training and education in vaisnava lifestyle is always made easy and adaptable for young devotees who come western backgrounds and shine out with high standards. This is only due to Your excellence and Your dedication to Srila Prabhupada.
When the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, You were greatly disturbed about the safety of those vaisnavas who were struck in war zones, and you mentioned how you were thinking I have a comfortable bed and they don't. This very statement made me appreciate what is surfacing is just one tiny drop , as your heart is the ocean of compassion. Thank you Gurudeva for being so merciful and compassionate.
The spiritual master is also called ācārya, or a transcendental professor of spiritual science.sb 11.17.27 purport... And you profess all times how bhakti is spiritual science and help us understand and approach it scientifically. You wanted always us to understand the intricacies of material world and how important us to appreciate bhakti. You urge us to be destination conscious, so that we aim rightly. You bring the subtleties into limelight and make us understand through Srimad Bhagavatam. One such is lecture on Hamsa avatar, and enquiries of 4 kumaras and Lord Brahma.
I recently read one of quotes, it says "Real knowledge is evidenced in our actions" And I thought it's not easy. And in one lecture, you mentioned how it's not easy to apply yet it is very much possible through right lifestyle and guidance. I thought this is just like Arjuna telling Krsna I cannot control my mind. Krsna acknowledges Arjuna's problem and also devises a solution.
Thank you Gurudeva, for writing back an email to my father and he was touched by your kindness. He appreciated that inspite of you being busy in your tight schedules and travels, you took time for him.
You always encouraged and made me appreciate how valuable is to stay in Sri Vrindavan dham. Me living here is a miracle of your mercy. How do i fit here - how fallen and how poor is my consciousness yet your mercy is allowing me to have this residence.
Recently, one of the days during my chanting, I got glimpse of understanding what it means to have a steel framed heart. My heart is filled with envy, lust, pride,greed, anger, while my mind is crooked, cunning and duplicitous and always distracted yet I roam around with a brave face. Although you give me all instructions and techniques of bhakti to make life simple and lively, I am so much addicted to my bad habits and I fail bitterly. Today I want to sincerely beg your blessings so that I work on my spiritual choice muscles and genuinely have a change of heart and forever engage in sankirtan yajna.
Exactly the way You defined in live to give global campaign of 2021( Srila Prabhupada marathon) : You defined 9 progressive stages of bhakti in relation to Your vision of world global sankirtan mission:
1. Sraddha - slight inclination developed upon hearing about to live to give campaign
2.sadhusanga- associating with those who pursue such goals.
3. Bhajana kriya - starting out to learn how to do it
4.anartha nivritti - selfishness fades away
5.nista- absorbing such campaigns
6.ruci - getting taste directed by sastric intelligence to excute that desire
7.asakti - let's do it for Lord Caitanya, as it is pouring out
8 &9. Bhava and Prema - highest sankirtan levels: realising this is Goloka vrindavan and Navadvipa phenomenon.
( although I'm far far away from such genuine appreciation and desire to engage in sankirtan, but Your very guidance and blessings can make it possible)
Thank you for everything you gave me Gurudeva.
Praying for your good health...
Aspiring to be servant of your servants,
Kasturika. Dd
Kathamrta
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories unto our Srila Prabhupada.
Wishing you the most beautiful Vyasa Puja celebration today in honour of your appearance in this world.
Recently I was fortunate to help organise our guest darsans at the loft. One young lady, mixed up with a bad crowd and bad habits told you she didn’t know how to get out of her social circle. You told her that birds of a feather flock together, and that she should come to the loft and be friends with the swans here. She then told you that she felt like a swamp chicken, and that she didn’t belong with the swans here… and you looked at her so compassionately and said, “the swans are very merciful.” Then you pointed at me, and said “Kathamrta used to be a swamp chicken, too.”
I am so deeply touched by your personalism, sweetness, humour, mercy and expertise in bringing others closer to Krishna. It is such a blessing to be around you, hear from you, learn from you, and have the opportunity to do something for you- an example of someone fallen but having been accepted by swans, and transformed.
I’m still a swamp chicken, and undergoing the therapy of the swans association. It’s hard to change, but you see the potential, and that vision pierces through the hard knots, slackens pride and attachment, and gives hope.
And in truth, you are my only hope, and always will be.
Your servant
Kathamrta
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories unto our Srila Prabhupada.
Wishing you the most beautiful Vyasa Puja celebration today in honour of your appearance in this world.
Recently I was fortunate to help organise our guest darsans at the loft. One young lady, mixed up with a bad crowd and bad habits told you she didn’t know how to get out of her social circle. You told her that birds of a feather flock together, and that she should come to the loft and be friends with the swans here. She then told you that she felt like a swamp chicken, and that she didn’t belong with the swans here… and you looked at her so compassionately and said, “the swans are very merciful.” Then you pointed at me, and said “Kathamrta used to be a swamp chicken, too.”
I am so deeply touched by your personalism, sweetness, humour, mercy and expertise in bringing others closer to Krishna. It is such a blessing to be around you, hear from you, learn from you, and have the opportunity to do something for you- an example of someone fallen but having been accepted by swans, and transformed.
I’m still a swamp chicken, and undergoing the therapy of the swans association. It’s hard to change, but you see the potential, and that vision pierces through the hard knots, slackens pride and attachment, and gives hope.
And in truth, you are my only hope, and always will be.
Your servant
Kathamrta
Kavi Karnapura das
Dear Gurudeva
Please acept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Its might appear difficult putting your life in the hands of others.
But we do it everyday - like bus drivers for example.
Or the people that install the elevator...
Or the whoever is keeping our water toxin free.
But the Guru is at the top of that list.
He has say so over topics like, The Absolute truth, Life after Death,
These are really big questions and its all quite frightening.
The concept of having to give up false ego etc...(everything I thought I knew about myself.)
I remember you once said "People don't want the truth. Its too frightening."
I see that now.
I also see that your teachings on conduct match up and that there can be real results on the spiritual path. That devotees can be pure in intention to help.
So I seek your tolerance and mercy for my mistake and guidnace in my attempts at devotion. I do believe, sometimes more than others...
your servant
Kavi Karnapura das
Please acept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Its might appear difficult putting your life in the hands of others.
But we do it everyday - like bus drivers for example.
Or the people that install the elevator...
Or the whoever is keeping our water toxin free.
But the Guru is at the top of that list.
He has say so over topics like, The Absolute truth, Life after Death,
These are really big questions and its all quite frightening.
The concept of having to give up false ego etc...(everything I thought I knew about myself.)
I remember you once said "People don't want the truth. Its too frightening."
I see that now.
I also see that your teachings on conduct match up and that there can be real results on the spiritual path. That devotees can be pure in intention to help.
So I seek your tolerance and mercy for my mistake and guidnace in my attempts at devotion. I do believe, sometimes more than others...
your servant
Kavi Karnapura das
Khadiravan devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
please accept my most humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you Gurudeva!
"I have given my life for you guys…”
I remember hearing you say this in a class in Mayapur earlier this year and the heart energy that was expressed in your voice. The personalism and depth you bring to everything you do is unlike anything we can experience on the material plane. Maybe this is some finer detail of why when Western devotees want to drop their Krishna consciousness and go back to maya’s burning arms, they often slash at those who have cared for them the deepest. Are they trying to rid themselves of the deep personal experience of being cared for in such an unprecedented way, and the natural desire to reciprocate that follows, so they can dive into maya with “confidence”? To distance themselves from experiencing such an atmosphere of personalism that you generate with your dealings, and nourish in our centres (and that we attempt to imbibe and represent to others, albeit falteringly, as we are gradually becoming purified ourselves)?
Decade after decade - flying in cramped, unclean, meat-smeared, alcohol-soaked conditions for multiple long haul flights every year, even more domestic flights, car rides, different rooms, facilities and prasad - you must be the frequent flyer of all frequent flyers, bringing Lord Caitanya’s mercy again and again across the world to us all
Hour after hour of darshans and global communications with devotees, sharing guidance, personal concern, loving exchanges and transformational feedback
Hour after hour sharing Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita, Laghu and Brihad Bhagavatamritas, and your own insights and realisations of seriously applied bhakti
Hour after hour absorbing Prabhupada’s books and teachings for your own and the world’s benefit
Hour after hour writing and producing books to change the world
Hour after hour sharing Krishna consciousness in talks and personal meetings with guests at outreach centres and temples, inspiring them to be Krishna conscious
Hour after hour supporting, inspiring and encouraging servitors, managers and leaders in various projects to share Krishna consciousness in diverse ways
Hour after hour serving on the Governing Body Commission to protect, maintain, expand, and pass on Srila Prabhupada’s mission
You are the ultimate sankirtana devotee for new guests, friends of Krishna, practicing devotees, the whole world - meeting people where they are at in a friendly, relatable way, showing genuine interest in them and their lives, sharing Krishna wisdom with them in a fascinating and compassionate way. You will do anything you can to help them come closer to Krishna.
For you who have given us everything, and to whom many over time painfully and unfortunately to their own detriment show ingratitude, harsh dealings and worse, I offer you all the gratitude I can muster. I hope to always translate that gratitude into day-in day-out devotional service for the rest of ever in a foolish attempt to reciprocate. Please let me be as you are one day, a personalist giving their life for others, following in your lotus footsteps.
your servant and spiritual daughter,
Khadiravan devi dasi
please accept my most humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you Gurudeva!
"I have given my life for you guys…”
I remember hearing you say this in a class in Mayapur earlier this year and the heart energy that was expressed in your voice. The personalism and depth you bring to everything you do is unlike anything we can experience on the material plane. Maybe this is some finer detail of why when Western devotees want to drop their Krishna consciousness and go back to maya’s burning arms, they often slash at those who have cared for them the deepest. Are they trying to rid themselves of the deep personal experience of being cared for in such an unprecedented way, and the natural desire to reciprocate that follows, so they can dive into maya with “confidence”? To distance themselves from experiencing such an atmosphere of personalism that you generate with your dealings, and nourish in our centres (and that we attempt to imbibe and represent to others, albeit falteringly, as we are gradually becoming purified ourselves)?
Decade after decade - flying in cramped, unclean, meat-smeared, alcohol-soaked conditions for multiple long haul flights every year, even more domestic flights, car rides, different rooms, facilities and prasad - you must be the frequent flyer of all frequent flyers, bringing Lord Caitanya’s mercy again and again across the world to us all
Hour after hour of darshans and global communications with devotees, sharing guidance, personal concern, loving exchanges and transformational feedback
Hour after hour sharing Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita, Laghu and Brihad Bhagavatamritas, and your own insights and realisations of seriously applied bhakti
Hour after hour absorbing Prabhupada’s books and teachings for your own and the world’s benefit
Hour after hour writing and producing books to change the world
Hour after hour sharing Krishna consciousness in talks and personal meetings with guests at outreach centres and temples, inspiring them to be Krishna conscious
Hour after hour supporting, inspiring and encouraging servitors, managers and leaders in various projects to share Krishna consciousness in diverse ways
Hour after hour serving on the Governing Body Commission to protect, maintain, expand, and pass on Srila Prabhupada’s mission
You are the ultimate sankirtana devotee for new guests, friends of Krishna, practicing devotees, the whole world - meeting people where they are at in a friendly, relatable way, showing genuine interest in them and their lives, sharing Krishna wisdom with them in a fascinating and compassionate way. You will do anything you can to help them come closer to Krishna.
For you who have given us everything, and to whom many over time painfully and unfortunately to their own detriment show ingratitude, harsh dealings and worse, I offer you all the gratitude I can muster. I hope to always translate that gratitude into day-in day-out devotional service for the rest of ever in a foolish attempt to reciprocate. Please let me be as you are one day, a personalist giving their life for others, following in your lotus footsteps.
your servant and spiritual daughter,
Khadiravan devi dasi
Khela tirtha dasa
Dearmost Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet
on this most auspicious day of your appearance
All glories to your illustrious spiritual Master,
our Srila Prabhupada.
In the GuruVandanam prayers,glorifying Srila Prabhupada, and guru tattva generically,we
find the essential words ;
….”guru mukha padma vakya cittete koriya aikya….”
"my only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth……”
Your mouth is central to our lives and its refined and animated movements echo the technology of the parampara to add value to and continue this Krsna conscious movement for the world to follow back home back to Krsna.
Those of us who have had the extreme fortune of taking your darshan, seeing you in person,will know ,and sometimes further deliberate,that the transcendental words emanating from your lotus mouth effect change in the heart and redirect the course of the hearer's life.
Your smile destroys layers of doubt, delusion, confusion, material immersion and speculation. (Your Hiding in Unnatural Happiness sells itself with your transcendental smile on the back beaming at the potential customer.)
Of course, your vapu form is superseded by your vani.
You can be issuing instructions via the phone or the internet and initiating full scale yajnas /projects on the other side of the world.
These transcendental exchanges find their permanent place in the heart and inspire the recipient onwards and upwards, back home back to where you intend for us to arrive, the transcendental abode of Goloka Vrndavan.
The path traversed to reach there?
Transcendental sound vibration,The Hare Krsna maha mantra
The means?
Bhakti
The goal?
Bhakti
Sri Narada Muni lives and gives the example of the transcendental path traversed, being created by the Holy Names.
Playing his vina and singing the glories of Sri Krsna he is able to go anywhere in the three worlds, preach effectively to transform the lives of those whose ears drink the elixir of the all purifying nectar of the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara.
We chant and become purified of material contamination and the false ego is dismantled.
Along with this, by your all merciful glance and instruction, we are also able to traverse this path created by the Holy name to ascend to the transcendental platform.
And to quote you ,Gurudeva:
“Let the Holy name move your body and dance in extacy.”
We have heard of transcendentalists ,like Narada Muni, whose feet don’t touch the ground, as they are literally being carried by transcendental sound vibration, their purity being the lightness that aids their flotation .
Krishna conscious purity of heart and purpose defy material laws, both gross and subtle.
Many instances where Srila Prabhupada was said to be ‘floating’ ,are found documented in the pages of his biographies relayed and verified by his disciples.
You encourage us to dance during kirtan ,whether you're leading the kirtan or not, especially at recharge festivals in Otaki.
We all relish watching you lead kirtan and melodiously sing the Holy names.
You are watching us chant and dance, as a loving father would his children playing amongst others at a playground.
Seeing some of us either too mental or lazy to move, sidelined around the edges of a raging kirtan, by choice not force, you call out our names and lovingly yet firmly bring us into the fray, thereby slackening our attachment to the stubborn body and mind.
Repeating the suggestive instruction to allow the Holy name to contort our bodies and minds into transcendental shape, chanting in ecstasy.
Being further encouraged by your beaming smile and similar ‘Swami step’ moves, the kirtan takes us to soaring new heights.
Your presence lifts the yajna and all of us with it.
You instruct us to play our part to assist the yajna, not weigh it down.
Lord Caitanya's presence in and stipulations of chanting, dancing and taking prasadam, thunder in your general instruction.
You have many disciples who study your every move, every word, every adventure to better understand what makes you tick, what makes you perfect and what allows you to experience the sweetest taste of the Holy name.
Your mouth, and smile, like all of your transcendental attributes,are scrutinized in detail by the studious.
Watching you chant japa is the same as watching you take prasadam.
One godbrother commented that your mouth cherishes the Holy names like it does when relishing carob cake.
Both nondifferent from Sri Madhava Himself ,of course.
One can immediately see that you're tasting other worldly nectar!
The Spiritual master encourages the disciple to lick,sip,suck and chew Bhagavat Prasadam, as confirmed in Gurvastakam:
“Catur vidha sri bhagavat prasado
Svadvana trptan hari bhakta sangan”
As an acarya you both exhibit the honouring of, and utmost relishing of the Lord's prasadam and you encourage us to do the same, in the above ways.
Those who are blessed to see you take prasadam, are completely satisfied by your satisfaction. Seeing the Spiritual master savour the indescribably sweet taste of the Lord's form as the Holy name and the mercy of edible remnants, is indeed a blessing.
Your serious absorption, focus and gravity while you honour is non different from when you chant the Lord's glories and preach.
Normally, as Prabhupada would do, the Guru honours alone, facing the wall, but you allow your servants to see you interacting with Krsna ,in an intimate way, which cleverly increases the witness’s faith and application in Bhakti.
This, in turn ,increases the vigour with which the disciple distributes Krsna to others, carrying forth the potency of the Guru’s instruction into the hearts of those who are exposed to the systematic release and consequent explosion of Krsna’s mercy.
You distribute prasadam to the devotees and books to the conditioned souls with your own pinkish, lotus like hands.
We have witnessed this in Christchurch and Wellington on various occasions.
Again you fulfil the meaning of Acarya by being a living example of your teachings.
Acara and prachara go side by side in the words of Rupa Goswami referring to Haridas Thakur.
The shape of your words issuing forth from your mouth shapes us as your limbs to assist you in the distribution of The Lord's mercy.
The way your mouth moves when you say Govinda, issues instructions, chastises the fortunate, gives rose-like shelter, offers pearls of advice, pronounces sanskrit, is absolute poetry in motion for the attentive follower who literally lives on your every word.
Oh ,did I mention about your transcendental laugh?
Begging to have this consciousness purified by the ever nectarian flow of transcendental vernacular emanating from your lotus lips and become a transparent via medium to assist other conditioned souls to come to your lotus feet.
This aspiring servant salutes you, Gurudeva,on this day ,and every day.
Humbly and respectfully,
Khela tirtha dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet
on this most auspicious day of your appearance
All glories to your illustrious spiritual Master,
our Srila Prabhupada.
In the GuruVandanam prayers,glorifying Srila Prabhupada, and guru tattva generically,we
find the essential words ;
….”guru mukha padma vakya cittete koriya aikya….”
"my only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth……”
Your mouth is central to our lives and its refined and animated movements echo the technology of the parampara to add value to and continue this Krsna conscious movement for the world to follow back home back to Krsna.
Those of us who have had the extreme fortune of taking your darshan, seeing you in person,will know ,and sometimes further deliberate,that the transcendental words emanating from your lotus mouth effect change in the heart and redirect the course of the hearer's life.
Your smile destroys layers of doubt, delusion, confusion, material immersion and speculation. (Your Hiding in Unnatural Happiness sells itself with your transcendental smile on the back beaming at the potential customer.)
Of course, your vapu form is superseded by your vani.
You can be issuing instructions via the phone or the internet and initiating full scale yajnas /projects on the other side of the world.
These transcendental exchanges find their permanent place in the heart and inspire the recipient onwards and upwards, back home back to where you intend for us to arrive, the transcendental abode of Goloka Vrndavan.
The path traversed to reach there?
Transcendental sound vibration,The Hare Krsna maha mantra
The means?
Bhakti
The goal?
Bhakti
Sri Narada Muni lives and gives the example of the transcendental path traversed, being created by the Holy Names.
Playing his vina and singing the glories of Sri Krsna he is able to go anywhere in the three worlds, preach effectively to transform the lives of those whose ears drink the elixir of the all purifying nectar of the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara.
We chant and become purified of material contamination and the false ego is dismantled.
Along with this, by your all merciful glance and instruction, we are also able to traverse this path created by the Holy name to ascend to the transcendental platform.
And to quote you ,Gurudeva:
“Let the Holy name move your body and dance in extacy.”
We have heard of transcendentalists ,like Narada Muni, whose feet don’t touch the ground, as they are literally being carried by transcendental sound vibration, their purity being the lightness that aids their flotation .
Krishna conscious purity of heart and purpose defy material laws, both gross and subtle.
Many instances where Srila Prabhupada was said to be ‘floating’ ,are found documented in the pages of his biographies relayed and verified by his disciples.
You encourage us to dance during kirtan ,whether you're leading the kirtan or not, especially at recharge festivals in Otaki.
We all relish watching you lead kirtan and melodiously sing the Holy names.
You are watching us chant and dance, as a loving father would his children playing amongst others at a playground.
Seeing some of us either too mental or lazy to move, sidelined around the edges of a raging kirtan, by choice not force, you call out our names and lovingly yet firmly bring us into the fray, thereby slackening our attachment to the stubborn body and mind.
Repeating the suggestive instruction to allow the Holy name to contort our bodies and minds into transcendental shape, chanting in ecstasy.
Being further encouraged by your beaming smile and similar ‘Swami step’ moves, the kirtan takes us to soaring new heights.
Your presence lifts the yajna and all of us with it.
You instruct us to play our part to assist the yajna, not weigh it down.
Lord Caitanya's presence in and stipulations of chanting, dancing and taking prasadam, thunder in your general instruction.
You have many disciples who study your every move, every word, every adventure to better understand what makes you tick, what makes you perfect and what allows you to experience the sweetest taste of the Holy name.
Your mouth, and smile, like all of your transcendental attributes,are scrutinized in detail by the studious.
Watching you chant japa is the same as watching you take prasadam.
One godbrother commented that your mouth cherishes the Holy names like it does when relishing carob cake.
Both nondifferent from Sri Madhava Himself ,of course.
One can immediately see that you're tasting other worldly nectar!
The Spiritual master encourages the disciple to lick,sip,suck and chew Bhagavat Prasadam, as confirmed in Gurvastakam:
“Catur vidha sri bhagavat prasado
Svadvana trptan hari bhakta sangan”
As an acarya you both exhibit the honouring of, and utmost relishing of the Lord's prasadam and you encourage us to do the same, in the above ways.
Those who are blessed to see you take prasadam, are completely satisfied by your satisfaction. Seeing the Spiritual master savour the indescribably sweet taste of the Lord's form as the Holy name and the mercy of edible remnants, is indeed a blessing.
Your serious absorption, focus and gravity while you honour is non different from when you chant the Lord's glories and preach.
Normally, as Prabhupada would do, the Guru honours alone, facing the wall, but you allow your servants to see you interacting with Krsna ,in an intimate way, which cleverly increases the witness’s faith and application in Bhakti.
This, in turn ,increases the vigour with which the disciple distributes Krsna to others, carrying forth the potency of the Guru’s instruction into the hearts of those who are exposed to the systematic release and consequent explosion of Krsna’s mercy.
You distribute prasadam to the devotees and books to the conditioned souls with your own pinkish, lotus like hands.
We have witnessed this in Christchurch and Wellington on various occasions.
Again you fulfil the meaning of Acarya by being a living example of your teachings.
Acara and prachara go side by side in the words of Rupa Goswami referring to Haridas Thakur.
The shape of your words issuing forth from your mouth shapes us as your limbs to assist you in the distribution of The Lord's mercy.
The way your mouth moves when you say Govinda, issues instructions, chastises the fortunate, gives rose-like shelter, offers pearls of advice, pronounces sanskrit, is absolute poetry in motion for the attentive follower who literally lives on your every word.
Oh ,did I mention about your transcendental laugh?
Begging to have this consciousness purified by the ever nectarian flow of transcendental vernacular emanating from your lotus lips and become a transparent via medium to assist other conditioned souls to come to your lotus feet.
This aspiring servant salutes you, Gurudeva,on this day ,and every day.
Humbly and respectfully,
Khela tirtha dasa
Kirtiman Krishna 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 Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja.
Vyasapuja is an opportunity for a disciple to express his gratitude and appreciation towards the spiritual master as the empowered representative of Sri Vyasadeva. Like Sri Vyasadeva, the spiritual master presents the Vedic knowledge in a manner that suits the circumstances and audience of his times, and in doing so shatters the illusion of those who respond positively to this presentation, guiding them back to the lotus feet of Krishna.
In Bhagavad Gita 3.21, Krishna states:
<i>yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaḿ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.</i>
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport to this verse, “People in general always require a leader who can teach the public by practical behaviour… One who teaches in that way is called ācārya, or the ideal teacher.” While reading this verse recently, I was meditating on the exemplary standards set by your example in every aspect of what you do, thereby perfectly assuming the role of an ācārya. There is perfection and instructions in everything you say or do. In our ignorance we may initially not understand it or sometimes even disregard it, but gradually these start to make sense. And to those of us who are dull minded and slow, you mercifully tolerate and guide us, so that we remain on track in our spiritual journey. Your instructions are simple and clear, yet you also ensure that it’s catered to be practical to each one’s situation without diluting the essence, so that we make progress from whatever stage we are at.
This year marks fifty years of your commitment towards ISKCON. Even after so many decades of dedicated service, the enthusiasm that you have for any preaching opportunity is amazing. During a personal darshan with you a few months back, we were initially talking about what was happening in our lives in general. Then I mentioned about a small preaching opportunity that had come my way, and immediately your eyes lit up and you were keen to know more. I explained the situation and you kindly gave your blessings to overcome some of the challenges I was facing. Incidentally, I was also mentioning certain preferences I had about my services, and you gently reminded me, “it’s not always about what you want, it’s what Krishna wants.” Since then, when in any uncomfortable situation, I think of those words, and it helps me reconcile the matter easily.
On this very auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I feel very fortunate and blessed to be in your association, amongst your disciples and well-wishers. I beg at your lotus feet to please engage us in your service so that we may be steady in our spiritual journey.
Your insignificant servants
KirtimanKrishna dasa, PriyamvadaMadhavi Devi dasi and Priti
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja.
Vyasapuja is an opportunity for a disciple to express his gratitude and appreciation towards the spiritual master as the empowered representative of Sri Vyasadeva. Like Sri Vyasadeva, the spiritual master presents the Vedic knowledge in a manner that suits the circumstances and audience of his times, and in doing so shatters the illusion of those who respond positively to this presentation, guiding them back to the lotus feet of Krishna.
In Bhagavad Gita 3.21, Krishna states:
<i>yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaḿ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.</i>
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport to this verse, “People in general always require a leader who can teach the public by practical behaviour… One who teaches in that way is called ācārya, or the ideal teacher.” While reading this verse recently, I was meditating on the exemplary standards set by your example in every aspect of what you do, thereby perfectly assuming the role of an ācārya. There is perfection and instructions in everything you say or do. In our ignorance we may initially not understand it or sometimes even disregard it, but gradually these start to make sense. And to those of us who are dull minded and slow, you mercifully tolerate and guide us, so that we remain on track in our spiritual journey. Your instructions are simple and clear, yet you also ensure that it’s catered to be practical to each one’s situation without diluting the essence, so that we make progress from whatever stage we are at.
This year marks fifty years of your commitment towards ISKCON. Even after so many decades of dedicated service, the enthusiasm that you have for any preaching opportunity is amazing. During a personal darshan with you a few months back, we were initially talking about what was happening in our lives in general. Then I mentioned about a small preaching opportunity that had come my way, and immediately your eyes lit up and you were keen to know more. I explained the situation and you kindly gave your blessings to overcome some of the challenges I was facing. Incidentally, I was also mentioning certain preferences I had about my services, and you gently reminded me, “it’s not always about what you want, it’s what Krishna wants.” Since then, when in any uncomfortable situation, I think of those words, and it helps me reconcile the matter easily.
On this very auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I feel very fortunate and blessed to be in your association, amongst your disciples and well-wishers. I beg at your lotus feet to please engage us in your service so that we may be steady in our spiritual journey.
Your insignificant servants
KirtimanKrishna dasa, PriyamvadaMadhavi Devi dasi and Priti
Koladvīpa-pati Dāsa
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
All glories to you on the 72nd appearance day of your Holiness.
Please accept my repeated humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Thank you for kindly accepting me as your disciple.
I haven't had much physical association with you Guru Mahārāja however your guidance (vani) through the classes which have been recorded and posted online on Iskcon Desire Tree, those on your website for devotees, personal emails and meetings, have been instructive and nourishing for my spiritual life and is continuing to be.
The spiritual master is the representative of the Lord 'sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstrair uktas tathā bhāvyata eva sadbhiḥ' and is also a representative of the Lord's literary incarnation Śrīla Vyāsadeva, hence why the appearance day of the spiritual master is called Vyāsa Puja. Thus the spiritual master's role is to deliver and guide the conditioned souls and disciples to the loving devotional service of the Lord. Due to the fact that the spiritual master is always engaged in the service of his spiritual master and the chain of disciplic succession (Paramparā) is unbroken going all the way back to the Supreme Lord, Śrī Krishna, the spiritual master has the empowerment of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to deliver the disciple and the materially afflicted world from the ocean of birth and death.
saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
Therefore the spiritual master's position is most exalted, and one's mission in life is to follow the instructions of the spiritual master and please him.
By the mercy of the spiritual master one advances in spiritual life, and without the mercy of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement at all.
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi
The spiritual master is described as an ocean of mercy 'Śrī-guru karuna-sindhu'.
This is just one of your many great qualities that I have been thinking about as I have been listening to your classes and outreach seminars and meditating on your guidance.
In western outreach, your deep understanding of the psychology and mentality of the audience and your genius strategies of creating an environment suitable so that conditioned souls feel comfortable to associate with devotees and gradually progress in spiritual life especially in urban cities no doubt comes from a lifetime of dedicated outreach service and genuine compassion.
I can see how we have been using your valuable strategies in Wales with our Atma lounge and Contemporary Vedic Ashrama and have had successful results.
In order to spread Krishna consciousness one must be empowered by Krishna and your success in western outreach is great testimony to your special empowerment.
kali-kālera dharma — kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana/ kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana. “One cannot spread the holy name of Kṛṣṇa without being specifically empowered by Lord Kṛṣṇa."
Furthermore this empowerment must be coming from your dedication and service to Śrila Prabhupāda.
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
In your recent visit to Wales one of the devotees picking you up from the airport recalled that you commented 'people are so lonely' while looking deeply concerned. This reminded me of the story of how when Śrīla Prabhupāda saw someone playing golf on a golf course he just started crying.
It struck me how you are always compassionately thinking of the welfare of others and how to introduce souls to Krishna, who is the only real solution for the emptiness that is in people's hearts. A Vaishnava is 'para dukha dukhi' unhappy to see others suffering.
This is further supported by your great eagerness and greed to glorify Krishna in all your classes and convince people to surrender more and more to the Lord's service.
All of this is great evidence that you are pleasing His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda.
By representing and pleasing Śrīla Prabhupāda you truly are a bonafide representative of Śrīla Vyāsadeva.
All glories to you and your service to Śrīla Prabhupāda and the Paramparā on this superbly auspicious day of your appearance day dear Guru Mahārāja.
Thank you for encouraging me to take more shelter in hearing and chanting about Krishna and I would like to take this time to further rededicate myself to your transcendental service by following your guidance and serving the devotees here in Wales. I pray to be able to closely follow your instructions and please you in all my activities. Please bestow your blessings upon me that I may be able to get a drop of the taste that you have for hearing and chanting about Krishna so that I may be able render better service.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Koladvīpa-pati Dāsa
All glories to you on the 72nd appearance day of your Holiness.
Please accept my repeated humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Thank you for kindly accepting me as your disciple.
I haven't had much physical association with you Guru Mahārāja however your guidance (vani) through the classes which have been recorded and posted online on Iskcon Desire Tree, those on your website for devotees, personal emails and meetings, have been instructive and nourishing for my spiritual life and is continuing to be.
The spiritual master is the representative of the Lord 'sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstrair uktas tathā bhāvyata eva sadbhiḥ' and is also a representative of the Lord's literary incarnation Śrīla Vyāsadeva, hence why the appearance day of the spiritual master is called Vyāsa Puja. Thus the spiritual master's role is to deliver and guide the conditioned souls and disciples to the loving devotional service of the Lord. Due to the fact that the spiritual master is always engaged in the service of his spiritual master and the chain of disciplic succession (Paramparā) is unbroken going all the way back to the Supreme Lord, Śrī Krishna, the spiritual master has the empowerment of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to deliver the disciple and the materially afflicted world from the ocean of birth and death.
saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
Therefore the spiritual master's position is most exalted, and one's mission in life is to follow the instructions of the spiritual master and please him.
By the mercy of the spiritual master one advances in spiritual life, and without the mercy of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement at all.
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi
The spiritual master is described as an ocean of mercy 'Śrī-guru karuna-sindhu'.
This is just one of your many great qualities that I have been thinking about as I have been listening to your classes and outreach seminars and meditating on your guidance.
In western outreach, your deep understanding of the psychology and mentality of the audience and your genius strategies of creating an environment suitable so that conditioned souls feel comfortable to associate with devotees and gradually progress in spiritual life especially in urban cities no doubt comes from a lifetime of dedicated outreach service and genuine compassion.
I can see how we have been using your valuable strategies in Wales with our Atma lounge and Contemporary Vedic Ashrama and have had successful results.
In order to spread Krishna consciousness one must be empowered by Krishna and your success in western outreach is great testimony to your special empowerment.
kali-kālera dharma — kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana/ kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana. “One cannot spread the holy name of Kṛṣṇa without being specifically empowered by Lord Kṛṣṇa."
Furthermore this empowerment must be coming from your dedication and service to Śrila Prabhupāda.
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
In your recent visit to Wales one of the devotees picking you up from the airport recalled that you commented 'people are so lonely' while looking deeply concerned. This reminded me of the story of how when Śrīla Prabhupāda saw someone playing golf on a golf course he just started crying.
It struck me how you are always compassionately thinking of the welfare of others and how to introduce souls to Krishna, who is the only real solution for the emptiness that is in people's hearts. A Vaishnava is 'para dukha dukhi' unhappy to see others suffering.
This is further supported by your great eagerness and greed to glorify Krishna in all your classes and convince people to surrender more and more to the Lord's service.
All of this is great evidence that you are pleasing His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda.
By representing and pleasing Śrīla Prabhupāda you truly are a bonafide representative of Śrīla Vyāsadeva.
All glories to you and your service to Śrīla Prabhupāda and the Paramparā on this superbly auspicious day of your appearance day dear Guru Mahārāja.
Thank you for encouraging me to take more shelter in hearing and chanting about Krishna and I would like to take this time to further rededicate myself to your transcendental service by following your guidance and serving the devotees here in Wales. I pray to be able to closely follow your instructions and please you in all my activities. Please bestow your blessings upon me that I may be able to get a drop of the taste that you have for hearing and chanting about Krishna so that I may be able render better service.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Koladvīpa-pati Dāsa
Krishna Gopinath das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On this most auspicious day of your appearance I want to express my gratitude to you for saving me from the ocean of material excistence and giving me a chance to regain my original constitutional position in connection with Krishna.
Recently when I visited my biological family, after not having seen them for almost 6 years I could realise where I would have gone and what my consciousness would be like if you wouldn't have come into my life.
Constant bickering, internal turmoil, superficial activities to distract from dissatisfaction and so much hurt from such frustrating, shallow and unfulfilling relationships, was the main things that were going on when I saw them. For my grandparents it took only some seconds after seeing me until they started to get into complaining mode about my different haircut and other things they didn't like about my life. You often explain that there is no human civilization and that even materially people have no clue of how to be happy, have good relationships and have a better situation in the future. Before I came to Krishna consciousness I never knew that there are actually genuinely nice, loving and caring people in the world, due to just being exposed to two legged animal society where everyone is just thinking about their own sense pleasure.
In that environment, so much of my conditioning came to the forefront and I could see how miserable I am without the association of your devotees and the service and hearing and chanting opportunities you are providing me with. Without hearing Shrimad Bhagavatam, chanting and dancing with the devotees and taking Prasadam with the devotees my life would be so miserable. Even though the quality of my chanting and studying the books and trying to do some little service for you is very low, still I can feel a lot of shelter in trying to follow your instructions that is incomparable to any so-called happiness I experienced in my material life.
In Bhagavad Gita 2.7 in the purport Srila Prabhupada points out that in this world there are perplexities at every step and that
in order to solve the perplexities of life and to understand the science of the solution, one must approach a spiritual master who is in the disciplic succession. Trying to follow your instructions and getting the guidance of your dear devotees, I always know that I can overcome the perplexities in one way or another or deal with them in the appropriate state of consciousness. I can't imagine how my life would be without so much care coming from you and through your representatives.
When I was serving you lunch one day recently in your stay in Wellington and you were were walking and leaving the room, I was reflecting how you have been selflessly serving Srila Prabhupadas mission for so many decades and putting all your energy into trying to help the conditioned souls go back to Krishna. People in general just like to relax and do useless activities once they reach their retirement, whereas you, so I heard ' want to die on the battlefield'.
All this amidst many people, who, after trying to help them for years and giving so much care, turning their back on you and might even threaten you in unmentionable ways. I wish I had only a tiny fraction of your determination and clarity of vision of the importance of lord Caitanyas Sankirtana movement.
In one lecture some years ago, you mentioned that if you want to become a spiritual master, you have to be prepared to have your heart crushed. I can't even imagine the things you had and have to go through in your efforts to trying to help the fallen living entities.
Thank you Gurudeva for trying to help me and giving me all the facilities I need to advance in Krishna consciousness and tolerating my inabilities and shortcomings in trying to serve you. I don't deserve any of it, but you are so kind, you are still giving me everything.
Please let me always be in the association of devotees and allow me to make my mind one pointed in trying to carry out your instructions in your service.
Your aspiring disciple
Krishna Gopinath das
Krishna Murari dd
Dearest Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your beautiful lotus feet.
Where and how do I start glorifying your sweet qualities? You’ve always been so kind to me, with so much harshness in the material world to deal with its a relief to seek shelter at your lotus feet. The pangs of material desires cease for a moment in your presence and the clouded turbulent mind becomes still. I wish I could always be with you, follow your instructions so perfectly that you’re with me always. Unfortunately I’m not so surrendered as I use to think like in my naive 20’s, material desires seem to rage like a forest fire within my heart with no end insight, but by your expert guidance you encourage me to dovetail those desires in Krishna’s service.
Looking within, I must admit that I’ve become a little jaded in my 40’s, my heart a little bruised and weary. I hope this jadedness wears off as I’d like to taste the sweetness of seva again, the sweetness of book distribution, the sweetness of giving Krishna to others, the sweetness of sadhu sanga, all of which I’ve only had the privilege to experience because of your mercy and caring guidance throughout most of my adult life.
Thank you for your kindness towards my children, for taking an interest in Arjuna’s creations and Yamuna’s artwork. Thank you for engaging my husband’s managerial propensities in Krishna’s service. Thank you for encouraging me in my photography and to get going with videography too. We’re so blessed to have you in our lives, we owe you so much and I pray that we can make you proud.
Your servant,
Krishna Murari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your beautiful lotus feet.
Where and how do I start glorifying your sweet qualities? You’ve always been so kind to me, with so much harshness in the material world to deal with its a relief to seek shelter at your lotus feet. The pangs of material desires cease for a moment in your presence and the clouded turbulent mind becomes still. I wish I could always be with you, follow your instructions so perfectly that you’re with me always. Unfortunately I’m not so surrendered as I use to think like in my naive 20’s, material desires seem to rage like a forest fire within my heart with no end insight, but by your expert guidance you encourage me to dovetail those desires in Krishna’s service.
Looking within, I must admit that I’ve become a little jaded in my 40’s, my heart a little bruised and weary. I hope this jadedness wears off as I’d like to taste the sweetness of seva again, the sweetness of book distribution, the sweetness of giving Krishna to others, the sweetness of sadhu sanga, all of which I’ve only had the privilege to experience because of your mercy and caring guidance throughout most of my adult life.
Thank you for your kindness towards my children, for taking an interest in Arjuna’s creations and Yamuna’s artwork. Thank you for engaging my husband’s managerial propensities in Krishna’s service. Thank you for encouraging me in my photography and to get going with videography too. We’re so blessed to have you in our lives, we owe you so much and I pray that we can make you proud.
Your servant,
Krishna Murari dd
Krishna-mayi dd
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, my spiritual Grandfather! All glories to you, Srila Prabhupada’s beloved son and dedicated servant!
My heart is filled with joy! Today is the most auspicious day of your appearance! Many hearts join together to express their love, gratitude, and appreciation of you! This beautiful day allows me to pause, reflect, and remember the divine qualities of your character.
I recall a moment back in mid-August when you mercifully visited us in State College to show your support for the preaching effort that takes place there. I remember you sitting on a rocking chair in the morning, chanting your rounds softly. I am sure you were tired from your travels and many responsible engagements, yet your japa continued uninterrupted and with full attention. You relished each name of Krishna carefully and with so much affection. There was just you and Krishna, and everything else was on hold. A beautiful sight to witness!
Some years back I heard a saying: “who you truly are will eventually show up”. People are often multi-faced. They show up differently when no one is watching and differently when in front of others. When I saw you alone chanting with deep loving feelings and attention, somehow it struck me to realize the beauty of consistency of your divine character.
Whenever I saw you or have been in your presence, I witness discipline, integrity, and loyalty. You have no separate existence besides the full commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and desires. Carefully weighing each word you utter, each action you take: would that be pleasing to your master, would that contribute to his mission? This dedication enables the mercy of Lord Caitanya to pour into you without limitations. You then very carefully pass it down to the conditioned souls for their eternal benefit.
In many classes, you have mentioned that a devotee lives to give Krishna to others. Your life exemplifies this perfectly. Wherever you go, whomever you meet your focus is one: how can I lift that person up, how can I give them Krishna? Your approach is carefully selected, and you administer the right amount of encouragement and instructions to gradually step by step make Krishna consciousness firm and established in the life and heart of the conditioned souls. Your actions are kind, friendly, respectful, and full of compassion. You are a perfect gentleman, an ambassador from a spiritual world.
Despite all the wonderful success in the preaching field, you remain a humble servant of your master, not claiming any good results as yours. Offering yourself to Srila Prabhupada’s service every moment and every second with the same fresh enthusiasm and perseverance. You are ready to sacrifice, often picking up tasks and responsibilities that are not easy to perform, leading with courage. You walk your talk, 100%, every moment and every day.
Thank you so much!
Dearest Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance, inspired by your unflinching dedication and example, I am seeking your mercy. Humbly bowing down at your lotus feet, I beg you, please give me the strength and intelligence to implement your instructions in my daily life, prioritizing my tasks according to what serves your mission of fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s desires the best. Please bless me to be courageous, laser-focused, disciplined, and determined in my actions. Allow me to utilize this short life in your service!
Sustained by your mercy and blessings,
Your aspiring servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, my spiritual Grandfather! All glories to you, Srila Prabhupada’s beloved son and dedicated servant!
My heart is filled with joy! Today is the most auspicious day of your appearance! Many hearts join together to express their love, gratitude, and appreciation of you! This beautiful day allows me to pause, reflect, and remember the divine qualities of your character.
I recall a moment back in mid-August when you mercifully visited us in State College to show your support for the preaching effort that takes place there. I remember you sitting on a rocking chair in the morning, chanting your rounds softly. I am sure you were tired from your travels and many responsible engagements, yet your japa continued uninterrupted and with full attention. You relished each name of Krishna carefully and with so much affection. There was just you and Krishna, and everything else was on hold. A beautiful sight to witness!
Some years back I heard a saying: “who you truly are will eventually show up”. People are often multi-faced. They show up differently when no one is watching and differently when in front of others. When I saw you alone chanting with deep loving feelings and attention, somehow it struck me to realize the beauty of consistency of your divine character.
Whenever I saw you or have been in your presence, I witness discipline, integrity, and loyalty. You have no separate existence besides the full commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and desires. Carefully weighing each word you utter, each action you take: would that be pleasing to your master, would that contribute to his mission? This dedication enables the mercy of Lord Caitanya to pour into you without limitations. You then very carefully pass it down to the conditioned souls for their eternal benefit.
In many classes, you have mentioned that a devotee lives to give Krishna to others. Your life exemplifies this perfectly. Wherever you go, whomever you meet your focus is one: how can I lift that person up, how can I give them Krishna? Your approach is carefully selected, and you administer the right amount of encouragement and instructions to gradually step by step make Krishna consciousness firm and established in the life and heart of the conditioned souls. Your actions are kind, friendly, respectful, and full of compassion. You are a perfect gentleman, an ambassador from a spiritual world.
Despite all the wonderful success in the preaching field, you remain a humble servant of your master, not claiming any good results as yours. Offering yourself to Srila Prabhupada’s service every moment and every second with the same fresh enthusiasm and perseverance. You are ready to sacrifice, often picking up tasks and responsibilities that are not easy to perform, leading with courage. You walk your talk, 100%, every moment and every day.
Thank you so much!
Dearest Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day of your appearance, inspired by your unflinching dedication and example, I am seeking your mercy. Humbly bowing down at your lotus feet, I beg you, please give me the strength and intelligence to implement your instructions in my daily life, prioritizing my tasks according to what serves your mission of fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s desires the best. Please bless me to be courageous, laser-focused, disciplined, and determined in my actions. Allow me to utilize this short life in your service!
Sustained by your mercy and blessings,
Your aspiring servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Krishnagraja Dasa
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhutale srimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara-- pravinata parathatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
My dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad and unto you.
Although I am unqualified to glorify you, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words to show my gratitude for all the care, service and love you have given not only me but the whole of humanity at large.
Gurudev, you have so many auspicious qualities that can transform the hearts of the conditioned soul towards love for Krishna. One special quality you possess is the taste for glorifying Krishna constantly. On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja I would like to share a sweet memory that I have witnessed that illustrates your love and dedication towards the Lord.
Around 1990’s in Mayapur, while we all gathered to have darshan of Nrsimhadeva, I witnessed that you were in the middle amongst a crowd of devotees away from the sannyasi GBC grouping who were in front of the Lord. You were tossed around by the enthusiastic crowd and that didn’t deter you whatsoever and instead you were immersed trying to get a glimpse of the Lord. Tamal Krishna Maharaj noticed your love and devotion. With a big smile he pulled you away from the crowd and brought you in direct contact with the Lord with his arms around your shoulder.
I felt so inspired and touched to see your humility and love for the Lord. From that day my heart was drawn to you. Mahaprabhu in His Siksastakam prayers, verse 3 explains:
tṛṇād api sunīcena
taror api sahiṣṇunā
amāninā mānadena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.
Gurudev, you wear this beautiful verse as a necklace around your neck and in this way inspire countless souls to come towards Krishna. Your life example is but constant glorification of Krishna and inspiring others towards that end.
Although I am not qualified to be your disciple and servant of yours; I humbly pray that I work towards being your faithful servant, serving the Vaisnavas and assisting you in your service to Srila Prabhupad, parampara and Mahaprabhu.
Your indebted, child, servant and disciple,
Krishnagraja Dasa
pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara-- pravinata parathatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
My dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad and unto you.
Although I am unqualified to glorify you, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words to show my gratitude for all the care, service and love you have given not only me but the whole of humanity at large.
Gurudev, you have so many auspicious qualities that can transform the hearts of the conditioned soul towards love for Krishna. One special quality you possess is the taste for glorifying Krishna constantly. On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja I would like to share a sweet memory that I have witnessed that illustrates your love and dedication towards the Lord.
Around 1990’s in Mayapur, while we all gathered to have darshan of Nrsimhadeva, I witnessed that you were in the middle amongst a crowd of devotees away from the sannyasi GBC grouping who were in front of the Lord. You were tossed around by the enthusiastic crowd and that didn’t deter you whatsoever and instead you were immersed trying to get a glimpse of the Lord. Tamal Krishna Maharaj noticed your love and devotion. With a big smile he pulled you away from the crowd and brought you in direct contact with the Lord with his arms around your shoulder.
I felt so inspired and touched to see your humility and love for the Lord. From that day my heart was drawn to you. Mahaprabhu in His Siksastakam prayers, verse 3 explains:
tṛṇād api sunīcena
taror api sahiṣṇunā
amāninā mānadena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.
Gurudev, you wear this beautiful verse as a necklace around your neck and in this way inspire countless souls to come towards Krishna. Your life example is but constant glorification of Krishna and inspiring others towards that end.
Although I am not qualified to be your disciple and servant of yours; I humbly pray that I work towards being your faithful servant, serving the Vaisnavas and assisting you in your service to Srila Prabhupad, parampara and Mahaprabhu.
Your indebted, child, servant and disciple,
Krishnagraja Dasa
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple is not an ordinary relationship because the spiritual master is not an ordinary person. His mission which is non-different from Lord Caitanya’s mission and handed down through the parampara, is to deliver the conditioned souls from the mire of nescience; to reconnect the lost jiva with Sri Krishna, that is his power. The duty and mission of the disciple is to assist the spiritual master.
That is the relationship - master and servant - both engaged in trying to deliver conditioned souls. Other than receiving mercy from the spiritual master it would be impossible to have any success in that difficult (yet nectar) service.
How to transcendentally interject guru's mercy into someone's life…….it reminds me of distributing books on Lampton Quay, the busiest business sector in Wellington. We call it Lampton Quay jaya! I’m pretty sure there is nothing glorious about Lampton Quay other than devotees distributing books there. People rush past going to important meetings, looking like they have their lives together, rushing; rushing nowhere. They are even eating their lunch rushing along the street. The book distributors are begging for Guru and Sri Gauranga's mercy to pluck persons from the crowd and implore them to get a book, at least touch the book or give a positive comment about the book because that will change the jiva's direction. The same thing is going on at Bhakti Lounge - trying to turn the jiva's direction back to Krishna.
To be assisting in this most confidential service of the Lord is an honour and a privilege, I’m grateful for the chance, thank you Gurudeva.
Your extraordinary service of delivering conditioned souls and encouraging others to do the same is such a glorious service, and you are a glorious master.
I wish I could fathom actually how glorious you are but I don’t think my dull consciousness can stretch that far.
Please bless me with the ability to assist you.
your servant,
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple is not an ordinary relationship because the spiritual master is not an ordinary person. His mission which is non-different from Lord Caitanya’s mission and handed down through the parampara, is to deliver the conditioned souls from the mire of nescience; to reconnect the lost jiva with Sri Krishna, that is his power. The duty and mission of the disciple is to assist the spiritual master.
That is the relationship - master and servant - both engaged in trying to deliver conditioned souls. Other than receiving mercy from the spiritual master it would be impossible to have any success in that difficult (yet nectar) service.
How to transcendentally interject guru's mercy into someone's life…….it reminds me of distributing books on Lampton Quay, the busiest business sector in Wellington. We call it Lampton Quay jaya! I’m pretty sure there is nothing glorious about Lampton Quay other than devotees distributing books there. People rush past going to important meetings, looking like they have their lives together, rushing; rushing nowhere. They are even eating their lunch rushing along the street. The book distributors are begging for Guru and Sri Gauranga's mercy to pluck persons from the crowd and implore them to get a book, at least touch the book or give a positive comment about the book because that will change the jiva's direction. The same thing is going on at Bhakti Lounge - trying to turn the jiva's direction back to Krishna.
To be assisting in this most confidential service of the Lord is an honour and a privilege, I’m grateful for the chance, thank you Gurudeva.
Your extraordinary service of delivering conditioned souls and encouraging others to do the same is such a glorious service, and you are a glorious master.
I wish I could fathom actually how glorious you are but I don’t think my dull consciousness can stretch that far.
Please bless me with the ability to assist you.
your servant,
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Krsna Kesa Das
Hare Krishna Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisance all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to yourself on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration
Maharaj.
Its been just over two months now since you were present here in London and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to serve you personally and receive Diksa initiation from you, since you arrived and had officially launched the outreach preaching centre, I have witnessed a noticeable increase in the amount of sincere souls arriving at the preaching programs here in central London, the whole outreach preaching team has been very enthusiastic, running off the energy and momentum you imbibed in us during your stay here.
One thing you said that continuously rings in my ears is that, "Whoever dedicates their life to the outreach preaching mission will become empowered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu".
This lifetime of dedication is so obviously apparent in your ability to connect with and understand the mind of the youth and how you are able to expertly apply the philosophy to their situation and keep all of them completely engaged and absorbed in your talks, a complete masterclass on outreach preaching lectures that has inspired everyone that was fortunate enough to listen.
What struck me the most was the utmost compassion that you have the fallen conditioned souls of kali yuga and how you have painstaking formulated a preaching program that is specifically catered for their western conditioning in order for them to receive the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the form of kirtan, katha, sanga and prasadam, the same formula that Srila Prabhupad had established all those years ago but catered for the modern audience.
As the numbers increase we are seeing also an increase in the amount of sincere individuals that are willing to take up the process of devotional service and this leads us to the next aspect of the program you have formulated which is establishing the CVA, by your mercy there are a number of sincere candidates ready and willing to start their training in devotional life via the CVA and by your mercy and desire alone this is only a few months away from being a reality.
As my management duties keep me in the background I still try my best to keep involved in this project by preaching and assisting the devotees in their service at the program as well as training newcomers to take on service when they are ready to do so, I feel myself very fortunate to be a part of a revolutionary preaching project here in central London all established by your causeless mercy and desire.
As krishna tells arjuna on the battlefield "declare it boldly my devotee never perishes"
We are told that Krishna will always fulfil the desire of his devotee therefore he asks Arjuna to declare this.
Similarly Maharaj as you are a dear devotee of Krishna, by your desire to make this preaching project successful, Krishna is allowing us all success in this endeavour as opposed to previous preaching endeavours where success could not be achieved.
I pray I may always be able to serve Srila Prabhupads preaching mission in the way you have established for future generations in order to always assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupad and help fulfil your desire to bring the fallen conditioned souls back to the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
forever your aspiring servant
Krsna Kesa Das
Please accept my humble obeisance all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to yourself on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration
Maharaj.
Its been just over two months now since you were present here in London and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to serve you personally and receive Diksa initiation from you, since you arrived and had officially launched the outreach preaching centre, I have witnessed a noticeable increase in the amount of sincere souls arriving at the preaching programs here in central London, the whole outreach preaching team has been very enthusiastic, running off the energy and momentum you imbibed in us during your stay here.
One thing you said that continuously rings in my ears is that, "Whoever dedicates their life to the outreach preaching mission will become empowered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu".
This lifetime of dedication is so obviously apparent in your ability to connect with and understand the mind of the youth and how you are able to expertly apply the philosophy to their situation and keep all of them completely engaged and absorbed in your talks, a complete masterclass on outreach preaching lectures that has inspired everyone that was fortunate enough to listen.
What struck me the most was the utmost compassion that you have the fallen conditioned souls of kali yuga and how you have painstaking formulated a preaching program that is specifically catered for their western conditioning in order for them to receive the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the form of kirtan, katha, sanga and prasadam, the same formula that Srila Prabhupad had established all those years ago but catered for the modern audience.
As the numbers increase we are seeing also an increase in the amount of sincere individuals that are willing to take up the process of devotional service and this leads us to the next aspect of the program you have formulated which is establishing the CVA, by your mercy there are a number of sincere candidates ready and willing to start their training in devotional life via the CVA and by your mercy and desire alone this is only a few months away from being a reality.
As my management duties keep me in the background I still try my best to keep involved in this project by preaching and assisting the devotees in their service at the program as well as training newcomers to take on service when they are ready to do so, I feel myself very fortunate to be a part of a revolutionary preaching project here in central London all established by your causeless mercy and desire.
As krishna tells arjuna on the battlefield "declare it boldly my devotee never perishes"
We are told that Krishna will always fulfil the desire of his devotee therefore he asks Arjuna to declare this.
Similarly Maharaj as you are a dear devotee of Krishna, by your desire to make this preaching project successful, Krishna is allowing us all success in this endeavour as opposed to previous preaching endeavours where success could not be achieved.
I pray I may always be able to serve Srila Prabhupads preaching mission in the way you have established for future generations in order to always assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupad and help fulfil your desire to bring the fallen conditioned souls back to the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
forever your aspiring servant
Krsna Kesa Das
Krsna Prasada das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
As the shastras tell us and you often remind us in so many of your classes, this World is a temporary, miserable place. But for some reason we are so intent on making it a comfortable, secure place, when this is totally impossible.
According to statistics I am middle aged. Where has the last half of life gone and so quickly at that? Time has gobbled up everything. My body’s prime years are rapidly dwindling before my eyes with more body aches and grey hairs appearing every week. I really never thought I would become an old man, it just seemed so far away but it is actually happening.
How is it that even within this tiny little blip of a lifetime I have had the great fortune and rare opportunity to come in contact with you, my most merciful Spiritual master?
Love is expressed through service. Sacrificing a few short years in Bhakti to ultimately perfect this life is in no way a bad bargain at all.
Gurudeva, you are making available so many opportunities for devotional service according to our nature in this body. We just have to step forward and accept your offer.
You mentioned in a recent class that devotees need a challenging service, this will keep them humble, as we will realise we can’t do it on our own and will have to cry out.
I have very little personal interaction with you, yet I feel so connected through service.
As with previous years, even while trying to keep a household together you still in some way or other know how to squeeze the absolute most out of me. The yagna’s just keep getting more intense and challenging. Krsna knows exactly how he wants us to serve best. He really does help us to arrange and shape our lives in a way to make it happen if we have that desire.
Yagna is definitely where it is at. So often I wonder how it will be possible to complete everything required. I just don’t have enough hours in the day, if only we were able to sustain from a few hours sleep, there would be so much more time for service.
When I get these opportunities to be fully immersed, I really do see the real aim in life.
Gurudeva, once I get going, its like a drug, I become addicted and just get greedy for more.
I am so grateful for everything you do, especially trying to always keep that fire lit from under me. You can see so much more potential in all of us, we just have to let the mercy in.
If all goes according to statistics, I may have a few short years left in this body. Please allow me to use it to its fullest potential right till the last moment. Please keep the challenges coming, so as to make me humble and keep me humble.
Hoping to one day have a transcendental body, where sleep is not a thing and time has no effect, so as to be able to serve you without interruption.
Your grateful servant of the servant
Krsna Prasada das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
As the shastras tell us and you often remind us in so many of your classes, this World is a temporary, miserable place. But for some reason we are so intent on making it a comfortable, secure place, when this is totally impossible.
According to statistics I am middle aged. Where has the last half of life gone and so quickly at that? Time has gobbled up everything. My body’s prime years are rapidly dwindling before my eyes with more body aches and grey hairs appearing every week. I really never thought I would become an old man, it just seemed so far away but it is actually happening.
How is it that even within this tiny little blip of a lifetime I have had the great fortune and rare opportunity to come in contact with you, my most merciful Spiritual master?
Love is expressed through service. Sacrificing a few short years in Bhakti to ultimately perfect this life is in no way a bad bargain at all.
Gurudeva, you are making available so many opportunities for devotional service according to our nature in this body. We just have to step forward and accept your offer.
You mentioned in a recent class that devotees need a challenging service, this will keep them humble, as we will realise we can’t do it on our own and will have to cry out.
I have very little personal interaction with you, yet I feel so connected through service.
As with previous years, even while trying to keep a household together you still in some way or other know how to squeeze the absolute most out of me. The yagna’s just keep getting more intense and challenging. Krsna knows exactly how he wants us to serve best. He really does help us to arrange and shape our lives in a way to make it happen if we have that desire.
Yagna is definitely where it is at. So often I wonder how it will be possible to complete everything required. I just don’t have enough hours in the day, if only we were able to sustain from a few hours sleep, there would be so much more time for service.
When I get these opportunities to be fully immersed, I really do see the real aim in life.
Gurudeva, once I get going, its like a drug, I become addicted and just get greedy for more.
I am so grateful for everything you do, especially trying to always keep that fire lit from under me. You can see so much more potential in all of us, we just have to let the mercy in.
If all goes according to statistics, I may have a few short years left in this body. Please allow me to use it to its fullest potential right till the last moment. Please keep the challenges coming, so as to make me humble and keep me humble.
Hoping to one day have a transcendental body, where sleep is not a thing and time has no effect, so as to be able to serve you without interruption.
Your grateful servant of the servant
Krsna Prasada das
Krsnamrita das, Rasamrita devi dasi and Balaram
namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhakta cara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It is such a great fortune and privilege to be able to attend your Vyasa puja with your personal presence this year. After being in lockdown and not having your darshan much for the past two years, we feel extremely grateful to be able to celebrate your divine appearance with our God family.
We pray that we can always keep Krishna at the centre of our lives and household and follow your teachings and perfect example.
Your association is like a precious gem and we feel so indebted towards the Supreme Lord for giving us the opportunity for bringing us across you.
You are such an expert at educating us how to apply the science of Krsna Consciousness and how to balance our material lives without getting entrapped. We immensely admire your proficiency and your commitment to follow in the footsteps of the acaryas.
Your teachings are like a time fuse which can go off at any time and they instantly make us realise how we are wasting our time and energy chasing material happiness which is only temporary.
We beg the Lord to please give us the intelligence to advance in His devotional service. We beg for the strength to withstand the force of bad habits by always following your instructions. We plead to be under the shelter of pure devotees like you and the Holy name so that maya cannot get a hold of us.
We are so far from being a devotee. We cannot even compare ourselves to your
other disciples who continuously serve you in a selfless manner. We hope one day we can cultivate a drop of their devotion.
On the blessed day of your divine appearance into this world, we humbly pray that we may remain forever at the shelter of your lotus feet.
We pray for your good health so that you can continue to propagate the teachings of Lord Caitanya and save wretched souls like us.
Your insignificant servants,
Krsnamrita das, Rasamrita devi dasi and Balaram
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhakta cara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It is such a great fortune and privilege to be able to attend your Vyasa puja with your personal presence this year. After being in lockdown and not having your darshan much for the past two years, we feel extremely grateful to be able to celebrate your divine appearance with our God family.
We pray that we can always keep Krishna at the centre of our lives and household and follow your teachings and perfect example.
Your association is like a precious gem and we feel so indebted towards the Supreme Lord for giving us the opportunity for bringing us across you.
You are such an expert at educating us how to apply the science of Krsna Consciousness and how to balance our material lives without getting entrapped. We immensely admire your proficiency and your commitment to follow in the footsteps of the acaryas.
Your teachings are like a time fuse which can go off at any time and they instantly make us realise how we are wasting our time and energy chasing material happiness which is only temporary.
We beg the Lord to please give us the intelligence to advance in His devotional service. We beg for the strength to withstand the force of bad habits by always following your instructions. We plead to be under the shelter of pure devotees like you and the Holy name so that maya cannot get a hold of us.
We are so far from being a devotee. We cannot even compare ourselves to your
other disciples who continuously serve you in a selfless manner. We hope one day we can cultivate a drop of their devotion.
On the blessed day of your divine appearance into this world, we humbly pray that we may remain forever at the shelter of your lotus feet.
We pray for your good health so that you can continue to propagate the teachings of Lord Caitanya and save wretched souls like us.
Your insignificant servants,
Krsnamrita das, Rasamrita devi dasi and Balaram
Krsnananda dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances and sincere gratitude for so much you’ve given over the years.
I very much appreciate that you have stuck to your duty over the years in the sannyasa ashrama and as a guru and guide to so many devotees, not to speak of your dedication to chanting the holy names of the Lord.
Although I am not one to merely “follow the crowd” in many respects, I am sincerely duty-bound to become a responsible, balanced individual. How to achieve this? Firstly, there needs to be lifelong strong determination to chant the names of Hari with sincerity, and secondly, pay particular attention to the advice and recommendations given by guru, sadhu and sastra.
Additionally, I am also sincerely duty-bound to become a responsible, balanced, wholesome family man. I realize it is not my real identity, of course, however in the culture of varnashrama dharma, we play a specified role. Our efforts in this regard inevitably aid in the overarching stability of a spiritual society that we ideally wish to demonstrate to the world. The early decades of Srila Prabhupada’s wonderful Krsna consciousness movement were certainly dynamic, however they were also fraught with acute social instability, and to a large degree, as a society, we are still recovering from that. Years later, we are trying to get it together – especially us Westerners. Trying hard to fashion some sort of social cohesion is no easy task. Many of us grhasthas raising children are battling in the trenches day and night trying to get the money-money-time-time mantra pinned down to something resembling manageable/practical in a world that’s becoming increasingly complex and bizarre. The asura’s that run the place are also growing increasingly audacious in their various dark maneuverers but let’s not dwell on that. Kali yuga is moving forward as providence decrees, and if we don’t stick seriously to our core principles, we are likely to get swept away in the river of bewilderment and madness. Lord Caitanya opened up his magnanimous umbrella to shelter us through the onslaught of Kali-yuga – thank you for connecting me to that umbrella!
So bearing this in mind, a lifetime of blood sweat and tears spent on developing good character in tandem with stable family life is something I am happy to fight hard for.
This year as a family we took a leap of faith and we are finding how Krsna has caught us. Realizing that Nitai needed a more favourable environment for his schooling education and development of character, we have somehow or other ended up only fifteen minutes drive from what I feel is one of the best independent schools in New Zealand and he is making some good progress. We are experiencing the potency of protected cows grazing around our immediate vicinity as well as upskilling our knowledge in growing vegetables. Moreover we are learning valuable lessons about the high level of character that is required if devotees want to have a go at living together (or at least next-door neighbours) on the land and making it work. Lessons that I feel will be invaluable for what lies ahead in the future.
So please take whatever good and virtuous merits you deem noteworthy from our family dynamic and may that represent a sincere offering to you on this auspicious day. A gift that aims to go some way to repay your kindness, tolerance, and well wishes over the years. For that, I owe you my life. I vow to always take the process of developing Krsna consciousness very seriously as my primary duty, and my varnashrama duties are also of integral importance that I vow never to neglect.
All glories to you Gurudeva and all glories to our beloved Srila Prabhupada!
Yours in service, always
Krsnananda dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances and sincere gratitude for so much you’ve given over the years.
I very much appreciate that you have stuck to your duty over the years in the sannyasa ashrama and as a guru and guide to so many devotees, not to speak of your dedication to chanting the holy names of the Lord.
Although I am not one to merely “follow the crowd” in many respects, I am sincerely duty-bound to become a responsible, balanced individual. How to achieve this? Firstly, there needs to be lifelong strong determination to chant the names of Hari with sincerity, and secondly, pay particular attention to the advice and recommendations given by guru, sadhu and sastra.
Additionally, I am also sincerely duty-bound to become a responsible, balanced, wholesome family man. I realize it is not my real identity, of course, however in the culture of varnashrama dharma, we play a specified role. Our efforts in this regard inevitably aid in the overarching stability of a spiritual society that we ideally wish to demonstrate to the world. The early decades of Srila Prabhupada’s wonderful Krsna consciousness movement were certainly dynamic, however they were also fraught with acute social instability, and to a large degree, as a society, we are still recovering from that. Years later, we are trying to get it together – especially us Westerners. Trying hard to fashion some sort of social cohesion is no easy task. Many of us grhasthas raising children are battling in the trenches day and night trying to get the money-money-time-time mantra pinned down to something resembling manageable/practical in a world that’s becoming increasingly complex and bizarre. The asura’s that run the place are also growing increasingly audacious in their various dark maneuverers but let’s not dwell on that. Kali yuga is moving forward as providence decrees, and if we don’t stick seriously to our core principles, we are likely to get swept away in the river of bewilderment and madness. Lord Caitanya opened up his magnanimous umbrella to shelter us through the onslaught of Kali-yuga – thank you for connecting me to that umbrella!
So bearing this in mind, a lifetime of blood sweat and tears spent on developing good character in tandem with stable family life is something I am happy to fight hard for.
This year as a family we took a leap of faith and we are finding how Krsna has caught us. Realizing that Nitai needed a more favourable environment for his schooling education and development of character, we have somehow or other ended up only fifteen minutes drive from what I feel is one of the best independent schools in New Zealand and he is making some good progress. We are experiencing the potency of protected cows grazing around our immediate vicinity as well as upskilling our knowledge in growing vegetables. Moreover we are learning valuable lessons about the high level of character that is required if devotees want to have a go at living together (or at least next-door neighbours) on the land and making it work. Lessons that I feel will be invaluable for what lies ahead in the future.
So please take whatever good and virtuous merits you deem noteworthy from our family dynamic and may that represent a sincere offering to you on this auspicious day. A gift that aims to go some way to repay your kindness, tolerance, and well wishes over the years. For that, I owe you my life. I vow to always take the process of developing Krsna consciousness very seriously as my primary duty, and my varnashrama duties are also of integral importance that I vow never to neglect.
All glories to you Gurudeva and all glories to our beloved Srila Prabhupada!
Yours in service, always
Krsnananda dasa
Kula Pavana Das and Family
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,
Please accept our humble obeisance’s on to your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
We are very fortunate to celebrate your 72nd birthday with you together. One more time we got the opportunity to celebrate your Vyasa Puja in your own presence and this time Yamuna and Sachit also are getting the opportunity attend your live Vyasa puja.
We are very blessed to have your extended association this year too through serving you personally by cooking and hearing more often from you personally in Melbourne and through zoom live meetings.
More often you have requested and motivated all of us to do book distribution. Also, in a few lectures you mentioned the importance of book distribution and how much Srila Prabhupada emphasised on it. Although we have not participated in book distribution, we have utilised this opportunity to gift books to the clients, neighbours, and colleagues. We wish at least going forward actively participating in and following your instructions.
On this most auspicious day we are begging you that we can be of some assistance in book distribution and assist in your preaching projects. We request your causeless mercy upon us to constantly remind us of our duty in this material world.
In your last Vyasa Puja lecture when we asked you for instructions you mentioned that all the disciples should chant their 16 rounds attentively and do Sadhana properly for their spiritual master health, so you can continue your service to Srila Prabhupada nicely.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration, we pray the lordships for your good health and beg you to help us give the taste to chant our minimum 16 rounds more attentively and follow the Sadhana seriously, so you can encourage many many many like us.
Your Humble Servants,
Kula Pavana Das
Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi
Yamuna and Sachit
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisance’s on to your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
We are very fortunate to celebrate your 72nd birthday with you together. One more time we got the opportunity to celebrate your Vyasa Puja in your own presence and this time Yamuna and Sachit also are getting the opportunity attend your live Vyasa puja.
We are very blessed to have your extended association this year too through serving you personally by cooking and hearing more often from you personally in Melbourne and through zoom live meetings.
More often you have requested and motivated all of us to do book distribution. Also, in a few lectures you mentioned the importance of book distribution and how much Srila Prabhupada emphasised on it. Although we have not participated in book distribution, we have utilised this opportunity to gift books to the clients, neighbours, and colleagues. We wish at least going forward actively participating in and following your instructions.
On this most auspicious day we are begging you that we can be of some assistance in book distribution and assist in your preaching projects. We request your causeless mercy upon us to constantly remind us of our duty in this material world.
In your last Vyasa Puja lecture when we asked you for instructions you mentioned that all the disciples should chant their 16 rounds attentively and do Sadhana properly for their spiritual master health, so you can continue your service to Srila Prabhupada nicely.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration, we pray the lordships for your good health and beg you to help us give the taste to chant our minimum 16 rounds more attentively and follow the Sadhana seriously, so you can encourage many many many like us.
Your Humble Servants,
Kula Pavana Das
Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi
Yamuna and Sachit
Kumara Sanandana Das
Nama om vishu 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, selfness and compassion.
Dear Srila Gurudev
I beg at your lotus feet and express my fullest gratitude for showing such a compassion on this soul. I always think if it wasn’t you and Srila Prabhupada where will I be in this material world. Every now and then as I contemplate what if I wasn’t a practicing krsna devotee. To my surprise at the end of the thought I know and strongly agree, I wouldn’t have made it in this material world. If I was a non-practising krsna devotee I would have collapsed and trashed myself in a corner.
In recent times I’m meditating on some points from your lectures,
“in order to solve a problem we need to raise above the platform from which the problem is originated”,
“…auto pilot in Bhakti takes time and chanting Hare Krsna is us begging to Krsna so we can overcome material desires”,
“as you advance most association comes with the instructions and following them….devotional service is basis of relationship unlike the material relationship…”
I had the realisation, that I need to be more serious and go deeper in Bhakti. To do so I need to have endeavour and strong desire to practice Bhakti yoga. Which is something I need to learn from fellow god-brother, god-sisters and other seriously practising vaisnavas.
Sometime back I came to you seeking some advice on how to contemplate my loneliness. To further understand the situation you asked to explain my loneliness understanding, to which I did. The response you gave really stuck in my heart very deep and helped me to understand the power of association and how to take advantage of it now and that too when it is available.
As you always said to your disciples (and others) to read Srila Prabhupada books every day. To add further each day after I awake up and see you in the morning you always remind me of reading Srila Prabhupada books. I can confirm now, that I take effort to read at least one verse from Srimad Bhagavatham each day.
In my life I always seen you as my beacon directing me towards the safe and right direction. I sincerely pray to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha and Lord Sri Narasimha Dev for your good health.
Also, I take this opportunity to seek blessing from you in order to continue my simple services to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha yatra.
Yours sincerely,
Insignificant Servant
Kumara Sanandana Das
Oct 2022.
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, selfness and compassion.
Dear Srila Gurudev
I beg at your lotus feet and express my fullest gratitude for showing such a compassion on this soul. I always think if it wasn’t you and Srila Prabhupada where will I be in this material world. Every now and then as I contemplate what if I wasn’t a practicing krsna devotee. To my surprise at the end of the thought I know and strongly agree, I wouldn’t have made it in this material world. If I was a non-practising krsna devotee I would have collapsed and trashed myself in a corner.
In recent times I’m meditating on some points from your lectures,
“in order to solve a problem we need to raise above the platform from which the problem is originated”,
“…auto pilot in Bhakti takes time and chanting Hare Krsna is us begging to Krsna so we can overcome material desires”,
“as you advance most association comes with the instructions and following them….devotional service is basis of relationship unlike the material relationship…”
I had the realisation, that I need to be more serious and go deeper in Bhakti. To do so I need to have endeavour and strong desire to practice Bhakti yoga. Which is something I need to learn from fellow god-brother, god-sisters and other seriously practising vaisnavas.
Sometime back I came to you seeking some advice on how to contemplate my loneliness. To further understand the situation you asked to explain my loneliness understanding, to which I did. The response you gave really stuck in my heart very deep and helped me to understand the power of association and how to take advantage of it now and that too when it is available.
As you always said to your disciples (and others) to read Srila Prabhupada books every day. To add further each day after I awake up and see you in the morning you always remind me of reading Srila Prabhupada books. I can confirm now, that I take effort to read at least one verse from Srimad Bhagavatham each day.
In my life I always seen you as my beacon directing me towards the safe and right direction. I sincerely pray to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha and Lord Sri Narasimha Dev for your good health.
Also, I take this opportunity to seek blessing from you in order to continue my simple services to Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha yatra.
Yours sincerely,
Insignificant Servant
Kumara Sanandana Das
Oct 2022.
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
The other day I was reading the Bhagavad Gita and this line stood out to me;
“The mind should be used to understand the prime necessity of human beings, and that should be presented authoritatively. The power of thought should be developed in association with persons who are authorities in the scriptures, saintly persons and spiritual masters and those whose thinking is highly developed.”
-Bhagavad Gita, chapter 10, text 4-5, purport
Naturally, this reminded me of you. Even before you met Srila Prabhupada, this was your quest: to understand the prime necessity of human beings. You tell us that you wanted to help solve the world’s problems so you were allowed to study any subjects you liked as a student at Yale University. Already, your mind was geared towards a higher goal.
In comparison to your youthful quest, I think of the state of young persons’ minds today, myself included and I shudder at the very thought. The Kali Yuga youths mind’s are influenced by so many selfish, egoistic ideas, strange and wild curiosities and awkward, existential insecurity wrapped in cheap false pride. For the brighter ones, the gentle waves of deeper sentiments may occasionally lap the surface but for most there is hardly any time to think. I really feel for such troubled minds because I see how I was exactly like them, headed for a destiny of inner anxiety, trouble, loneliness, suffering and turmoil. I was recently reminded of the stark reality of what students consider “normal life” when, overhearing a conversation at the Krishna Food cafe on Victoria University of Wellington campus, I was plunged back into my memories of social pressures and anxieties that I used to also call life. One girl was telling her friend about her romantic escapades over the past year; how many different partners she had slept with, her confusion as to why her ex-boyfriend had a problem with her being loose and sleeping with other men and pitying her ex-boyfriend for his attempts at trying to bring her in to a committed relationship. Her friend totally backed her. The one good thing was, during the conversation they both devoured a full plate of Prasadam to soothe their dry and pained hearts.
In your quest to understand the prime necessity of human beings, you came across Srimad Bhagavatam and immediately you knew this was something authoritative. Filling your days with 4 hours of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, your power of thought was super-charged with the association of saintly characters who grace the pages of the Bhagavatam, as well as its speakers, authors and commentators. You once told Saumya-mayi that in your earlier days of preaching you practiced by learning Srila Prabhupada’s purports and explaining them to people in your own words. This is the magic of your speech. You speak strictly on the authority of Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita with powerful realisation while at the same time always understanding your audience and the social climate. With perfect precision you can open peoples’ hearts and minds, you can relate and empathise, you give up-to-date research examples and interesting personal stories to back up your points while highlighting the pinprick in everyone’s heart and never failing to give the medicine. I’m always astonished and inspired by your classes Gurudeva and I think myself very fortunate to be able to hear from you so often.
In comparison to your authoritative speech, I think of the leaders, motivational speakers and idols of today and how humans are totally let down and set adrift by the nonsense they speak. With social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok, these days everyone is a teacher, a life coach, a spiritual healer and a motivational speaker - the blind leading the blind. Even for those seeking some sincere light and wisdom, their chances of being led astray by nonsensical literature and bogus teachers are increasing day by day. I reflect on my own search for a way out and remember how I was reading a variety of books on “enlightenment” such as buddhism, taoism and new age spirituality. I sincerely tried to practice the teachings I read in ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and found myself becoming extremely frustrated at not being able to empty my mind of thoughts related to a sense of self. “This is not spiritual,” I thought to myself, “I’m just becoming frustrated!”. So I, fortunately, tossed that book aside. For so many, their journey is riddled with distracting so-called-spiritual concepts, ideas and new age theories all based on impersonalism and sense gratification. Somehow, because I met you, I have been so fortunate to have been introduced to Srimad Bhagavatam, the set of books that have truly changed my life. Whenever I’m overwhelmed, distracted or confused, it’s amazing how just by opening the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam my tunnel vision perspective is rewired and I’m reminded of the goal of life.
Your power of thought is highly developed, Gurudeva, and your intelligence is razor sharp. Not only are you simply knowledgeable and developed in thinking - you are driven by real compassion for the suffering souls and love for your spiritual master. You have the head and the heart, the sign of a truly highly developed being. I admire how your life is 100% sold out to Srila Prabhupada’s desires and it’s inspiring how you show us how to do that in our own way. You never made Bhakti a dry or mechanical thing, you always kept the relationship fresh and dynamic! You tell us about your “freestyle Sundays” on sankirtan, which you did to keep yourself open to new ways of distribution and to avoid dull mentalities creeping in. Later, you opened outreach centres in the west; devotee making preaching centres full of dynamic life energy, knock-out Prasadam, enlivening kirtan dance parties and festivals, devotional service opportunities, sincere and dedicated devotees, a guidance culture and a company culture of outreach which I’m very proud to say I grew up in. This is the way of life you taught me Gurudeva, and I’m extremely, eternally grateful. Nothing compares to giving Krishna to others, whether it’s on the frontline or the backline and I look up to you and pray that I can also give my life to my spiritual master in the same dynamic, independent and voluntary way that you have done. These are the far off dreams of your little child…
For now, thank you for tolerating me so far. You are always fatherly, warm, encouraging and extremely kind and caring. Your disciples also give me so much tender love, care and support that I need to help me keep growing. Thank you for giving me the best life.
Your indebted spiritual daughter,
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
The other day I was reading the Bhagavad Gita and this line stood out to me;
“The mind should be used to understand the prime necessity of human beings, and that should be presented authoritatively. The power of thought should be developed in association with persons who are authorities in the scriptures, saintly persons and spiritual masters and those whose thinking is highly developed.”
-Bhagavad Gita, chapter 10, text 4-5, purport
Naturally, this reminded me of you. Even before you met Srila Prabhupada, this was your quest: to understand the prime necessity of human beings. You tell us that you wanted to help solve the world’s problems so you were allowed to study any subjects you liked as a student at Yale University. Already, your mind was geared towards a higher goal.
In comparison to your youthful quest, I think of the state of young persons’ minds today, myself included and I shudder at the very thought. The Kali Yuga youths mind’s are influenced by so many selfish, egoistic ideas, strange and wild curiosities and awkward, existential insecurity wrapped in cheap false pride. For the brighter ones, the gentle waves of deeper sentiments may occasionally lap the surface but for most there is hardly any time to think. I really feel for such troubled minds because I see how I was exactly like them, headed for a destiny of inner anxiety, trouble, loneliness, suffering and turmoil. I was recently reminded of the stark reality of what students consider “normal life” when, overhearing a conversation at the Krishna Food cafe on Victoria University of Wellington campus, I was plunged back into my memories of social pressures and anxieties that I used to also call life. One girl was telling her friend about her romantic escapades over the past year; how many different partners she had slept with, her confusion as to why her ex-boyfriend had a problem with her being loose and sleeping with other men and pitying her ex-boyfriend for his attempts at trying to bring her in to a committed relationship. Her friend totally backed her. The one good thing was, during the conversation they both devoured a full plate of Prasadam to soothe their dry and pained hearts.
In your quest to understand the prime necessity of human beings, you came across Srimad Bhagavatam and immediately you knew this was something authoritative. Filling your days with 4 hours of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, your power of thought was super-charged with the association of saintly characters who grace the pages of the Bhagavatam, as well as its speakers, authors and commentators. You once told Saumya-mayi that in your earlier days of preaching you practiced by learning Srila Prabhupada’s purports and explaining them to people in your own words. This is the magic of your speech. You speak strictly on the authority of Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita with powerful realisation while at the same time always understanding your audience and the social climate. With perfect precision you can open peoples’ hearts and minds, you can relate and empathise, you give up-to-date research examples and interesting personal stories to back up your points while highlighting the pinprick in everyone’s heart and never failing to give the medicine. I’m always astonished and inspired by your classes Gurudeva and I think myself very fortunate to be able to hear from you so often.
In comparison to your authoritative speech, I think of the leaders, motivational speakers and idols of today and how humans are totally let down and set adrift by the nonsense they speak. With social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok, these days everyone is a teacher, a life coach, a spiritual healer and a motivational speaker - the blind leading the blind. Even for those seeking some sincere light and wisdom, their chances of being led astray by nonsensical literature and bogus teachers are increasing day by day. I reflect on my own search for a way out and remember how I was reading a variety of books on “enlightenment” such as buddhism, taoism and new age spirituality. I sincerely tried to practice the teachings I read in ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and found myself becoming extremely frustrated at not being able to empty my mind of thoughts related to a sense of self. “This is not spiritual,” I thought to myself, “I’m just becoming frustrated!”. So I, fortunately, tossed that book aside. For so many, their journey is riddled with distracting so-called-spiritual concepts, ideas and new age theories all based on impersonalism and sense gratification. Somehow, because I met you, I have been so fortunate to have been introduced to Srimad Bhagavatam, the set of books that have truly changed my life. Whenever I’m overwhelmed, distracted or confused, it’s amazing how just by opening the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam my tunnel vision perspective is rewired and I’m reminded of the goal of life.
Your power of thought is highly developed, Gurudeva, and your intelligence is razor sharp. Not only are you simply knowledgeable and developed in thinking - you are driven by real compassion for the suffering souls and love for your spiritual master. You have the head and the heart, the sign of a truly highly developed being. I admire how your life is 100% sold out to Srila Prabhupada’s desires and it’s inspiring how you show us how to do that in our own way. You never made Bhakti a dry or mechanical thing, you always kept the relationship fresh and dynamic! You tell us about your “freestyle Sundays” on sankirtan, which you did to keep yourself open to new ways of distribution and to avoid dull mentalities creeping in. Later, you opened outreach centres in the west; devotee making preaching centres full of dynamic life energy, knock-out Prasadam, enlivening kirtan dance parties and festivals, devotional service opportunities, sincere and dedicated devotees, a guidance culture and a company culture of outreach which I’m very proud to say I grew up in. This is the way of life you taught me Gurudeva, and I’m extremely, eternally grateful. Nothing compares to giving Krishna to others, whether it’s on the frontline or the backline and I look up to you and pray that I can also give my life to my spiritual master in the same dynamic, independent and voluntary way that you have done. These are the far off dreams of your little child…
For now, thank you for tolerating me so far. You are always fatherly, warm, encouraging and extremely kind and caring. Your disciples also give me so much tender love, care and support that I need to help me keep growing. Thank you for giving me the best life.
Your indebted spiritual daughter,
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Lavanya-sar dasi
Hare Krishna dear Gurumaharaj, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On the day of your appearance, I sincerely want to thank you for your many years of work. Your words (at lectures and personal darshans) are like a lifeline in the ocean, which cannot be crossed without qualified help. Remembering Lord Chaitanya in the depths of your heart, you communicate with Him, and I, remembering you, with you. You are a source of positive change in the hearts of your disciples. And this is our happiness!
Thank God for our meeting! Thank you for your intelligence, mercy, compassion, responsiveness, kindness and love!
Y.s. Lavanya-sar dasi. Omsk. Russia
On the day of your appearance, I sincerely want to thank you for your many years of work. Your words (at lectures and personal darshans) are like a lifeline in the ocean, which cannot be crossed without qualified help. Remembering Lord Chaitanya in the depths of your heart, you communicate with Him, and I, remembering you, with you. You are a source of positive change in the hearts of your disciples. And this is our happiness!
Thank God for our meeting! Thank you for your intelligence, mercy, compassion, responsiveness, kindness and love!
Y.s. Lavanya-sar dasi. Omsk. Russia
Leela rasa devi dasi
Hare krsna dear gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisance
All glories to srila prabhupad.
I feel so fortunate to have shade of your lotus feet. Your lecture and kirtan always inspired me to do my sadhana more seriously. Whenever i felt difficulty in my life you always give darsan in my dream and show your love mercy.
On this occasion i will pray to krsna for your good health so that we get more nectar of bhagvat kath, kirtan and your mercy full darsan.i will pray to krsna and you to serve you more and more. Iam begging you pls keep me in your shelter.
Your daughter
Leela rasa
Please accept my humble obeisance
All glories to srila prabhupad.
I feel so fortunate to have shade of your lotus feet. Your lecture and kirtan always inspired me to do my sadhana more seriously. Whenever i felt difficulty in my life you always give darsan in my dream and show your love mercy.
On this occasion i will pray to krsna for your good health so that we get more nectar of bhagvat kath, kirtan and your mercy full darsan.i will pray to krsna and you to serve you more and more. Iam begging you pls keep me in your shelter.
Your daughter
Leela rasa
Lila-Kisori Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you, beloved Spiritual Master.
It is with respect and gratitude that I offer these insufficient words. Thank you for your patience and gentle yet firm guidance. Your instruction and constant well wishing has facilitated my slow, steady advancement in Krishna consciousness. You have blessed me with the gift of the Maha Mantra, and assisted me in seeking and cultivating good associations with many kind, learned and exemplary devotees. You have required that I chant my rounds, study sastra and attend BG and SB classes, all necessary means of growth and change for a neophyte devotee such as myself.
Thank you Gurudeva for always being available to answer a myriad of questions, providing me with clarity and encouraging me to press onward in Bhakti. Thank you for the gift of many books to increase my understanding and intelligence as I walk this path.
It is difficult to describe the joy that I experienced when taking first initiation from you. Receiving your blessing, speaking my vows, receiving my japa-mala and spiritual name was both humbling and enlivening. That was the beginning of what I pray will be a lifetime of devotional service to the Lord.
Thank you for suggesting that I find a way to serve at Gita Nagari. Having Darshan of Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Damodara, being in the presence of the cows, cultivating sweet associations, and rolling up my sleeves, offering whatever assistance I can to the devotees that reside at the farm and in the surrounding community is removing more of the ‘dust of the material world’ that covers my heart. Hopefully, I am performing any service that I offer in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, to Srila Prabhupada , and to you, Guru Maharaj.
Finally, you once said [to me], “You are going to have to find a way to balance being my disciple with being my sister.” Thank you for supporting me as I find my way, while still allowing me to approach you with the reverence, honor and deep affection of a younger sister for her elder brother.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10:10-11 the Lord says:
To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the intelligence by which they can attain me. Out of compassion for them, dwelling in their hearts, I destroy the darkness of ignorance with the lamp of knowledge.
Gurudeva you have my eternal gratitude for ‘opening my eyes with the torch of knowledge,’ I offer my respectful obeisances unto you. Devamrita Swami, ki jai!
It is with respect and gratitude that I offer these insufficient words. Thank you for your patience and gentle yet firm guidance. Your instruction and constant well wishing has facilitated my slow, steady advancement in Krishna consciousness. You have blessed me with the gift of the Maha Mantra, and assisted me in seeking and cultivating good associations with many kind, learned and exemplary devotees. You have required that I chant my rounds, study sastra and attend BG and SB classes, all necessary means of growth and change for a neophyte devotee such as myself.
Thank you Gurudeva for always being available to answer a myriad of questions, providing me with clarity and encouraging me to press onward in Bhakti. Thank you for the gift of many books to increase my understanding and intelligence as I walk this path.
It is difficult to describe the joy that I experienced when taking first initiation from you. Receiving your blessing, speaking my vows, receiving my japa-mala and spiritual name was both humbling and enlivening. That was the beginning of what I pray will be a lifetime of devotional service to the Lord.
Thank you for suggesting that I find a way to serve at Gita Nagari. Having Darshan of Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Damodara, being in the presence of the cows, cultivating sweet associations, and rolling up my sleeves, offering whatever assistance I can to the devotees that reside at the farm and in the surrounding community is removing more of the ‘dust of the material world’ that covers my heart. Hopefully, I am performing any service that I offer in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, to Srila Prabhupada , and to you, Guru Maharaj.
Finally, you once said [to me], “You are going to have to find a way to balance being my disciple with being my sister.” Thank you for supporting me as I find my way, while still allowing me to approach you with the reverence, honor and deep affection of a younger sister for her elder brother.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10:10-11 the Lord says:
To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the intelligence by which they can attain me. Out of compassion for them, dwelling in their hearts, I destroy the darkness of ignorance with the lamp of knowledge.
Gurudeva you have my eternal gratitude for ‘opening my eyes with the torch of knowledge,’ I offer my respectful obeisances unto you. Devamrita Swami, ki jai!
Lila-madhurya dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet.
Debts… normally we try to avoid such things by any means. We are not simply indebted to You, Gurudeva. With every day our debt is not decreasing, but only increasing. Thank You, dear Gurudeva, for Your sincere desire to please Srila Prabhupada, for tolerating obstacles of different kinds, thank You for Your sacrifice for decades, thank You for You being faithful, thank You for taking this service to guide those like us - unqualified for spiritual life (no self-discipline, no humility, no any good qualities).
Thank you, dear Gurudeva, for Your care, I do not have enough words to express how kind and patient You are. At certain moment and in a situation when other person would go away, You not only did not turn Your back on us, You gave us so much undeserved support and it was crucial for my spiritual and even physical existence.
Thank You for presenting Srila Prabhupada’s teaching in such a way that it penetrates our hearts. Thank You for giving us those simple little prayers like: “Oh my Lord You are Hrishikesha, my senses belong to You, please direct them”, “Dear Radha Damodara please make me Your pure servant, event it seems impossible I beg You for that”. Thank You for disclosing the character of the Lord, His personality and individuality. Thank You for distinguishing clearly karma yoga and bhakti. Thank You for engaging me in service, thank You for situating me in association of devotees. Thank you for Your overall care of my tiny self.
At this most fortunate day I simply beg, please kindly consider me Your property.
vaishnaba thakura, doyara sagara,
e dase koruna kori’
diya pada-chaya, sodho he amaya,
tomara carana dhori
Ever indebted,
Lila-madhurya dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet.
Debts… normally we try to avoid such things by any means. We are not simply indebted to You, Gurudeva. With every day our debt is not decreasing, but only increasing. Thank You, dear Gurudeva, for Your sincere desire to please Srila Prabhupada, for tolerating obstacles of different kinds, thank You for Your sacrifice for decades, thank You for You being faithful, thank You for taking this service to guide those like us - unqualified for spiritual life (no self-discipline, no humility, no any good qualities).
Thank you, dear Gurudeva, for Your care, I do not have enough words to express how kind and patient You are. At certain moment and in a situation when other person would go away, You not only did not turn Your back on us, You gave us so much undeserved support and it was crucial for my spiritual and even physical existence.
Thank You for presenting Srila Prabhupada’s teaching in such a way that it penetrates our hearts. Thank You for giving us those simple little prayers like: “Oh my Lord You are Hrishikesha, my senses belong to You, please direct them”, “Dear Radha Damodara please make me Your pure servant, event it seems impossible I beg You for that”. Thank You for disclosing the character of the Lord, His personality and individuality. Thank You for distinguishing clearly karma yoga and bhakti. Thank You for engaging me in service, thank You for situating me in association of devotees. Thank you for Your overall care of my tiny self.
At this most fortunate day I simply beg, please kindly consider me Your property.
vaishnaba thakura, doyara sagara,
e dase koruna kori’
diya pada-chaya, sodho he amaya,
tomara carana dhori
Ever indebted,
Lila-madhurya dasi
Luna (Bhakti Lounge NZ)
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada !
All Glories to you and your magnanimity and greatness !
Please accept this small offering on the occasion of your appearance. I wish I could have more gratitude and more of an impetus to serve you in return for the opportunities and help you are giving me. I am hoping that this will develop in time, but at this stage it seems I can just speak from whatever realization I currently have.
This year I moved into the ladies Wellington ashram and I am very grateful for this experience. I was really wanting to be more serious and
develop myself more, and now being in the association of such sincere and dedicated devotees in the ladies ashram, I feel is very quickly straightening me out and is helping me get myself together on all levels after coming from material life. I very much still feel that I am only just starting to wake up from the material life dream (nightmare). More and more often I am seriously thinking, 'How is it that I don't know who I am?', 'how did I get myself into this situation?'. It starts to be overwhelming if I really think about it, I don't even really realize that I'm going to have to give up this body. It is becoming more and more clear that I really don't know what is good for myself or what is the nature of reality. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to live in the ladies ashram though. I am especially grateful for the care and guidance of Krishnaloka. I feel really encouraged and care for by her, and just the ashram program in general is very sobering and very enlivening. I am especially liking sankirtan and learning to cook and be clean and starting to understand Srila Prabhupada's books. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and for helping those who are helping me. I hope that I can take advantage of the ashram and genuinely develop myself.
Thank you so much for your recent visit to Wellington. I feel that my relationship with you developed a little more since we last spoke in my darshan and I am very grateful. I think I understood a tiny bit more about how I can serve you and that I should take your instructions seriously. Since the time that I have known you/have been hearing from you (online and in person), I have thought more and more that you are unlike any person I have ever known. There aren't words that are fitting, but to say something, just your expert-ness, broad minded-ness, extreme compassion and generosity and all round expanding greatness is just overwhelming. I really am quite fortunate to have your association, and probably not very deserving of your shelter.
Thank you for helping me. Somehow I think I'm not a product of mercy, but you probably know more than me that I actually am. At least in this life, I was definitely was piling up a lot of bad karma, and was very ignorant of the purpose of my life and where I should be investing myself. For so long I have been trying to invest my heart longings in everything but my relationship with Krishna, but I really hope that I can finally turn to Him fully in this lifetime. I really hope that I can invest my heart and longings in serving you and helping to bring others to Krishna, and qualify myself to do so. Your kindness and personalism and soberness has really touched me and is changing my life
and I know that I am increasingly owing a lot to you.
Hoping that you'll accept me and my attempts to serve,
Luna
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada !
All Glories to you and your magnanimity and greatness !
Please accept this small offering on the occasion of your appearance. I wish I could have more gratitude and more of an impetus to serve you in return for the opportunities and help you are giving me. I am hoping that this will develop in time, but at this stage it seems I can just speak from whatever realization I currently have.
This year I moved into the ladies Wellington ashram and I am very grateful for this experience. I was really wanting to be more serious and
develop myself more, and now being in the association of such sincere and dedicated devotees in the ladies ashram, I feel is very quickly straightening me out and is helping me get myself together on all levels after coming from material life. I very much still feel that I am only just starting to wake up from the material life dream (nightmare). More and more often I am seriously thinking, 'How is it that I don't know who I am?', 'how did I get myself into this situation?'. It starts to be overwhelming if I really think about it, I don't even really realize that I'm going to have to give up this body. It is becoming more and more clear that I really don't know what is good for myself or what is the nature of reality. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to live in the ladies ashram though. I am especially grateful for the care and guidance of Krishnaloka. I feel really encouraged and care for by her, and just the ashram program in general is very sobering and very enlivening. I am especially liking sankirtan and learning to cook and be clean and starting to understand Srila Prabhupada's books. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and for helping those who are helping me. I hope that I can take advantage of the ashram and genuinely develop myself.
Thank you so much for your recent visit to Wellington. I feel that my relationship with you developed a little more since we last spoke in my darshan and I am very grateful. I think I understood a tiny bit more about how I can serve you and that I should take your instructions seriously. Since the time that I have known you/have been hearing from you (online and in person), I have thought more and more that you are unlike any person I have ever known. There aren't words that are fitting, but to say something, just your expert-ness, broad minded-ness, extreme compassion and generosity and all round expanding greatness is just overwhelming. I really am quite fortunate to have your association, and probably not very deserving of your shelter.
Thank you for helping me. Somehow I think I'm not a product of mercy, but you probably know more than me that I actually am. At least in this life, I was definitely was piling up a lot of bad karma, and was very ignorant of the purpose of my life and where I should be investing myself. For so long I have been trying to invest my heart longings in everything but my relationship with Krishna, but I really hope that I can finally turn to Him fully in this lifetime. I really hope that I can invest my heart and longings in serving you and helping to bring others to Krishna, and qualify myself to do so. Your kindness and personalism and soberness has really touched me and is changing my life
and I know that I am increasingly owing a lot to you.
Hoping that you'll accept me and my attempts to serve,
Luna
Madhava Seva Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your Lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to Your Divine Services.
We thank you for empowering us to serve Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON. Your teachings, writings and instructions are the only to cleanse our ignorance and carry a ray of light as we cross through this dense darkness of Kaliyuga. Without your shelter we are lost and it becomes impossible to find our way back to Krishna's abode where He has invited all of us. By Krishna's mercy you have come into our life and by Your mercy we have the hope of getting Krishna.
Thank you for personally taking out the time to speak to me during troubling times. Your instructions are crystal clear and makes it so much easier to get through these difficulties. You are so merciful and we thank you for keeping us in Your thoughts and supporting us at times of need.
We pray to Krishna that may You have a long and healthy life on this Earth, and continue to lead the way for the betterment of your disciples who depend upon You as their only shelter.
Your servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni
Please accept our humble obeisances at your Lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to Your Divine Services.
We thank you for empowering us to serve Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON. Your teachings, writings and instructions are the only to cleanse our ignorance and carry a ray of light as we cross through this dense darkness of Kaliyuga. Without your shelter we are lost and it becomes impossible to find our way back to Krishna's abode where He has invited all of us. By Krishna's mercy you have come into our life and by Your mercy we have the hope of getting Krishna.
Thank you for personally taking out the time to speak to me during troubling times. Your instructions are crystal clear and makes it so much easier to get through these difficulties. You are so merciful and we thank you for keeping us in Your thoughts and supporting us at times of need.
We pray to Krishna that may You have a long and healthy life on this Earth, and continue to lead the way for the betterment of your disciples who depend upon You as their only shelter.
Your servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni
Madhava mohini
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your divine lotus feet!
"The moment I deviate from Sri Guru, the moment I become forgetful of he who keeps me attached to his lotus feet at every single moment, I will, without a doubt, diverge from the Truth. And when I am thus separated from Sri Guru, countless misgivings and deficiencies will engulf me. I shall simply spend my time bathing when I’m hot and bundling up when I’m cold. In other words, I will become more anxious to arrange for my own comfort than to serve Sri Gurudeva. If at the beginning of every year, every month, every day and every moment, I do not remember my Gurudeva, who saves me from absorption in that which has no connection to my constitutional nature or is separate from Krsna-bhakti, then I will definitely fall into greater and greater difficulty. I will try to present myself as Guru and will be swallowed up by the ill-mentality of believing that others should worship me as such. This alone is dvitéya abhinivesa — infatuation with the worthless purposes of our unnatural state. To come and offer guru-puja just for one day is insufficient. It is our duty to serve Gurudeva at every moment."
(Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, Lecture, Sri Caitanya Math, Sri Dhama Mayapura, 1931)
According this statement from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta I am constantly in maya and forgetful of your grace upon me Gurudeva. What hope is there for someone like me who is constantly drowning in the abyss of illusion?
“The strong conviction that one will certainly receive the favor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is called in Sanskrit āśā-bandha. Āśā-bandha means to continue to think, “Because I’m trying my best to follow the routine principles of devotional service, I am sure that I will go back to Godhead, back to home.”
In this connection, one prayer by Rūpa Gosvāmī is sufficient to exemplify this hopefulness. He says, “I have no love for Kṛṣṇa, nor for the causes of developing love of Kṛṣṇa – namely, hearing and chanting. And the process of bhakti-yoga, by which one is always thinking of Kṛṣṇa and fixing His lotus feet in the heart, is also lacking in me. As far as philosophical knowledge or pious works are concerned, I don’t see any opportunity for me to execute such activities. But above all, I am not even born of a nice family. Therefore I must simply pray to You, Gopījana-vallabha [Kṛṣṇa, maintainer and beloved of the gopīs]. I simply wish and hope that some way or other I may be able to approach Your lotus feet, and this hope is giving me pain, because I think myself quite incompetent to approach that transcendental goal of life.” The purport is that under this heading of āśā-bandha, one should continue to hope against hope that some way or other he will be able to approach the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.” (Chapter 18- Nectar of devotion)
My only hope is you — Gurudeva! I have nothing else but you and your butter soft heart that just melts at every tiny effort the jiva makes to come to bhakti and stay in bhakti. You fan the tiniest spark you see in the jiva’s heart by your kindness you encourage the newest guest that has the smallest inclination for bhakti. I was observing your gracious compassion in action at your last workshop at Bhakti Lounge. You were so kind to all the guests especially those that you with your pure vision could detect had the smallest trace of inclination toward Krsna or even the tiniest curiosity. You were expertly picking them out of the crowd. This one particular young girl you gave her so much mercy even though she was a wallflower you were encouranging her to interact and giving her so much affection and encouragement any sound she made you were like thats amazing. She came out blossoming and since then I see her at Bhakti lounge, she is thriving. You have endless patience for Krsna’s parts and parcels!
In your latest class at the Aukland temple you mentioned about Gopa kumar. Krsna intervened in his life — you said, “Lord Narayana says that by the laws of existence I can’t interfere with your independence therefore I had to wait until you chose to turn your head towards me again but at the same time I broke those laws of existence by having you take birth in Govardhan so that by your environment that you grew up in you would be inclined toward Me! so here you see the Supreme Personality of Godhead is acknowledging I don’t interfere with the living entities independence but then again because I am a person sometimes I do” then you said “And you can see that particularly when Krsna comes as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu he is actually interfering with everyone’s independence by freely distributing love of Krsna, the opportunity to love Krsna, normally you don’t get this opportunity”. Hearing this my jaw dropped because I had never thought of it in that way. I was confused thinking why does Krsna interfere with Gopa Kumar’s life why was he so special but then you showed me that we all have the same opportunity because of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And you are his especially empowered representative. Therefore, you are my only hope. If I can somehow or other manage to remember your lotus feet and pray and serve you every day, that gives me hope because you are most magnanimous and merciful upon fallen souls that are hopelessly in maya. You will do anything for your Guru and Gauranga.
I am amazed at your tireless devotional service to your Gurudeva year after year. You are the unltimate Guru bhakta! Your guru bhakti is something that someone should write a book about. You have served Srila Prabhupada through thick and thin and more that I don’t have the qualification to understand.
Thank you! I am very grateful that you continue to bestow your blessings upon me even though I am most undeserving. As time goes on in devotional service I am realising more and more how undeserving and fallen I am.
You are always waiting to reciprocate with everything I say in gratitude to you or small things I do like a child making a horrible drawing and handing it to dad and you lovingly accept it and praise it, to keep me going.
Your servant
Madhava mohini devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your divine lotus feet!
"The moment I deviate from Sri Guru, the moment I become forgetful of he who keeps me attached to his lotus feet at every single moment, I will, without a doubt, diverge from the Truth. And when I am thus separated from Sri Guru, countless misgivings and deficiencies will engulf me. I shall simply spend my time bathing when I’m hot and bundling up when I’m cold. In other words, I will become more anxious to arrange for my own comfort than to serve Sri Gurudeva. If at the beginning of every year, every month, every day and every moment, I do not remember my Gurudeva, who saves me from absorption in that which has no connection to my constitutional nature or is separate from Krsna-bhakti, then I will definitely fall into greater and greater difficulty. I will try to present myself as Guru and will be swallowed up by the ill-mentality of believing that others should worship me as such. This alone is dvitéya abhinivesa — infatuation with the worthless purposes of our unnatural state. To come and offer guru-puja just for one day is insufficient. It is our duty to serve Gurudeva at every moment."
(Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, Lecture, Sri Caitanya Math, Sri Dhama Mayapura, 1931)
According this statement from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta I am constantly in maya and forgetful of your grace upon me Gurudeva. What hope is there for someone like me who is constantly drowning in the abyss of illusion?
“The strong conviction that one will certainly receive the favor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is called in Sanskrit āśā-bandha. Āśā-bandha means to continue to think, “Because I’m trying my best to follow the routine principles of devotional service, I am sure that I will go back to Godhead, back to home.”
In this connection, one prayer by Rūpa Gosvāmī is sufficient to exemplify this hopefulness. He says, “I have no love for Kṛṣṇa, nor for the causes of developing love of Kṛṣṇa – namely, hearing and chanting. And the process of bhakti-yoga, by which one is always thinking of Kṛṣṇa and fixing His lotus feet in the heart, is also lacking in me. As far as philosophical knowledge or pious works are concerned, I don’t see any opportunity for me to execute such activities. But above all, I am not even born of a nice family. Therefore I must simply pray to You, Gopījana-vallabha [Kṛṣṇa, maintainer and beloved of the gopīs]. I simply wish and hope that some way or other I may be able to approach Your lotus feet, and this hope is giving me pain, because I think myself quite incompetent to approach that transcendental goal of life.” The purport is that under this heading of āśā-bandha, one should continue to hope against hope that some way or other he will be able to approach the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.” (Chapter 18- Nectar of devotion)
My only hope is you — Gurudeva! I have nothing else but you and your butter soft heart that just melts at every tiny effort the jiva makes to come to bhakti and stay in bhakti. You fan the tiniest spark you see in the jiva’s heart by your kindness you encourage the newest guest that has the smallest inclination for bhakti. I was observing your gracious compassion in action at your last workshop at Bhakti Lounge. You were so kind to all the guests especially those that you with your pure vision could detect had the smallest trace of inclination toward Krsna or even the tiniest curiosity. You were expertly picking them out of the crowd. This one particular young girl you gave her so much mercy even though she was a wallflower you were encouranging her to interact and giving her so much affection and encouragement any sound she made you were like thats amazing. She came out blossoming and since then I see her at Bhakti lounge, she is thriving. You have endless patience for Krsna’s parts and parcels!
In your latest class at the Aukland temple you mentioned about Gopa kumar. Krsna intervened in his life — you said, “Lord Narayana says that by the laws of existence I can’t interfere with your independence therefore I had to wait until you chose to turn your head towards me again but at the same time I broke those laws of existence by having you take birth in Govardhan so that by your environment that you grew up in you would be inclined toward Me! so here you see the Supreme Personality of Godhead is acknowledging I don’t interfere with the living entities independence but then again because I am a person sometimes I do” then you said “And you can see that particularly when Krsna comes as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu he is actually interfering with everyone’s independence by freely distributing love of Krsna, the opportunity to love Krsna, normally you don’t get this opportunity”. Hearing this my jaw dropped because I had never thought of it in that way. I was confused thinking why does Krsna interfere with Gopa Kumar’s life why was he so special but then you showed me that we all have the same opportunity because of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And you are his especially empowered representative. Therefore, you are my only hope. If I can somehow or other manage to remember your lotus feet and pray and serve you every day, that gives me hope because you are most magnanimous and merciful upon fallen souls that are hopelessly in maya. You will do anything for your Guru and Gauranga.
I am amazed at your tireless devotional service to your Gurudeva year after year. You are the unltimate Guru bhakta! Your guru bhakti is something that someone should write a book about. You have served Srila Prabhupada through thick and thin and more that I don’t have the qualification to understand.
Thank you! I am very grateful that you continue to bestow your blessings upon me even though I am most undeserving. As time goes on in devotional service I am realising more and more how undeserving and fallen I am.
You are always waiting to reciprocate with everything I say in gratitude to you or small things I do like a child making a horrible drawing and handing it to dad and you lovingly accept it and praise it, to keep me going.
Your servant
Madhava mohini devi dasi
Madhu puri devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I want to thank you for your kindness, forever your kindness. To me, you have always been generous and kind and have believed in me as a devotee. You have instilled in me from early on the belief that if I want to, if I really put my heart into devotional service, I have the potential to become a wonderful devotee. You told me I could become like one particular, sincere devotee who I have always looked up to. You made me believe that then and I still do. You challenged me to become the best I could be. Regrettably I haven't, and as a parent, I see how this could be painful for you, after putting in the energy to help me. At a time when you would have every right to reject me, you didn't. You gave me the confidence to remain within the association of devotees which means so much, and which you have worked so hard yourself to help create, upholding Srila Prabhupada's vision for ISKCON. You showed to me that you hold the qualities of a spiritual master, being both an expert judge, but also having affection for your disciples. I am lucky that this small amount of your affection and kindness overruled your judgement and was bestowed on me so I could keep going.
I will always be indebted to you.
Your aspiring servant,
Madhu puri devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I want to thank you for your kindness, forever your kindness. To me, you have always been generous and kind and have believed in me as a devotee. You have instilled in me from early on the belief that if I want to, if I really put my heart into devotional service, I have the potential to become a wonderful devotee. You told me I could become like one particular, sincere devotee who I have always looked up to. You made me believe that then and I still do. You challenged me to become the best I could be. Regrettably I haven't, and as a parent, I see how this could be painful for you, after putting in the energy to help me. At a time when you would have every right to reject me, you didn't. You gave me the confidence to remain within the association of devotees which means so much, and which you have worked so hard yourself to help create, upholding Srila Prabhupada's vision for ISKCON. You showed to me that you hold the qualities of a spiritual master, being both an expert judge, but also having affection for your disciples. I am lucky that this small amount of your affection and kindness overruled your judgement and was bestowed on me so I could keep going.
I will always be indebted to you.
Your aspiring servant,
Madhu puri devi dasi
Madhupāna-līlā devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Recently during my stay at the Denver temple, I’ve had the amazing experience of meeting many different devotees. When they heard that you’re my spiritual master they've told me how highly respected you are in ISKCON and shared some amazing stories and qualities.
Jivan Prabhu- Glorified your quality of Truthfulness: Recalling an instance when he was serving you and Giriraja swami ( his spiritual master) in L.A. He described how you were both going to have an important meeting with another ISKCON Guru to discuss some points of concern with his ways of preaching and teaching. Jivan attended this meeting as the servant and appreciated how you spoke exactly what you had previously discussed with Giriraja maharaja, not afraid or hesitant that this might not be pleasing to this other sanyasi.
He appreciated how this was exactly Srila Prabhupada's teachings from Bhagavad Gita (10.4-5 ppt) According to social conventions, it is said that one can speak the truth only when it is palatable to others. But that is not truthfulness. The truth should be spoken in a straightforward way so that others will understand what the facts are.
Syamapras Prabhu - Glorified your friendships. He recalled how he was once in Mayapur serving his guru Vaikesesa Prabhu and was so touched to see how you interacted with each other. He described it as real friendship, nothing you can find in the material world “they’re so close with each other”. He then insisted that we try to get Vaikesea Prabhu to NZ… still working on that one.
Thank you for setting the standard of what real friendship is. When I was sick with Covid I was listening to your Mayapur conversations with HH Sivarama Swami and HH Naranja Swami. Of course, I couldn't understand any of it, but it was so enlightening to hear you discuss Krishna Katha together and to really dig into the points. This is what real friends talk about. Thank you for maintaining and setting a high standard so we always have something to strive for.
Mother Nidra- Glorified your quality of Gravity. She told me how over the years when you’ve come to visit you have always been very grave in the dealings with the devotees here. The preaching is very direct and quite heavy, but how you’re so intelligent and the timing is expert. It's exactly what someone needs to hear and always at the exact right time to kick them into gear. She also noticed and appreciated how much you care for all your disciples, and how active and personally involved you get in their lives.
I'm so fortunate that over the years I've gotten many of these shake-ups, wake-up, direct preaching experiences that have propelled me to take some action steps and get out of my usually sleepy existence. I remember when I first met you in AKL, I was telling you my plan to go to University in Durango and how I wanted to somehow save the world. You smiled and said, “That's nice you want to save the world, but the world is not going to save you when you’re in debt.” This one-liner perfectly summarised my fears of going to college in the states. Left dumbstruck, your words cracked the USA standard of education that had been so enforced on me.
Tusta Krishna Prabhu- Glorified your expert preaching; how you came to NZ with no one and there wasn't much happening but just through your efforts you got things going again. He glorified your urban preaching and was thoroughly impressed to hear about your ashrams, mentorship programs, marriage board, preaching centers, and expansive projects which are all functioning under your expert guidance.
I’ve started to feel a bit proud as I describe our NZ yatras. However this pride isn't for anything that I've done, I feel proud to be under your shelter to be a part of your Urban preaching mission which is so different from what the rest of the world is doing. The more devotees I meet the more amazing qualities and stories they tell me about you. All of this is increasing my faith, and has given me a push - ‘I need to actually start doing something to contribute because now I can see there is a lot to be done.’
Gurudeva, as with every year I struggle to glorify your qualities and actions. As I slowly clamber out of the modes I can start to see a glimpse of how sustainable the bhakti process is when applied correctly. Thank you for being my constant living example.
BG 14.26
māṁ ca yo 'vyabhicāreṇa
bhakti-yogena sevate
sa guṇān samatītyaitān
brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
One who engages in full devotional service, who does not fall down in any circumstance, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.
You are transcendentally fixed in devotional service to Krishna, and never waste a second of your time in mundane affairs.
I wonder how it is that a fortunate soul like me has received your mercy. And countless opportunities to be perfectly engaged in devotional service to Krishna.
I remember when I asked you for your shelter as my diksa guru. I came to you with the question asked in my usual proud way. “I've been reading in BG that unless you take shelter of a bonafide spiritual master you won't be able to make any real progress… so what can I do?” I didn't know what I was asking, but you perfectly understood my heart and said, “ Well, if this is what you would like, the shelter has always been there.” You asked me how long I've been chanting Hare Krishna, saying that it's standard that devotees are chanting for at least 6 months before they ask for shelter. It was September, I replied that it would be 6 months in December. You paused for a moment then said “ahh well that's close enough.”
CC. Madhya 7.143
He said, “ ‘Who am I? A sinful, poor friend of a brāhmaṇa. And who is Kṛṣṇa? The Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in six opulences. Nonetheless, He has embraced me with His two arms.’ ”
Gurudeva your mercy knows no bounds, I pray to you on this auspicious day to develop the vision of Narottama das Thakur
ei chay gosāi jār—mui tār dās
tā-sabāra pada-reṇu mora pañca-grās
tādera caraṇa-sebi-bhakta-sańe bās
janame janame hoy ei abhilāṣ
That, I am the servant of these six Goswamis. The dust of their lotus feet is my fivefold subsistence. To be a servant of their lotus feet and to reside in the company of devotees--this is my aspiration birth after birth.
I also pray for the ability to remain humble, meek, tolerant, and chaste to your instructions and those of senior devotees. I hope and pray that one day through your mercy I will be able to develop a drop of some of your qualities. And I pray
that soon I will be able to render some service in your movement that will please you.
Your servant and daughter
Madhupāna-līlā devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Recently during my stay at the Denver temple, I’ve had the amazing experience of meeting many different devotees. When they heard that you’re my spiritual master they've told me how highly respected you are in ISKCON and shared some amazing stories and qualities.
Jivan Prabhu- Glorified your quality of Truthfulness: Recalling an instance when he was serving you and Giriraja swami ( his spiritual master) in L.A. He described how you were both going to have an important meeting with another ISKCON Guru to discuss some points of concern with his ways of preaching and teaching. Jivan attended this meeting as the servant and appreciated how you spoke exactly what you had previously discussed with Giriraja maharaja, not afraid or hesitant that this might not be pleasing to this other sanyasi.
He appreciated how this was exactly Srila Prabhupada's teachings from Bhagavad Gita (10.4-5 ppt) According to social conventions, it is said that one can speak the truth only when it is palatable to others. But that is not truthfulness. The truth should be spoken in a straightforward way so that others will understand what the facts are.
Syamapras Prabhu - Glorified your friendships. He recalled how he was once in Mayapur serving his guru Vaikesesa Prabhu and was so touched to see how you interacted with each other. He described it as real friendship, nothing you can find in the material world “they’re so close with each other”. He then insisted that we try to get Vaikesea Prabhu to NZ… still working on that one.
Thank you for setting the standard of what real friendship is. When I was sick with Covid I was listening to your Mayapur conversations with HH Sivarama Swami and HH Naranja Swami. Of course, I couldn't understand any of it, but it was so enlightening to hear you discuss Krishna Katha together and to really dig into the points. This is what real friends talk about. Thank you for maintaining and setting a high standard so we always have something to strive for.
Mother Nidra- Glorified your quality of Gravity. She told me how over the years when you’ve come to visit you have always been very grave in the dealings with the devotees here. The preaching is very direct and quite heavy, but how you’re so intelligent and the timing is expert. It's exactly what someone needs to hear and always at the exact right time to kick them into gear. She also noticed and appreciated how much you care for all your disciples, and how active and personally involved you get in their lives.
I'm so fortunate that over the years I've gotten many of these shake-ups, wake-up, direct preaching experiences that have propelled me to take some action steps and get out of my usually sleepy existence. I remember when I first met you in AKL, I was telling you my plan to go to University in Durango and how I wanted to somehow save the world. You smiled and said, “That's nice you want to save the world, but the world is not going to save you when you’re in debt.” This one-liner perfectly summarised my fears of going to college in the states. Left dumbstruck, your words cracked the USA standard of education that had been so enforced on me.
Tusta Krishna Prabhu- Glorified your expert preaching; how you came to NZ with no one and there wasn't much happening but just through your efforts you got things going again. He glorified your urban preaching and was thoroughly impressed to hear about your ashrams, mentorship programs, marriage board, preaching centers, and expansive projects which are all functioning under your expert guidance.
I’ve started to feel a bit proud as I describe our NZ yatras. However this pride isn't for anything that I've done, I feel proud to be under your shelter to be a part of your Urban preaching mission which is so different from what the rest of the world is doing. The more devotees I meet the more amazing qualities and stories they tell me about you. All of this is increasing my faith, and has given me a push - ‘I need to actually start doing something to contribute because now I can see there is a lot to be done.’
Gurudeva, as with every year I struggle to glorify your qualities and actions. As I slowly clamber out of the modes I can start to see a glimpse of how sustainable the bhakti process is when applied correctly. Thank you for being my constant living example.
BG 14.26
māṁ ca yo 'vyabhicāreṇa
bhakti-yogena sevate
sa guṇān samatītyaitān
brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
One who engages in full devotional service, who does not fall down in any circumstance, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.
You are transcendentally fixed in devotional service to Krishna, and never waste a second of your time in mundane affairs.
I wonder how it is that a fortunate soul like me has received your mercy. And countless opportunities to be perfectly engaged in devotional service to Krishna.
I remember when I asked you for your shelter as my diksa guru. I came to you with the question asked in my usual proud way. “I've been reading in BG that unless you take shelter of a bonafide spiritual master you won't be able to make any real progress… so what can I do?” I didn't know what I was asking, but you perfectly understood my heart and said, “ Well, if this is what you would like, the shelter has always been there.” You asked me how long I've been chanting Hare Krishna, saying that it's standard that devotees are chanting for at least 6 months before they ask for shelter. It was September, I replied that it would be 6 months in December. You paused for a moment then said “ahh well that's close enough.”
CC. Madhya 7.143
He said, “ ‘Who am I? A sinful, poor friend of a brāhmaṇa. And who is Kṛṣṇa? The Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in six opulences. Nonetheless, He has embraced me with His two arms.’ ”
Gurudeva your mercy knows no bounds, I pray to you on this auspicious day to develop the vision of Narottama das Thakur
ei chay gosāi jār—mui tār dās
tā-sabāra pada-reṇu mora pañca-grās
tādera caraṇa-sebi-bhakta-sańe bās
janame janame hoy ei abhilāṣ
That, I am the servant of these six Goswamis. The dust of their lotus feet is my fivefold subsistence. To be a servant of their lotus feet and to reside in the company of devotees--this is my aspiration birth after birth.
I also pray for the ability to remain humble, meek, tolerant, and chaste to your instructions and those of senior devotees. I hope and pray that one day through your mercy I will be able to develop a drop of some of your qualities. And I pray
that soon I will be able to render some service in your movement that will please you.
Your servant and daughter
Madhupāna-līlā devi dasi
Madhurānanda das
Jai Srila Gurudev
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale Srimate Devamrita Swamin
iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta Pararthatapi
Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus Feet. All Glories to
Srila Prabhupada
Over and over we are told about the perils of the material world. The dangerous situation we find ourselves in and how fragile our hopes for happiness are. In the Mahabharat, Yudhisthir Maharaj remind us of how we live forgetting our own morality. In the prison cells of the material world, we decorate our cells with material comforts and think we are in control.
Srila Prabhupada once compared the position of Guru to a pair of glasses. He commented that he could see but, with the mercy of Guru, he could see clearly. This simple yet poignant analogy beautifully shows our position, thinking we can see things clearly.
Despite this, how do you preach to those so illusioned? At least a blind person will agree they are blind and need help but in our fallen condition, we think everything is ok.
In a morning walk in 1974, Srila Prabhupada gives an incredible insight into what a preacher is:
"Real knowledge is to see everywhere Kṛṣṇa. The supervision of Kṛṣṇa. That is real knowledge. Not only to appreciate, but to explain it also. Kaniṣṭha-adhikārī will appreciate, but cannot explain how it is being done. Madhyama-adhikārī will explain. That is preacher."
Morning Walk -- January 15, 1974, Hawaii
From sustainability to the human condition to happiness and success, you somehow are able to create a bridge for the Lord to cross over. You are able to infiltrate even the most hardened conditioned soul just as you did the iron curtain.
You braved the murky depths of our selfish hearts and planted a seed of devotion. Please help us to see opportunities to share Krishna Consciousness so that we can do the same.
your servant,
Madhurānanda das
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale Srimate Devamrita Swamin
iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta Pararthatapi
Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus Feet. All Glories to
Srila Prabhupada
Over and over we are told about the perils of the material world. The dangerous situation we find ourselves in and how fragile our hopes for happiness are. In the Mahabharat, Yudhisthir Maharaj remind us of how we live forgetting our own morality. In the prison cells of the material world, we decorate our cells with material comforts and think we are in control.
Srila Prabhupada once compared the position of Guru to a pair of glasses. He commented that he could see but, with the mercy of Guru, he could see clearly. This simple yet poignant analogy beautifully shows our position, thinking we can see things clearly.
Despite this, how do you preach to those so illusioned? At least a blind person will agree they are blind and need help but in our fallen condition, we think everything is ok.
In a morning walk in 1974, Srila Prabhupada gives an incredible insight into what a preacher is:
"Real knowledge is to see everywhere Kṛṣṇa. The supervision of Kṛṣṇa. That is real knowledge. Not only to appreciate, but to explain it also. Kaniṣṭha-adhikārī will appreciate, but cannot explain how it is being done. Madhyama-adhikārī will explain. That is preacher."
Morning Walk -- January 15, 1974, Hawaii
From sustainability to the human condition to happiness and success, you somehow are able to create a bridge for the Lord to cross over. You are able to infiltrate even the most hardened conditioned soul just as you did the iron curtain.
You braved the murky depths of our selfish hearts and planted a seed of devotion. Please help us to see opportunities to share Krishna Consciousness so that we can do the same.
your servant,
Madhurānanda das
Madhurya-sindhu dd
Dearest Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. My heartfelt prayer at Your lotus feet.
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to You on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. On this special day, I pray for Your good health and many more years of loving service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna.
I am very grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful pure hearted Guru to come into my life. I feel so fortunate and blessed when You caringly accepted me and my husband as Your disciples.
This year is very special as I was blessed to get Your sweet personal association during our two trips to Gita Nagari. Out of Your limitless kindness and mercy You granted me and my husband Brahminical initiation. Under Your guidance a wonder initiation ceremony was organized by caring devotees at Gita Nagari. I am so indebted to You and the devotees at Gita Nagari.
I feel so blessed as well since I had a second opportunity to receive Your sweet personal association during Janmastami week this year. The Janmastami celebration at Gita Nagari was unique and beautifully intimate. I had a wonderful memorable time celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth in your sweet presence.
Through Your lectures, writings, and kirtans, I feel You are always with me, inspiring, guiding and keeping me engaged in devotional service.
Thank you so much Gurudev for Your love, kindness, care and inspiration You bring to my life. Whenever my mind thinks of You, it immediately becomes full of joy even in the midst of all kinds of stress, frustration and disappointment. You are my spiritual father. I have no place more secure than Your lotus feet. You are my only shelter.
Praying to get more personal association. Please bless me and my family so that we continue to serve your mission in the mood of the servant of the servant of the servant.
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, USA.
September 29, 2022
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. My heartfelt prayer at Your lotus feet.
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to You on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. On this special day, I pray for Your good health and many more years of loving service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna.
I am very grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful pure hearted Guru to come into my life. I feel so fortunate and blessed when You caringly accepted me and my husband as Your disciples.
This year is very special as I was blessed to get Your sweet personal association during our two trips to Gita Nagari. Out of Your limitless kindness and mercy You granted me and my husband Brahminical initiation. Under Your guidance a wonder initiation ceremony was organized by caring devotees at Gita Nagari. I am so indebted to You and the devotees at Gita Nagari.
I feel so blessed as well since I had a second opportunity to receive Your sweet personal association during Janmastami week this year. The Janmastami celebration at Gita Nagari was unique and beautifully intimate. I had a wonderful memorable time celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth in your sweet presence.
Through Your lectures, writings, and kirtans, I feel You are always with me, inspiring, guiding and keeping me engaged in devotional service.
Thank you so much Gurudev for Your love, kindness, care and inspiration You bring to my life. Whenever my mind thinks of You, it immediately becomes full of joy even in the midst of all kinds of stress, frustration and disappointment. You are my spiritual father. I have no place more secure than Your lotus feet. You are my only shelter.
Praying to get more personal association. Please bless me and my family so that we continue to serve your mission in the mood of the servant of the servant of the servant.
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, USA.
September 29, 2022
Madhuryadham devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
All Glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Krishna consciousness Birthday to you.
I remember your roaring voice and compassion for this soul. When I first came to Melbourne I was feeling that I was thrown into this ocean without my content but today I feel that it was for a very good reason. I'm neither qualified nor learned enough to understand the deeper meanings of scriptures but you made it look very easy for us.
Last year we started the program DYS (Journey of Self Discovery) which invited first-time devotees to attend the once-in-a-week 2 hours program on step by step process of Science of Self Realization. Around 50 devotees attended the program. We also introduced the chanting and distributed the chanting beads.
I'm very busy with my household work. My kid Ananya is 16 years, she is in grade 11 and my son Vraj Dham is 10 years and he is in grade 5.
Occasionally, they both attend Sunday morning programs in the temple.
It is my prayer to Lord Krishna to bless you with good health. May you live millions of years and your preaching can influence millions of conditioned souls to take the path of bhakti.
Please ignore my mistakes and forgive all my anarthas.
Your aspiring servant,
Madhuryadham Devi Dasi.
All Glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Krishna consciousness Birthday to you.
I remember your roaring voice and compassion for this soul. When I first came to Melbourne I was feeling that I was thrown into this ocean without my content but today I feel that it was for a very good reason. I'm neither qualified nor learned enough to understand the deeper meanings of scriptures but you made it look very easy for us.
Last year we started the program DYS (Journey of Self Discovery) which invited first-time devotees to attend the once-in-a-week 2 hours program on step by step process of Science of Self Realization. Around 50 devotees attended the program. We also introduced the chanting and distributed the chanting beads.
I'm very busy with my household work. My kid Ananya is 16 years, she is in grade 11 and my son Vraj Dham is 10 years and he is in grade 5.
Occasionally, they both attend Sunday morning programs in the temple.
It is my prayer to Lord Krishna to bless you with good health. May you live millions of years and your preaching can influence millions of conditioned souls to take the path of bhakti.
Please ignore my mistakes and forgive all my anarthas.
Your aspiring servant,
Madhuryadham Devi Dasi.
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your appearance day!
My heart is full of gratitude. I’m grateful for your care and guidance throughout the years. I trust you and appreciate the immense effort you make to help all of us grow spiritually. I respect how serious you are in your own spiritual practice and admire you deeply. I’m grateful for your instructions. I always remember how you encouraged me to take reading seriously and it has become my anchor, I feel so grounded in reality as soon as I start reading. I feel connected to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada and yourself when I relish the sweet nectar in Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita. Recently, I found the analogy you mentioned in a class so helpful and practical and then I came across it in CC and thought of you:
The sun may appear covered by a cloud, but actually it is the eyes of the tiny people below the cloud that are covered, not the sun. If those tiny people rose above the cloud in an airplane, they could then see the sunshine and the sun without impediment. Similarly, although the covering of māyā is very strong, Lord Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā (BG 7.14):
daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” To surpass the influence of the illusory energy is very difficult, but those who are determined to catch hold of the lotus feet of the Lord are freed from the clutches of māyā.
CC Adi 3.89
I feel like as soon as I read, I get on that airplane and can feel the heat of Krishna’s sun. How horrible my existence would be without reading!
And your encouragement to share Krishna consciousness is always at the forefront of my mind. I’ve started teaching yoga in my neighbourhood as a way to meet women and connect them somehow to Krishna. Last week, two ladies took books after an hour of hearing kirtan during the class. I want to do more to share my fortune with others, and with your blessings, I pray that Krishna can use me in that way.
I feel grateful that you’ve always encouraged me to come back to New Zealand. I have such inspiring association here and so much opportunity for service. We’ve started hosting weekly kirtans with friends and I find them very nurturing. My husband is a great companion in spiritual life and Nayanamani is almost 4 years old and is very Krishna conscious. She loves talking about Krishna, asking me to tell her more pastimes and re-enacting them. Damodara Hari is very attracted to kirtan, although he’s only one and a half, he loves the mridanga and dancing and playing kartals with anything he can get a hold of. This service is a real joy. However, they do bring out anarthas I wasn’t even aware I had, which is very purifying and confronting. I’m grateful for the book you sent my husband about Leadership Parenting; it’s helping me raise them consciously, seeing them as Krishna's devotees rather than MY children. I hope they will develop a taste for sharing Krishna consciousness as well.
I really appreciate your classes, they increase my desire to come to a higher level of surrender. Hopefully I can be in person in your future classes and get the chance to ask you questions and make the most of your saintly presence in my life.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Your servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your appearance day!
My heart is full of gratitude. I’m grateful for your care and guidance throughout the years. I trust you and appreciate the immense effort you make to help all of us grow spiritually. I respect how serious you are in your own spiritual practice and admire you deeply. I’m grateful for your instructions. I always remember how you encouraged me to take reading seriously and it has become my anchor, I feel so grounded in reality as soon as I start reading. I feel connected to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada and yourself when I relish the sweet nectar in Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita. Recently, I found the analogy you mentioned in a class so helpful and practical and then I came across it in CC and thought of you:
The sun may appear covered by a cloud, but actually it is the eyes of the tiny people below the cloud that are covered, not the sun. If those tiny people rose above the cloud in an airplane, they could then see the sunshine and the sun without impediment. Similarly, although the covering of māyā is very strong, Lord Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā (BG 7.14):
daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” To surpass the influence of the illusory energy is very difficult, but those who are determined to catch hold of the lotus feet of the Lord are freed from the clutches of māyā.
CC Adi 3.89
I feel like as soon as I read, I get on that airplane and can feel the heat of Krishna’s sun. How horrible my existence would be without reading!
And your encouragement to share Krishna consciousness is always at the forefront of my mind. I’ve started teaching yoga in my neighbourhood as a way to meet women and connect them somehow to Krishna. Last week, two ladies took books after an hour of hearing kirtan during the class. I want to do more to share my fortune with others, and with your blessings, I pray that Krishna can use me in that way.
I feel grateful that you’ve always encouraged me to come back to New Zealand. I have such inspiring association here and so much opportunity for service. We’ve started hosting weekly kirtans with friends and I find them very nurturing. My husband is a great companion in spiritual life and Nayanamani is almost 4 years old and is very Krishna conscious. She loves talking about Krishna, asking me to tell her more pastimes and re-enacting them. Damodara Hari is very attracted to kirtan, although he’s only one and a half, he loves the mridanga and dancing and playing kartals with anything he can get a hold of. This service is a real joy. However, they do bring out anarthas I wasn’t even aware I had, which is very purifying and confronting. I’m grateful for the book you sent my husband about Leadership Parenting; it’s helping me raise them consciously, seeing them as Krishna's devotees rather than MY children. I hope they will develop a taste for sharing Krishna consciousness as well.
I really appreciate your classes, they increase my desire to come to a higher level of surrender. Hopefully I can be in person in your future classes and get the chance to ask you questions and make the most of your saintly presence in my life.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Your servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Maha Matsya das
Dear Guru Maharaj, Hare Krishna! Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this blessed day, let me thank you.
In your beloved Chaitanya Charitamrta Madhya 17.186 it is said: "The true meaning of the religious precepts is hidden in the heart of a sinless saint who has realized the nature of the spirit." It is obvious to me that Srila Prabhupada became such a saint for you! And this connection grew into great love, because all your words and actions are saturated with this feeling for A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, His Divine Grace. Your love for Prabhupada fills everything with meaning and makes everything possible. In the presence of this love even the most complex philosophical truths heard from you simply enter the heart and become clear. This is a practical example of that same mysticism. This is a real great path of Mahajan for all of us. Thank you so much! Desiring to get even a drop of your love for Prabhupada, I hope to stay at your feet life after life. Sincerely, your stupid and useless disciple, Maha Matsya das
On this blessed day, let me thank you.
In your beloved Chaitanya Charitamrta Madhya 17.186 it is said: "The true meaning of the religious precepts is hidden in the heart of a sinless saint who has realized the nature of the spirit." It is obvious to me that Srila Prabhupada became such a saint for you! And this connection grew into great love, because all your words and actions are saturated with this feeling for A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, His Divine Grace. Your love for Prabhupada fills everything with meaning and makes everything possible. In the presence of this love even the most complex philosophical truths heard from you simply enter the heart and become clear. This is a practical example of that same mysticism. This is a real great path of Mahajan for all of us. Thank you so much! Desiring to get even a drop of your love for Prabhupada, I hope to stay at your feet life after life. Sincerely, your stupid and useless disciple, Maha Matsya das
Mahat-Sevaka Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Happy Appearance Day! On this most blessed and auspicious day, please accept our respectful obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace!
We pray to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai for your good health and long life. You are Lord Nityananda Prabhu's mercy personified. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be in your shelter. Your contributions to Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Krishna consciousness are unfathomable. You even went through arduous challenges to serve your spiritual master, which is very inspiring. Your books and lectures accentuate complex aspects of spirituality, real happiness, and sustainability in a much-simplified manner. We learn something new every time we hear your lectures and it helps us to comprehend the topics in a pragmatic manner.
As we go through various stages in life, we have different realizations. And our faith and resolve in Krishna consciousness, as you often refer to as the bhakti laboratory, is stronger now more than ever. As our spiritual father, you have been extremely compassionate to us, and we are so thankful for your valuable guidance. We pray to you to shower your blessings upon us so that we can continue to endeavor towards progressing in our spiritual lives. We look forward to serving you and relishing the nectar of your blissful association.
Your aspiring servants,
Mahat-Sevaka Das and Radhika-Seva Dasi
Happy Appearance Day! On this most blessed and auspicious day, please accept our respectful obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace!
We pray to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai for your good health and long life. You are Lord Nityananda Prabhu's mercy personified. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be in your shelter. Your contributions to Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Krishna consciousness are unfathomable. You even went through arduous challenges to serve your spiritual master, which is very inspiring. Your books and lectures accentuate complex aspects of spirituality, real happiness, and sustainability in a much-simplified manner. We learn something new every time we hear your lectures and it helps us to comprehend the topics in a pragmatic manner.
As we go through various stages in life, we have different realizations. And our faith and resolve in Krishna consciousness, as you often refer to as the bhakti laboratory, is stronger now more than ever. As our spiritual father, you have been extremely compassionate to us, and we are so thankful for your valuable guidance. We pray to you to shower your blessings upon us so that we can continue to endeavor towards progressing in our spiritual lives. We look forward to serving you and relishing the nectar of your blissful association.
Your aspiring servants,
Mahat-Sevaka Das and Radhika-Seva Dasi
Mahavan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
With the extraordinary desire to find the solution to all the world’s problems, you entered Yale University as a scholarship student. Upon revealing your intentions to your deans they acknowledged that this was the actual purpose of the esteemed Institution and agreed to give you the freedom to try to do just that, adding “And if you do happen to find it, let us know.”
After 4 years of intense study in every field with the worlds greatest scholars, your conclusion that there is no material solution paralleled that of Bhagavad Gita.
Upon graduation, frustrated after years of fruitless mundane study, you told a University leader “I don’t see a future for myself in the world,” to which he replied “You are a Yale man, you will influence the world.”
Little did he know how prophetic that conjecture would be.
As you point out, many people say they want to change the world and help others, but very few want to become qualified to do so. Whether world famous scholars or unknown do-gooders the stark reality is that, in-spite of their good intentions, none of them can actually help anyone or make a lasting positive change. In fact the opposite is true; attempts to help without genuine knowledge simply make things worse.
Only the perfect Bhakti yogi, equiped with Krishna realisation, can actually help.
“One who is Kṛṣṇa conscious is a perfect yogī; he is aware of everyone's happiness and distress by dint of his own personal experience. The cause of the distress of a living entity is forgetfulness of his relationship with God. And the cause of happiness is knowing Kṛṣṇa to be the supreme enjoyer of all the activities of the human being, the proprietor of all lands and planets, and the sincerest friend of all living entities. The perfect yogī knows that the living being who is conditioned by the modes of material nature is subjected to the threefold material miseries due to forgetfulness of his relationship with Kṛṣṇa.”
- BG 6.32 purport
Thus the activist yogi goes to work on behalf of Krishna.
“And because one in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is happy, he tries to distribute the knowledge of Kṛṣṇa everywhere. Since the perfect yogī tries to broadcast the importance of becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious, he is the best philanthropist in the world, and he is the dearest servitor of the Lord. Na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ (BG 18.69).”
- BG 6.32 purport
Today I offer you my respect and gratitude not just as my spiritual master or the guide of a relatively small group of fortunate human beings, but also as the true friend of the whole world, due to your sincere desire to actually benefit all.
“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 yogī because he does not desire perfection in yoga for his personal benefit, but tries for others also. He does not envy his fellow living entities. Here is a contrast between a pure devotee of the Lord and a yogī interested only in his personal elevation. The yogī who has withdrawn to a secluded place in order to meditate perfectly may not be as perfect as a devotee who is trying his best to turn every man toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
- BG 6.32 purport
Thank you for seeking and finding the solution to the worlds problems and for dedicating your life to sharing that solution.
Begging for a drop of your sincerity to humbly serve that mission, your mission.
Mahavan das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
With the extraordinary desire to find the solution to all the world’s problems, you entered Yale University as a scholarship student. Upon revealing your intentions to your deans they acknowledged that this was the actual purpose of the esteemed Institution and agreed to give you the freedom to try to do just that, adding “And if you do happen to find it, let us know.”
After 4 years of intense study in every field with the worlds greatest scholars, your conclusion that there is no material solution paralleled that of Bhagavad Gita.
Upon graduation, frustrated after years of fruitless mundane study, you told a University leader “I don’t see a future for myself in the world,” to which he replied “You are a Yale man, you will influence the world.”
Little did he know how prophetic that conjecture would be.
As you point out, many people say they want to change the world and help others, but very few want to become qualified to do so. Whether world famous scholars or unknown do-gooders the stark reality is that, in-spite of their good intentions, none of them can actually help anyone or make a lasting positive change. In fact the opposite is true; attempts to help without genuine knowledge simply make things worse.
Only the perfect Bhakti yogi, equiped with Krishna realisation, can actually help.
“One who is Kṛṣṇa conscious is a perfect yogī; he is aware of everyone's happiness and distress by dint of his own personal experience. The cause of the distress of a living entity is forgetfulness of his relationship with God. And the cause of happiness is knowing Kṛṣṇa to be the supreme enjoyer of all the activities of the human being, the proprietor of all lands and planets, and the sincerest friend of all living entities. The perfect yogī knows that the living being who is conditioned by the modes of material nature is subjected to the threefold material miseries due to forgetfulness of his relationship with Kṛṣṇa.”
- BG 6.32 purport
Thus the activist yogi goes to work on behalf of Krishna.
“And because one in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is happy, he tries to distribute the knowledge of Kṛṣṇa everywhere. Since the perfect yogī tries to broadcast the importance of becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious, he is the best philanthropist in the world, and he is the dearest servitor of the Lord. Na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ (BG 18.69).”
- BG 6.32 purport
Today I offer you my respect and gratitude not just as my spiritual master or the guide of a relatively small group of fortunate human beings, but also as the true friend of the whole world, due to your sincere desire to actually benefit all.
“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 yogī because he does not desire perfection in yoga for his personal benefit, but tries for others also. He does not envy his fellow living entities. Here is a contrast between a pure devotee of the Lord and a yogī interested only in his personal elevation. The yogī who has withdrawn to a secluded place in order to meditate perfectly may not be as perfect as a devotee who is trying his best to turn every man toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
- BG 6.32 purport
Thank you for seeking and finding the solution to the worlds problems and for dedicating your life to sharing that solution.
Begging for a drop of your sincerity to humbly serve that mission, your mission.
Mahavan das
Manada devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prahbupada.
Srila Prabhupada once said to his secretary: “When you get back to the spiritual world, your spiritual master is waiting for you. He takes your hand, walks you into the grove, into the kunja and places your hand in the hand of Krsna and leaves you alone together for some time.” (Relayed by Indrayumna Swami in a lecture on 10.23.48-52 of Srimad Bhagavatam, Vrndavan, 2022)
The thought of going back to the spiritual world seems like such a distant aspiration; I’m so very far away from that, it hardly seems real or conceivable. But Gurudeva, you're connecting so many conditioned souls to Krsna’s hand 24 hours a day! In the past, present and future, on this planet right now and in this lifetime! Your compassion is unlimited. There isn’t a moment that goes by when you are not thinking of how to deliver the fallen souls. “Of his own sweet will the spiritual master 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…He has appeared in this world to deliver fallen souls like us. He is not a karmi, jnani or yogi. He is an associate of the Lord in His pastimes.” (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Amrita Vani)
You remind us, we don’t belong here in this material world, the place of impermanence. In so many of your lectures - whether to an audience of newcomers at the Loft or to devotees in Bhagavatam class - your consistent potent message rings truer than ever in the light of recent global events, that all these temporary miseries and trials and tribulations are to be expected here in the material world; that we took on a material body so there has to be compromises! We shouldn’t let this shake us or dismantle our service. We must simply learn the art of making the best use of a bad bargain - realise the importance of our valuable human life. You remind us that actually the service we do now is training for service in the spiritual world. That at death devotees simply transfer their service from this life to the next. That it is possible for one to go back to Godhead in this life.
“The spiritual master’s name, form, qualities, and pastimes are all fully engaged in the Lord’s service. Service to the Supreme Lord is his existence, his identity….The spiritual master is the captain to help us cross the ocean of material existence. He is the perfect guide, an acarya for teaching us how to chant the holy name and to give us knowledge of our relationship with Krsna.” (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Amrita Vani)
You are the perfect guide Gurudeva. You assure us, devotional service, chanting Hare Krishna, making these our lifetime’s career - this will keep us steady and secure, content and free from fear. You assure us, we can have faith that this will lead to success, lead us back to Krsna. You are not selfishly motivated, you have only the pure desire to benefit others and you are so kind to everyone you meet. You have devoted your body, mind and speech to serving your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. If you’re not here in New Zealand preaching expertly about Krsna, poetically glorifying Krsna, dexterously writing about Krsna consciousness, strategically planning how to bring others to Krsna, managing preaching centres, sensitively and knowledgeably guiding disciples towards Krsna, or leading thunderously melodious kirtans, then you are doing all these on the other side of the world.
You’re waiting for me, trying to connect me to Krsna’s hand, with service. I wish I could say I’ve always taken up those opportunities. But in the midst of day to day life of work, family, mental anxieties, bodily strains - it can be difficult to always keep my eye on the ultimate goal, the purpose of human life. I’m so grateful to you, however, for your unfailing efforts to guide my connection back to Krsna despite the setbacks, my stubborness and my mistakes. I so much appreciate and need your continued encouragement.
You’ve given me everything, spiritually and materially Gurudeva. I thank you for your close personal spiritual guidance over the years and for engaging me in your service mission despite my limited capacity, without which I would have surely sunk and drowned in this boggy mire, this material realm I am so attached to. You didn’t want to see me suffer. I thank you for the peaceful family life I have, surrounded by love and care. I owe you my life. I am dependent on your mercy always. I pray to use this life, what is left of it, to serve you and to eventually qualify to enter that Permanent Realm.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Manada dd
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prahbupada.
Srila Prabhupada once said to his secretary: “When you get back to the spiritual world, your spiritual master is waiting for you. He takes your hand, walks you into the grove, into the kunja and places your hand in the hand of Krsna and leaves you alone together for some time.” (Relayed by Indrayumna Swami in a lecture on 10.23.48-52 of Srimad Bhagavatam, Vrndavan, 2022)
The thought of going back to the spiritual world seems like such a distant aspiration; I’m so very far away from that, it hardly seems real or conceivable. But Gurudeva, you're connecting so many conditioned souls to Krsna’s hand 24 hours a day! In the past, present and future, on this planet right now and in this lifetime! Your compassion is unlimited. There isn’t a moment that goes by when you are not thinking of how to deliver the fallen souls. “Of his own sweet will the spiritual master 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…He has appeared in this world to deliver fallen souls like us. He is not a karmi, jnani or yogi. He is an associate of the Lord in His pastimes.” (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Amrita Vani)
You remind us, we don’t belong here in this material world, the place of impermanence. In so many of your lectures - whether to an audience of newcomers at the Loft or to devotees in Bhagavatam class - your consistent potent message rings truer than ever in the light of recent global events, that all these temporary miseries and trials and tribulations are to be expected here in the material world; that we took on a material body so there has to be compromises! We shouldn’t let this shake us or dismantle our service. We must simply learn the art of making the best use of a bad bargain - realise the importance of our valuable human life. You remind us that actually the service we do now is training for service in the spiritual world. That at death devotees simply transfer their service from this life to the next. That it is possible for one to go back to Godhead in this life.
“The spiritual master’s name, form, qualities, and pastimes are all fully engaged in the Lord’s service. Service to the Supreme Lord is his existence, his identity….The spiritual master is the captain to help us cross the ocean of material existence. He is the perfect guide, an acarya for teaching us how to chant the holy name and to give us knowledge of our relationship with Krsna.” (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Amrita Vani)
You are the perfect guide Gurudeva. You assure us, devotional service, chanting Hare Krishna, making these our lifetime’s career - this will keep us steady and secure, content and free from fear. You assure us, we can have faith that this will lead to success, lead us back to Krsna. You are not selfishly motivated, you have only the pure desire to benefit others and you are so kind to everyone you meet. You have devoted your body, mind and speech to serving your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. If you’re not here in New Zealand preaching expertly about Krsna, poetically glorifying Krsna, dexterously writing about Krsna consciousness, strategically planning how to bring others to Krsna, managing preaching centres, sensitively and knowledgeably guiding disciples towards Krsna, or leading thunderously melodious kirtans, then you are doing all these on the other side of the world.
You’re waiting for me, trying to connect me to Krsna’s hand, with service. I wish I could say I’ve always taken up those opportunities. But in the midst of day to day life of work, family, mental anxieties, bodily strains - it can be difficult to always keep my eye on the ultimate goal, the purpose of human life. I’m so grateful to you, however, for your unfailing efforts to guide my connection back to Krsna despite the setbacks, my stubborness and my mistakes. I so much appreciate and need your continued encouragement.
You’ve given me everything, spiritually and materially Gurudeva. I thank you for your close personal spiritual guidance over the years and for engaging me in your service mission despite my limited capacity, without which I would have surely sunk and drowned in this boggy mire, this material realm I am so attached to. You didn’t want to see me suffer. I thank you for the peaceful family life I have, surrounded by love and care. I owe you my life. I am dependent on your mercy always. I pray to use this life, what is left of it, to serve you and to eventually qualify to enter that Permanent Realm.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Manada dd
Mandraghosh Das
ācāryera mata yei, sei mata sāra
tāṅra ājñā laṅghi’ cale, sei ta’ asāra
“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.’
CC Ādi 12.10
Dear Gurudeva,
All glories! All glories to your divine appearance.
As I read through Srila Prabhupada’s mission impossible instructions to you, your god brothers & sisters, I bow my head again and again to your sincerity and dedication. You have spent years living by and serving the order of your Spiritual Master.
Every time i hear about your glorious engagements in serving Prabhupada’s mission, I simply get blown away. Sometimes I wonder how it was possible for you to connect such a deep bond with Prabhupada simply through reading his books. The amount of faith you have in Prabhupad’s words and instructions I cannot even begin to understand with my little intelligence.
Rupa Goswami describes in the 3rd Text of Upadeshamrita that one should perform devotional service with enthusiasm, determination and patience.
What is enthusiasm? After many decades of reading Prabhupada’s books, you still read them as if you are reading them for the first time. No matter where you are, how busy you get, you are always looking to submerge yourself in the words of your spiritual master and treat them like your life and soul. That is enthusiasm. How is it possible for someone like me in his teenage Bhakti years, to conceive of this? It is not possible at all.
Once, I remember hearing you say in a class that if we want to unwind after a long day, why don't we read Krishna’s pastimes through Prabhupada’s books? And here I am, looking for ways to unwind after reading a single Bhaktivedanta Purport. Thank you Gurudev, for always teaching us the proper mood of reading these divine scriptures.
When I think about determination it’s hard not to think of your preaching glories. Once in a lecture talking about your early book distribution days you were saying although so difficult, you were always determined to love book distribution only because you knew Srila Prabhupada loves it. Doing Sankirtan 7 days a week, over 12 hours a day with practically no results can crumble even the top Sankirtan devotees, but not you Gurudev. How you were able to serve with so much purity and selflessness shows a level of determination that for most people can take years and years to develop even lifetimes for someone like me. Thank you Gurudev, for showing us the proper mood of engaging in Devotional Service.
When I think about Patience Gurudev, I get teary. For a quality close to extinction in our current society, you remind us of how to be patient. Your outreach projects are a prime example of it. For years you have sown the seed of Krishna Consciousness in the hearts of many young lost souls through outreach. Just like a hardworking gardener you work tirelessly through heat and cold, wind and rain, day and night only to nourish us and help us become a strong tree in Bhakti. Once during my darshan I asked you how I can attract more people to our new outreach center in Sydney? To which you simply said. “You have to be patient. It took twenty five years to get The Loft and Bhakti Lounge going.” Gurudev, you go through so many challenges, face so many problems in successfully running these game changing outreach centers, yet you simply remain patient. Thank you Gurudeva, for showing us all the proper moods and being patient with us as we learn to thrive in Bhakti.
Today, I salute your enthusiasm, determination and patience. I also seek your causeless mercy, in hopes that one day this useless disciple who you have graciously accepted will be able to follow you, worshiping your divine footsteps.
Aspiring to serve you better,
Mandraghosh Das
tāṅra ājñā laṅghi’ cale, sei ta’ asāra
“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.’
CC Ādi 12.10
Dear Gurudeva,
All glories! All glories to your divine appearance.
As I read through Srila Prabhupada’s mission impossible instructions to you, your god brothers & sisters, I bow my head again and again to your sincerity and dedication. You have spent years living by and serving the order of your Spiritual Master.
Every time i hear about your glorious engagements in serving Prabhupada’s mission, I simply get blown away. Sometimes I wonder how it was possible for you to connect such a deep bond with Prabhupada simply through reading his books. The amount of faith you have in Prabhupad’s words and instructions I cannot even begin to understand with my little intelligence.
Rupa Goswami describes in the 3rd Text of Upadeshamrita that one should perform devotional service with enthusiasm, determination and patience.
What is enthusiasm? After many decades of reading Prabhupada’s books, you still read them as if you are reading them for the first time. No matter where you are, how busy you get, you are always looking to submerge yourself in the words of your spiritual master and treat them like your life and soul. That is enthusiasm. How is it possible for someone like me in his teenage Bhakti years, to conceive of this? It is not possible at all.
Once, I remember hearing you say in a class that if we want to unwind after a long day, why don't we read Krishna’s pastimes through Prabhupada’s books? And here I am, looking for ways to unwind after reading a single Bhaktivedanta Purport. Thank you Gurudev, for always teaching us the proper mood of reading these divine scriptures.
When I think about determination it’s hard not to think of your preaching glories. Once in a lecture talking about your early book distribution days you were saying although so difficult, you were always determined to love book distribution only because you knew Srila Prabhupada loves it. Doing Sankirtan 7 days a week, over 12 hours a day with practically no results can crumble even the top Sankirtan devotees, but not you Gurudev. How you were able to serve with so much purity and selflessness shows a level of determination that for most people can take years and years to develop even lifetimes for someone like me. Thank you Gurudev, for showing us the proper mood of engaging in Devotional Service.
When I think about Patience Gurudev, I get teary. For a quality close to extinction in our current society, you remind us of how to be patient. Your outreach projects are a prime example of it. For years you have sown the seed of Krishna Consciousness in the hearts of many young lost souls through outreach. Just like a hardworking gardener you work tirelessly through heat and cold, wind and rain, day and night only to nourish us and help us become a strong tree in Bhakti. Once during my darshan I asked you how I can attract more people to our new outreach center in Sydney? To which you simply said. “You have to be patient. It took twenty five years to get The Loft and Bhakti Lounge going.” Gurudev, you go through so many challenges, face so many problems in successfully running these game changing outreach centers, yet you simply remain patient. Thank you Gurudeva, for showing us all the proper moods and being patient with us as we learn to thrive in Bhakti.
Today, I salute your enthusiasm, determination and patience. I also seek your causeless mercy, in hopes that one day this useless disciple who you have graciously accepted will be able to follow you, worshiping your divine footsteps.
Aspiring to serve you better,
Mandraghosh Das
Mangal-arti dd
Dearest Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada and All glories to your most auspicious appearance day
Dear Guru Maharaj, once again it is my favorite day of the year. I have recently been reading the discussions between Narada Muni and Dhruva Maharaj and going over my notes on the classes you gave about these pastimes. Two themes stand out:
1. Striking similarities in the preaching, instructions and care package Narada Muni gives and what you, bestow upon your disciples
2. The multiple angles and emotions that you help us see through the Bhagvatam purports. Thus, inspiring in us the desire to read Bhagavatam and take shelter of Krishna’s process.
Dhruva Maharaj was just 5 years old and had bit of an unrealistic demand. Narada Muni was trying to help Dhruva Maharaj with his anger, hurt from his father, making him aware of difficulties in the forest, calming down his parents – deal with practicalities. But when Dhruva Maharaj asked a sincere question about how to get what he wants honestly – Narada muni instructed him on how to become Krishna conscious and detailed instructions on how to execute devotional service. Your instructions come the same way, in a complete care package.
Six years ago when presenting a lot of practical problems to you, while you were very mercifully guiding this servant of yours and helping me with practical solutions, I had asked you a question – “Guru Maharaj, is it true that if I was more Krishna conscious these problems would go away”. I thought the answer would be some flavor of no. However, you said “Yes”.
I could not understand how that was possible. I often think about it and wonder why you were helping me solve the practical issues if just becoming Krishna conscious was the solution. You have very mercifully taught me over the past little while that there are no shortcuts in Krishna consciousness and the process and destination, no matter what the problem, is always Krishna.
Fast forward a few more years, dealing with another flavor of material storms and brainstorming different solutions. While listening to all options and always encouraging me – you have made it very clear that the way you want me to walk was to take shelter of the deities, japa and book distribution. Although once again I could not understand and was wondering why you were asking me to just chant or do deity worship whenever I asked you a “practical” question. But in reading Dhruva Maharaj’s pastimes, I can now understand your strategy and vision is just like Narada Muni. Dhruva Maharaj wanted a kingdom better than his dad and grandpa. But who goes to the forest and starts fasting from food and water and eventually air to get the best kingdom in this universe – people all around the world start wars for this? But Narada Muni asked Dhruva Maharaj to go to the forest and chant the mantra and worship the deity. “Practically” this doesn’t add up, but it is the most practical instruction. I am starting to now realize, by your several instructions – you changed the rock bottom of my free fall.
I can hear in my ears this song by Bhaktivinod Thakur “Anadi karma phale podi bhavarnava jale toribare na dekhi upaya” Several times I have thought about this “toribare na dekhi upaya”. There is no solution in sight about how to get out of the ocean of anxieties, it is only mercy we can depend on and you Guru Maharaj are Krishna’s mercy incarnation in my life and life of so many. You have said to me “Don’t be stuck in the mud. Take what Krishna sends and move on. That’s what Prabhupada did. Krishna is in the heart.”
I also noticed in the whole pastimes between Narada Muni and Dhruva Maharaj, Prabhupada mentions at one place “In our Krishna Consciousness Society we have full engagement twenty-four hours a day. Every moment of our time is always busily engaged in the service of the Lord. This is called the incessant flow of devotional service.” Seeing you this year was a reality check a reminder of how you live by this. The day you arrived in Atlanta, you left Gita Nagari in the morning, at least an hour’s drive to the nearest airport and by the time you arrived at your residence, it was around 8 pm and you had to get ready, have some prashad and hop on the video calls starting at 8.30 pm that night. Next day was a similar schedule and eye-opening lesson for me that Krishna consciousness is 24-hour, full life service and serious heartfelt business. In your lecture on the same chapter, you said “Real Bhakti means competition with Krishna who can do more for one another” and you are having that competition and teaching us jump in every day.
Another striking thing I noticed was that when Dhruva Maharaj approached Narada Muni, Narada muni was such a powerful devotee, he could have just given Dhruva Maharaj what he wanted and sent Dhruva home and there you go he would have another follower. But instead, Narada Muni gave Dhruva the process of devotional service and went away. And I see you do that with us.
As Prabhupada states in the purport “Nārada Muni is referred to here as bhagavān because he can bless any person just as the Supreme Personality of Godhead can. He was very pleased with Dhruva Mahārāja, and he could have at once personally given whatever he wanted, but that is not the duty of the spiritual master. His duty is to engage the disciple in proper devotional service as prescribed in the śāstras.”
I was going through some of the answers you have given me over the years for even the most complicated problems are just following Narada Muni’s mood:
• Read, Chant, Preach and Distribute
• You have to depend on the holy name, what else is there to depend upon.
• Did you take shelter of Prabhupada’s books?
• Take shelter of the deities
• Krishna’s service must go on. Krishna is in your heart, he will reciprocate with you
• Material happiness and distress you can’t change. But spiritual happiness, that is another thing.
• "Krishna keeps the score. And the score is - you tried your best”
Each time, your answers are just directing us to Krishna and somehow it works each time. You are teaching us that somehow, reading, chanting, and distributing is the real solution to all problems.
This reminds me of another thing you have spoken and demonstrated so many time “Love means bringing people to Krishna, not to yourself”.
Last year at one point you were trying to explain something to me that I was unable to understand, and you reminded me of how Narada muni is saying what is best but Dhruva Maharaj can’t listen. And how was not listening. I humbly pray that this gap in my hearing goes away and please bless me that your instructions come alive in my heart. I pray not seek shortcuts, but to walk the path of never ending, determined devotional service that you walk.
Towards the end of your class on Dhruva Maharaj’s pastimes you said we should pray like this “Krishna, I can’t see it, but you please empower me to see your service opportunity even in this condition. Our human side will react, but we have to transcend. Claw your way back to the spiritual platform with Knowledge. Krishna is in your heart, and he is noting your determination.” So, on your auspicious appearance day, I humbly submit this same prayer at your lotus feet. Please let me become your dedicated servant.
Your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada and All glories to your most auspicious appearance day
Dear Guru Maharaj, once again it is my favorite day of the year. I have recently been reading the discussions between Narada Muni and Dhruva Maharaj and going over my notes on the classes you gave about these pastimes. Two themes stand out:
1. Striking similarities in the preaching, instructions and care package Narada Muni gives and what you, bestow upon your disciples
2. The multiple angles and emotions that you help us see through the Bhagvatam purports. Thus, inspiring in us the desire to read Bhagavatam and take shelter of Krishna’s process.
Dhruva Maharaj was just 5 years old and had bit of an unrealistic demand. Narada Muni was trying to help Dhruva Maharaj with his anger, hurt from his father, making him aware of difficulties in the forest, calming down his parents – deal with practicalities. But when Dhruva Maharaj asked a sincere question about how to get what he wants honestly – Narada muni instructed him on how to become Krishna conscious and detailed instructions on how to execute devotional service. Your instructions come the same way, in a complete care package.
Six years ago when presenting a lot of practical problems to you, while you were very mercifully guiding this servant of yours and helping me with practical solutions, I had asked you a question – “Guru Maharaj, is it true that if I was more Krishna conscious these problems would go away”. I thought the answer would be some flavor of no. However, you said “Yes”.
I could not understand how that was possible. I often think about it and wonder why you were helping me solve the practical issues if just becoming Krishna conscious was the solution. You have very mercifully taught me over the past little while that there are no shortcuts in Krishna consciousness and the process and destination, no matter what the problem, is always Krishna.
Fast forward a few more years, dealing with another flavor of material storms and brainstorming different solutions. While listening to all options and always encouraging me – you have made it very clear that the way you want me to walk was to take shelter of the deities, japa and book distribution. Although once again I could not understand and was wondering why you were asking me to just chant or do deity worship whenever I asked you a “practical” question. But in reading Dhruva Maharaj’s pastimes, I can now understand your strategy and vision is just like Narada Muni. Dhruva Maharaj wanted a kingdom better than his dad and grandpa. But who goes to the forest and starts fasting from food and water and eventually air to get the best kingdom in this universe – people all around the world start wars for this? But Narada Muni asked Dhruva Maharaj to go to the forest and chant the mantra and worship the deity. “Practically” this doesn’t add up, but it is the most practical instruction. I am starting to now realize, by your several instructions – you changed the rock bottom of my free fall.
I can hear in my ears this song by Bhaktivinod Thakur “Anadi karma phale podi bhavarnava jale toribare na dekhi upaya” Several times I have thought about this “toribare na dekhi upaya”. There is no solution in sight about how to get out of the ocean of anxieties, it is only mercy we can depend on and you Guru Maharaj are Krishna’s mercy incarnation in my life and life of so many. You have said to me “Don’t be stuck in the mud. Take what Krishna sends and move on. That’s what Prabhupada did. Krishna is in the heart.”
I also noticed in the whole pastimes between Narada Muni and Dhruva Maharaj, Prabhupada mentions at one place “In our Krishna Consciousness Society we have full engagement twenty-four hours a day. Every moment of our time is always busily engaged in the service of the Lord. This is called the incessant flow of devotional service.” Seeing you this year was a reality check a reminder of how you live by this. The day you arrived in Atlanta, you left Gita Nagari in the morning, at least an hour’s drive to the nearest airport and by the time you arrived at your residence, it was around 8 pm and you had to get ready, have some prashad and hop on the video calls starting at 8.30 pm that night. Next day was a similar schedule and eye-opening lesson for me that Krishna consciousness is 24-hour, full life service and serious heartfelt business. In your lecture on the same chapter, you said “Real Bhakti means competition with Krishna who can do more for one another” and you are having that competition and teaching us jump in every day.
Another striking thing I noticed was that when Dhruva Maharaj approached Narada Muni, Narada muni was such a powerful devotee, he could have just given Dhruva Maharaj what he wanted and sent Dhruva home and there you go he would have another follower. But instead, Narada Muni gave Dhruva the process of devotional service and went away. And I see you do that with us.
As Prabhupada states in the purport “Nārada Muni is referred to here as bhagavān because he can bless any person just as the Supreme Personality of Godhead can. He was very pleased with Dhruva Mahārāja, and he could have at once personally given whatever he wanted, but that is not the duty of the spiritual master. His duty is to engage the disciple in proper devotional service as prescribed in the śāstras.”
I was going through some of the answers you have given me over the years for even the most complicated problems are just following Narada Muni’s mood:
• Read, Chant, Preach and Distribute
• You have to depend on the holy name, what else is there to depend upon.
• Did you take shelter of Prabhupada’s books?
• Take shelter of the deities
• Krishna’s service must go on. Krishna is in your heart, he will reciprocate with you
• Material happiness and distress you can’t change. But spiritual happiness, that is another thing.
• "Krishna keeps the score. And the score is - you tried your best”
Each time, your answers are just directing us to Krishna and somehow it works each time. You are teaching us that somehow, reading, chanting, and distributing is the real solution to all problems.
This reminds me of another thing you have spoken and demonstrated so many time “Love means bringing people to Krishna, not to yourself”.
Last year at one point you were trying to explain something to me that I was unable to understand, and you reminded me of how Narada muni is saying what is best but Dhruva Maharaj can’t listen. And how was not listening. I humbly pray that this gap in my hearing goes away and please bless me that your instructions come alive in my heart. I pray not seek shortcuts, but to walk the path of never ending, determined devotional service that you walk.
Towards the end of your class on Dhruva Maharaj’s pastimes you said we should pray like this “Krishna, I can’t see it, but you please empower me to see your service opportunity even in this condition. Our human side will react, but we have to transcend. Claw your way back to the spiritual platform with Knowledge. Krishna is in your heart, and he is noting your determination.” So, on your auspicious appearance day, I humbly submit this same prayer at your lotus feet. Please let me become your dedicated servant.
Your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Manobhirama Dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
At this moment while I contemplate your glories I am remembering one statement you made in a disciples only class in Mayapur.
In this class you were speaking to a group of which some disciples had moved from New Zealand to Mayapur during the tumultuous period in which vaccine mandates were being enforced. In the context of devotees cooperating out of love for their spiritual master - one small statement amidst an answer to a question you were giving stuck out to me:
“I’ve given my life for you…do you think I’m doing this just because I have to? No, it’s an outpouring of the heart…”
Without going into the whole answer you were giving, this statement spoke to me in the following way:
As a disciple of Srila Prabhupada are trying to continue his work of delivering us fallen souls and cooperating with your fellow Godbrothers and Godsisters to do so - out of love for him as your spiritual father
“Your love for me,” said Śrīla Prabhupāda, “will be shown by how much you cooperate to keep this institution together after I am gone.” - Srila Prabhupada
As spiritual father of your disciples you are most definitely performing an austerity in taking on such a role, but you do it as an expression of love not only for Srila Prabhupada but also for your disciples
After all that is said you would at least hope that your disciples would reciprocate in the same way!
I can only imagine how much of a worry it would have been to then see the vaccine controversies affecting your disciples in various ways, what to speak of the ongoing situation between Ukraine and Russia. The ongoing heartbreaks and headaches as a spiritual father you have to deal with leave me feeling deeply appreciative of your service.
Recent experiences through outreach and the contrasting experience of visiting the dhams have given me some insight into how messed the West is. By their activities here people are destroying both their physiology and psychology by their teens and when transitioning into devotional life it’s safe to say that it’s no easy journey. The deep self-harm caused by such an individual may impair them throughout the course of their life to a more gross or subtle degree. The statements you and others have made that “the ashram system acts as a hospital” for those who desire rehabilitation and that “to preach in the west - be sure to bring a doctor and psychologist with you” is beginning to make more sense.
Despite such a daunting social environment you have chosen to set up shop and what amazing work you have accomplished! Managing those that come from individualistic and mentally afflicted New Zealand to have what you have now is simply wonderful. On top of that it’s no easy feat to manage volunteers who aren’t getting paid to serve and who are still developing love and loyalty to you. To do so certainly must require a high level of transcendental intelligence. But more than that, a transcendental character profile that inspires others to give their time and energy for the service of Lord Caitanya.
How pleased Srila Prabhupada must be to have a disciple such as yourself who has picked up the reins of the Western Outreach Project where he left them and is riding it like an expert charioteer.
With all that said, I thank you for allowing me to be admitted to your Bhakti hospital and I will try to be a cooperative patient. Not only with you but also my fellow patients who are better, similar in health or worse (if that’s possible) than I. Analogy aside, I hope that I can somehow please you with my insignificant service. My capacity is small and I wish I could do more. If possible, I humbly request for you to help me become a more effective, more efficient instrument in executing your will.
Your aspiring servant,
Manobhirama Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
At this moment while I contemplate your glories I am remembering one statement you made in a disciples only class in Mayapur.
In this class you were speaking to a group of which some disciples had moved from New Zealand to Mayapur during the tumultuous period in which vaccine mandates were being enforced. In the context of devotees cooperating out of love for their spiritual master - one small statement amidst an answer to a question you were giving stuck out to me:
“I’ve given my life for you…do you think I’m doing this just because I have to? No, it’s an outpouring of the heart…”
Without going into the whole answer you were giving, this statement spoke to me in the following way:
As a disciple of Srila Prabhupada are trying to continue his work of delivering us fallen souls and cooperating with your fellow Godbrothers and Godsisters to do so - out of love for him as your spiritual father
“Your love for me,” said Śrīla Prabhupāda, “will be shown by how much you cooperate to keep this institution together after I am gone.” - Srila Prabhupada
As spiritual father of your disciples you are most definitely performing an austerity in taking on such a role, but you do it as an expression of love not only for Srila Prabhupada but also for your disciples
After all that is said you would at least hope that your disciples would reciprocate in the same way!
I can only imagine how much of a worry it would have been to then see the vaccine controversies affecting your disciples in various ways, what to speak of the ongoing situation between Ukraine and Russia. The ongoing heartbreaks and headaches as a spiritual father you have to deal with leave me feeling deeply appreciative of your service.
Recent experiences through outreach and the contrasting experience of visiting the dhams have given me some insight into how messed the West is. By their activities here people are destroying both their physiology and psychology by their teens and when transitioning into devotional life it’s safe to say that it’s no easy journey. The deep self-harm caused by such an individual may impair them throughout the course of their life to a more gross or subtle degree. The statements you and others have made that “the ashram system acts as a hospital” for those who desire rehabilitation and that “to preach in the west - be sure to bring a doctor and psychologist with you” is beginning to make more sense.
Despite such a daunting social environment you have chosen to set up shop and what amazing work you have accomplished! Managing those that come from individualistic and mentally afflicted New Zealand to have what you have now is simply wonderful. On top of that it’s no easy feat to manage volunteers who aren’t getting paid to serve and who are still developing love and loyalty to you. To do so certainly must require a high level of transcendental intelligence. But more than that, a transcendental character profile that inspires others to give their time and energy for the service of Lord Caitanya.
How pleased Srila Prabhupada must be to have a disciple such as yourself who has picked up the reins of the Western Outreach Project where he left them and is riding it like an expert charioteer.
With all that said, I thank you for allowing me to be admitted to your Bhakti hospital and I will try to be a cooperative patient. Not only with you but also my fellow patients who are better, similar in health or worse (if that’s possible) than I. Analogy aside, I hope that I can somehow please you with my insignificant service. My capacity is small and I wish I could do more. If possible, I humbly request for you to help me become a more effective, more efficient instrument in executing your will.
Your aspiring servant,
Manobhirama Dasa
Mantramala dd.
Hare Krishna GD,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I wish you a fine Vyasa-puja day and new year in your life.
Ys MMdd.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I wish you a fine Vyasa-puja day and new year in your life.
Ys MMdd.
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
In my self-centred material consciousness I am always trying to imitate Krishna through my perfectionism. How can I appear to be better than what I really am by how I behave, what I say and what I do? Today is always a stark reminder of the reality. That I am a spiritual toddler, obsessed with my own mind. I must reluctantly admit that my heart is so hard, I struggle to express my gratitude and instead write words of self-loathing.
I was so enlivened by your presence in Wales this year. Your compassion and energy are fathomless. Bhakti is flourishing in Cardiff and it is your instruction, careful guidance and loving affection at the root. This is being channeled by your trusted servants who are creating a sanctuary for the battered, desperate and lonely Kali-yugaites with nowhere else to go. I pray only for your blessing that I may continue to serve those servants.
You always know what to say to awaken love for Krishna in the hearts of those who hear your words. I beg forgiveness that I don't listen to those words more often. Please do not give up on this slow-boat disciple of yours. All I want is to be of some use to you, Srila Prabhupada and the devotees.
Your grateful 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
In my self-centred material consciousness I am always trying to imitate Krishna through my perfectionism. How can I appear to be better than what I really am by how I behave, what I say and what I do? Today is always a stark reminder of the reality. That I am a spiritual toddler, obsessed with my own mind. I must reluctantly admit that my heart is so hard, I struggle to express my gratitude and instead write words of self-loathing.
I was so enlivened by your presence in Wales this year. Your compassion and energy are fathomless. Bhakti is flourishing in Cardiff and it is your instruction, careful guidance and loving affection at the root. This is being channeled by your trusted servants who are creating a sanctuary for the battered, desperate and lonely Kali-yugaites with nowhere else to go. I pray only for your blessing that I may continue to serve those servants.
You always know what to say to awaken love for Krishna in the hearts of those who hear your words. I beg forgiveness that I don't listen to those words more often. Please do not give up on this slow-boat disciple of yours. All I want is to be of some use to you, Srila Prabhupada and the devotees.
Your grateful servant,
Mantriraja Dasa
Meira (Radhika Prasad Das and Kamala Prasad Devi Dasi's daughter)
Dear Gurudev,
Happy Vyasa puja,
Today I would just like to say thank you for being the motivation and inspiration as I take little steps and little goals to improve my sadhana and service. As I enter my high school and teen years. I pray that you please bless me so that I can sustain the book distribution that I go out with my family every week and the waking up early to do my chanting. I do not know exactly how I will be able to do this but I will try my hardest Gurudev to sustain this. Reading Srila Prabhupad’s books has made me understand how I am part of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission that Prabhupad carried out and that you are carrying out. I pray that I can do something little in this mission as I make some efforts throughout my life.
Before I even think about sustaining my sadhana and service there are still many things I still am yet to learn. How to be humble, respectful and compassionate to others and a good person overall. I understand that these lessons will take some time to learn, but I also know that these are lessons that I have to work on early in my life especially as I start my teen years. I will try my best Gurudev to be a humble and compassionate person as I know I am not quite there yet.
So on this special occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I would like to say thank you for being that inspiration. I pray to Lord Narshima to keep you in good health so that you can continue your spiritual master’s mission.
Please accept my obeisances,
Your granddaughter,
Meira
Happy Vyasa puja,
Today I would just like to say thank you for being the motivation and inspiration as I take little steps and little goals to improve my sadhana and service. As I enter my high school and teen years. I pray that you please bless me so that I can sustain the book distribution that I go out with my family every week and the waking up early to do my chanting. I do not know exactly how I will be able to do this but I will try my hardest Gurudev to sustain this. Reading Srila Prabhupad’s books has made me understand how I am part of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission that Prabhupad carried out and that you are carrying out. I pray that I can do something little in this mission as I make some efforts throughout my life.
Before I even think about sustaining my sadhana and service there are still many things I still am yet to learn. How to be humble, respectful and compassionate to others and a good person overall. I understand that these lessons will take some time to learn, but I also know that these are lessons that I have to work on early in my life especially as I start my teen years. I will try my best Gurudev to be a humble and compassionate person as I know I am not quite there yet.
So on this special occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I would like to say thank you for being that inspiration. I pray to Lord Narshima to keep you in good health so that you can continue your spiritual master’s mission.
Please accept my obeisances,
Your granddaughter,
Meira
Merudevi devidasi
Namah Om VisnuPadayaKrishna PreshthayaBhutle,
SrimateDevamrita SwamiitiNaamine!
PracarePoorvaDaksham ca,Bhakta caraPraveenta,
PrarthatapiKarunyam, Yasyasarve ca tenamah!!
Dearmost Guru Maharaj,
Kindly accept my deepest and most respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to SriGurudev,
All glories to SrilaPrabhupada,
All glories to Guru Parampara
Hare Krishna!
When I started writing down my offerings, I was very confused where to start because how can unlimited mercy of my dear Gurudev can be put into words. I wrote and wiped several times because everytime I felt unsatiated but I have tried to join some of my realisations and gratitude into a garland of your glorification my dear Gurudev. . Dearmost Gurumaharaj, How can I verbalise my emotions and gratitude at your lotus feet that you gave place to a worm of stool at your lotus feet.
Arjuna said in Bhagwad Gita that mind is stronger than wind, but my spiritual father is expert in controlling not only his mind but his childrens' as well. During initiation, Gurudev you gave me such a beautiful name''Merudevi devidasi' this name is so close to my heart because my dear father has given this name to me and I wish I could use my spiritual name everywhere and everyone calls me by this name. But Gurudev, during initiation you, knowing that my mind was saying something else, mercifully explained to me that don’t worry I will read about this incarnation in canto 5. Gurudev, mind is so strong that it did not leave me and tried its best to force me to think that now I will never be able to hear the holyname of Krishna because my spiritual name belongs to another Loka not Krishna loka. Then I was feeling so sad and helpless and prayed to you and asked for forgiveness. As a loving mother immediately responds to a painful cry of the child. Gurudev you are so merciful that you immediately replied to my email and pacified my heart in a moment. And your pure words smashed my mind in a fraction of second to protect your child. Your mercy is incomparably higher than any stubborn dirt that any mind can have. Gurudev, your transcendental care is beyond insignificant words. I remember your statement that as a father’s mind goes with the daughters in-laws house after marriage, your heart goes with every daughter everywhere whether in father's house or a husband's house. Earlier I used to think if we chant the same holyname then what does it makes a difference after initiation. But now I started to realise that now my leash is in my eternal father’s hands. He has unlimited care which is impossible to measure with this material tongue. After initiation, whenever due to my past inclination to anger, greed, envy, fear and pride, I am carried away by my mind, and try to stretch the leash of my neck which is in your hands Gurudev, You collaboratively with Krishna put me into a situation then your instructions through your lectures or your representatives smash my mind and make me realize your instructions more and more deeply everytime. That’s how you control my mind in an extremely inconceivable way.
Dear father,' the association and causeless of pure vaisnava is unlimitedly potent, and I can realise a lot of change in the consciousness in me. Not only this Gurudev, In the personal darshan in last december, you had asked about elder son whether he chants? Where is he? why didnt he come with us?.. Gurudev, earlier he was almost averse to the KC but after you had shown concern for him, I could see incredible change in his consciousness that after 10 days of personal darshan, he came to me and asked why it happens that we get never satisfaction and also he asked why it is so that everyone desires their appreciation. Gurudev, although he was not present during personal darshan, just your words of care for him made a unbelievable change in his consciousness because I never saw him meditating on serious questions ever earlier, also that now he wants to chant, read and listen lectures of Vaishnavas. This impact is inconceivable. Same was on younger son, I always wanted him to do chanting and reading but after personal darshan he is so determined to read every day, and Gurudev your words are eternally truth, I can see a tremendous change in my husband’s support in Krishna consciousness. As you had mentioned , although he does not want to reveal visibly that he is supporting bhakti life style but he does that subtly.
Dear Gurudev, you are expert in putting the spiritual emotion into words. I recently heard from your lecture that bhaktas are destination conscious which makes them extraordinary. Apart from this, Vani association in form of instructions ' doing attentive chanting makes one happy even in most dangerous situation, guidance is the real wealth in bhakti,be introspective and be vigilant what’s happening in the heart' have become my life and soul, these are my most precious jewels, and new jewels keep on adding to my treasure every day. so I feel myself the richest with these jewels in form of your instructions Gurudev.
Gurudev, you are definitely a dear associate of the supreme and converse with Him. And your causeless mercy of is even more than inconceivable. When in the interview before initiation, you said that I can ask any question then I said Gurudev, I am blank at the moment. You smiled at this reply, and when you asked whether my husband understands the philosophy I said no then your glance of unlimited mercy and compassion penetrated straight to the inner most core of my heart and you said don’t worry his support will benefit him. I was hundred percent sure that you would reject me because of all varieties of dirt in me, but I was not aware that your mercy is incomparably beyond any disqualification.
Gurudev your love for your Srila Prabhupada is always so motivating that it overwhelms my heart whenever I see how you explain his deepest mood in so jovial way, and your transcendental laughter used in Gauranga's service makes me feel more surrendered at your lotus feet. I always get overwhelmed by seeing your commitment and love for Srila prabhupada and his mission that you in this age you are so enthusiastic to help others. I beg you dear Gurudev, so that I can develop a tiny drop of that love for you and Krishna.
Last but not the least, thank you so much, Gurudev, for providing such a beautiful God family.
Your elder children have inherited the qualities from their father. Everytime, when I fall into a pitfall then your dear, obedient daughter, your representative HG Gopipremamrita devidasi gives her loving and caring hand and pulls me out. I was never aware of beautiful depth of these spiritual and eternal relations.
Guru Govind dono khade kake lagu paye, Balihari guru aapne govind deeyo dikhaye …..
after I came to Krisna consciousness, I heard the glories of the spiritual master from devotees, but Gurudev I started realising this verse in real sense after I received a place at your lotus feet that all of my understanding about God was mere speculation. I also remember I pleaded with you for mercy that I could hear the holyname. Then you stressed on the word “” practice”” . Since then, Gurudev, your mercy has been wiping out the wax of spiritual ears gradually. I realised Krishna can never be known without the mercy of the spiritual master. I see Krishna in form of your mercy, my dear father. I have also realised, gurudev, I don’t know anything about Krishna but I feel deep inner joy glorifying you.
Gurudev, I was not contented fully after glorifying you on last vyasa pooja nor am I today because a worm of stool cannot understand and glorifyy the depth of qualities of a royal king however and whatsoever it may try.Again my heart is not satisfied glorifying you Gurudev. It is so painful to wind up the offerings at your lotus feet, which I wish I could continue forever in each birth, so with heavy heart I have to conclude my offering for you, Gurudev.
I am pleading for your mercy Gurudev, please never reject me, you punish me, chastise me whatever you desire but please never reject me. Engage my mind in your service in each and every birth. Never allow me to forget your mission even for a single moment, if you desire so. Your mercy is the only hope for my disease of material desires and fears.
Completely dependent on your mercy,
Your helpless daughter
Merudevi devidasi.
SrimateDevamrita SwamiitiNaamine!
PracarePoorvaDaksham ca,Bhakta caraPraveenta,
PrarthatapiKarunyam, Yasyasarve ca tenamah!!
Dearmost Guru Maharaj,
Kindly accept my deepest and most respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to SriGurudev,
All glories to SrilaPrabhupada,
All glories to Guru Parampara
Hare Krishna!
When I started writing down my offerings, I was very confused where to start because how can unlimited mercy of my dear Gurudev can be put into words. I wrote and wiped several times because everytime I felt unsatiated but I have tried to join some of my realisations and gratitude into a garland of your glorification my dear Gurudev. . Dearmost Gurumaharaj, How can I verbalise my emotions and gratitude at your lotus feet that you gave place to a worm of stool at your lotus feet.
Arjuna said in Bhagwad Gita that mind is stronger than wind, but my spiritual father is expert in controlling not only his mind but his childrens' as well. During initiation, Gurudev you gave me such a beautiful name''Merudevi devidasi' this name is so close to my heart because my dear father has given this name to me and I wish I could use my spiritual name everywhere and everyone calls me by this name. But Gurudev, during initiation you, knowing that my mind was saying something else, mercifully explained to me that don’t worry I will read about this incarnation in canto 5. Gurudev, mind is so strong that it did not leave me and tried its best to force me to think that now I will never be able to hear the holyname of Krishna because my spiritual name belongs to another Loka not Krishna loka. Then I was feeling so sad and helpless and prayed to you and asked for forgiveness. As a loving mother immediately responds to a painful cry of the child. Gurudev you are so merciful that you immediately replied to my email and pacified my heart in a moment. And your pure words smashed my mind in a fraction of second to protect your child. Your mercy is incomparably higher than any stubborn dirt that any mind can have. Gurudev, your transcendental care is beyond insignificant words. I remember your statement that as a father’s mind goes with the daughters in-laws house after marriage, your heart goes with every daughter everywhere whether in father's house or a husband's house. Earlier I used to think if we chant the same holyname then what does it makes a difference after initiation. But now I started to realise that now my leash is in my eternal father’s hands. He has unlimited care which is impossible to measure with this material tongue. After initiation, whenever due to my past inclination to anger, greed, envy, fear and pride, I am carried away by my mind, and try to stretch the leash of my neck which is in your hands Gurudev, You collaboratively with Krishna put me into a situation then your instructions through your lectures or your representatives smash my mind and make me realize your instructions more and more deeply everytime. That’s how you control my mind in an extremely inconceivable way.
Dear father,' the association and causeless of pure vaisnava is unlimitedly potent, and I can realise a lot of change in the consciousness in me. Not only this Gurudev, In the personal darshan in last december, you had asked about elder son whether he chants? Where is he? why didnt he come with us?.. Gurudev, earlier he was almost averse to the KC but after you had shown concern for him, I could see incredible change in his consciousness that after 10 days of personal darshan, he came to me and asked why it happens that we get never satisfaction and also he asked why it is so that everyone desires their appreciation. Gurudev, although he was not present during personal darshan, just your words of care for him made a unbelievable change in his consciousness because I never saw him meditating on serious questions ever earlier, also that now he wants to chant, read and listen lectures of Vaishnavas. This impact is inconceivable. Same was on younger son, I always wanted him to do chanting and reading but after personal darshan he is so determined to read every day, and Gurudev your words are eternally truth, I can see a tremendous change in my husband’s support in Krishna consciousness. As you had mentioned , although he does not want to reveal visibly that he is supporting bhakti life style but he does that subtly.
Dear Gurudev, you are expert in putting the spiritual emotion into words. I recently heard from your lecture that bhaktas are destination conscious which makes them extraordinary. Apart from this, Vani association in form of instructions ' doing attentive chanting makes one happy even in most dangerous situation, guidance is the real wealth in bhakti,be introspective and be vigilant what’s happening in the heart' have become my life and soul, these are my most precious jewels, and new jewels keep on adding to my treasure every day. so I feel myself the richest with these jewels in form of your instructions Gurudev.
Gurudev, you are definitely a dear associate of the supreme and converse with Him. And your causeless mercy of is even more than inconceivable. When in the interview before initiation, you said that I can ask any question then I said Gurudev, I am blank at the moment. You smiled at this reply, and when you asked whether my husband understands the philosophy I said no then your glance of unlimited mercy and compassion penetrated straight to the inner most core of my heart and you said don’t worry his support will benefit him. I was hundred percent sure that you would reject me because of all varieties of dirt in me, but I was not aware that your mercy is incomparably beyond any disqualification.
Gurudev your love for your Srila Prabhupada is always so motivating that it overwhelms my heart whenever I see how you explain his deepest mood in so jovial way, and your transcendental laughter used in Gauranga's service makes me feel more surrendered at your lotus feet. I always get overwhelmed by seeing your commitment and love for Srila prabhupada and his mission that you in this age you are so enthusiastic to help others. I beg you dear Gurudev, so that I can develop a tiny drop of that love for you and Krishna.
Last but not the least, thank you so much, Gurudev, for providing such a beautiful God family.
Your elder children have inherited the qualities from their father. Everytime, when I fall into a pitfall then your dear, obedient daughter, your representative HG Gopipremamrita devidasi gives her loving and caring hand and pulls me out. I was never aware of beautiful depth of these spiritual and eternal relations.
Guru Govind dono khade kake lagu paye, Balihari guru aapne govind deeyo dikhaye …..
after I came to Krisna consciousness, I heard the glories of the spiritual master from devotees, but Gurudev I started realising this verse in real sense after I received a place at your lotus feet that all of my understanding about God was mere speculation. I also remember I pleaded with you for mercy that I could hear the holyname. Then you stressed on the word “” practice”” . Since then, Gurudev, your mercy has been wiping out the wax of spiritual ears gradually. I realised Krishna can never be known without the mercy of the spiritual master. I see Krishna in form of your mercy, my dear father. I have also realised, gurudev, I don’t know anything about Krishna but I feel deep inner joy glorifying you.
Gurudev, I was not contented fully after glorifying you on last vyasa pooja nor am I today because a worm of stool cannot understand and glorifyy the depth of qualities of a royal king however and whatsoever it may try.Again my heart is not satisfied glorifying you Gurudev. It is so painful to wind up the offerings at your lotus feet, which I wish I could continue forever in each birth, so with heavy heart I have to conclude my offering for you, Gurudev.
I am pleading for your mercy Gurudev, please never reject me, you punish me, chastise me whatever you desire but please never reject me. Engage my mind in your service in each and every birth. Never allow me to forget your mission even for a single moment, if you desire so. Your mercy is the only hope for my disease of material desires and fears.
Completely dependent on your mercy,
Your helpless daughter
Merudevi devidasi.
Muchukunda Menheere
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear gurudeva
Lately Ishvari Keshavi and I have been reflecting on the quality of respect.
We heard from one of your godbrothers that it means to look again or look deeper.
We've been looking deeper at the impact of your service to the aspiring vaishnava community and to our lives personally.
We were talking today about the uniquely pukka devotees you have cultivated through your leadership.
It is your hands on training and involvement that has caused the earths most effective centers for fulfilling on the 7 purposes of our movement - specifically, the first one; to systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life, and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
What you're up to matters more than anything else on this earth - indeed this concern is held by persons far beyond earth such as Narada and even Krsna Himself.
In your book bhakti bhava, you explain how to be happy - by asking the question "where is the service opportunity?"
This is a potentially life changing statement.
Actually, your every word has the potential to transform the life of a sincere listener.
Please bless us that we become sincere listeners and service minded devotees like yourself.
Your servants,
Muchukunda das and Ishvari Keshavi devi dasi
Dear gurudeva
Lately Ishvari Keshavi and I have been reflecting on the quality of respect.
We heard from one of your godbrothers that it means to look again or look deeper.
We've been looking deeper at the impact of your service to the aspiring vaishnava community and to our lives personally.
We were talking today about the uniquely pukka devotees you have cultivated through your leadership.
It is your hands on training and involvement that has caused the earths most effective centers for fulfilling on the 7 purposes of our movement - specifically, the first one; to systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life, and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
What you're up to matters more than anything else on this earth - indeed this concern is held by persons far beyond earth such as Narada and even Krsna Himself.
In your book bhakti bhava, you explain how to be happy - by asking the question "where is the service opportunity?"
This is a potentially life changing statement.
Actually, your every word has the potential to transform the life of a sincere listener.
Please bless us that we become sincere listeners and service minded devotees like yourself.
Your servants,
Muchukunda das and Ishvari Keshavi devi dasi
Mula Karana DD
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my most humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to gurudev on this very special auspicious day of your appearance.
Hare Krishna gurudev, I like to take this opportunity again to thank you very much for your outreach programs and preaching and your mercy to all including myself. Last couple of years were certainly a lot of change and challenges. I have learned tremendously as a person and as someone desperately trying to be Krishna conscious. I am very grateful for you for the valuable opportunity to serve in Mantra Lounge at Philadelphia. The experience has helped me grow as a person practicing krsna consciousness. It has helped me chant better. it has helped me see every living entity as spirit soul. It has helped me seriously pray to Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu . It has helped me take deeper shelter of the Lord!
Guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja. I thank Sri Krsna very much every second every day for His causeless mercy for this fallen soul. But I am more thankful for your lotus feet. Without your mercy, I would not be where I am now. Thank you so so very much gurudev for everything!
Sincerely, MKDD YAS
Please accept my most humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to gurudev on this very special auspicious day of your appearance.
Hare Krishna gurudev, I like to take this opportunity again to thank you very much for your outreach programs and preaching and your mercy to all including myself. Last couple of years were certainly a lot of change and challenges. I have learned tremendously as a person and as someone desperately trying to be Krishna conscious. I am very grateful for you for the valuable opportunity to serve in Mantra Lounge at Philadelphia. The experience has helped me grow as a person practicing krsna consciousness. It has helped me chant better. it has helped me see every living entity as spirit soul. It has helped me seriously pray to Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu . It has helped me take deeper shelter of the Lord!
Guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja. I thank Sri Krsna very much every second every day for His causeless mercy for this fallen soul. But I am more thankful for your lotus feet. Without your mercy, I would not be where I am now. Thank you so so very much gurudev for everything!
Sincerely, MKDD YAS
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 wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja
I first met you in 1997 at a program in the traveling Brahmacari ashram in Hamilton. It was a ‘chance’ meeting that would change my life forever!! And even in my sense enjoying intoxicated state I could tell you were like no one i had ever met before.
I remember you glided into the room, taking in the faces of everyone present there. You looked me and Sruti-cari over and then turned to the senior Brahmacari, Ameyatma prabhu, and said “So, what have we here”. Sweeping your hand in our direction as you said it. I must admit I had never been called a ‘what’ before so I was quite startled and did not know what to think.
Ameyatma prabhu identified me as ‘the one with all the questions’ and my wife as ‘the one who likes prasadam’. And to our surprise you seemed familiar with us, as if you had heard about us even though we had never met you before?! And somehow or other, I knew at that moment that you were going to be my Spiritual master, my teacher, my guide, my inspiration, the person that would keep me in line. I knew right from that first meeting Guru Maharaja.
That was 25 years ago now and still I continue to need all those forms of your guidance.
On your recent visit to Wellington. You stayed in our apartment for 2 weeks and this was the biggest blessing for us. When we got this apartment we sincerely hoped you would come and stay here . We wanted to serve you by providing a facility that would somehow meet your needs. So thank you for coming Guru Maharaja and please come again.
As I reflect on the year just gone, the highs and the lows, the breakthroughs and the set backs, the spiritual realisations and the material overpowerings, I can't help but think of the wonderful example you set Guru Maharaja. Your personal example, your exemplary character, your spotless determination, your overwhelming selflessness, your desire to always serve your Guru Maharaja, and your perfect example of never being ‘Haunted by the ghosts of worldliness’. You are a living example of ‘Prabhupada’s books are the basis’. You live and breathe the divine books of Srila Prabhupada.
On top of your amazing qualities, you also have such an empowered way of presenting this knowledge to others. I was sitting in the two Soulfeast talks you gave in Wellington recently. And its nothing short of breathtaking to whiteness first hand the way you present this knowledge. You have no notes, nothing written down to read or look at. But what you say is a continuous flow of nectar, the rise and fall of your voice, your use of the English language, the perfectly on point examples you give, your humour and your sense of where the audience is at. All these things together make me think every time “Wow, if I wasn’t practicing Krsna consciousness already then just by hearing this talk I would definitely start today!!”
Once again Guru Maharaja, thank you for your guidance, direction and patience.
Your disciple and spiritual son and ever grateful ‘What’,
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 wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja
I first met you in 1997 at a program in the traveling Brahmacari ashram in Hamilton. It was a ‘chance’ meeting that would change my life forever!! And even in my sense enjoying intoxicated state I could tell you were like no one i had ever met before.
I remember you glided into the room, taking in the faces of everyone present there. You looked me and Sruti-cari over and then turned to the senior Brahmacari, Ameyatma prabhu, and said “So, what have we here”. Sweeping your hand in our direction as you said it. I must admit I had never been called a ‘what’ before so I was quite startled and did not know what to think.
Ameyatma prabhu identified me as ‘the one with all the questions’ and my wife as ‘the one who likes prasadam’. And to our surprise you seemed familiar with us, as if you had heard about us even though we had never met you before?! And somehow or other, I knew at that moment that you were going to be my Spiritual master, my teacher, my guide, my inspiration, the person that would keep me in line. I knew right from that first meeting Guru Maharaja.
That was 25 years ago now and still I continue to need all those forms of your guidance.
On your recent visit to Wellington. You stayed in our apartment for 2 weeks and this was the biggest blessing for us. When we got this apartment we sincerely hoped you would come and stay here . We wanted to serve you by providing a facility that would somehow meet your needs. So thank you for coming Guru Maharaja and please come again.
As I reflect on the year just gone, the highs and the lows, the breakthroughs and the set backs, the spiritual realisations and the material overpowerings, I can't help but think of the wonderful example you set Guru Maharaja. Your personal example, your exemplary character, your spotless determination, your overwhelming selflessness, your desire to always serve your Guru Maharaja, and your perfect example of never being ‘Haunted by the ghosts of worldliness’. You are a living example of ‘Prabhupada’s books are the basis’. You live and breathe the divine books of Srila Prabhupada.
On top of your amazing qualities, you also have such an empowered way of presenting this knowledge to others. I was sitting in the two Soulfeast talks you gave in Wellington recently. And its nothing short of breathtaking to whiteness first hand the way you present this knowledge. You have no notes, nothing written down to read or look at. But what you say is a continuous flow of nectar, the rise and fall of your voice, your use of the English language, the perfectly on point examples you give, your humour and your sense of where the audience is at. All these things together make me think every time “Wow, if I wasn’t practicing Krsna consciousness already then just by hearing this talk I would definitely start today!!”
Once again Guru Maharaja, thank you for your guidance, direction and patience.
Your disciple and spiritual son and ever grateful ‘What’,
Muni-cari dasa.
Munjaranya dd
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day!
Following in the footsteps of your divine spiritual master, you are constantly urging us to give up our vain endeavor for happiness and satisfaction in matter. You expertly package the message of the Bhagavatam in a way that is just suitable to the material make-up of your audience. You are patiently and persistently impressing upon us the perils of material ocean and the urgency of mounting the lifeboat of devotional service.
Unfazed by the dullard public of Kali yuga, you are marching on undeterred; fulfilling the desire of the predecessor acarayas. You have firm conviction in the mercy of Lord Caitanya and you are teaching us the simple and sublime program of the guru parampara – chant Hare Krishna, don’t be mental, engage in devotional service & assist in the sankirtan mission. You are always shining the light on the untainted goal of selfless devotional service to the guru Parampara, illuminating the path by your own glorious example.
You offer encouragement to everyone, where ever they are at, moving them onward towards selfless devotional service. Just a little bit of your association, clears our fog of doubts, relieves us of mental encumbrances and inspires us to move ahead in our spiritual life.
Gurudeva, your exalted qualities are beyond the range of my understanding. Whatever little I see of your qualities; I am simply amazed. You verily personify the qualities that we read about in Bhagavatam…gentleness, gravity, kindness, expertise, tolerance, forgiving, compassion; the list of your exalted qualities goes on.
By your merciful association, we get a tiny glimpse into the nectarean world of Vaisnava relationships. Gurudeva, you are our window to the spiritual world and you are working hard to take us there. Through you we can factually see, that the Holy name is infinitely relishable and that selfless service is the way to completely fulfill the heart. You are ever so merciful to present to us the highest gift of pure love of Krishna. Yet, I am so unfortunate that I am not able to accept this gift. The bhakti ocean is a distant sight, and I have no qualification whatsoever to approach it. I am begging for your mercy to have a sprinkle of one drop of the nectarean ocean of Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan mission, so that I may also be able to render some service at your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Munjaranya dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious day!
Following in the footsteps of your divine spiritual master, you are constantly urging us to give up our vain endeavor for happiness and satisfaction in matter. You expertly package the message of the Bhagavatam in a way that is just suitable to the material make-up of your audience. You are patiently and persistently impressing upon us the perils of material ocean and the urgency of mounting the lifeboat of devotional service.
Unfazed by the dullard public of Kali yuga, you are marching on undeterred; fulfilling the desire of the predecessor acarayas. You have firm conviction in the mercy of Lord Caitanya and you are teaching us the simple and sublime program of the guru parampara – chant Hare Krishna, don’t be mental, engage in devotional service & assist in the sankirtan mission. You are always shining the light on the untainted goal of selfless devotional service to the guru Parampara, illuminating the path by your own glorious example.
You offer encouragement to everyone, where ever they are at, moving them onward towards selfless devotional service. Just a little bit of your association, clears our fog of doubts, relieves us of mental encumbrances and inspires us to move ahead in our spiritual life.
Gurudeva, your exalted qualities are beyond the range of my understanding. Whatever little I see of your qualities; I am simply amazed. You verily personify the qualities that we read about in Bhagavatam…gentleness, gravity, kindness, expertise, tolerance, forgiving, compassion; the list of your exalted qualities goes on.
By your merciful association, we get a tiny glimpse into the nectarean world of Vaisnava relationships. Gurudeva, you are our window to the spiritual world and you are working hard to take us there. Through you we can factually see, that the Holy name is infinitely relishable and that selfless service is the way to completely fulfill the heart. You are ever so merciful to present to us the highest gift of pure love of Krishna. Yet, I am so unfortunate that I am not able to accept this gift. The bhakti ocean is a distant sight, and I have no qualification whatsoever to approach it. I am begging for your mercy to have a sprinkle of one drop of the nectarean ocean of Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan mission, so that I may also be able to render some service at your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Munjaranya dd
Nagaraja Nitai das
Dearest Guru Maharaja,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance. Within the past one year I have moved three times and experienced numerous internal and external changes. I was considering, what is it that kept me stable throughout these experiences? It is your instructions Guru Maharaja, your transcendental rock-like instructions, to which I can anchor myself.
I am an oscillating infinitesimal jiva soul—rising from the abyss of maya to gasp for air only to sink again into the darkness of duality. Sometimes I am proud & foolish, sometimes humble & astute. Sometimes I am empowered—sometimes I am weak. Your instructions, however, are the mountain within this ocean of material energy. This mountain is never affected by the sloshing of waves or the rise & fall of the tides.
You very gracefully and mercifully share these instructions for all jivas to benefit, because you are full in Krsna’s love. Your personal instructions to me, however, I consider to be the most precious of transcedental rocks—the crown shining jewel on which I strive to focus. Your instructions are inconspicuous—often only a few words in length. This is most wonderful because the most precious things are inconspicuous, lest they be misunderstood by those unqualified. Some might foolishly perceive the mighty Bhishmadeva as a blasphemous heretic who tried to kill God’s dear friend Arjuna, but the truth is that Bhishmadeva is a most confidential lover of the Lord.
Guru Maharaja, on this merciful day of your appearance, I humbly beg you to please establish me within the bejeweled pedestal under your transcendental lotus feet.
Your tiny servant,
Nagaraja Nitai das
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance. Within the past one year I have moved three times and experienced numerous internal and external changes. I was considering, what is it that kept me stable throughout these experiences? It is your instructions Guru Maharaja, your transcendental rock-like instructions, to which I can anchor myself.
I am an oscillating infinitesimal jiva soul—rising from the abyss of maya to gasp for air only to sink again into the darkness of duality. Sometimes I am proud & foolish, sometimes humble & astute. Sometimes I am empowered—sometimes I am weak. Your instructions, however, are the mountain within this ocean of material energy. This mountain is never affected by the sloshing of waves or the rise & fall of the tides.
You very gracefully and mercifully share these instructions for all jivas to benefit, because you are full in Krsna’s love. Your personal instructions to me, however, I consider to be the most precious of transcedental rocks—the crown shining jewel on which I strive to focus. Your instructions are inconspicuous—often only a few words in length. This is most wonderful because the most precious things are inconspicuous, lest they be misunderstood by those unqualified. Some might foolishly perceive the mighty Bhishmadeva as a blasphemous heretic who tried to kill God’s dear friend Arjuna, but the truth is that Bhishmadeva is a most confidential lover of the Lord.
Guru Maharaja, on this merciful day of your appearance, I humbly beg you to please establish me within the bejeweled pedestal under your transcendental lotus feet.
Your tiny servant,
Nagaraja Nitai das
Nanda-Patni dd
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your divine appearance.
Your warmth smile and loving eyes give me strength to keep practicing Krishna Consciousness. In your inspiring classes you stress this point; if a devotee was to go back into maya; what would you be doing...? I pray not to give that a second thought. Maya seemingly presents so many options but they are futile, you remind me again and again.
In my most recent Darshan you gave me your endless compassion & understanding. Not for a second did I not feel safe & reassured being with you. Your direct association is so special but as I have been reminded, trying to follow your vani is the key to success. I wish to follow your instructions with sincere determination, qualities you have stressed are paramount to keep us engaged in Krishna's service.
In one of your recent classes at Bhakti Lounge you spoke on the service of cultivation & giving Krishna to others. There was one particular point which struck me, you said: "We are picking these people out from the gutter." My heart felt heavy as it slowly dawned on me that that is exactly what you did for me Gurudeva. "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." Vande guroh sri caranaravindam.
It takes gallons of blood, sweat & tears to make one devotee. Therefore it will take a lot of mercy to make me one someday too. I pray that I can be of some service to you by giving Krishna to those who don't know about Him. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita; "I am asking you to tell me for certain what is best for me." I need constant reminder of my duty because I have the tendency to forget.
I have heard that when you see a pure Vaisnava, you are reminded of Krishna & your relationship with Him: jivera svarupa haya - krsnera nitya-dasa. Thank you for inspiring me in all areas of service. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to try and serve you & your devotees. I hope to have a long life in Krishna's service under your shelter. Wishing to please you.
Your aspiring servant & daughter,
Nanda-Patni devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your divine appearance.
Your warmth smile and loving eyes give me strength to keep practicing Krishna Consciousness. In your inspiring classes you stress this point; if a devotee was to go back into maya; what would you be doing...? I pray not to give that a second thought. Maya seemingly presents so many options but they are futile, you remind me again and again.
In my most recent Darshan you gave me your endless compassion & understanding. Not for a second did I not feel safe & reassured being with you. Your direct association is so special but as I have been reminded, trying to follow your vani is the key to success. I wish to follow your instructions with sincere determination, qualities you have stressed are paramount to keep us engaged in Krishna's service.
In one of your recent classes at Bhakti Lounge you spoke on the service of cultivation & giving Krishna to others. There was one particular point which struck me, you said: "We are picking these people out from the gutter." My heart felt heavy as it slowly dawned on me that that is exactly what you did for me Gurudeva. "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." Vande guroh sri caranaravindam.
It takes gallons of blood, sweat & tears to make one devotee. Therefore it will take a lot of mercy to make me one someday too. I pray that I can be of some service to you by giving Krishna to those who don't know about Him. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita; "I am asking you to tell me for certain what is best for me." I need constant reminder of my duty because I have the tendency to forget.
I have heard that when you see a pure Vaisnava, you are reminded of Krishna & your relationship with Him: jivera svarupa haya - krsnera nitya-dasa. Thank you for inspiring me in all areas of service. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to try and serve you & your devotees. I hope to have a long life in Krishna's service under your shelter. Wishing to please you.
Your aspiring servant & daughter,
Nanda-Patni devi dasi
Nanda-gehini devi dasi
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja. Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special day let me thank you for your boundless love for all of us. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your calmness. Thank you for the light that is coming from you. Thank you for never getting tired of sharing invaluable knowledge about Krsna with us. You are the true acharya for me. I respect and love you very much.
Your fortunate and grateful servant Nanda gehini devi dasi.
On this special day let me thank you for your boundless love for all of us. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your calmness. Thank you for the light that is coming from you. Thank you for never getting tired of sharing invaluable knowledge about Krsna with us. You are the true acharya for me. I respect and love you very much.
Your fortunate and grateful servant Nanda gehini devi dasi.
Narasimha Nama das
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur-unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humblest of obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja!
This year I have meditated heavily on what it means to be spiritually resilient especially through the inevitable volatility of the material world. The flux of the winter and summer seasons as Krishna describes in the Bhagavad Gita was definitely felt by me recently and out of my foolish ego tried to battle it on my own. Failing to win and foolishly ignoring the fact that I have the undeserving spiritual access to you I was bound to fail. When I came to my senses and reached out to you I knew everything would be ok. The depth of your heartfelt compassion can be felt through very few words and is a shelter I am eternally grateful for. It’s a shelter I cannot survive without and the large scope of your shelter astonishes me.
From your youth you never gave up on the mission of spreading Krishna Consciousness regardless of the arduous challenges you faced. Whether it be the volatile early days of ISKCON or the cold, rigid soviet era of eastern Europe – you never backed down, you never gave up and you always rose to the fight.
I have seen you channel this same mood in encouraging disciples in their spiritual life despite the challenge, pushing them never to give up the fight – after all, the treasure house of Bhakti is the only thing really worth fight for. Your steadfast example coupled with your hope giving guidance has made me feel that anything is possible under your shelter and I know this to be true. You tactfully display the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the modern world continuously climbing trees to find the hard to reach fruits and giving them a chance.
Thank you Gurudeva for providing this eternal, comforting, hope giving shelter to me for which has truly changed the trajectory of my life as I am witness to it every day.
Deeply praying I can become the disciple you desire me to be, one that fights despite the chaos and never backs down.
Your servant forever,
Narasimha Nama das
Narottam Patil
Dear Gurudev,
Thank you for being very kind to me. You think of me as your own grandson which I really like. You had said in a Bhagavatam class that we have a very short life span. Please give me your blessings on this most auspicious day so I can become better in my spiritual life.
Your humble servant,
Bhakta Narottam
Thank you for being very kind to me. You think of me as your own grandson which I really like. You had said in a Bhagavatam class that we have a very short life span. Please give me your blessings on this most auspicious day so I can become better in my spiritual life.
Your humble servant,
Bhakta Narottam
Nava-gaurī dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari [Krishna].
In the word for word translation to this part of Sri Gurvastakam it Sais: hari-tvena—with the quality of Hari.
As the most confidential servitor of Hari, the spiritual master has the same qualities as Hari. Those qualities of Krsna are chanted about by Ananta-sesa with unlimited mouths since time immemorial and he never finds an end. Because of your association with Krsna, you have assumed those qualities. If even Ananta-sesa cannot find an end in speaking about these transcendental qualities and glories, how am I supposed to even scratch the surface?
Nonetheless, this is a humble attempt to chant your glories, for your pleasure and my purification.
Gurudeva, I am so grateful for your shelter. You and your disciples have saved me from samsara, the cycle of birth and death, from a purposeless, painful present life and from an even more hellish future. I wish I actually understood the impact of the lifestyle you engage me in.
Gurudeva, I want to understand. I want to fully grasp the impact that this mantra, this movement, this service has on the world. Please allow me to see. With that vision, I will be able to serve you, uninterrupted by material motivations. I am so sick of material existence. Well, not sick enough I guess, otherwise I wouldn't maintain all my material attachments...
I have no knowledge or devotion, nor do I even have much faith.
But I have excellent association. This is what carried me until now and it is what will eventually carry me back to Godhead. And you set up all those ashramas, mentor systems and communities just to make it easy for unqualified fools like me.
I cannot repay you for all your sacrifice. I can try by attempting to follow your instructions but my debt to you will never be repayed. That's actually a good thing for me I guess, an opportunity to serve you eternally, to always try harder, aspire for higher heights.
I want to beg your blessings to actually do it. I want to walk the talk; and not just be poetic once every year. With your mercy it is possible. With your mercy everything is possible.
Please forgive my shortcomings, of which there are many.
I'll work on them, I promise.
Your aspiring servant,
Nava-gaurī dd
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari [Krishna].
In the word for word translation to this part of Sri Gurvastakam it Sais: hari-tvena—with the quality of Hari.
As the most confidential servitor of Hari, the spiritual master has the same qualities as Hari. Those qualities of Krsna are chanted about by Ananta-sesa with unlimited mouths since time immemorial and he never finds an end. Because of your association with Krsna, you have assumed those qualities. If even Ananta-sesa cannot find an end in speaking about these transcendental qualities and glories, how am I supposed to even scratch the surface?
Nonetheless, this is a humble attempt to chant your glories, for your pleasure and my purification.
Gurudeva, I am so grateful for your shelter. You and your disciples have saved me from samsara, the cycle of birth and death, from a purposeless, painful present life and from an even more hellish future. I wish I actually understood the impact of the lifestyle you engage me in.
Gurudeva, I want to understand. I want to fully grasp the impact that this mantra, this movement, this service has on the world. Please allow me to see. With that vision, I will be able to serve you, uninterrupted by material motivations. I am so sick of material existence. Well, not sick enough I guess, otherwise I wouldn't maintain all my material attachments...
I have no knowledge or devotion, nor do I even have much faith.
But I have excellent association. This is what carried me until now and it is what will eventually carry me back to Godhead. And you set up all those ashramas, mentor systems and communities just to make it easy for unqualified fools like me.
I cannot repay you for all your sacrifice. I can try by attempting to follow your instructions but my debt to you will never be repayed. That's actually a good thing for me I guess, an opportunity to serve you eternally, to always try harder, aspire for higher heights.
I want to beg your blessings to actually do it. I want to walk the talk; and not just be poetic once every year. With your mercy it is possible. With your mercy everything is possible.
Please forgive my shortcomings, of which there are many.
I'll work on them, I promise.
Your aspiring servant,
Nava-gaurī dd
Navadvip 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
Dear Gurudev,
Since the last time I saw you, I went to India, I visited multiple holy places and saw many different dieties. After seeing such beautiful sights I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Gurudev I wanted to thank you granting me the mercy to be able to go and see these auspicious places. It has made me feel deeply grateful.
Thank you Gurudev.
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
Dear Gurudev,
Since the last time I saw you, I went to India, I visited multiple holy places and saw many different dieties. After seeing such beautiful sights I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Gurudev I wanted to thank you granting me the mercy to be able to go and see these auspicious places. It has made me feel deeply grateful.
Thank you Gurudev.
Nilacala Chandra Das, Honolulu, Hawaii
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Guru Maharaj:
I offer my humble obeisance's and prayers to Your Holiness Lotus Feet. Your Holiness bestowed upon me with your unconditional mercy and gave me shelter at your lotus feet. Your Holiness lectures drive inspiration in me and motivate me to constantly think of The Supreme Lord in my routine activities. In this material world, Your Holiness blessed me with the solution to overcome miseries by Chanting The Holy Name and Maha mantra. I am getting old, and my material body constantly reminds me 'The Pain, suffering, disease and old age are the karmic results of my ego, and my past Karma'. The Answer is 'shelter at the lotus feet of Your Holiness'.
On this auspicious day, I Pray to The Supreme Lord Sri Jagannadha to continue showering His Lordship's Unconditional Mercy upon Your Holiness with excellent health and great strength always at all times and enabling Your Holiness to carry on the legacy of our founder Acharya Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada's mission.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear Guru Maharaj:
I offer my humble obeisance's and prayers to Your Holiness Lotus Feet. Your Holiness bestowed upon me with your unconditional mercy and gave me shelter at your lotus feet. Your Holiness lectures drive inspiration in me and motivate me to constantly think of The Supreme Lord in my routine activities. In this material world, Your Holiness blessed me with the solution to overcome miseries by Chanting The Holy Name and Maha mantra. I am getting old, and my material body constantly reminds me 'The Pain, suffering, disease and old age are the karmic results of my ego, and my past Karma'. The Answer is 'shelter at the lotus feet of Your Holiness'.
On this auspicious day, I Pray to The Supreme Lord Sri Jagannadha to continue showering His Lordship's Unconditional Mercy upon Your Holiness with excellent health and great strength always at all times and enabling Your Holiness to carry on the legacy of our founder Acharya Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada's mission.
Nisha Abrol
nama om vishnu padaya Krishna prasthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja.
Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to you for your extraordinary care, spiritual guidance and transcendental knowledge you provide me throughout the most challenging time of my life.
I’m so unfortunate that your vyasa puja is going to be celebrated here in Melbourne but I’m unable to serve you as I’m in India at the moment. I won’t be able to have your personal association.
O my spiritual father, please guide me and shower your causeless mercy upon me so that I can follow your instructions sincerely and I can serve you and the devotees with my whole heart. Please help me to get out of the darkness of this material world.
Thank you so much for being in my life and filling me with the ocean of inspiration to continue devotional service.
I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with a long and healthy life.
Hare Krishna!
Your daughter,
Nisha Abrol
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja.
Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to you for your extraordinary care, spiritual guidance and transcendental knowledge you provide me throughout the most challenging time of my life.
I’m so unfortunate that your vyasa puja is going to be celebrated here in Melbourne but I’m unable to serve you as I’m in India at the moment. I won’t be able to have your personal association.
O my spiritual father, please guide me and shower your causeless mercy upon me so that I can follow your instructions sincerely and I can serve you and the devotees with my whole heart. Please help me to get out of the darkness of this material world.
Thank you so much for being in my life and filling me with the ocean of inspiration to continue devotional service.
I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with a long and healthy life.
Hare Krishna!
Your daughter,
Nisha Abrol
Nishtha
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
shrimate Devamrita Swami
iti namine
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin
iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi-
pashcatya-desha-tarine
Hare Krishna Devamrita Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!!!!!
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Thank you for being a torch light of knowledge in my life leading by example, for your love, compassion and tolerance with me, for highlighting abilities in me that I can use in Krishna's service with your mercy.
saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka- trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
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.
No matter where I go, thank you for always being so warm and welcoming to me in your presence and giving me a sense of humour, warmth, belonging and shelter. Your presence is enough to ease whatever illusioned difficulties and pressures I may be facing in this temporary material world.
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi dhyāyan stuvaḿs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaḿ vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.
Thank you also so much for your encouragement and inspiration for me to do outreach preaching. On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, may you please bless me to always be engaged as an instrument in Caityania Mahaprabhu's movement, no matter what my circumstances are and to deepen my attachment, shelter and devotion to serving the devotees and the Holy Names.
Your aspiring servant,
Nishtha
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
shrimate Devamrita Swami
iti namine
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin
iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi-
pashcatya-desha-tarine
Hare Krishna Devamrita Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!!!!!
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Thank you for being a torch light of knowledge in my life leading by example, for your love, compassion and tolerance with me, for highlighting abilities in me that I can use in Krishna's service with your mercy.
saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka- trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
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.
No matter where I go, thank you for always being so warm and welcoming to me in your presence and giving me a sense of humour, warmth, belonging and shelter. Your presence is enough to ease whatever illusioned difficulties and pressures I may be facing in this temporary material world.
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi dhyāyan stuvaḿs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaḿ vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.
Thank you also so much for your encouragement and inspiration for me to do outreach preaching. On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, may you please bless me to always be engaged as an instrument in Caityania Mahaprabhu's movement, no matter what my circumstances are and to deepen my attachment, shelter and devotion to serving the devotees and the Holy Names.
Your aspiring servant,
Nishtha
Nitai Jivana dasa
Dear Gurudeva, all glories to you on this most auspicious day. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Śrila Prabhupāda.
_
You are my savior, Gurudeva.
I beg to submit how you have helped me.
In 2013, after some small initial insights into a deeper reality beyond the mind and body, a bitter false self-identity continued to pervade and poison me.
I was violent to myself, repressing the soul by causing pain to others.
The unbridled senses won over in any tiny attempt to restrain them.
The worker who is always engaged in work against the injunctions of the scripture, who is materialistic, obstinate, cheating and expert in insulting others, and who is lazy, always morose and procrastinating is said to be a worker in the mode of ignorance.
~ Bg. 18.28
I wanted to sober up and break free from this lowest of the gunas, but without knowledge of the soul, or at least an attempt at sattva-guna, I had no power to change.
It was an internal battle from the very beginning.
It can be turbulent now also because I so easily forget that my main purpose in life is to serve you.
Acting according to your instructions helps me to keep my lower desires in check.
It gives me the strength to tolerate and redirect the intensity and stand with what is good.
Krishna is all-good, and you are His bonafide representative.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for engaging me in your service.
Please help me cleanse my heart.
_
Still in Germany, during some experiences of relief and exhilaration, I was immediately prompted to speak and confess.
I had no realization, yet was not holding back.
I was a hypocrite.
Later, I stirred up speculative ideas and thrived on conspiracy madness.
Eventually, you made me give up these degrading attempts at knowledge.
You came to encourage me to rely on shastra when opening my mouth to speak.
You gave me clarity by nurturing trust in Vedic authority.
Though dealing with an impatient, restless, and impudent soul covered over by pride, you brought these two points closer together: Whom I thought I was and how I acted.
Please help me become more gentle and responsible, endeavoring to represent you and the previous acaryas.
I pray to grow in your service.
_
The decision to travel was a cry for something to change in my life.
I wanted to leave behind senseless endeavors for happiness through intoxication and lust.
I had enough of flying high, supposedly under the banner of spiritual life.
It was the same fallacy.
I got the idea, but it was not easy to cut loose from bad influences, and bad habits.
I became depressed at seeing this helpless state.
I had adopted some lingo but had no spiritual program.
I was truly cut off from Krishna.
Yet I thought I had something to give. I was prepared to share my voice.
You later cautioned me with this gravest lesson: First, learn to accept the proper authority. Follow the acaryas. Follow the etiquette. Align yourself, and become qualified.
These instructions were your mercy upon this fallen soul.
Thank you for lifting me up, Gurudeva.
_
I met the devotees at Gold Coast, Australia, and got a HiuH to study.
In Melbourne, your disciples Nirikeshari Prabhu and Dvija Pratambha Prabhu tolerated my pride.
They extended so much mercy toward me and encouraged me to read, associate and chant more.
Their selflessness and humility perplexed me.
After that, I went to Sridhama Mayapur, Sri Vrindavan Dhama, and Sri Jagannath Puri Dhama with the devotees, led by Keshava Prabhu.
Though entering these places prematurely, I began to develop a taste.
I was able to follow all the rules and regulations during the two months of my stay.
I was happy, but my sincerity had to be tested.
I had to choose bhakti.
_
When I went back to Germany I saw myself stumble and fall painfully. I lost track of whatever I was able to sustain during my time in India.
Seeing my painful state, Krishna Gopinath Prabhu kindly called me to New Zealand. He showed the compassion of a real friend.
Although I reached Bhakti Lounge, I had to meet you to make a definite turn toward Krishna.
I could not grasp, at the beginning of my stay, what you would come to instill in me powerfully - the faith to take shelter of devotee-sangha, to endeavor with determination to stay in this saintly association. To make the most of the bhakti program.
Please keep me alive on these points: Rendering service in Vaishnava-sangha. Hearing and chanting Krishna's glories together.
Please keep me alive on these points.
Please help me rid myself of the countless offenses that I have committed to the devotees, to yourself - offenses that keep me from hearing Krishna's name.
Please help me chant offensively.
_
I was a yoga teacher without life.
What did I mean to teach?
I brought with me my own fabricated system of spiritual life, and you simply poked a hole into the whole thing.
I was startled by how efficiently this happened. It took only a few words.
What to do with my life now?
You told me to study, repeat, and distribute Srila Prabhupāda's books.
Indeed, an effective procedure for a suffering patient.
Thank you for this expert treatment that set me on the auspicious bhakti path and gave me a direction, an instruction to hold on to.
You have helped me to enter devotional service.
You have taken my pride.
You are the one worthy to follow.
_
In all of this (and please forgive me for dragging on), meeting you, Gurudeva, has the most significance.
You pointed me toward Krishna.
You gave me faith in aspects of the bhakti lifestyle and culture that I was totally missing out on, disregarding, or misunderstanding.
I spun out a lot and had a lot to say.
Meeting you, I could sense that whatever it was that I was pondering, it wasn't worth pursuing.
I subscribed to ideas that were not in line with bhakti.
I thought I had come far but had it all mixed up.
Your ecstatic devotional presence dispelled the false notions and gave me a clear direction.
I did not grasp that service to Krishna is the main thing. I did not see it as a thing at all.
So far, I had only served myself.
Amazingly, You planted the bhakti seed when I finally was granted your darshan.
Regardless of what I had previously heard about yoga, you convinced me of the prime standing of bhakti.
You set things straight and removed what was not proper.
You spoke in a way that was gentle enough for me to take Krishna's message on, yet also potent enough to not just fly past my head.
Your care gave me the courage to let go of what was not useful.
You caught me off at moments when I had doubts and became offensive.
This is your mercy. You so perfectly helped this suffering soul.
I was fortunate enough to be in your sangha, Gurudeva.
You encouraged me to stay in the fire, feel at home, and give Bhakti Lounge a chance.
Your kirtans were taking all the heaviness away.
Hearing your lectures gave definite answers, and your program made it easier not to be mental.
Your mentoring system allowed me to accept guidance on a regular basis, for the first time in my life.
Please help me see the immense value in all of these arrangements.
Please help me develop a nice mood and service attitude.
Please help me treat Krishna's exalted devotees with great respect, invest in friendship and comradery, and get out of my way to extend help to those that I see struggling as I have been.
This life is now sustained by your instructions. I am nothing without your mercy.
I feel blissful being able to do something to please you, longing to grow more in your service.
Please help me dedicate myself more to Śrila Prabhupāda's books.
Make them go out through me, through more surrender and faith.
Your guidance and support are my real wealth.
Please give me courage and strength in my humble attempts to serve you in your magnificent spreading of Lord Caitanya's teachings.
_
All glories to you, Gurudeva.
You are safeguarding the spiritual well-being of the whole yatra.
You set the standard for our community to study Srila Prabhupāda's books seriously.
I am grateful for your keeping us protected in this way with your practical vision.
tatra bhāgavatān dharmān
śikṣed gurv-ātma-daivataḥ
amāyayānuvṛttyā yais
tuṣyed ātmātma-do hariḥ
Accepting the bona fide spiritual master as one's life and soul and worshipable deity, the disciple should learn from him the process of pure devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, the soul of all souls, is inclined to give Himself to His pure devotees. Therefore, the disciple should learn from the spiritual master to serve the Lord without duplicity and in such a faithful and favorable way that the Supreme Lord, being satisfied, will offer Himself to the faithful disciple.
~ Sri Prabuddha to Maharaja Nimi, SB 11.3.22
I came to New Zealand, sought shelter, and came to life. I pray to keep my vision fixed on your instructions.
All glories to you, Gurudeva.
Your aspiring servant,
Nitāi Jīvana dasa.
_
You are my savior, Gurudeva.
I beg to submit how you have helped me.
In 2013, after some small initial insights into a deeper reality beyond the mind and body, a bitter false self-identity continued to pervade and poison me.
I was violent to myself, repressing the soul by causing pain to others.
The unbridled senses won over in any tiny attempt to restrain them.
The worker who is always engaged in work against the injunctions of the scripture, who is materialistic, obstinate, cheating and expert in insulting others, and who is lazy, always morose and procrastinating is said to be a worker in the mode of ignorance.
~ Bg. 18.28
I wanted to sober up and break free from this lowest of the gunas, but without knowledge of the soul, or at least an attempt at sattva-guna, I had no power to change.
It was an internal battle from the very beginning.
It can be turbulent now also because I so easily forget that my main purpose in life is to serve you.
Acting according to your instructions helps me to keep my lower desires in check.
It gives me the strength to tolerate and redirect the intensity and stand with what is good.
Krishna is all-good, and you are His bonafide representative.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for engaging me in your service.
Please help me cleanse my heart.
_
Still in Germany, during some experiences of relief and exhilaration, I was immediately prompted to speak and confess.
I had no realization, yet was not holding back.
I was a hypocrite.
Later, I stirred up speculative ideas and thrived on conspiracy madness.
Eventually, you made me give up these degrading attempts at knowledge.
You came to encourage me to rely on shastra when opening my mouth to speak.
You gave me clarity by nurturing trust in Vedic authority.
Though dealing with an impatient, restless, and impudent soul covered over by pride, you brought these two points closer together: Whom I thought I was and how I acted.
Please help me become more gentle and responsible, endeavoring to represent you and the previous acaryas.
I pray to grow in your service.
_
The decision to travel was a cry for something to change in my life.
I wanted to leave behind senseless endeavors for happiness through intoxication and lust.
I had enough of flying high, supposedly under the banner of spiritual life.
It was the same fallacy.
I got the idea, but it was not easy to cut loose from bad influences, and bad habits.
I became depressed at seeing this helpless state.
I had adopted some lingo but had no spiritual program.
I was truly cut off from Krishna.
Yet I thought I had something to give. I was prepared to share my voice.
You later cautioned me with this gravest lesson: First, learn to accept the proper authority. Follow the acaryas. Follow the etiquette. Align yourself, and become qualified.
These instructions were your mercy upon this fallen soul.
Thank you for lifting me up, Gurudeva.
_
I met the devotees at Gold Coast, Australia, and got a HiuH to study.
In Melbourne, your disciples Nirikeshari Prabhu and Dvija Pratambha Prabhu tolerated my pride.
They extended so much mercy toward me and encouraged me to read, associate and chant more.
Their selflessness and humility perplexed me.
After that, I went to Sridhama Mayapur, Sri Vrindavan Dhama, and Sri Jagannath Puri Dhama with the devotees, led by Keshava Prabhu.
Though entering these places prematurely, I began to develop a taste.
I was able to follow all the rules and regulations during the two months of my stay.
I was happy, but my sincerity had to be tested.
I had to choose bhakti.
_
When I went back to Germany I saw myself stumble and fall painfully. I lost track of whatever I was able to sustain during my time in India.
Seeing my painful state, Krishna Gopinath Prabhu kindly called me to New Zealand. He showed the compassion of a real friend.
Although I reached Bhakti Lounge, I had to meet you to make a definite turn toward Krishna.
I could not grasp, at the beginning of my stay, what you would come to instill in me powerfully - the faith to take shelter of devotee-sangha, to endeavor with determination to stay in this saintly association. To make the most of the bhakti program.
Please keep me alive on these points: Rendering service in Vaishnava-sangha. Hearing and chanting Krishna's glories together.
Please keep me alive on these points.
Please help me rid myself of the countless offenses that I have committed to the devotees, to yourself - offenses that keep me from hearing Krishna's name.
Please help me chant offensively.
_
I was a yoga teacher without life.
What did I mean to teach?
I brought with me my own fabricated system of spiritual life, and you simply poked a hole into the whole thing.
I was startled by how efficiently this happened. It took only a few words.
What to do with my life now?
You told me to study, repeat, and distribute Srila Prabhupāda's books.
Indeed, an effective procedure for a suffering patient.
Thank you for this expert treatment that set me on the auspicious bhakti path and gave me a direction, an instruction to hold on to.
You have helped me to enter devotional service.
You have taken my pride.
You are the one worthy to follow.
_
In all of this (and please forgive me for dragging on), meeting you, Gurudeva, has the most significance.
You pointed me toward Krishna.
You gave me faith in aspects of the bhakti lifestyle and culture that I was totally missing out on, disregarding, or misunderstanding.
I spun out a lot and had a lot to say.
Meeting you, I could sense that whatever it was that I was pondering, it wasn't worth pursuing.
I subscribed to ideas that were not in line with bhakti.
I thought I had come far but had it all mixed up.
Your ecstatic devotional presence dispelled the false notions and gave me a clear direction.
I did not grasp that service to Krishna is the main thing. I did not see it as a thing at all.
So far, I had only served myself.
Amazingly, You planted the bhakti seed when I finally was granted your darshan.
Regardless of what I had previously heard about yoga, you convinced me of the prime standing of bhakti.
You set things straight and removed what was not proper.
You spoke in a way that was gentle enough for me to take Krishna's message on, yet also potent enough to not just fly past my head.
Your care gave me the courage to let go of what was not useful.
You caught me off at moments when I had doubts and became offensive.
This is your mercy. You so perfectly helped this suffering soul.
I was fortunate enough to be in your sangha, Gurudeva.
You encouraged me to stay in the fire, feel at home, and give Bhakti Lounge a chance.
Your kirtans were taking all the heaviness away.
Hearing your lectures gave definite answers, and your program made it easier not to be mental.
Your mentoring system allowed me to accept guidance on a regular basis, for the first time in my life.
Please help me see the immense value in all of these arrangements.
Please help me develop a nice mood and service attitude.
Please help me treat Krishna's exalted devotees with great respect, invest in friendship and comradery, and get out of my way to extend help to those that I see struggling as I have been.
This life is now sustained by your instructions. I am nothing without your mercy.
I feel blissful being able to do something to please you, longing to grow more in your service.
Please help me dedicate myself more to Śrila Prabhupāda's books.
Make them go out through me, through more surrender and faith.
Your guidance and support are my real wealth.
Please give me courage and strength in my humble attempts to serve you in your magnificent spreading of Lord Caitanya's teachings.
_
All glories to you, Gurudeva.
You are safeguarding the spiritual well-being of the whole yatra.
You set the standard for our community to study Srila Prabhupāda's books seriously.
I am grateful for your keeping us protected in this way with your practical vision.
tatra bhāgavatān dharmān
śikṣed gurv-ātma-daivataḥ
amāyayānuvṛttyā yais
tuṣyed ātmātma-do hariḥ
Accepting the bona fide spiritual master as one's life and soul and worshipable deity, the disciple should learn from him the process of pure devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, the soul of all souls, is inclined to give Himself to His pure devotees. Therefore, the disciple should learn from the spiritual master to serve the Lord without duplicity and in such a faithful and favorable way that the Supreme Lord, being satisfied, will offer Himself to the faithful disciple.
~ Sri Prabuddha to Maharaja Nimi, SB 11.3.22
I came to New Zealand, sought shelter, and came to life. I pray to keep my vision fixed on your instructions.
All glories to you, Gurudeva.
Your aspiring servant,
Nitāi Jīvana dasa.
Pandava bandhava dasa
Dear Guru-Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisancess. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance I would like to thank you again for all the mercy I have received. You are situated in the spiritual realm of pure Krsna consciousness and from there you are calling us to join you and assist you and Srila Prabhupada in your service to Sri Sri Radha Krsna. At the same time you are aware of the problems we, the conditioned souls, are encountering in our spiritual journey here in the material world, and are expertly guiding us in order to overcome them. Krsna is simultaneously transcendent and immanent; in the same way you are truly spiritual personality, a Vaikuntha man, but at the same time you are compassionately navigating through the stormy seas of this material world as the captain of our boat - the human form of life.
Thank you that you are giving me a greater vision about my duty and myself in this life. Because of your spiritual insight you have more faith in me than I do. You are urging me to come out of my little bubble of comfortable life and step into the dynamic realm of true spiritual advancement. I pray that I don’t disappoint you.
I am always impressed how you manage to keep the essential basic message of Krsna consciousness while presenting it in an interesting and innovative way. By doing this you are being a true follower of Srila Prabhupada and our sampradaya. The results of your preaching speak of themselves. You are able to recruit new followers of Mahaprabhu’s movement and at the same time you have settled a strong network of education, training, nourishment, and support for the already practicing devotees. You are boiling the milk while getting new supplies all the time. You have trained your disciples to take devotional service seriously, to practice well, and to have good relationships with other devotees by cultivating a spirit of deep friendship and camaraderie, which inspires the newcomers to join. Who am I to say that, but I think that Srila Prabhupada must be very pleased with you.
You are very intelligent and well-read person and so you could talk about so many things, but I like how you always bring us back to the basics of our spiritual practice – the attentive chanting of the holy name. You are impressing upon us that we will attain all success by applying ourselves in this simple but sublime practice. And you always quote how Srila Prabhupada described the simple chanting technic – just chant and hear.
Thank you for being such a staunch follower of Srila Prabhupada and our tradition. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, thank you for your kindness and care. Thank you for your sparkling sense of humour, which makes my spiritual life a cheerful experience. Thank you that you have faith in me.
Dear Guru-Maharaja, I pray to you to become one day your true follower. Please continue to shower your blessings on me.
Your servant,
Pandava bandhava dasa
Parā-dharma devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As the time goes by my dependence on you becomes more apparent. Your qualities, words, activities and disciples are the source of light and strength in this otherwise dark place. I am very grateful for those moments when the remembrance of you comes up in my mind. It helps to make the right decisions. I pray that these rare moments will become more regular and continuous.
The example that you and your disciples set are still hard to comprehend. It seems to be a very distant light, I can’t distinguish all the details. Your enlivenment in the service to your Guru, your dedication to execute the mission, your elaborate and profound words, the numerous centres, communities, ashrams that you established and keep supporting, your care for the individuals, and the unprecedented qualities of your disciples - this is just the top of the iceberg, but already so overwhelming and very humbling. And I am struggling in the battle with my mind and senses.
Last year I asked you two questions while your lecturing in Bhakti Lounge. The questions were the result of a burning mental agony in my head. Both times you very clearly and slowly said: “Always think of Krishna”. That’s it. Always think of Krishna… Sure, it was a great relieve - if my mind likes to think so much, better it thinks of Krishna. I am still working on trying to fulfil this instruction.
I sincerely pray for the determination to be firmly fixed on the path following your feet. I am grateful to have support along the journey. Regular reading meeting with Sruti Chari Mataji, practical advice from Rasa Yatra Mataji, friendly exchanges with Purnananda Devi Dasi are the precious resources for me. My services are currently mostly around assisting Prabhu - I do housework and help him to run Sunday outreach programs in New Plymouth. Prabhu is working hard these days to sustain the ashram and increase his qualification. The enthusiasm and dedication of these and other devotees inspire me to grow and surrender more.
Thank you, Gurudeva. Thank you for teaching, thank you for guiding, thank you for destroying illusion, thank you for caring.
Ever grateful.
Your servant
Para-dharma Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As the time goes by my dependence on you becomes more apparent. Your qualities, words, activities and disciples are the source of light and strength in this otherwise dark place. I am very grateful for those moments when the remembrance of you comes up in my mind. It helps to make the right decisions. I pray that these rare moments will become more regular and continuous.
The example that you and your disciples set are still hard to comprehend. It seems to be a very distant light, I can’t distinguish all the details. Your enlivenment in the service to your Guru, your dedication to execute the mission, your elaborate and profound words, the numerous centres, communities, ashrams that you established and keep supporting, your care for the individuals, and the unprecedented qualities of your disciples - this is just the top of the iceberg, but already so overwhelming and very humbling. And I am struggling in the battle with my mind and senses.
Last year I asked you two questions while your lecturing in Bhakti Lounge. The questions were the result of a burning mental agony in my head. Both times you very clearly and slowly said: “Always think of Krishna”. That’s it. Always think of Krishna… Sure, it was a great relieve - if my mind likes to think so much, better it thinks of Krishna. I am still working on trying to fulfil this instruction.
I sincerely pray for the determination to be firmly fixed on the path following your feet. I am grateful to have support along the journey. Regular reading meeting with Sruti Chari Mataji, practical advice from Rasa Yatra Mataji, friendly exchanges with Purnananda Devi Dasi are the precious resources for me. My services are currently mostly around assisting Prabhu - I do housework and help him to run Sunday outreach programs in New Plymouth. Prabhu is working hard these days to sustain the ashram and increase his qualification. The enthusiasm and dedication of these and other devotees inspire me to grow and surrender more.
Thank you, Gurudeva. Thank you for teaching, thank you for guiding, thank you for destroying illusion, thank you for caring.
Ever grateful.
Your servant
Para-dharma Devi Dasi
Parama Mangala devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaj, please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
Thank you for your active service, preaching, mission, caring for all devotees. Thank you for your disciples who are trying to preach and for our entire family of your disciples.
Your servant, Parama Mangala dd
Thank you for your active service, preaching, mission, caring for all devotees. Thank you for your disciples who are trying to preach and for our entire family of your disciples.
Your servant, Parama Mangala dd
Paramesvari dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances to your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your auspicious appearance on Earth.
This year, you have graciously accepted me as your spiritual daughter, and given me initiation. By your mercy, I have now begun to practice devotional service. Now that I have received the Maha-mantra from you, I can be assured of my path to perfection.
Whenever I chant your pranam mantra, I try to grasp a glimpse of your boundless transcendental qualities.
Nama om visnu pādāya krsnapresthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmrta swāmin iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devāmrta Swāmi who is very dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracāre purva-daksyam ca bhaktācāra pravinata
parartathāpi 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.
This year I have the fortune to associate with you in person. Your physical presence, your powerful Krsna conscious words, and your dealings with devotees have deepened my faith. Your presence and your words have such a profound impact on my heart. My anartha is shaken by your association, and at the same time, I am filled with such deep compassion by your very presence and pure heart. You shine the torch of knowledge in my heart by your powerful vibration, leaving no room for contamination, as Srila Prabhupada often said, "When the sun appears there is no darkness."
I found my words insufficient to describe your glories, Gurudeva. You are the direct representation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, at the same time you remain a devoted and humble servant of His devotees. In your very example, you have demonstrated that you are not the controller, the proprietor, or the enjoyer. You exemplify what it means to be an instrument for Krsna's enjoyment, what it means to use everything for Krsna's services, and how to act according to Krsna's desires. You are the embodiment of scriptural knowledge.
It is but a sparkle of your glories that you allow us to render very insignificant services to you and tolerate our shortcomings in the rendering process. Your absorption in Krsna-katha and your love for Krsna allow me to enter into the nectarean ocean of Krsna pastimes.
In dealing with devotees, you are always very expert. The way you always express appreciation and encouragement to your lowly servants, while at the same time giving us valuable guidance to advance in bhakti, is masterful. By your mercy, I started to understand, offering obeisances to you is offering obeisances directly to Krsna through parampara. Serving you and your instructions are serving Krsna, directly, through the parampara.
Dearest Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I wish I had something to offer. All I could do is pray to become more aware that this body, this mind, and this soul belong to you. And I pray that Krsna will give me the intelligence to maximize my energy and utilize everything I have for your services, uninterruptedly. That would be the success of my life.
You have spoken frequently about Vietnam. And while you still remain on Earth, I beg for your mercy so that I can quickly make your hope come true and that one day, if you desire, you can visit and enliven Vietnamese people in the very near future. I am your eternal servant, so Gurudeva, may you kindly guide the way and make me your instrument.
Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
Your eternal servant,
Paramesvari dasi
Parjanya Gopa Das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance in this world, I would like to express my gratitude to you and as a consequence to Srila Prabhupada and all the disciplic succession leading to Krishna.
You are Srimad Bhagavatam in practice, the person Bhagavatam and I admire your complete dedication to serve the words of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
How fortunate I am to be part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness under your holy guidance.
Recently I felt quite ecstatic when I came across Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.28 where Prahlada Maharaja says:
"My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Narada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?"
Although I had read and heard it before, that time by Srila Prabhupada's mercy I could understand a little more.
I am amazed by Prahlada Maharaja's purity and simplicity. He has obtained the Lord's Darshan and is offered all benedictions, yet he is simply asking the Lord to engage him in the service of His servant Narada Muni.
Thus, Prahlada Maharaja emphasises the importance, potency and most elevated position of serving the pure representative of Krishna.
Further in the same chapter, text 44, Prahlad Maharaja, not caring for his personal liberation and not fearing material existence, expresses his desire to bring the poor fools and rascals back to shelter at Krishna's lotus feet without which one cannot be happy.
Dear Gurudeva, I see in you all the attributes of Prahlad Maharaja:
Full surrender to your Spiritual master, fearlessness, compassion, selflessness... the list is long.
I cannot thank you enough for having saved this fool from a blind well full of snakes by accepting me as your disciple. Therefore, my first duty is to serve you. How could I leave your service?
By your grace, I am able to experience a tiny fraction of spiritual bliss which is enough for me to keep bowing down at your lotus feet eternally.
As Srila Prabhupada explains in SB 7.9.43
"Prahlada Maharaja was happy and unhappy simultaneously. He felt transcendental bliss because of his being Krishna conscious, yet he felt great unhappiness for the fools and rascals who make elaborate plans to be happy in this material world."
I know for certain that this description suits you perfectly, for you are always radiating transcendental happiness with your blissful smile and at the same time, constantly endeavouring to save the conditioned souls from the darkness of ignorance, which shows your unlimited compassionate heart.
Prostrated in the dust of your lotus feet, I pray that I may become as happy and unhappy as you are for the same reasons so I can wholeheartedly engage in the Sankirtan movement.
May your vani-seva be my only goal.
May my vision align with yours to assist in your service.
Your insignificant servant,
Parjanya Gopa Das
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious day of your appearance in this world, I would like to express my gratitude to you and as a consequence to Srila Prabhupada and all the disciplic succession leading to Krishna.
You are Srimad Bhagavatam in practice, the person Bhagavatam and I admire your complete dedication to serve the words of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
How fortunate I am to be part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness under your holy guidance.
Recently I felt quite ecstatic when I came across Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.28 where Prahlada Maharaja says:
"My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Narada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?"
Although I had read and heard it before, that time by Srila Prabhupada's mercy I could understand a little more.
I am amazed by Prahlada Maharaja's purity and simplicity. He has obtained the Lord's Darshan and is offered all benedictions, yet he is simply asking the Lord to engage him in the service of His servant Narada Muni.
Thus, Prahlada Maharaja emphasises the importance, potency and most elevated position of serving the pure representative of Krishna.
Further in the same chapter, text 44, Prahlad Maharaja, not caring for his personal liberation and not fearing material existence, expresses his desire to bring the poor fools and rascals back to shelter at Krishna's lotus feet without which one cannot be happy.
Dear Gurudeva, I see in you all the attributes of Prahlad Maharaja:
Full surrender to your Spiritual master, fearlessness, compassion, selflessness... the list is long.
I cannot thank you enough for having saved this fool from a blind well full of snakes by accepting me as your disciple. Therefore, my first duty is to serve you. How could I leave your service?
By your grace, I am able to experience a tiny fraction of spiritual bliss which is enough for me to keep bowing down at your lotus feet eternally.
As Srila Prabhupada explains in SB 7.9.43
"Prahlada Maharaja was happy and unhappy simultaneously. He felt transcendental bliss because of his being Krishna conscious, yet he felt great unhappiness for the fools and rascals who make elaborate plans to be happy in this material world."
I know for certain that this description suits you perfectly, for you are always radiating transcendental happiness with your blissful smile and at the same time, constantly endeavouring to save the conditioned souls from the darkness of ignorance, which shows your unlimited compassionate heart.
Prostrated in the dust of your lotus feet, I pray that I may become as happy and unhappy as you are for the same reasons so I can wholeheartedly engage in the Sankirtan movement.
May your vani-seva be my only goal.
May my vision align with yours to assist in your service.
Your insignificant servant,
Parjanya Gopa Das
Prabhuram Subramanian
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeissances,
All Glories to srila prabhupada,
All glories to you,
Gurudev,
Thanks for showering your mercy on me even though I am not worthy of receiving it.
I pray to krishna and you that one day you will give me initiation and it will happen in this lifetime.
I also pray to krishna that he gives you a healthy long life so that you may give your shelter and mercy to more fallen souls like me.
Eagerly looking forward and praying for your personal darshan soon.
Aspiring to be your disciple and servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Please accept my humble obeissances,
All Glories to srila prabhupada,
All glories to you,
Gurudev,
Thanks for showering your mercy on me even though I am not worthy of receiving it.
I pray to krishna and you that one day you will give me initiation and it will happen in this lifetime.
I also pray to krishna that he gives you a healthy long life so that you may give your shelter and mercy to more fallen souls like me.
Eagerly looking forward and praying for your personal darshan soon.
Aspiring to be your disciple and servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Prema Sankirtan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada! Despite my previous initiation from another ISKCON guru, my attachment for you has replaced this attachment for him. It is essential to always have a higher authority (diksha and siksha gurus) and you Guru Maharaj, are my authority which I aim to be just a particle of dust on your lotus feet. You gave me two instructions: to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books for the rest of my life, following in the footsteps of Brghupadi Prabhu, and to study this literature of Srila Prabhupada. You are a great hero in Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada’s Sankirtan army. I beg for your blessings that I can fulfill the true meaning of a bonafide disciple of the guru-disciple succession.
Your eternal insignificant servant,
Prema Sankirtan Das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada! Despite my previous initiation from another ISKCON guru, my attachment for you has replaced this attachment for him. It is essential to always have a higher authority (diksha and siksha gurus) and you Guru Maharaj, are my authority which I aim to be just a particle of dust on your lotus feet. You gave me two instructions: to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books for the rest of my life, following in the footsteps of Brghupadi Prabhu, and to study this literature of Srila Prabhupada. You are a great hero in Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada’s Sankirtan army. I beg for your blessings that I can fulfill the true meaning of a bonafide disciple of the guru-disciple succession.
Your eternal insignificant servant,
Prema Sankirtan Das
Prema-lahari devi dasi
Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva,
My most humble obeisances please accept
In the dust of the lotus footprints you’ve left.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you,
On this best and most auspicious day due
To your divine appearance in this mortal realm.
Thank the Lord you’ve come to take the helm
Of this unsteared boat of human form,
Battered and struggling in the raging storm.
You arrived in just time to redirect
This boat away from a miserable death.
Gurudeva, how can I express my gratitude?
It’s an impossible task, but I’d be a fool not to
Try to thank you for everything you’ve done
To direct me from darkness to the Krsna sun.
The greatest thing you always stress
Is think of Krsna’s pleasure, nothing less!
What have I done for Krsna’s pleasure today?
Scratching my head it’s hard to say.
A little sankirtan effort, well I was having fun with a friend,
Did I actually think of Krsna’s pleasure in the end?
You’ve given me the process to cleanse my soul
From love of my senses to the love of the Whole,
The Supreme Personality whom you represent
You possess His quality and His intent.
The revealed scriptures doubtlessly declare
Saksad-haritvena samasta sastrair.
When will I understand the gift you’ve given
And make real progress instead of languishing,
Not going forwards and trying not to fall back
A dangerous position on the bhakti track.
Real bhakti is progressive you emphatically state
Maya is strong, she’ll toss you the bait.
Invest your heart in chanting, serving and hearing
You can’t last on relief, it’s a short-lived feeling.
Gurudeva, so clearly you give the various steps
To follow Srila Prabhupada’s perfect process
Your classes cater to practitioners from new to old
And varieties of characters timid to bold.
At least you tell us that’s what you endeavour to do,
Otherwise really I wouldn’t have a clue
I just think you’re speaking directly to me
Your points are so pertinent I’m sure you see
Through my external covering of being good and mature
You know I’m a rascal at the core that’s for sure.
Yet you have the patience and exceptional the tolerance
The compassion, the mercy, that despite the botherance
Of whatever incompetant little services I offer
You kindly correct and guide me further
Thank you Gurudeva for all that you’ve done
To bring me from darkness to the Krsna sun
I’m indebted to you, a greater debt than I can afford
But I’ll still try because otherwise what’s my life for?
I pray to you on this auspicious day
To serve you how you desire, in your way
And that I can stay in your shelter for eternity
Gurudeva today, this is my plea.
From your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter, Prema-lahari devi dasi
My most humble obeisances please accept
In the dust of the lotus footprints you’ve left.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you,
On this best and most auspicious day due
To your divine appearance in this mortal realm.
Thank the Lord you’ve come to take the helm
Of this unsteared boat of human form,
Battered and struggling in the raging storm.
You arrived in just time to redirect
This boat away from a miserable death.
Gurudeva, how can I express my gratitude?
It’s an impossible task, but I’d be a fool not to
Try to thank you for everything you’ve done
To direct me from darkness to the Krsna sun.
The greatest thing you always stress
Is think of Krsna’s pleasure, nothing less!
What have I done for Krsna’s pleasure today?
Scratching my head it’s hard to say.
A little sankirtan effort, well I was having fun with a friend,
Did I actually think of Krsna’s pleasure in the end?
You’ve given me the process to cleanse my soul
From love of my senses to the love of the Whole,
The Supreme Personality whom you represent
You possess His quality and His intent.
The revealed scriptures doubtlessly declare
Saksad-haritvena samasta sastrair.
When will I understand the gift you’ve given
And make real progress instead of languishing,
Not going forwards and trying not to fall back
A dangerous position on the bhakti track.
Real bhakti is progressive you emphatically state
Maya is strong, she’ll toss you the bait.
Invest your heart in chanting, serving and hearing
You can’t last on relief, it’s a short-lived feeling.
Gurudeva, so clearly you give the various steps
To follow Srila Prabhupada’s perfect process
Your classes cater to practitioners from new to old
And varieties of characters timid to bold.
At least you tell us that’s what you endeavour to do,
Otherwise really I wouldn’t have a clue
I just think you’re speaking directly to me
Your points are so pertinent I’m sure you see
Through my external covering of being good and mature
You know I’m a rascal at the core that’s for sure.
Yet you have the patience and exceptional the tolerance
The compassion, the mercy, that despite the botherance
Of whatever incompetant little services I offer
You kindly correct and guide me further
Thank you Gurudeva for all that you’ve done
To bring me from darkness to the Krsna sun
I’m indebted to you, a greater debt than I can afford
But I’ll still try because otherwise what’s my life for?
I pray to you on this auspicious day
To serve you how you desire, in your way
And that I can stay in your shelter for eternity
Gurudeva today, this is my plea.
From your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter, Prema-lahari devi dasi
Premdham das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
All Glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Not even a day goes without remembering you. My meetings with you were not many nor big in duration but I still carry your instructions with me. I'm not so fortunate to get opportunities to serve you. But I aspire to serve you.
My decision to come to India is something I keep debating with myself but I love to stay in the culture of Vedic.
We all stay in Pune and just 2 km away we have got a new center coming up. Very soon we might have a new temple.
By your grace and blessing, I'm healthy and after a few years of the tumultuous journey now my business is getting established.
On this auspicious occasion of your vyas pooja I pray to lord Krishna for your good health and please keep showering your mercy on us.
Your aspiring servant,
Premdham das.
All Glories to Sri Guru & Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Not even a day goes without remembering you. My meetings with you were not many nor big in duration but I still carry your instructions with me. I'm not so fortunate to get opportunities to serve you. But I aspire to serve you.
My decision to come to India is something I keep debating with myself but I love to stay in the culture of Vedic.
We all stay in Pune and just 2 km away we have got a new center coming up. Very soon we might have a new temple.
By your grace and blessing, I'm healthy and after a few years of the tumultuous journey now my business is getting established.
On this auspicious occasion of your vyas pooja I pray to lord Krishna for your good health and please keep showering your mercy on us.
Your aspiring servant,
Premdham das.
Priyanka Mittal
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
Sometime back I had the good fortune to receive a glance from you. I have been meditating on that moment ever since and had some realisations that I would like to share with you. How this streak in me to be independent has kept me deprived from the mercy of Krishna and His devotees. How a simple glance from a pure devotee can deliver a fallen conditioned soul from the repeated cycle of birth and death and end his material existence once and for all. How a pure devotee waits patiently, lovingly and with a heavy heart for the fallen conditioned soul to turn to Krishna. How can I ever know the depths of my spiritual master's mercy.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I hope and pray that Krishna gives me the strength and intelligence to serve you by following your instructions. I pray that you continue to spread Srila Prabhupada's mission all over the world.
Your servant
Priyanka
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
Sometime back I had the good fortune to receive a glance from you. I have been meditating on that moment ever since and had some realisations that I would like to share with you. How this streak in me to be independent has kept me deprived from the mercy of Krishna and His devotees. How a simple glance from a pure devotee can deliver a fallen conditioned soul from the repeated cycle of birth and death and end his material existence once and for all. How a pure devotee waits patiently, lovingly and with a heavy heart for the fallen conditioned soul to turn to Krishna. How can I ever know the depths of my spiritual master's mercy.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I hope and pray that Krishna gives me the strength and intelligence to serve you by following your instructions. I pray that you continue to spread Srila Prabhupada's mission all over the world.
Your servant
Priyanka
Purnananda devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
We have been very fortunate to have your association recently and your deep care and concern for those whom you preach to, whether persons visiting Bhakti Lounge for the first time or your disciples, is evident. You are able to resonate with so many persons, reaching into the depths of their hearts. Guests in the outreach talks nod in agreement and relief when you outline the realities of material existence and the workings of the illusory energy. One can see that they are relieved by the illumination of things as they are, and that there is indeed a problem - it is not just their imagination.
"Material existence is something like a blazing fire in the forest, which can be extinguished by the mercy of the Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. 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 knowledge transcendental, which alone can extinguish the fire of material existence."
SB 1.7.22 Purport
Your words on devotional service always resonate in the mind and are presented in such a way that they become instilled within the heart.
“Kitchen yoga is the greatest art.”
“Sankirtan, distributing Krishna’s glories, is always the safest position in the material world.”
Before we become too complacent, you comfortingly remind us that this material world is an unsettling place, and that we cannot make a permanent residence here. You illuminate things for what they are, exposing the magic show of maya and all her tricks.
You are always circling the globe, giving Krishna to others and enlightening them in this way. You give your time generously to help others, leaving a deep impression upon those who inquire from you.
Best of all, you speak the glories of great personalities, Srimad Bhagavatam and reality. You bring Srimad Bhagavatam to life with your realisations and connection with the shastra. This carries through to your kirtan, which is like a guiding light and dispels all of the debris in the mind and heart.
Thank you for teaching us the importance of chanting the holy name. You are always focused on this most important thing – hearing and chanting about Krishna. The answers you give to questions are like precious gems - so colourful and imbued with the dazzling reality of Krishna consciousness. Thank you for your guidance in trying to chant Hare Krishna and for bringing the process of chanting to life. This is invaluable.
Thank you for giving the treasure of devotional service. I beg for your mercy so that I can always be proactive and keep myself engaged in a way that will be pleasing to you and in serving your devotees. I pray that in time my heart may soften so that I can properly express my gratitude to you. Hoping to serve you increasingly.
Your servant,
Purnananda devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
We have been very fortunate to have your association recently and your deep care and concern for those whom you preach to, whether persons visiting Bhakti Lounge for the first time or your disciples, is evident. You are able to resonate with so many persons, reaching into the depths of their hearts. Guests in the outreach talks nod in agreement and relief when you outline the realities of material existence and the workings of the illusory energy. One can see that they are relieved by the illumination of things as they are, and that there is indeed a problem - it is not just their imagination.
"Material existence is something like a blazing fire in the forest, which can be extinguished by the mercy of the Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. 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 knowledge transcendental, which alone can extinguish the fire of material existence."
SB 1.7.22 Purport
Your words on devotional service always resonate in the mind and are presented in such a way that they become instilled within the heart.
“Kitchen yoga is the greatest art.”
“Sankirtan, distributing Krishna’s glories, is always the safest position in the material world.”
Before we become too complacent, you comfortingly remind us that this material world is an unsettling place, and that we cannot make a permanent residence here. You illuminate things for what they are, exposing the magic show of maya and all her tricks.
You are always circling the globe, giving Krishna to others and enlightening them in this way. You give your time generously to help others, leaving a deep impression upon those who inquire from you.
Best of all, you speak the glories of great personalities, Srimad Bhagavatam and reality. You bring Srimad Bhagavatam to life with your realisations and connection with the shastra. This carries through to your kirtan, which is like a guiding light and dispels all of the debris in the mind and heart.
Thank you for teaching us the importance of chanting the holy name. You are always focused on this most important thing – hearing and chanting about Krishna. The answers you give to questions are like precious gems - so colourful and imbued with the dazzling reality of Krishna consciousness. Thank you for your guidance in trying to chant Hare Krishna and for bringing the process of chanting to life. This is invaluable.
Thank you for giving the treasure of devotional service. I beg for your mercy so that I can always be proactive and keep myself engaged in a way that will be pleasing to you and in serving your devotees. I pray that in time my heart may soften so that I can properly express my gratitude to you. Hoping to serve you increasingly.
Your servant,
Purnananda devi dasi
Pyari Charan dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krishna.
Yes Gurudeva, I am alive.
And it is a life worth living because you offered your shelter to me.
Untold eons I have spent untethered to devotional service. Until you accepted me into the fold.
This is not an ordinary thing. I am reminded of this with every struggle I face.
I am the fly who caught the horse's mane. Tossed and nearly thrown, but holding on.
My wings were clipped long ago. Now, I hold on for dear life, to your mercy.
I am not special. You are rescuing so many of us from so many places and so many conditions and placing us at Prabhupada's lotus feet.
In the constellation of personalities, Srila Prabupada is like the benedictory Moon. His books illuminate like the and Sun, and the sky is filled with his compassionate disciples - the stars reflecting his divine grace.
How fortunate to bathe in that stardust! How fortunate to have met you!
To have been accepted by you.
Untold eons, untethered to devotional service. Oblivion. But no more.
Thank you, Gurudeva. It is a debt I cannot repay, even if I were a smashing success.
I offer you my respectful obeisance, my gratitude, and my promise to hold on.
your servant,
Pyari Charan dasa
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krishna.
Yes Gurudeva, I am alive.
And it is a life worth living because you offered your shelter to me.
Untold eons I have spent untethered to devotional service. Until you accepted me into the fold.
This is not an ordinary thing. I am reminded of this with every struggle I face.
I am the fly who caught the horse's mane. Tossed and nearly thrown, but holding on.
My wings were clipped long ago. Now, I hold on for dear life, to your mercy.
I am not special. You are rescuing so many of us from so many places and so many conditions and placing us at Prabhupada's lotus feet.
In the constellation of personalities, Srila Prabupada is like the benedictory Moon. His books illuminate like the and Sun, and the sky is filled with his compassionate disciples - the stars reflecting his divine grace.
How fortunate to bathe in that stardust! How fortunate to have met you!
To have been accepted by you.
Untold eons, untethered to devotional service. Oblivion. But no more.
Thank you, Gurudeva. It is a debt I cannot repay, even if I were a smashing success.
I offer you my respectful obeisance, my gratitude, and my promise to hold on.
your servant,
Pyari Charan dasa
Radha Ananda devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this very auspicious day of your appearance!
When I started writing this offering to you, I was sitting inside the New Varshan temple room looking at the beautiful Sri Sri Radha Giridahri deities, thinking what an amazing lifestyle I have been living since I came to your association. A lifestyle of constant dancing to the holy names of our beloved Lord, feasting of delicious prsadam, discussions on transcendental topics, and association with the most compassionate souls. I have been truly blessed by the best, yet still, I complain and lament. I can see how all my problems are coming from my mind only, from my deep-rooted desires to enjoy this world separate from Krishna.
It has been an awkward year. A lot of changes occurred in my life at the beginning of 2022. and I know I wasn't the only one. I think many devotees realized how quickly our life circumstances can change. I was completely lost, hopeless and broken. But when in April I had darshan with you I felt a very strong sense of care from you Gurudeva. At that very moment, I thought to myself that even though '' materially" I lost everything I regain the most valuable treasure of my life that I forgot I had. My lost relationship with you. At least that is how I felt about it, that I lost you for a while due to my own foolishness. Since that very special darshan with you, my life has been blossoming day by day. You told me to take shelter of the holy name and render a lot of service and that will heal all my problems. You gave me the true medicine for my broken heart!
In one of the recent lectures that you gave here in New Varshan, you made a very profound point that we are completely under the anesthetics of material nature and we completely forget about our destination. Maya is operating on us but we are just so much in ignorance thinking we are doing fine here. everything can change at any minute, we can go at any moment, yet our forgetfulness is so prominent and we are always occupied with a false sense of business. So in this lecture, you emphasized again and again that we should really maximize the value of our human body, that our stay here is very short and we should be destination conscious. That is the basic principle of Bhakti.
In this same class, you also narrated how Lord Narayana has been patiently waiting for Gopal Kumara lifetime after lifetime wondering when will he return to Him. You mentioned that it is not easy for Krishna to watch us birth after birth struggling through material existence and that by the laws of existence, Krishna cannot interfere with our independence. Similarly, as Krishna's dear representative, you must also feel pain watching us unnecessarily struggle here and must be wondering when will your disciples finally wake up from their spiritual amnesia and return to their natural constitutional position.
Next in the class, you pointed out how Lord Caitanya broke all the rules and freely showered everyone with a taste of Bhakti even though there wasn't any cause for the lord to do that. And I again thought that similarly you Gurudeva came into my life without me deserving it at all and have been showering me with causeless mercy since then.
As Devahuti said to Lord Kapiladeva in the book Teachings of Lord Kapiladeva:
tasya tvaṁ tamaso ’ndhasya
duṣpārasyādya pāra-gam
sac-cakṣur janmanām ante
labdhaṁ me tvad-anugrahāt
Your Lordship 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.
Srila Prabhupada mentions in the purport that this verse is very instructive since it indicates the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple.
The disciple or conditioned soul is put into this darkest region of ignorance and therefore is entangled in the material existence of sense gratification. It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance. The spiritual master is therefore worshiped as one who delivers the disciple from the mire of ignorance with the light of the torch of knowledge. The word pāra-gam is very significant. Pāra-gam refers to one who can take the disciple to the other side. This side is conditioned life; the other side is the life of freedom. The spiritual master takes the disciple to the other side by opening his eyes with knowledge. We are suffering simply because of ignorance. By the instruction of the spiritual master, the darkness of ignorance is removed, and thus the disciple is enabled to go to the side of freedom. It is stated in Bhagavad-gītā that after many, many births one surrenders to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, if, after many, many births, one is able to find a bona fide spiritual master and surrender to such a bona fide representative of Kṛṣṇa, he can be taken to the side of light.
Thank you, Gurudeva for being such a caring father to me!
Thank you so much for being my transcendental eye and guiding me toward an eternal life of real freedom!
Thank you for not giving up on me and for keep trying to remind me about my real destination!
Your servant Radha Ananda Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this very auspicious day of your appearance!
When I started writing this offering to you, I was sitting inside the New Varshan temple room looking at the beautiful Sri Sri Radha Giridahri deities, thinking what an amazing lifestyle I have been living since I came to your association. A lifestyle of constant dancing to the holy names of our beloved Lord, feasting of delicious prsadam, discussions on transcendental topics, and association with the most compassionate souls. I have been truly blessed by the best, yet still, I complain and lament. I can see how all my problems are coming from my mind only, from my deep-rooted desires to enjoy this world separate from Krishna.
It has been an awkward year. A lot of changes occurred in my life at the beginning of 2022. and I know I wasn't the only one. I think many devotees realized how quickly our life circumstances can change. I was completely lost, hopeless and broken. But when in April I had darshan with you I felt a very strong sense of care from you Gurudeva. At that very moment, I thought to myself that even though '' materially" I lost everything I regain the most valuable treasure of my life that I forgot I had. My lost relationship with you. At least that is how I felt about it, that I lost you for a while due to my own foolishness. Since that very special darshan with you, my life has been blossoming day by day. You told me to take shelter of the holy name and render a lot of service and that will heal all my problems. You gave me the true medicine for my broken heart!
In one of the recent lectures that you gave here in New Varshan, you made a very profound point that we are completely under the anesthetics of material nature and we completely forget about our destination. Maya is operating on us but we are just so much in ignorance thinking we are doing fine here. everything can change at any minute, we can go at any moment, yet our forgetfulness is so prominent and we are always occupied with a false sense of business. So in this lecture, you emphasized again and again that we should really maximize the value of our human body, that our stay here is very short and we should be destination conscious. That is the basic principle of Bhakti.
In this same class, you also narrated how Lord Narayana has been patiently waiting for Gopal Kumara lifetime after lifetime wondering when will he return to Him. You mentioned that it is not easy for Krishna to watch us birth after birth struggling through material existence and that by the laws of existence, Krishna cannot interfere with our independence. Similarly, as Krishna's dear representative, you must also feel pain watching us unnecessarily struggle here and must be wondering when will your disciples finally wake up from their spiritual amnesia and return to their natural constitutional position.
Next in the class, you pointed out how Lord Caitanya broke all the rules and freely showered everyone with a taste of Bhakti even though there wasn't any cause for the lord to do that. And I again thought that similarly you Gurudeva came into my life without me deserving it at all and have been showering me with causeless mercy since then.
As Devahuti said to Lord Kapiladeva in the book Teachings of Lord Kapiladeva:
tasya tvaṁ tamaso ’ndhasya
duṣpārasyādya pāra-gam
sac-cakṣur janmanām ante
labdhaṁ me tvad-anugrahāt
Your Lordship 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.
Srila Prabhupada mentions in the purport that this verse is very instructive since it indicates the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple.
The disciple or conditioned soul is put into this darkest region of ignorance and therefore is entangled in the material existence of sense gratification. It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance. The spiritual master is therefore worshiped as one who delivers the disciple from the mire of ignorance with the light of the torch of knowledge. The word pāra-gam is very significant. Pāra-gam refers to one who can take the disciple to the other side. This side is conditioned life; the other side is the life of freedom. The spiritual master takes the disciple to the other side by opening his eyes with knowledge. We are suffering simply because of ignorance. By the instruction of the spiritual master, the darkness of ignorance is removed, and thus the disciple is enabled to go to the side of freedom. It is stated in Bhagavad-gītā that after many, many births one surrenders to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, if, after many, many births, one is able to find a bona fide spiritual master and surrender to such a bona fide representative of Kṛṣṇa, he can be taken to the side of light.
Thank you, Gurudeva for being such a caring father to me!
Thank you so much for being my transcendental eye and guiding me toward an eternal life of real freedom!
Thank you for not giving up on me and for keep trying to remind me about my real destination!
Your servant Radha Ananda Devi Dasi
Radha Madhupati Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj,
My humble obeisances to you on the occasion of your Vyas Puja Celebrations.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In 2012, when my son Sriman Nrsimha Das decided to become a brahmacari in ISKCON, our life changed. After ten years today when I look back, I realise it was Krishna’s arrangement to bring us into Krishna Consciousness as well. I was brought up in Mumbai and we used to go to the Juhu ISKCON temple during our college days but the real ISKCON connection happened ten years ago.
After joining ISKCON I came to know the real value of life. I am grateful to Srila Prabhupada - he gave us Krishna and the opportunity to practice bhakti yoga. I have gained spiritual knowledge through Srila Prabhupada’s books. He gave us the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Caritamrita and many more books which have helped me to understand Krishna as the Supreme Soul and my eternal relationship with Him. Our real purpose in this human life is to achieve Krishna Prema and we have to endeavour for it.
By accepting me as your disciple Guru Maharaj, you have connected me to the great Guru Parampara –my words are not enough to say how thankful I am for this. I learned that when we come to the temple, we should come in the mood of service and that when we put our heart in doing seva then the relationship develops and connection with Krishna is established. Nothing is possible until we completely surrender and take shelter of Krishna by having strong faith and a sincere desire to serve Him. In your book Bhakti-Bhava you have mentioned that those devotees who do meditate in that way are the happy devotees.
Krishna has said that we can understand Him only through devotional service. From my own experience I will say that if you have strong desire to serve Krishna and if you beg for that, Krishna will make the necessary arrangements. I was not at all qualified for book distribution, but I had a strong desire to try it. Srila Prabhupada said that “if you love me, distribute my books”. Initially I was distributing flyers for Kartika month in letter box drops. Many times these distributed flyers would go into waste bins without being noticed by anyone and then I thought, why not try door knocking? With that, my journey of distributing books through door knocking began. There are many families with whom I am still connected – these are the families to whom I had earlier distributed books to. I always go back to them, check with them and remind them to read Srila Prabhupada’s books and I also give prasadam to them frequently. This is only possible because of your blessings Guru Maharaj. You empowered me through personal instruction to give Krishna to everyone.
Another seva I am doing for more than six years is now is Sunday Feast cooking. While doing this seva I always get the opportunity to preach because every week new people come for their kitchen seva, many are coming for the first time to the Temple to do seva. I also learn many things from senior devotees who come to do seva in the kitchen. Normally we see people come to the temple to ask for wealth, health or peace. I think that if one is serious about its devotional service then we don't have to ask for these things; Krishna will make arrangements for it.
In your lectures you have said we have choice to serve Krishna or not. In this material world we think we do activities through the physical body but in reality we do them through our mind and consciousness, so we should focus to make our mind our best friend and stay in the Krishna Consciousness. As you have mentioned: we all face hardship and struggle in the material world then why not face hardship to achieve Krishna Prema which is goal of human life and go back to Godhead?
Thank you Guru Maharaj for reminding us this through your beautiful lectures and by encouraging us to stay in Krishna Consciousness all the time. I thank you for your guidance, blessings and loving attention to all of us in the family. I pray to Sri Sri Radha Gopinath to keep you in good health and I pray Lord Nrsimhadeva to protect you always so that we can have your association for many more years. I am eagerly awaiting your forthcoming Sydney visit.
Your humble servant
Radha Madhupati Devi Dasi
My humble obeisances to you on the occasion of your Vyas Puja Celebrations.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In 2012, when my son Sriman Nrsimha Das decided to become a brahmacari in ISKCON, our life changed. After ten years today when I look back, I realise it was Krishna’s arrangement to bring us into Krishna Consciousness as well. I was brought up in Mumbai and we used to go to the Juhu ISKCON temple during our college days but the real ISKCON connection happened ten years ago.
After joining ISKCON I came to know the real value of life. I am grateful to Srila Prabhupada - he gave us Krishna and the opportunity to practice bhakti yoga. I have gained spiritual knowledge through Srila Prabhupada’s books. He gave us the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Caritamrita and many more books which have helped me to understand Krishna as the Supreme Soul and my eternal relationship with Him. Our real purpose in this human life is to achieve Krishna Prema and we have to endeavour for it.
By accepting me as your disciple Guru Maharaj, you have connected me to the great Guru Parampara –my words are not enough to say how thankful I am for this. I learned that when we come to the temple, we should come in the mood of service and that when we put our heart in doing seva then the relationship develops and connection with Krishna is established. Nothing is possible until we completely surrender and take shelter of Krishna by having strong faith and a sincere desire to serve Him. In your book Bhakti-Bhava you have mentioned that those devotees who do meditate in that way are the happy devotees.
Krishna has said that we can understand Him only through devotional service. From my own experience I will say that if you have strong desire to serve Krishna and if you beg for that, Krishna will make the necessary arrangements. I was not at all qualified for book distribution, but I had a strong desire to try it. Srila Prabhupada said that “if you love me, distribute my books”. Initially I was distributing flyers for Kartika month in letter box drops. Many times these distributed flyers would go into waste bins without being noticed by anyone and then I thought, why not try door knocking? With that, my journey of distributing books through door knocking began. There are many families with whom I am still connected – these are the families to whom I had earlier distributed books to. I always go back to them, check with them and remind them to read Srila Prabhupada’s books and I also give prasadam to them frequently. This is only possible because of your blessings Guru Maharaj. You empowered me through personal instruction to give Krishna to everyone.
Another seva I am doing for more than six years is now is Sunday Feast cooking. While doing this seva I always get the opportunity to preach because every week new people come for their kitchen seva, many are coming for the first time to the Temple to do seva. I also learn many things from senior devotees who come to do seva in the kitchen. Normally we see people come to the temple to ask for wealth, health or peace. I think that if one is serious about its devotional service then we don't have to ask for these things; Krishna will make arrangements for it.
In your lectures you have said we have choice to serve Krishna or not. In this material world we think we do activities through the physical body but in reality we do them through our mind and consciousness, so we should focus to make our mind our best friend and stay in the Krishna Consciousness. As you have mentioned: we all face hardship and struggle in the material world then why not face hardship to achieve Krishna Prema which is goal of human life and go back to Godhead?
Thank you Guru Maharaj for reminding us this through your beautiful lectures and by encouraging us to stay in Krishna Consciousness all the time. I thank you for your guidance, blessings and loving attention to all of us in the family. I pray to Sri Sri Radha Gopinath to keep you in good health and I pray Lord Nrsimhadeva to protect you always so that we can have your association for many more years. I am eagerly awaiting your forthcoming Sydney visit.
Your humble servant
Radha Madhupati Devi Dasi
Radha Mohan das
Dearest Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your Lotus Feet. All glories to you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, I pray for your continued good health so that many more undeserving souls like me can come in contact with the gift of Krishna Consciousness that Srila Prabhupada brought for this whole world.
Due to my misfortune, I was not able to cross the US border to get your precious darshan this summer at Gita Nagari dham. I pray that I will get this rare opportunity next year.
On this most auspicious day, I am meditating on the instruction you often quote in your lectures "All services expand from your own Japa". I shamelessly admit that over the years, I have moved far away from that instruction. Instead of prioritizing my sadhana, I have consumed myself in various services and obligations, the guaranteed result of which, is simply anxiety and dissatisfaction of the heart.
I heard in one of your lectures today that because Krishna is so all-attractive that to even to forget Him, we need His Divine help. I am so foolish that I have been neglecting the supremely attractive Lord in the form of his Holy Names.
Starting today, however, I have made a determined effort to reorient my life so that I can bring the focus back to this powerful instruction that ALL MY SERVICES AND DUTIES EXPAND FROM MY OWN JAPA.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja, I beg and pray at your lotus feet again and again for the strength to stay fixed in my determination despite all the imminent Kleshas waiting to come in my life. You have taught us the proper understanding that in this material world - (paraphrased) CONSTANT "storms" of sufferings are a normal phenomenon; only SOMETIMES there is peace (and not the other way around, as commonly believed).
It is your causeless mercy that you accepted me under your divine shelter, and your causeless mercy is my only hope and shelter in this life and all future lives. Today and forever, I pray for your continued merciful glance at this wretched dog, who is standing outside the door of your house. Please forgive me Gurumaharaj for all my inadequacies in fulfilling your instructions.
Your worthless servant,
Radha Mohan das
Toronto Canada
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your Lotus Feet. All glories to you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, I pray for your continued good health so that many more undeserving souls like me can come in contact with the gift of Krishna Consciousness that Srila Prabhupada brought for this whole world.
Due to my misfortune, I was not able to cross the US border to get your precious darshan this summer at Gita Nagari dham. I pray that I will get this rare opportunity next year.
On this most auspicious day, I am meditating on the instruction you often quote in your lectures "All services expand from your own Japa". I shamelessly admit that over the years, I have moved far away from that instruction. Instead of prioritizing my sadhana, I have consumed myself in various services and obligations, the guaranteed result of which, is simply anxiety and dissatisfaction of the heart.
I heard in one of your lectures today that because Krishna is so all-attractive that to even to forget Him, we need His Divine help. I am so foolish that I have been neglecting the supremely attractive Lord in the form of his Holy Names.
Starting today, however, I have made a determined effort to reorient my life so that I can bring the focus back to this powerful instruction that ALL MY SERVICES AND DUTIES EXPAND FROM MY OWN JAPA.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa-Puja, I beg and pray at your lotus feet again and again for the strength to stay fixed in my determination despite all the imminent Kleshas waiting to come in my life. You have taught us the proper understanding that in this material world - (paraphrased) CONSTANT "storms" of sufferings are a normal phenomenon; only SOMETIMES there is peace (and not the other way around, as commonly believed).
It is your causeless mercy that you accepted me under your divine shelter, and your causeless mercy is my only hope and shelter in this life and all future lives. Today and forever, I pray for your continued merciful glance at this wretched dog, who is standing outside the door of your house. Please forgive me Gurumaharaj for all my inadequacies in fulfilling your instructions.
Your worthless servant,
Radha Mohan das
Toronto Canada
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day, your Vyasa Puja.
The vastness of your amazing qualities knows no bounds, like the limitless sky and the unlimited width and depth of the oceans. It’s actually impossible for one to calculate the limit of your virtues. They are innumerable.
This time of year always fills me with such happiness and gratitude. I love being able to reflect, remember and appreciate the monumental, hugely significant and sustaining influence you have had on me, my life and countless other souls. Every soul who comes in contact with you, their life is forever changed in the most transformational way.
Thank you Gurudeva for everything you do, the unseen, the unheard and all the difficult challenges you endure. All with a loving service mood. All for your beloved spiritual master. Lord knows it’s not all flower petals and praise, far from it in fact. The worry, the care, all the time and energy you invest. So many hardships and complications you take on, all to be of service to assist us wayward conditioned souls, so that eventually one day hopefully we finally get it and we actually understand you’re trying to give us the most priceless jewel of all, Bhakti.
The debt I owe to you is beyond enormous - it’s infinite.
Bhakti is much like building a house, we have to get the foundation right. If we don’t do it right with precision and care it’ll crumble and fall apart. But with patience, care, insight and not rushing the process, a strong foundation emerges from the ground and from there the rest takes shape. You dear Gurudeva are our expert craftsman. You lovingly and carefully help us craft our lives, so that Krsna can be in the centre of our hearts and lives. You see where we are really at and fan the spark no matter how tiny that spark may be.
Recently I finished reading Sri Caitanya Caritamrta again and reading Srila Prabhupada’s concluding words really struck a chord with me. When Srila Prabhupada said “I took his words very seriously and was always thinking of how to execute this order, although I was quite unfit to do so”. he was speaking about the instructions his spiritual master had given him and it resonated with me so much. Srila Prabhupada is of course a pure devotee. I myself am just a kali yuga refugee. You once said to me, if I hadn’t taken up the Bhakti process I’d be dead by now, due to the insane and uncivilised life I was living. Even though with my uncivilised and uncultured background, Srila Prabhupada’s statement is etched deep into the core of my heart. The instructions you have given me Gurudeva are my life and soul. I think about and meditate on them a lot. Due to my disqualifications, I wonder how on earth I will be able to do it. My only qualification is my connection to you and in this spirit I try.
In a recent class you said we have a lot to aspire for in Bhakti. That we have to begin somewhere and not to be discouraged. By clinging tightly to devotional service that will reveal the science of transcendental bliss.
The external energy promises big and delivers nothing. Whereas the internal energy promises unlimitedly and delivers unlimitedly. But because peoples eyes have been blinded by the dazzling glitter of material existence we get sucked into the facade. The temporary, ever changing, non permanent reality. We can get so caught up in the illusions that we can lose sight of the real goal of life.
You also said we need to have a healthy appreciation of Maya to understand what we are dealing with. At the same time we need to be careful not to become familiar with the Bhakti process. I pray I never take for granted this treasure trove of nectar that is Krsna Consciousness. It is the real wealth and essence of life.
Please Gurudeva, I beg to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet now and always. Please help me to really endeavour to do what is most pleasing to you and Krsna, with my thoughts, words and actions.
I am eternally indebted to you for your causeless mercy.
Hoping one day to become a true servant, of the servant of your servant.
Your spiritual daughter,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day, your Vyasa Puja.
The vastness of your amazing qualities knows no bounds, like the limitless sky and the unlimited width and depth of the oceans. It’s actually impossible for one to calculate the limit of your virtues. They are innumerable.
This time of year always fills me with such happiness and gratitude. I love being able to reflect, remember and appreciate the monumental, hugely significant and sustaining influence you have had on me, my life and countless other souls. Every soul who comes in contact with you, their life is forever changed in the most transformational way.
Thank you Gurudeva for everything you do, the unseen, the unheard and all the difficult challenges you endure. All with a loving service mood. All for your beloved spiritual master. Lord knows it’s not all flower petals and praise, far from it in fact. The worry, the care, all the time and energy you invest. So many hardships and complications you take on, all to be of service to assist us wayward conditioned souls, so that eventually one day hopefully we finally get it and we actually understand you’re trying to give us the most priceless jewel of all, Bhakti.
The debt I owe to you is beyond enormous - it’s infinite.
Bhakti is much like building a house, we have to get the foundation right. If we don’t do it right with precision and care it’ll crumble and fall apart. But with patience, care, insight and not rushing the process, a strong foundation emerges from the ground and from there the rest takes shape. You dear Gurudeva are our expert craftsman. You lovingly and carefully help us craft our lives, so that Krsna can be in the centre of our hearts and lives. You see where we are really at and fan the spark no matter how tiny that spark may be.
Recently I finished reading Sri Caitanya Caritamrta again and reading Srila Prabhupada’s concluding words really struck a chord with me. When Srila Prabhupada said “I took his words very seriously and was always thinking of how to execute this order, although I was quite unfit to do so”. he was speaking about the instructions his spiritual master had given him and it resonated with me so much. Srila Prabhupada is of course a pure devotee. I myself am just a kali yuga refugee. You once said to me, if I hadn’t taken up the Bhakti process I’d be dead by now, due to the insane and uncivilised life I was living. Even though with my uncivilised and uncultured background, Srila Prabhupada’s statement is etched deep into the core of my heart. The instructions you have given me Gurudeva are my life and soul. I think about and meditate on them a lot. Due to my disqualifications, I wonder how on earth I will be able to do it. My only qualification is my connection to you and in this spirit I try.
In a recent class you said we have a lot to aspire for in Bhakti. That we have to begin somewhere and not to be discouraged. By clinging tightly to devotional service that will reveal the science of transcendental bliss.
The external energy promises big and delivers nothing. Whereas the internal energy promises unlimitedly and delivers unlimitedly. But because peoples eyes have been blinded by the dazzling glitter of material existence we get sucked into the facade. The temporary, ever changing, non permanent reality. We can get so caught up in the illusions that we can lose sight of the real goal of life.
You also said we need to have a healthy appreciation of Maya to understand what we are dealing with. At the same time we need to be careful not to become familiar with the Bhakti process. I pray I never take for granted this treasure trove of nectar that is Krsna Consciousness. It is the real wealth and essence of life.
Please Gurudeva, I beg to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet now and always. Please help me to really endeavour to do what is most pleasing to you and Krsna, with my thoughts, words and actions.
I am eternally indebted to you for your causeless mercy.
Hoping one day to become a true servant, of the servant of your servant.
Your spiritual daughter,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Radha Sarana devi dasi
Hare Krsna Dear Devamrita Maharaj,
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All grateful for your appearance day!
This year you have given me a new name.
You have been very merciful with this rebellious rascal.
It dawned on me that the new name comes with responsibility to continue with Srila Prabhupada's mission.
Thank you for setting the path and showing us the way.
Your forever grateful servant,
Radha Sarana dd
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All grateful for your appearance day!
This year you have given me a new name.
You have been very merciful with this rebellious rascal.
It dawned on me that the new name comes with responsibility to continue with Srila Prabhupada's mission.
Thank you for setting the path and showing us the way.
Your forever grateful servant,
Radha Sarana dd
Radhastami Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept this daughter's humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad and Gauranga. All glories to you Guru Maharaj.
om anjnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena
tasmai sri-gurave namah
Guru Maharaj, I was born in the darkest ignorance and have been crawling in this dark without even knowing there is Sunshine on the other side and you my spiritual master, opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
Please allow me to glorify you and humbly pray to you on your Vyasa Pooja.
My eternal father, with your mercy, We have been sincerely guided by our Shiksha gurus Harinam Prabhu and Gopi Premamrita Mathaji.
I am getting a good support and motivation from my Prabhu and Son to practise Krishna Consiciousness.
By your mercy, I am able to perform my Sadhana regularly.
You have got me the mercy of Srimathi Radharani to enable me to cook bhogha for the Lord and honour prasadam everyday.
You gave me a great opportunity to prepare prasad for you, which you liked and appreciated.
You have engaged me in different processes of devotional service. You have been guiding me through your lectures and I see your blessings even in my dealings and issues in office, which otherwise would drain me completely and distract my focus from devotional service.
I see your mercy is endless.
I have no idea how many births I have taken but with the knowledge you have given me so far, I realise that it is my impurities and desires which are still keeping me here and away from Lord Krishna.
On my own, I can never overcome these material desires but only by holding on your Lotus feet I can go across. I have zero qualification to be your spiritual daughter, it is only by your grace I have been given this precious seed of bhakthi.
Bhakthi Siddhanthi Saraswati thakura has said, If we take shelter of the lotus feet of the spiritual master, we can become free from illusion, fear and distress.If we wholeheartedly beg for his mercy without any deceit then the spiritual master bestows all auspiciousness upon us.
Guru Maharaj, my mind spins and bewilders me always, disabling me to sincerely practise devotional service. On this auspicious day, I beg for your mercy to free me from the illusions and struggles my mind puts me in. So that I can sincerely and heartfully follow your instructions.
I humbly pray to you that I voluntarily perform my services putting my heart into it. Please help me to refrain from material desires. Please enlight me to see Lord Krishna's blessings and plan in every happenings.
I slowly understand that I am always observed in my own's routines, that I miss to understand the problems, others go through. Please help me to develop compassion and support for others thereby making me a part of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's mission.
Please guide us to sincerely practise Krishna Consicousness and always engage in your service and to pass on this legacy to next generations.
On this auspicous day, I pray to to the Lord to give you good health. Hare Krishna.
Your humble servant,
Radhastami Devi Dasi.
Please accept this daughter's humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupad and Gauranga. All glories to you Guru Maharaj.
om anjnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena
tasmai sri-gurave namah
Guru Maharaj, I was born in the darkest ignorance and have been crawling in this dark without even knowing there is Sunshine on the other side and you my spiritual master, opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
Please allow me to glorify you and humbly pray to you on your Vyasa Pooja.
My eternal father, with your mercy, We have been sincerely guided by our Shiksha gurus Harinam Prabhu and Gopi Premamrita Mathaji.
I am getting a good support and motivation from my Prabhu and Son to practise Krishna Consiciousness.
By your mercy, I am able to perform my Sadhana regularly.
You have got me the mercy of Srimathi Radharani to enable me to cook bhogha for the Lord and honour prasadam everyday.
You gave me a great opportunity to prepare prasad for you, which you liked and appreciated.
You have engaged me in different processes of devotional service. You have been guiding me through your lectures and I see your blessings even in my dealings and issues in office, which otherwise would drain me completely and distract my focus from devotional service.
I see your mercy is endless.
I have no idea how many births I have taken but with the knowledge you have given me so far, I realise that it is my impurities and desires which are still keeping me here and away from Lord Krishna.
On my own, I can never overcome these material desires but only by holding on your Lotus feet I can go across. I have zero qualification to be your spiritual daughter, it is only by your grace I have been given this precious seed of bhakthi.
Bhakthi Siddhanthi Saraswati thakura has said, If we take shelter of the lotus feet of the spiritual master, we can become free from illusion, fear and distress.If we wholeheartedly beg for his mercy without any deceit then the spiritual master bestows all auspiciousness upon us.
Guru Maharaj, my mind spins and bewilders me always, disabling me to sincerely practise devotional service. On this auspicious day, I beg for your mercy to free me from the illusions and struggles my mind puts me in. So that I can sincerely and heartfully follow your instructions.
I humbly pray to you that I voluntarily perform my services putting my heart into it. Please help me to refrain from material desires. Please enlight me to see Lord Krishna's blessings and plan in every happenings.
I slowly understand that I am always observed in my own's routines, that I miss to understand the problems, others go through. Please help me to develop compassion and support for others thereby making me a part of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's mission.
Please guide us to sincerely practise Krishna Consicousness and always engage in your service and to pass on this legacy to next generations.
On this auspicous day, I pray to to the Lord to give you good health. Hare Krishna.
Your humble servant,
Radhastami Devi Dasi.
Radhika Prasad Das (Sydney)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this glorious occasion of your Vyasa Pooja celebrations.
I earnestly pray to Lord Narsinga deva to protect you from all obstacles on your path to serving your beloved Spiritual master Srila Prabhupad.
I have never been a man of many words to express sentiments very well verbally. However, the gratitude that I wish to express to you for steering me in this path enthuses me to speak something.
This new way of Krishna Conscious thinking that you have taught me since the last decade, has brought a significant shift in my mentality towards this physical ontology that I have strongly established myself to belong to. And also appears to be the beginning of a revolution even towards my many psychological paradigms that I have still strongly situated myself with full force. I am particularly grateful to you for handing me this pursuit of Bhagavat life, which I have strong hopes will triumph albeit my personal individual frailties.
Having said all these lofty language, although representing an amateur nature of my spiritual understanding, I fully appreciate and recognize that any further progress will be completely dependent on your guru krupa.
I have done many errors, and I still carry many fallacies that prevent me from carrying out your order with full potential. However, there could not be a better occasion than this for me to submit this petition of prayer, and to entreat you to please bless and endow me with your merciful benedictions. There couldn't have been a better occasion!
I have taken a vow of distributing an SB set each week from now. I am not certain if I will be able to fulfil this vow, but taking this vow was one of the most important decisions I have made.
Again, grateful for all that you do for me knowingly and unknowingly.
Humbly
Radhika prasad das
Please accept my humble obeisances on this glorious occasion of your Vyasa Pooja celebrations.
I earnestly pray to Lord Narsinga deva to protect you from all obstacles on your path to serving your beloved Spiritual master Srila Prabhupad.
I have never been a man of many words to express sentiments very well verbally. However, the gratitude that I wish to express to you for steering me in this path enthuses me to speak something.
This new way of Krishna Conscious thinking that you have taught me since the last decade, has brought a significant shift in my mentality towards this physical ontology that I have strongly established myself to belong to. And also appears to be the beginning of a revolution even towards my many psychological paradigms that I have still strongly situated myself with full force. I am particularly grateful to you for handing me this pursuit of Bhagavat life, which I have strong hopes will triumph albeit my personal individual frailties.
Having said all these lofty language, although representing an amateur nature of my spiritual understanding, I fully appreciate and recognize that any further progress will be completely dependent on your guru krupa.
I have done many errors, and I still carry many fallacies that prevent me from carrying out your order with full potential. However, there could not be a better occasion than this for me to submit this petition of prayer, and to entreat you to please bless and endow me with your merciful benedictions. There couldn't have been a better occasion!
I have taken a vow of distributing an SB set each week from now. I am not certain if I will be able to fulfil this vow, but taking this vow was one of the most important decisions I have made.
Again, grateful for all that you do for me knowingly and unknowingly.
Humbly
Radhika prasad das
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you.
You are so selfless and personal. Kind and compassionate. Tolerant and merciful. Forgiving and accepting. I feel this year I have seen these qualities of yours clearer than ever before and I pray as each year passes I gain deeper realization of your magnanimity.
I sometimes think how painful it must be for you in this selfish and impersonal world. You have feelings. You get hurt. And then again you are not of this world- you have pure intelligence and love for Krishna so you are able to make sense of the experience. This is something I admire about you. You're not shaken by the waves of the material miseries, rather you focus on the real goal of life.
You invest your heart into everyone despite their inability to properly reciprocate or even appreciate. SB 1.5.13 purport "Srila Vyasadeva and his representatives are pure in thought due to their spiritual enlightenment, fixed in their vows due to their devotional service, and determined to deliver the fallen souls rotting in material activities."
You have completely changed my life and for that I am indebted. Thank you for making me laugh, cry, reflect and smile. SB 1.7.22 purport "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". Thank you for giving me life.
I pray to you on this day for the determination to become a sharper instrument to assist you. I particularly pray that I can become more personal. I am sick of reverting to the stupid default impersonal setting. You're probably sick of me doing that too.
With affection,
Your servant and daughter,
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you.
You are so selfless and personal. Kind and compassionate. Tolerant and merciful. Forgiving and accepting. I feel this year I have seen these qualities of yours clearer than ever before and I pray as each year passes I gain deeper realization of your magnanimity.
I sometimes think how painful it must be for you in this selfish and impersonal world. You have feelings. You get hurt. And then again you are not of this world- you have pure intelligence and love for Krishna so you are able to make sense of the experience. This is something I admire about you. You're not shaken by the waves of the material miseries, rather you focus on the real goal of life.
You invest your heart into everyone despite their inability to properly reciprocate or even appreciate. SB 1.5.13 purport "Srila Vyasadeva and his representatives are pure in thought due to their spiritual enlightenment, fixed in their vows due to their devotional service, and determined to deliver the fallen souls rotting in material activities."
You have completely changed my life and for that I am indebted. Thank you for making me laugh, cry, reflect and smile. SB 1.7.22 purport "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". Thank you for giving me life.
I pray to you on this day for the determination to become a sharper instrument to assist you. I particularly pray that I can become more personal. I am sick of reverting to the stupid default impersonal setting. You're probably sick of me doing that too.
With affection,
Your servant and daughter,
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Rasa Keli Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this auspicious day when Krishna, by His mercy, sent you to take birth on this planet for our benefit.
Ever since I first met you in 2007, you have always been so merciful and patient with me. You revealed things to me about myself which, due to my ignorance, I realized to be true only much later. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and guidance for all these years. Through the power of your books and lectures and, most auspiciously, by associating with you in person I could witness purification of my heart and mind taking place. But then, after taking initiation from you just a few months ago, my spiritual life became elevated to a whole new level. The higher taste became higher. Mundane things that used to be important started to lose their flavor. And yet, I feel much more complete than ever before.
Although I do not qualify in the slightest to understand the magnitude of Krishna’s glories and the sweetness of His love for His devotees, I do believe to get a glimpse when I associate with you. One can witness your pure devotion to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada in every of your words and dealings. I feel so inspired in your presence. At the same time, when I think about facing this material life without your spiritual guidance I feel in despair. Just recently, when I had the opportunity to accompany my dying mother, your immediate advice kept me strong during one of the most difficult moments in my life and brought my mother closer to Krishna. Your mercy knows no limits. Your blessings are gems of liberation.
There is nothing one could do to repay you for your service to us fallen souls. However, despite the insignificance and imperfection of my attempts to reciprocate, please allow me to humbly serve at your lotus feet… and although I cannot present you with a birthday cake today, I look forward to preparing “Kaiserschmarrn” for you next time we meet!
Wishing you good health and a long life!
Your servant,
Rasa Keli Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this auspicious day when Krishna, by His mercy, sent you to take birth on this planet for our benefit.
Ever since I first met you in 2007, you have always been so merciful and patient with me. You revealed things to me about myself which, due to my ignorance, I realized to be true only much later. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and guidance for all these years. Through the power of your books and lectures and, most auspiciously, by associating with you in person I could witness purification of my heart and mind taking place. But then, after taking initiation from you just a few months ago, my spiritual life became elevated to a whole new level. The higher taste became higher. Mundane things that used to be important started to lose their flavor. And yet, I feel much more complete than ever before.
Although I do not qualify in the slightest to understand the magnitude of Krishna’s glories and the sweetness of His love for His devotees, I do believe to get a glimpse when I associate with you. One can witness your pure devotion to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada in every of your words and dealings. I feel so inspired in your presence. At the same time, when I think about facing this material life without your spiritual guidance I feel in despair. Just recently, when I had the opportunity to accompany my dying mother, your immediate advice kept me strong during one of the most difficult moments in my life and brought my mother closer to Krishna. Your mercy knows no limits. Your blessings are gems of liberation.
There is nothing one could do to repay you for your service to us fallen souls. However, despite the insignificance and imperfection of my attempts to reciprocate, please allow me to humbly serve at your lotus feet… and although I cannot present you with a birthday cake today, I look forward to preparing “Kaiserschmarrn” for you next time we meet!
Wishing you good health and a long life!
Your servant,
Rasa Keli Devi Dasi
Rasayatra dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
" A devotee is not interested in enjoyment or effected by distress. He simply desires to execute devotional service " (S.B 4.12.13 purport)
A wonderful meditation on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration.
" Instruction in Krsna Consciousness should be given to the faithful devotee who is respectful to the spiritual master, non-envious, friendly to all kinds of living entities and ready to render service with faith and sincerity" S.B 3.40.41
Given the complexities of our modern context such basic attributes of what it means to be a faithful devotee can appear to allude us.
Yet Srila Prabhupada encourages us: What was possible for Dhruva Maharaj is possible for anyone. Anyone who very seriously engages in devotional service can obtain, in due course of time, the same perfection of the human form of life.
Given your merciful disposition, on this holy day, kindly bless this aspiring servant of yours that I may develop the qualities required to render service with faith and sincerity, lifetime after lifetime.
With much gratitude,
Rasayatra dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
" A devotee is not interested in enjoyment or effected by distress. He simply desires to execute devotional service " (S.B 4.12.13 purport)
A wonderful meditation on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration.
" Instruction in Krsna Consciousness should be given to the faithful devotee who is respectful to the spiritual master, non-envious, friendly to all kinds of living entities and ready to render service with faith and sincerity" S.B 3.40.41
Given the complexities of our modern context such basic attributes of what it means to be a faithful devotee can appear to allude us.
Yet Srila Prabhupada encourages us: What was possible for Dhruva Maharaj is possible for anyone. Anyone who very seriously engages in devotional service can obtain, in due course of time, the same perfection of the human form of life.
Given your merciful disposition, on this holy day, kindly bless this aspiring servant of yours that I may develop the qualities required to render service with faith and sincerity, lifetime after lifetime.
With much gratitude,
Rasayatra dasi
Rasesvari devi dasi
Hare Krsna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this most auspicious day of your appearance day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
I pray that I may be able to glorify you, even though I may fall short in many ways.
Nonetheless, I’ve been meditating on Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s following bhajan:
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.”
When looking back to the state I was in before coming to you, only a few years ago now, it’s no secret that your mercy is all that I am made of.
In fact, recently I fortunately got insight into your compassion upon me.
I’ve been in contact with a young girl called Meg, who you may remember as the one you commented “looked so lost” when you saw her in darshan. A “free spirited” and floaty girl sold on the dream of living free from this haunting material world. In so many ways I felt like she was a splitting mirror-image of myself when I first contacted the devotees. Meg had an interest in bhakti but unfortunately had even greater interest in finding some relief at the hippie “healing” festivals.
Against all the devotees’ advice, she left Wellington to go to one of the festivals in Golden Bay. That’s when she met up with her old friend from highschool again - ironically she was called Maya. At this festival, Meg took psychedelics and has since been lost in psychosis.
And a ghastly reality - both Meg and Maya got their psychedelics from my old friends - drugs that I would’ve been taking with them if I wasn’t engaged in bhakti right now. In reflection, I couldn’t help but see that what Meg dug herself into could’ve also been my fate - if I hadn’t received your mercy.
Thank you so dearly Gurudeva for not only waking me up to my human potential but also engaging me in my topmost potential - devotional service.
As you preach, the neophyte in bhakti has the diamond in their hand yet they have no idea what the value is. Likewise, I have limited insight into the value of what you’re giving. But you’ve touched my heart enough for me to walk through the door of bhakti. And if that wasn’t enough, you have also initiated me. A diamond I’m praying to hold on to.
Gurudeva, thank you for building such a solid foundation where devotees can be nourished by such expert devotee care, a strong sadhana programme and a thriving outreach center. Everything I’ve received in this community has been planted by you. I am simply reaping the benefits of your labour of love.
I pray on this day that I may increase in service to your mission - both quantity and quality. So that others can receive the boon of your mercy.
Aspiring to be a grateful servant at your lotus feet,
Rasesvari devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances on this most auspicious day of your appearance day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
I pray that I may be able to glorify you, even though I may fall short in many ways.
Nonetheless, I’ve been meditating on Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s following bhajan:
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.”
When looking back to the state I was in before coming to you, only a few years ago now, it’s no secret that your mercy is all that I am made of.
In fact, recently I fortunately got insight into your compassion upon me.
I’ve been in contact with a young girl called Meg, who you may remember as the one you commented “looked so lost” when you saw her in darshan. A “free spirited” and floaty girl sold on the dream of living free from this haunting material world. In so many ways I felt like she was a splitting mirror-image of myself when I first contacted the devotees. Meg had an interest in bhakti but unfortunately had even greater interest in finding some relief at the hippie “healing” festivals.
Against all the devotees’ advice, she left Wellington to go to one of the festivals in Golden Bay. That’s when she met up with her old friend from highschool again - ironically she was called Maya. At this festival, Meg took psychedelics and has since been lost in psychosis.
And a ghastly reality - both Meg and Maya got their psychedelics from my old friends - drugs that I would’ve been taking with them if I wasn’t engaged in bhakti right now. In reflection, I couldn’t help but see that what Meg dug herself into could’ve also been my fate - if I hadn’t received your mercy.
Thank you so dearly Gurudeva for not only waking me up to my human potential but also engaging me in my topmost potential - devotional service.
As you preach, the neophyte in bhakti has the diamond in their hand yet they have no idea what the value is. Likewise, I have limited insight into the value of what you’re giving. But you’ve touched my heart enough for me to walk through the door of bhakti. And if that wasn’t enough, you have also initiated me. A diamond I’m praying to hold on to.
Gurudeva, thank you for building such a solid foundation where devotees can be nourished by such expert devotee care, a strong sadhana programme and a thriving outreach center. Everything I’ve received in this community has been planted by you. I am simply reaping the benefits of your labour of love.
I pray on this day that I may increase in service to your mission - both quantity and quality. So that others can receive the boon of your mercy.
Aspiring to be a grateful servant at your lotus feet,
Rasesvari devi dasi
Rohan Vakharia
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We heard from you at ISCKON Brisbane and felt instantly connected with not only your knowledge of the scriptures but how you translated it into the present Kali Yuga challenges. Following that we attended your lectures at the temple and conscious collective and owing to Mahat Sevak’s prabhu’s kindness got to spend some 1:1 time.
You gave my wife Kajal shelter and whilst I was worried that I wasn’t worthy of your mercy you were so patient and reassuring. Your photo now forms part of our home temple and your infectious smile brings joy to our hearts and home.
Thank you Gurudeva for taking us into your shelter. Our hearts long to connect with you again.
Your servant
Rohan
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We heard from you at ISCKON Brisbane and felt instantly connected with not only your knowledge of the scriptures but how you translated it into the present Kali Yuga challenges. Following that we attended your lectures at the temple and conscious collective and owing to Mahat Sevak’s prabhu’s kindness got to spend some 1:1 time.
You gave my wife Kajal shelter and whilst I was worried that I wasn’t worthy of your mercy you were so patient and reassuring. Your photo now forms part of our home temple and your infectious smile brings joy to our hearts and home.
Thank you Gurudeva for taking us into your shelter. Our hearts long to connect with you again.
Your servant
Rohan
Rongomai Timson
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
The writing of an offering is such a purifying endeavor.
Exposing the fact that you have to witness a fool trying to measure something immeasurable, and that is your glories.
But thank you Gurudeva, I feel like all I can say is thank you.
But I can't help but feel claustrophobic to the confined limitation of words.
So I'm sorry that when I say “thank you” it can embody both
A beautiful expression of an ever-expanding appreciation
Or be minimized to a passing statement of transactional social normality.
I'm sorry that “thank you” not only can be the engine that inspires indebted dedication through difficulty
But also used as a trophy proud persons show to affirm receiving something they think they are owed.
So when I say “thank you” please take my word for it, or should I say words.
Because when I say “thank you” I hope to convey the constant meditation of my heart
Which attempts to transfuse cherished memories, moments and devotion to you
Into this small vessel…called “thank you”.
Your ever-aspiring servant of your servant
Rongomai
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
The writing of an offering is such a purifying endeavor.
Exposing the fact that you have to witness a fool trying to measure something immeasurable, and that is your glories.
But thank you Gurudeva, I feel like all I can say is thank you.
But I can't help but feel claustrophobic to the confined limitation of words.
So I'm sorry that when I say “thank you” it can embody both
A beautiful expression of an ever-expanding appreciation
Or be minimized to a passing statement of transactional social normality.
I'm sorry that “thank you” not only can be the engine that inspires indebted dedication through difficulty
But also used as a trophy proud persons show to affirm receiving something they think they are owed.
So when I say “thank you” please take my word for it, or should I say words.
Because when I say “thank you” I hope to convey the constant meditation of my heart
Which attempts to transfuse cherished memories, moments and devotion to you
Into this small vessel…called “thank you”.
Your ever-aspiring servant of your servant
Rongomai
Rudrarama Pandit das
Nama om Vishnu-padaya
Krishna-pressthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca ten amah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to the dust of your lotus feet.
“Ichi-go-ichi-e”
This is one of the Japanese idioms I learned when I was primary school. The direct translation is “Treasure every meeting, for it will never recur”. It can also expand the meaning as “once -in-a-lifetime meeting”, “once-in-a-lifetime chance”, “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” or “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
I realise more and more how fortunate I was in meeting you, picking up Krishna consciousness and staying over 15 years. It’s exactly “Ichi-go-ichi-e” for me. Once you explained in my initiation that there are about 2 handfuls of Japanese origin devotees around the world. Back then the population in Japan was about 120 million. So, the chance to become a devotee was 0.00002%! and there are so many “ifs” to decrease even this 0.00002%.
“If I hadn’t met devotees at the airport…”
“If I hadn’t exchanged the contact details…”
“If I hadn’t stayed with devotees…”
Fortunately, against all these odds, I met devotees at the airport. I exchanged contact details and I stayed with devotees. This is all coming from you and your merciful disciples.
In so many classes you explained to us your preaching centre motto “We make it easy”. It is true. You and your disciples made it so easy, even for me – a person from a different cultural background. Otherwise, what is the chance I am still here serving you and your disciples? I keep asking myself “How can I make it easy for others to pick up Krishna consciousness?” I also think any person whom I meet or even any conversation I have can be “once-in-a-lifetime” so better make it “Treasure every meeting, for it will never recur” = “Ichi-go-ichi-e”
This also reminds me of 4 principles of community building by HH Bhakti Tirta Swami.
1. Treat everyone you encounter as if the success or failure of your spiritual life depends on the quality of your interactions with them.
2. Think of the person you love the most and aspire to treat everyone with the same quality of love.
3. View all conflicts as your own fault first.
4. Realise that people in your present environment might very well be the people with whom you will live out your life and who are likely to be with you at the time of death.
At the Question-and-Answer session in your recent class at New Varsana, you emphasised “It is the association of devotees that produces bhakti and then one can proceed in bhakti, which results in more association.
Yes, it is right. I can see the tangible result of how I communicate and how I associate with other devotees after a decade of struggling in this area. Thank you Gurudeva for patiently looking after me for so long. It took quite a long time even to apply this basic of the basics.
I would like to keep holding onto this precious “once-in-lifetime” opportunity to be your disciple and serve you. Also to use this “once-in-lifetime chance” which you gave me to be a successful servant.
In addition, I would like to offer you the New Zealand preaching centres achievement.
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-1.jpg">
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-2.jpg">
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-3.jpg">
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-4.jpg">
Your servant of the servant,
Rudrarama Pandit das
Krishna-pressthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca ten amah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to the dust of your lotus feet.
“Ichi-go-ichi-e”
This is one of the Japanese idioms I learned when I was primary school. The direct translation is “Treasure every meeting, for it will never recur”. It can also expand the meaning as “once -in-a-lifetime meeting”, “once-in-a-lifetime chance”, “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” or “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
I realise more and more how fortunate I was in meeting you, picking up Krishna consciousness and staying over 15 years. It’s exactly “Ichi-go-ichi-e” for me. Once you explained in my initiation that there are about 2 handfuls of Japanese origin devotees around the world. Back then the population in Japan was about 120 million. So, the chance to become a devotee was 0.00002%! and there are so many “ifs” to decrease even this 0.00002%.
“If I hadn’t met devotees at the airport…”
“If I hadn’t exchanged the contact details…”
“If I hadn’t stayed with devotees…”
Fortunately, against all these odds, I met devotees at the airport. I exchanged contact details and I stayed with devotees. This is all coming from you and your merciful disciples.
In so many classes you explained to us your preaching centre motto “We make it easy”. It is true. You and your disciples made it so easy, even for me – a person from a different cultural background. Otherwise, what is the chance I am still here serving you and your disciples? I keep asking myself “How can I make it easy for others to pick up Krishna consciousness?” I also think any person whom I meet or even any conversation I have can be “once-in-a-lifetime” so better make it “Treasure every meeting, for it will never recur” = “Ichi-go-ichi-e”
This also reminds me of 4 principles of community building by HH Bhakti Tirta Swami.
1. Treat everyone you encounter as if the success or failure of your spiritual life depends on the quality of your interactions with them.
2. Think of the person you love the most and aspire to treat everyone with the same quality of love.
3. View all conflicts as your own fault first.
4. Realise that people in your present environment might very well be the people with whom you will live out your life and who are likely to be with you at the time of death.
At the Question-and-Answer session in your recent class at New Varsana, you emphasised “It is the association of devotees that produces bhakti and then one can proceed in bhakti, which results in more association.
Yes, it is right. I can see the tangible result of how I communicate and how I associate with other devotees after a decade of struggling in this area. Thank you Gurudeva for patiently looking after me for so long. It took quite a long time even to apply this basic of the basics.
I would like to keep holding onto this precious “once-in-lifetime” opportunity to be your disciple and serve you. Also to use this “once-in-lifetime chance” which you gave me to be a successful servant.
In addition, I would like to offer you the New Zealand preaching centres achievement.
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-1.jpg">
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-2.jpg">
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-3.jpg">
<img src="/public/assets/epub/rrp-2022-Picture-4.jpg">
Your servant of the servant,
Rudrarama Pandit das
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Every year on Your Vyasa Puja day, I usually reflect about how I fallen I am and how undeserving I am of Your mercy. This year is no different in terms of how underserving I am. But it is very different in terms of how much more mercy I have received from you.
This year was very special because I got Your personal association, not once, but twice, in Gita Nagari. After the two years of the Covid epidemic, where we have been suffering without Your personal association, this was like a major shower of mercy and blessings from You. It was as if You made up for those Covid years when we were deprived of Your personal association.
My wife and I were very fortunate in being able to serve You and the devotees in Gita Nagari in a very small way. Due to Your presence in Gita Nagari, we were also able to bond with the devotees in Gita Nagari, thus enriching our spiritual learning.
We had been lamenting and yearning to be able to travel wherever You are and get your personal association, blessings, darshan, and the opportunity to serve You personally. This year when we heard that You would be in Gita Nagari in June, we made quick plans to come to Gita Nagari. We had a blissful experience listening to Your lectures, Your kirtan, and of course, your personal association and darshan.
This visit to Gita Nagari was extra special because, by Your mercy and kindness You granted my wife and I the Brahminical initiation. The place and the ceremony was extra special and memorable. And being surrounded by so many wonderful devotees made me realize the spiritual importance of the event. We thank you for Your mercy and kindness.
It was during the initiation ceremony that you mentioned that You plan to be back in Gita Nagari for Janmastami. You also invited everyone to come to Gita Nagari for Janmastami. You mentioned how we can get close association of devotees and a peaceful and uninterrupted darshan of Sri Radha Damodar. This resonated with me, because we knew it would be quite a contrast to our Janmastami experience in Radha Kalachandhji Dham in Dallas. As much as we would love to have celebrated Janmastami at Radha Kalachandhji Dham, we felt moved to want to celebrate Janmastami in Gita Nagari, with You, our Guru Maharaj.
We were overjoyed to have had this second opportunity within a couple of months to have your association. The experience of celebrating Janmastami in your presence in front of Radha Damodar was spiritual bliss. We got the opportunity to do the abhishek in front of You, making it that much more spiritually enriching.
During this second trip, we also got a few opportunities to do some service in the deity kitchen, including on Janmastami day. We are eternally grateful to you for these opportunities to serve you, the devotees, and Sri Radha Damodar.
While I wait for our next opportunity for Your personal darshan, I hope to continue to have the great fortune of getting Your virtual darshan and hearing the nectar of Your voice, during upcoming Zoom sessions. In the meantime, I beg for Your mercy so that I can chant with all my heart and be motivated to do more service, so that I can make some spiritual advancement.
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 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
Dallas, Texas
Sept 30, 2022
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Every year on Your Vyasa Puja day, I usually reflect about how I fallen I am and how undeserving I am of Your mercy. This year is no different in terms of how underserving I am. But it is very different in terms of how much more mercy I have received from you.
This year was very special because I got Your personal association, not once, but twice, in Gita Nagari. After the two years of the Covid epidemic, where we have been suffering without Your personal association, this was like a major shower of mercy and blessings from You. It was as if You made up for those Covid years when we were deprived of Your personal association.
My wife and I were very fortunate in being able to serve You and the devotees in Gita Nagari in a very small way. Due to Your presence in Gita Nagari, we were also able to bond with the devotees in Gita Nagari, thus enriching our spiritual learning.
We had been lamenting and yearning to be able to travel wherever You are and get your personal association, blessings, darshan, and the opportunity to serve You personally. This year when we heard that You would be in Gita Nagari in June, we made quick plans to come to Gita Nagari. We had a blissful experience listening to Your lectures, Your kirtan, and of course, your personal association and darshan.
This visit to Gita Nagari was extra special because, by Your mercy and kindness You granted my wife and I the Brahminical initiation. The place and the ceremony was extra special and memorable. And being surrounded by so many wonderful devotees made me realize the spiritual importance of the event. We thank you for Your mercy and kindness.
It was during the initiation ceremony that you mentioned that You plan to be back in Gita Nagari for Janmastami. You also invited everyone to come to Gita Nagari for Janmastami. You mentioned how we can get close association of devotees and a peaceful and uninterrupted darshan of Sri Radha Damodar. This resonated with me, because we knew it would be quite a contrast to our Janmastami experience in Radha Kalachandhji Dham in Dallas. As much as we would love to have celebrated Janmastami at Radha Kalachandhji Dham, we felt moved to want to celebrate Janmastami in Gita Nagari, with You, our Guru Maharaj.
We were overjoyed to have had this second opportunity within a couple of months to have your association. The experience of celebrating Janmastami in your presence in front of Radha Damodar was spiritual bliss. We got the opportunity to do the abhishek in front of You, making it that much more spiritually enriching.
During this second trip, we also got a few opportunities to do some service in the deity kitchen, including on Janmastami day. We are eternally grateful to you for these opportunities to serve you, the devotees, and Sri Radha Damodar.
While I wait for our next opportunity for Your personal darshan, I hope to continue to have the great fortune of getting Your virtual darshan and hearing the nectar of Your voice, during upcoming Zoom sessions. In the meantime, I beg for Your mercy so that I can chant with all my heart and be motivated to do more service, so that I can make some spiritual advancement.
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 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
Dallas, Texas
Sept 30, 2022
Sammohini Devi Dai
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 Guru Maharaja
Every Vyasa Puja my thoughts go back to 15 years ago in NZ when I met you first.
Why? Because that memories are deep in my heart. They created an impression that doesn’t go and always reminds me how much better I can do in my spiritual life.
Living in the Bhramacarrini (ladies) asrama was an incredible experience. The thing that touched me first was to find a place where ladies were protected. It is incredible you open a place where young ladies can live, eat, sleep and practice spiritual life for free. The only thing we needed to do was devotional service.
Guru Maharaja you trusted us and gave us responsibilities to run a whole preaching centre. It was fun and very inspiring for westerners to take up Krishna Consciousness.
We hardly had any money, hardly had we had anything. Many of us we were travelling alone around the world and we took shelter on you, we took shelter en devotional service, we took shelter in our chanting and Prabhupada’s books.
Thank you Guru Maharaja I will be always indebted to you for this opportunity.
Another inspiration to take shelter with you was to see all my God Brothers and Sisters. I felt they are all amazing so “ I wanted to be part of your family”. Everyone trying their best in their own spiritual practice but at the same time given support and time to others. The new devotees always had someone who were ready to listen, read and chant with them.
Your Kirtan are incredible vibrant and powerful and your energy was present in each Sunday Feast, Kirtan and Harinam. We really felt it was a party, so much Fun and this is what westerners are looking for to get the feeling that practice spiritual life was Fun.
Thank you for helping me and correcting me in my cooking when it was needed it. Sometimes with soft words, sometimes straight forward and sometimes with Jokes. Once I served you too much salad and you said to me “ Do you think I am a Rabbit”.
You are very compassionate and I have seeing this with my family> how much care you are giving to us. Because of your mercy my mother took initiation with you.
You mentioned in Melbourne how to keep our enthusiasm in preaching especially in book distribution when people don’t understand the philosophy. You stressed the point that one never knows when you plant a seed when it will blossom or when you distribute a book in whose hands will it finally end.
This is in my heart giving me the enthusiasm to preach more.
All glories to you and your services to Prabhupada and Lord Krishna.
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Guru Maharaja
Every Vyasa Puja my thoughts go back to 15 years ago in NZ when I met you first.
Why? Because that memories are deep in my heart. They created an impression that doesn’t go and always reminds me how much better I can do in my spiritual life.
Living in the Bhramacarrini (ladies) asrama was an incredible experience. The thing that touched me first was to find a place where ladies were protected. It is incredible you open a place where young ladies can live, eat, sleep and practice spiritual life for free. The only thing we needed to do was devotional service.
Guru Maharaja you trusted us and gave us responsibilities to run a whole preaching centre. It was fun and very inspiring for westerners to take up Krishna Consciousness.
We hardly had any money, hardly had we had anything. Many of us we were travelling alone around the world and we took shelter on you, we took shelter en devotional service, we took shelter in our chanting and Prabhupada’s books.
Thank you Guru Maharaja I will be always indebted to you for this opportunity.
Another inspiration to take shelter with you was to see all my God Brothers and Sisters. I felt they are all amazing so “ I wanted to be part of your family”. Everyone trying their best in their own spiritual practice but at the same time given support and time to others. The new devotees always had someone who were ready to listen, read and chant with them.
Your Kirtan are incredible vibrant and powerful and your energy was present in each Sunday Feast, Kirtan and Harinam. We really felt it was a party, so much Fun and this is what westerners are looking for to get the feeling that practice spiritual life was Fun.
Thank you for helping me and correcting me in my cooking when it was needed it. Sometimes with soft words, sometimes straight forward and sometimes with Jokes. Once I served you too much salad and you said to me “ Do you think I am a Rabbit”.
You are very compassionate and I have seeing this with my family> how much care you are giving to us. Because of your mercy my mother took initiation with you.
You mentioned in Melbourne how to keep our enthusiasm in preaching especially in book distribution when people don’t understand the philosophy. You stressed the point that one never knows when you plant a seed when it will blossom or when you distribute a book in whose hands will it finally end.
This is in my heart giving me the enthusiasm to preach more.
All glories to you and your services to Prabhupada and Lord Krishna.
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Sattva-tanu das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to you!
Today is the most auspicious day of your Vyas Puja celebration and I have just sat down to write you an offering. The first thing that occurred to me is - why do I only sit down on this day to contemplate on your glories. This should be a regular habit! Unfortunately the material energy is good at making us forgetful of Krsna and His devotees, and I am no exception! Srila Prabhupada in his famous prayers Bhagavan Krsner Pada Padme Prarthana, sings about the misery of being forgetful of Sri Krsna - our eternal friend and well wisher. Prabhupada professes in his prayer that being forgetful of Krsna has resulted in him (us) being kicked around by maya throughout uncountable lifetimes. But in his prayerful mood, Prabhupada writes - āji punaḥ e sujoga jadi hoy jogāyoga tabe pāri tuńhe milibāre - if only by good fortune he gets a chance to connect with Krsna then he will surely never leave Him again! We might ask how can we have that good fortune? Prabhupada, explains that in the previous verse - tomāra se śakti pele guru-sebāya bastu mile jībana sārthak jadi hoy - that it can only happen when Krsna bestows His divine power and mercy on you and gives you the opportunity to serve a bonafide spiritual master. Through this opportunity to serve a Guru one can become truly satisfied, and ultimately become fortunate to be in the association of the Supreme personality of Godhead Sri Krsna.
In the consequent verse, Srila Prabhupada further emphasises the historic importance of the mercy of the Guru by quoting the famous prayers of Sri Prahlad Maharaj unto Lord Nrsimhadeva - where he expresses his heartfelt gratitude to his spiritual master Narada Muni, by whose mercy he became God realised. Additionally, from reading the verse brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja (CC Madhya 19.151) it is quite evident that it is impossible to get the mercy of Guru without the mercy of Krsna! But how do we get the mercy of Krsna? Why would He be merciful to someone who has constantly made all attempts to forget Him? Indeed it's a Catch 22 situation! But Prabhupada, during one of his morning walks explains “Yasya prasadād bhagavat-prasādaḥ If you get guru's kṛpā, then automatically you get Kṛṣṇa”. But then I am forced to ask myself - what am I really doing to get your mercy? Nothing! Yet, when I reflect on the past decade of having the good fortune of being your formally initiated disciple I see that you have unconditionally bestowed your mercy on me and it is your mercy alone that has kept me in Krsna consciousness. I think about all the ups and downs that I have undergone in my personal relationship, during my time serving a Temple and The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. When I think about it all,I can clearly see that nothing happens by chance! All those incidents and circumstances have been laid in front of me to teach me valuable lessons in my Krsna conscious endeavor and ultimately make me more suitable in my pursuits to be a servant of the servant.
On this auspicious day of your appearance I meditate on the famous prayers (Vaisnave Vijnapti Song 2) of Srila Narrotam Das Thakur:
ei-bāro karuṇā koro vaiṣṇava gosāñi
patita-pāvana tomā bine keho nāi
jāhāra nikaṭe gele pāpa dūre jāy
emona doyāla prabhu kebā kothā pāy
gańgāra paraśa hoile paścate pāvan
darśane pavitra koro-ei tomāra guṇ
O Vaisnava Goswami, please be merciful to me now. There is no one except you who can purify the fallen souls.
Where does anyone find such a merciful personality by whose mere audience all sins go far away?
After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power.
Today I pray that I can always continue to constantly remember your glories and instructions and I can take upon all challenges thrown by material life through the vision and support of Sadhu, Sastra and Guru.
Your servant,
Sattva-tanu das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to you!
Today is the most auspicious day of your Vyas Puja celebration and I have just sat down to write you an offering. The first thing that occurred to me is - why do I only sit down on this day to contemplate on your glories. This should be a regular habit! Unfortunately the material energy is good at making us forgetful of Krsna and His devotees, and I am no exception! Srila Prabhupada in his famous prayers Bhagavan Krsner Pada Padme Prarthana, sings about the misery of being forgetful of Sri Krsna - our eternal friend and well wisher. Prabhupada professes in his prayer that being forgetful of Krsna has resulted in him (us) being kicked around by maya throughout uncountable lifetimes. But in his prayerful mood, Prabhupada writes - āji punaḥ e sujoga jadi hoy jogāyoga tabe pāri tuńhe milibāre - if only by good fortune he gets a chance to connect with Krsna then he will surely never leave Him again! We might ask how can we have that good fortune? Prabhupada, explains that in the previous verse - tomāra se śakti pele guru-sebāya bastu mile jībana sārthak jadi hoy - that it can only happen when Krsna bestows His divine power and mercy on you and gives you the opportunity to serve a bonafide spiritual master. Through this opportunity to serve a Guru one can become truly satisfied, and ultimately become fortunate to be in the association of the Supreme personality of Godhead Sri Krsna.
In the consequent verse, Srila Prabhupada further emphasises the historic importance of the mercy of the Guru by quoting the famous prayers of Sri Prahlad Maharaj unto Lord Nrsimhadeva - where he expresses his heartfelt gratitude to his spiritual master Narada Muni, by whose mercy he became God realised. Additionally, from reading the verse brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja (CC Madhya 19.151) it is quite evident that it is impossible to get the mercy of Guru without the mercy of Krsna! But how do we get the mercy of Krsna? Why would He be merciful to someone who has constantly made all attempts to forget Him? Indeed it's a Catch 22 situation! But Prabhupada, during one of his morning walks explains “Yasya prasadād bhagavat-prasādaḥ If you get guru's kṛpā, then automatically you get Kṛṣṇa”. But then I am forced to ask myself - what am I really doing to get your mercy? Nothing! Yet, when I reflect on the past decade of having the good fortune of being your formally initiated disciple I see that you have unconditionally bestowed your mercy on me and it is your mercy alone that has kept me in Krsna consciousness. I think about all the ups and downs that I have undergone in my personal relationship, during my time serving a Temple and The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. When I think about it all,I can clearly see that nothing happens by chance! All those incidents and circumstances have been laid in front of me to teach me valuable lessons in my Krsna conscious endeavor and ultimately make me more suitable in my pursuits to be a servant of the servant.
On this auspicious day of your appearance I meditate on the famous prayers (Vaisnave Vijnapti Song 2) of Srila Narrotam Das Thakur:
ei-bāro karuṇā koro vaiṣṇava gosāñi
patita-pāvana tomā bine keho nāi
jāhāra nikaṭe gele pāpa dūre jāy
emona doyāla prabhu kebā kothā pāy
gańgāra paraśa hoile paścate pāvan
darśane pavitra koro-ei tomāra guṇ
O Vaisnava Goswami, please be merciful to me now. There is no one except you who can purify the fallen souls.
Where does anyone find such a merciful personality by whose mere audience all sins go far away?
After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power.
Today I pray that I can always continue to constantly remember your glories and instructions and I can take upon all challenges thrown by material life through the vision and support of Sadhu, Sastra and Guru.
Your servant,
Sattva-tanu das
Saumya-mayī devi dasi
Hare Kṛṣṇa dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my grateful and humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your wonderful dedication to Srila Prabhupada's mission on this special day of your appearance!
"Raising His arms, chanting the holy name and looking upon all with deep love, He drives away all sins and floods everyone with love of Godhead." (CC Adi 3.62)
In the word for word for this beautiful verse describing Lord Caitanya, Srila Prabhupada translates 'prema-drstye' to 'with His glance of deep love.' When I first read this verse I immediately thought of you, not only because you are constantly chanting the Holy Name and encouraging others to do the same. Not only because you are flooding the world with love of Godhead- but also how you kindly look upon us with this same love-filled glance, saturated with such deep care and compassion. Whether peacefully scanning your eyes around devotees while singing Jaya Radha Madhava or while looking deeply into our hearts during darshan- your glance is so powerful and sweet. Your glance slices through all the layers of our conditioning, self-created anxieties and you are empowered to see, uplift and nourish the real us.
We named our new ashram 'Kamala-locana Ashram' as Prabhupada translated this to be describing the beautiful eyes of Lord Caitanya which are like the petals of a lotus flower- thus reminding us to always stay under the shelter of His lotus-like glance through your service. Because you are so dear to Lord Caitanya and are living under His loving glance at every moment, you can pass on such deep love to us, as His loyal and dearmost representative.
In this love-starved desert-like world you are living simply to flood this world with genuine love and give everyone the chance to live under the protective shelter of Lord Caitanya's glance.
"Yes, actively distribute Lord Caitanya's mercy! That is my desire." You persist constantly to encourage us to do the same, to humbly try and assist in this sacred service. "Assisting me means assisting in serving Srila Prabhupada's mission." You are always stressing how there is so much work to do. I pray to you on this sacred day for the strength and devotion to be a much more dedicated, useful servant for you in this mission.
"Dhārā Kaho he ruddha habe nai." This divine current will never be obstructed. So if that current of grace comes down to us, we are all counted within that current." (Our friend Srila Prabhupada -pg 13)
The mercy of Lord Caitanya and the whole parampara is flowing through every fibre of your being and you are allowing us the rarest opportunity to swim in this divine current- if we so desire. You are showering that mercy on to us, no doubt - flooding over. The only thing that may try to obstruct that divine current is me, namely my unruly mind. When you recently kindly granted me your darshan, I felt your mercy so deeply Gurudeva. "Don't get so caught up in your mind. Why do you want to waste time in that way?" You chuckled and then become grave and glanced at me deeply. "Your mind is meant for making plans for how to expand Lord Caitanya's Sankirtana mission."
This struck my core being and re-awakened me to see how this is the actual purpose of my mental energy. Otherwise, by default this mind will only cause me disturbance by its tendencies for self-absorption and subsequent degradation.
This is what you want for me and for all of us- that our mind is constantly brimming with plans and inspiration for how to serve, expand, spread Lord Caitanya's movement. From the beginning you have been mercifully giving me countless instructions in this regard- with such tolerance, patience and perseverance. I have faith in your power that if I can simply stay under your loving glance one day I will get to that stage of this mental culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. "Ekaki amara nahi paya bala Harinama sankirtane! Tumi Krpa Kori sraddha Bindu diya deho Kṛṣṇa nama dhane!" (O he Vaisnava Thakura)
I can feel rendered so hopeless by my uncontrolled mind sometimes Gurudeva, and I wonder how can I be of any use to you? But I remember your kind instructions and this gives me hope against hope. I remember how Sanatana Goswami was wanting to give up his body. Lord Caitanya intervened with powerful words. "Your body is My property. You have already surrendered unto Me. Therefore you no longer have any claim to your body. (CC Antya 4.76)
“Your body is My principal instrument for executing many necessary functions. By your body I shall carry out many tasks.(78)
"I have to do all this work through your body, but you want to give it up. How can I tolerate this?” (83)
In a similar mood I feel this compassionate concern from you, that on behalf of Srila Prabhupada there is so much you want to do for his mission through us- your fortunate disciples. Therefore, expertly seeing our potential beyond our conditioning, you give your whole life, mind, heart and all your energies to relentlessly care for, encourage and inspire us to see our value and help us gradually become more effective instruments in your hands for assisting in fulfilling your desires- which are the desires of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya.
This body, mind and my very life are your property Gurudeva - because you were the one who gave me actual life. They are meant for your service. Your great mercy is that you know how to instruct us perfectly and personally how to engage every aspect of our mind, body and life in your service. In this way, under the stable shelter of your lotus feet genuine satisfaction of heart is found. Otherwise what is the use of this body, mind and heart? Left to my own devices I would destroy my body, be annihilated by my mind and tragically and cheaply waste my heart energies. But you are so kind to give me so much service and so many invaluable instructions for perfect engagement of everything. Otherwise what would've my life become without this shelter? " If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all I am made of." (Gurudeva Krpa bindu diya)
"Tumi upekhile nātha, ki hoibe gati" - What will be my refuge if you neglect me? (Dainya O prapati) Your mercy is such that you will never give up on us. You are a genuine, unconditional well-wisher. So rare in this world. A time when I was really stuck in my mind, you spoke softly to me. "I appreciate all your sacrifice for Lord Caitanya's mission, so I can't really let you go you know..." You are so grateful for the tiniest efforts and give such deep shelter, so that even if my mind is pulling me away, I can't go. I'm bound by your ropes of transcendental instruction and affection. I often remember this letter you speak of that Srila Prabhupada wrote to a struggling disciple how he had given him such a great opportunity to lead this sankirtana mission. But if the disciple didn't take advantage , then he was sure Kṛṣṇa would send someone else. This struck me that you don't have to be so kind and give me such an exalted, rare opportunity. And there is also nothing special about me at all. But this helped me understand what causeless mercy means. You give the best to the worst and it is up to me whether I will take advantage. If I don't then I will just misuse my body, mind and life and suffer - and you will have Kṛṣṇa surely send someone else to assist you. Thank you for still patiently giving me a chance Gurudeva and never giving up on me.
Even when I expressed my sorrow at not being as strong for you as I could've been recently. You joked that it's too early to write me off. "I'm not gonna put you out to pasture just yet." "As far as I see it this is just the beginning. " I felt so reassured, that as I am just wrapping up my ashram years you see it as just the beginning and have so much more in mind. "In all situations of life try to serve Lord Caitanya's mission. If that's your desire, your core desire, then somehow or other the show will go on." You have so much more you want to do through us, and this realization and care reignited my devotional engine.
You are even so merciful and put your heart on your sleeve to such an extent of expressing dependence on your disciples-"Your book distribution enthusiasm is life-giving for me." Such personal and sweet encouragement impells me to get myself together and do more for you. If I am preaching enthusiastically then I'm giving you life. Yet if I am not properly engaging my energies in your service, then I am no good to anyone, simply a dead body.
Gurudeva, please help me rise beyond sentiment and put my words of gratitude into action for your pleasure. You are most expert at preaching and therefore you are full of life. Any dint of enthusiasm in us for service is a mere reflection of your full-hearted absorption in Lord Caitanya's Sankirtana ocean. "When a realized soul who is engaged in the service of the Lord is speaking, he has the potency to inject spiritual life within the audience." (Nectar of Devotion, ch 17) You are living and breathing Srila Prabhupada's books and vigorously encouraging us to do the same- as this is where real life is found. You push us to just get out there, put ourselves in the fire of the sankirtana yajna, as you do every single moment. You can see how much there is to do and you want to use us for this great mission.
Srila Prabhupada wrote to Ghanashyam "I am very pleased with your activities, no continue and increase. Everyone will want our books, we will always have customers. That is Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy." (Letter, 1975) I've always found this so encouraging and factually experienced when we literally just get out the door, put ourselves out there to be used then it's amazing to see how Kṛṣṇa can use us as instruments of your compassion. Even yesterday, we were loading boxes of books into our new ashram apartment and our neighbour (who I'd met the day before) offered to help. I explained that they were spiritual books and I thought she would like them. She lit up 'how did you know?' She helped move some books, I gave her some Prasad and your book to read. I told her the books would help her on her journey. She was so grateful. Just the day before when we met she revealed to me how she just handed in her lease notice and needs to move out, because she lost her job. Why? She told me she has terminal brain cancer and can go any moment. She was maybe 40 years old at most. I plan to do a Kirtan night for her and distribute her a stack of books. I felt so touched that even in this new situation Kṛṣṇa is already giving me chances to preach and be your instrument and this gives faith that as Prabhupada said in that letter and as you urge us to see- there are always people in need and desperate want of these books. Therefore please help me follow your saintly footsteps and dedicate my whole life and beyond to your service, and please help me always use my mind to make plans for how to expand Lord Caitanya's Sankirtana mission.
This experience with our neighbour also sobered me to see how flickering life is. What would be the value and destination of her life if she hadn't received any contact with Lord Caitanya's mercy? A hopeless failure. As my life would've been without your divine intervention. One time regarding preaching you kindly encouraged me, "Keep up the wonderful work, and your life will be the greatest success." This struck me into reflection that your service is our only means of making success out of our life. Furthermore, it made me wonder what potential you can see for us. 'What is that greatest success?' I thought. What success can you see ahead for us and what have you saved us from? You can see how much utter carnage our lives were and how much we would simply drown more and more in the violent Kali yuga waves and have no means of any success in life, what to speak of great success, without your mercy. And because you are experiencing and living with the greatest success in pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness, you can see what is in store for us if we simply persevere. You urge us that Gaura Nitai are most merciful (parama karuna pahu dui jana) They are giving the highest to the lowest. You want us to push beyond our minds and experience this highest level of existence- the greatest success. Therefore, with expert vision to fully see the utter failure we have been saved from and the greatest success that is awaiting us, you invest your whole life in helping us get there. You give everything for us. Even though you know the risk, that someone may be fooled by Maya to dive back into the relentless and degrading depths of the Kali yuga ocean, only to be smashed by her waves, still you continue to give. Even though you know the risk that after diving back in they may turn on you, who gave them life and the opportunity for the greatest success, and they may 'shoot up the town on the way out', still you persist.
You spoke once how if you want to know what that feels like, giving your life to someone, who then turns on you, it is 'like having your heart crushed to powder.' This was heart-wrenching to hear. But this shows your glories Gurudeva. Your impeccable example inspires us to push on in this preaching work no matter what. You never stop giving Kṛṣṇa consciousness. You never give up on us. You know what great success our life can be if we just stick to it. You are full of mercy and simply live for the sake of others. You live exclusively to serve your dear Srila Prabhupada and expand Lord Caitanya's mission by kindly engaging us insignificant servants in the service of such a wonderful spiritual master as yourself.
You're a living example of complete absorbtion in Kṛṣṇa- your mind, heart, every fibre is invested in giving Kṛṣṇa- 24/7 absorbed in selflessly surrendering yourself for being used for Lord Caitanya's divine purposes - that's why you are so blissful, so strong, full of compassion and all good qualities; because you are in constant association with the Panca tattva and Srila Prabhupada thru their orders and personal sweet direction- embraced by their deep, love-filled glance. This verse below perfectly describes you, dear Gurudeva.
"Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the Lord and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Kṛṣṇa. By distributing the holy name of the Lord. He cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people; therefore he extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only that, he broadcasts the shining brightness of Kṛṣṇa’s effulgence throughout the world. Such an ācārya, or spiritual master, should be considered nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa — that is, he should be considered the incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s potency. Such a personality is kṛṣṇāliṅgita-vigraha — that is, he is always embraced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa." (CC Madhya 25.9)
All glories to you Gurudeva!!! I pray to be able to truly show my heartfelt gratitude by my preaching efforts and dedicating myself more and more to your service through all phases of life. I am currently in the midst of trying to organise our annual global Vyasapuja book mission, where your disciples come together to preach as a means to celebrate your appearance day. I hope this will be pleasing to you and hope you can please accept this offering as our small birthday gift to try and repay all you have given us. I will share the results for your pleasure after the 22nd October, which is when everyone will go out around the world to honour you through a common book distribution mission.
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Your aspiring servant,
Saumya-mayī devi dasi.
Sayak Basu
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Hare Krishna Srila Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.
On the auspicious occasion of your vyas puja, every year we get the opportunity to glorify you. It is by the mercy of our guru parampara that we get to glorify you. We get to an opportunity to reflect the mercy that Krishna is showering upon us through the medium of spiritual master.
When Vidura was inquiring from Maitreya about King Vena and that is the time Srila Prabhupada writes in one of his commentary ,
"Vidura accepted Maitreya as his spiritual master. A disciple always inquires from the spiritual master, and the spiritual master answers the question, provided the disciple is very gentle and devoted. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura said that by the mercy of the spiritual master one is blessed with the mercy of the Supreme Lord. The spiritual master is not inclined to disclose all the secrets of transcendental science unless the disciple is very submissive and devoted. As stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, the process of receiving knowledge from the spiritual master entails submission, inquiry and service."
Srila Prabhupada gives importance to submissive, inquiry and services. On this day I believe it is a reflection on how I have served throughout the year keeping the right consciousness.
You have always said through your lectures, how important it is to keep the right consciousness even if we are doing some small services. I have observed over the years of my devotional practices that how you have kept this consciousness intact year after year. How you have willingly taken up some inconveniences in the path of bhakti but keeping the right consciousness. It is this inconvenience that I fear the most.
Faith is the foremost quality required in devotional practices but how easily it gets shaken up by some mere disturbances. In those disturbing situations the only source of inspiration is you and your encouraging words for me knowing well my level of devotion.
Srila Gurudev you have been a spiritual warrior for so many years and an ideal son to your spiritual father. Have I been an ideal son ? I would vehemently say No. But it is your loving acceptance , shows your magnanimous nature. When you give those assurance whenever I meet you, makes me feel how merciful a spiritual master can be ? And then how merciful is Krishna Himself ?
Gurudev , neither I consider myself a devotee nor any expert writter who can glorify your oceanic qualities but somehow I have tried to express my reverential gratitude towards you.
Please excuse me for all the offenses I am still committing. Perhaps as Rober Frost famously says , "miles to go before I sleep"...... I have miles to serve you before I finally sleep
Your ever aspiring servant
Sayak Basu
Sevya Bhagavan dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
It is said, vaiṣṇavera kriyā mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya (Cc. Madhya. 23.39) , even the most intelligent and learned person cannot understand the activities and words of a person situated in love of Godhead, Krishna.
You graduated from a prestigious Yale institution, yet took the path of renounciation. In general people work hard day and night to squeeze out some rasa from a bamboo stick like material attachments thinking as if a sugarcane. Their motive is the mamatha or attachment to family, friends, nation and etc. They take any risk for that attachment. But, your mamatha or attachment is for the Rasaraj Sri Krishna, the reservoir of all mellows.
Over a 5 decades you have been tirelessly and extensively travelling almost every continent of this world like a business man. Your business is disturbing the fruits of love of Godhead. You have crossed the life threatening borders of iron curtain with a motto "I may live or die, but Bhagavad Gita is eternal". You have challenged many scholars to find what real happiness is, and directed them to your most beloved. Your words in the war field of preaching are like a whipping stick that breaks the backs of the materialism and impersonalism. But, for devotees your words give solace and hope in Krishna Consciousness. You have so much love for your beloved Lordships, even in this age tirelessly traveling very extensively to distribute your wealth, Krishna, to every fortunate soul in this world. You are such a luxurious person, you are always tasting highest rasa of Krishna bhakti. Like a miner, you always dig deeper in Srila Prabhupada books to gives us the greatest treasure in this world.
Gurudeva, even a very little exchange or gesture with you leaves a permanent impression in my heart to serve you and finds the meaning of my life. I remember, when Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu mentioned to you that I am now ready to join brahmachari ashram, you raised your two hands and said "Hari Bol" very jovially. I wish and pray at your lotus feet on this auspecious Vyasa Puja day, that each and every act of mine may pleases you uninterruptedly.
With the guidance of Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu, I composed a prayer to offer at your lotus feet.
namaḥ kāruṇya-devāya
janāpavarga-kāriṇē
gauropadeṣa-varṣāya
māyāmohita-tārìṇē
I offer my respectful obeisance to my merciful spiritual master, His Holiness Devamrita Swami. You are always tirelessly preaching for the welfare of the people to deliver them from repeated birth and death. You expertly frees the people who are bounded by the illusory energy of the lord, by showering the downpour of Lord Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu's instructions, "Always chant the holy names of Kṛṣṇa - Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare - Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare"
Your obedient servant,
Sevya Bhagavan dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
It is said, vaiṣṇavera kriyā mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya (Cc. Madhya. 23.39) , even the most intelligent and learned person cannot understand the activities and words of a person situated in love of Godhead, Krishna.
You graduated from a prestigious Yale institution, yet took the path of renounciation. In general people work hard day and night to squeeze out some rasa from a bamboo stick like material attachments thinking as if a sugarcane. Their motive is the mamatha or attachment to family, friends, nation and etc. They take any risk for that attachment. But, your mamatha or attachment is for the Rasaraj Sri Krishna, the reservoir of all mellows.
Over a 5 decades you have been tirelessly and extensively travelling almost every continent of this world like a business man. Your business is disturbing the fruits of love of Godhead. You have crossed the life threatening borders of iron curtain with a motto "I may live or die, but Bhagavad Gita is eternal". You have challenged many scholars to find what real happiness is, and directed them to your most beloved. Your words in the war field of preaching are like a whipping stick that breaks the backs of the materialism and impersonalism. But, for devotees your words give solace and hope in Krishna Consciousness. You have so much love for your beloved Lordships, even in this age tirelessly traveling very extensively to distribute your wealth, Krishna, to every fortunate soul in this world. You are such a luxurious person, you are always tasting highest rasa of Krishna bhakti. Like a miner, you always dig deeper in Srila Prabhupada books to gives us the greatest treasure in this world.
Gurudeva, even a very little exchange or gesture with you leaves a permanent impression in my heart to serve you and finds the meaning of my life. I remember, when Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu mentioned to you that I am now ready to join brahmachari ashram, you raised your two hands and said "Hari Bol" very jovially. I wish and pray at your lotus feet on this auspecious Vyasa Puja day, that each and every act of mine may pleases you uninterruptedly.
With the guidance of Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu, I composed a prayer to offer at your lotus feet.
namaḥ kāruṇya-devāya
janāpavarga-kāriṇē
gauropadeṣa-varṣāya
māyāmohita-tārìṇē
I offer my respectful obeisance to my merciful spiritual master, His Holiness Devamrita Swami. You are always tirelessly preaching for the welfare of the people to deliver them from repeated birth and death. You expertly frees the people who are bounded by the illusory energy of the lord, by showering the downpour of Lord Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu's instructions, "Always chant the holy names of Kṛṣṇa - Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare - Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare"
Your obedient servant,
Sevya Bhagavan dasa
Shastra Krit Das
Please accept my heartfelt obeisances Gurudeva. All glories to Srila Prabhupäda.
I am honored and delighted to be able to take this opportunity to glorify an exalted Vaishnava.
It was wonderful to have your vapu association this year after 3 long painful years. My mother, your dear disciple, Prema Mala devi passed away earlier this year. The night before passing she was playing with baby Dhanya on a video call and in the morning I got the news that she left her body. I have given so many lectures on soul and death, but when I heard the news I realized that I have very little spiritual realization to digest the news. Not knowing what to do I messaged you. Within a few minutes you responded, "She has gone to a better place and her service will increase even more now."
I immediately felt a sense of relief and joy. I was then able to think straight and do the needful. You are a dhira, Gurudeva. You did not write any sentimental response, but a response full of conviction, mercy and blessings. You are such an advanced devotee Gurudev, you can deliver anyone that has taken shelter of you.
My mother and I were two lost souls wandering the streets of Wellington. We were absolutely nobody. Meeting you our lives changed, we became most fortunate.
My mother prayed to the Sathyanarayan deity for 8 years to have a son and when I was born. She gave me the name Sathyanarayan. She was hoping and praying that I would remain a pious hindu. She was shocked when we went to New Zealand and I started breaking all the principles within no time. She did not know how to help me. Whenever she tried to advise me I became more rebellious. I broke her heart to pieces. She decided to go back to India.
I met you. Soon after I shaved off my dreads, started chanting 16 rounds, reading Bhagavatam, quit my murder king job, and started following the regs. I would call my mother on the phone to discuss Bhagavatam. She couldn't believe the sudden positive changes she was seeing in me. She couldn't understand. Finally I was listening to someone. She said, "whoever this maharaj is that is able to help you, he deserves all honor and worship."
Shortly Prema mala came back to NZ. By your mercy we received a full set of Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita from Mahavan prabhu. My mother and I would read the books for a minimum 4 hours together. She loved the books, even though she was raised in a Vaishnava family , she never heard of Lord Caitanya. She was relishing reading Caitanya Caritamrta so much. By your mercy she got the rare opportunity to cook for Loft/ Gaura yoga devotees everyday and Sunday feast for guests.
She had the wonderful association of Param Bhava, Krishna loka, Kadiravan and many other matajis. By your mercy her health improved when she started visiting Dr. Dan with Mahavan pr in Otaki. She gave up watching TV because of your loving chastisement. You mercifully gave her 1st initiation in Sridham Mayapur.
When you found out she was worshiping Saligram sila without second initiation you asked her to give the sila away. When she humbly told you how she had been worshipping the sila for 40 years, you mercifully let her continue worshipping the Sila.
You mercifully allowed, empowered and encouraged my mother to cook for you over two decades. You also gave her rare opportunities to cook for your exalted God brothers/ sisters, sanyasis, GBC's, TP's, Brahmacaris. She was so proud of me that I joined Krishna consciousness, and she would tell all her friends and relatives that her world famous Guru likes her cooking.
22 years is nothing in a sense, but in that 22 years after meeting you she got to perform so much devotional service Gurudeva. When I went to her funeral her lifeless body was radiant and signs of auspiciousness were all around. Local Iskcon devotees performed harinam and her Sri Vaisnava family members were chanting vedic mantras. Devotees brought large amounts of mahaprasadam, garlands, and tulsi leaves. I distributed cases of Gitas to the guests, and the holy palar river started flowing after being dry for twenty years just during her final rites so I could immerse her ashes.
You rescued us from the streets, cleaned us up, gave us so much services and made our lives all auspicious. We are just one of those countless people you have helped in the last 5 decades.
You are a very advanced and exalted devotee Gurudeva. The more I grow in Krishna consciousness the more I am able to get a glimpse of how amazing you are. I am like a dwarf and you are like a moon, I could never reach you or understand your love for Krishna and Prabhupada. I read your vyasa puja offering this year over and over and over. Still I couldn't understand the depth of it. Your SB classes and talks at outreach events are getting better, deeper and full of potency by the day.
You are so expert and famous in cultivating devotees. A great devotee, Sivarama Swami, humbly asked you questions for 3.5 hours straight about how to bring more people to Krishna consciousness. You, Gurudeva, without a tinge of pride with full enthusiasm and humor answered all the questions as a service to your dear God brother. It is almost like you shared your 25 years of techniques and realization in a few hours.
You are ahead of your times, you are a visionary, great leader, very responsible and beyond suspicion. You taught us that there is no question of love without trust, and you are so trustworthy. During your recent visit you gave me a small check to clear for you. One of your God brothers saw that and jokingly said, "oh money is sweeter than honey ah." Loudly you responded, "harinam is sweeter than honey, Hare Krishna." You spoke more than just words because you live by that principle, and that is your transcendental experience.
I was reading how the two main symptoms of a pure devotee is that he is always steady (Dardhya) and ( Mukhya Prasad ) only merciful sound vibrations emanate from his mouth.
Mukhya prasad : Every Word that comes out of your mouth is well thought out, full of compassion and full of potency. Always encouraging everyone to chant or increase their quality and quantity of chanting, and read Bhagavatam. You are always glorifying devotees. Even when you chastise someone it is out of love. You show us how to use anger, not lose one's anger. Krishna speaks through you exactly what we need to hear, and sometimes what we do not like to hear, but that is what we need to grow. When you speak or text it is like paribhasa sutras- very concise and yet can be meditated on throughout our whole life. Like you told me when I was complaining about my bad health. "Take care of your health and sadhana as top most priorities and do the best you can." Since the beginning you have told me that if I want to have a successful day on books, I have to chant all rounds without interruption.
Dardhya: You have faced, with determination and courage, the sometimes life-threatening situations that arose in the discharge of your service. Even after the insults and the degrading actions of the ignorant and envious you did not waver in your steadfast determination to carry out Srila Prabhupäda’s mission. You carry Srila Prabhupäda’s divine mercy in your heart, and it is this overflow that you so readily distribute to anyone ripe.
You are very merciful and approachable to newcomers and younger devotees. In the purport to CC Ädi 7.92 Srila Prabhupäda writes:"A person who has attracted the attention of the spiritual master by his sincere service likes to dance and chant with similarly developed Krishna conscious devotees. The spiritual master authorizes such a devotee to deliver fallen souls in all parts of the world...."
Following the footsteps of Thakur Bhaktivinoda you are so disciplined, focused, and your senses are completely under control. You do not waste any time. Therefore you have time to do so much service. You make time for your health, sadhana, travel, write books, give classes, meet with devotees, gbc duties, relatives, associate with your God brothers, participate/ lead kirtans and on top of all this so many devotees come to you with so many questions and controversies. I personally witnessed how you handled devotees falling apart over Vaccine issues, war between countries, wanting to get married or wanting to separate, financial issues, health issues, travel restrictions, visa issues and so on.
You are so expert that devotees come to your room with so many issues and leave the room completely relieved and happy. You are so encouraging and you work with everyone. In Atlanta, when you came, we witnessed how you were encouraging and inspiring at least 4 different projects namely Iskcon of Atlanta temple, our humble mantra house and Yummys in Stone Mountain, Krishna Life devotees and the congregation members wanting to start something up north. You are very patient and mature and broad minded. You don't want to hear us criticizing other projects or managers. It is an austerity, you mentioned, to get involved in other devotees' problems unless it's our service. You want us to focus on the quality of chanting more. You don't quickly put someone on the throne and worship them or fire someone very quickly for their mistakes. You are an expert gardener, you give us time and space to grow while watering our bhakti creeper with holy names (Sravanadi Jal) and being very frank.
Your book HIUH is a great hit! Your God brother Brgupati prabhu was saying how you are so genius to come up with such a book. So easy to distribute, not expensive and even atheists take the book happily. All the book distributors love distributing your book. Even Bhakti Vikas told me during a class that he read the HIUH for the first time. I was afraid to ask him for feedback. Can hardly wait for you to write another book for mass distribution.
Over and over again you show your love for and dedication to serving Srila
Prabhupäda with your whole heart, mind and body. Anyone who wants to see what unflinching faith in the lotus feet of Krishna and the spiritual master looks like has only to examine your life. Not only in your waking hours, but even in your dreams you are meditating on Srila Prabhupada and your service.
I literally thank Srila Prabhupäda and Krishna everyday for giving me such a Krishna conscious, supportive and loving spiritual master. Thank you for your tolerance, patience, good humor and encouragement.
I know that if I can somehow please you and continue to assist you in your service that I am pleasing Srila Prabhupäda.
Please bless me Gurudeva that I may distribute 1000's of Bhagavtam sets, millions of plates of prasad and be an instrument of your compassion by bringing many many conditioned souls to the sankirtan movement. Can't wait to see your radiant lotus face again soon.
On this auspicious occasion, and everyday, I pray that you have many more years in a strong and healthy body so that you can fulfill your many aspirations in service to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Baby Dhanya says happy birthday Maharaj and Kumari Gopi thanks you for all your mercy and support.
yhs
I am honored and delighted to be able to take this opportunity to glorify an exalted Vaishnava.
It was wonderful to have your vapu association this year after 3 long painful years. My mother, your dear disciple, Prema Mala devi passed away earlier this year. The night before passing she was playing with baby Dhanya on a video call and in the morning I got the news that she left her body. I have given so many lectures on soul and death, but when I heard the news I realized that I have very little spiritual realization to digest the news. Not knowing what to do I messaged you. Within a few minutes you responded, "She has gone to a better place and her service will increase even more now."
I immediately felt a sense of relief and joy. I was then able to think straight and do the needful. You are a dhira, Gurudeva. You did not write any sentimental response, but a response full of conviction, mercy and blessings. You are such an advanced devotee Gurudev, you can deliver anyone that has taken shelter of you.
My mother and I were two lost souls wandering the streets of Wellington. We were absolutely nobody. Meeting you our lives changed, we became most fortunate.
My mother prayed to the Sathyanarayan deity for 8 years to have a son and when I was born. She gave me the name Sathyanarayan. She was hoping and praying that I would remain a pious hindu. She was shocked when we went to New Zealand and I started breaking all the principles within no time. She did not know how to help me. Whenever she tried to advise me I became more rebellious. I broke her heart to pieces. She decided to go back to India.
I met you. Soon after I shaved off my dreads, started chanting 16 rounds, reading Bhagavatam, quit my murder king job, and started following the regs. I would call my mother on the phone to discuss Bhagavatam. She couldn't believe the sudden positive changes she was seeing in me. She couldn't understand. Finally I was listening to someone. She said, "whoever this maharaj is that is able to help you, he deserves all honor and worship."
Shortly Prema mala came back to NZ. By your mercy we received a full set of Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita from Mahavan prabhu. My mother and I would read the books for a minimum 4 hours together. She loved the books, even though she was raised in a Vaishnava family , she never heard of Lord Caitanya. She was relishing reading Caitanya Caritamrta so much. By your mercy she got the rare opportunity to cook for Loft/ Gaura yoga devotees everyday and Sunday feast for guests.
She had the wonderful association of Param Bhava, Krishna loka, Kadiravan and many other matajis. By your mercy her health improved when she started visiting Dr. Dan with Mahavan pr in Otaki. She gave up watching TV because of your loving chastisement. You mercifully gave her 1st initiation in Sridham Mayapur.
When you found out she was worshiping Saligram sila without second initiation you asked her to give the sila away. When she humbly told you how she had been worshipping the sila for 40 years, you mercifully let her continue worshipping the Sila.
You mercifully allowed, empowered and encouraged my mother to cook for you over two decades. You also gave her rare opportunities to cook for your exalted God brothers/ sisters, sanyasis, GBC's, TP's, Brahmacaris. She was so proud of me that I joined Krishna consciousness, and she would tell all her friends and relatives that her world famous Guru likes her cooking.
22 years is nothing in a sense, but in that 22 years after meeting you she got to perform so much devotional service Gurudeva. When I went to her funeral her lifeless body was radiant and signs of auspiciousness were all around. Local Iskcon devotees performed harinam and her Sri Vaisnava family members were chanting vedic mantras. Devotees brought large amounts of mahaprasadam, garlands, and tulsi leaves. I distributed cases of Gitas to the guests, and the holy palar river started flowing after being dry for twenty years just during her final rites so I could immerse her ashes.
You rescued us from the streets, cleaned us up, gave us so much services and made our lives all auspicious. We are just one of those countless people you have helped in the last 5 decades.
You are a very advanced and exalted devotee Gurudeva. The more I grow in Krishna consciousness the more I am able to get a glimpse of how amazing you are. I am like a dwarf and you are like a moon, I could never reach you or understand your love for Krishna and Prabhupada. I read your vyasa puja offering this year over and over and over. Still I couldn't understand the depth of it. Your SB classes and talks at outreach events are getting better, deeper and full of potency by the day.
You are so expert and famous in cultivating devotees. A great devotee, Sivarama Swami, humbly asked you questions for 3.5 hours straight about how to bring more people to Krishna consciousness. You, Gurudeva, without a tinge of pride with full enthusiasm and humor answered all the questions as a service to your dear God brother. It is almost like you shared your 25 years of techniques and realization in a few hours.
You are ahead of your times, you are a visionary, great leader, very responsible and beyond suspicion. You taught us that there is no question of love without trust, and you are so trustworthy. During your recent visit you gave me a small check to clear for you. One of your God brothers saw that and jokingly said, "oh money is sweeter than honey ah." Loudly you responded, "harinam is sweeter than honey, Hare Krishna." You spoke more than just words because you live by that principle, and that is your transcendental experience.
I was reading how the two main symptoms of a pure devotee is that he is always steady (Dardhya) and ( Mukhya Prasad ) only merciful sound vibrations emanate from his mouth.
Mukhya prasad : Every Word that comes out of your mouth is well thought out, full of compassion and full of potency. Always encouraging everyone to chant or increase their quality and quantity of chanting, and read Bhagavatam. You are always glorifying devotees. Even when you chastise someone it is out of love. You show us how to use anger, not lose one's anger. Krishna speaks through you exactly what we need to hear, and sometimes what we do not like to hear, but that is what we need to grow. When you speak or text it is like paribhasa sutras- very concise and yet can be meditated on throughout our whole life. Like you told me when I was complaining about my bad health. "Take care of your health and sadhana as top most priorities and do the best you can." Since the beginning you have told me that if I want to have a successful day on books, I have to chant all rounds without interruption.
Dardhya: You have faced, with determination and courage, the sometimes life-threatening situations that arose in the discharge of your service. Even after the insults and the degrading actions of the ignorant and envious you did not waver in your steadfast determination to carry out Srila Prabhupäda’s mission. You carry Srila Prabhupäda’s divine mercy in your heart, and it is this overflow that you so readily distribute to anyone ripe.
You are very merciful and approachable to newcomers and younger devotees. In the purport to CC Ädi 7.92 Srila Prabhupäda writes:"A person who has attracted the attention of the spiritual master by his sincere service likes to dance and chant with similarly developed Krishna conscious devotees. The spiritual master authorizes such a devotee to deliver fallen souls in all parts of the world...."
Following the footsteps of Thakur Bhaktivinoda you are so disciplined, focused, and your senses are completely under control. You do not waste any time. Therefore you have time to do so much service. You make time for your health, sadhana, travel, write books, give classes, meet with devotees, gbc duties, relatives, associate with your God brothers, participate/ lead kirtans and on top of all this so many devotees come to you with so many questions and controversies. I personally witnessed how you handled devotees falling apart over Vaccine issues, war between countries, wanting to get married or wanting to separate, financial issues, health issues, travel restrictions, visa issues and so on.
You are so expert that devotees come to your room with so many issues and leave the room completely relieved and happy. You are so encouraging and you work with everyone. In Atlanta, when you came, we witnessed how you were encouraging and inspiring at least 4 different projects namely Iskcon of Atlanta temple, our humble mantra house and Yummys in Stone Mountain, Krishna Life devotees and the congregation members wanting to start something up north. You are very patient and mature and broad minded. You don't want to hear us criticizing other projects or managers. It is an austerity, you mentioned, to get involved in other devotees' problems unless it's our service. You want us to focus on the quality of chanting more. You don't quickly put someone on the throne and worship them or fire someone very quickly for their mistakes. You are an expert gardener, you give us time and space to grow while watering our bhakti creeper with holy names (Sravanadi Jal) and being very frank.
Your book HIUH is a great hit! Your God brother Brgupati prabhu was saying how you are so genius to come up with such a book. So easy to distribute, not expensive and even atheists take the book happily. All the book distributors love distributing your book. Even Bhakti Vikas told me during a class that he read the HIUH for the first time. I was afraid to ask him for feedback. Can hardly wait for you to write another book for mass distribution.
Over and over again you show your love for and dedication to serving Srila
Prabhupäda with your whole heart, mind and body. Anyone who wants to see what unflinching faith in the lotus feet of Krishna and the spiritual master looks like has only to examine your life. Not only in your waking hours, but even in your dreams you are meditating on Srila Prabhupada and your service.
I literally thank Srila Prabhupäda and Krishna everyday for giving me such a Krishna conscious, supportive and loving spiritual master. Thank you for your tolerance, patience, good humor and encouragement.
I know that if I can somehow please you and continue to assist you in your service that I am pleasing Srila Prabhupäda.
Please bless me Gurudeva that I may distribute 1000's of Bhagavtam sets, millions of plates of prasad and be an instrument of your compassion by bringing many many conditioned souls to the sankirtan movement. Can't wait to see your radiant lotus face again soon.
On this auspicious occasion, and everyday, I pray that you have many more years in a strong and healthy body so that you can fulfill your many aspirations in service to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Baby Dhanya says happy birthday Maharaj and Kumari Gopi thanks you for all your mercy and support.
yhs
Śivānanda Sena dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your most magnanimous self.
On this auspicious occasion I am prompted to reflect upon the immeasurable selfless sacrifice that you make for us, day after day, year after year, as our spiritual father and guide.
And just as, in ordinary family dealings, the children cannot appreciate the full extent of their father’s love and sacrifice for them, I feel similarly inept and limited in understanding the true scope of your devotional glories.
Materially speaking, how can a young infant comprehend the countless hardships their father undergoes to pay the bills, pay the mortgage, make car payments and so on, simply to provide shelter to them and keep the family together?
Similarly, with my limited intelligence I cannot comprehend the unlimited headaches you undergo for us, coming from all corners of the globe.
Whether it is bearing the weight of Srila Prabhupada’s entire society as a GBC member, offering counsel to so many devotees undergoing trials and troubles, bearing the tragedy of disciples falling away as casualties of the illusory energy, or guiding and inspiring devotional communities across the globe, the degree of your loving sacrifice is unfathomable.
And amidst all this, you tolerate incredible austerities for the purpose of traveling and preaching, including taking impeccable care of your physiological vehicle. You are following in the exalted footsteps of Srila Prabhupada, who also unrelentingly traveled the world even in his 70s.
Although I can see only a tiny fraction of what you are doing for us every day Gurudeva, I feel such shelter in the home you have created for us, your spiritual children, in the Bhakti Lounge community, a sanctuary offering spiritual asylum in the midst of the Kiwi-loka urban Kali yuga jungle.
Your genius in establishing and guiding such a center - a bespoke device for giving pleasure to our previous acaryas - reveals your genius for understanding and applying the teachings of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Indeed, the nectarean words of the Bhaktivedanta purports are not merely a philosophical or theological doctrine for you; you live and breathe these ecstatic vibrations of Srila Prabhupada and work tirelessly to bring his vision to life in the form of dynamic, heart-touching and vibrant western outreach centers and communities.
O Gurudeva, you are truly the perfect medium through which the mercy of Srila Prabhupada flows! You are the ultimate parampara spiritualist technologist, your unflinching fidelity to your spiritual master’s instructions conveying his mercy through to all of those fortunate enough to receive it from you.
Dear Gurudeva, although I can only see the tip of the iceberg of your glories, I have been deeply touched by the personal care that you have shown me on all levels.
One small example are the times I ran into you in Mayapur in 2020. Despite your undoubtedly jam-packed GBC schedule, you took the time to check in on me and how I was doing. When I explained that I had unfortunately caught a local bug, you patiently and lovingly explained that such material setbacks were an aspect of Krishna’s mercy, meant for my purification. Such exchanges over the years, although seemingly small, combine to leave such a touching impression on the heart, due to your immense spiritual potency and exemplary personalism.
Indeed although I am rather slow and self-absorbed, you always show me such warmth and encouragement, geared towards bringing out the best in me for Krishna’s pleasure, carefully nurturing my bhakti creeper.
You so magnanimously bestow upon us the priceless jewel of Krishna’s Holy Names, and although like a child I cannot appreciate the real value, I know that one day I may begin to realise their true splendour, by your mercy.
Furthermore, you give us the priceless opportunity to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada by reaching out to the lost souls of this world - participating as “early adopters” in the ultimate mercy mission.
On this day, I beg for the transcendental strength to become a truly useful instrument of your compassion, so that I may relish the matchless gift of Krishna’s Holy Names and assist you to share them with others.
This is the only way that I can even begin to repay you for the selfless sacrifice you make as our beloved spiritual father.
Please keep me forever at the shelter of your lotus feet.
āmi to' kāńgāla, 'kṛṣṇa' 'kṛṣṇa' boli',
dhāi tava pāche pāche
“Kṛṣṇa is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Kṛṣṇa! Kṛṣṇa!"”
Your eternally indebted spiritual son and aspiring servant,
Śivānanda Sena dāsa
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your most magnanimous self.
On this auspicious occasion I am prompted to reflect upon the immeasurable selfless sacrifice that you make for us, day after day, year after year, as our spiritual father and guide.
And just as, in ordinary family dealings, the children cannot appreciate the full extent of their father’s love and sacrifice for them, I feel similarly inept and limited in understanding the true scope of your devotional glories.
Materially speaking, how can a young infant comprehend the countless hardships their father undergoes to pay the bills, pay the mortgage, make car payments and so on, simply to provide shelter to them and keep the family together?
Similarly, with my limited intelligence I cannot comprehend the unlimited headaches you undergo for us, coming from all corners of the globe.
Whether it is bearing the weight of Srila Prabhupada’s entire society as a GBC member, offering counsel to so many devotees undergoing trials and troubles, bearing the tragedy of disciples falling away as casualties of the illusory energy, or guiding and inspiring devotional communities across the globe, the degree of your loving sacrifice is unfathomable.
And amidst all this, you tolerate incredible austerities for the purpose of traveling and preaching, including taking impeccable care of your physiological vehicle. You are following in the exalted footsteps of Srila Prabhupada, who also unrelentingly traveled the world even in his 70s.
Although I can see only a tiny fraction of what you are doing for us every day Gurudeva, I feel such shelter in the home you have created for us, your spiritual children, in the Bhakti Lounge community, a sanctuary offering spiritual asylum in the midst of the Kiwi-loka urban Kali yuga jungle.
Your genius in establishing and guiding such a center - a bespoke device for giving pleasure to our previous acaryas - reveals your genius for understanding and applying the teachings of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Indeed, the nectarean words of the Bhaktivedanta purports are not merely a philosophical or theological doctrine for you; you live and breathe these ecstatic vibrations of Srila Prabhupada and work tirelessly to bring his vision to life in the form of dynamic, heart-touching and vibrant western outreach centers and communities.
O Gurudeva, you are truly the perfect medium through which the mercy of Srila Prabhupada flows! You are the ultimate parampara spiritualist technologist, your unflinching fidelity to your spiritual master’s instructions conveying his mercy through to all of those fortunate enough to receive it from you.
Dear Gurudeva, although I can only see the tip of the iceberg of your glories, I have been deeply touched by the personal care that you have shown me on all levels.
One small example are the times I ran into you in Mayapur in 2020. Despite your undoubtedly jam-packed GBC schedule, you took the time to check in on me and how I was doing. When I explained that I had unfortunately caught a local bug, you patiently and lovingly explained that such material setbacks were an aspect of Krishna’s mercy, meant for my purification. Such exchanges over the years, although seemingly small, combine to leave such a touching impression on the heart, due to your immense spiritual potency and exemplary personalism.
Indeed although I am rather slow and self-absorbed, you always show me such warmth and encouragement, geared towards bringing out the best in me for Krishna’s pleasure, carefully nurturing my bhakti creeper.
You so magnanimously bestow upon us the priceless jewel of Krishna’s Holy Names, and although like a child I cannot appreciate the real value, I know that one day I may begin to realise their true splendour, by your mercy.
Furthermore, you give us the priceless opportunity to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada by reaching out to the lost souls of this world - participating as “early adopters” in the ultimate mercy mission.
On this day, I beg for the transcendental strength to become a truly useful instrument of your compassion, so that I may relish the matchless gift of Krishna’s Holy Names and assist you to share them with others.
This is the only way that I can even begin to repay you for the selfless sacrifice you make as our beloved spiritual father.
Please keep me forever at the shelter of your lotus feet.
āmi to' kāńgāla, 'kṛṣṇa' 'kṛṣṇa' boli',
dhāi tava pāche pāche
“Kṛṣṇa is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Kṛṣṇa! Kṛṣṇa!"”
Your eternally indebted spiritual son and aspiring servant,
Śivānanda Sena dāsa
Smita-Kanti devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, always.
Mere words cannot repay my indebtedness to you, or do any justice in glorifying your qualities and character. Thankyou for gifting me devotional service, for encouraging me to reach my potential for Krishna and for giving me love without conditions. I will continue to aspire to give my life to you.
A desperate situation as you would say
Washed out and floating without aim
Drowning in pure ignorance and folly
But still “I’m happy” I dared to claim.
Of course those who believed me
Were themselves too, conned.
Ruled by intoxication, our eyes forced shut
Perhaps scared to think there must be something beyond.
A kali refugee, bound with a heavy mind,
Pummeled by the modes and tossed out to dry.
You scooped me up and gave me the path to perfection.
Alas to my own misfortune, I still struggle to comply.
When I think back about how much you’ve given me
And how little I’ve done in return,
It proves to me who you really are,
For who else sticks with a person so stubborn to learn?
An unalloyed servant of the Supreme Lord,
Grave, sober and strong.
No limit to your love and kindness,
Even for those who continue to do wrong.
Single-pointed ambition to serve Krishna,
Filled with deep tolerance and humility.
You describe transcendental knowledge,
Without a trace of hypocrisy.
The expertise you possess in personal dealings is utmostly profound.
“You’re not a sack of potatoes”, went straight to my heart.
How did it have such an effect?
Because from Krishna you are never apart.
In great debt I know I am,
For everything you’ve given me and allowed me to do.
But despite my slow pace, your patience is unwavering
And I’m so eager to show that my gratitude to you is true.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Smita-Kanti devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, always.
Mere words cannot repay my indebtedness to you, or do any justice in glorifying your qualities and character. Thankyou for gifting me devotional service, for encouraging me to reach my potential for Krishna and for giving me love without conditions. I will continue to aspire to give my life to you.
A desperate situation as you would say
Washed out and floating without aim
Drowning in pure ignorance and folly
But still “I’m happy” I dared to claim.
Of course those who believed me
Were themselves too, conned.
Ruled by intoxication, our eyes forced shut
Perhaps scared to think there must be something beyond.
A kali refugee, bound with a heavy mind,
Pummeled by the modes and tossed out to dry.
You scooped me up and gave me the path to perfection.
Alas to my own misfortune, I still struggle to comply.
When I think back about how much you’ve given me
And how little I’ve done in return,
It proves to me who you really are,
For who else sticks with a person so stubborn to learn?
An unalloyed servant of the Supreme Lord,
Grave, sober and strong.
No limit to your love and kindness,
Even for those who continue to do wrong.
Single-pointed ambition to serve Krishna,
Filled with deep tolerance and humility.
You describe transcendental knowledge,
Without a trace of hypocrisy.
The expertise you possess in personal dealings is utmostly profound.
“You’re not a sack of potatoes”, went straight to my heart.
How did it have such an effect?
Because from Krishna you are never apart.
In great debt I know I am,
For everything you’ve given me and allowed me to do.
But despite my slow pace, your patience is unwavering
And I’m so eager to show that my gratitude to you is true.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Smita-Kanti devi dasi.
Smitāmṛta Dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada
A year has passed since my last attempt at an offering. Since I’ve been meditating on your glorious appearance day, I can’t help but reflect on the year that has passed.
I don’t think I have thoroughly processed or contemplated the unlimited mercy you have bestowed upon me in just a single year. Despite me being a mere, aspiring bhakta of only a few years, you have granted me the greatest, most magnanimous shelter one can receive in any universe. You have taught me that all other forms of shelter are false in the sense that they are temporary. After many supposed lifetimes of foolish endeavors for the meaningless illusion of protection, I have at last been granted the ultimate protection, the opportunity to serve the dearest servant of Lord Sri Krsna.
nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai
ya yalibhir yuktir apekshaniya
tatrati-dakshyad ati-vallabhasya
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
‘The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari.’
Your mercy is inconceivable. You have made me realise that I lack knowledge of even the most basic human, social decency, let alone knowledge of the most elevated dealings of Krsna and His pure devotees. There are many days where I feel like I have started at such a low point, therefore there is no hope for such a conditioned soul. When the material nature weighs down on me, and Maya Devi herself is whispering in my ear, telling me to give up, I truly see my lack of spiritual strength. But Gurudeva, in those moments, I lack faith in myself but put my full faith in your causeless mercy. I call out to you in desperate prayer and you always, one way or another, scoop me out of the cruel fate of my own foolishness.
Your lectures continuously wake me up, reset my focus to the only important thing in existence, the service of your lotus feet. When I see you in my dreams, I always wake feeling back on track, supported and loved. The strength that you give me Gurudeva is nothing like I have ever felt. I long to relish the pastimes of the Lord and the Lord’s holy names like you do. The way you hang onto every syllable, squeeze out endless nectar from every verse is beyond my understanding. I feel that I have barely tasted a drop of that life giving nectar but I am eternally inspired as I watch you dive into that deep, unlimited ocean.
Please Gurudeva, please protect me by keeping me fully engaged in your service. Please don’t let me stray too far. Please wake me up when I continue to fall asleep. I promise I will keep endeavoring on this path back to Godhead, knowing that any progress I make is by your mercy only.
All glories to you on this most wonderful and auspicious day. My gratitude is inexpressible with words, but I hope my actions can somehow portray its depths.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Smitamrta Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada
A year has passed since my last attempt at an offering. Since I’ve been meditating on your glorious appearance day, I can’t help but reflect on the year that has passed.
I don’t think I have thoroughly processed or contemplated the unlimited mercy you have bestowed upon me in just a single year. Despite me being a mere, aspiring bhakta of only a few years, you have granted me the greatest, most magnanimous shelter one can receive in any universe. You have taught me that all other forms of shelter are false in the sense that they are temporary. After many supposed lifetimes of foolish endeavors for the meaningless illusion of protection, I have at last been granted the ultimate protection, the opportunity to serve the dearest servant of Lord Sri Krsna.
nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai
ya yalibhir yuktir apekshaniya
tatrati-dakshyad ati-vallabhasya
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
‘The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari.’
Your mercy is inconceivable. You have made me realise that I lack knowledge of even the most basic human, social decency, let alone knowledge of the most elevated dealings of Krsna and His pure devotees. There are many days where I feel like I have started at such a low point, therefore there is no hope for such a conditioned soul. When the material nature weighs down on me, and Maya Devi herself is whispering in my ear, telling me to give up, I truly see my lack of spiritual strength. But Gurudeva, in those moments, I lack faith in myself but put my full faith in your causeless mercy. I call out to you in desperate prayer and you always, one way or another, scoop me out of the cruel fate of my own foolishness.
Your lectures continuously wake me up, reset my focus to the only important thing in existence, the service of your lotus feet. When I see you in my dreams, I always wake feeling back on track, supported and loved. The strength that you give me Gurudeva is nothing like I have ever felt. I long to relish the pastimes of the Lord and the Lord’s holy names like you do. The way you hang onto every syllable, squeeze out endless nectar from every verse is beyond my understanding. I feel that I have barely tasted a drop of that life giving nectar but I am eternally inspired as I watch you dive into that deep, unlimited ocean.
Please Gurudeva, please protect me by keeping me fully engaged in your service. Please don’t let me stray too far. Please wake me up when I continue to fall asleep. I promise I will keep endeavoring on this path back to Godhead, knowing that any progress I make is by your mercy only.
All glories to you on this most wonderful and auspicious day. My gratitude is inexpressible with words, but I hope my actions can somehow portray its depths.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Smitamrta Dasi.
Sravananda Das
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept My Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
On auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, would like to thank you from bottom of my heart for accepting me as one of your disciple. In spite of many shortcoming , due to affect of age of Kali , I consider fortune to be your disciple. Your knowledge with humility is something impress anyone who have great fortune to meet you. In spite of preaching and spreading Krishna consciousness for more than five decade ,you do not hanker for any honor. You had enlightened countless soul, and whenever I recite pranam mantra at your lotus feet
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
cakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
It remind me of torch of your knowledge that has dispel the darkness in our heart. You present the topmost knowledge in such a manner that even layman can understand the highest tatva of bhakti.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and not only taking care of myself , but meeting and guiding my family in Mayapur. I will always be indebted for giving me shelter, and will strive to be your worthy spiritual son
Seeking your blessing,
Sravananda Das
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept My Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
On auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja, would like to thank you from bottom of my heart for accepting me as one of your disciple. In spite of many shortcoming , due to affect of age of Kali , I consider fortune to be your disciple. Your knowledge with humility is something impress anyone who have great fortune to meet you. In spite of preaching and spreading Krishna consciousness for more than five decade ,you do not hanker for any honor. You had enlightened countless soul, and whenever I recite pranam mantra at your lotus feet
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
cakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
It remind me of torch of your knowledge that has dispel the darkness in our heart. You present the topmost knowledge in such a manner that even layman can understand the highest tatva of bhakti.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and not only taking care of myself , but meeting and guiding my family in Mayapur. I will always be indebted for giving me shelter, and will strive to be your worthy spiritual son
Seeking your blessing,
Sravananda Das
Sri Goloka das
<i>nama om visnu padaya krsna prasthaya bhutale</i>
<i>srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine</i>
<i>pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata</i>
<i>pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah</i>
Hare Krsna and Happy Appearance Day Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances on this auspicious occasion.
In the purport of Caitanya Caritamrta Adi lila 1.35, it is said:
There is no difference between the spiritual master’s instructions and the spiritual master himself…his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple.
Your instructions form the very basis of our Krsna consciousness. Every time we follow your direction, our spiritual life improves. We may not understand it at that very moment, we may rebel, we may buy some time and decide to follow your instructions later, we may even downplay the instructions to mean something else...we may even doubt the instruction but whenever we actually follow your instructions at a sustained period of time, all auspiciousness occurs – we find ourselves connected to the mission of your beloved spiritual master – Srila Prabhupada, we find bliss and direction to our otherwise meaningless lives. We find comfort in knowing that really understanding your instructions and strictly adhering to your instructions will protect us.
Our bodies are temporary, our senses are addicted to anything other than Krsna, our minds are fickle, our intelligence is corrupted by anger, lust and greed… our intentions are questionable - we are unable to find our real self-interest – How can we claim to know what is best for us- what service will help us, which environment will get us out of this mire, which atmosphere is conducive. We cannot trust ourselves – only the spiritual master is the expert in understanding the disciple’s mind and mercifully and systematically guides them, setting an example and being a role model and a source of inspiration, consistently nourishing the disciple with his spiritual strength, unalloyed devotion and compassion.
There is no guarantee when we will breathe our last, there is no guarantee how long we will be in this body...there is no guarantee which situation we will be in, therefore, your instructions are our only true possession. They are the very lifeline of the disciple. Instructions are our eternal association with you, our connection to your lotus feet.
Guru Vandana Text 10 propounds:
<i>sādhu śāstra guru vākya, hṛdoye koriyā aikya,</i>
Making the words of the guru, sadhus, and sastras one with my heart
Every now and then we find it challenging to live outside our comfort zones. Still, you practice living out of your comfort zone daily…traversing the entire globe spreading Krsna Consciousness, sacrificing your comfort and health to energize devotees, and attracting and connecting to new devotees. You teach us by example that no matter what, your service to your spiritual master is so important that it overrides your own comforts and health. To you, Srila Prabhupada’s instructions are your life and soul, we can only aspire that to us, your instructions become our life and soul.
The Guruvastakam 8th stanza goes on to say that one cannot make any advancement without the grace of the spiritual master, and that grace comes from pleasing the spiritual master. In your lecture, you mentioned that one lives with the Spiritual master and becomes a friend of the spiritual master by becoming one with his mission. By pleasing the Spiritual master through following his instructions, one makes advancement…when things become harder and still following the vows one becomes even stronger and resolute in their spiritual life because the purpose – your instructions become the priority.
Thank you for being our pillar Gurudeva, the goal is clear, and the focus is clear - you have proven that by following one's own spiritual master against all odds one advances rapidly…now all I need to do is aim to follow your lotus footsteps.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja! All glories to you!
On behalf of my late father and your disciple, His Grace Giriraj Prabhu,
Your servant,
Sri Goloka das
<i>srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine</i>
<i>pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata</i>
<i>pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah</i>
Hare Krsna and Happy Appearance Day Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances on this auspicious occasion.
In the purport of Caitanya Caritamrta Adi lila 1.35, it is said:
There is no difference between the spiritual master’s instructions and the spiritual master himself…his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple.
Your instructions form the very basis of our Krsna consciousness. Every time we follow your direction, our spiritual life improves. We may not understand it at that very moment, we may rebel, we may buy some time and decide to follow your instructions later, we may even downplay the instructions to mean something else...we may even doubt the instruction but whenever we actually follow your instructions at a sustained period of time, all auspiciousness occurs – we find ourselves connected to the mission of your beloved spiritual master – Srila Prabhupada, we find bliss and direction to our otherwise meaningless lives. We find comfort in knowing that really understanding your instructions and strictly adhering to your instructions will protect us.
Our bodies are temporary, our senses are addicted to anything other than Krsna, our minds are fickle, our intelligence is corrupted by anger, lust and greed… our intentions are questionable - we are unable to find our real self-interest – How can we claim to know what is best for us- what service will help us, which environment will get us out of this mire, which atmosphere is conducive. We cannot trust ourselves – only the spiritual master is the expert in understanding the disciple’s mind and mercifully and systematically guides them, setting an example and being a role model and a source of inspiration, consistently nourishing the disciple with his spiritual strength, unalloyed devotion and compassion.
There is no guarantee when we will breathe our last, there is no guarantee how long we will be in this body...there is no guarantee which situation we will be in, therefore, your instructions are our only true possession. They are the very lifeline of the disciple. Instructions are our eternal association with you, our connection to your lotus feet.
Guru Vandana Text 10 propounds:
<i>sādhu śāstra guru vākya, hṛdoye koriyā aikya,</i>
Making the words of the guru, sadhus, and sastras one with my heart
Every now and then we find it challenging to live outside our comfort zones. Still, you practice living out of your comfort zone daily…traversing the entire globe spreading Krsna Consciousness, sacrificing your comfort and health to energize devotees, and attracting and connecting to new devotees. You teach us by example that no matter what, your service to your spiritual master is so important that it overrides your own comforts and health. To you, Srila Prabhupada’s instructions are your life and soul, we can only aspire that to us, your instructions become our life and soul.
The Guruvastakam 8th stanza goes on to say that one cannot make any advancement without the grace of the spiritual master, and that grace comes from pleasing the spiritual master. In your lecture, you mentioned that one lives with the Spiritual master and becomes a friend of the spiritual master by becoming one with his mission. By pleasing the Spiritual master through following his instructions, one makes advancement…when things become harder and still following the vows one becomes even stronger and resolute in their spiritual life because the purpose – your instructions become the priority.
Thank you for being our pillar Gurudeva, the goal is clear, and the focus is clear - you have proven that by following one's own spiritual master against all odds one advances rapidly…now all I need to do is aim to follow your lotus footsteps.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja! All glories to you!
On behalf of my late father and your disciple, His Grace Giriraj Prabhu,
Your servant,
Sri Goloka das
Sri Jiva Charan das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your impeccable character astounds me. Your gravity, sobriety, wisdom, joyfulness, wit, intellect, humility, kindness, compassion, and deep love stirs the hearts of millions of souls around the world, including myself. I am stupefied by how you have completely given everything in your life, day in and day out, decade after decade, for the pleasure and service of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. However, upon reflecting on your extraordinarily unalloyed giving of yourself to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, and his intimate associates, I think I understand its reasoning. It seems, according to my insignificant perspective, that because of the deep love, emotion, and desire you have for Krishna it is possible to undergo what you have gone through and continue to do. The years of book distribution and outreach, the seemingly impossible task of completing the publication of the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, your perilous escapades behind the iron curtain, your decades of wise counsel on the governing body commission, and your persistent fatherly concern for your spiritual children and struggling souls drowning in the ocean of kali-yuga. How extraordinary!
Thank you for your magnificent example and sacrifice. Thank you for your kindness, concern, and guidance. Oh! How lost I would be without it! Thank you for tolerating all my shortcomings.
Your servant Sri Jiva Charan das.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your impeccable character astounds me. Your gravity, sobriety, wisdom, joyfulness, wit, intellect, humility, kindness, compassion, and deep love stirs the hearts of millions of souls around the world, including myself. I am stupefied by how you have completely given everything in your life, day in and day out, decade after decade, for the pleasure and service of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. However, upon reflecting on your extraordinarily unalloyed giving of yourself to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, and his intimate associates, I think I understand its reasoning. It seems, according to my insignificant perspective, that because of the deep love, emotion, and desire you have for Krishna it is possible to undergo what you have gone through and continue to do. The years of book distribution and outreach, the seemingly impossible task of completing the publication of the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, your perilous escapades behind the iron curtain, your decades of wise counsel on the governing body commission, and your persistent fatherly concern for your spiritual children and struggling souls drowning in the ocean of kali-yuga. How extraordinary!
Thank you for your magnificent example and sacrifice. Thank you for your kindness, concern, and guidance. Oh! How lost I would be without it! Thank you for tolerating all my shortcomings.
Your servant Sri Jiva Charan das.
Śrikānta Sena Dāsa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I wholeheartedly pray that your grace give me the words to appropriately glorify and commemorate you on this auspicious day of Vyasa Puja. The words are not coming easily.
I last saw you in the midst of a Covid-19 outbreak at New Govardhana Farm earlier this year. That happened to coincide with the formal initiation ceremony where you kindly accepted me and my wife as aspiring disciples. It is fair to say that this time was quite turbulent and uncertain – devotees left and right testing positive for the virus and some requiring hospitalisation. At the same time, Australia – the only other country you were permitted to enter at the time – was experiencing a nation-wide outbreak that made travel anywhere difficult. New Zealand was also not letting you back in easily.
Alas, there you were in New Govardhana being served by what devotees remained untouched by the virus. That number dwindled daily. Curiously (and arguably storyboarded by transcendental comedians) I was one of the few persons left to serve you. Curious because I happened to be fresh “off the block” of initiation and wounded up serving your personally. In seriously attempting to serve you, I made mistake after mistake: walking into the room with no mask, serving parathas with my hands because I could not find an implement, nearly spilling prasad on you, not taking certain hints (to name only a few). The transcendental comedy was that I couldn’t request a senior godbrother to serve you as appropriate because they eventually all got sick or had separate services. So there you were, stuck with a newbie who barely knew how to serve you.
In true Vaisnava fashion, you tolerated and accepted whatever quality of service was offered.
There is a deep realisation for me in this whole milieu. For the ten days I tried to serve you, I also took your maha maha prasad. For those ten days, whilst devotees around me succumbed to the virus, my health remained firm and my body showed no symptoms. I observed that you also did not experience any symptoms and remained healthy. The day after you left New Govardhana, my body succumbed. It was clear to me that taking your maha maha prasad was keeping my body, and soul residing within it, healthy. This maha maha prasad was the preventative cure to all disease. That statement may be fantatical, but it is said with faith in, as you often say, “bhakti mysticism”.
Likewise, Gurudeva, your instructions are a panacea for this disease of material life involving repeated birth and death. This prasad (mercy), I have been wandering for throughout the entire universe, being either elevated to the upper planetary systems or going down into the lower planetary systems. I am so fortunate to get the opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master, His Holiness Devamrita Swami by the grace of Krsna. By your mercy, I pray with firm determination for your service to one day receive the creeper of devotional service.
Despite my own feelings that I do not do enough to serve you, your words are a constant source of inspiration and also cause me to snap out of despair and do some practical service – whatever that may be.
You constantly remind us that devotional service to the spiritual master reaches the peaks of intensity where a disciple serves the spiritual master wholeheartedly without any thought of themself. You embody this teaching, only having spoken personally to your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada once (receiving only a sound in response, no words). I can’t help but surrender to my frailties as an aspiring disciple to be in your physical presence. I long to always sit at your feet and listen to you speak Krsna katha. That, to my small brain, is the peak of all existence. I yearn for those days because there is no greater inspiration to me to pick up the sword of this bhakti practice than your words and your ever-beaming countenance.
I pray for the appropriate utensils to serve you, a strong sadhana, humility and selflessness.
Your aspiring disciple
Śrikānta Sena Dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I wholeheartedly pray that your grace give me the words to appropriately glorify and commemorate you on this auspicious day of Vyasa Puja. The words are not coming easily.
I last saw you in the midst of a Covid-19 outbreak at New Govardhana Farm earlier this year. That happened to coincide with the formal initiation ceremony where you kindly accepted me and my wife as aspiring disciples. It is fair to say that this time was quite turbulent and uncertain – devotees left and right testing positive for the virus and some requiring hospitalisation. At the same time, Australia – the only other country you were permitted to enter at the time – was experiencing a nation-wide outbreak that made travel anywhere difficult. New Zealand was also not letting you back in easily.
Alas, there you were in New Govardhana being served by what devotees remained untouched by the virus. That number dwindled daily. Curiously (and arguably storyboarded by transcendental comedians) I was one of the few persons left to serve you. Curious because I happened to be fresh “off the block” of initiation and wounded up serving your personally. In seriously attempting to serve you, I made mistake after mistake: walking into the room with no mask, serving parathas with my hands because I could not find an implement, nearly spilling prasad on you, not taking certain hints (to name only a few). The transcendental comedy was that I couldn’t request a senior godbrother to serve you as appropriate because they eventually all got sick or had separate services. So there you were, stuck with a newbie who barely knew how to serve you.
In true Vaisnava fashion, you tolerated and accepted whatever quality of service was offered.
There is a deep realisation for me in this whole milieu. For the ten days I tried to serve you, I also took your maha maha prasad. For those ten days, whilst devotees around me succumbed to the virus, my health remained firm and my body showed no symptoms. I observed that you also did not experience any symptoms and remained healthy. The day after you left New Govardhana, my body succumbed. It was clear to me that taking your maha maha prasad was keeping my body, and soul residing within it, healthy. This maha maha prasad was the preventative cure to all disease. That statement may be fantatical, but it is said with faith in, as you often say, “bhakti mysticism”.
Likewise, Gurudeva, your instructions are a panacea for this disease of material life involving repeated birth and death. This prasad (mercy), I have been wandering for throughout the entire universe, being either elevated to the upper planetary systems or going down into the lower planetary systems. I am so fortunate to get the opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master, His Holiness Devamrita Swami by the grace of Krsna. By your mercy, I pray with firm determination for your service to one day receive the creeper of devotional service.
Despite my own feelings that I do not do enough to serve you, your words are a constant source of inspiration and also cause me to snap out of despair and do some practical service – whatever that may be.
You constantly remind us that devotional service to the spiritual master reaches the peaks of intensity where a disciple serves the spiritual master wholeheartedly without any thought of themself. You embody this teaching, only having spoken personally to your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada once (receiving only a sound in response, no words). I can’t help but surrender to my frailties as an aspiring disciple to be in your physical presence. I long to always sit at your feet and listen to you speak Krsna katha. That, to my small brain, is the peak of all existence. I yearn for those days because there is no greater inspiration to me to pick up the sword of this bhakti practice than your words and your ever-beaming countenance.
I pray for the appropriate utensils to serve you, a strong sadhana, humility and selflessness.
Your aspiring disciple
Śrikānta Sena Dāsa
Sriman Nrsimha das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your auspicious day of appearance!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
This year I’ve been reflecting on your extraordinary desire to please Srila Prabhupada, quite often in the most trying and pressurising situations. The thought was sparked earlier on when the unfortunate conflict in Eastern Europe began. Being an active preacher in that region, you naturally have thousands of devotees there who seek inspiration and shelter in you. I was amazed and thoroughly impressed with your impeccable ability to comfort, have concern for and guide devotees and at the same time remain steadfast in completely surrendering to Krishna’s plans.
Recently, a devotee I’ve been guiding decided to take your Guru Ashraya and when he asked me to tell me something about you, the first thing that came to mind were your years behind the Iron Curtain. At the age of just 27 years, you followed the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada by travelling overseas to a foreign land to spread the teachings of Lord Caitanya. At times you mention that Srila Prabhupada had said that he would give the special dust of his lotus feet to those who would preach Krishna Consciousness in communist Europe. It reminds me of a quote His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj is known to have said: “when your desire to serve is beyond your capacity, yet you act without hesitation, that is the moment empowerment occurs.” You sacrificed eight dangerous years building a foundation that has now flourished into one of the biggest devotional yatras in the world. I remembered the stories I’ve heard you so seldom tell of your challenging times there. I remembered your four-part “East Europe Bhajan” poem. I recalled the miraculous interventions of Krishna to protect you from the KGB. I remembered the tests of the illusory energy you overcame. I recollected the undercover book distribution. I remembered how as your ship docked into a port one day, you prayed to Srila Prabhupada, wiped away the tears on your face, put on a wig and disembarked not knowing if you would ever make it back alive. Yet in the midst of so much uncertainty and impossibility, you came out successful. Paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam. There is still so much more of your glories that we do not know. Srila Prabhupada’s books were distributed, the curtain fell and as we see today, Krishna’s devotees have flourished.
His Holiness Vishujana Maharaj had once said “whatever you do, try to do something beautiful for Srila Prabhupada.” Guru Maharaj, your entire life is a veritable offering at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. The secret as you mention is to take our service, whether big or small, seriously. When Krishna sees that we are serious about His service, He will give us more service and in this way our service opportunity expands. Thank you Guru Maharaj for being such a solid and powerful example of Krishna Consciousness in my life. All glories to you!
Your insignificant servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your auspicious day of appearance!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
This year I’ve been reflecting on your extraordinary desire to please Srila Prabhupada, quite often in the most trying and pressurising situations. The thought was sparked earlier on when the unfortunate conflict in Eastern Europe began. Being an active preacher in that region, you naturally have thousands of devotees there who seek inspiration and shelter in you. I was amazed and thoroughly impressed with your impeccable ability to comfort, have concern for and guide devotees and at the same time remain steadfast in completely surrendering to Krishna’s plans.
Recently, a devotee I’ve been guiding decided to take your Guru Ashraya and when he asked me to tell me something about you, the first thing that came to mind were your years behind the Iron Curtain. At the age of just 27 years, you followed the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada by travelling overseas to a foreign land to spread the teachings of Lord Caitanya. At times you mention that Srila Prabhupada had said that he would give the special dust of his lotus feet to those who would preach Krishna Consciousness in communist Europe. It reminds me of a quote His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj is known to have said: “when your desire to serve is beyond your capacity, yet you act without hesitation, that is the moment empowerment occurs.” You sacrificed eight dangerous years building a foundation that has now flourished into one of the biggest devotional yatras in the world. I remembered the stories I’ve heard you so seldom tell of your challenging times there. I remembered your four-part “East Europe Bhajan” poem. I recalled the miraculous interventions of Krishna to protect you from the KGB. I remembered the tests of the illusory energy you overcame. I recollected the undercover book distribution. I remembered how as your ship docked into a port one day, you prayed to Srila Prabhupada, wiped away the tears on your face, put on a wig and disembarked not knowing if you would ever make it back alive. Yet in the midst of so much uncertainty and impossibility, you came out successful. Paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam. There is still so much more of your glories that we do not know. Srila Prabhupada’s books were distributed, the curtain fell and as we see today, Krishna’s devotees have flourished.
His Holiness Vishujana Maharaj had once said “whatever you do, try to do something beautiful for Srila Prabhupada.” Guru Maharaj, your entire life is a veritable offering at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. The secret as you mention is to take our service, whether big or small, seriously. When Krishna sees that we are serious about His service, He will give us more service and in this way our service opportunity expands. Thank you Guru Maharaj for being such a solid and powerful example of Krishna Consciousness in my life. All glories to you!
Your insignificant servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Sruti-cari dd
Dear Guru Deva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
Gaura Purnima this year marked twenty years since you initiated me. It sounds a long time when I say it like that, but it doesn’t feel that way. During that time, you, my spiritual father, have supported, cared for, and loved me, and by doing so you have become the most important person in my life. I still struggle with my unruly mind, daydream through my japa, fumble my relationships with devotees, and snooze through Srila Prabhupada’s books. I don’t think I’m making much progress on shifting these things, but I do keep on trying. I’m lucky that you are so kind that despite all these disqualifications you still care about me.
Sometimes, I feel that I have gone backwards in my Krishna conscious. Once, I was so enthusiastic and unafraid to do whatever you asked. How exciting it was. How confident I felt. But I am not confident anymore. I am afraid and defensive. Recently, when I asked you what to do about my defensive heart, you pointed out I was not humble enough. If I were humbler, would I not hurt so much? Would the fear of being hurt leave me? Is this fear caused by my pride? I will work on developing greater humility, because I want to go back to that confident time. The time when everything seemed to run on Krishna magic. I want to serve you with energy and enthusiasm again.
I had secretly hoped the COVID lockdowns would persuade you to settle down and spend more time with us here in New Zealand. But I knew, of course, that, as soon as you were able, you would be traveling again. You are driven to rescue as many fallen souls as possible. That compassionate drive is beyond my comprehension. Year after year, you do the austerity of traveling – country after country – continent after continent. I can only imagine the toll it takes on your body and mind. But you take on all that inconvenience for us, and you do it without expectation of reciprocation. I wish I could express my gratitude better. I wish I could assist you in your mission more.
My efforts are paltry, but please accept them. Please accept me as your servant also. I have no other place to go, I have no other shelter.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
Gaura Purnima this year marked twenty years since you initiated me. It sounds a long time when I say it like that, but it doesn’t feel that way. During that time, you, my spiritual father, have supported, cared for, and loved me, and by doing so you have become the most important person in my life. I still struggle with my unruly mind, daydream through my japa, fumble my relationships with devotees, and snooze through Srila Prabhupada’s books. I don’t think I’m making much progress on shifting these things, but I do keep on trying. I’m lucky that you are so kind that despite all these disqualifications you still care about me.
Sometimes, I feel that I have gone backwards in my Krishna conscious. Once, I was so enthusiastic and unafraid to do whatever you asked. How exciting it was. How confident I felt. But I am not confident anymore. I am afraid and defensive. Recently, when I asked you what to do about my defensive heart, you pointed out I was not humble enough. If I were humbler, would I not hurt so much? Would the fear of being hurt leave me? Is this fear caused by my pride? I will work on developing greater humility, because I want to go back to that confident time. The time when everything seemed to run on Krishna magic. I want to serve you with energy and enthusiasm again.
I had secretly hoped the COVID lockdowns would persuade you to settle down and spend more time with us here in New Zealand. But I knew, of course, that, as soon as you were able, you would be traveling again. You are driven to rescue as many fallen souls as possible. That compassionate drive is beyond my comprehension. Year after year, you do the austerity of traveling – country after country – continent after continent. I can only imagine the toll it takes on your body and mind. But you take on all that inconvenience for us, and you do it without expectation of reciprocation. I wish I could express my gratitude better. I wish I could assist you in your mission more.
My efforts are paltry, but please accept them. Please accept me as your servant also. I have no other place to go, I have no other shelter.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari dd
Stambha bhava das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to your wonderful Vaisnava qualities and your determination to give Krishna Consciousness to others.
I would like to express my heart felt gratitude to you for your troublesome endeavour to keep me in a humble position and making sure my false ego remains subdued.
One time in Brisbane you asked me to join you for a walk. I was thinking “oh this is great! now I get to go for a stroll and shoot the breeze with my Guru,” so I was waiting outside the front door in dhoti, tilak with japa mala ready to go. When you came down and we started walking I went to say something and before I could get the first word out you said “Ssshh! I’m breathing!” Then you proceeded to walk extremely fast, so fast in fact that I practically had to jog to keep up with you. This was mid summer in Brisbane, it was 35’C and 80% humidity, we got back to the temple after a 40 minute power walk and I was totally soaked with perspiration. As you walked up the stairs to your room I was left standing there with tilak running off my face, scratching my head wondering, “what just happened?”
In 2010 I was serving you in Melbourne and Nanda Mandir drove you to the airport with me in the backseat. I had it in mind that when we reach the airport I would jump out of the car and run to get a trolley, so that by the time you got out of the car I would already have the bags on the trolley so we can make an efficient entrance into the airport terminal. When we arrived I jumped out of the car as planned to go and get the trolley but when I got to the line of trolleys they were stuck together, I tried my hardest, but for some reason I was unable to separate them. In a desperate attempt I ran to the other end of the line and started pulling, but the trollys were inseparable. I ended up putting my foot on the preceding trolley and with all my strength tried to pry them apart, but it did not work. After failing miserably I looked over to the car and saw that both you and Nanda Mandir were pointing and laughing hysterically at me. Srila Rupa Goswami describes this in his Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu under the title of ‘Hasya Rasa’ “when the nostrils are flared, the teeth are showing and the eyes squint this is called avahasita.”
At this point two questions came to mind “why are they laughing at me?” and “why can’t I release this stupid trolly?!” I gave the trolly one last tug but to of no avail. I went back to the car completely frustrated in defeat. When I got back to the car Nanda Mandir kindly pointed out to me that I needed to put a dollar in the slot to release the trolly.
The foundation of any relationship in spiritual life is that which is based on the six loving exchanges described in ‘Nectar of Instruction’. I feel that you have always gone out of your way to engage in these loving exchanges with me, and I’m sure that I’m not the only one who feels that way. You have always made time for me to reveal my mind to you if necessary, offering me gifts such as those amazing noise cancelling headphones (which I practically didn’t take out of my ears the whole journey to London) for which I’m very grateful and humbled by such a gift. And of course giving in charity. In his purport to NOI text 4 Srila Prabhupada states “Contributing or distributing the Holy Name of the Lord is a sublime example of contributing or giving in charity (the dadāti principle”). Your constant endeavour to give the Holy Name through your kirtan and inspire me to acquire a taste for chanting shows that you are actually the most charitable of all persons.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura used to say that one who glorifies me is my enemy but one who points out my faults is my best friend. Although, no doubt an austerity, it is the Guru’s duty to point out the faults in his disciple. By diligently pointing out my faults you reveal that you are actually by best friend, along with being my loving father, my expert teacher and my courageous leader.
Aspiring to follow in your lotus foot steps birth after birth.
Your servant
Stambha bhava das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to your wonderful Vaisnava qualities and your determination to give Krishna Consciousness to others.
I would like to express my heart felt gratitude to you for your troublesome endeavour to keep me in a humble position and making sure my false ego remains subdued.
One time in Brisbane you asked me to join you for a walk. I was thinking “oh this is great! now I get to go for a stroll and shoot the breeze with my Guru,” so I was waiting outside the front door in dhoti, tilak with japa mala ready to go. When you came down and we started walking I went to say something and before I could get the first word out you said “Ssshh! I’m breathing!” Then you proceeded to walk extremely fast, so fast in fact that I practically had to jog to keep up with you. This was mid summer in Brisbane, it was 35’C and 80% humidity, we got back to the temple after a 40 minute power walk and I was totally soaked with perspiration. As you walked up the stairs to your room I was left standing there with tilak running off my face, scratching my head wondering, “what just happened?”
In 2010 I was serving you in Melbourne and Nanda Mandir drove you to the airport with me in the backseat. I had it in mind that when we reach the airport I would jump out of the car and run to get a trolley, so that by the time you got out of the car I would already have the bags on the trolley so we can make an efficient entrance into the airport terminal. When we arrived I jumped out of the car as planned to go and get the trolley but when I got to the line of trolleys they were stuck together, I tried my hardest, but for some reason I was unable to separate them. In a desperate attempt I ran to the other end of the line and started pulling, but the trollys were inseparable. I ended up putting my foot on the preceding trolley and with all my strength tried to pry them apart, but it did not work. After failing miserably I looked over to the car and saw that both you and Nanda Mandir were pointing and laughing hysterically at me. Srila Rupa Goswami describes this in his Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu under the title of ‘Hasya Rasa’ “when the nostrils are flared, the teeth are showing and the eyes squint this is called avahasita.”
At this point two questions came to mind “why are they laughing at me?” and “why can’t I release this stupid trolly?!” I gave the trolly one last tug but to of no avail. I went back to the car completely frustrated in defeat. When I got back to the car Nanda Mandir kindly pointed out to me that I needed to put a dollar in the slot to release the trolly.
The foundation of any relationship in spiritual life is that which is based on the six loving exchanges described in ‘Nectar of Instruction’. I feel that you have always gone out of your way to engage in these loving exchanges with me, and I’m sure that I’m not the only one who feels that way. You have always made time for me to reveal my mind to you if necessary, offering me gifts such as those amazing noise cancelling headphones (which I practically didn’t take out of my ears the whole journey to London) for which I’m very grateful and humbled by such a gift. And of course giving in charity. In his purport to NOI text 4 Srila Prabhupada states “Contributing or distributing the Holy Name of the Lord is a sublime example of contributing or giving in charity (the dadāti principle”). Your constant endeavour to give the Holy Name through your kirtan and inspire me to acquire a taste for chanting shows that you are actually the most charitable of all persons.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura used to say that one who glorifies me is my enemy but one who points out my faults is my best friend. Although, no doubt an austerity, it is the Guru’s duty to point out the faults in his disciple. By diligently pointing out my faults you reveal that you are actually by best friend, along with being my loving father, my expert teacher and my courageous leader.
Aspiring to follow in your lotus foot steps birth after birth.
Your servant
Stambha bhava das
Sukanthi Radha dai
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet.
The time has come again to celebrate this most auspicious and significant day; the day your mothers prayers got answered, to have a servant of God as her son. You grew up to dedicate your life to Gods service through guru parampara and you rescued, and continue to rescue so many souls from the tossing ocean of birth and death.
Prabhupada describes our situation in BG 5.14 purport:
"He is simply in the midst of he material ocean, struggling for existence. The waves of the ocean are tossing him, and he has no control over them. His best solution is to get out of the water by transcendental Krishna consciousness. That alone will save him from all turmoil."
Through your inconceivable, pure and selfless compassion, you are reaching out to pull us out of this raging ocean and onto the bhakti boat.
After recovering from the distress from the tossing waves, we sometimes begin to familiarise ourself with the new environment of the bhakti boat and the mind finds a new set of problems, "Why do I need to sit next to this person Gurudeva", this boat is rocking too much Gurudev. "I am struggling in this way/that way Gurudeva", or even, "I think I'm going for another swim now I've got my energy back".
Throughout all this, you expertly deal with each soul with the deepest compassion. Even when their desires are not to leave the bhakti boat, you patiently wait for them to return.
We're no longer drowning in the ocean, yet to be protected from those intriguing and enticing waves, we need to deeply pray for the understanding of what you actually did for us; what a dire life you saved us from. If Prabhupada says he was always praying to be protected from maya, then we most definitely need to follow that example and not become complacent.
Like a spoilt child, I bother you with so many struggles within the bhakti boat Gurudeva. I deeply regret this and pray for the strength not to waste anymore of your time in this way. You rescued us; gave us a seat in your mercy boat and facilitated so many dynamic activities to engage us on our journey. You really are the most wonderful parent anyone could ever wish for. I love you Gurudev and never want to leave you and your shelter, no matter how uncomfortable this boat ride gets. By your mercy I want to deepen my practice of bhakti yoga and move beyond the platform of the mind.
Prabhupada tells us, in BG 4.34 purport:
"The path of spiritual life in undoubtedly difficult."
I recently heard you say in a class that spiritual life may be hard but it's even harder to be in material life. I also heard you say that we are prepared to undergo great inconvenience in material life, but when it comes to struggling in spiritual life, we don't want any inconvenience.
During some recent lamentations I was having about my lack of outreach activities on the bhakti boat, you replied:
"You are such a valuable use to the sankirtana mission, just by being in Mayapur and having a stable cooperative family."
As usual, you see our potential and give us hope, even as we sway and rock from the strong waves that challenge our strength. As BG 4.34 purport says:
"A bona fide spiritual master is by nature very kind towards the disciple".
How greatful I am to be your disciple and a recipient of your unfathomable kindness. How beyond proud I am to have such a glorious master. How I pray for your mercy that you never let me get close to those raging waves again and to be able to create that stable bhakti family life that you know is so valuable to the sankirtana mission.
I remember you saying in another class that the first book you put down when you want to be in maya is the Bhagavad-Gita. Please give me the ability to deeply assimilate and relish the teachings of the beautiful Bhagavad-Gita and to have the strength and maturity to assit you efficiently and effectively in the sankirtana mission.
Your aspiring servant, life after life,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
Sundarangi devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva recently I heard you say " Our lifeline is chanting Hare Krsna and engaging in devotional service " Gurudeva you give us life and teach us, reminding us over and over again. Gurudeva your lessons challenge us to upgrade our vision, increase our standards and expectations, giving us entry into realms of greediness for chanting Hare Krsna and devotional service. Gurudeva you give us a goal of ever increasing spiritual desires.
Gurudeva I also heard you say that to improve our japa we can "search our heart for any feeling of separation from Krsna".
Gurudeva I'd like to say something about your exemplary dedication to your spiritual master, to glorify your service, to thank you for the ever increasing vision of your commitment and care.
Thank you for the life line. Begging to hold tight.
Your aspiring servant
Sundarangi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva recently I heard you say " Our lifeline is chanting Hare Krsna and engaging in devotional service " Gurudeva you give us life and teach us, reminding us over and over again. Gurudeva your lessons challenge us to upgrade our vision, increase our standards and expectations, giving us entry into realms of greediness for chanting Hare Krsna and devotional service. Gurudeva you give us a goal of ever increasing spiritual desires.
Gurudeva I also heard you say that to improve our japa we can "search our heart for any feeling of separation from Krsna".
Gurudeva I'd like to say something about your exemplary dedication to your spiritual master, to glorify your service, to thank you for the ever increasing vision of your commitment and care.
Thank you for the life line. Begging to hold tight.
Your aspiring servant
Sundarangi devi dasi
Surapala dasa
Dear Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances into the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your faithful following in his footsteps.
On that very auspicious and special occasion of your Vyasa Puja this year, the year which is also the 50 anniversary of your reconnection with Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON movement I beg you to kindly accept my humble offering that is the expression of my heart longing for developing pure love of your lotus feet.
Gloriously this year is also the 40 anniversary of your acceptance sannyasa order and 20 anniversary of your officially performing Diksa Guru service in ISKCON society. Although officially we celebrate quite a few anniversaries of your noble services you perform for Srila Prabhupada and Krishna’s pleasure, we all know that you are an ambassador of Krishna Loka, a carrier of the unadulterated and unalloyed pure love of Krishna, and a messenger of the sublime and genuine knowledge of Absolute Truth.
Your talks, behavior, and activities are a reflection of your constant focus on Krishna prema. Some outsiders may say “it looks like you are completely addicted and obsessed with the pure love of Krishna”. Yes, indeed, you have a very high standard of living for Srila Prabhupada’s and Krishna’s pleasure, and you teach this to others. Yes, you are the embodiment of Krishna prema and you don’t want anything else. You are judging everything around you through the prism of Srila Prabhupada’s standards of selfless, pure loving devotional service to Krishna.
By your spiritual purity and genuine love of Krishna, you are able to express in all your talks your Krishna conscious realizations presenting the most exalted subjects in a very understandable way that even the most fallen soul is able to comprehend. This reflects your mastery of the science of pure devotional service. Thus listening to your lectures is very inspiring and extremely enlightening. It situates a listener in a different dimension, the spiritual dimension of Krishna consciousness. Your purity is the force enabling the spiritually blind to see spiritual reality.
As we know Krishna conscious philosophy compers Guru to a clean transparent glass of the window. You are like a clean transparent glass of the window which allows seeing through and thus gives a crystal clear view. Although we see the outside through a glass window, still, the experience is direct. How good a window is, depends on how transparent the glass is. Similarly, how good a spiritual master is, depends on how transparent he is. In this way through you, the transparent via medium, through your transcendental pure activities and teachings we can see the All-Attractive Personality of Godhead, Krishna, and His spiritual abode with His devotees and their loving exchanges with Krishna.
Your spiritual purity and transparency are the symptoms of your completely perfect devotion and pure love of Krishna that make you a genuine messenger of parampara. Thus you are like a postman who delivers a letter but doesn’t open it or write on it. As sastras inform if the spiritual master presents his own opinion, the disciplic succession would be broken. Whereas you’re presenting the message unadulterated and unchanged, exactly as it is, as Krishna sent it through the disciplic succession.
In this way, spiritual purity is your strength, and your love of Krishna is your influence. As we learned from your teachings love of Krishna is real love because love only relates to a selfless, affectionate connection between parts and parcels of God and God. Whereas the so-called love that ordinary people of this material world are talking about is just material lust, focused on selfish sense gratification.
As Srila Prabhupada explains in Caitanya Caritamrita:
<strong>“One should try to discriminate between sexual love and pure love, for they belong to different categories, with a gulf of difference between them. They are as different from one another as iron is from gold.”</strong> [CC Adi-Lila 4.164]
Often quoting sastras you are giving an example of gopis about whom Srila Prabhupada elaborates further:
<strong>“The predominated gopīs were bound to Kṛṣṇa in such pure love... Their only engagement in life was to see Kṛṣṇa happy in all respects, regardless of their own personal interests. They dedicated their souls only for the satisfaction of the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
...All acts performed in this sense of servitude are called pure love of God because they are performed for the absolute sense gratification of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. However, any act performed for the purpose of enjoying its fruits or results is an act of sense gratification. Such actions are visible sometimes in gross and sometimes in subtle forms.”</strong> [CC Adi-Lila 4.165]
Some time ago being enchanted by the undisputable beauty of this profound message, and your inspiring presentations I developed a desire to achieve the pure love of Krishna. You being an expert in seeing the heart of the conditioned soul were trying to educate me on this sublime subject and not let me space out in the clouds of Polish sentimentalism. Thus you trained me in the art of developing spiritual love according to a proper procedure that Srila Prabhupada beautifully summarized in a few stanzas:
<strong>“According to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is nondifferent from Krsna. Lord Krsna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees. The relationship of a disciple with his spiritual master is as good as his relationship with the Supreme Lord. A spiritual master always represents himself as the humblest servitor of the Personality of Godhead, but the disciple must look upon him as the manifested representation of Godhead.”</strong>
I am so grateful to Krishna that He generously blessed me with your divine presence in my fallen life. You rescued me and still guiding me tirelessly already for over 4 decades. I am so appreciative and thankful for your compassion, full of tolerance, and patience effort to navigate me through the dense darkness of ignorance in this material world and enlighten my dark, degraded consciousness with the transcendental light of knowledge.
As the bonafide representative of Krishna, you are very generous in distributing mercy to the conditioned souls who are suffering pangs of material existence due to a lack of love of Krishna in their hearts. As a rainy cloud accumulates water from the ocean and distributes it freely everywhere similarly you are like such a generous rainy cloud generating water of mercy from the ocean of Krishna’s mercy and distributing it freely everywhere to dry, desert-like soil of hearts of conditioned souls of this world. Thus being nourished by your mercy the conditioned souls can come back to real life, spiritual life and have a chance to grow in Krishna consciousness. Thank you, Gurudeva, for nourishing my heart for all these years and not giving up on me due to my ignorance.
Unfortunately, in the Kali-yuga, the conditioned souls like my fallen self being bewildered by the perverted reflection of reality are very prone to mistake lust for love and also present themselves as very advanced. However spiritual wisdom declares that a truly advanced person is humble like a tree loaded with ripe fruits where its branches are bent like a submissive, humble person.
Having perfectly realized spiritual wisdom and as the perfect example of Krishna’s culture, you always present yourself in a very humble way. Your exalted position reflects the humble words you expressed in the noble homage you offered to Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja this year. I love everything you wrote to Srila Prabhupada. Especially your humble and extremely profound statement that touched my heart very deeply and I am adopting it as an aim I should strive for in my life.
<strong>“Like a child seeking to touch the moon, I desire to understand as much about loving Krsna as the transcendental system allows. I am sure that by my humbly and selflessly serving your lotus feet, a glimpse of that real love will be mine, to share with others.”</strong>
These two sentences are summa-summarum of your mood, your personality, your focus, and your dedication. Although I am too fallen to reach in my present life shadow of the dust of any word of your statement still I pray to you, please allow and help me to develop a desire to desire such a desire as you desire.
By your inconceivable mercy somehow or other I finally understood that no history of what we accomplished in the past is important as what we do in the present to satisfy Krishna's senses. In this way, by Krishna’s blessing and your causeless mercy, I understood more clearly Srila Prabhupada’s statement “first deserve then desire”.
By dint of your mercy, I am also able now to see more clearly that every your disciple is much better in every service than my fallen self. Due to a lack of spiritual maturity, I feel that this fact is a very humbling experience. However, at the same time, I understand that it is very purifying because it reduces my false pride. Thus humbly I accept that every one of your disciples deserves your mercy in the form of your divine attention and be blessed with your special favor, except me. But what will happen to me then, without your causeless mercy? My entire life consists of your mercy only. Without your mercy, there is no life for me.
As you explained in one of your lectures that a Guru extends the compassion of Srimati Radharani upon fallen souls therefore I beg you, please extend your compassion to your disciple, my fallen self, and engage me in loving devotional service to you so that I can develop a confidential loving relationship with your lotus feet.
I pray to Krishna to allow me still in this lifetime to do something extraordinary in your mission to draw your holy attention upon my fallen self and thus give me motivation and inspiration to do more devotional service in this short life for your satisfaction. I pray and humbly beg you on this very special and auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja please, help me mobilize myself and use everything Krishna blessed me with in this life to serve you selflessly with love and devotion to your full satisfaction. Only by satisfying you my life can become successful.
I am praying to your lotus feet, please help me to follow your instructions very diligently and carry on your mission with excellence as you want.
Begging to remain at your lotus feet,
your aspiring devotee and insignificant servant,
Surapala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances into the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your faithful following in his footsteps.
On that very auspicious and special occasion of your Vyasa Puja this year, the year which is also the 50 anniversary of your reconnection with Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON movement I beg you to kindly accept my humble offering that is the expression of my heart longing for developing pure love of your lotus feet.
Gloriously this year is also the 40 anniversary of your acceptance sannyasa order and 20 anniversary of your officially performing Diksa Guru service in ISKCON society. Although officially we celebrate quite a few anniversaries of your noble services you perform for Srila Prabhupada and Krishna’s pleasure, we all know that you are an ambassador of Krishna Loka, a carrier of the unadulterated and unalloyed pure love of Krishna, and a messenger of the sublime and genuine knowledge of Absolute Truth.
Your talks, behavior, and activities are a reflection of your constant focus on Krishna prema. Some outsiders may say “it looks like you are completely addicted and obsessed with the pure love of Krishna”. Yes, indeed, you have a very high standard of living for Srila Prabhupada’s and Krishna’s pleasure, and you teach this to others. Yes, you are the embodiment of Krishna prema and you don’t want anything else. You are judging everything around you through the prism of Srila Prabhupada’s standards of selfless, pure loving devotional service to Krishna.
By your spiritual purity and genuine love of Krishna, you are able to express in all your talks your Krishna conscious realizations presenting the most exalted subjects in a very understandable way that even the most fallen soul is able to comprehend. This reflects your mastery of the science of pure devotional service. Thus listening to your lectures is very inspiring and extremely enlightening. It situates a listener in a different dimension, the spiritual dimension of Krishna consciousness. Your purity is the force enabling the spiritually blind to see spiritual reality.
As we know Krishna conscious philosophy compers Guru to a clean transparent glass of the window. You are like a clean transparent glass of the window which allows seeing through and thus gives a crystal clear view. Although we see the outside through a glass window, still, the experience is direct. How good a window is, depends on how transparent the glass is. Similarly, how good a spiritual master is, depends on how transparent he is. In this way through you, the transparent via medium, through your transcendental pure activities and teachings we can see the All-Attractive Personality of Godhead, Krishna, and His spiritual abode with His devotees and their loving exchanges with Krishna.
Your spiritual purity and transparency are the symptoms of your completely perfect devotion and pure love of Krishna that make you a genuine messenger of parampara. Thus you are like a postman who delivers a letter but doesn’t open it or write on it. As sastras inform if the spiritual master presents his own opinion, the disciplic succession would be broken. Whereas you’re presenting the message unadulterated and unchanged, exactly as it is, as Krishna sent it through the disciplic succession.
In this way, spiritual purity is your strength, and your love of Krishna is your influence. As we learned from your teachings love of Krishna is real love because love only relates to a selfless, affectionate connection between parts and parcels of God and God. Whereas the so-called love that ordinary people of this material world are talking about is just material lust, focused on selfish sense gratification.
As Srila Prabhupada explains in Caitanya Caritamrita:
<strong>“One should try to discriminate between sexual love and pure love, for they belong to different categories, with a gulf of difference between them. They are as different from one another as iron is from gold.”</strong> [CC Adi-Lila 4.164]
Often quoting sastras you are giving an example of gopis about whom Srila Prabhupada elaborates further:
<strong>“The predominated gopīs were bound to Kṛṣṇa in such pure love... Their only engagement in life was to see Kṛṣṇa happy in all respects, regardless of their own personal interests. They dedicated their souls only for the satisfaction of the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
...All acts performed in this sense of servitude are called pure love of God because they are performed for the absolute sense gratification of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. However, any act performed for the purpose of enjoying its fruits or results is an act of sense gratification. Such actions are visible sometimes in gross and sometimes in subtle forms.”</strong> [CC Adi-Lila 4.165]
Some time ago being enchanted by the undisputable beauty of this profound message, and your inspiring presentations I developed a desire to achieve the pure love of Krishna. You being an expert in seeing the heart of the conditioned soul were trying to educate me on this sublime subject and not let me space out in the clouds of Polish sentimentalism. Thus you trained me in the art of developing spiritual love according to a proper procedure that Srila Prabhupada beautifully summarized in a few stanzas:
<strong>“According to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is nondifferent from Krsna. Lord Krsna in the form of the spiritual master delivers His devotees. The relationship of a disciple with his spiritual master is as good as his relationship with the Supreme Lord. A spiritual master always represents himself as the humblest servitor of the Personality of Godhead, but the disciple must look upon him as the manifested representation of Godhead.”</strong>
I am so grateful to Krishna that He generously blessed me with your divine presence in my fallen life. You rescued me and still guiding me tirelessly already for over 4 decades. I am so appreciative and thankful for your compassion, full of tolerance, and patience effort to navigate me through the dense darkness of ignorance in this material world and enlighten my dark, degraded consciousness with the transcendental light of knowledge.
As the bonafide representative of Krishna, you are very generous in distributing mercy to the conditioned souls who are suffering pangs of material existence due to a lack of love of Krishna in their hearts. As a rainy cloud accumulates water from the ocean and distributes it freely everywhere similarly you are like such a generous rainy cloud generating water of mercy from the ocean of Krishna’s mercy and distributing it freely everywhere to dry, desert-like soil of hearts of conditioned souls of this world. Thus being nourished by your mercy the conditioned souls can come back to real life, spiritual life and have a chance to grow in Krishna consciousness. Thank you, Gurudeva, for nourishing my heart for all these years and not giving up on me due to my ignorance.
Unfortunately, in the Kali-yuga, the conditioned souls like my fallen self being bewildered by the perverted reflection of reality are very prone to mistake lust for love and also present themselves as very advanced. However spiritual wisdom declares that a truly advanced person is humble like a tree loaded with ripe fruits where its branches are bent like a submissive, humble person.
Having perfectly realized spiritual wisdom and as the perfect example of Krishna’s culture, you always present yourself in a very humble way. Your exalted position reflects the humble words you expressed in the noble homage you offered to Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja this year. I love everything you wrote to Srila Prabhupada. Especially your humble and extremely profound statement that touched my heart very deeply and I am adopting it as an aim I should strive for in my life.
<strong>“Like a child seeking to touch the moon, I desire to understand as much about loving Krsna as the transcendental system allows. I am sure that by my humbly and selflessly serving your lotus feet, a glimpse of that real love will be mine, to share with others.”</strong>
These two sentences are summa-summarum of your mood, your personality, your focus, and your dedication. Although I am too fallen to reach in my present life shadow of the dust of any word of your statement still I pray to you, please allow and help me to develop a desire to desire such a desire as you desire.
By your inconceivable mercy somehow or other I finally understood that no history of what we accomplished in the past is important as what we do in the present to satisfy Krishna's senses. In this way, by Krishna’s blessing and your causeless mercy, I understood more clearly Srila Prabhupada’s statement “first deserve then desire”.
By dint of your mercy, I am also able now to see more clearly that every your disciple is much better in every service than my fallen self. Due to a lack of spiritual maturity, I feel that this fact is a very humbling experience. However, at the same time, I understand that it is very purifying because it reduces my false pride. Thus humbly I accept that every one of your disciples deserves your mercy in the form of your divine attention and be blessed with your special favor, except me. But what will happen to me then, without your causeless mercy? My entire life consists of your mercy only. Without your mercy, there is no life for me.
As you explained in one of your lectures that a Guru extends the compassion of Srimati Radharani upon fallen souls therefore I beg you, please extend your compassion to your disciple, my fallen self, and engage me in loving devotional service to you so that I can develop a confidential loving relationship with your lotus feet.
I pray to Krishna to allow me still in this lifetime to do something extraordinary in your mission to draw your holy attention upon my fallen self and thus give me motivation and inspiration to do more devotional service in this short life for your satisfaction. I pray and humbly beg you on this very special and auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja please, help me mobilize myself and use everything Krishna blessed me with in this life to serve you selflessly with love and devotion to your full satisfaction. Only by satisfying you my life can become successful.
I am praying to your lotus feet, please help me to follow your instructions very diligently and carry on your mission with excellence as you want.
Begging to remain at your lotus feet,
your aspiring devotee and insignificant servant,
Surapala dasa
Suresvari devi dasi
Dear Guru maharaja
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank You so much for appearing life and accepting me as I am with my conditioning, helping and guiding me so patiently and lovingly. Thank You for everything Gurudeva. I’m trying to follow your instructions especially regarding about reading Srila Prabhupada books, preaching and chanting. Your influence has transformed my thoughts, my feelings and actions.
By Kṛṣṇa‘s causeless mercy, I met you, Gurudev, you showed up with your wisdom and turned on the light in my life. You saved me, Gurudeva, and I will never have enough words to thank you for that.
You are a soft-hearted soul and always seeing the positive. You are our ultimate role model, showing us by example. Thanks for your tireless preaching. You have spent your time and energy to spread Kṛṣṇa Consciousness all over the world and deal with all sorts of difficulties we encounter in our life. Your inspiring teachings wakens us to dispel the fogs of ignorance that surrounds us.
I ask blessings for your blessings Gurdeva so one day I can develop attachment to the Lord and please help me to improve my service to you and Vaishnavas.
Your aspiring servant
Suresvari devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank You so much for appearing life and accepting me as I am with my conditioning, helping and guiding me so patiently and lovingly. Thank You for everything Gurudeva. I’m trying to follow your instructions especially regarding about reading Srila Prabhupada books, preaching and chanting. Your influence has transformed my thoughts, my feelings and actions.
By Kṛṣṇa‘s causeless mercy, I met you, Gurudev, you showed up with your wisdom and turned on the light in my life. You saved me, Gurudeva, and I will never have enough words to thank you for that.
You are a soft-hearted soul and always seeing the positive. You are our ultimate role model, showing us by example. Thanks for your tireless preaching. You have spent your time and energy to spread Kṛṣṇa Consciousness all over the world and deal with all sorts of difficulties we encounter in our life. Your inspiring teachings wakens us to dispel the fogs of ignorance that surrounds us.
I ask blessings for your blessings Gurdeva so one day I can develop attachment to the Lord and please help me to improve my service to you and Vaishnavas.
Your aspiring servant
Suresvari devi dasi
Svetadvipa dasa
Dearest Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupada
I greatly value this time every year to focus on the great qualities you exhibit day in day out, year after year. The steadfastness of your resolute focus to Lord Caitanya’s mission via your Guru, and our guiding light, Srila Prabhupada. Your articulate and creative preaching through your various outreach vessels have enamored many a wayward Jiva, just like me.
It is sad to think of the outcome of those who miss the opportunity to take advantage of what you present. The golden ticket, a one way trip to eternal bliss and service of the Divine, Sri Krishna.
Thank you for your incredible sacrifices for the benefit of humanity. My prayer today, and always, is that I never drop or misplace my ticket.
With Sincere Gratitude
Your servant
Svetadvipa Das
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupada
I greatly value this time every year to focus on the great qualities you exhibit day in day out, year after year. The steadfastness of your resolute focus to Lord Caitanya’s mission via your Guru, and our guiding light, Srila Prabhupada. Your articulate and creative preaching through your various outreach vessels have enamored many a wayward Jiva, just like me.
It is sad to think of the outcome of those who miss the opportunity to take advantage of what you present. The golden ticket, a one way trip to eternal bliss and service of the Divine, Sri Krishna.
Thank you for your incredible sacrifices for the benefit of humanity. My prayer today, and always, is that I never drop or misplace my ticket.
With Sincere Gratitude
Your servant
Svetadvipa Das
Syama-gauri dd
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
After 2 years of not having your physical association, we were once again blessed to have you amongst us, giving us your time, energy and wise counsel. I couldn’t help but notice that you seemed really tired from your travels. I noticed this in the first Bhagavatam class you gave to us since your arrival, and as always you continued with your service even though your body seemed exhausted. Your Bhagavatam delivery was engaging as always, taking us on the dramatic journey of the pastime of Ajamila, making us deeply consider the value of life. In every class you delivered wisdom drawn from your deep sastric understanding and realizations, breaking down Srila Prabhupada’s purports even further and drawing your audience into depths of bhakti knowledge we had not experienced since your last visit.
Both new and seasoned devotees were transported by your words, your humour and your ability to reach deep into their consciousness and hearts. We fell in love with your genius devotion and elevated observations.
Even after 2/3 mornings of giving class in that tired state, you didn’t stop. I remember receiving a message that you were not sure whether you’d give class one morning due to having had a zoom call appointment at 2am. My first thought was - ‘'He already looked exhausted on arrival’’
It is beyond my understanding how you are constantly pushing yourself to serve Srila Prabhupada and his movement. Ofcourse I know you also take time to rest and recuperate at various times in the year and you encourage that devotees do that too, in order to optimally carry out our services. Your ‘work hard, play hard’ activities are preaching and kirtan with times of rest to recharge for further outreach and kirtan.
Just as Narada Muni is famous for ‘instigating’ situations to create more devotional service and pushing people to make decisions that enable them to advance in Krsna consciousness, I feel that you do the same in your own devotional service as well as for those taking shelter of you, according to their willingness. You know when to push for more Krsna and when to rest for more Krsna.
Thank you for showing us what balance in devotional service looks like, thank you for working hard and playing hard all for the pleasure of your spiritual master and his legacy. I pray to be a better representative and servant of your teachings and devotional conduct.
Your aspiring servant
Syama-gauri dd
Syamanga Das
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you for always being a kind, receptive and attentive spiritual father to me. Thank you for giving me spiritual initiation and giving me a chance in this life to assist you in spreading Lord Caitanyas movement, and go back home, back to Godhead. Thank you for your morning classes on Srimad Bhagavatam, which are always bursting and overflowing with realization and practically applied Krishna conscious philosophy. Speaking for myself, Receiving the message of the Bhagavatam packaged in a down to earth, contemporary and relatable way is like music to my ears, enlivening and recharging my own Krsna consciousness. Your insights on Srila Prabhupada’s purports always inspire me to go deeper into my own hearing and chanting sadhana.
In a recent class you gave the analogy of how our body and mind is being operated on relentlessly by material nature, while we are under aesthetic. Anesthetized to the reality of what's happening, we are oblivious to how time is quickly changing and moving the soul into a different body, like clouds being blown by the wind in the open sky. You further pointed out how the scientists can't find any fault in all the evidence pointing towards transmigration of the soul, evidenced by so many documented cases of past life experiences. Blinded by institutional pride and so-called scientific advancement, we cannot rely on the scientific world for truth, we must instead follow your lived example and make serious study of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
By the grace of your writings in searching for Vedic India (my first book) at the age of 23 I was able to unravel my own faith in the scientific religion, I had unconsciously accepted for 23 years.
While this knowledge is so clear and available to us through the message of the Bhagavatam, I still have yet to fully take advantage of it.
I aspire to increase the quality and quantity of my own study of Prabhupadas books and I ask you for your blessings to increase this. I hope to be stronger myself so I can be better equipped to help others who are helplessly being anesthetized and operated on relentlessly by the modes of nature.
Your ever-grateful servant
Syamanga das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you for always being a kind, receptive and attentive spiritual father to me. Thank you for giving me spiritual initiation and giving me a chance in this life to assist you in spreading Lord Caitanyas movement, and go back home, back to Godhead. Thank you for your morning classes on Srimad Bhagavatam, which are always bursting and overflowing with realization and practically applied Krishna conscious philosophy. Speaking for myself, Receiving the message of the Bhagavatam packaged in a down to earth, contemporary and relatable way is like music to my ears, enlivening and recharging my own Krsna consciousness. Your insights on Srila Prabhupada’s purports always inspire me to go deeper into my own hearing and chanting sadhana.
In a recent class you gave the analogy of how our body and mind is being operated on relentlessly by material nature, while we are under aesthetic. Anesthetized to the reality of what's happening, we are oblivious to how time is quickly changing and moving the soul into a different body, like clouds being blown by the wind in the open sky. You further pointed out how the scientists can't find any fault in all the evidence pointing towards transmigration of the soul, evidenced by so many documented cases of past life experiences. Blinded by institutional pride and so-called scientific advancement, we cannot rely on the scientific world for truth, we must instead follow your lived example and make serious study of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
By the grace of your writings in searching for Vedic India (my first book) at the age of 23 I was able to unravel my own faith in the scientific religion, I had unconsciously accepted for 23 years.
While this knowledge is so clear and available to us through the message of the Bhagavatam, I still have yet to fully take advantage of it.
I aspire to increase the quality and quantity of my own study of Prabhupadas books and I ask you for your blessings to increase this. I hope to be stronger myself so I can be better equipped to help others who are helplessly being anesthetized and operated on relentlessly by the modes of nature.
Your ever-grateful servant
Syamanga das
Tamalavan Das / Christopher Halford
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please Accept my humble Obeisances
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to your Divine, Selfless Services!!!
One can never take Compassion and Tranquility Too Far.
I like to think my late mother had influence in Khadiravan’s spiritual depth (together with her maternal grandmother (Isobel Wishart)). Her Partnership with Mahavan das has been in your Purview the Crown of that.
My mother, Barbara (although caught up as you Maharaja will recall, in the Impersonalist Sai Baba group in Auckland at the time you encountered her) had been a trained primary School teacher for new entrants an “Infant Mistress”, I think the role’s name is probably still used. I can only just recall her daily trips to her last School, for which she had to cross the ‘Onehunga Bridge’. This still spans (as a curiosity/ recreational structure often in the news of late as a social nightmare) …..sapns a narrow arm of the Manukau harbour in Auckland. (The Same Water on which sits Mangere International Airport). She would get on a nasty, petrol “Mack” bus (probably though the toughest, best USA design of the day engine-wise(“R.E.O.” =Ransom Eli Olds of Oldsmobile). The Electric Auckland trolley buses of the day could not make this traverse. Hahaha.
This was not a massive Journey in today’s accounting but to her it probably was a precious time for regathering her forces because she had much to do at home, two children with school-lunches, cooking and sewing. Most clothes for children were homemade. Father worked all hours at newspaper “Auckland Star” where he also produced “ The Weekly News”. (I still have an “At the Beach” picture of myself and another ‘bonnie’ Child, from the The News front page. Hahahaha.)
Father also had a big part-time number as exec.-Officer of Auckland Reserve Regiment of Artillery. When Queen Eliazabeth II first visited I recall his recounting all, on the next day. He had happily stood in full regalia for hours amid the frenzy near Government House inAuckland. (But That was 1953-4, I must have been 6 and my sister 5).
The potatoes and corn still had to be planted and orchard encouraged, grandpa’s onsite flat built with colleagues. Father and Mother were luckily fairly spry.
Getting to the point:- In her 70’s and 80’s Barbara started regular visits with friends to a certain “low decile” school (I.E. from an area similar to “The Projects” in 1970’s New York). Her friends at the S. B. and her engaged on a program to engender compassion and peace amid the sometimes unstable and uproarous home lives of the New Entrants. Thank heavens, Thank KRSNA, a little slogan based sea change started to emerge at school and in the families.
Even the Wellington administration started to notice that “Help Ever Hurt Never” had caught on in the School and children could really make progress in their knowledge and Self-Improvement. Hooray.
ISKON DESIRE TREE this month records and advertises “Vyaktitva Vikas ka Anokha Prayas” which I note translates as “Spiritual Value Education Program for Children”. This is a TV Program for Children (in The source land of Vedic Culture: INDIA. ) Also Hooray. But I feel NZ is well behind in this.
Declan HALFORD aged 10 or 11 years a first cousin many times removed fell from his too precarious tree house in the Countryside here in the North of New Zealand last Saturday. This unusual intellect who composed a stunning music and kept/bred Blue tounged Lizards, was apparently an “all-in” persona. One who, near Krsna could easily have taken Saffron, I fancy. (He and his many (5 soon to be 6) siblings, on joining the Sunday school class doubled the attendance.
I am disdt(the young lad had really “known jesus” in the words of those Congregational Leaders). (I had not before heard of the ELIM Church(Welsh Origins?).
The great greatGrandfather and I sharing a Grandfather as we do, had ourselves frolicked (the other not I in the lead) in the outdoors on a farm with racehorses. This vast, it seemed, territory (at 10 years old, I was) had access to broad tidal flats. Today we find there Mangere International Airport, whereof you, I and both “The Yatras” encountered each other when once you were flying.(and I had the attire of an AirNZ Koru parking driver, businesspeoples car Valet & Service).
Your Humble Servant
Tamalavan Das
Please Accept my humble Obeisances
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to your Divine, Selfless Services!!!
One can never take Compassion and Tranquility Too Far.
I like to think my late mother had influence in Khadiravan’s spiritual depth (together with her maternal grandmother (Isobel Wishart)). Her Partnership with Mahavan das has been in your Purview the Crown of that.
My mother, Barbara (although caught up as you Maharaja will recall, in the Impersonalist Sai Baba group in Auckland at the time you encountered her) had been a trained primary School teacher for new entrants an “Infant Mistress”, I think the role’s name is probably still used. I can only just recall her daily trips to her last School, for which she had to cross the ‘Onehunga Bridge’. This still spans (as a curiosity/ recreational structure often in the news of late as a social nightmare) …..sapns a narrow arm of the Manukau harbour in Auckland. (The Same Water on which sits Mangere International Airport). She would get on a nasty, petrol “Mack” bus (probably though the toughest, best USA design of the day engine-wise(“R.E.O.” =Ransom Eli Olds of Oldsmobile). The Electric Auckland trolley buses of the day could not make this traverse. Hahaha.
This was not a massive Journey in today’s accounting but to her it probably was a precious time for regathering her forces because she had much to do at home, two children with school-lunches, cooking and sewing. Most clothes for children were homemade. Father worked all hours at newspaper “Auckland Star” where he also produced “ The Weekly News”. (I still have an “At the Beach” picture of myself and another ‘bonnie’ Child, from the The News front page. Hahahaha.)
Father also had a big part-time number as exec.-Officer of Auckland Reserve Regiment of Artillery. When Queen Eliazabeth II first visited I recall his recounting all, on the next day. He had happily stood in full regalia for hours amid the frenzy near Government House inAuckland. (But That was 1953-4, I must have been 6 and my sister 5).
The potatoes and corn still had to be planted and orchard encouraged, grandpa’s onsite flat built with colleagues. Father and Mother were luckily fairly spry.
Getting to the point:- In her 70’s and 80’s Barbara started regular visits with friends to a certain “low decile” school (I.E. from an area similar to “The Projects” in 1970’s New York). Her friends at the S. B. and her engaged on a program to engender compassion and peace amid the sometimes unstable and uproarous home lives of the New Entrants. Thank heavens, Thank KRSNA, a little slogan based sea change started to emerge at school and in the families.
Even the Wellington administration started to notice that “Help Ever Hurt Never” had caught on in the School and children could really make progress in their knowledge and Self-Improvement. Hooray.
ISKON DESIRE TREE this month records and advertises “Vyaktitva Vikas ka Anokha Prayas” which I note translates as “Spiritual Value Education Program for Children”. This is a TV Program for Children (in The source land of Vedic Culture: INDIA. ) Also Hooray. But I feel NZ is well behind in this.
Declan HALFORD aged 10 or 11 years a first cousin many times removed fell from his too precarious tree house in the Countryside here in the North of New Zealand last Saturday. This unusual intellect who composed a stunning music and kept/bred Blue tounged Lizards, was apparently an “all-in” persona. One who, near Krsna could easily have taken Saffron, I fancy. (He and his many (5 soon to be 6) siblings, on joining the Sunday school class doubled the attendance.
I am disdt(the young lad had really “known jesus” in the words of those Congregational Leaders). (I had not before heard of the ELIM Church(Welsh Origins?).
The great greatGrandfather and I sharing a Grandfather as we do, had ourselves frolicked (the other not I in the lead) in the outdoors on a farm with racehorses. This vast, it seemed, territory (at 10 years old, I was) had access to broad tidal flats. Today we find there Mangere International Airport, whereof you, I and both “The Yatras” encountered each other when once you were flying.(and I had the attire of an AirNZ Koru parking driver, businesspeoples car Valet & Service).
Your Humble Servant
Tamalavan Das
Tarakeshvara Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your lotus feet!
This year has witnessed wars, turbulence and chaos in the world. In such a challenging time, Krsna Consciousness becomes more necessary than ever. In Bg 5.29, Krsna gives the peace formula to us: “The sages, knowing Me as the ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.” Without understanding the peace formula, there can never be genuine peace in the world. By thinking of oneself as the owner of land, properties, resources and so on, there would always be fighting between countries and people, competing for the proprietorship. Most people don’t understand that during their temporary journey on earth for a few decades, they are simply guests. When they leave this body, they can take nothing they have anxiously accumulated on earth to their next life.
The peace formula prescribes that the first step towards peace is to recognize Krsna as the owner of all material resources. If we happen to have access to any material resources, we should take good care of them for the sake of satisfying Krsna. By engaging material resources belonging to Krsna for Krsna is the key to attain peace. As the benefactor and well-wisher of us, Krsna will guide and bless us if we stick to the peace formula. In this way, we can all become peaceful and continue our service to Krsna.
On this auspicious occasion, I pray that I can deepen my understanding of the peace formula, properly understand that I am neither the owner of material opulence nor the enjoyer of material elements. I pray that Krsna consciousness can help save the world from sinking into a darker mode of nature.
Your servant,
Tarakeshavara Das
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your lotus feet!
This year has witnessed wars, turbulence and chaos in the world. In such a challenging time, Krsna Consciousness becomes more necessary than ever. In Bg 5.29, Krsna gives the peace formula to us: “The sages, knowing Me as the ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.” Without understanding the peace formula, there can never be genuine peace in the world. By thinking of oneself as the owner of land, properties, resources and so on, there would always be fighting between countries and people, competing for the proprietorship. Most people don’t understand that during their temporary journey on earth for a few decades, they are simply guests. When they leave this body, they can take nothing they have anxiously accumulated on earth to their next life.
The peace formula prescribes that the first step towards peace is to recognize Krsna as the owner of all material resources. If we happen to have access to any material resources, we should take good care of them for the sake of satisfying Krsna. By engaging material resources belonging to Krsna for Krsna is the key to attain peace. As the benefactor and well-wisher of us, Krsna will guide and bless us if we stick to the peace formula. In this way, we can all become peaceful and continue our service to Krsna.
On this auspicious occasion, I pray that I can deepen my understanding of the peace formula, properly understand that I am neither the owner of material opulence nor the enjoyer of material elements. I pray that Krsna consciousness can help save the world from sinking into a darker mode of nature.
Your servant,
Tarakeshavara Das
Tarunyamrita Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Dearest Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my sincere and respectful obeisances.
All glories to your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. All glories to You.
In my short time of getting to know you, I have been astonished by the depth of your loving nature. I have witnessed your mercy overflow for all conditioned souls. On such a sincere mission to please your spiritual master and Lord Chaitanya you tirelessly preach all around the world. I hear how you share love of Krishna in your classes, so elegantly and inspiringly you masterfully appeal to all the levels of consciousness, and all while making us laugh. When blessed enough to be in your presence the whole atmosphere is saturated with your transcendental energy, like a concentrated bubble of love of Krishna. These are only a few examples of how your greatness shines through my polluted senses, it feels like no number of words will be enough to be able to describe how truly inspiring you are Guru Maharaja. I have such a deep gratitude for all you have so mercifully and freely gifted us. I will forever be indebted to you for welcoming us into your family. For giving us shelter from the storm of the material world and for always inspiring me to do more for you, and more for Krishna. I aspire to be able to serve you with the same love and determination that you serve your spiritual master. Knowing I will never be able to comprehend the true depth of your mercy and loving nature, I remain forever indebted to you.
Your insignificant servant,
Tarunyamrita.
Please accept my sincere and respectful obeisances.
All glories to your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. All glories to You.
In my short time of getting to know you, I have been astonished by the depth of your loving nature. I have witnessed your mercy overflow for all conditioned souls. On such a sincere mission to please your spiritual master and Lord Chaitanya you tirelessly preach all around the world. I hear how you share love of Krishna in your classes, so elegantly and inspiringly you masterfully appeal to all the levels of consciousness, and all while making us laugh. When blessed enough to be in your presence the whole atmosphere is saturated with your transcendental energy, like a concentrated bubble of love of Krishna. These are only a few examples of how your greatness shines through my polluted senses, it feels like no number of words will be enough to be able to describe how truly inspiring you are Guru Maharaja. I have such a deep gratitude for all you have so mercifully and freely gifted us. I will forever be indebted to you for welcoming us into your family. For giving us shelter from the storm of the material world and for always inspiring me to do more for you, and more for Krishna. I aspire to be able to serve you with the same love and determination that you serve your spiritual master. Knowing I will never be able to comprehend the true depth of your mercy and loving nature, I remain forever indebted to you.
Your insignificant servant,
Tarunyamrita.
Thakur Saranga Das
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you and your wholehearted service to Srila Prabhupada's mission with your body, mind and words.
Gurumaharaj on this most auspicious occasion of your glorious appearance day, from the core of my heart i want to thank you for being such a wonderful, living example before us of a pure devotee of Lord Krishna and a true servant of your glorious spiritual master.
As the Vedic scriptures sings the glories of the spiritual masters, the crest jewel of the Vedic literatures Srimad Bhagavatam defines the qualities and attributes of a saintly person in SB.11.11.29-32
"His strength and meaning in life come from the truth itself, he is free from all envy and jealousy, and his mind is equal in material happiness and distress. Thus, he dedicates his time to work for the welfare of all others. His intelligence is never bewildered by material desires, and he has controlled his senses. His behavior is always pleasing, never harsh and always exemplary, and he is free from possessiveness. He never endeavors in ordinary, worldly activities, and he strictly controls his eating. He therefore always remains peaceful and steady. A saintly person is thoughtful and accepts Me as his only shelter. Such a person is very cautious in the execution of his duties and is never subject to superficial transformations, because he is steady and noble, even in a distressing situation. He has conquered over the six material qualities — namely hunger, thirst, lamentation, illusion, old age and death. He is free from all desire for prestige and offers honor to others. He is expert in reviving the Kṛṣṇa consciousness of others and therefore never cheats anyone. Rather, he is a well-wishing friend to all, being most merciful. Such a saintly person must be considered the most learned of men. He perfectly understands that the ordinary religious duties prescribed by Me in various Vedic scriptures possess favorable qualities that purify the performer, and he knows that neglect of such duties constitutes a discrepancy in one’s life. Having taken complete shelter at My lotus feet, however, a saintly person ultimately renounces such ordinary religious duties and worships Me alone. He is thus considered to be the best among all living entities."
Gurumaharaj you are the personification of these qualities. I feel so inconceivably fortunate to have your darshan at The loft, Auckland and have received the honour of your eternal servitude.
For the last 20 years i've been fortunate in witnessing, by your mercy, glimpses of your divine, saintly qualities, through your personal dealings, lectures, darshans, kirtans,letters, emails, whatsapp messages, travelling with you and sometimes just by your presence.
You are pained to see the miseries of the conditioned souls, so in an unputdownable spirit of a English sailor and unfathomable love and compassion like a bengali mother you undertake the austeries of constanty travelling to every countries and continents of the world, crisscrossing the planet several times a year to sustain and nourish aspiring devotees of the Lord,.
You systemically teach Srila Prabhupada's books and constantly device strategies to increase the book distribution for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada . You expose the flavourness of material enjoyment with such an expertise in your writings and lectures, refuting atheistic arguements of so called scholars and then you freely distribute the taste of devotional service to the Lord Sri Krishna that treasure which even Lord Brahma craves for and waits for millennium after millenium.
For me, you are the most affectionate father, guiding, advising, instructing and sometimes chastising and blessing us with the opportunity to assist in your service to Srila Prabhupada, in this way keeping our life afloat and guiding us to swim through the turbulent waves of life in Kali yuga taking shelter of the Holy name of the Lord.
I can't think of the extent of our good fortune to have the shelter of your lotus feet. On this most auspicious day i beg to you for the strength to follow your instructions and serve you life after life. Please forgive any offences i may have caused at your lotus feet unknowingly, out of my ignorance and empower me to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada.
Pleace accept my prostrated dandavat pranam at your lotus feet,
Aspiring the servant of your servants,
Thakur Saranga Das
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you and your wholehearted service to Srila Prabhupada's mission with your body, mind and words.
Gurumaharaj on this most auspicious occasion of your glorious appearance day, from the core of my heart i want to thank you for being such a wonderful, living example before us of a pure devotee of Lord Krishna and a true servant of your glorious spiritual master.
As the Vedic scriptures sings the glories of the spiritual masters, the crest jewel of the Vedic literatures Srimad Bhagavatam defines the qualities and attributes of a saintly person in SB.11.11.29-32
"His strength and meaning in life come from the truth itself, he is free from all envy and jealousy, and his mind is equal in material happiness and distress. Thus, he dedicates his time to work for the welfare of all others. His intelligence is never bewildered by material desires, and he has controlled his senses. His behavior is always pleasing, never harsh and always exemplary, and he is free from possessiveness. He never endeavors in ordinary, worldly activities, and he strictly controls his eating. He therefore always remains peaceful and steady. A saintly person is thoughtful and accepts Me as his only shelter. Such a person is very cautious in the execution of his duties and is never subject to superficial transformations, because he is steady and noble, even in a distressing situation. He has conquered over the six material qualities — namely hunger, thirst, lamentation, illusion, old age and death. He is free from all desire for prestige and offers honor to others. He is expert in reviving the Kṛṣṇa consciousness of others and therefore never cheats anyone. Rather, he is a well-wishing friend to all, being most merciful. Such a saintly person must be considered the most learned of men. He perfectly understands that the ordinary religious duties prescribed by Me in various Vedic scriptures possess favorable qualities that purify the performer, and he knows that neglect of such duties constitutes a discrepancy in one’s life. Having taken complete shelter at My lotus feet, however, a saintly person ultimately renounces such ordinary religious duties and worships Me alone. He is thus considered to be the best among all living entities."
Gurumaharaj you are the personification of these qualities. I feel so inconceivably fortunate to have your darshan at The loft, Auckland and have received the honour of your eternal servitude.
For the last 20 years i've been fortunate in witnessing, by your mercy, glimpses of your divine, saintly qualities, through your personal dealings, lectures, darshans, kirtans,letters, emails, whatsapp messages, travelling with you and sometimes just by your presence.
You are pained to see the miseries of the conditioned souls, so in an unputdownable spirit of a English sailor and unfathomable love and compassion like a bengali mother you undertake the austeries of constanty travelling to every countries and continents of the world, crisscrossing the planet several times a year to sustain and nourish aspiring devotees of the Lord,.
You systemically teach Srila Prabhupada's books and constantly device strategies to increase the book distribution for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada . You expose the flavourness of material enjoyment with such an expertise in your writings and lectures, refuting atheistic arguements of so called scholars and then you freely distribute the taste of devotional service to the Lord Sri Krishna that treasure which even Lord Brahma craves for and waits for millennium after millenium.
For me, you are the most affectionate father, guiding, advising, instructing and sometimes chastising and blessing us with the opportunity to assist in your service to Srila Prabhupada, in this way keeping our life afloat and guiding us to swim through the turbulent waves of life in Kali yuga taking shelter of the Holy name of the Lord.
I can't think of the extent of our good fortune to have the shelter of your lotus feet. On this most auspicious day i beg to you for the strength to follow your instructions and serve you life after life. Please forgive any offences i may have caused at your lotus feet unknowingly, out of my ignorance and empower me to assist you in serving Srila Prabhupada.
Pleace accept my prostrated dandavat pranam at your lotus feet,
Aspiring the servant of your servants,
Thakur Saranga Das
Tīrtha-kīrti das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It's been almost a year since you accepted this fallen wretch as your disciple, so my appeal is that you accept this offering as a token of my gratitude on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I feel rather unworthy to be sitting here amongst my exalted god-brothers and sisters, but I guess this is where the term 'causless mercy' comes from - it is bestowed upon unworthy persons. This, among many other great lessons, I am learning from them, in Vaishnava teachings.
In Madhya Lila, (19.151) Lord Chaitanya says: "by the mercy of both Krishna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. " Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur makes a similar point (but from a different angle - in Suddha-bhakata carana renu): ‘Dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees is conducive to devotional service, while service to the Vaisnavas is itself the supreme perfection and the root of the tender creeper of divine love.’ I feel foolish that in the past, I have been unwilling to water this most precious devotional creeper, but somehow or other, it has been cared for by the devotees, and I have begun to realise its true value. Therefore I pray that I will never leave their association and service; or better that I learn to appreciate it more, as this is the only thing I really have. I also pray for forgiveness for all the mad elephants that I have sent stampeding around, causing disturbance.
You are the embodiment of Śrīla Prabhupada's instruction "chant Hare Krishna and be happy", for whenever I see you, you have a beaming smile across your face, and whenever you are not talking about Krishna, His devotees, pastimes, etc, you are chanting His Names. This quality is very inspiring, because you demonstrate how easy and blissful it is to be truly Krishna conscious. However, when I try to live in this way, I realise it takes considerable practice and determination to maintain this pure state of mind - something you have developed over a lifetime of service, dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, and Sri Gauranga. I therefore hope to follow in your lotus footsteps, and induce others to Chant and be happy.
You are also a practical example of Lord Chaitanya's 3rd instruction - 'to be more humble than a blade of grass, and more tolerant than a tree'; or in your own words - 'to simultaneously swallow soap, and blow bubbles'. This exemplary characteristic is also demonstrated in the 1st part of Brihad Bhagavatamrita, where Narada muni meets and glorifies great Vaishnavas, but they skillfully deflect the praise onto another Vaishnava, and the conversation quickly changes to the glories of another great soul. I can imagine you doing this today, as you read offerings of love from many dear disciples, without a shrub of pride germinating in your heart.
Hearing all the other beautiful offerings today, it is clear that you work hard to maintain a personal relationship with each one of your disciples, and although I feel undeserving of your association, by your grace you have given it without hesitation.
As I struggle to find suitable words to express my feelings, this particle of love is placed at your lotus feet.
Your servant,
tīrtha-kīrti das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It's been almost a year since you accepted this fallen wretch as your disciple, so my appeal is that you accept this offering as a token of my gratitude on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I feel rather unworthy to be sitting here amongst my exalted god-brothers and sisters, but I guess this is where the term 'causless mercy' comes from - it is bestowed upon unworthy persons. This, among many other great lessons, I am learning from them, in Vaishnava teachings.
In Madhya Lila, (19.151) Lord Chaitanya says: "by the mercy of both Krishna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. " Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur makes a similar point (but from a different angle - in Suddha-bhakata carana renu): ‘Dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees is conducive to devotional service, while service to the Vaisnavas is itself the supreme perfection and the root of the tender creeper of divine love.’ I feel foolish that in the past, I have been unwilling to water this most precious devotional creeper, but somehow or other, it has been cared for by the devotees, and I have begun to realise its true value. Therefore I pray that I will never leave their association and service; or better that I learn to appreciate it more, as this is the only thing I really have. I also pray for forgiveness for all the mad elephants that I have sent stampeding around, causing disturbance.
You are the embodiment of Śrīla Prabhupada's instruction "chant Hare Krishna and be happy", for whenever I see you, you have a beaming smile across your face, and whenever you are not talking about Krishna, His devotees, pastimes, etc, you are chanting His Names. This quality is very inspiring, because you demonstrate how easy and blissful it is to be truly Krishna conscious. However, when I try to live in this way, I realise it takes considerable practice and determination to maintain this pure state of mind - something you have developed over a lifetime of service, dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, and Sri Gauranga. I therefore hope to follow in your lotus footsteps, and induce others to Chant and be happy.
You are also a practical example of Lord Chaitanya's 3rd instruction - 'to be more humble than a blade of grass, and more tolerant than a tree'; or in your own words - 'to simultaneously swallow soap, and blow bubbles'. This exemplary characteristic is also demonstrated in the 1st part of Brihad Bhagavatamrita, where Narada muni meets and glorifies great Vaishnavas, but they skillfully deflect the praise onto another Vaishnava, and the conversation quickly changes to the glories of another great soul. I can imagine you doing this today, as you read offerings of love from many dear disciples, without a shrub of pride germinating in your heart.
Hearing all the other beautiful offerings today, it is clear that you work hard to maintain a personal relationship with each one of your disciples, and although I feel undeserving of your association, by your grace you have given it without hesitation.
As I struggle to find suitable words to express my feelings, this particle of love is placed at your lotus feet.
Your servant,
tīrtha-kīrti das
Tulavati Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day.
I just want to thank you for the opportunity to be engaged in devotional service! Most of the time (if not every day), I take it for granted and by seeing everything with my natural material lenses, I forget how rare this opportunity is.
Being born and raised in the suburbs of a big city in a third-world country probably intensified, even more, my natural condition of longing for independence and enjoyment, always expecting immediate results, generated as fruits of my “hard work”. This madness called material life just threw me into a pool of stress and anxiety - and again, most of the time I also forget about that! But recently, I have been realising more and more how powerful devotional service is, how purifying the bhakti process is and how little I’m.. I can see how there is no room for this old Tulavati anymore.
By seeing the dirtiness in my heart, sometimes I feel overwhelmed and helpless in my attempts to change (it seems almost impossible to change such strong conditions), but just by taking shelter from you, I feel fresh and transformed! I’ve been realising more and more how dependent on you I am. How you really rescue me from my material propensities and save me from my mind.
Again, thank you for engaging me in devotional service, without it I don't know what my life would be like. Thank you for taking me under your wing and protecting me from maya day after day. Thank you for creating this community that accepts me as I am, and looks after me so amazingly - their determination in following your instructions and carrying on Srila Prabhupada's mission inspires me to do the same. Thank you for always being there for me, without any expectations other than genuinely helping me in my journey back home. You are so magnanimous, I wish I actually had words to describe how I appreciate you!
Thank you for reminding me day after day how merciless and cruel maya is. Your classes are a reservoir of nectar and opens my eyes to see that in actuality there is no glitter in this material world, there are just little pieces of plastic in different colours. Thank you for all the reality checks and for never giving up on me.
Trying to endeavour in devotional service with enthusiasm, perseverance, and determination, I beg you to please cut my ignorance and clean my material condition in a way that I’m free to finally serve you wholehearted.
Please help me to seek more and more shelter in my japa, making my attempts to chant with great attention my main priority. I don’t want to be carried by the externals of bhakti, I want to go deeper. I want to take my japa very seriously and sincerely invest my heart in serving you under any circumstances. I know I have not much to offer, but I hope I can always be under your guidance, with an open heart to receive and follow your precious instructions, making them my life and soul by trying to become a servant of your servants.
Your servant and daughter,
Tulavati devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day.
I just want to thank you for the opportunity to be engaged in devotional service! Most of the time (if not every day), I take it for granted and by seeing everything with my natural material lenses, I forget how rare this opportunity is.
Being born and raised in the suburbs of a big city in a third-world country probably intensified, even more, my natural condition of longing for independence and enjoyment, always expecting immediate results, generated as fruits of my “hard work”. This madness called material life just threw me into a pool of stress and anxiety - and again, most of the time I also forget about that! But recently, I have been realising more and more how powerful devotional service is, how purifying the bhakti process is and how little I’m.. I can see how there is no room for this old Tulavati anymore.
By seeing the dirtiness in my heart, sometimes I feel overwhelmed and helpless in my attempts to change (it seems almost impossible to change such strong conditions), but just by taking shelter from you, I feel fresh and transformed! I’ve been realising more and more how dependent on you I am. How you really rescue me from my material propensities and save me from my mind.
Again, thank you for engaging me in devotional service, without it I don't know what my life would be like. Thank you for taking me under your wing and protecting me from maya day after day. Thank you for creating this community that accepts me as I am, and looks after me so amazingly - their determination in following your instructions and carrying on Srila Prabhupada's mission inspires me to do the same. Thank you for always being there for me, without any expectations other than genuinely helping me in my journey back home. You are so magnanimous, I wish I actually had words to describe how I appreciate you!
Thank you for reminding me day after day how merciless and cruel maya is. Your classes are a reservoir of nectar and opens my eyes to see that in actuality there is no glitter in this material world, there are just little pieces of plastic in different colours. Thank you for all the reality checks and for never giving up on me.
Trying to endeavour in devotional service with enthusiasm, perseverance, and determination, I beg you to please cut my ignorance and clean my material condition in a way that I’m free to finally serve you wholehearted.
Please help me to seek more and more shelter in my japa, making my attempts to chant with great attention my main priority. I don’t want to be carried by the externals of bhakti, I want to go deeper. I want to take my japa very seriously and sincerely invest my heart in serving you under any circumstances. I know I have not much to offer, but I hope I can always be under your guidance, with an open heart to receive and follow your precious instructions, making them my life and soul by trying to become a servant of your servants.
Your servant and daughter,
Tulavati devi dasi
Urjjesvari dd
Dear GuruMaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Unalloyed devotees of the Lord appear on the earth just to execute the mission of the Lord. The Lord desires the conditioned souls hovering in the material creation to be reclaimed to go back home, back to Godhead, and thus He helps them by preparing the transcendental literatures like the Vedas, by sending missionaries of saints and sages and by deputing His representative, the spiritual master.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.12.16 Purport)
While the world erupts in anarchic confusion, you rise above it and steady the rocking boat with your offering of guidance and steadiness. Though many of us struggle to avoid preoccupation with current worldly trifles, or be consumed by the fear that permeates within our predominantly atheistic society, you remain single-pointed. Amidst this arena of commotion, you provide the cool head needed for these troubled times.
By your grace you remind us of our true nature, reiterating that this isn’t our real home.
Destination consciousness!
“We should be concerned with the human form of life and how to maximise its potential.”
“You’re going places….Where are you going next?” you ask.
It's hard to look past the current world events and not be more reflective on how terrible things are. But you bring light to this dark place by showing us where to find real pleasure. Through you we access our only shelter, the shelter of eternal service.
By your dedication in following the footsteps of the previous acaryas, you are giving intelligence where there is only mental speculation and sentiment. Through education, you bring peace where there is anguish. You are making humans out of animals, and then some!
I see how your presence here has revived so much spirit, enthusiasm and bhakti in so many souls, once lost and bewildered by the so-called happiness of this world.
It's because of you, that I am here today.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva If, while travelling, a living entity becomes fortunate enough to become blessed by the association of devotees and to come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, his real life actually begins. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is giving all wandering living entities a chance to take to the shelter of Kṛṣṇa and thus become happy. (CC Madhya 19.151)
Thank you for this opportunity,
I pray I can overcome the illusory obstacles that hold me back in bhakti and be a better instrument in serving your mission,
Your aspiring servant,
Urjjesvari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Unalloyed devotees of the Lord appear on the earth just to execute the mission of the Lord. The Lord desires the conditioned souls hovering in the material creation to be reclaimed to go back home, back to Godhead, and thus He helps them by preparing the transcendental literatures like the Vedas, by sending missionaries of saints and sages and by deputing His representative, the spiritual master.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.12.16 Purport)
While the world erupts in anarchic confusion, you rise above it and steady the rocking boat with your offering of guidance and steadiness. Though many of us struggle to avoid preoccupation with current worldly trifles, or be consumed by the fear that permeates within our predominantly atheistic society, you remain single-pointed. Amidst this arena of commotion, you provide the cool head needed for these troubled times.
By your grace you remind us of our true nature, reiterating that this isn’t our real home.
Destination consciousness!
“We should be concerned with the human form of life and how to maximise its potential.”
“You’re going places….Where are you going next?” you ask.
It's hard to look past the current world events and not be more reflective on how terrible things are. But you bring light to this dark place by showing us where to find real pleasure. Through you we access our only shelter, the shelter of eternal service.
By your dedication in following the footsteps of the previous acaryas, you are giving intelligence where there is only mental speculation and sentiment. Through education, you bring peace where there is anguish. You are making humans out of animals, and then some!
I see how your presence here has revived so much spirit, enthusiasm and bhakti in so many souls, once lost and bewildered by the so-called happiness of this world.
It's because of you, that I am here today.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva If, while travelling, a living entity becomes fortunate enough to become blessed by the association of devotees and to come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, his real life actually begins. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is giving all wandering living entities a chance to take to the shelter of Kṛṣṇa and thus become happy. (CC Madhya 19.151)
Thank you for this opportunity,
I pray I can overcome the illusory obstacles that hold me back in bhakti and be a better instrument in serving your mission,
Your aspiring servant,
Urjjesvari dd
Uttama Bhakti Das & Raga Bhakti Devi Dasi
Nama om visnu padaya
Krishna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrita swamin
iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
Pararthathapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It’s impossible to describe your wonderful qualities with our limited intelligence. However since it is the duty of a disciple to glorify his Spiritual master on his vyasa puja day, i will try to speak a few words for your pleasure. If I commit any mistake, kindly forgive me.
Sri Krsnadasa Kaviraja gosvami lists the twenty-six good qualities of a Vaisnava. And you are the personification of all these divine qualities. Once Srila Bhakti siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur was giving a lecture and his spiritual master was sitting in an audience listening to his disciple. Someone asked Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur what are the qualities of a pure devotee. How does he talk, how does he walk? Srila Sarasvati Pada said just see Srila gaura kisora das babaji and you will know all the good qualities of a pure devotee. Similarly, we can also proudly say that just by seeing you, O Divine Grace! One will see all the qualities of a pure devotee are manifested in you. Out of all, I would like to highlight few of your qualities.
Your 1st and foremost quality is your compassion for all living entities
I still remember when I was running a restaurant serving meat and alcohol and speeding up my journey to hell. You Srila Gurudev held my hand and pulled me out from that hellish condition of life. I still remember your words that someone will come and take your business soon. And that’s what happened. Within one month, someone came and took over the business. You not only saved me but also very mercifully gave me your shelter at your lotus feet.
Your extended compassion can be seen in your frequent global travels. Accepting all kinds of inconveniences, you march on to spread the mission of Srila Prabhuapada. Where ever you go, you like a sun dissipate the darkness of ignorance of the masses. You’re well researched, innovative and penetrating presentations tailored for different kind of audiences are transformative and clears up the fog of their material consciousness and attracts them to devotional journey. Recently, I listened your lecture on the dialogue between Jada Bharata and Maharaja Rahugana. I was flabbergasted with your presentation and since then that series has become my constant companion of my ears. The more I hear that series, the more I dive deep in the nectar of devotional service.
Next is tolerance
We often hear the siddha pranali verse trnad api sunicena taror eva sahisnuna….but very hard to realise this verse. However, your deeds are the practical demonstration of this verse. Recently, HG Keshav prabhu in his class talked about Pratistha (desire for fame) which is a very hard knot in our heart and he gave your example of being a self-realised and pointed out your extraordinary quality of how you never expect any respect from anyone and whenever you get a respect, you never keeps to yourself.
Furthermore, I remember when I was driving to Dr Dan. You mentioned that how devotees email you with their queries and expect your response instantly as if you are sitting under the coconut tree with the laptop replying to their queries all day long. Dear Gurudev, we would like to thank you for tolerating our juvenile queries.
You have always been such a loving father. Your association is our greatest asset. On one occasion, while driving i asked you, Srila Gurudev, what gives you the most pleasure? Your answer was “Become Krsna conscious and make others Krsna conscious”. And since then I’ve been thinking about this statement and trying to engineer my lifestyle accordingly.
Srila Gurudev, It is our greatest fortune to be your servants. Although we are unworthy of this position but it’s your kindness that you allow us to engage in your service. Today on this auspicious occasion of your vyasa puja day, we beg for your mercy that we become receptive to your instructions and become your effective instruments in your mission to Srila Prabhupada.
Your insignificant servants
Uttama Bhakti Das & Raga Bhakti Devi Dasi
Krishna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrita swamin
iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
Pararthathapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It’s impossible to describe your wonderful qualities with our limited intelligence. However since it is the duty of a disciple to glorify his Spiritual master on his vyasa puja day, i will try to speak a few words for your pleasure. If I commit any mistake, kindly forgive me.
Sri Krsnadasa Kaviraja gosvami lists the twenty-six good qualities of a Vaisnava. And you are the personification of all these divine qualities. Once Srila Bhakti siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur was giving a lecture and his spiritual master was sitting in an audience listening to his disciple. Someone asked Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur what are the qualities of a pure devotee. How does he talk, how does he walk? Srila Sarasvati Pada said just see Srila gaura kisora das babaji and you will know all the good qualities of a pure devotee. Similarly, we can also proudly say that just by seeing you, O Divine Grace! One will see all the qualities of a pure devotee are manifested in you. Out of all, I would like to highlight few of your qualities.
Your 1st and foremost quality is your compassion for all living entities
I still remember when I was running a restaurant serving meat and alcohol and speeding up my journey to hell. You Srila Gurudev held my hand and pulled me out from that hellish condition of life. I still remember your words that someone will come and take your business soon. And that’s what happened. Within one month, someone came and took over the business. You not only saved me but also very mercifully gave me your shelter at your lotus feet.
Your extended compassion can be seen in your frequent global travels. Accepting all kinds of inconveniences, you march on to spread the mission of Srila Prabhuapada. Where ever you go, you like a sun dissipate the darkness of ignorance of the masses. You’re well researched, innovative and penetrating presentations tailored for different kind of audiences are transformative and clears up the fog of their material consciousness and attracts them to devotional journey. Recently, I listened your lecture on the dialogue between Jada Bharata and Maharaja Rahugana. I was flabbergasted with your presentation and since then that series has become my constant companion of my ears. The more I hear that series, the more I dive deep in the nectar of devotional service.
Next is tolerance
We often hear the siddha pranali verse trnad api sunicena taror eva sahisnuna….but very hard to realise this verse. However, your deeds are the practical demonstration of this verse. Recently, HG Keshav prabhu in his class talked about Pratistha (desire for fame) which is a very hard knot in our heart and he gave your example of being a self-realised and pointed out your extraordinary quality of how you never expect any respect from anyone and whenever you get a respect, you never keeps to yourself.
Furthermore, I remember when I was driving to Dr Dan. You mentioned that how devotees email you with their queries and expect your response instantly as if you are sitting under the coconut tree with the laptop replying to their queries all day long. Dear Gurudev, we would like to thank you for tolerating our juvenile queries.
You have always been such a loving father. Your association is our greatest asset. On one occasion, while driving i asked you, Srila Gurudev, what gives you the most pleasure? Your answer was “Become Krsna conscious and make others Krsna conscious”. And since then I’ve been thinking about this statement and trying to engineer my lifestyle accordingly.
Srila Gurudev, It is our greatest fortune to be your servants. Although we are unworthy of this position but it’s your kindness that you allow us to engage in your service. Today on this auspicious occasion of your vyasa puja day, we beg for your mercy that we become receptive to your instructions and become your effective instruments in your mission to Srila Prabhupada.
Your insignificant servants
Uttama Bhakti Das & Raga Bhakti Devi Dasi
Vamsidhari Das.
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisance's
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you, my wonderful Spiritual Master.
It has now been almost 20 years since I first heard the words emanating from
your lotus mouth.
I recall vividly the day Julhan Yatra and Rasa Yatra entrusted me with a case full of cassette tapes in Hamilton. I still listen to these lectures and in particular I love to hear you chant the invocation to Bhagavad Gita.
When I hear your voice I know that I am safe.
Over the past 2 decades many things have changed. I've struggled with some of these changes, for as an attached conditioned soul I'm habituated to making myself comfortable amidst the carnage of Kali-Yuga.
Recently however, by your causeless mercy, I've felt the weight of that struggle lift.
Though many things change in this world, you have always remained my well wisher.
The veneer of Kali-yuga is now wafer thin. With just the slightest provocation so called civilized men and women revert to behaviour more debased than animal life.
Ablaze with septic material desires, surcharged with untested synthetic drugs, and haunted by lust, anger and greed, a godless society races blindly towards oblivion.
However, year after year I watch as you roll up your sleeves and reach into the muck of Kali-yuga to extract awakening souls.
More so, you tirelessly, personally and compassionately spoon feed the medicine of Krsna's holy names to feverish disciples suffering amnesia .
Despite your genuine love and care, many conditioned souls reject the medicine and return to find shelter in the inferno of Kali-yuga.
I for one have wasted so much time roasting on the samsara chakra like a fool, busying himself with childish plans while the house burns down.
In a recent Bhagavatam class in Wellington you highlighted, "I wonder how many of us really believe or really understand that there is such a thing as the illusory energy.
That bewilders, confounds, confuses.
Generally we think that we're seeing things the way they are and we're basically alright. Have a few bad moments, sometimes have some good
moments. But we don't understand how deadly the illusory energy is and how bewildering it is.
As Krsna explains in Bhagavad Gita,
Daivi hy esa guna mayi
mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante
mayam etam taranti te
Krsna Himself, the source of all energy tells you.
"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. but those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it."
His illusory energy is practically impossible to overcome, unless you harmonies with Him. Unless you do things His way. So this is a hard lesson for many of us to learn. We think we're competent, we think we're in full possession of our faculties. We think we may have done so many crazy things in life but still we think we basically have it together .
So how does a devotee deal with the illusory energy? Do we really understand what it means to be in Maya? So these are questions that should come to our mind.
This illusory energy bewilders people and blocks them from seeing what is their goal in life, their real goal. Just like the clouds block the sun.
But the clouds only block a portion of the sky so you can't see the sun. But if you go above the clouds you'll see the sun. Similarly if you go above maya then you won't be affected by the clouds of maya and you can understand Krsna.
As Krsna Himself says in Bhagavad Gita.
The whole world is bewildered by the three modes of material nature. And they don't understand Krsna who is above the modes out of the reach of the modes.
So you can make progress out of the illusion of maya by developing a thirst for hearing about Krsna.
When you're chanting you're asking to engage in Krsnas service.
And the more you engage in Krsna's service, the better your chanting is. The better your chanting is, the better you'll engage in Krsna's service. They both feed into each other.
You make it so easy for us to come to Krsna consciousness, grow in Krsna's service and in turn give Krsna to others.
Thank you for your selfless service to struggling devotees like me Gurudeva. Thank you for never giving up, for holding high the standard banner of
the Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Thank you for giving me the priceless treasure of the Holy Name, teaching me personally through your instruction and by your example how to water and care for that seed, and when I've failed, lovingly helped me to my feet, and with a smile encouraged me to continue forward.
It is my sincere prayer that I will be able to develop that insatiable thirst, not for remaining in the parching blazes of Kali-yuga, but an insatiable thirst for hearing and chanting the Hare Krsna maha mantra - Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama, Rama Hare Hare,
I pray that I will continue to hold tightly to your instructions, for when I hear your voice I know that I am safe.
Your aspiring disciple and son,
Vamsidhari das.
Please accept my humble obeisance's
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you, my wonderful Spiritual Master.
It has now been almost 20 years since I first heard the words emanating from
your lotus mouth.
I recall vividly the day Julhan Yatra and Rasa Yatra entrusted me with a case full of cassette tapes in Hamilton. I still listen to these lectures and in particular I love to hear you chant the invocation to Bhagavad Gita.
When I hear your voice I know that I am safe.
Over the past 2 decades many things have changed. I've struggled with some of these changes, for as an attached conditioned soul I'm habituated to making myself comfortable amidst the carnage of Kali-Yuga.
Recently however, by your causeless mercy, I've felt the weight of that struggle lift.
Though many things change in this world, you have always remained my well wisher.
The veneer of Kali-yuga is now wafer thin. With just the slightest provocation so called civilized men and women revert to behaviour more debased than animal life.
Ablaze with septic material desires, surcharged with untested synthetic drugs, and haunted by lust, anger and greed, a godless society races blindly towards oblivion.
However, year after year I watch as you roll up your sleeves and reach into the muck of Kali-yuga to extract awakening souls.
More so, you tirelessly, personally and compassionately spoon feed the medicine of Krsna's holy names to feverish disciples suffering amnesia .
Despite your genuine love and care, many conditioned souls reject the medicine and return to find shelter in the inferno of Kali-yuga.
I for one have wasted so much time roasting on the samsara chakra like a fool, busying himself with childish plans while the house burns down.
In a recent Bhagavatam class in Wellington you highlighted, "I wonder how many of us really believe or really understand that there is such a thing as the illusory energy.
That bewilders, confounds, confuses.
Generally we think that we're seeing things the way they are and we're basically alright. Have a few bad moments, sometimes have some good
moments. But we don't understand how deadly the illusory energy is and how bewildering it is.
As Krsna explains in Bhagavad Gita,
Daivi hy esa guna mayi
mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante
mayam etam taranti te
Krsna Himself, the source of all energy tells you.
"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. but those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it."
His illusory energy is practically impossible to overcome, unless you harmonies with Him. Unless you do things His way. So this is a hard lesson for many of us to learn. We think we're competent, we think we're in full possession of our faculties. We think we may have done so many crazy things in life but still we think we basically have it together .
So how does a devotee deal with the illusory energy? Do we really understand what it means to be in Maya? So these are questions that should come to our mind.
This illusory energy bewilders people and blocks them from seeing what is their goal in life, their real goal. Just like the clouds block the sun.
But the clouds only block a portion of the sky so you can't see the sun. But if you go above the clouds you'll see the sun. Similarly if you go above maya then you won't be affected by the clouds of maya and you can understand Krsna.
As Krsna Himself says in Bhagavad Gita.
The whole world is bewildered by the three modes of material nature. And they don't understand Krsna who is above the modes out of the reach of the modes.
So you can make progress out of the illusion of maya by developing a thirst for hearing about Krsna.
When you're chanting you're asking to engage in Krsnas service.
And the more you engage in Krsna's service, the better your chanting is. The better your chanting is, the better you'll engage in Krsna's service. They both feed into each other.
You make it so easy for us to come to Krsna consciousness, grow in Krsna's service and in turn give Krsna to others.
Thank you for your selfless service to struggling devotees like me Gurudeva. Thank you for never giving up, for holding high the standard banner of
the Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Thank you for giving me the priceless treasure of the Holy Name, teaching me personally through your instruction and by your example how to water and care for that seed, and when I've failed, lovingly helped me to my feet, and with a smile encouraged me to continue forward.
It is my sincere prayer that I will be able to develop that insatiable thirst, not for remaining in the parching blazes of Kali-yuga, but an insatiable thirst for hearing and chanting the Hare Krsna maha mantra - Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama, Rama Hare Hare,
I pray that I will continue to hold tightly to your instructions, for when I hear your voice I know that I am safe.
Your aspiring disciple and son,
Vamsidhari das.
Varangi Radha Devi dasi
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
As CC Madhya 22.75 describes:
sarva mahā-guṇa-gaṇa vaiṣṇava-śarīre
kṛṣṇa-bhakte kṛṣṇera guṇa sakali sañcāre
“A Vaiṣṇava is one who has developed all good transcendental qualities. All the good qualities of Kṛṣṇa gradually develop in Kṛṣṇa’s devotee”
Your good qualities are endless because you are connected to the unlimited reservoir of goodness, knowledge and power, Sri Krishna. It’s impossible to name them all, but I will try to highlight some of the most remarkable qualities you possess.
Your quality of preaching love of God has many shades depending on to whom you’re speaking, time and place, but it never loses potency or truth, just as the ocean is known by many names depending on its geographical location but still retains its core identity as ocean no matter where it displays itself.
Your ability to come down to our level to connect with the newest of Bhaktas and simultaneously fly high alongside your flock as an eagle is nothing short of a stunning affair. The way you steal the mind of the inquisitive students at universities of all levels and prestige and mold them to receive real knowledge by your powerful voice in the form of challenging lectures and roaring Kirtans which electrify even a deaf man, is certainly nothing short of amazing.
The interest and care you provide those who allow your words to run deep in their hearts for you to plant the seed of Bhakti is as deep as the ocean- I cannot comprehend it but only be stunned by it as I see my heart and life transformed from frustrated and tasteless to a satisfying, blissful process of learning to cry out for more as the seed starts to grow into the Bhakti creeper of love.
Dearest Gurudeva, thank you for being a beacon of light in my life. Your instructions and example are the North Star I wish to follow for the rest of my life as I long to be a tiny part of the world-changing sankirtan mission that Srila Prabhupada brought to the West for the pleasure of Sri Panca Tattva and all of Their followers.
With love and gratitude,
Your disciple and aspirant servant,
Varangi Radha Devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
As CC Madhya 22.75 describes:
sarva mahā-guṇa-gaṇa vaiṣṇava-śarīre
kṛṣṇa-bhakte kṛṣṇera guṇa sakali sañcāre
“A Vaiṣṇava is one who has developed all good transcendental qualities. All the good qualities of Kṛṣṇa gradually develop in Kṛṣṇa’s devotee”
Your good qualities are endless because you are connected to the unlimited reservoir of goodness, knowledge and power, Sri Krishna. It’s impossible to name them all, but I will try to highlight some of the most remarkable qualities you possess.
Your quality of preaching love of God has many shades depending on to whom you’re speaking, time and place, but it never loses potency or truth, just as the ocean is known by many names depending on its geographical location but still retains its core identity as ocean no matter where it displays itself.
Your ability to come down to our level to connect with the newest of Bhaktas and simultaneously fly high alongside your flock as an eagle is nothing short of a stunning affair. The way you steal the mind of the inquisitive students at universities of all levels and prestige and mold them to receive real knowledge by your powerful voice in the form of challenging lectures and roaring Kirtans which electrify even a deaf man, is certainly nothing short of amazing.
The interest and care you provide those who allow your words to run deep in their hearts for you to plant the seed of Bhakti is as deep as the ocean- I cannot comprehend it but only be stunned by it as I see my heart and life transformed from frustrated and tasteless to a satisfying, blissful process of learning to cry out for more as the seed starts to grow into the Bhakti creeper of love.
Dearest Gurudeva, thank you for being a beacon of light in my life. Your instructions and example are the North Star I wish to follow for the rest of my life as I long to be a tiny part of the world-changing sankirtan mission that Srila Prabhupada brought to the West for the pleasure of Sri Panca Tattva and all of Their followers.
With love and gratitude,
Your disciple and aspirant servant,
Varangi Radha Devi dasi
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your holiness and your master Śrīla Prabhupāda.
On your auspicious Vyāsapūjā, I hope you will accept a poem composed by me. In it I have sought to include what appreciations of your greatness my basic level of consciousness affords, as well as to express some of the aspirations I have acquired in the course of trying to follow your instructions.
-
In bhakti life, of which I've passed six years,
I've been through change many different ways;
despite the same songs always in my ears
and much the same activities each day!
I've felt the warmth of loving Vaisnavas' care,
the thrilling, awesome, epic marathon,
the bliss of outreach, and, without compare,
the nectar of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
And pain I've felt at burdens hard to shed,
or sometimes stress, or loneliness, or doubt.
I've battled with desires in my head
and held on tight while Krishna pulled them out.
But through such wonderful variety,
I feel as though you've been right there with me.
First beholding pañca-tattva's form
along with your symphonic-sounding speech,
you seemed exemplary; I felt such warmth,
like fire in Winter, though still out of reach.
Your powerful impression, deep within,
remained my highest benchmark, as I took
shelter of devotion's various limbs -
you both explained and embodied the book.
And wondrous fortune favoured me still more
when by your very mouth I was endowed
with clear instructions that I could live for,
a lifetime mission that would make you proud.
In all of my devotional foundations,
O Gurudeva, you've been the inspiration.
Now, two initiations down the line,
I want to serve more deeply than before.
And seeing that it may take me some time,
I realise your glories more and more.
Your gave your life to Srila Prabhupada
and so you live within his books each day.
Who knows the life of service that you've had?
But who could truthfully deny the way
your lifelong sacrifice has made you shine
and shimmer with the sweetness of the Lord.
So humbly serving God in this lifetime
you radiate the taste of the reward.
No doubt that, if to greater heights I climb,
more treasures in your character I'll find.
Dear Gurudeva, it's not easy to chant
with a mind distracted by such mundane stuff!
And making Kṛṣṇa conscious those that aren't
often seems inexorably tough.
Yet somehow there's a faith within my heart,
the kind that God must give one as a gift,
that you, my guru, really know the art
of chanting, and can really close the rift
within the lives of earth's misguided souls.
So, as I strive, my ever-favourite prayer
is for your grace, to help me fill the holes
that make my offering of life look bare.
I beg to take the steps I have to take
to reach eternal service, in your wake.
-
Your servant,
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to your holiness and your master Śrīla Prabhupāda.
On your auspicious Vyāsapūjā, I hope you will accept a poem composed by me. In it I have sought to include what appreciations of your greatness my basic level of consciousness affords, as well as to express some of the aspirations I have acquired in the course of trying to follow your instructions.
-
In bhakti life, of which I've passed six years,
I've been through change many different ways;
despite the same songs always in my ears
and much the same activities each day!
I've felt the warmth of loving Vaisnavas' care,
the thrilling, awesome, epic marathon,
the bliss of outreach, and, without compare,
the nectar of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
And pain I've felt at burdens hard to shed,
or sometimes stress, or loneliness, or doubt.
I've battled with desires in my head
and held on tight while Krishna pulled them out.
But through such wonderful variety,
I feel as though you've been right there with me.
First beholding pañca-tattva's form
along with your symphonic-sounding speech,
you seemed exemplary; I felt such warmth,
like fire in Winter, though still out of reach.
Your powerful impression, deep within,
remained my highest benchmark, as I took
shelter of devotion's various limbs -
you both explained and embodied the book.
And wondrous fortune favoured me still more
when by your very mouth I was endowed
with clear instructions that I could live for,
a lifetime mission that would make you proud.
In all of my devotional foundations,
O Gurudeva, you've been the inspiration.
Now, two initiations down the line,
I want to serve more deeply than before.
And seeing that it may take me some time,
I realise your glories more and more.
Your gave your life to Srila Prabhupada
and so you live within his books each day.
Who knows the life of service that you've had?
But who could truthfully deny the way
your lifelong sacrifice has made you shine
and shimmer with the sweetness of the Lord.
So humbly serving God in this lifetime
you radiate the taste of the reward.
No doubt that, if to greater heights I climb,
more treasures in your character I'll find.
Dear Gurudeva, it's not easy to chant
with a mind distracted by such mundane stuff!
And making Kṛṣṇa conscious those that aren't
often seems inexorably tough.
Yet somehow there's a faith within my heart,
the kind that God must give one as a gift,
that you, my guru, really know the art
of chanting, and can really close the rift
within the lives of earth's misguided souls.
So, as I strive, my ever-favourite prayer
is for your grace, to help me fill the holes
that make my offering of life look bare.
I beg to take the steps I have to take
to reach eternal service, in your wake.
-
Your servant,
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Vegavan Das
Hare Krsna Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet, all glories to you and your auspicious appearance in this world. All glories to Srila Prabhupadad.
In beyond illusion and doubt, Srila Prabhupadad says “We accept the guru as the genuine superman because he is worshiped like God and can put one in touch with God and his grace.”
To be superman means to perform super human activities, writing this offering I have been meditating on the activities you have performed which constitutes this. Your most heroic feat that comes to mind, is your travelling and preaching behind the iron curtain and being hunted down by the KGB. I will never forget the story you told about nearly being busted in a secret Bhagavatam class, with the officer personally looking at each individual in the eye to find the leader. As the officer turned to you, you saw their eyes glaze over and they finally left empty handed. I only wonder was this actually Krishna’s hand, or your own superman mystic power. Fortunately for your disciples, we never leave empty handed when we have the fortune of your association.
Your superman activities also extend to your continuous prolific book writing, travelling, GBC duties, spiritual father duties and so much more. You also faced so much adversity coming into Krsna consciousness, having to go against your mother and fathers will, renouncing your corporate career opportunities and shrugging off the laughter from your previous college friends whilst on Harinam. I realize how easy I had it coming into Krsna consciousness.
In Cc Madhya 22.54 it is said: "The value of a moments association with a devotee of the lord cannot be compared even to the attainment of the heavenly planets, liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which is for those who are meant for death." This got me thinking how can we even consider how valuable your association is (the association of a maha baghavata). I pray to realise this more and more and my enthusiasm for your association to be increased 1000 times over.
I cannot thank you enough for giving me my spiritual life, without you I would still be drowning in the ocean of intoxication and wondering how or when I will be able to stop. I apologise that my independent nature and lack of surrender has not given me the correct focus and the ability to advance quickly in Bhakti. However, I know that if I can somehow just grasp your lotus feet in the gale force winds of material life, I will not be blown away.
Please forgive me for being a prakrta devotee and not showing you the proper respect. I pray that I may be able to surrender more and my capacity to serve you will increase. I pray for your mercy and for your instructions to destroy my nescience.
I certainly feel that you are our superman Gurudeva. However, you are even more glorious than superman, because you have no kryptonite.
Your aspiring servant Vegavan Das
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet, all glories to you and your auspicious appearance in this world. All glories to Srila Prabhupadad.
In beyond illusion and doubt, Srila Prabhupadad says “We accept the guru as the genuine superman because he is worshiped like God and can put one in touch with God and his grace.”
To be superman means to perform super human activities, writing this offering I have been meditating on the activities you have performed which constitutes this. Your most heroic feat that comes to mind, is your travelling and preaching behind the iron curtain and being hunted down by the KGB. I will never forget the story you told about nearly being busted in a secret Bhagavatam class, with the officer personally looking at each individual in the eye to find the leader. As the officer turned to you, you saw their eyes glaze over and they finally left empty handed. I only wonder was this actually Krishna’s hand, or your own superman mystic power. Fortunately for your disciples, we never leave empty handed when we have the fortune of your association.
Your superman activities also extend to your continuous prolific book writing, travelling, GBC duties, spiritual father duties and so much more. You also faced so much adversity coming into Krsna consciousness, having to go against your mother and fathers will, renouncing your corporate career opportunities and shrugging off the laughter from your previous college friends whilst on Harinam. I realize how easy I had it coming into Krsna consciousness.
In Cc Madhya 22.54 it is said: "The value of a moments association with a devotee of the lord cannot be compared even to the attainment of the heavenly planets, liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which is for those who are meant for death." This got me thinking how can we even consider how valuable your association is (the association of a maha baghavata). I pray to realise this more and more and my enthusiasm for your association to be increased 1000 times over.
I cannot thank you enough for giving me my spiritual life, without you I would still be drowning in the ocean of intoxication and wondering how or when I will be able to stop. I apologise that my independent nature and lack of surrender has not given me the correct focus and the ability to advance quickly in Bhakti. However, I know that if I can somehow just grasp your lotus feet in the gale force winds of material life, I will not be blown away.
Please forgive me for being a prakrta devotee and not showing you the proper respect. I pray that I may be able to surrender more and my capacity to serve you will increase. I pray for your mercy and for your instructions to destroy my nescience.
I certainly feel that you are our superman Gurudeva. However, you are even more glorious than superman, because you have no kryptonite.
Your aspiring servant Vegavan Das
Venkata Brahmananda Rao Nelluri
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale, srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥnama
Dear Gurudev, Hare Krishna.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja 2022. All glories to you Srila Gurudev, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Gauranga.
Gurudev, I am indebted to you so much for your service towards Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Thank you gurudev for blessing me & my wife continuously. Haribole.
Your aspiring servants,
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (Disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and your Siksha disciple daughter in law)
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥnama
Dear Gurudev, Hare Krishna.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja 2022. All glories to you Srila Gurudev, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Gauranga.
Gurudev, I am indebted to you so much for your service towards Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Thank you gurudev for blessing me & my wife continuously. Haribole.
Your aspiring servants,
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (Disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and your Siksha disciple daughter in law)
Venu-madhurya das
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my prostrated obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada! All glories to You and Your eternal service to His Divine Grace.
Gurudeva, how wonderful it is to celebrate Your Vyasapuja amongst godfamily in Gita Nagari Dham. I was recently reflecting how magnanimous You are, how gradually You were giving us various spiritual gifts - first You have saved me by catching me in Your Auckland Loft bhakti-net, by Your sankirtan warriors I got Bhagavad Gita on a street in 2009. You have inspired me to chant and reform through Your classes in 2010. Then You engaged Lila-madhurya and I in personal service since very first(for us) Bhakti Sangama festival in Ukraine 2011, then You sent us to soak in bhakti experience in Ukraine from various senior devotees, then You took us for a Ukrainian tour as personal servants 2013, then You have revealed Nava Vraj Dham and Budapest temple to us, where You have pioneered spreading Krishna's glories behind the iron curtain, which we then have visited dozens of times, then You gradually started to repeatedly reveal to us Sridham Mayapur from 2015 onwards, amazing and mysterious place for recharging bhakti in order to continue enthusiastic service in Lord Chaitanya's mission. You have inspired us to preach, teach & serve devotees, take an active approach to participate in sankirtana - harinams, book distribution, Ratha Yatra and other vaishnava festivals. You gave us crucial advises to direct us at the right moments through all these years, You have tolerated my mistakes and insensitivity, my childish silliness, teenage rebelling and never rejected or condemned me.
Eventually You have decided to expand Your gifts and gave us most precious gift of archana to the most beautiful forms of the Lord - Sri Sri Radha Damodara, Lalita & Visakha, Nitay Gaurasundara and Srila Prabhupada, under protection of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami and his faithful servants in Gita Nagari Dham. You gave us simple Vrindavan village lifestyle, full of natural beauty, gentle cows, fresh air, natural non-gmo, chemical free produce, including honey and of course milk products, all necessary comforts for the body, association of sincere devotees, and dynamic lifestyle including preaching to the guests, students, retreats, space to grow personally and take responsibilities for Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON purposes. Another words You gave us precious devotional service and human life happiness at the same time. Not only that, You have placed us in relatively safe place in these materially turbulent times for the planet and humanity. Also Your desire to reform our useless characters - by learning humility, tolerance, tact - what a perfect place to be.
Gurudeva, just our tiny desire to follow Your instructions and fragile attempt to do so, brought so much happiness and enthusiasm, that even sankirtana travelling brahmacaris were wondering back in the days, where this enthusiasm was coming from, I always knew the source - its Your lotus feet and Your instructions, yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado. There is nothing else to learn in bhakti than this simple truth, rest is coming from it, divya-jnana hrde prokasito. And it did miracles in preaching - I still remember each of such magic moments - on street harinam, book distribution, on nama hattas, in Indian Embassy, various home programs, preaching at work etc.
50 years in service to His Divine Grace and You are so exemplary in
utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt
tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt
saṅga-tyāgāt sato vṛtteḥ
ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati
Trying to follow in Your footsteps I beg for Your causeless mercy on this day, so that I can always remain Your faithful servant, somehow or other assisting You in Your service to Srila Prabhupada even though I am not qualified, yet You are so kind and tolerant for even training a useless dog like me. Such is the character of true sadhu, he is expert in everything and compassionate to all living beings.
Your insignificant servant,
Venu-madhurya das
P.s. - what a Janmashtami it was, chanting with You during mangala arati, hearing Your katha, filling the conch with milk for You doing Abhishek for Their Lordships, observing Your joy, love and concentration during the bathing, and then doing arati during midnight kirtan that You led, whole day assisting You serving the Lord in Your physical presence - what a gift Gurudeva, what a priceless gift from You...Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, You are expert how to make lifelong spiritual samskaras and give best bhakti gifts...
Gurudeva, how wonderful it is to celebrate Your Vyasapuja amongst godfamily in Gita Nagari Dham. I was recently reflecting how magnanimous You are, how gradually You were giving us various spiritual gifts - first You have saved me by catching me in Your Auckland Loft bhakti-net, by Your sankirtan warriors I got Bhagavad Gita on a street in 2009. You have inspired me to chant and reform through Your classes in 2010. Then You engaged Lila-madhurya and I in personal service since very first(for us) Bhakti Sangama festival in Ukraine 2011, then You sent us to soak in bhakti experience in Ukraine from various senior devotees, then You took us for a Ukrainian tour as personal servants 2013, then You have revealed Nava Vraj Dham and Budapest temple to us, where You have pioneered spreading Krishna's glories behind the iron curtain, which we then have visited dozens of times, then You gradually started to repeatedly reveal to us Sridham Mayapur from 2015 onwards, amazing and mysterious place for recharging bhakti in order to continue enthusiastic service in Lord Chaitanya's mission. You have inspired us to preach, teach & serve devotees, take an active approach to participate in sankirtana - harinams, book distribution, Ratha Yatra and other vaishnava festivals. You gave us crucial advises to direct us at the right moments through all these years, You have tolerated my mistakes and insensitivity, my childish silliness, teenage rebelling and never rejected or condemned me.
Eventually You have decided to expand Your gifts and gave us most precious gift of archana to the most beautiful forms of the Lord - Sri Sri Radha Damodara, Lalita & Visakha, Nitay Gaurasundara and Srila Prabhupada, under protection of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami and his faithful servants in Gita Nagari Dham. You gave us simple Vrindavan village lifestyle, full of natural beauty, gentle cows, fresh air, natural non-gmo, chemical free produce, including honey and of course milk products, all necessary comforts for the body, association of sincere devotees, and dynamic lifestyle including preaching to the guests, students, retreats, space to grow personally and take responsibilities for Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON purposes. Another words You gave us precious devotional service and human life happiness at the same time. Not only that, You have placed us in relatively safe place in these materially turbulent times for the planet and humanity. Also Your desire to reform our useless characters - by learning humility, tolerance, tact - what a perfect place to be.
Gurudeva, just our tiny desire to follow Your instructions and fragile attempt to do so, brought so much happiness and enthusiasm, that even sankirtana travelling brahmacaris were wondering back in the days, where this enthusiasm was coming from, I always knew the source - its Your lotus feet and Your instructions, yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado. There is nothing else to learn in bhakti than this simple truth, rest is coming from it, divya-jnana hrde prokasito. And it did miracles in preaching - I still remember each of such magic moments - on street harinam, book distribution, on nama hattas, in Indian Embassy, various home programs, preaching at work etc.
50 years in service to His Divine Grace and You are so exemplary in
utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt
tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt
saṅga-tyāgāt sato vṛtteḥ
ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati
Trying to follow in Your footsteps I beg for Your causeless mercy on this day, so that I can always remain Your faithful servant, somehow or other assisting You in Your service to Srila Prabhupada even though I am not qualified, yet You are so kind and tolerant for even training a useless dog like me. Such is the character of true sadhu, he is expert in everything and compassionate to all living beings.
Your insignificant servant,
Venu-madhurya das
P.s. - what a Janmashtami it was, chanting with You during mangala arati, hearing Your katha, filling the conch with milk for You doing Abhishek for Their Lordships, observing Your joy, love and concentration during the bathing, and then doing arati during midnight kirtan that You led, whole day assisting You serving the Lord in Your physical presence - what a gift Gurudeva, what a priceless gift from You...Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, You are expert how to make lifelong spiritual samskaras and give best bhakti gifts...
Vinita devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Appearance.
Thank you for being an inspiration for so many devotees, and for your amazing level of enthusiasm and dedication.
To assist with supporting Krishna Consciousness for the next generation, I've made a collection of Krishna Consciousness children's books. They're designed specifically for young children, with lots of pictures and easy to follow story lines. The books have recently been completed, and I'm now in the process of website design to facilitate their distribution. Hopefully this goes well, and the books can be a good resource for devotees and outreach.
I've also been working on starting a Home Daycare, to provide a supportive home environment where children can be cared for and educated in Krishna Consciousness. It's been really nice working towards this, and hopefully this can be established within the next few months.
Thank you for your continued mercy.
Please allow me to always remain in your service.
Your 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.
Thank you for being an inspiration for so many devotees, and for your amazing level of enthusiasm and dedication.
To assist with supporting Krishna Consciousness for the next generation, I've made a collection of Krishna Consciousness children's books. They're designed specifically for young children, with lots of pictures and easy to follow story lines. The books have recently been completed, and I'm now in the process of website design to facilitate their distribution. Hopefully this goes well, and the books can be a good resource for devotees and outreach.
I've also been working on starting a Home Daycare, to provide a supportive home environment where children can be cared for and educated in Krishna Consciousness. It's been really nice working towards this, and hopefully this can be established within the next few months.
Thank you for your continued mercy.
Please allow me to always remain in your service.
Your aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Vinoda Kovida Das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your unswerving dedication and love for his service.
You have very subtle and touching ways that you show care for me guru maharaja. One example has stood out to me from when I decided to transition out of the brahmachari ashram a few years ago. You found out before I could tell you in person and I remember we talked about it when you came to Denver. But what I remember more clearly is that you gave a Sunday feast class that felt like it was dedicated to me. You narrated the story of king Priyavrata and his unwillingness to take the throne. You shared how he had the blessings of his superiors and knowledge of how to engage in devotional service, so he was empowered to live in the grihasta ashram and not get entangled. I felt very touched that you gave what felt like a personal class in a public space. It felt even more special than a personal darshan. I was not really able to notice fully what you were doing at the time, but that class has always stuck out to me. I want to thank you for that.
Fast forward to today, I have some learning to do from Priavrata maharaja. I am going through a process of purification, and I don't even know if I am actually making progress. My faith feels very fragile these days, but I am holding onto the lessons you have imparted to me:
- Chanting the holy name with attention provides me the clarity of vision on how to best arrange my life for service.
- Srila Prabhupada's books are my guiding light and my main source of nourishment in my devotional life.
- Devotee association and devotional service of any kind is a special privilege that should be cherished and prayed for.
- Lord Chaitanya is the most merciful incarnation of the Lord, so if I serve his mission, I can be assured of success in my spiritual life.
I would like to take this occasion of your Vyasa puja to once again recommit myself to following the basic instructions you have given me. I want to thank you for the ways in which you have tolerated and guided me. I want to thank you for the special ways in which you have shown that you care and beg that you continue to glance upon me in similar ways.
Hoping to someday feel I am a disciple you can be proud of.
Your servant,
Vinoda Kovida das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your unswerving dedication and love for his service.
You have very subtle and touching ways that you show care for me guru maharaja. One example has stood out to me from when I decided to transition out of the brahmachari ashram a few years ago. You found out before I could tell you in person and I remember we talked about it when you came to Denver. But what I remember more clearly is that you gave a Sunday feast class that felt like it was dedicated to me. You narrated the story of king Priyavrata and his unwillingness to take the throne. You shared how he had the blessings of his superiors and knowledge of how to engage in devotional service, so he was empowered to live in the grihasta ashram and not get entangled. I felt very touched that you gave what felt like a personal class in a public space. It felt even more special than a personal darshan. I was not really able to notice fully what you were doing at the time, but that class has always stuck out to me. I want to thank you for that.
Fast forward to today, I have some learning to do from Priavrata maharaja. I am going through a process of purification, and I don't even know if I am actually making progress. My faith feels very fragile these days, but I am holding onto the lessons you have imparted to me:
- Chanting the holy name with attention provides me the clarity of vision on how to best arrange my life for service.
- Srila Prabhupada's books are my guiding light and my main source of nourishment in my devotional life.
- Devotee association and devotional service of any kind is a special privilege that should be cherished and prayed for.
- Lord Chaitanya is the most merciful incarnation of the Lord, so if I serve his mission, I can be assured of success in my spiritual life.
I would like to take this occasion of your Vyasa puja to once again recommit myself to following the basic instructions you have given me. I want to thank you for the ways in which you have tolerated and guided me. I want to thank you for the special ways in which you have shown that you care and beg that you continue to glance upon me in similar ways.
Hoping to someday feel I am a disciple you can be proud of.
Your servant,
Vinoda Kovida das
Vinu Shankar Ganesun
HH Devamrita Swami Maharaj Vyasapuja 2022
Om Agyana thimirandasya Gyanajana Shalakaya Shakshurunmilitham ena thasmai Sri Guruve Namaha!
Namah Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Preshtaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin Iti Namine
Prachare Purva Dhaksam Ca Bhakti cara Praveenata
Paratapte Karunyam Yasya Sarvachate Namaha
This year, I was really struggling to write an offering due to difficult circumstances in family as my father has been preparing to leave his body. It is never easy to glorify great personalities and my glorification presented here will only be like an attempt to describe the brightness of the sun by someone who cannot see. I have just started reading the 2nd canto of Srimad Bhagavatam wherein in SB 2.1.10 Srila Prabhupada says “For advancement of material knowledge there is a need for personal ability and researching aptitude, but in the case of spiritual knowledge, all progress depends more or less on the mercy of the spiritual master”. This really stuck me as I was under such a false impression that by ticking some boxes here and there, I was making progress. It dawned on me that I haven’t even started at all! Hence, I would like to take this momentous opportunity of your appearance day to surrender onto your lotus feet.
There can be no doubt that you are propagating Srila Prabhupada’s message as it is in a manner that reaches today’s society. After the pandemic had forced all of us to stick to one place, you were mostly based out of NZ and we got so much nectar to the extent that I now selfishly think that the pandemic was not so bad after all. Right after the borders opened up you have been back to your usual travels, and I often wonder which part of the world you are preaching at the moment. It is truly our great fortune that the Sun has become manifest directly here in Melbourne now and after a long winter, here I am in front of you attempting to bathe in sunshine of your glance. Oh Gurudeva, kindly glance at me and other similar fallen souls. As usual, I have nothing to offer to you in return except for prayers to the Sri Sri Radha Vallabah for your good health and wish one day I become an instrument in your hands to serve Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Vinu Shankar on behalf of the family (Akila, Anirudh, Prajna)
Om Agyana thimirandasya Gyanajana Shalakaya Shakshurunmilitham ena thasmai Sri Guruve Namaha!
Namah Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Preshtaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin Iti Namine
Prachare Purva Dhaksam Ca Bhakti cara Praveenata
Paratapte Karunyam Yasya Sarvachate Namaha
This year, I was really struggling to write an offering due to difficult circumstances in family as my father has been preparing to leave his body. It is never easy to glorify great personalities and my glorification presented here will only be like an attempt to describe the brightness of the sun by someone who cannot see. I have just started reading the 2nd canto of Srimad Bhagavatam wherein in SB 2.1.10 Srila Prabhupada says “For advancement of material knowledge there is a need for personal ability and researching aptitude, but in the case of spiritual knowledge, all progress depends more or less on the mercy of the spiritual master”. This really stuck me as I was under such a false impression that by ticking some boxes here and there, I was making progress. It dawned on me that I haven’t even started at all! Hence, I would like to take this momentous opportunity of your appearance day to surrender onto your lotus feet.
There can be no doubt that you are propagating Srila Prabhupada’s message as it is in a manner that reaches today’s society. After the pandemic had forced all of us to stick to one place, you were mostly based out of NZ and we got so much nectar to the extent that I now selfishly think that the pandemic was not so bad after all. Right after the borders opened up you have been back to your usual travels, and I often wonder which part of the world you are preaching at the moment. It is truly our great fortune that the Sun has become manifest directly here in Melbourne now and after a long winter, here I am in front of you attempting to bathe in sunshine of your glance. Oh Gurudeva, kindly glance at me and other similar fallen souls. As usual, I have nothing to offer to you in return except for prayers to the Sri Sri Radha Vallabah for your good health and wish one day I become an instrument in your hands to serve Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Vinu Shankar on behalf of the family (Akila, Anirudh, Prajna)
Vira-gopi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your appearance.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to be surrounded by many sincere devotees. They have so much love for you and attachment to constantly trying to increase the quality of their service. I am gradually beginning to see how it’s only by their association that I am able to continue trying to engage in devotional service. They’ve all been sent to assist your selfless service and are a reflection of your compassion and tireless endeavours in outreach.
‘The training of devotional service for a neophyte devotee completely depends on the expert spiritual master who knows how to lead his disciple to make gradual progress towards the path back home, back to Godhead.’ I read this recently in one of Srila Prabhupada’s purports and felt very reassured, because you are expert in every way; guiding, encouraging and inspiring devotees all over the world. And all in such a personal way, with not only each devotee but also guests at Bhakti Lounge. You have also expertly created Ashrams and a mentoring program which is an extension of your care and shelter.
Thank you for your classes. Especially those you gave during controversial times in Wellington at the beginning of the year. By following directly in the footsteps of the Guru Parampara you leave no room for doubts or speculation about what is the Krsna conscious perspective on anything and by your example we can see how to steadily continue and take more shelter of our Bhakti practice, keeping hearing and chanting in the centre, regardless of external situations. Because of the purity of your words my mind becomes pacified and I become absorbed in hearing about Krsna. This also inspires me to go deeper in my Sadhana.
In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 10.84.12 it is said, ‘Association with advanced sages, either directly or by hearing their instructions, is recommended in this verse for one who wishes to advance beyond the lowest stages of devotional life. A neophyte devotee may be free from the more obvious sins of violence against innocent creatures and against his own body and mind, but until he becomes very advanced on the devotional path, he must always contend with the subtler contaminations of false pride, disrespect toward respectable Vaiṣṇavas and lack of compassion for suffering creatures. The best remedy for these symptoms of immaturity is to hear from and honor pure Vaiṣṇavas and to assist them in working to deliver the fallen, conditioned souls.’ I am saturated with these subtle contaminations, however I have the good fortune of hearing from you and attempting to assist you in your dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. Please give me the intelligence and determination to take advantage of your mercy and to make your instructions my life and soul.
Thank you for kindly accepting my service, although self motivated. Thank you for your care and encouragement. I pray that one day I can live up to your kind words and selflessly dedicate my whole life to your service.
Aspiring to serve you,
Vira-gopi devi dasi
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your appearance.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to be surrounded by many sincere devotees. They have so much love for you and attachment to constantly trying to increase the quality of their service. I am gradually beginning to see how it’s only by their association that I am able to continue trying to engage in devotional service. They’ve all been sent to assist your selfless service and are a reflection of your compassion and tireless endeavours in outreach.
‘The training of devotional service for a neophyte devotee completely depends on the expert spiritual master who knows how to lead his disciple to make gradual progress towards the path back home, back to Godhead.’ I read this recently in one of Srila Prabhupada’s purports and felt very reassured, because you are expert in every way; guiding, encouraging and inspiring devotees all over the world. And all in such a personal way, with not only each devotee but also guests at Bhakti Lounge. You have also expertly created Ashrams and a mentoring program which is an extension of your care and shelter.
Thank you for your classes. Especially those you gave during controversial times in Wellington at the beginning of the year. By following directly in the footsteps of the Guru Parampara you leave no room for doubts or speculation about what is the Krsna conscious perspective on anything and by your example we can see how to steadily continue and take more shelter of our Bhakti practice, keeping hearing and chanting in the centre, regardless of external situations. Because of the purity of your words my mind becomes pacified and I become absorbed in hearing about Krsna. This also inspires me to go deeper in my Sadhana.
In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 10.84.12 it is said, ‘Association with advanced sages, either directly or by hearing their instructions, is recommended in this verse for one who wishes to advance beyond the lowest stages of devotional life. A neophyte devotee may be free from the more obvious sins of violence against innocent creatures and against his own body and mind, but until he becomes very advanced on the devotional path, he must always contend with the subtler contaminations of false pride, disrespect toward respectable Vaiṣṇavas and lack of compassion for suffering creatures. The best remedy for these symptoms of immaturity is to hear from and honor pure Vaiṣṇavas and to assist them in working to deliver the fallen, conditioned souls.’ I am saturated with these subtle contaminations, however I have the good fortune of hearing from you and attempting to assist you in your dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. Please give me the intelligence and determination to take advantage of your mercy and to make your instructions my life and soul.
Thank you for kindly accepting my service, although self motivated. Thank you for your care and encouragement. I pray that one day I can live up to your kind words and selflessly dedicate my whole life to your service.
Aspiring to serve you,
Vira-gopi devi dasi
Viracandra 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
Wishing you a very happy Vyasa Puja Gurudev. Even though a disciple should always remember his spiritual master but vyasa Puja offering is an amazingly nourishing opportunity to try to deeply meditate on the unlimited qualities of spiritual master.
In Adi Lila ch12 verse 10:-
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.
Gurudev, once you mentioned that you instruct your disciples according to what they can handle, so that they can follow because it is an offence not to follow Guru's instruction. When I think deeply of this point I see your unlimited compassion for all of us.
Just like a loving mother who have many children crying together but she knows exactly who will be satisfied with what. Being a spiritual master of so many disciples, you are well aware of everyone's need and just like that mother your love and care is also impartial to all of us.
Madhya Lila Ch 16 verse 46:-
Purport :- The devotees of Lord Caitanya must preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness in every village and town in the world. That will satisfy the Lord. It is not that one should act whimsically for his own personal satisfaction. This order comes down through the paramparā system, and the spiritual master presents these orders to the disciple so that he can spread the message of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. It is the duty of every disciple to carry out the order of the bona fide spiritual master and spread Lord Caitanya’s message all over the world.
Gurudev, when I read this verse I straight away thought about you that how your every thought and action is connected to this verse. You are inspiring us by your perfect example of being a perfect disciple of your spiritual master by spreading the message of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world.
In your last lecture in melbourne, you mentioned that we should always think that how Krishna is profiting from what I am doing. I am seeking your blessing to continue my service sincerely at Crossways with that kind set by serving more and more Krishna prasadam.
On this auspicious day, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with good health, so that you continue serving Srila Prabhupada's and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission of delivering fallen souls like me by creating opportunities for them for chanting Holy Names.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Viracandra Dasa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Wishing you a very happy Vyasa Puja Gurudev. Even though a disciple should always remember his spiritual master but vyasa Puja offering is an amazingly nourishing opportunity to try to deeply meditate on the unlimited qualities of spiritual master.
In Adi Lila ch12 verse 10:-
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.
Gurudev, once you mentioned that you instruct your disciples according to what they can handle, so that they can follow because it is an offence not to follow Guru's instruction. When I think deeply of this point I see your unlimited compassion for all of us.
Just like a loving mother who have many children crying together but she knows exactly who will be satisfied with what. Being a spiritual master of so many disciples, you are well aware of everyone's need and just like that mother your love and care is also impartial to all of us.
Madhya Lila Ch 16 verse 46:-
Purport :- The devotees of Lord Caitanya must preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness in every village and town in the world. That will satisfy the Lord. It is not that one should act whimsically for his own personal satisfaction. This order comes down through the paramparā system, and the spiritual master presents these orders to the disciple so that he can spread the message of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. It is the duty of every disciple to carry out the order of the bona fide spiritual master and spread Lord Caitanya’s message all over the world.
Gurudev, when I read this verse I straight away thought about you that how your every thought and action is connected to this verse. You are inspiring us by your perfect example of being a perfect disciple of your spiritual master by spreading the message of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world.
In your last lecture in melbourne, you mentioned that we should always think that how Krishna is profiting from what I am doing. I am seeking your blessing to continue my service sincerely at Crossways with that kind set by serving more and more Krishna prasadam.
On this auspicious day, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with good health, so that you continue serving Srila Prabhupada's and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission of delivering fallen souls like me by creating opportunities for them for chanting Holy Names.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Viracandra Dasa
Vraja Kumuda Das
Hare Krishna Gurudev
Please accept my most sincere and humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on your auspicious day of 72nd Vyasa-puja.
This year I have been meditating on your transcendental compassion and selflessness to help and uplift all living entities. Having been able to serve you personally, I got a glimpse of your mood in serving Srila Prabhupada. The amount of attention, focus, and sensitivity you put into your conversation with people is extraordinarily unique, exhibiting your intimate relationship with the Supersoul. Through your travels and preaching efforts, you are able to deliver the appropriate medicine to people, thus, kindling their bhakti fire.
In one of the letters, a devotee asked Srila Prabhupada if he was present in his picture and form. And Prabhupada replied,
"In form as well as in teachings. To carry out the teachings of guru is more important than to worship the form, but none of them should be neglected...Vani is more important than vapu."
Your association, both in physical form and in the form of your instructions, injects in our hearts Bhakti enthusiasm. In our tiny and humble attempts to follow your instructions, we have seen the potency of your Vani. Your spiritually nourishing lectures and out-of-the-world fired-up kirtans inspire us to go deeper in our chanting and reading practices. Your pure, potent association makes us aspire for pure devotion at your lotus feet to please you and the Parampara.
In the 3rd Canto, 23rd Chapter, text 7, Prabhupada writes the purport:
"For spiritual achievement the easiest path is to take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master and to serve him with heart and soul. That is the secret of success."
You have dedicated your heart and soul to serving Srila Prabhupada, and your lifestyle is living proof of it. Whether taking 4 am GBC meetings or doing late-night preaching programs, you always keep pleasing your spiritual master in the forefront. Our lowly self only aspires to get a drop of that dedication and love for you that you have for Srila Prabhupada.
Seeking your blessings and guidance forever to fulfill your desires.
Your Insignificant Servant
Vraja Kumuda Das
Please accept my most sincere and humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on your auspicious day of 72nd Vyasa-puja.
This year I have been meditating on your transcendental compassion and selflessness to help and uplift all living entities. Having been able to serve you personally, I got a glimpse of your mood in serving Srila Prabhupada. The amount of attention, focus, and sensitivity you put into your conversation with people is extraordinarily unique, exhibiting your intimate relationship with the Supersoul. Through your travels and preaching efforts, you are able to deliver the appropriate medicine to people, thus, kindling their bhakti fire.
In one of the letters, a devotee asked Srila Prabhupada if he was present in his picture and form. And Prabhupada replied,
"In form as well as in teachings. To carry out the teachings of guru is more important than to worship the form, but none of them should be neglected...Vani is more important than vapu."
Your association, both in physical form and in the form of your instructions, injects in our hearts Bhakti enthusiasm. In our tiny and humble attempts to follow your instructions, we have seen the potency of your Vani. Your spiritually nourishing lectures and out-of-the-world fired-up kirtans inspire us to go deeper in our chanting and reading practices. Your pure, potent association makes us aspire for pure devotion at your lotus feet to please you and the Parampara.
In the 3rd Canto, 23rd Chapter, text 7, Prabhupada writes the purport:
"For spiritual achievement the easiest path is to take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master and to serve him with heart and soul. That is the secret of success."
You have dedicated your heart and soul to serving Srila Prabhupada, and your lifestyle is living proof of it. Whether taking 4 am GBC meetings or doing late-night preaching programs, you always keep pleasing your spiritual master in the forefront. Our lowly self only aspires to get a drop of that dedication and love for you that you have for Srila Prabhupada.
Seeking your blessings and guidance forever to fulfill your desires.
Your Insignificant Servant
Vraja Kumuda Das
Vraja-gopi devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaja, please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
I strive to reduce our separation by remembering you, in accordance to what I heard in your lectures, that Udhava teaches the inhabitants of Vraja to talk more about Krishna, and to feel His presence every moment. I remember our meetings at festivals and look forward to future meetings. One of these meetings took place when there were no video communications as it is now. You were at the Sadhu-sanga festival (2017) and I listened to all your lectures online. I so much wanted you to know that I was listening to you at the very moment when you were giving the lecture, and my heart was at the festival among your disciples, that I decided to see you even for a moment at the airport. Dear Gurudev, Your lectures are very important to me. They are a storehouse of vital and spiritual wisdom. You are passing on knowledge from Srila Prabhupada. You reveal the secrets of devotional service. You direct our thoughts and hearts to the devotees of Krishna. You are a true connoisseur of Srila Prabhupada's books, and you inculcate in us this desire to read and love his books. Thank you for all this!
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I wish you good health and inspiration, good students.
Your insignificant servant, Vraja-gopi dd
I strive to reduce our separation by remembering you, in accordance to what I heard in your lectures, that Udhava teaches the inhabitants of Vraja to talk more about Krishna, and to feel His presence every moment. I remember our meetings at festivals and look forward to future meetings. One of these meetings took place when there were no video communications as it is now. You were at the Sadhu-sanga festival (2017) and I listened to all your lectures online. I so much wanted you to know that I was listening to you at the very moment when you were giving the lecture, and my heart was at the festival among your disciples, that I decided to see you even for a moment at the airport. Dear Gurudev, Your lectures are very important to me. They are a storehouse of vital and spiritual wisdom. You are passing on knowledge from Srila Prabhupada. You reveal the secrets of devotional service. You direct our thoughts and hearts to the devotees of Krishna. You are a true connoisseur of Srila Prabhupada's books, and you inculcate in us this desire to read and love his books. Thank you for all this!
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I wish you good health and inspiration, good students.
Your insignificant servant, Vraja-gopi dd
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaju,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this wonderful occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
We have been reminded time and time again through our bhakti teachings about the futility of material existence, and how by taking shelter of this material energy will only lead to certain disappointment and ultimately misery. However, It can be difficult to be mindful of material life's harsh realities, especially when living in a materially prosperous part of the world, and with youth and good health why would a person feel the need to dig deeper so to speak, and desire a life of austerity, self sacrifice and service for a goal that requires a degree of faith to understand and want to strive for.
By the covering of mayadevi we can feel like we can continue in our current physical body as if we will live on forever. Unless faced with old age, illness, war or famine, sometimes a soul even following in the Bhakti yoga tradition can lose focus of the goal of devotional service, which is to develop an intimate loving relationship with the Supreme Personality go Godhead, his devotees and of course putting an end to the cycle of birth and death, an end to material suffering.
Earlier this year I was experiencing the challenge of months of debilitating physical illness and to be honest, at times I was perplexed by this experience of extreme physical suffering, which lead to difficulty trusting in the will of the Lord. However, in time it dawned on me that sometimes life's biggest challenges can also be our greatest treasures, and this experience brought on a new found appreciation for the process of chanting Hare Krishna, our magnanimous vaisnava family, the philosophy of Krishna consciousness and realising the good fortune of spiritual guidance in the form of our wonderful Spiritual Master. I thought that our Supreme best friend Lord Krishna always has our best interest at heart, and loves us so much that He will not let us stay as we are, but will tailor our life in such a way to best bring out our Love for Him.
Gurumaharaja, it has been a true gift meeting you in this life time. Thank you for being a wonderful example of how to serve the Lord with the proper service attitude. How to be attentive in our chanting of the maha mantra, and for making the Krishna conscious philosophy easy to understand through your lectures and writings. I really appreciate how you deal with others. Whether it be a new guest, a young bhakta or a seasoned devotee, you compassionately give your time and guidance to anyone that approaches you.
Your enthusiasm is infectious and has touched the hearts of many souls, and inspired us to serve together and move Srila Prabhupada's movement forward. We have a growing devotional family which expands all over the world, and I am so grateful to be a part of it even in a small and insignificant way.
Your Lowly servant
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances on this wonderful occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
We have been reminded time and time again through our bhakti teachings about the futility of material existence, and how by taking shelter of this material energy will only lead to certain disappointment and ultimately misery. However, It can be difficult to be mindful of material life's harsh realities, especially when living in a materially prosperous part of the world, and with youth and good health why would a person feel the need to dig deeper so to speak, and desire a life of austerity, self sacrifice and service for a goal that requires a degree of faith to understand and want to strive for.
By the covering of mayadevi we can feel like we can continue in our current physical body as if we will live on forever. Unless faced with old age, illness, war or famine, sometimes a soul even following in the Bhakti yoga tradition can lose focus of the goal of devotional service, which is to develop an intimate loving relationship with the Supreme Personality go Godhead, his devotees and of course putting an end to the cycle of birth and death, an end to material suffering.
Earlier this year I was experiencing the challenge of months of debilitating physical illness and to be honest, at times I was perplexed by this experience of extreme physical suffering, which lead to difficulty trusting in the will of the Lord. However, in time it dawned on me that sometimes life's biggest challenges can also be our greatest treasures, and this experience brought on a new found appreciation for the process of chanting Hare Krishna, our magnanimous vaisnava family, the philosophy of Krishna consciousness and realising the good fortune of spiritual guidance in the form of our wonderful Spiritual Master. I thought that our Supreme best friend Lord Krishna always has our best interest at heart, and loves us so much that He will not let us stay as we are, but will tailor our life in such a way to best bring out our Love for Him.
Gurumaharaja, it has been a true gift meeting you in this life time. Thank you for being a wonderful example of how to serve the Lord with the proper service attitude. How to be attentive in our chanting of the maha mantra, and for making the Krishna conscious philosophy easy to understand through your lectures and writings. I really appreciate how you deal with others. Whether it be a new guest, a young bhakta or a seasoned devotee, you compassionately give your time and guidance to anyone that approaches you.
Your enthusiasm is infectious and has touched the hearts of many souls, and inspired us to serve together and move Srila Prabhupada's movement forward. We have a growing devotional family which expands all over the world, and I am so grateful to be a part of it even in a small and insignificant way.
Your Lowly servant
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Vrndavana-madhurya dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you!
Sastra instructs not to see the spiritual master as an ordinary person.
"arcye viṣṇau śilā-dhīr guruṣu nara-matir vaiṣṇave jāti-buddhir... nārakī saḥ"
"One who thinks the Deity in the temple to be made of wood or stone or who thinks of the spiritual master in the disciplic succession as an ordinary man... is taken to be a resident of hell." (Padma Purāṇa)
By the eyes of knowledge and by appreciation of the exceptional qualities you demonstrate we can recognize you for the extraordinary representative of our dear Lord Krishna and non-different from Him.
It's explained that to approach the sun one must become fire. Yet although incomparable to our tiny self, by your merciful and friendly nature you are approachable. I am kept in awe and reverence while at the same time feeling intimately related to you. You know how to correct us when we become familiar and to bring us closer when we are keeping a distance. Your affection softens my heart and in your presence I feel all troubles dissappear. It maybe that I don't get much opportunity to be your personal servant as I used to but I will continue trying to serve your desires and pray that you may think favorably of me. I cherrish any moment in you company while aspiring to realize the strength of your association through vani.
’sādhu-saṅga’, ‘sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kayalava-mātra sādhu-saṅge 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."
By good fortune I have your personal touch in my life and for that I am eternally grateful. It's also true that in the ashram we are always under your direction so what better place is there to be?
As the external manifestation of the Supersoul, you see to the heart and consequently give the proper remedy. Without bieng prompted you have directed me for progression in bhakti perfectly in time.
"The Lord understands the mentality and sincerity of a particular living entity who is engaged in Krsna consciousness and gives him the intelligence ..." (Bhagavad-gita 9.1 purport)
My faith in you continues to increase. I may lack confidence in others due to my own short commings but I have always found you dependable in all phases of my Krishna consciousness. Besides your Supersoul communion, I trust in you due to your compassion, friendliness, accepting nature, clarity of vision and purity. It is true that many can give knowledge and direction but when we love and trust we become more receptive to hearing.
As an Acarya with a vision for helping the world, you want things done here for Srila Prabhupada's mission and you see that those who stand the test of time can assist. You've kindly seen potential in me and given me a part in devotional service. Although I default to "cruise control", I am trying to remember and apply your instructions to "be proactive".
My location has slightly changed yet I am engaged in the same way- hearing, chanting, distributing Krishna conciousness and associating with devotees. These are the constants you have given us in this changing world and they are giving a higher taste by which we can give up attraction to material bodily life. Through all changes and challenges that may come in due course of time I pray to be continually engaged in your service. Please bless me to give up offenses in this course.
Thank you for helping me and for all the attention and care you have given. .
Your aspiring servant,
Vrndavana-madhurya dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you!
Sastra instructs not to see the spiritual master as an ordinary person.
"arcye viṣṇau śilā-dhīr guruṣu nara-matir vaiṣṇave jāti-buddhir... nārakī saḥ"
"One who thinks the Deity in the temple to be made of wood or stone or who thinks of the spiritual master in the disciplic succession as an ordinary man... is taken to be a resident of hell." (Padma Purāṇa)
By the eyes of knowledge and by appreciation of the exceptional qualities you demonstrate we can recognize you for the extraordinary representative of our dear Lord Krishna and non-different from Him.
It's explained that to approach the sun one must become fire. Yet although incomparable to our tiny self, by your merciful and friendly nature you are approachable. I am kept in awe and reverence while at the same time feeling intimately related to you. You know how to correct us when we become familiar and to bring us closer when we are keeping a distance. Your affection softens my heart and in your presence I feel all troubles dissappear. It maybe that I don't get much opportunity to be your personal servant as I used to but I will continue trying to serve your desires and pray that you may think favorably of me. I cherrish any moment in you company while aspiring to realize the strength of your association through vani.
’sādhu-saṅga’, ‘sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kayalava-mātra sādhu-saṅge 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."
By good fortune I have your personal touch in my life and for that I am eternally grateful. It's also true that in the ashram we are always under your direction so what better place is there to be?
As the external manifestation of the Supersoul, you see to the heart and consequently give the proper remedy. Without bieng prompted you have directed me for progression in bhakti perfectly in time.
"The Lord understands the mentality and sincerity of a particular living entity who is engaged in Krsna consciousness and gives him the intelligence ..." (Bhagavad-gita 9.1 purport)
My faith in you continues to increase. I may lack confidence in others due to my own short commings but I have always found you dependable in all phases of my Krishna consciousness. Besides your Supersoul communion, I trust in you due to your compassion, friendliness, accepting nature, clarity of vision and purity. It is true that many can give knowledge and direction but when we love and trust we become more receptive to hearing.
As an Acarya with a vision for helping the world, you want things done here for Srila Prabhupada's mission and you see that those who stand the test of time can assist. You've kindly seen potential in me and given me a part in devotional service. Although I default to "cruise control", I am trying to remember and apply your instructions to "be proactive".
My location has slightly changed yet I am engaged in the same way- hearing, chanting, distributing Krishna conciousness and associating with devotees. These are the constants you have given us in this changing world and they are giving a higher taste by which we can give up attraction to material bodily life. Through all changes and challenges that may come in due course of time I pray to be continually engaged in your service. Please bless me to give up offenses in this course.
Thank you for helping me and for all the attention and care you have given. .
Your aspiring servant,
Vrndavana-madhurya 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.
Srila Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Instruction that, "Unless one is actually a devotee, he cannot see another devotee perfectly." So, I'm not sure what I can say about your transcendental qualities and devotional service. All I know is the love that I feel in your presence. Hearing your counsel fills me with confidence that everything will be OK because we're all going back home to Krishna.
Despite my flaws, you always find a way to encourage me in Krishna consciousness. You once said to me, "There's a place for everyone in ISKCON, even you!" I pray that you will teach me to be similarly broad-minded and inclusive.
I'm grateful to the Lord that He has given me a place at your lotus feet. I hope to stay here and remain your servant forever.
Yasodeva das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on the anniversary of your appearance in this world.
Srila Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Instruction that, "Unless one is actually a devotee, he cannot see another devotee perfectly." So, I'm not sure what I can say about your transcendental qualities and devotional service. All I know is the love that I feel in your presence. Hearing your counsel fills me with confidence that everything will be OK because we're all going back home to Krishna.
Despite my flaws, you always find a way to encourage me in Krishna consciousness. You once said to me, "There's a place for everyone in ISKCON, even you!" I pray that you will teach me to be similarly broad-minded and inclusive.
I'm grateful to the Lord that He has given me a place at your lotus feet. I hope to stay here and remain your servant forever.
Yasodeva das
Yoginatha Krishna Das
Dearest Gurudev
I offer my humble obeisances to you my spiritual master. I am full of gratitude to be a part of this wonderful community which you have created here in New Zealand and around the world. The inspiration and guidance you continually give to me through your presence in my life, is P a jewel that I hold close to my heart. I thankyou for your gift of spiritual guidance and I endeavour at all opportunities to follow your instructions and to spread the holy name throughout the lands.
Your humble Servant - Yoginatha Krishna Das
I offer my humble obeisances to you my spiritual master. I am full of gratitude to be a part of this wonderful community which you have created here in New Zealand and around the world. The inspiration and guidance you continually give to me through your presence in my life, is P a jewel that I hold close to my heart. I thankyou for your gift of spiritual guidance and I endeavour at all opportunities to follow your instructions and to spread the holy name throughout the lands.
Your humble Servant - Yoginatha Krishna Das
Гириговардхан дас
Dear Guru Maharaja, please accept my respectful obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada! On this auspicious day, let me congratulate you.
Gurudev, as a result of listening to your instructions in the seminar ‘Vrindavan through the eyes of Uddhava’, your disciple read the entire Chaitanya Caritamrita and the verse 78 of chapter 8 of Antya-lila particularly touched my heart. Thanks to your instructions to read Krishna book before going to bed, my heart, mind and emotions have received nectar, and your disciple is immensely grateful for that. By your causeless mercy you took such a kripana and a rascal on an amazing journey called Krishna Consciousness. Through the seminar ‘Vrindavan in the eyes of Uddhava’ you, Guru Maharaja, taught me to drink water from an endless source of nectar, and through the Prema-Netra seminar, you Gurudev performed eye surgery.
Be blessed for all time by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Obeisance to you from a worthless disciple, Girigovardhana das.
Gurudev, as a result of listening to your instructions in the seminar ‘Vrindavan through the eyes of Uddhava’, your disciple read the entire Chaitanya Caritamrita and the verse 78 of chapter 8 of Antya-lila particularly touched my heart. Thanks to your instructions to read Krishna book before going to bed, my heart, mind and emotions have received nectar, and your disciple is immensely grateful for that. By your causeless mercy you took such a kripana and a rascal on an amazing journey called Krishna Consciousness. Through the seminar ‘Vrindavan in the eyes of Uddhava’ you, Guru Maharaja, taught me to drink water from an endless source of nectar, and through the Prema-Netra seminar, you Gurudev performed eye surgery.
Be blessed for all time by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Obeisance to you from a worthless disciple, Girigovardhana das.
