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Vyasa Puja Offerings 2023
(View Devamrita Swami's 2023 offering to Srila Prabhupada)
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Abhishek Bhatnagar
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our humble obeisance unto your divine lotus feet.
All glory to Srila Prabhupada,
May Lord NaraHari, who is a protector and maintainer of this material world, Please protect you in all aspects.
We sincerely pray to Lord Shri Gaura Hari to allow us to continue to help your teaching journey for many more years to come.
On this auspicious appearance day of yours, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you, Krishna, Guru Parampara and Srila Prabhupada for blessing us with your association.
I have heard that serving the Vani of a great soul like your holiness, helps us to purify our consciousness and elevate from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness.
However, I recently experienced, that Bapu Seva gives an adrenal shot, and helps serve your Vani a bit more effectively.
IDC course also confirms, that when Guru is available for a vape seva, his disciple should come forward and serve him physically, his disciple should hear his live lecture, help in his preaching activities and support your Guru financially.
I, sincerely thank you for being physically present in different parts of the world, even though it is uncomfortable and painful to you while travelling around the world so frequently.
It is often seen, that a sick person doesn’t realize how he is affected by his sickness and someone else needs to help him to get cured.
On Radhastami 2023, Gopavrindesh Prabhu pulled me out of my ignorance and engaged actively in your service.
I’ve heard the philosophy of how Krishna intervenes, protects and maintains his devotees. However, couldn’t realize this fact in reality.
Out of your unconditional kindness, you allowed me to serve you, while serving you, you have unfolded the so-called mysteries and confusion of my life.
Due to my ignorance and strong dull-headedness, I thought that my affords or actions were making my life successful or maintaining my family.
However, you expertly pointed out how Krishna is holding my life, and without letting me realize, Krishna and his beloved devotees are there for us and helping us every step directly and indirectly.
Your recent October 2023 Australian farm retreat lectures and temple lectures, give a clear understanding that in order to live in this material world peacefully and solve day-to-day problems, we should approach bona fide Guru Parampara, hear Shrimad Bhagavatam and act under the guidance of Guru (Shiksha and diksha guru), without that, we will be lost in this material world.
Srila Prabhupada, often gives an example that a knife in the hand of a doctor can save a life but the same knife in the hand of a robber can kill a life – similarly live in this marital world we need to use our so-called material intelligence and resources under the guidance of Krishna’s teaching and under his devotees’ association we will be lost or get into troubles.
My perception towards this material world was to exploit and enjoy, and if I am in trouble, pray to God to get out of the temporary situation and repeat the same cycle. However, Your Holiness meticulously taught us how to realize our true selves and how to become selfless.
Please forgive me for not taking this path of Krishna consciousness seriously, but each day because of your causeless mercy I am taking small turtle steps to improve my bhakti.
I sincerely thank you for bestowing the blessing and giving me such a loving God brothers God sisters.
I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Hari, may that day become sooner when I sincerely follow and execute all your instructions as my life and soul.
I sincerely, beg all my Godbrothers and Sisters to please forgive me for all my offences done knowingly and unknowingly and please pray and bless me to become a sincere servant of your Holiness.
You're trying to be an aspiring Servant Abhishek, Shubhra, Chakradhar(son) and Murali(daughter, you blessed her with this name).
Please accept our humble obeisance unto your divine lotus feet.
All glory to Srila Prabhupada,
May Lord NaraHari, who is a protector and maintainer of this material world, Please protect you in all aspects.
We sincerely pray to Lord Shri Gaura Hari to allow us to continue to help your teaching journey for many more years to come.
On this auspicious appearance day of yours, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you, Krishna, Guru Parampara and Srila Prabhupada for blessing us with your association.
I have heard that serving the Vani of a great soul like your holiness, helps us to purify our consciousness and elevate from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness.
However, I recently experienced, that Bapu Seva gives an adrenal shot, and helps serve your Vani a bit more effectively.
IDC course also confirms, that when Guru is available for a vape seva, his disciple should come forward and serve him physically, his disciple should hear his live lecture, help in his preaching activities and support your Guru financially.
I, sincerely thank you for being physically present in different parts of the world, even though it is uncomfortable and painful to you while travelling around the world so frequently.
It is often seen, that a sick person doesn’t realize how he is affected by his sickness and someone else needs to help him to get cured.
On Radhastami 2023, Gopavrindesh Prabhu pulled me out of my ignorance and engaged actively in your service.
I’ve heard the philosophy of how Krishna intervenes, protects and maintains his devotees. However, couldn’t realize this fact in reality.
Out of your unconditional kindness, you allowed me to serve you, while serving you, you have unfolded the so-called mysteries and confusion of my life.
Due to my ignorance and strong dull-headedness, I thought that my affords or actions were making my life successful or maintaining my family.
However, you expertly pointed out how Krishna is holding my life, and without letting me realize, Krishna and his beloved devotees are there for us and helping us every step directly and indirectly.
Your recent October 2023 Australian farm retreat lectures and temple lectures, give a clear understanding that in order to live in this material world peacefully and solve day-to-day problems, we should approach bona fide Guru Parampara, hear Shrimad Bhagavatam and act under the guidance of Guru (Shiksha and diksha guru), without that, we will be lost in this material world.
Srila Prabhupada, often gives an example that a knife in the hand of a doctor can save a life but the same knife in the hand of a robber can kill a life – similarly live in this marital world we need to use our so-called material intelligence and resources under the guidance of Krishna’s teaching and under his devotees’ association we will be lost or get into troubles.
My perception towards this material world was to exploit and enjoy, and if I am in trouble, pray to God to get out of the temporary situation and repeat the same cycle. However, Your Holiness meticulously taught us how to realize our true selves and how to become selfless.
Please forgive me for not taking this path of Krishna consciousness seriously, but each day because of your causeless mercy I am taking small turtle steps to improve my bhakti.
I sincerely thank you for bestowing the blessing and giving me such a loving God brothers God sisters.
I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Hari, may that day become sooner when I sincerely follow and execute all your instructions as my life and soul.
I sincerely, beg all my Godbrothers and Sisters to please forgive me for all my offences done knowingly and unknowingly and please pray and bless me to become a sincere servant of your Holiness.
You're trying to be an aspiring Servant Abhishek, Shubhra, Chakradhar(son) and Murali(daughter, you blessed her with this name).
Acyuta bhava devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
Srimad Bhagavatam 8.3.7
Renunciants and great sages who see all living beings equally, who are friendly to everyone and who flawlessly practice in the forest the vows of brahmacarya, vanaprastha and sannyasa desire to see the all-auspicious lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. May that same Supreme Personality of Godhead be my destination.
Purport
This verse describes the qualifications for devotees or persons highly elevated in spiritual consciousness. Devotees are always equal to everyone, seeing no distinction between lower and higher classes. Panditah sama-darsinah. They look upon everyone as a spirit soul who is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. Thus they are competent to search for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Understanding that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the friend of everyone (suhrdam sarva-bhutanam), they act as friends of everyone on behalf of the Supreme Lord. Making no distinction between one nation and another or one community and another, they preach Krsna consciousness, the teachings of Bhagavad-gita, everywhere. Thus they are competent to see the lotus feet of the Lord. Such preachers in Krsna consciousness are called paramahamsas. As indicated by the word vimukta-sanga, they have nothing to do with material conditions. One must take shelter of such a devotee in order to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Thank you for all you do in service to Srila Prabhupada and the whole parampara, preaching all over the world, being the real friend of everyone.
Thank you for engaging me in devotional service. Thank you for your patience with me.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Acyuta bhava dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
Srimad Bhagavatam 8.3.7
Renunciants and great sages who see all living beings equally, who are friendly to everyone and who flawlessly practice in the forest the vows of brahmacarya, vanaprastha and sannyasa desire to see the all-auspicious lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. May that same Supreme Personality of Godhead be my destination.
Purport
This verse describes the qualifications for devotees or persons highly elevated in spiritual consciousness. Devotees are always equal to everyone, seeing no distinction between lower and higher classes. Panditah sama-darsinah. They look upon everyone as a spirit soul who is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. Thus they are competent to search for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Understanding that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the friend of everyone (suhrdam sarva-bhutanam), they act as friends of everyone on behalf of the Supreme Lord. Making no distinction between one nation and another or one community and another, they preach Krsna consciousness, the teachings of Bhagavad-gita, everywhere. Thus they are competent to see the lotus feet of the Lord. Such preachers in Krsna consciousness are called paramahamsas. As indicated by the word vimukta-sanga, they have nothing to do with material conditions. One must take shelter of such a devotee in order to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Thank you for all you do in service to Srila Prabhupada and the whole parampara, preaching all over the world, being the real friend of everyone.
Thank you for engaging me in devotional service. Thank you for your patience with me.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Acyuta bhava dd
Aghahanta das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
The sacrifice you have made and continue to exemplify in your life to spread Lord Chaitanya’s mission is completely unfathomable to me. The sheer volume of responsibilities you continue to voluntarily carry, both for the benefit of the hundreds of fortunate souls who take your shelter and in your role as a GBC for Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON is awe inspiring to say the very least.
I do not know what it means to make such a sacrifice, to carry such weight for the sole benefit of others while expecting nothing in return. Such sacrifice can only be possible by one who, as Krishna says, ‘is resolute in purpose and their aim is one’. Thankyou Gurudeva for being the living example of such determination and continuing to shower your grace upon me despite my many branched intelligence and self centered nature.
Hoping to one day become qualified to call myself a disciple,
Your aspiring servant,
Aghahanta das
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
The sacrifice you have made and continue to exemplify in your life to spread Lord Chaitanya’s mission is completely unfathomable to me. The sheer volume of responsibilities you continue to voluntarily carry, both for the benefit of the hundreds of fortunate souls who take your shelter and in your role as a GBC for Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON is awe inspiring to say the very least.
I do not know what it means to make such a sacrifice, to carry such weight for the sole benefit of others while expecting nothing in return. Such sacrifice can only be possible by one who, as Krishna says, ‘is resolute in purpose and their aim is one’. Thankyou Gurudeva for being the living example of such determination and continuing to shower your grace upon me despite my many branched intelligence and self centered nature.
Hoping to one day become qualified to call myself a disciple,
Your aspiring servant,
Aghahanta das
Akarsini
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept My Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for being a perfect father, teacher, friend and therapist, and for delivering the perfect method for giving up this painful habit of appearing and disappearing.
Your addiction to service is puzzling and rare and I find it hard to understand how you recognised its value so quickly. Material opulence, I thought was a handicap to appreciating the wealth of Bhakti. Fine education, loving parents, good bodily machinery have not hindered your progress at all.
You are everything I’m not. Enthusiastic grateful, full of happiness and kindness, not lazy, ungrateful and full of complaints and self-pity.
Praying hard that I can catch your devotional virus so I can be relieved of my quick fix approach to happiness. Praying that one day my intelligence will be corrected and I’ll understand that cutting corners with gratitude pills and satisfaction smoothies is not the real remedy. Like you said you really have to ‘work at it.’
Thank you for your humble effort to travel the earth, and for taking on mountain loads of responsibility for your spiritual master whilst subsisting on a diet of pumpkin seeds. Sacrificing your health and bodily comfort to be kind to other living beings is not an ordinary thing.
Thank you for coming to Kiwi Loka, the land of the long Marijuana cloud, vapes and beneficiaries to diffuse faultless solar energy through the smokey gloom of Aotearoa.
Still trying to serve you
Akarsini
Please Accept My Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for being a perfect father, teacher, friend and therapist, and for delivering the perfect method for giving up this painful habit of appearing and disappearing.
Your addiction to service is puzzling and rare and I find it hard to understand how you recognised its value so quickly. Material opulence, I thought was a handicap to appreciating the wealth of Bhakti. Fine education, loving parents, good bodily machinery have not hindered your progress at all.
You are everything I’m not. Enthusiastic grateful, full of happiness and kindness, not lazy, ungrateful and full of complaints and self-pity.
Praying hard that I can catch your devotional virus so I can be relieved of my quick fix approach to happiness. Praying that one day my intelligence will be corrected and I’ll understand that cutting corners with gratitude pills and satisfaction smoothies is not the real remedy. Like you said you really have to ‘work at it.’
Thank you for your humble effort to travel the earth, and for taking on mountain loads of responsibility for your spiritual master whilst subsisting on a diet of pumpkin seeds. Sacrificing your health and bodily comfort to be kind to other living beings is not an ordinary thing.
Thank you for coming to Kiwi Loka, the land of the long Marijuana cloud, vapes and beneficiaries to diffuse faultless solar energy through the smokey gloom of Aotearoa.
Still trying to serve you
Akarsini
Akhanda Rasa Das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances on the glorious occasion of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I am regularly reading Srimad Bhavatam. Currently I am reading Canto 10 part1. I am also doing the seva for serving Sunday feast Prasad to visiting guests & devotees.
Its mission impossible to achieve self-realisation on one’s own effort and only possible with mercy of guru. It’s said in scriptures that we can achieve Krishna through mercy of guru and one gets a guru throu
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 be attending Yatra by HH Radhanath Swami in Puri in Nov 2023. Thereafter we will visit Mayapur dham for a week. There is also plan to visit ‘Pandharpur’ birthplace of Tukaram near Pune. In mid-December we will be attending the South India Yatra organised by Iskcon devotee.
I pray to the lord for your good health & well-being.
I will endeavour to follow your instructions and assist in spreading mission of Iskcon.
Your humble servant
Akhanda Rasa Das
Alka rani
Darest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila PRABHUPADA.
All glories to you, gurudeva.
Whenever I think to write to you I find myself overwhelmed about where to start and always short of words. I had your first darshan in Hare Krishna valley retreat in 2019. You shared what is my biggest hurdle in krishna conscious and your asked if it bothers me. Your words are an instruction to me.
Whenever I feel low, I remember your words. It gives me strength and I feel more and more strong towards bhakti.
Your instructions give me strength to focus on my goal. Gurudeva I have no spiritual qualities to please you. But I will simply try to please you by following your instructions.
In our god brothers sisters meeting when everyone shares their experience and instructions given by you and how they are being blessed to serve you directly, it gives me an urge to serve them as much as I can. I feel if I serve them I get your mercy through them.
They always inspire us to cook for gurudev whenever you can get chance. I desperately want to cook for you and waiting for that day I will get a chance. I tried to make apple crumble at home. So, one day I will cook it for you. But I feel I do not have any qualifications to serve you directly. I feel I don’t want to do any mistake which effect your health.
Gurudeva I have ordinary vision and material entanglements. Please give me a drop of mercy so I may be able to manage to get out from it.
I am seeking your mercy and your guidance on each step I am taking. I am trying my best to do my Sadhana with the help of association of devotees by taking guidance from our Shiksha 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.
Hare Krishna
Ys Alka rani
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila PRABHUPADA.
All glories to you, gurudeva.
Whenever I think to write to you I find myself overwhelmed about where to start and always short of words. I had your first darshan in Hare Krishna valley retreat in 2019. You shared what is my biggest hurdle in krishna conscious and your asked if it bothers me. Your words are an instruction to me.
Whenever I feel low, I remember your words. It gives me strength and I feel more and more strong towards bhakti.
Your instructions give me strength to focus on my goal. Gurudeva I have no spiritual qualities to please you. But I will simply try to please you by following your instructions.
In our god brothers sisters meeting when everyone shares their experience and instructions given by you and how they are being blessed to serve you directly, it gives me an urge to serve them as much as I can. I feel if I serve them I get your mercy through them.
They always inspire us to cook for gurudev whenever you can get chance. I desperately want to cook for you and waiting for that day I will get a chance. I tried to make apple crumble at home. So, one day I will cook it for you. But I feel I do not have any qualifications to serve you directly. I feel I don’t want to do any mistake which effect your health.
Gurudeva I have ordinary vision and material entanglements. Please give me a drop of mercy so I may be able to manage to get out from it.
I am seeking your mercy and your guidance on each step I am taking. I am trying my best to do my Sadhana with the help of association of devotees by taking guidance from our Shiksha 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.
Hare Krishna
Ys Alka rani
Amanda
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
And all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am in the early stages of my life with Bhakti so please accept my apologies as sometimes I feel I just don’t know what to say.
About 1 year ago, my husband being further along in his desire for a relationship with Krishna and the association of devotees wanted so badly to go to The Loft the evening of the International Food Festival. He told me there would be a Swami speaking on a spiritual topic but I had reservations and I was very unsure. I will never forget when we arrived outside of The Loft, you were getting out of a car- I said to my husband, that must be the Swami. You made eye contact with us and acknowledged us with a nod and your hands, palms together at your chest.
There was a kirtan, its funny when I think about it now, but I couldn’t remember the words and found myself having to read ‘hare krishna/ hare krishna/ krishna krishna/ hare hare/ hare rama hare rama/ rama rama/ hare hare off of the sign on the wall. You spoke about being food conscious and why it was important to live without eating animals. I was overwhelmed seeing as how I was not living by that principle at the time.. we didn’t even stay for the food but I did grab a cookie on the way out (it was a good cookie!).
Being so overwhelmed and quite frankly, having feelings inside I couldn’t even define, I kind of didn’t want to go back to The Loft cause I had some sort of fear inside, but my husband was craving association, so we started going back about a month later. I went along to support him in his journey. Little did I know, I was starting my own.
The first time we had darshan with you, I think I came in with big teary eyes in hopes you wouldn’t ask me how I felt. My husband was so enthusiastic and had so many things to say and I just didn’t even know what was going on inside of me and felt like I was holding it all in and to let my eyes get all teary was some sort of release of feelings. I spoke about how I was there to support my husband and you told him to be patient with me. My biggest fear was that he would leave me behind but you were very encouraging that we could grow on this path together but reiterated to my husband to be patient. This advice changed everything. I started to relax a little more when we were at The Loft around devotees, I was making friends and found myself wanting to go back and back and back again. Something about you saying I could go at my own pace was comforting and encouraging.
Another time when we had darshan with you, you asked how my chanting was going. My answer was ‘I haven’t started chanting yet’. You didn’t chastise me or tell me I was bad, you instead told me just to chant 1 bead which is how you got started. So I went home that night and chanted 1 bead. Then the next day I looked at my beads sitting there and I decided to chant 1 whole round! I couldn’t believe I could do it! I moved to 4 and then 12 fairly quickly. I stayed at 12 for a long time.. a few months. I was scared of what would happen if I committed to 16. I did not think I was ready or worthy of it.
I have some moments as I grow in my Bhakti practice that I just haven’t been able to define, its been like I can feel something moving inside my chest to make room for something bigger. One of those moments was at Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance day at the Temple. I could not stop crying at the sound of the holy name, it was overwhelming. In those moments I was so grateful for the devotees I have met who have supported me and answered my questions and so grateful for the message I get to hear because of Srila Prabhupada.
A few days later, on September 10 we met with you again at The Loft and walking in the room it hit me.. if Devamrita Swami asks me how my chanting is going and if I’m doing 16 rounds, I don’t have anything to say about it. It was in that moment I realized there was nothing stopping me and that I loved Krishna. I went home and chanted the extra rounds to make it 16 for the day and I’ve done so every day since. I am so grateful for your encouragement and for the mere sight of you bringing me realizations.
Although I am very young on this path, there is something so comforting and familiar as I read more, learn more and associate more. I have made deep connections with devotees I have met at The Loft but it seems when I recall our first visit last year, the first deep connection I made was with you walking in to the building with just a look and a grateful nod. I never knew walking in that I (and my husband too!) would be different from that moment on. Being able to serve you, the devotees and for everyone around me is a blessing in my life. In the short meetings that we have had, you have encouraged me and my husband to be on this path together and it has really been wonderful.
Thank you Maharaj for this very special shelter you have enabled us to experience. I hope you enjoy this very special day.
Hare Krishna
Amanda Ackerman (from The Loft)
Please accept my humble obeisances.
And all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am in the early stages of my life with Bhakti so please accept my apologies as sometimes I feel I just don’t know what to say.
About 1 year ago, my husband being further along in his desire for a relationship with Krishna and the association of devotees wanted so badly to go to The Loft the evening of the International Food Festival. He told me there would be a Swami speaking on a spiritual topic but I had reservations and I was very unsure. I will never forget when we arrived outside of The Loft, you were getting out of a car- I said to my husband, that must be the Swami. You made eye contact with us and acknowledged us with a nod and your hands, palms together at your chest.
There was a kirtan, its funny when I think about it now, but I couldn’t remember the words and found myself having to read ‘hare krishna/ hare krishna/ krishna krishna/ hare hare/ hare rama hare rama/ rama rama/ hare hare off of the sign on the wall. You spoke about being food conscious and why it was important to live without eating animals. I was overwhelmed seeing as how I was not living by that principle at the time.. we didn’t even stay for the food but I did grab a cookie on the way out (it was a good cookie!).
Being so overwhelmed and quite frankly, having feelings inside I couldn’t even define, I kind of didn’t want to go back to The Loft cause I had some sort of fear inside, but my husband was craving association, so we started going back about a month later. I went along to support him in his journey. Little did I know, I was starting my own.
The first time we had darshan with you, I think I came in with big teary eyes in hopes you wouldn’t ask me how I felt. My husband was so enthusiastic and had so many things to say and I just didn’t even know what was going on inside of me and felt like I was holding it all in and to let my eyes get all teary was some sort of release of feelings. I spoke about how I was there to support my husband and you told him to be patient with me. My biggest fear was that he would leave me behind but you were very encouraging that we could grow on this path together but reiterated to my husband to be patient. This advice changed everything. I started to relax a little more when we were at The Loft around devotees, I was making friends and found myself wanting to go back and back and back again. Something about you saying I could go at my own pace was comforting and encouraging.
Another time when we had darshan with you, you asked how my chanting was going. My answer was ‘I haven’t started chanting yet’. You didn’t chastise me or tell me I was bad, you instead told me just to chant 1 bead which is how you got started. So I went home that night and chanted 1 bead. Then the next day I looked at my beads sitting there and I decided to chant 1 whole round! I couldn’t believe I could do it! I moved to 4 and then 12 fairly quickly. I stayed at 12 for a long time.. a few months. I was scared of what would happen if I committed to 16. I did not think I was ready or worthy of it.
I have some moments as I grow in my Bhakti practice that I just haven’t been able to define, its been like I can feel something moving inside my chest to make room for something bigger. One of those moments was at Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance day at the Temple. I could not stop crying at the sound of the holy name, it was overwhelming. In those moments I was so grateful for the devotees I have met who have supported me and answered my questions and so grateful for the message I get to hear because of Srila Prabhupada.
A few days later, on September 10 we met with you again at The Loft and walking in the room it hit me.. if Devamrita Swami asks me how my chanting is going and if I’m doing 16 rounds, I don’t have anything to say about it. It was in that moment I realized there was nothing stopping me and that I loved Krishna. I went home and chanted the extra rounds to make it 16 for the day and I’ve done so every day since. I am so grateful for your encouragement and for the mere sight of you bringing me realizations.
Although I am very young on this path, there is something so comforting and familiar as I read more, learn more and associate more. I have made deep connections with devotees I have met at The Loft but it seems when I recall our first visit last year, the first deep connection I made was with you walking in to the building with just a look and a grateful nod. I never knew walking in that I (and my husband too!) would be different from that moment on. Being able to serve you, the devotees and for everyone around me is a blessing in my life. In the short meetings that we have had, you have encouraged me and my husband to be on this path together and it has really been wonderful.
Thank you Maharaj for this very special shelter you have enabled us to experience. I hope you enjoy this very special day.
Hare Krishna
Amanda Ackerman (from The Loft)
Amani Gaurahari das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
Krishna explains in the fourth chapter of Bhagavad Gita, text 11, that He reciprocates according to how one approaches Him.
The neophyte devotee of today often struggles with the basics of his psychological and physical needs, certainly interacting directly with the caitya guru within the heart is impossible. What hope does the neophyte have to make advancement without the supersoul manifest externally as the spiritual master?
Occasionally I get a glimpse of how you, acting as the representative of Krishna, interact with people you meet in the same reciprocal way that Krishna does.
I see how you expertly deal with myself and others according to their current level of spiritual advancement and also according to their mental state and attitude at the time. Encouraging devotees when they need to be lifted, precise surgical-like incisions to curb pride, empathetic words to the hurt, glances of disappointment to the inattentive....
Once in Christchurch as you entered the room where you were to be served the lunch I had cooked, as soon as you saw me you loudly exclaimed "Amani Gaurahari!" in such a jolly mood. I couldn't believe it. How did you know that I was having a really tough time? This experience lifted me from my material struggles with my mind as reminded me of my spiritual identity.
At other times, by acting in a quite different way, you facilitated a much difference effect. For example, when I was traveling with you, you always mystically prevented me from getting proud of my extremely fortunate position (of having the opportunity to travel and serve you personally).
I reflect on comments you have made to me about problems I have which only years later seem to manifest (or maybe I only can recognise years later). I can see how how you were training to deal with my mind.
Thank you for expertly performing this resolutely needed service of acting as a intermediary between the conditioned souls and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna.
I beg that you allow me to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Please accept my humble obeisances
Krishna explains in the fourth chapter of Bhagavad Gita, text 11, that He reciprocates according to how one approaches Him.
The neophyte devotee of today often struggles with the basics of his psychological and physical needs, certainly interacting directly with the caitya guru within the heart is impossible. What hope does the neophyte have to make advancement without the supersoul manifest externally as the spiritual master?
Occasionally I get a glimpse of how you, acting as the representative of Krishna, interact with people you meet in the same reciprocal way that Krishna does.
I see how you expertly deal with myself and others according to their current level of spiritual advancement and also according to their mental state and attitude at the time. Encouraging devotees when they need to be lifted, precise surgical-like incisions to curb pride, empathetic words to the hurt, glances of disappointment to the inattentive....
Once in Christchurch as you entered the room where you were to be served the lunch I had cooked, as soon as you saw me you loudly exclaimed "Amani Gaurahari!" in such a jolly mood. I couldn't believe it. How did you know that I was having a really tough time? This experience lifted me from my material struggles with my mind as reminded me of my spiritual identity.
At other times, by acting in a quite different way, you facilitated a much difference effect. For example, when I was traveling with you, you always mystically prevented me from getting proud of my extremely fortunate position (of having the opportunity to travel and serve you personally).
I reflect on comments you have made to me about problems I have which only years later seem to manifest (or maybe I only can recognise years later). I can see how how you were training to deal with my mind.
Thank you for expertly performing this resolutely needed service of acting as a intermediary between the conditioned souls and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna.
I beg that you allow me to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Amrita-Tattva Dasa
Dear Gurudev,
please accept my humble obeisances all glories to Srila Prabhupada,
I’m walking through the middle of the night, I’m feeling cold. I forgot to bring a jacket & it is raining. The Bus didn’t come to pick me up, so I ended up walking through the forest. How did I even get here? The only thing I got with me is the few clothes on my body soaked full of water. There is no point in wearing them anyways, they won’t give me any protection. The rain clouds are blocking the moonlight, so I can barely see from tree to tree and CRASH! A branch hits my face and I fall to the ground. But I better get moving, because if the body cools down completely there is not much hope for me. Keep moving, circulation is the key to life. But where is the way? Where is the road? How will I ever get out of this forest? Marking my way with pieces of my mud colored shirt, so I don’t go the same route twice.. but soon I realize i’ve been walking in a circle. About to lose hope, of ever finding out. I call:”KRISHNA” & suddenly a lightning strike shows me the next step of the path. I’m following along, but soon I’m faced again, with confusion. Delusion.. HOW CAN I REMEMBER?
The first time we met was in an outreach program in “the atma lounge” in Cardiff. I visited for a couple of weeks the ISKCON community in Wales, a bit of a journey since I was living in Berlin. I was surprised that in your talk you addressed so many things that I was contemplating at that time. Did you read my mind? Especially the topic of DESIRE was one I was frequently contemplating. At that time I was learning from the Buddhist teachings that desire is the cause of all suffering. But I could never really make sense of it. I used to contemplate:”If desire is the root cause of suffering & I want to stop suffering.. How can I stop desire? Isn’t it a desire not to desire… That seems like a paradox.” Hearing you explain: “to desire in connection with the supreme is the highest perfection” just made so much more sense.
After finishing the talk - as usual - you asked if there were “Any questions” .. And yes there were. I actually had a whole page of questions written down, in anticipation of meeting a real saint for the first time in my life. But I knew, on this occasion, I will be able to ask only one of them. So I took my courage, raised my hand, stood up & asked “What is the purpose of life?”.
You replied smth like:”The purpose of life is to connect! Yoga means connection. Imagine you see an amputated arm on the street. Everyone would think “Oh my god that’s terrible!” But if you see the same arm on a human being you would think it's nice.”
Thank you Gurudev for opening my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge. I was walking towards a blind well, full of snakes & scorpions blindfolded by the material energy. You gave me the life & soul of all education. Vidya vadhu jivanam.
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
By your mercy even a lame man like me can cross a mountain. Please help me to teach the science of Krsna according to the parampara system. So that I may be an instrument of Krsnas love.
Your insignificant servant,
Amrita-Tattva Dasa
please accept my humble obeisances all glories to Srila Prabhupada,
I’m walking through the middle of the night, I’m feeling cold. I forgot to bring a jacket & it is raining. The Bus didn’t come to pick me up, so I ended up walking through the forest. How did I even get here? The only thing I got with me is the few clothes on my body soaked full of water. There is no point in wearing them anyways, they won’t give me any protection. The rain clouds are blocking the moonlight, so I can barely see from tree to tree and CRASH! A branch hits my face and I fall to the ground. But I better get moving, because if the body cools down completely there is not much hope for me. Keep moving, circulation is the key to life. But where is the way? Where is the road? How will I ever get out of this forest? Marking my way with pieces of my mud colored shirt, so I don’t go the same route twice.. but soon I realize i’ve been walking in a circle. About to lose hope, of ever finding out. I call:”KRISHNA” & suddenly a lightning strike shows me the next step of the path. I’m following along, but soon I’m faced again, with confusion. Delusion.. HOW CAN I REMEMBER?
The first time we met was in an outreach program in “the atma lounge” in Cardiff. I visited for a couple of weeks the ISKCON community in Wales, a bit of a journey since I was living in Berlin. I was surprised that in your talk you addressed so many things that I was contemplating at that time. Did you read my mind? Especially the topic of DESIRE was one I was frequently contemplating. At that time I was learning from the Buddhist teachings that desire is the cause of all suffering. But I could never really make sense of it. I used to contemplate:”If desire is the root cause of suffering & I want to stop suffering.. How can I stop desire? Isn’t it a desire not to desire… That seems like a paradox.” Hearing you explain: “to desire in connection with the supreme is the highest perfection” just made so much more sense.
After finishing the talk - as usual - you asked if there were “Any questions” .. And yes there were. I actually had a whole page of questions written down, in anticipation of meeting a real saint for the first time in my life. But I knew, on this occasion, I will be able to ask only one of them. So I took my courage, raised my hand, stood up & asked “What is the purpose of life?”.
You replied smth like:”The purpose of life is to connect! Yoga means connection. Imagine you see an amputated arm on the street. Everyone would think “Oh my god that’s terrible!” But if you see the same arm on a human being you would think it's nice.”
Thank you Gurudev for opening my eyes with the torchlight of knowledge. I was walking towards a blind well, full of snakes & scorpions blindfolded by the material energy. You gave me the life & soul of all education. Vidya vadhu jivanam.
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
By your mercy even a lame man like me can cross a mountain. Please help me to teach the science of Krsna according to the parampara system. So that I may be an instrument of Krsnas love.
Your insignificant servant,
Amrita-Tattva Dasa
Anadi Kaisora dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my obeisances,
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
Here I sit, three days before submission date, making a start on translating my jumbled thoughts into prose. In previous years I spent months leading up to this point collecting inspiration from Prabhupada’s books, gathering my ideas in notes … or I was freshly returning from some seemingly significant service like two month long sankirtan adventures down under. At least there was some security in feeling I had made an external effort to deliver something tangible. This year, on the other hand, circumstances and externals are putting me to the test. With no śastric stock of quotes and references and no “impressive” book score to hide behind I’m exposed. As I am, as I always have been; an unworthy, insignificant disciple of a magnanimous and graceful spiritual master.
Under these circumstances my fall back would usually be to creatively weave some words together with poetic style. At least if I get the chance to read my offering out then the assembled devotees might be distracted by my literary flare, thus overlooking my distinct lack of spiritual maturity and realisation.
But this year I want to try and give up the insincere veneer of creative individuality which I employ to mask my insecurities. I would be absolutely justified to feel unlimitedly insecure trying to depend on my own prowess but with you as the core framework in all aspects of my life insecurity loses its place in the equation.
This year I feel inspired to look up towards you and reflect upon just what I’m doing down here.
I look at you and your exalted godbrothers, to see the service that you’re doing for Prabhupada and marvel at the stripes you’ve dutifully earned through a lifetime of loving service … like a general decorated with effulgent medals, accolades ornamenting your form which you daily offer into the blazing fire of sacrifice in service to your guru. And then I look at myself … I can’t help but wonder, are we really made of the same stuff? Or did something go wrong in the process of creation? I can’t imagine how I could ever aspire to do anything like what you’ve done for Srila Prabhupada; painstakingly serving his mission in so many extraordinary ways, your life’s efforts are so significant. You even humbly admit yourself; many long standing, well known devotees were originally first contacted by you during your time as “the hard luck kid” on sankirtan. What would Srila Prabhupada’s movement look like without you?
Your books like Searching for Vedic India and Hiding in Unnatural Happiness have changed so many peoples lives, guiding them to delve into Srila Prabhupada’s writings. Turning hard cases into soft hearted aspiring devotees with your masterfully crafted words. Each sentence you pen is a perfectly complete offering to Prabhupada, no doubt each member of our parampara in turn relishes your eloquence, impressed by your ability to capture eternal essence and flavour it with your own special seasoning.
I think about your spotless influence in my life; a constant tidal wave inspiring me to strive towards Krishna, over flooding my carefully cultivated estuaries of material desires and purifying them at the root. Recalling my cherished memories spent in your association; each one feels like an ecstatic dream, set in another dimension, and I don’t just mean New Zealand.
This meditation barely scratches the surface. It’s impossible for me to understand myself in relation to you, like comparing a toddlers paddling pool to the unfathomable depths of the ocean. I’m not qualified to even consider your gravity. Nor do I qualify for your mercy, which you nonetheless gracefully bestow upon me.
With this in mind my desire this year is to simply commit myself to remain here, as a totally unimpressive, insignificant and unworthy speck receiving your mercy. Like a beggar remains at the door, waiting to receive the charity his benefactor is about to impart, I’m not going anywhere. I know that you can bestow upon me the greatest treasure even though I don’t quite know what that treasure is yet.
I’m sure Krishna has a plan for me, I’d like to not get in the way of that plan too much. I hope that if I align myself with that plan, insignificant though it maybe, then it might please you, which I want to do. I can’t imagine how yet, but I’d like to become dependable and one day make you proud. I don’t think I’m going to achieve that by writing a poem to you each year on your Vyasa Puja. I want to get real; when I chant I want to really chant, when I offer bhoga I want to really offer it and when I serve devotees I want to really serve them. I want to be like you in all these ways. Hopefully with the help of the devotees who surround me, a steady diet of Prabhupada’s books digested in the fire of the occasional sankirtan adventure or partial participation in a marathon, gradually I will walk the path chalked out for me by Krishna and follow in your footsteps.
During my last year in the Auckland brahmacari asrama, as the lockdown strictures eased, for a period of time we met you for noon time walks at Muruwai bay. Unique visitors to the beach, our group attracted attention; a multi ethnic squadron of young men with shaven heads and face masks wielding bead bags, all following in the wake of a saffron clad sanyassi of exotic origin. Contrasting to prior months in isolation these extraordinary circumstances and the privilege of spending time with you in this setting created a surreal, dream like feeling. As we advanced along the coastline I placed myself directly behind you, relishing the novelty of physically walking in your foot steps as your lotus feet left imprints in the sand. The bright midday sun refracted off the coarse sand which intensely sparkled and I meditated on Brahma’s revelation that Goloka’s dust is composed of cintamani. As I chanted the holy names round my beads the un-manifest spiritual world peeked through the sandy sparkles as I fixed my gaze on your feet. I tried to be attentive to your association and prayed to freeze time or at least for these moments to be indelibly etched into my memory.
It’s not just moments like this which are special but every moment in my life is special because of my connection with you. By your causeless kindness upon me every fraction of a second holds the potential for service to you in full Krishna consciousness … all that’s left is for me to gain that realisation.
As I try to advance in Krishna consciousness, at my own slow (but hopefully steady) rate, time seems to accelerate, friends and relatives fade away and sometimes reflections in mirrors even present a stranger … The only constant is you; captain of my ship, my spiritual father, the hero of my universe.
Spiritual life is an adventure with you and this little heart pounds with excitement to discover where you will take us next.
Praying to eternally follow you wherever you go,
And one day trace your footsteps through cintamani dust,
Your aspiring servant,
Anādi Kaiśora dāsa
Please accept my obeisances,
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja.
Here I sit, three days before submission date, making a start on translating my jumbled thoughts into prose. In previous years I spent months leading up to this point collecting inspiration from Prabhupada’s books, gathering my ideas in notes … or I was freshly returning from some seemingly significant service like two month long sankirtan adventures down under. At least there was some security in feeling I had made an external effort to deliver something tangible. This year, on the other hand, circumstances and externals are putting me to the test. With no śastric stock of quotes and references and no “impressive” book score to hide behind I’m exposed. As I am, as I always have been; an unworthy, insignificant disciple of a magnanimous and graceful spiritual master.
Under these circumstances my fall back would usually be to creatively weave some words together with poetic style. At least if I get the chance to read my offering out then the assembled devotees might be distracted by my literary flare, thus overlooking my distinct lack of spiritual maturity and realisation.
But this year I want to try and give up the insincere veneer of creative individuality which I employ to mask my insecurities. I would be absolutely justified to feel unlimitedly insecure trying to depend on my own prowess but with you as the core framework in all aspects of my life insecurity loses its place in the equation.
This year I feel inspired to look up towards you and reflect upon just what I’m doing down here.
I look at you and your exalted godbrothers, to see the service that you’re doing for Prabhupada and marvel at the stripes you’ve dutifully earned through a lifetime of loving service … like a general decorated with effulgent medals, accolades ornamenting your form which you daily offer into the blazing fire of sacrifice in service to your guru. And then I look at myself … I can’t help but wonder, are we really made of the same stuff? Or did something go wrong in the process of creation? I can’t imagine how I could ever aspire to do anything like what you’ve done for Srila Prabhupada; painstakingly serving his mission in so many extraordinary ways, your life’s efforts are so significant. You even humbly admit yourself; many long standing, well known devotees were originally first contacted by you during your time as “the hard luck kid” on sankirtan. What would Srila Prabhupada’s movement look like without you?
Your books like Searching for Vedic India and Hiding in Unnatural Happiness have changed so many peoples lives, guiding them to delve into Srila Prabhupada’s writings. Turning hard cases into soft hearted aspiring devotees with your masterfully crafted words. Each sentence you pen is a perfectly complete offering to Prabhupada, no doubt each member of our parampara in turn relishes your eloquence, impressed by your ability to capture eternal essence and flavour it with your own special seasoning.
I think about your spotless influence in my life; a constant tidal wave inspiring me to strive towards Krishna, over flooding my carefully cultivated estuaries of material desires and purifying them at the root. Recalling my cherished memories spent in your association; each one feels like an ecstatic dream, set in another dimension, and I don’t just mean New Zealand.
This meditation barely scratches the surface. It’s impossible for me to understand myself in relation to you, like comparing a toddlers paddling pool to the unfathomable depths of the ocean. I’m not qualified to even consider your gravity. Nor do I qualify for your mercy, which you nonetheless gracefully bestow upon me.
With this in mind my desire this year is to simply commit myself to remain here, as a totally unimpressive, insignificant and unworthy speck receiving your mercy. Like a beggar remains at the door, waiting to receive the charity his benefactor is about to impart, I’m not going anywhere. I know that you can bestow upon me the greatest treasure even though I don’t quite know what that treasure is yet.
I’m sure Krishna has a plan for me, I’d like to not get in the way of that plan too much. I hope that if I align myself with that plan, insignificant though it maybe, then it might please you, which I want to do. I can’t imagine how yet, but I’d like to become dependable and one day make you proud. I don’t think I’m going to achieve that by writing a poem to you each year on your Vyasa Puja. I want to get real; when I chant I want to really chant, when I offer bhoga I want to really offer it and when I serve devotees I want to really serve them. I want to be like you in all these ways. Hopefully with the help of the devotees who surround me, a steady diet of Prabhupada’s books digested in the fire of the occasional sankirtan adventure or partial participation in a marathon, gradually I will walk the path chalked out for me by Krishna and follow in your footsteps.
During my last year in the Auckland brahmacari asrama, as the lockdown strictures eased, for a period of time we met you for noon time walks at Muruwai bay. Unique visitors to the beach, our group attracted attention; a multi ethnic squadron of young men with shaven heads and face masks wielding bead bags, all following in the wake of a saffron clad sanyassi of exotic origin. Contrasting to prior months in isolation these extraordinary circumstances and the privilege of spending time with you in this setting created a surreal, dream like feeling. As we advanced along the coastline I placed myself directly behind you, relishing the novelty of physically walking in your foot steps as your lotus feet left imprints in the sand. The bright midday sun refracted off the coarse sand which intensely sparkled and I meditated on Brahma’s revelation that Goloka’s dust is composed of cintamani. As I chanted the holy names round my beads the un-manifest spiritual world peeked through the sandy sparkles as I fixed my gaze on your feet. I tried to be attentive to your association and prayed to freeze time or at least for these moments to be indelibly etched into my memory.
It’s not just moments like this which are special but every moment in my life is special because of my connection with you. By your causeless kindness upon me every fraction of a second holds the potential for service to you in full Krishna consciousness … all that’s left is for me to gain that realisation.
As I try to advance in Krishna consciousness, at my own slow (but hopefully steady) rate, time seems to accelerate, friends and relatives fade away and sometimes reflections in mirrors even present a stranger … The only constant is you; captain of my ship, my spiritual father, the hero of my universe.
Spiritual life is an adventure with you and this little heart pounds with excitement to discover where you will take us next.
Praying to eternally follow you wherever you go,
And one day trace your footsteps through cintamani dust,
Your aspiring servant,
Anādi Kaiśora dāsa
Ananda-candra
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Prabhupada
Thank you for inspiring the people around me.
It gives me an opportunity to do something with this pitiful package, by trying to offer some (tiny, meager, menial, replaceable) assistance to the true servants of Krsna.
It gives me something to cling on to, to be dragged out of the immense heaviness, darkness, sadness that I painfully drown in every single day.
I am thankful that during these endless lows (sometimes) (somehow), I remember this lifeline and light, and scraping any last drops of strength, I desperately grab on, hanging on a thread.
Although my grip is feeble, I mercifully get pulled up from the deep murky swamp. Alas relief, alas something called joy, alas this is the only only only fulfillment in life. It's the only cure.
I seemed to think I already had realisation of this one truth, but as each day passes I'm becoming more and more aware of it, which means I never really had it at all. Please help me live this reality 24-7, it's literally my only hope.
Grateful,
Ananda-candra
All glories to Prabhupada
Thank you for inspiring the people around me.
It gives me an opportunity to do something with this pitiful package, by trying to offer some (tiny, meager, menial, replaceable) assistance to the true servants of Krsna.
It gives me something to cling on to, to be dragged out of the immense heaviness, darkness, sadness that I painfully drown in every single day.
I am thankful that during these endless lows (sometimes) (somehow), I remember this lifeline and light, and scraping any last drops of strength, I desperately grab on, hanging on a thread.
Although my grip is feeble, I mercifully get pulled up from the deep murky swamp. Alas relief, alas something called joy, alas this is the only only only fulfillment in life. It's the only cure.
I seemed to think I already had realisation of this one truth, but as each day passes I'm becoming more and more aware of it, which means I never really had it at all. Please help me live this reality 24-7, it's literally my only hope.
Grateful,
Ananda-candra
Ananta-naga Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glory to Srila Prabhupada and all glory to you on this all-auspicious day of your appearance!
I have been reflecting on the fallen state of modern society, the opportunities for perfecting life, and the invaluable role you play in providing this opportunity for mankind.
In Bhagavad Gita 7.3 Krishna explains to Arjuna that "out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth."
Most modern-day so-called perfectionists end up concentrating on their body and mind because their concept of the “self” is the body or mind and for the lack of real self-knowledge they are bound to stay in illusion for many lifetimes.
Some individuals, who sense that there is something beyond the physical and mental realms, often fall prey to philosophical concoctions lacking a solid foundation in knowledge and practice, which are essential for self-realization.
I too found myself among these misguided seekers, pondering the existence of true knowledge about life and a place where one can acquire it.
Somehow “the Universe heard my thoughts” (as I would say in the past) and
by great fortune and your mercy (as I realize it now) I discovered The Loft - a place where real knowledge about life is shared.
During my first meeting with you, I shared my aspirations: “I want to help people, but I do not know how”.
You gave concise but profound advice, which made a lot of sense and illuminated my mind: “Heal the healer”.
While I still hold onto my aspiration to assist others, I continue my journey of "healing the healer." The latter is taking a long time and, most likely will not be completed in this lifetime, but seeing your brilliant example gives me some hope that it can be achieved.
We are in dire need of an exemplary role model who lives a spiritual life to the gold standard. Such a role model can serve as a reference point, allowing us to gauge how far we have strayed from the spiritual path.
You embody all the qualities of the true acarya: a perfect disciple and teacher, exhibiting impeccable control over your senses, body, and mind. You teach the science of Krishna all over the world having fully realized knowledge of the sastra. You live and breathe for Krishna’s pleasure. You established the places where people can learn the science of Bhakti - starting in New Zealand and expanding to multiple locations worldwide under your able guidance.
The impact of your urban outreach is felt across the globe, drawing increasing numbers of individuals to the path of self-realization thanks to your enormous efforts over the years. The snowball effect has begun, leading to the development of an avalanche of Love of Godhead.
You continually demonstrate your concern for not only the spiritual but also the material welfare of your spiritual children, particularly in the face of future political, economic, and environmental challenges. Your vision and urge for developing land for food production alongside creating a Varnasrama society, as desired by Srila Prabhupada, is remarkable. Your ability to dovetail various projects to achieve multiple goals is truly astonishing.
I am immeasurably grateful to you for remaining a beacon, illuminating the path for lost souls in the turbulent sea of Kali Yuga. I am still being tossed around by the waves of that sea and I am praying to be able to get closer to the light and safety of serving in your mission.
Thank you for being an inspiration and a guiding force in my life.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Ananya-bhakti devi dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
In a recent class you mentioned how our greatest fortune is to come in contact with a spiritual master who plants the seed of the creeper of devotional service. It was a reminder of how lucky I am, and how much you've done for me. Everything and anything that I have of real value in my life right now is thanks to you.
Around this time last year I had just moved to Gita Nagari. A decision that was hard for me to make and that I, quite honestly, only made because I wanted to please you. I had so many doubts and reservations about moving to a cold and remote farm. I figured I could at least tolerate living here for 1 year if it would be pleasing to you. Fast forward to today and I am immensely grateful to you for bringing me here. Thanks to you I get to see and try to serve Radha Damodara every day. I get to see the cows and live in a place that is better for my mental health. I get to associate with the most loving and caring devotees that I have come across. I don't even want to think of where or who I'd be today if it wasn't for you.
No matter what's going on in my life, whether I'm doing well or not, even when I do things that might disappoint you, you are always there. Always showing me that you care. Always willing to reach out and help me get up, no matter how many times I've fallen. Thank you for not giving up on me. Getting out of this material world feels too hard at times, but I know that with you by my side it can be done.
There's not much certainty in my life, but the one thing I am sure of is that I will never stop trying to please you and follow your instructions. Please give me your blessings so that I may always be able to do this.
Your spiritual daughter,
Ananya-bhakti devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
In a recent class you mentioned how our greatest fortune is to come in contact with a spiritual master who plants the seed of the creeper of devotional service. It was a reminder of how lucky I am, and how much you've done for me. Everything and anything that I have of real value in my life right now is thanks to you.
Around this time last year I had just moved to Gita Nagari. A decision that was hard for me to make and that I, quite honestly, only made because I wanted to please you. I had so many doubts and reservations about moving to a cold and remote farm. I figured I could at least tolerate living here for 1 year if it would be pleasing to you. Fast forward to today and I am immensely grateful to you for bringing me here. Thanks to you I get to see and try to serve Radha Damodara every day. I get to see the cows and live in a place that is better for my mental health. I get to associate with the most loving and caring devotees that I have come across. I don't even want to think of where or who I'd be today if it wasn't for you.
No matter what's going on in my life, whether I'm doing well or not, even when I do things that might disappoint you, you are always there. Always showing me that you care. Always willing to reach out and help me get up, no matter how many times I've fallen. Thank you for not giving up on me. Getting out of this material world feels too hard at times, but I know that with you by my side it can be done.
There's not much certainty in my life, but the one thing I am sure of is that I will never stop trying to please you and follow your instructions. Please give me your blessings so that I may always be able to do this.
Your spiritual daughter,
Ananya-bhakti devi dasi
Apurva-madhuri dd
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this special anniversary of your appearance.
In anticipation of this occasion, I have been reflecting on the teachings of Lord Kapiladeva to Devahuti in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25. While speaking about satāṁ gatiḥ - the path of the eternal - the Lord describes the attributes and behaviours of a sadhu and encourages her to seek attachment to such a person. I am invited to remember the ways in which you embody these qualities, at least to the extent that I can perceive.
Verse 21
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
‘A sādhu is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime’
It is expressed here that a sadhu is characterised by their thoughts and actions when they are alone, as well as their behaviour in relation to other living beings. As Prabhupada describes in the purport, a sadhu is not just satisfied with their own liberation; they are so naturally flowing with compassion that they keep the welfare - particularly the spiritual welfare - of other living beings at the forefront of their consciousness. They are tolerant of all kinds of inconveniences while exhibiting this care towards others, including non-human jivas as well. A sadhu is a reservoir of all good qualities and is surrendered to Krishna. I have had the pleasure of having your association for 9 years now, Gurudeva, and I have always felt and experienced nothing but care and mercy from you in all of our dealings. Indeed, the characteristics described in this verse make a sadhu like you an attractive and likeable personality, even if the words they speak can be strong and confronting.
Verse 22
mayy ananyena bhāvena
bhaktiṁ kurvanti ye dṛḍhām
mat-kṛte tyakta-karmāṇas
tyakta-svajana-bāndhavāḥ
Such a sādhu engages in staunch devotional service to the Lord without deviation. For the sake of the Lord he renounces all other connections, such as family relationships and friendly acquaintances within the world.
A sadhu puts Krishna first - they water the root of the tree. As this analogy from the 4th Canto demonstrates, by watering the root of the tree, all the other parts are nourished. In a similar way, by serving Krishna sincerely and wholeheartedly, one naturally becomes of service to other living beings, what to speak of the demigods. Gurudeva, it doesn't take an expert to note that your very life itself is an undeviated and uninterrupted dedication to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, despite unlimited inconveniences. In doing so you are automatically nourishing others around you, despite being unattached to them or the fruits of your labours.
Verse 23
mad-āśrayāḥ kathā mṛṣṭāḥ
śṛṇvanti kathayanti ca
tapanti vividhās tāpā
naitān mad-gata-cetasaḥ
Engaged constantly in chanting and hearing about Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the sādhus do not suffer from material miseries because they are always filled with thoughts of My pastimes and activities.
A sadhu does not need to dodge or run away from misery; they are constantly being nourished by Krishna katha and by imbibing Lord's teachings in Bhagavad-gita. There Krishna explains in great detail how to transcend the mind's burdens with abhyasa yoga. What is the need to try and avoid pain when we know that it will come anyway? I should follow your example and focus on the highest pleasure to put all the material pains and pleasures in perspective and allow them to come and go.
Gurudeva, I can only hope that I can one day serve the way I see you serve: equipoised, peaceful, detached and fearless. As Srila Prabhupada's name - Abhay Charanaravinda - describes, one who is situated at the feet of God has no need to be afraid. This is the greatest shelter for all of us.
As I heard you say recently, a devotee always expresses their gratitude. I really do feel grateful for this opportunity to write something for you. It is a blessing from Sri Krishna and His devotees.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter
Apurva-madhuri devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this special anniversary of your appearance.
In anticipation of this occasion, I have been reflecting on the teachings of Lord Kapiladeva to Devahuti in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25. While speaking about satāṁ gatiḥ - the path of the eternal - the Lord describes the attributes and behaviours of a sadhu and encourages her to seek attachment to such a person. I am invited to remember the ways in which you embody these qualities, at least to the extent that I can perceive.
Verse 21
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
‘A sādhu is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime’
It is expressed here that a sadhu is characterised by their thoughts and actions when they are alone, as well as their behaviour in relation to other living beings. As Prabhupada describes in the purport, a sadhu is not just satisfied with their own liberation; they are so naturally flowing with compassion that they keep the welfare - particularly the spiritual welfare - of other living beings at the forefront of their consciousness. They are tolerant of all kinds of inconveniences while exhibiting this care towards others, including non-human jivas as well. A sadhu is a reservoir of all good qualities and is surrendered to Krishna. I have had the pleasure of having your association for 9 years now, Gurudeva, and I have always felt and experienced nothing but care and mercy from you in all of our dealings. Indeed, the characteristics described in this verse make a sadhu like you an attractive and likeable personality, even if the words they speak can be strong and confronting.
Verse 22
mayy ananyena bhāvena
bhaktiṁ kurvanti ye dṛḍhām
mat-kṛte tyakta-karmāṇas
tyakta-svajana-bāndhavāḥ
Such a sādhu engages in staunch devotional service to the Lord without deviation. For the sake of the Lord he renounces all other connections, such as family relationships and friendly acquaintances within the world.
A sadhu puts Krishna first - they water the root of the tree. As this analogy from the 4th Canto demonstrates, by watering the root of the tree, all the other parts are nourished. In a similar way, by serving Krishna sincerely and wholeheartedly, one naturally becomes of service to other living beings, what to speak of the demigods. Gurudeva, it doesn't take an expert to note that your very life itself is an undeviated and uninterrupted dedication to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, despite unlimited inconveniences. In doing so you are automatically nourishing others around you, despite being unattached to them or the fruits of your labours.
Verse 23
mad-āśrayāḥ kathā mṛṣṭāḥ
śṛṇvanti kathayanti ca
tapanti vividhās tāpā
naitān mad-gata-cetasaḥ
Engaged constantly in chanting and hearing about Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the sādhus do not suffer from material miseries because they are always filled with thoughts of My pastimes and activities.
A sadhu does not need to dodge or run away from misery; they are constantly being nourished by Krishna katha and by imbibing Lord's teachings in Bhagavad-gita. There Krishna explains in great detail how to transcend the mind's burdens with abhyasa yoga. What is the need to try and avoid pain when we know that it will come anyway? I should follow your example and focus on the highest pleasure to put all the material pains and pleasures in perspective and allow them to come and go.
Gurudeva, I can only hope that I can one day serve the way I see you serve: equipoised, peaceful, detached and fearless. As Srila Prabhupada's name - Abhay Charanaravinda - describes, one who is situated at the feet of God has no need to be afraid. This is the greatest shelter for all of us.
As I heard you say recently, a devotee always expresses their gratitude. I really do feel grateful for this opportunity to write something for you. It is a blessing from Sri Krishna and His devotees.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter
Apurva-madhuri devi dasi
Aravinda Nabha Das
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for this last 10 years which has been filled with opportunities for devotional service.
Particularly the opportunity to live within your bramachari ashram. Having ones whole day and night focused around serving lord Caitanya.
For years is was protected from my own selfish desires and trained to serve others.
I'm extremely thankful to you for this. I know that i will never regrety youth in Krishna consciousness.
Once i was serving you at New Varshana, you were looking out the window and you asked me "have you developed sufficient intelligence?" I didn't know what you meant.
Now i can understand, you were training me with so much care and attention so that i have a chance to go the distance in my Krishna consciousness.
You have selflessly given your life so that we can have a chance to experience Krishna consciousness.
On another occasion at New Varshana there was a very loud kirtan happening by a group of young devotees in the old temple. It was late, maybe 8:30pm and i was concerned it was going to disturb your sleep so i came to ask you if I should tell them to stop. First you inquired who it was, when i informed you that it was "Gurukulis" you smiled and said "im happy that they are chanting, dont disturb them".
So this is your life Gurudeva. You happily undergo inconvenience so that others have a chance to chant Krishnas names.
You also inspire and encourage us in the same direction.
As i feel the disappointment of material happiness i think of you with great respect.
You are my heroic father who never deviates from the most intelligent and honest life.
On this auspicious day of your appearance i pray for strength and intelligence in your service.
Although I know my life is only valuable in your service, ive been very distracted and foolish. please continue to help me and encourage me.
I dont want material happiness Gurudeva, i want to follow you and give my life to you.
Your servant,
Aravinda Nabha das
<
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for this last 10 years which has been filled with opportunities for devotional service.
Particularly the opportunity to live within your bramachari ashram. Having ones whole day and night focused around serving lord Caitanya.
For years is was protected from my own selfish desires and trained to serve others.
I'm extremely thankful to you for this. I know that i will never regrety youth in Krishna consciousness.
Once i was serving you at New Varshana, you were looking out the window and you asked me "have you developed sufficient intelligence?" I didn't know what you meant.
Now i can understand, you were training me with so much care and attention so that i have a chance to go the distance in my Krishna consciousness.
You have selflessly given your life so that we can have a chance to experience Krishna consciousness.
On another occasion at New Varshana there was a very loud kirtan happening by a group of young devotees in the old temple. It was late, maybe 8:30pm and i was concerned it was going to disturb your sleep so i came to ask you if I should tell them to stop. First you inquired who it was, when i informed you that it was "Gurukulis" you smiled and said "im happy that they are chanting, dont disturb them".
So this is your life Gurudeva. You happily undergo inconvenience so that others have a chance to chant Krishnas names.
You also inspire and encourage us in the same direction.
As i feel the disappointment of material happiness i think of you with great respect.
You are my heroic father who never deviates from the most intelligent and honest life.
On this auspicious day of your appearance i pray for strength and intelligence in your service.
Although I know my life is only valuable in your service, ive been very distracted and foolish. please continue to help me and encourage me.
I dont want material happiness Gurudeva, i want to follow you and give my life to you.
Your servant,
Aravinda Nabha das
<
Arjun Ajayan
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Dandavat Pranams on your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Appearance day Gurudev!
Wishing you a happy birthday.
I remember the day I first met you on a retreat on OCT 2016 at Hare Krishna valley and then I was fortunate enough to meet you in person during the Darshan time. I am extremely thankful to you for requesting Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu to take care of me and Prabhu takes care of me as an elder brother both materially and spiritually. I always take guidance from Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu and I believe it is coming from you.
Thank you for giving me shelter and giving opportunity for personal service when you are in Melbourne. Gurudev I really admire your knowledge in sastras and Srila Prabhupada books. Listening to your Bhagavatam Classes and other lectures motivates me to do more service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Please keep me under your shelter.
Praying to the lord ships for your good health.
Seeking your blessing and prayers.
Your servant,
Arjun Ajayan.
Dandavat Pranams on your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Appearance day Gurudev!
Wishing you a happy birthday.
I remember the day I first met you on a retreat on OCT 2016 at Hare Krishna valley and then I was fortunate enough to meet you in person during the Darshan time. I am extremely thankful to you for requesting Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu to take care of me and Prabhu takes care of me as an elder brother both materially and spiritually. I always take guidance from Gopa Vrindesa Prabhu and I believe it is coming from you.
Thank you for giving me shelter and giving opportunity for personal service when you are in Melbourne. Gurudev I really admire your knowledge in sastras and Srila Prabhupada books. Listening to your Bhagavatam Classes and other lectures motivates me to do more service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Please keep me under your shelter.
Praying to the lord ships for your good health.
Seeking your blessing and prayers.
Your servant,
Arjun Ajayan.
Ārta Bandhu dāsa
Hare Krishna!
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
My dear Gurudeva,
Thank you so much for accepting this fallen soul as your disciple although I am totally unworthy. Your mercy is unlimited which you showered on to such a person like me. Although I have no qualification to do any justice to the position to be your disciple, but I seek your blessings so that I can at least continue in the journey of my Krishna consciousness with full enthusiasm and not fall down in Maya.
Always seeking the shelter of your divine lotus feet.
Your unworthy servant,
Ārta Bandhu dāsa
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
My dear Gurudeva,
Thank you so much for accepting this fallen soul as your disciple although I am totally unworthy. Your mercy is unlimited which you showered on to such a person like me. Although I have no qualification to do any justice to the position to be your disciple, but I seek your blessings so that I can at least continue in the journey of my Krishna consciousness with full enthusiasm and not fall down in Maya.
Always seeking the shelter of your divine lotus feet.
Your unworthy servant,
Ārta Bandhu dāsa
Arthur Gillies
Hare Krishna Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my sincere and respectful obeisances.
Its been about a year now since I first met you and began my journey into krishna conciousness. At the time I was seeking shelter from a hard time in my life, and faced an uphill battle to find hope for myself and my son. Little did I know, your life's work had paved a way for the likes of me and my plight.
It's been such a comfort to know I'm not alone and that i am guided at every step by you and your selfless devotees. The compassion, faith and dedication to the path you and your followers have shown has inspired me to continue my practise with joy, and to give back in the little ways i can.
My life has been enriched by your good grace and for that I am ever greatful. Thank you for the little moments you've raised me up, knowingly or otherwise. Perhaps one day i can make it up to you.
Your faithful servant
Arthur
Please accept my sincere and respectful obeisances.
Its been about a year now since I first met you and began my journey into krishna conciousness. At the time I was seeking shelter from a hard time in my life, and faced an uphill battle to find hope for myself and my son. Little did I know, your life's work had paved a way for the likes of me and my plight.
It's been such a comfort to know I'm not alone and that i am guided at every step by you and your selfless devotees. The compassion, faith and dedication to the path you and your followers have shown has inspired me to continue my practise with joy, and to give back in the little ways i can.
My life has been enriched by your good grace and for that I am ever greatful. Thank you for the little moments you've raised me up, knowingly or otherwise. Perhaps one day i can make it up to you.
Your faithful servant
Arthur
Arunasri Adki
My dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and his sincere followers.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Gurudeva with my little understanding and spiritual knowledge I am writing this to you. So please forgive me for my mistakes and accept my humble offering on to your lotus feet.
As Krishna mentioned in Bhagavat Gita V4.34 (tad viddhi praṇipātena) Krishna says approach a bona fide spiritual master and inquire submissively and render service on to him. When I came across this verse it really opened up my heart and gave me a deep realisation that how sincerely you are following the footsteps of Srila Prabhubada and making his mission successful. With 4 months of intense study of Srila Prabhupad's books you have gained so much transcendental ecstasy and spiritual inspiration from him. You started chanting rounds and going to the temple. This gives me a spiritual inspiration when I am really down in my bakthi and sadhana. I always want to serve to you and hear from you and from devotees about your glories to intensify my bakthi latha beej which you sowed in my heart. I always think I am very fortunate to serve such a great soul in whatever little capacity I can.
Gurudev you are always my admiration and inspiration. I saw you first in 2011 in Melbourne in a hall in Footscray. You lead a wonderful keertan for two days in a row at the end of each day. I came with my family and I still remember you on the stage doing ecstatic keetan. people in the hall were dancing and jumping up and down. Then I attended your retreat in Hare Krishna valley, Melbourne probably in the same year. The only word I remember from that day till today was "body". you kept on saying body, body. It still echoes in my mind all the time. At that time I didn't understand but now after coming to Krishna consciousness I totally understand body, soul and Supreme Lord Krishna. Few days (Oct,2023) ago in Melbourne I attended your retreat and the ecstasy of the keertan is still the same. I just carried that spiritual ecstasy with me in my heart to serve you deeper. I am very fortunate to have you as my spiritual master.
I am really grateful to you for accepting me as your disciple even though I have so many faults in me.
Gurudeva you are my spiritual master and you are everything for me. I am sincerely begging you at your lotus feet to forgive this fallen soul and bestow your mercy on me for me to progress in spiritual journey and also help with carrying out Srila Prabhupad's mood and mission.
Thank you, Gurudeva. From the bottom of my heart. Hare Krishna.
Your spiritual daughter and eternal servant,
Arunasri
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and his sincere followers.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Gurudeva with my little understanding and spiritual knowledge I am writing this to you. So please forgive me for my mistakes and accept my humble offering on to your lotus feet.
As Krishna mentioned in Bhagavat Gita V4.34 (tad viddhi praṇipātena) Krishna says approach a bona fide spiritual master and inquire submissively and render service on to him. When I came across this verse it really opened up my heart and gave me a deep realisation that how sincerely you are following the footsteps of Srila Prabhubada and making his mission successful. With 4 months of intense study of Srila Prabhupad's books you have gained so much transcendental ecstasy and spiritual inspiration from him. You started chanting rounds and going to the temple. This gives me a spiritual inspiration when I am really down in my bakthi and sadhana. I always want to serve to you and hear from you and from devotees about your glories to intensify my bakthi latha beej which you sowed in my heart. I always think I am very fortunate to serve such a great soul in whatever little capacity I can.
Gurudev you are always my admiration and inspiration. I saw you first in 2011 in Melbourne in a hall in Footscray. You lead a wonderful keertan for two days in a row at the end of each day. I came with my family and I still remember you on the stage doing ecstatic keetan. people in the hall were dancing and jumping up and down. Then I attended your retreat in Hare Krishna valley, Melbourne probably in the same year. The only word I remember from that day till today was "body". you kept on saying body, body. It still echoes in my mind all the time. At that time I didn't understand but now after coming to Krishna consciousness I totally understand body, soul and Supreme Lord Krishna. Few days (Oct,2023) ago in Melbourne I attended your retreat and the ecstasy of the keertan is still the same. I just carried that spiritual ecstasy with me in my heart to serve you deeper. I am very fortunate to have you as my spiritual master.
I am really grateful to you for accepting me as your disciple even though I have so many faults in me.
Gurudeva you are my spiritual master and you are everything for me. I am sincerely begging you at your lotus feet to forgive this fallen soul and bestow your mercy on me for me to progress in spiritual journey and also help with carrying out Srila Prabhupad's mood and mission.
Thank you, Gurudeva. From the bottom of my heart. Hare Krishna.
Your spiritual daughter and eternal servant,
Arunasri
Ashleigh Parkinson
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am eternally grateful for you Gurudeva. While meditating on your unlimited glories recently, I noticed simlarities between all that you have given me and gardening.
A garden is dependent on many factors in order to grow and flourish. Similarly, as a fallen soul I am so dependent on the shelter of your lotus feet to grow and flourish in Bhakti.
Just as a garden needs to be showered with water, I need to be showered by your causeless mercy to survive. Without your mercy, I have nothing. I am made of your mercy. Thank you Gurudeva for so kindly giving me everything, even though I am so undeserving.
Just as a garden needs sunlight, I need my eyes to be opened by the light of your torch of knowledge. Thank you for brightening up my life through always shining transcendental knowledge and divine instructions into the depths of my heart. Please help me seriously cling onto these instructions as my life and soul and follow them without deviation. Please help me always keep the goal in mind.
Just as a garden needs fertile soil, I need the proper environment around me to thrive and grow. Thank you for digging me up from the dirt of maya and planting me in the glorious company of Wellington devotees and giving me such facility for service at New Gupta Vraja.
Just as a garden needs gentle, personal love, care and attention, I too as a Kalia yuga refugee need these to grow in Bhakti, and you give all of this to me in perfection. After every Darshan with you I am flooded with tears due to the way I feel so deeply seen and valued on a heart level, deeply loved, cared for and encouraged by you. I have never felt this love and purity. Thank you so much Gurudeva for always being so patient, understanding, personal, kind and gentle with me. Thank you for seeing my potential and worth as a servant of the servant and encouraging me to invest my heart energies in your service, rather than lamenting on my perceived shortcomings. I appreciate this about you so much.
Just as a garden needs weeds to be removed, I need the anartas removed from my heart. Thank you Gurudeva for helping purify my conscioussnesss and weed the garden of my heart.
Gurudeva, please continue to kindly give me strength, intelligence and ability to always see how to best act for yours and Krishna's pleasure. Please give me your blessings to always gratefully, humbly, lovingly, selflessly and attentively assist you in your glorious service.
Your aspiring, grateful, indebted servant of the servant,
Ashleigh Parkinson
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am eternally grateful for you Gurudeva. While meditating on your unlimited glories recently, I noticed simlarities between all that you have given me and gardening.
A garden is dependent on many factors in order to grow and flourish. Similarly, as a fallen soul I am so dependent on the shelter of your lotus feet to grow and flourish in Bhakti.
Just as a garden needs to be showered with water, I need to be showered by your causeless mercy to survive. Without your mercy, I have nothing. I am made of your mercy. Thank you Gurudeva for so kindly giving me everything, even though I am so undeserving.
Just as a garden needs sunlight, I need my eyes to be opened by the light of your torch of knowledge. Thank you for brightening up my life through always shining transcendental knowledge and divine instructions into the depths of my heart. Please help me seriously cling onto these instructions as my life and soul and follow them without deviation. Please help me always keep the goal in mind.
Just as a garden needs fertile soil, I need the proper environment around me to thrive and grow. Thank you for digging me up from the dirt of maya and planting me in the glorious company of Wellington devotees and giving me such facility for service at New Gupta Vraja.
Just as a garden needs gentle, personal love, care and attention, I too as a Kalia yuga refugee need these to grow in Bhakti, and you give all of this to me in perfection. After every Darshan with you I am flooded with tears due to the way I feel so deeply seen and valued on a heart level, deeply loved, cared for and encouraged by you. I have never felt this love and purity. Thank you so much Gurudeva for always being so patient, understanding, personal, kind and gentle with me. Thank you for seeing my potential and worth as a servant of the servant and encouraging me to invest my heart energies in your service, rather than lamenting on my perceived shortcomings. I appreciate this about you so much.
Just as a garden needs weeds to be removed, I need the anartas removed from my heart. Thank you Gurudeva for helping purify my conscioussnesss and weed the garden of my heart.
Gurudeva, please continue to kindly give me strength, intelligence and ability to always see how to best act for yours and Krishna's pleasure. Please give me your blessings to always gratefully, humbly, lovingly, selflessly and attentively assist you in your glorious service.
Your aspiring, grateful, indebted servant of the servant,
Ashleigh Parkinson
Āśrayānada dasa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you and your service to Srila Prabhupada
As the years go by I feel as though I learn and appreciate you with greater depth. It seems to take time to comprehend, at least in my case!
The challenges of life, the demands of energy, the necessity to have boundaries, the courage to push deeper. All these things require maturity and expertise and I can see more and more how greatly you exhibit these aspects.
I remember when I was younger and subsequently more foolish, Sannyas looked like an attractive lifestyle! Time made me realize the ashramas are progressively increasing in responsibility and pressure. How you balance the demands on your plate is, in my mind, a phenomenon! You are always giving your time and energy to us disciples and aspiring disciples. You also are a great support to anyone who seeks your shelter. Sannyas is for the truly fearless. Such a life terrifies me today!
I am reminded by the Sannyas initiation photo of Srila Prabhupada and the intensity of the gravity shown on his face. Growing up uncultured in a laid back country like New Zealand certainly makes it difficult to comprehend the significance of the service and conditions Sannyasis like yourself endure. In spite of the shear nature of your lifestyle and ashrama you are always warm and joyous to be around! For a spoiled kiwi like myself, it has taken time to comprehend these things!
Thank you for the example you set, and your service to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan mission.
Thank you for another year of extraordinary service and support, and engaging us in chanting the maha mantra and dancing in ecstasy!
Thank you for bringing us all together, giving us much needed Sanga, kirtan and Krishna Katha!
Please accept my gratitude, love and respect.
Your servant
Asrayananda dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you and your service to Srila Prabhupada
As the years go by I feel as though I learn and appreciate you with greater depth. It seems to take time to comprehend, at least in my case!
The challenges of life, the demands of energy, the necessity to have boundaries, the courage to push deeper. All these things require maturity and expertise and I can see more and more how greatly you exhibit these aspects.
I remember when I was younger and subsequently more foolish, Sannyas looked like an attractive lifestyle! Time made me realize the ashramas are progressively increasing in responsibility and pressure. How you balance the demands on your plate is, in my mind, a phenomenon! You are always giving your time and energy to us disciples and aspiring disciples. You also are a great support to anyone who seeks your shelter. Sannyas is for the truly fearless. Such a life terrifies me today!
I am reminded by the Sannyas initiation photo of Srila Prabhupada and the intensity of the gravity shown on his face. Growing up uncultured in a laid back country like New Zealand certainly makes it difficult to comprehend the significance of the service and conditions Sannyasis like yourself endure. In spite of the shear nature of your lifestyle and ashrama you are always warm and joyous to be around! For a spoiled kiwi like myself, it has taken time to comprehend these things!
Thank you for the example you set, and your service to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan mission.
Thank you for another year of extraordinary service and support, and engaging us in chanting the maha mantra and dancing in ecstasy!
Thank you for bringing us all together, giving us much needed Sanga, kirtan and Krishna Katha!
Please accept my gratitude, love and respect.
Your servant
Asrayananda dasa
Ātmā-Dharma dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All Glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Every single day, you tirelessly serve Srila Prabhupāda and the illustrious Parampara. In our conversation, you mentioned, “I have read the shastra ; I use that to see through and make decisions.” You further stressed, “Shastra is our guide” followed by “Surety is found in following the instructions, living according to shastra, not our whims and fancies”.
Your unwavering commitment to the shastra as your guiding light is evident through the many years you have dedicated to fulfilling the desires of Srīla Prabhupāda through your multifaceted responsibilities: Guru to many disciples, overseeing centres in NZ, Australia, and parts of the USA, including large traditional temples, the expansive farm project Gita Nagari, various outreach centres, and your role as the BBT director and more.
Although wearing many hats your path is resolute, your aim is one
In this world, which is full of misery and challenges, you stand as a beacon of inspiration for us all. Your life exemplifies the essence of true happiness, one that stems from selfless service to the Lord without any ulterior motives.
Reflecting on Krishna's words:
“vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana”
and
"mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca,"
I have seen that you are the most blissful person having realized Krishnas statements with your singular focus on pleasing Krishna.
I pray for your mercy, hoping that someday I may develop a genuine taste for the exalted topics about Krishna.
Your servant,
Ātmā-Dharma dāsa
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All Glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Every single day, you tirelessly serve Srila Prabhupāda and the illustrious Parampara. In our conversation, you mentioned, “I have read the shastra ; I use that to see through and make decisions.” You further stressed, “Shastra is our guide” followed by “Surety is found in following the instructions, living according to shastra, not our whims and fancies”.
Your unwavering commitment to the shastra as your guiding light is evident through the many years you have dedicated to fulfilling the desires of Srīla Prabhupāda through your multifaceted responsibilities: Guru to many disciples, overseeing centres in NZ, Australia, and parts of the USA, including large traditional temples, the expansive farm project Gita Nagari, various outreach centres, and your role as the BBT director and more.
Although wearing many hats your path is resolute, your aim is one
In this world, which is full of misery and challenges, you stand as a beacon of inspiration for us all. Your life exemplifies the essence of true happiness, one that stems from selfless service to the Lord without any ulterior motives.
Reflecting on Krishna's words:
“vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana”
and
"mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca,"
I have seen that you are the most blissful person having realized Krishnas statements with your singular focus on pleasing Krishna.
I pray for your mercy, hoping that someday I may develop a genuine taste for the exalted topics about Krishna.
Your servant,
Ātmā-Dharma dāsa
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your universally rare and exceptional devotional service.
You have stated that it is a great sport to do Vaisnava watching and that in Bhakti we can be constantly amazed...
Even with my blurry vision, viewing your stunning devotional services, witnessed from a very shallow, out of focus vantage point, I am always truly amazed!
You pronounced your background of elitist education as a disadvantage, a blanket of 'know it all' arrogance, steeped in ignorance, which caused those of your past ilk to look down upon every one and indeed everything.
While rubbing shoulders with the wealthiest youth of America, you captured a unique position to watch in disgust as extremely wealthy kids squabbled and bickered over the pettiest paltry trivia.
Your example has strong resemblance of Rupa and Sanatana Goswami. They displayed striking renunciation, abandoning elitist Bengali Governance, prime minister and treasurer roles in service to Hussain Shah. All to serve the most magnanimous Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Also, Raghunath dasa Goswami was heir to the Biggest Landlords of Bengal. But, he was always scheming to disappear to the lotus feet of Mahāprabhu.
Raghunath dāsa Goswami's vigorous attempts at escape were all prompted by his being deemed a madman of Caitanya Candra.
Nothing could hold down his mind.
In the same vein, I recall your description of how you felt after having vanished from your former life in the middle of the dark night.
"The dark clouds had parted, ahh, I was free"
The corporate incarceration pending due to your rare educational standing, coupled with a marriage engagement to a young beautiful lady described as a similarly educated elitist-who adored the arts of theatre and dance.
"The dark clouds had parted, ahh, I was free"
"Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī were ministers, but they voluntarily accepted the mendicant’s life in order to humbly preach Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s message. It is said about them: tyaktvā tūrṇam aśeṣa-maṇḍala-pati-śreṇīṁ sadā tuccha-vat bhūtvā dīna-gaṇeśakau karuṇayā kaupīna-kanthāśritau. Although the Gosvāmīs were very aristocratic, on the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu they became mendicants just to deliver the fallen souls." Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya Lila 8.39
What had similarly granted you this formidable determined dedication resonant with that of the Goswami's?
For 6 months straight you read and re read all of Srila Prabhupada's books for four hours each day.
As a 21 year old you astonishingly gave 20,000 USD to a sankirtan devotee in ardent search of the relishable Srimad Bhagavatam (who would ever do that ?!). You couldn't wait for the BBT order service and you risked talking to the strange Hare Krishna people to obtain your eternal master's vani association.
His Divine Grace's brhad mrdanga call had ignited an inferno in you to claim your service once again to Srila Prabhupada.
This mirrors the unstoppable force of Raghunath dasa Goswami's daily efforts to escape the wealthiest family of Bengal and the most exquisitely attractive young wife he had.
Even Nityananda Prabhu compared his opulences to King Indra in heaven.
After receiving the mercy of the Vaiṣṇavas, Nityananda Prabhu and taking the maha prasadam of Mahāprabhu, all Raghunath dasa Goswami's impediments to obtaining Mahāprabhu were vanquished.
Similarly you so deeply honoured the mahaprasadam of Gauranga Mahāprabhu in the form of Prabhupada's writings that when you sat at Prabhupada's feet while he lectured, your fiance appeared, tapped your shoulder with a tear filled face, you then turned your back on Maya and took shelter of Prabhupada's feet. He roared and Maya's tears didn't touch you.
It's not haphazard that your early devotional service mantra was indicative of pure devotion from the very start of your sankirtan service on the streets of New York.
'Srila Prabhupada loves this service, although I hate it, I'm determined to love it for his pleasure.'
You served Srila Prabhupada so intently that despite coughing all day and lying on the floor of the temple ashram, you stepped out on the ice cold streets and fervently begged Krsna to give you the strength to distribute a book to a passerby 1 metre away.
They called you the hard luck kid, but you got so lucky, that soon thereafter, you were given your first of many tickets back to Godhead from His Divine Grace.
But there is no such thing as luck.
Srila Prabhupada gave those tickets to his entourage of intimate servants who came forward to assist him in producing editing publishing distributing teaching and outreaching from his books.
When Rupa Goswami had understood the deep intentions of the heart of Lord Caitanya and composed some wonderful verses reflecting Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu's ecstatic mood, he pleased Him so much that Lord Caitanya embraced him and bestowed upon him various benedictions.
Srila Prabhupada was not visibly present on the planet but detecting his wish you braved the formidable Eastern block and were similarly blessed and bestowed with all the necessary potencies for preaching the Bhakti cult.
Srila Prabhupada and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur have both appeared to you and instructed you to write Kṛṣṇa conscious literature.
The books you write lead your countless grateful readers to the best part of your books, which you say is the quotes of Prabhupada's books.
The entire worlds people are ablaze. However, you have a unique and especially rare skill in extinguishing the samsara flames for us defunct decrepit souls loitering in the impious lands of the so called first world.
As Nityananda Prabhu intuits the ways of Mahāprabhu's devotional ecstasy, He extends His arms to catch Caitanya Mahāprabhu as he topples in love of Kṛṣṇa, you also perfectly Intuit Prabhupada's divine orders , His will, and catch such sacred orders with reverence and enthusiasm.
Those who are externally captivated may think that you were never personally instructed by His Divine Grace, however you explain that He said His association is even more available in his books, so your vigourous serving mood provided you the special association and reception of Prabhupada's will in perfect order of priority.
"A son who acts by anticipating what his father wants him to do is first class, one who acts upon receiving his father's order is second class, and one who executes his father's order irreverently is third class. But a son who refuses his father's order is like his father's stool." SB 9.18.44
Those who are fortunate to have abandoned their own agency and adopted the divine orders you supply them are very vigorously engaged in the distribution of Love of Krsna.
Indeed you are collecting many many jivas from Kali Yuga's bizzare and tragic web, brushing them off for years and years while simultaneously empowering them to participate in the Sankirtan Yajna in astonishing wonderful ways.
You once said that you are conquered by Sankirtan nectar stories and that we will never know how much ecstasy you taste by hearing them.
One of my first personal services I was given by you was to read through a stash of hand written Nectar stories that devotees had offered you and I was to select the very best of them for your transcendental relishing.
Earlier this year the Dr told me I likely had a fatal lung disease. It later turned out to be an overcautious diagnosis and the symptoms mirrored something terminal.
In short, it was telling to witness where I turned to for shelter during this time.
But, by your merciful installing of sacred desire, I continued my service to the sankirtan Yajna in the visible presence of the Panca Tattva and sought to recover from the disease of bhava roga in that way.
I also found increased admiration of your sankirtan teams you have personally trained and empowered all over the planet.
The stories and pastimes these devotees share are indeed pastimes from the Caitanya Caritamrta. They are so medicinal in the highest form.
I feel so fortunate to have witnessed your performance of these extended pastimes of Sri Sri Panca Tattva and I beg you and your devotees for the strength to abate my deformation of will, to stand above the temptations of an easy going life and to continue trying to reach the lofty goals of becoming a trustworthy "Yes sir" disciple.
Your fallen servant
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your universally rare and exceptional devotional service.
You have stated that it is a great sport to do Vaisnava watching and that in Bhakti we can be constantly amazed...
Even with my blurry vision, viewing your stunning devotional services, witnessed from a very shallow, out of focus vantage point, I am always truly amazed!
You pronounced your background of elitist education as a disadvantage, a blanket of 'know it all' arrogance, steeped in ignorance, which caused those of your past ilk to look down upon every one and indeed everything.
While rubbing shoulders with the wealthiest youth of America, you captured a unique position to watch in disgust as extremely wealthy kids squabbled and bickered over the pettiest paltry trivia.
Your example has strong resemblance of Rupa and Sanatana Goswami. They displayed striking renunciation, abandoning elitist Bengali Governance, prime minister and treasurer roles in service to Hussain Shah. All to serve the most magnanimous Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Also, Raghunath dasa Goswami was heir to the Biggest Landlords of Bengal. But, he was always scheming to disappear to the lotus feet of Mahāprabhu.
Raghunath dāsa Goswami's vigorous attempts at escape were all prompted by his being deemed a madman of Caitanya Candra.
Nothing could hold down his mind.
In the same vein, I recall your description of how you felt after having vanished from your former life in the middle of the dark night.
"The dark clouds had parted, ahh, I was free"
The corporate incarceration pending due to your rare educational standing, coupled with a marriage engagement to a young beautiful lady described as a similarly educated elitist-who adored the arts of theatre and dance.
"The dark clouds had parted, ahh, I was free"
"Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī were ministers, but they voluntarily accepted the mendicant’s life in order to humbly preach Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s message. It is said about them: tyaktvā tūrṇam aśeṣa-maṇḍala-pati-śreṇīṁ sadā tuccha-vat bhūtvā dīna-gaṇeśakau karuṇayā kaupīna-kanthāśritau. Although the Gosvāmīs were very aristocratic, on the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu they became mendicants just to deliver the fallen souls." Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya Lila 8.39
What had similarly granted you this formidable determined dedication resonant with that of the Goswami's?
For 6 months straight you read and re read all of Srila Prabhupada's books for four hours each day.
As a 21 year old you astonishingly gave 20,000 USD to a sankirtan devotee in ardent search of the relishable Srimad Bhagavatam (who would ever do that ?!). You couldn't wait for the BBT order service and you risked talking to the strange Hare Krishna people to obtain your eternal master's vani association.
His Divine Grace's brhad mrdanga call had ignited an inferno in you to claim your service once again to Srila Prabhupada.
This mirrors the unstoppable force of Raghunath dasa Goswami's daily efforts to escape the wealthiest family of Bengal and the most exquisitely attractive young wife he had.
Even Nityananda Prabhu compared his opulences to King Indra in heaven.
After receiving the mercy of the Vaiṣṇavas, Nityananda Prabhu and taking the maha prasadam of Mahāprabhu, all Raghunath dasa Goswami's impediments to obtaining Mahāprabhu were vanquished.
Similarly you so deeply honoured the mahaprasadam of Gauranga Mahāprabhu in the form of Prabhupada's writings that when you sat at Prabhupada's feet while he lectured, your fiance appeared, tapped your shoulder with a tear filled face, you then turned your back on Maya and took shelter of Prabhupada's feet. He roared and Maya's tears didn't touch you.
It's not haphazard that your early devotional service mantra was indicative of pure devotion from the very start of your sankirtan service on the streets of New York.
'Srila Prabhupada loves this service, although I hate it, I'm determined to love it for his pleasure.'
You served Srila Prabhupada so intently that despite coughing all day and lying on the floor of the temple ashram, you stepped out on the ice cold streets and fervently begged Krsna to give you the strength to distribute a book to a passerby 1 metre away.
They called you the hard luck kid, but you got so lucky, that soon thereafter, you were given your first of many tickets back to Godhead from His Divine Grace.
But there is no such thing as luck.
Srila Prabhupada gave those tickets to his entourage of intimate servants who came forward to assist him in producing editing publishing distributing teaching and outreaching from his books.
When Rupa Goswami had understood the deep intentions of the heart of Lord Caitanya and composed some wonderful verses reflecting Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu's ecstatic mood, he pleased Him so much that Lord Caitanya embraced him and bestowed upon him various benedictions.
Srila Prabhupada was not visibly present on the planet but detecting his wish you braved the formidable Eastern block and were similarly blessed and bestowed with all the necessary potencies for preaching the Bhakti cult.
Srila Prabhupada and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur have both appeared to you and instructed you to write Kṛṣṇa conscious literature.
The books you write lead your countless grateful readers to the best part of your books, which you say is the quotes of Prabhupada's books.
The entire worlds people are ablaze. However, you have a unique and especially rare skill in extinguishing the samsara flames for us defunct decrepit souls loitering in the impious lands of the so called first world.
As Nityananda Prabhu intuits the ways of Mahāprabhu's devotional ecstasy, He extends His arms to catch Caitanya Mahāprabhu as he topples in love of Kṛṣṇa, you also perfectly Intuit Prabhupada's divine orders , His will, and catch such sacred orders with reverence and enthusiasm.
Those who are externally captivated may think that you were never personally instructed by His Divine Grace, however you explain that He said His association is even more available in his books, so your vigourous serving mood provided you the special association and reception of Prabhupada's will in perfect order of priority.
"A son who acts by anticipating what his father wants him to do is first class, one who acts upon receiving his father's order is second class, and one who executes his father's order irreverently is third class. But a son who refuses his father's order is like his father's stool." SB 9.18.44
Those who are fortunate to have abandoned their own agency and adopted the divine orders you supply them are very vigorously engaged in the distribution of Love of Krsna.
Indeed you are collecting many many jivas from Kali Yuga's bizzare and tragic web, brushing them off for years and years while simultaneously empowering them to participate in the Sankirtan Yajna in astonishing wonderful ways.
You once said that you are conquered by Sankirtan nectar stories and that we will never know how much ecstasy you taste by hearing them.
One of my first personal services I was given by you was to read through a stash of hand written Nectar stories that devotees had offered you and I was to select the very best of them for your transcendental relishing.
Earlier this year the Dr told me I likely had a fatal lung disease. It later turned out to be an overcautious diagnosis and the symptoms mirrored something terminal.
In short, it was telling to witness where I turned to for shelter during this time.
But, by your merciful installing of sacred desire, I continued my service to the sankirtan Yajna in the visible presence of the Panca Tattva and sought to recover from the disease of bhava roga in that way.
I also found increased admiration of your sankirtan teams you have personally trained and empowered all over the planet.
The stories and pastimes these devotees share are indeed pastimes from the Caitanya Caritamrta. They are so medicinal in the highest form.
I feel so fortunate to have witnessed your performance of these extended pastimes of Sri Sri Panca Tattva and I beg you and your devotees for the strength to abate my deformation of will, to stand above the temptations of an easy going life and to continue trying to reach the lofty goals of becoming a trustworthy "Yes sir" disciple.
Your fallen servant
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Balarama Acarya dasa
Dear Gurudeva, my dear spiritual father,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you on this auspicious day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please allow this insignificant jiva to glorify your expertise in giving Krishna to others, your undivided attachment to serving Srila Prabhupada, and your saintly qualities as a bona fide spiritual master.
In the Eleventh Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatum, third chapter, verse 21, it is said that a bona fide spiritual master is one who have realized the conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and be able to convince others of these conclusions. You fully exhibit this quality as a spiritual master through your powerful preaching around the world. Whenever the sincere conditioned souls have any doubt, uncertainty, stubbornness, or misunderstanding, you are always able to dispel it and convince them that there is nothing higher than devotional service to Krishna. You are in perfect knowledge of the Vedas and are perfectly qualified to teach the science of Krishna. You set the perfect example in your actions and words for all of us to follow. You exemplify Lord Caitanya’s instruction - wherever you go, whoever you meet, simply teach them the science of Krishna. Your relentless travel around the world and preaching to persons from all walks of life - students, professionals, travellers, couples, the karmis, the mental speculators, the yogis - is a testimonial of your glorious preaching effort, for the benefit of all humanity.
You teach me and many others that the foremost devotional service is hearing and chanting. You explain to me and many others the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, how to hear from the scriptures sincerely so our consciousness may be transformed, how to engineer our life to make chanting the maha mantra the primary goal of our life, how chanting should be like crying out to Krishna like a baby, begging for engagement in service and Krishna’s acceptance of our service, and how to engage our mind and senses in Krishna’s service. You give different instructions to us according to each our psychophysical propensity: if you like cooking, cook for Krishna if you like managing, manage for Krishna, or write for Krishna, distribute books for Krishna, speak for Krishna, work for Krishna, or have a family life for Krishna. In this way, you expertly engage everyone of us to serve the Lord, and fulfil the mission of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON where communities of devotees have the opportunities to purify and nurture their real selves through devotional service in devotee association, and simultaneously to give devotional service and devotee association to others. This overwhelming flood of Krishna’s mercy is only possible as you are a bona fide spiritual master, a transparent medium for Krishna’s mercy to flow unobstructed in full strength. My sincere gratitude to you for linking this conditioned soul to our parampara. This is truly a gift that I must treasure.
Without Krishna’s mercy that you carry through the parampara, I would be completely and helplessly entangled in material existence, forgetting Krishna’s supreme position, my infinitesimal position and my relationship with Him. I would become a demoniac materialist, chewing that which has already been chewed, desperately and tragically trying to squeeze some illusory happiness that the society claims to offer that looks all too real.
The glories of your worldwide mission as a service to Srila Prabhupada know no depth. If you desire, please continue to engage me in serving your mission in ways that please you.
On this auspicious day, I sincerely and humbly reaffirm my desire to offer my body, mind and words to you and your glorious mission. My sincere hope is that this desire will never cease and will continue to intensify and mature, so I can be a useful and reliable instrument of yours for your mission. Only by pleasing a pure devotee, the representative of Krishna, can Krishna be pleased. Whether it’s heaven or hell, whether I’m happy or not, should not be my concern. What’s important is to be engaged in service and to please you.
All glories to you Gurudeva.
Your spiritual son, your insignificant servant of your servants,
Balarāmā Ācaryā dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you on this auspicious day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please allow this insignificant jiva to glorify your expertise in giving Krishna to others, your undivided attachment to serving Srila Prabhupada, and your saintly qualities as a bona fide spiritual master.
In the Eleventh Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatum, third chapter, verse 21, it is said that a bona fide spiritual master is one who have realized the conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and be able to convince others of these conclusions. You fully exhibit this quality as a spiritual master through your powerful preaching around the world. Whenever the sincere conditioned souls have any doubt, uncertainty, stubbornness, or misunderstanding, you are always able to dispel it and convince them that there is nothing higher than devotional service to Krishna. You are in perfect knowledge of the Vedas and are perfectly qualified to teach the science of Krishna. You set the perfect example in your actions and words for all of us to follow. You exemplify Lord Caitanya’s instruction - wherever you go, whoever you meet, simply teach them the science of Krishna. Your relentless travel around the world and preaching to persons from all walks of life - students, professionals, travellers, couples, the karmis, the mental speculators, the yogis - is a testimonial of your glorious preaching effort, for the benefit of all humanity.
You teach me and many others that the foremost devotional service is hearing and chanting. You explain to me and many others the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, how to hear from the scriptures sincerely so our consciousness may be transformed, how to engineer our life to make chanting the maha mantra the primary goal of our life, how chanting should be like crying out to Krishna like a baby, begging for engagement in service and Krishna’s acceptance of our service, and how to engage our mind and senses in Krishna’s service. You give different instructions to us according to each our psychophysical propensity: if you like cooking, cook for Krishna if you like managing, manage for Krishna, or write for Krishna, distribute books for Krishna, speak for Krishna, work for Krishna, or have a family life for Krishna. In this way, you expertly engage everyone of us to serve the Lord, and fulfil the mission of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON where communities of devotees have the opportunities to purify and nurture their real selves through devotional service in devotee association, and simultaneously to give devotional service and devotee association to others. This overwhelming flood of Krishna’s mercy is only possible as you are a bona fide spiritual master, a transparent medium for Krishna’s mercy to flow unobstructed in full strength. My sincere gratitude to you for linking this conditioned soul to our parampara. This is truly a gift that I must treasure.
Without Krishna’s mercy that you carry through the parampara, I would be completely and helplessly entangled in material existence, forgetting Krishna’s supreme position, my infinitesimal position and my relationship with Him. I would become a demoniac materialist, chewing that which has already been chewed, desperately and tragically trying to squeeze some illusory happiness that the society claims to offer that looks all too real.
The glories of your worldwide mission as a service to Srila Prabhupada know no depth. If you desire, please continue to engage me in serving your mission in ways that please you.
On this auspicious day, I sincerely and humbly reaffirm my desire to offer my body, mind and words to you and your glorious mission. My sincere hope is that this desire will never cease and will continue to intensify and mature, so I can be a useful and reliable instrument of yours for your mission. Only by pleasing a pure devotee, the representative of Krishna, can Krishna be pleased. Whether it’s heaven or hell, whether I’m happy or not, should not be my concern. What’s important is to be engaged in service and to please you.
All glories to you Gurudeva.
Your spiritual son, your insignificant servant of your servants,
Balarāmā Ācaryā dasa
Bali Daityaraja dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
One thing is for sure, to be truely selfless is no easy thing.. This quality sets vaisnavas in a class if their own, completely separate from this material world. You are undoubtedly one of these vaisnavas.
Throughout the spiritual and material skies there are the most amazing examples of topmost devotees giving everything for Krsnas happiness, leaving nothing on the table.
Thank you for being that flaming example for so many of us. Not just for the perfect example of how to perfect the human form of life or how to relish and rejoice in the nectar of the holy name. But for your unceasing endeavours all over the world to care and encourage us in our devotional lives.
Just like he six Goswamis of Vrndavan you gave up all ties to the material world as insignificant in order to deliver the fallen conditioned souls.
In my eyes you are no different than Narada Muni who travels around Devi dhama giving Krsna bhakti to the most unfortunate people or Vasudeva datta whose only wish was to bring everyone back home, no matter the cost.
Fortunately this unfortunate jiva happened to get caught in the net of your mercy which I thank you for again and again.
I pray that one day I can develop just a fragment of your selflessness so my life will also become perfect.
Your servant, Bali Daityaraja dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
One thing is for sure, to be truely selfless is no easy thing.. This quality sets vaisnavas in a class if their own, completely separate from this material world. You are undoubtedly one of these vaisnavas.
Throughout the spiritual and material skies there are the most amazing examples of topmost devotees giving everything for Krsnas happiness, leaving nothing on the table.
Thank you for being that flaming example for so many of us. Not just for the perfect example of how to perfect the human form of life or how to relish and rejoice in the nectar of the holy name. But for your unceasing endeavours all over the world to care and encourage us in our devotional lives.
Just like he six Goswamis of Vrndavan you gave up all ties to the material world as insignificant in order to deliver the fallen conditioned souls.
In my eyes you are no different than Narada Muni who travels around Devi dhama giving Krsna bhakti to the most unfortunate people or Vasudeva datta whose only wish was to bring everyone back home, no matter the cost.
Fortunately this unfortunate jiva happened to get caught in the net of your mercy which I thank you for again and again.
I pray that one day I can develop just a fragment of your selflessness so my life will also become perfect.
Your servant, Bali Daityaraja dasa
Bhaava Alankara
Hare krishna gurudev,
PAMHO. All glories to Vaishnava acharyas !
Dear Gurudev,
Wish you a very glorious year as always. Year after year I think how blessed I am and my god family to have you directing us towards Krishna and engaging us in Srila Prabhupad’s and Chaitanya’s mission. I was a lost soul without you. I offer my respectful obeisances to your mother to have been a medium to bring you to us. Gurudev, your authoritative and sound knowledge of the essence of shastras, your expressions of love towards Srila Prabhupad, your dedication to engage in distributing books, the main mission of Srila Prabhupad, your efforts to convince and enlighten others in Krishna consciousness in the West (the most challenging and crazy lot), your control of tongue eating austerely inspires me and motivates me every day to get out and about in business of Krishna. However I do not know if I can ever have as much dedication as you have and as much sense control as you have. I always wonder how you could take up such austere life after Prabhupad's response of “mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm” (I recently heard this in a lecture you gave at Melbourne how Prabhupad responded to your question relating to instruction of service). I do not think I could have managed as much service with that kind of a response.
Gurudev, you are so merciful, you have accepted a wretch like me as your disciple and also giving me opportunity to serve. All my godsisters from Melbourne and Sydney have dedicated so much time, energy and resources in your service whereas I am still limping in devotional service. You still overlook gaps in me and have been very kind to me. Thank you gurudev for sheltering me under your shoulders of devotion protecting me from assaults of maya. Thank you for all your merciful glances and your instructions through your lectures.
Hare krishna
Bhaava Alankara DD
PAMHO. All glories to Vaishnava acharyas !
Dear Gurudev,
Wish you a very glorious year as always. Year after year I think how blessed I am and my god family to have you directing us towards Krishna and engaging us in Srila Prabhupad’s and Chaitanya’s mission. I was a lost soul without you. I offer my respectful obeisances to your mother to have been a medium to bring you to us. Gurudev, your authoritative and sound knowledge of the essence of shastras, your expressions of love towards Srila Prabhupad, your dedication to engage in distributing books, the main mission of Srila Prabhupad, your efforts to convince and enlighten others in Krishna consciousness in the West (the most challenging and crazy lot), your control of tongue eating austerely inspires me and motivates me every day to get out and about in business of Krishna. However I do not know if I can ever have as much dedication as you have and as much sense control as you have. I always wonder how you could take up such austere life after Prabhupad's response of “mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm” (I recently heard this in a lecture you gave at Melbourne how Prabhupad responded to your question relating to instruction of service). I do not think I could have managed as much service with that kind of a response.
Gurudev, you are so merciful, you have accepted a wretch like me as your disciple and also giving me opportunity to serve. All my godsisters from Melbourne and Sydney have dedicated so much time, energy and resources in your service whereas I am still limping in devotional service. You still overlook gaps in me and have been very kind to me. Thank you gurudev for sheltering me under your shoulders of devotion protecting me from assaults of maya. Thank you for all your merciful glances and your instructions through your lectures.
Hare krishna
Bhaava Alankara DD
Bhadrasena das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
When I was a young boy, my family and I lived in an old village near a Pirates Cove in South England. One summer when i was about 7yrs old, my father took me and my brother out in a very small boat made of fibreglass. It was about 12 foot long and very simple. It was just big enough for all of us to do a little trip around the Dorset coast to a small private beach so we could have some summer fun. From leaving the small cove entrance, it would take us immediately into the great famous English Channel.
The trip out was on a very calm and sunny day with not a ripple on the ocean, as we motored along, close to the towering cliffs above us. It was a beautiful day with lovely scenic views and calm weather, perfect. The engine motor was a small seagull engine, pushing us along at about 15 mph when on full throttle.
After enjoying the secret beach around the coastline, we headed back for home in the late afternoon for evening Tea. All seemed calm and safe as before.
However, as we headed out, and were going along the coastline, far from the nearest inlet or beach, the waves started brewing up. Within minutes, the boat was being lifted slightly and rocking, back-and-forth. All seemed okay for sometime, as we didn’t have too far to go. However, not understanding, and being ignorant of the infamous Dorset coastline, we didn’t know that the currents change really fast and catch out a lot of the sailors and innocent daytrippers regularly. Before we knew it, the waves towered so high, as we sank down for cover, scared at the bottom of the boat. The waves were so high that the cliffs would disappear from view, then we would rise up the other side with my father trying to angle the boat, so when it dropped, it wouldn’t smash or break the bottom of the fragile structure. My father‘s face was stone and grave, but he didn’t express fear or anxiety, probably knowing it would just make my brother, Phil and I more terrified, and perhaps even panic. We were only 100 yards away from the entrance to the pirate cove, where no currents or waves could assert their power. But we were not seemingly getting closer, only incrementally and slowly. I was so scared that I didn’t know if we were going to make it home or be taken by the sea. The boat was crashing down and the tiny motor was struggling to get traction to move us closer to the entrance.
Despite all this, I put my trust and faith in my father that somehow he would save us. That was the only thread I was hanging onto. Despite disappearing down inside the swell, not seeing even land or sky, and then, rising up so high, I was praying that the boat would survive each battering as it landed over the top of the wave. I kept looking at my father, as he remained steady grave and determined He was fixed on his mission and was carefully manoeuvring the boat with the swell of the ocean little by little towards the goal. After what seemed like hours, feeling exhausted, after being emotionally, battered and physically stressed, we finally entered the mouth of the Cove. Within just a few metres of entering the bay, the power of the ocean, immediately abated, and suddenly a sense of calm overcame the boat and our minds. Relief settled in. The water was calm and the boat, effortlessly guided us towards the shore towards home. Everyone on the boat was silent and speechless, but inwardly relieved. The only sound was the engine motor, which was also the rudder too. Our father had saved us. We were safe and home now. How did we do it?
We found out later that my father knew how to guide the boat and manoeuvre it, so it would survive the waves and move forward, despite the challenges. It seemed like a miracle to us that we made it. What would we have done without our father to help us?
Dear Gurudeva, if we look at the outside world, the current progress of Kali yuga. We see the waves of suffering, confusion and madness are increasing year to year. Like a tsunami. Like, when we were in the boat, what seemed like a sane normal day out, quickly turned into a nightmare as the power of material nature showed her real face. Today the waves are bigger and stronger! Without my father and his experience and emotional strength, we would have been taken by the sea and been swept away. Similarly, when I think of the onslaught of material nature that has had its grip on me in my devotional career, the physical and mental challenges, crisis in executing my duties and services, I seriously have wondered. How will I ever make it through the horrors of this world? As each wave has hit me, somehow I have survived and made it through. So how is this so?
Against such power and odds? The only reason is by the mercy of devotional service to such a bonafide spiritual master as you. Only by coming in contact with such a spiritual master can we cross the ocean of material existence. That spiritual master is recognised by his ability to be unwavering and unaffected by the dualities and calamities of this world. That spiritual master is fixed and determined in all circumstances, in devotional service to the supreme personality of godhead. On this day of your appearance, i swear that I understand that you are such a personality. To find such a Devotee who is actually on that platform, and who can save and help us from the waves of happiness and distress in this world, like my father in the boat, is very rare. That spiritual master is the boat and the rudder that can expertly deliver, and guide the surrendered soul into the calm and safe care of loving, devotional service, beyond the material platform. I pray, like I was in that boat, with my father and brother, that I can put my faith in you, and serve you better. May I never forget my great fortune in meeting you and having the opportunity to serve you. May I always remember how I am still that little boy, helpless, insignificant, and totally dependent on your mercy and guidance, as I am tossed by the waves and the swell of the material Ocean. I pray i can always remember you as i huddle in the bottom of my tiny boat in the ocean of material existence. Knowing that i am safe as long as i have You.
May I never forget my great fortune in meeting you and having the opportunity to serve you
Guru Krsna Prasada paya bhakti lata bija
ys Bhadrasena das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
When I was a young boy, my family and I lived in an old village near a Pirates Cove in South England. One summer when i was about 7yrs old, my father took me and my brother out in a very small boat made of fibreglass. It was about 12 foot long and very simple. It was just big enough for all of us to do a little trip around the Dorset coast to a small private beach so we could have some summer fun. From leaving the small cove entrance, it would take us immediately into the great famous English Channel.
The trip out was on a very calm and sunny day with not a ripple on the ocean, as we motored along, close to the towering cliffs above us. It was a beautiful day with lovely scenic views and calm weather, perfect. The engine motor was a small seagull engine, pushing us along at about 15 mph when on full throttle.
After enjoying the secret beach around the coastline, we headed back for home in the late afternoon for evening Tea. All seemed calm and safe as before.
However, as we headed out, and were going along the coastline, far from the nearest inlet or beach, the waves started brewing up. Within minutes, the boat was being lifted slightly and rocking, back-and-forth. All seemed okay for sometime, as we didn’t have too far to go. However, not understanding, and being ignorant of the infamous Dorset coastline, we didn’t know that the currents change really fast and catch out a lot of the sailors and innocent daytrippers regularly. Before we knew it, the waves towered so high, as we sank down for cover, scared at the bottom of the boat. The waves were so high that the cliffs would disappear from view, then we would rise up the other side with my father trying to angle the boat, so when it dropped, it wouldn’t smash or break the bottom of the fragile structure. My father‘s face was stone and grave, but he didn’t express fear or anxiety, probably knowing it would just make my brother, Phil and I more terrified, and perhaps even panic. We were only 100 yards away from the entrance to the pirate cove, where no currents or waves could assert their power. But we were not seemingly getting closer, only incrementally and slowly. I was so scared that I didn’t know if we were going to make it home or be taken by the sea. The boat was crashing down and the tiny motor was struggling to get traction to move us closer to the entrance.
Despite all this, I put my trust and faith in my father that somehow he would save us. That was the only thread I was hanging onto. Despite disappearing down inside the swell, not seeing even land or sky, and then, rising up so high, I was praying that the boat would survive each battering as it landed over the top of the wave. I kept looking at my father, as he remained steady grave and determined He was fixed on his mission and was carefully manoeuvring the boat with the swell of the ocean little by little towards the goal. After what seemed like hours, feeling exhausted, after being emotionally, battered and physically stressed, we finally entered the mouth of the Cove. Within just a few metres of entering the bay, the power of the ocean, immediately abated, and suddenly a sense of calm overcame the boat and our minds. Relief settled in. The water was calm and the boat, effortlessly guided us towards the shore towards home. Everyone on the boat was silent and speechless, but inwardly relieved. The only sound was the engine motor, which was also the rudder too. Our father had saved us. We were safe and home now. How did we do it?
We found out later that my father knew how to guide the boat and manoeuvre it, so it would survive the waves and move forward, despite the challenges. It seemed like a miracle to us that we made it. What would we have done without our father to help us?
Dear Gurudeva, if we look at the outside world, the current progress of Kali yuga. We see the waves of suffering, confusion and madness are increasing year to year. Like a tsunami. Like, when we were in the boat, what seemed like a sane normal day out, quickly turned into a nightmare as the power of material nature showed her real face. Today the waves are bigger and stronger! Without my father and his experience and emotional strength, we would have been taken by the sea and been swept away. Similarly, when I think of the onslaught of material nature that has had its grip on me in my devotional career, the physical and mental challenges, crisis in executing my duties and services, I seriously have wondered. How will I ever make it through the horrors of this world? As each wave has hit me, somehow I have survived and made it through. So how is this so?
Against such power and odds? The only reason is by the mercy of devotional service to such a bonafide spiritual master as you. Only by coming in contact with such a spiritual master can we cross the ocean of material existence. That spiritual master is recognised by his ability to be unwavering and unaffected by the dualities and calamities of this world. That spiritual master is fixed and determined in all circumstances, in devotional service to the supreme personality of godhead. On this day of your appearance, i swear that I understand that you are such a personality. To find such a Devotee who is actually on that platform, and who can save and help us from the waves of happiness and distress in this world, like my father in the boat, is very rare. That spiritual master is the boat and the rudder that can expertly deliver, and guide the surrendered soul into the calm and safe care of loving, devotional service, beyond the material platform. I pray, like I was in that boat, with my father and brother, that I can put my faith in you, and serve you better. May I never forget my great fortune in meeting you and having the opportunity to serve you. May I always remember how I am still that little boy, helpless, insignificant, and totally dependent on your mercy and guidance, as I am tossed by the waves and the swell of the material Ocean. I pray i can always remember you as i huddle in the bottom of my tiny boat in the ocean of material existence. Knowing that i am safe as long as i have You.
May I never forget my great fortune in meeting you and having the opportunity to serve you
Guru Krsna Prasada paya bhakti lata bija
ys Bhadrasena das
Bhagavat Katha Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories unto you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
There are 4 things that you do daily.
1. Sadhna – Your utmost priority to chant in the morning is exemplary to all of us. No matter how tried you feel or which continent you have travelled from,you are always up early in the morning focusing on your sadhna.
2. Physical care – During the day you ensure the time is taken to do exercise, such as going out on walks.
3. Study – Daily spending time reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, relishing holding those books in your hand to read.
4. Seva – Giving lectures, meeting devotees, involvement in management and many more. I recall an incident you shared. It was during RadhaAsthmi you were with your God-brother Sivarama Maharaj in the airport and a thought of buying some gifts for Radharani came up. It was so bewildering that you finally decided that the best gift you can give was to give a class and talk about Srimati Radharani.
When I reflect on these daily activities of yours, it just inspires me to understand how well you manage your time to priorities your spiritual focus.
Recently, I observed a dog walking with a leash with his master. In the signal the master would stop, dog would follow instructions, and just look at the master waiting for the next instructions. It was controlled by the leash and the instructions of the master.
If an animal can be trained to surrender to its master , I hope I can in the similar way follow your instructions without wavering thoughts.
I pray unto your lotus feet to always keep us engaged under your watchful eyes
and continue serving you.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhagavat-Katha das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories unto you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
There are 4 things that you do daily.
1. Sadhna – Your utmost priority to chant in the morning is exemplary to all of us. No matter how tried you feel or which continent you have travelled from,you are always up early in the morning focusing on your sadhna.
2. Physical care – During the day you ensure the time is taken to do exercise, such as going out on walks.
3. Study – Daily spending time reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, relishing holding those books in your hand to read.
4. Seva – Giving lectures, meeting devotees, involvement in management and many more. I recall an incident you shared. It was during RadhaAsthmi you were with your God-brother Sivarama Maharaj in the airport and a thought of buying some gifts for Radharani came up. It was so bewildering that you finally decided that the best gift you can give was to give a class and talk about Srimati Radharani.
When I reflect on these daily activities of yours, it just inspires me to understand how well you manage your time to priorities your spiritual focus.
Recently, I observed a dog walking with a leash with his master. In the signal the master would stop, dog would follow instructions, and just look at the master waiting for the next instructions. It was controlled by the leash and the instructions of the master.
If an animal can be trained to surrender to its master , I hope I can in the similar way follow your instructions without wavering thoughts.
I pray unto your lotus feet to always keep us engaged under your watchful eyes
and continue serving you.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhagavat-Katha das
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.
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
This year i have experienced the power of this prayer, that so many devotees hold to their heart, so dear.
Is it possible to understand how unlimited is the depths of your mercy? Is it that i caught a glimpse, this of this great controversy?
When my Aspirations to enjoy were turned topsy turvey, i turned to you and you gave me your courtesy.
You laughed at my lack of understanding, You called me a fool, real intelligence is what you need! My mind needed an overrule...
At first i was emotional, attached to my illusion, how was i to do this? Being so deep in confusion.
That same evening you gave a class, and o was that class class. Only an hour hear, the laws of time you just seem to bypass.
The beaming effulgence of your torch light of knowledge shone stonger than fire, illuminating my mistakes, and corupting my ignorant deisires.
I prayed and meditated deeply on your command, entering my life like magic, came everything i need to understand.
Day by day my intelligence grew, foolish i still am, but now thanks to you, I have a path on the journey of Bhakti, which is far more than i am due.
Undoubtedly you are my master, one day i hope to prove this true. I shudder at the thought of where i would be without you.
Please keep me at your lotus feet.
Your aspiring disciple,
Servent of your servents,
Bhakta Caleb
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to You on this auspicious day of your appearance.
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
This year i have experienced the power of this prayer, that so many devotees hold to their heart, so dear.
Is it possible to understand how unlimited is the depths of your mercy? Is it that i caught a glimpse, this of this great controversy?
When my Aspirations to enjoy were turned topsy turvey, i turned to you and you gave me your courtesy.
You laughed at my lack of understanding, You called me a fool, real intelligence is what you need! My mind needed an overrule...
At first i was emotional, attached to my illusion, how was i to do this? Being so deep in confusion.
That same evening you gave a class, and o was that class class. Only an hour hear, the laws of time you just seem to bypass.
The beaming effulgence of your torch light of knowledge shone stonger than fire, illuminating my mistakes, and corupting my ignorant deisires.
I prayed and meditated deeply on your command, entering my life like magic, came everything i need to understand.
Day by day my intelligence grew, foolish i still am, but now thanks to you, I have a path on the journey of Bhakti, which is far more than i am due.
Undoubtedly you are my master, one day i hope to prove this true. I shudder at the thought of where i would be without you.
Please keep me at your lotus feet.
Your aspiring disciple,
Servent of your servents,
Bhakta Caleb
Bhakta Corey
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Over 30 years ago the seed of Krishna Consciousness was planted in my heart,
but for most of that time it lay dormant. It was only after taking my first darshan with you just over a year ago that the seed started to grow. Since that time a have relished each opportunity I have had for darshan with you and trusted each of the instructions you have given me. I have so much gratitude for each of those instructions you have given me and have complete faith that if I continue on this path that with your mercy I will reach my potential for Krishna. I have always struggled to ask for help with my challenges, but you have shown me that without your guidance I will not reach this potential.
I am also thankful for advice you have given Amanda and I as we walk this path together. Your guidance of putting Krishna at the center of our marriage has strengthened our relationship as well.
These words cannot repay my indebtedness to you, or do any justice in glorifying your qualities and character. Thankyou for encouraging me to reach my potential for Krishna and for giving me the opportunity to serve your mission.
I wish you nothing but love and joy as you celebrate this auspicious day with devotees.
Your aspiring servant of your servants,
Corey Ackerman
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Over 30 years ago the seed of Krishna Consciousness was planted in my heart,
but for most of that time it lay dormant. It was only after taking my first darshan with you just over a year ago that the seed started to grow. Since that time a have relished each opportunity I have had for darshan with you and trusted each of the instructions you have given me. I have so much gratitude for each of those instructions you have given me and have complete faith that if I continue on this path that with your mercy I will reach my potential for Krishna. I have always struggled to ask for help with my challenges, but you have shown me that without your guidance I will not reach this potential.
I am also thankful for advice you have given Amanda and I as we walk this path together. Your guidance of putting Krishna at the center of our marriage has strengthened our relationship as well.
These words cannot repay my indebtedness to you, or do any justice in glorifying your qualities and character. Thankyou for encouraging me to reach my potential for Krishna and for giving me the opportunity to serve your mission.
I wish you nothing but love and joy as you celebrate this auspicious day with devotees.
Your aspiring servant of your servants,
Corey Ackerman
Bhakti-lata dd
Dear Gurudeva,
I offer my humble obeisances to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
If someone offers us a shortcut in life, we readily appreciate it. And here you are, Gurudeva, bestowing upon us the ultimate shortcut by leading us away from lifetimes of fruitless quests for fleeting happiness, and instead, steering us toward the path of eternal bliss.
In one of your recent enlightening classes, you shared this analogy “As conditioned souls, we are on a conveyor belt, being dragged by so many experiences, brought about by our own karma. Yet we think we are free." Here "happiness is polluted, contaminated." Your instructions are like a precious treasure map, guiding us to the authentic source of everlasting joy, Krishna.
Vidura's gratitude to Maitreya from the Third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam expresses just that:
“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. By serving the feet of the spiritual master, one is enabled to develop transcendental ecstasy in the service of the Personality of Godhead (...)” (SB3.7.18-19)
Your guidance to chant, read, and engage in service has been the lighthouse throughout the ups and downs of my life. Due to your gracious instructions and your unwavering support, I've been blessed with the opportunity to make life choices that help me to progress in my spiritual journey.
I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of immersing myself in hearing your inspirational classes, personally serving you, traveling with you, and benefiting from your invaluable guidance.
I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your benevolent presence in my life. May your boundless mercy forever illuminate my heart and continue to lead me along the path of devotion to Krishna and His beloved devotees.
Your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
I offer my humble obeisances to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
If someone offers us a shortcut in life, we readily appreciate it. And here you are, Gurudeva, bestowing upon us the ultimate shortcut by leading us away from lifetimes of fruitless quests for fleeting happiness, and instead, steering us toward the path of eternal bliss.
In one of your recent enlightening classes, you shared this analogy “As conditioned souls, we are on a conveyor belt, being dragged by so many experiences, brought about by our own karma. Yet we think we are free." Here "happiness is polluted, contaminated." Your instructions are like a precious treasure map, guiding us to the authentic source of everlasting joy, Krishna.
Vidura's gratitude to Maitreya from the Third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam expresses just that:
“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. By serving the feet of the spiritual master, one is enabled to develop transcendental ecstasy in the service of the Personality of Godhead (...)” (SB3.7.18-19)
Your guidance to chant, read, and engage in service has been the lighthouse throughout the ups and downs of my life. Due to your gracious instructions and your unwavering support, I've been blessed with the opportunity to make life choices that help me to progress in my spiritual journey.
I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of immersing myself in hearing your inspirational classes, personally serving you, traveling with you, and benefiting from your invaluable guidance.
I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your benevolent presence in my life. May your boundless mercy forever illuminate my heart and continue to lead me along the path of devotion to Krishna and His beloved devotees.
Your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Bhakti-sāra 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 Prabhupāda.
The appearance of a luminous soul to dispel the darkness of the material world is a true blessing for the entire universe. On the glorious Vyasa Puja day we are celebrating the divine virtues of our spiritual master who has come into our lives as a guide, as a messiah and as a true well-wisher.
In the intricate fabric of humanity, special persons appear whose essence resonates with the very core of Krishna’s message. These spiritual masters, revered across ages, possess qualities that elevate the human spirit. In the sacred aura of their presence, we find a reflection of divine virtues, each virtue, like a radiant facet, illuminates the path toward spiritual perfection, offering profound lessons for all seekers of truth.
Compassion, the first jewel in the crown of a spiritual master, is a boundless ocean of empathy and love. His heart, expansive and welcoming, embraces the pain of the world (para duḥkha duḥkhi). His compassion is not selective; it encompasses all living entities. He brings the streams of compassion directly from the reservoir Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who (Mahāprabhu) is like an ocean filled with many kinds of sweetness (vividha madhurimābdhiḥ…).
The wisdom of spiritual master is not confined to textbooks or worldly knowledge; it is an illumination that comes from a profound connection with the disciplic succession. His wisdom, like a guiding star, navigates the seekers through the complex mesh of existence. Rooted in experiential understanding, his teachings offer insights that resonate with the very essence of life. With this realised knowledge spiritual master is able to charm the fallen souls in an indescribable way (mādhurīṇām nirvaktum īṣad…) just like the charm of the dearmost devotees of Krishna, the Vrajavasis.
Humility graces the spiritual master like a regal robe. Despite his profound wisdom and spiritual attainment, he is humble (vidyā-vinaya-sampanne). His humility arises from the profound realization of his connection with the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. His humility teaches us that true greatness lies not in titles or accomplishments but in the ability to acknowledge our constitutional position as a servant. Even Krishna appears as Caitanya Mahaprabhu to taste the ecstasy of His devotees (dayita-nija-bhāvaṁ…).
Peacefulness, like a tranquil lake, characterises the spiritual master’s being. Amidst the cacophony of the world, he remains undisturbed, rooted in an unshakeable inner serenity. His peaceful aura calms storms in our minds and soothes restless hearts. In his calm presence, we find solace and a reminder of the peaceful abode Vraja-bhumi (śreṣṭhā purīṣu mano-ramā…).
Gratitude adorns the spiritual master like fragrant flowers in a divine garden. He teaches us how to be appreciative of Krishna's and Parampara’s blessings in our daily life. His gratitude is not a mere verbal expression but a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment. He recommends us to always remember the devotees who have helped us in Krishna consciousness and communicate our gratitude. By the mercy of the spiritual master, we are able to access beautiful descriptions of Krishna’s abode Vrindavan which is transcendentally higher than even Vaikuntha (ati-sādhu-svānta-vaikuṇṭha-vāsāt…).
Forgiveness, the liberating nectar, flows from the spiritual master's heart. He inspires us to understand the weight of animosity and the freedom that forgiveness bestows. Through his forgiveness, he is able to nurture sadhakas who make innumerable mistakes in their spiritual journey. By spiritual master’s mercy, like him, we may be able to taste the nectar of lotus feet of Krishna carried by Yamuna devi (...makarandaṁ nīra-pūra-cchalena).
By full absorption in devotional service, spiritual master shows how to practise avyartha kālatvam, dedicating all available time to Krishna’s service. Just like Govardhan hill, the spiritual master offers all the resources at his disposal for Krishna’s pleasure (gopikābhir udito hari-dāsa-varyaḥ…).
Due to spiritual master’s advanced personal reciprocation with Krishna in loving service (jayati jayati kṛṣṇa-prema-bhaktir…), he is able to connect to all living entities he contacts in a most personal way. He is fully present in each moment, his attention undivided, his heart open. In his presence, we find acceptance, understanding, and a genuine way of dealing. He listens and speaks with his heart, and offers the gift of undivided attention. His presence is not just physical; it is a spiritual embrace, a reminder of our transcendental existence beyond the material realm.
I continually pay my most humble obeisances to my spiritual master who always resides in the presence of Sri Krsna and His pure devotees and who is the abode of loving devotion to Krsna (...vande mādhavāśraya-vigraham). Gurudeva, I beg your mercy to keep me out of the grip of the great external potency of the Lord who is the possessor of great mystic power and mighty controller of all. I pray to you to make me a dedicated servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is none other than the son of Nanda Maharaja (brajendra-nandana jei, saci-suta hoilo sei…).
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Bhakti-sāra 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 Prabhupāda.
The appearance of a luminous soul to dispel the darkness of the material world is a true blessing for the entire universe. On the glorious Vyasa Puja day we are celebrating the divine virtues of our spiritual master who has come into our lives as a guide, as a messiah and as a true well-wisher.
In the intricate fabric of humanity, special persons appear whose essence resonates with the very core of Krishna’s message. These spiritual masters, revered across ages, possess qualities that elevate the human spirit. In the sacred aura of their presence, we find a reflection of divine virtues, each virtue, like a radiant facet, illuminates the path toward spiritual perfection, offering profound lessons for all seekers of truth.
Compassion, the first jewel in the crown of a spiritual master, is a boundless ocean of empathy and love. His heart, expansive and welcoming, embraces the pain of the world (para duḥkha duḥkhi). His compassion is not selective; it encompasses all living entities. He brings the streams of compassion directly from the reservoir Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who (Mahāprabhu) is like an ocean filled with many kinds of sweetness (vividha madhurimābdhiḥ…).
The wisdom of spiritual master is not confined to textbooks or worldly knowledge; it is an illumination that comes from a profound connection with the disciplic succession. His wisdom, like a guiding star, navigates the seekers through the complex mesh of existence. Rooted in experiential understanding, his teachings offer insights that resonate with the very essence of life. With this realised knowledge spiritual master is able to charm the fallen souls in an indescribable way (mādhurīṇām nirvaktum īṣad…) just like the charm of the dearmost devotees of Krishna, the Vrajavasis.
Humility graces the spiritual master like a regal robe. Despite his profound wisdom and spiritual attainment, he is humble (vidyā-vinaya-sampanne). His humility arises from the profound realization of his connection with the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. His humility teaches us that true greatness lies not in titles or accomplishments but in the ability to acknowledge our constitutional position as a servant. Even Krishna appears as Caitanya Mahaprabhu to taste the ecstasy of His devotees (dayita-nija-bhāvaṁ…).
Peacefulness, like a tranquil lake, characterises the spiritual master’s being. Amidst the cacophony of the world, he remains undisturbed, rooted in an unshakeable inner serenity. His peaceful aura calms storms in our minds and soothes restless hearts. In his calm presence, we find solace and a reminder of the peaceful abode Vraja-bhumi (śreṣṭhā purīṣu mano-ramā…).
Gratitude adorns the spiritual master like fragrant flowers in a divine garden. He teaches us how to be appreciative of Krishna's and Parampara’s blessings in our daily life. His gratitude is not a mere verbal expression but a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment. He recommends us to always remember the devotees who have helped us in Krishna consciousness and communicate our gratitude. By the mercy of the spiritual master, we are able to access beautiful descriptions of Krishna’s abode Vrindavan which is transcendentally higher than even Vaikuntha (ati-sādhu-svānta-vaikuṇṭha-vāsāt…).
Forgiveness, the liberating nectar, flows from the spiritual master's heart. He inspires us to understand the weight of animosity and the freedom that forgiveness bestows. Through his forgiveness, he is able to nurture sadhakas who make innumerable mistakes in their spiritual journey. By spiritual master’s mercy, like him, we may be able to taste the nectar of lotus feet of Krishna carried by Yamuna devi (...makarandaṁ nīra-pūra-cchalena).
By full absorption in devotional service, spiritual master shows how to practise avyartha kālatvam, dedicating all available time to Krishna’s service. Just like Govardhan hill, the spiritual master offers all the resources at his disposal for Krishna’s pleasure (gopikābhir udito hari-dāsa-varyaḥ…).
Due to spiritual master’s advanced personal reciprocation with Krishna in loving service (jayati jayati kṛṣṇa-prema-bhaktir…), he is able to connect to all living entities he contacts in a most personal way. He is fully present in each moment, his attention undivided, his heart open. In his presence, we find acceptance, understanding, and a genuine way of dealing. He listens and speaks with his heart, and offers the gift of undivided attention. His presence is not just physical; it is a spiritual embrace, a reminder of our transcendental existence beyond the material realm.
I continually pay my most humble obeisances to my spiritual master who always resides in the presence of Sri Krsna and His pure devotees and who is the abode of loving devotion to Krsna (...vande mādhavāśraya-vigraham). Gurudeva, I beg your mercy to keep me out of the grip of the great external potency of the Lord who is the possessor of great mystic power and mighty controller of all. I pray to you to make me a dedicated servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is none other than the son of Nanda Maharaja (brajendra-nandana jei, saci-suta hoilo sei…).
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Bhakti-sāra Dasa
Bhaktin Ananya & Bhakta Vraj Dham
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All Glory to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy birthdya dear Guru Maharaj.
I've almost forgotten all those small moments where I got a chance to have your darshan. But I keep on hearing about it from my parents. Vraj dham is now in grade 6 and started to learn about Krishna Consciousness.
We pray that you have long and healthy life.
We love to meet you soon in your next yatra to GEV. We're planning to meet you there.
Your servants,
Bhaktin Ananya & Bhata Vraj dham
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All Glory to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy birthdya dear Guru Maharaj.
I've almost forgotten all those small moments where I got a chance to have your darshan. But I keep on hearing about it from my parents. Vraj dham is now in grade 6 and started to learn about Krishna Consciousness.
We pray that you have long and healthy life.
We love to meet you soon in your next yatra to GEV. We're planning to meet you there.
Your servants,
Bhaktin Ananya & Bhata Vraj dham
Bhaktin Annabelle
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I really admire how you care about so many people, and how you give them real help, by assisting them towards achieving the goal of life- self realisation and Krishna Consciousness, that is, devotional service to Krishna.
I feel very grateful to you for presenting the message of Krishna and the Parampara as it is. Without you I would never have had a clue about the importance of human life for spiritual development.
Thank you for leading by example, by showing us how to dedicate everything for Krishna’s pleasure - time, words, intelligence, resources, and relationships.
It is very wonderful how you put so much time and thought into presenting topics about Krishna in ways that are easy to understand and relevant for our current Kali Yuga mindsets.
In one of your lectures, I heard you explain how one reason why Krishna comes to the material world is to attract us by his pastimes. Although Krishna has such beautiful pastimes, without you, I would never have had the chance to hear about them.
I really admire and appreciate how you create so many situations for people get the opportunity to hear knowledge of the self and the Superself, hear topics about Krishna and come in contact with Him in the form of his Holy Name.
In another lecture, you explained how Krishna shows His impartiality to all living entities by the fact that there are Vaisnavas circulating throughout the material world distributing Bhakti, giving everyone the chance to become dear to Him. This made me think of you, because you are the perfect example of such a Vaisnava.
I remember reading the part in your book “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness”, where you quote Srimad Bhagavatam, describing the two types of people who can be happy: the completely enlightened, self-realised, self-satisfied sage, or the complete materialistic fool. And everyone in between must be in anxiety. Reading that was a turning point in my life, where I decided to seriously try to take up Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for presenting these concepts to us in such an accessible way.
Thank you for being patient with me and tolerating my shortcomings. You are full of all the good qualities. I can only pray to somehow engage in your service.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Annabelle
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I really admire how you care about so many people, and how you give them real help, by assisting them towards achieving the goal of life- self realisation and Krishna Consciousness, that is, devotional service to Krishna.
I feel very grateful to you for presenting the message of Krishna and the Parampara as it is. Without you I would never have had a clue about the importance of human life for spiritual development.
Thank you for leading by example, by showing us how to dedicate everything for Krishna’s pleasure - time, words, intelligence, resources, and relationships.
It is very wonderful how you put so much time and thought into presenting topics about Krishna in ways that are easy to understand and relevant for our current Kali Yuga mindsets.
In one of your lectures, I heard you explain how one reason why Krishna comes to the material world is to attract us by his pastimes. Although Krishna has such beautiful pastimes, without you, I would never have had the chance to hear about them.
I really admire and appreciate how you create so many situations for people get the opportunity to hear knowledge of the self and the Superself, hear topics about Krishna and come in contact with Him in the form of his Holy Name.
In another lecture, you explained how Krishna shows His impartiality to all living entities by the fact that there are Vaisnavas circulating throughout the material world distributing Bhakti, giving everyone the chance to become dear to Him. This made me think of you, because you are the perfect example of such a Vaisnava.
I remember reading the part in your book “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness”, where you quote Srimad Bhagavatam, describing the two types of people who can be happy: the completely enlightened, self-realised, self-satisfied sage, or the complete materialistic fool. And everyone in between must be in anxiety. Reading that was a turning point in my life, where I decided to seriously try to take up Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for presenting these concepts to us in such an accessible way.
Thank you for being patient with me and tolerating my shortcomings. You are full of all the good qualities. I can only pray to somehow engage in your service.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Annabelle
Bhauma Vrindavan Das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I often feel that for you to have accepted me as your disciple you had to take a loss,
Who am I to be accepted by someone who sits at the lotus feet of Krishna?
In order for me to reach the spiritual platform, you knowingly throw yourself into the inferno of guiding your children through the maze of material life. Encouraging us all to go back home, back to godhead.
This day out of all the days is the one where we should be giving special meditations and attention upon your lotus feet.
You optimise, selfless loving action.
HG Visakha Devi Dasi wrote:
“True love can be practiced only in freedom that is, when the one who would love is not driven by selfish desire and thus controlled by lust, greed, envy, anger, or any kind of personal ambition.
“Action in freedom has got some meaning,” Srila Prabhupada says, “but when we are not free when we are in the clutches of maya [illusion] our so-called freedom has no value.””
Those who would love are selfdisciplined in all aspects of life because a lack of self-discipline means slavery to sensual demands. In Krishna’s words: “While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool.” (Bhagavad-gita 2.62–63)
love is unmotivated (ahaituki “causeless”), True love is also patient, determined, enthusiastic, and unceasing (apratihata “unbroken”).
We come to you, broken, battered, bruised & lost. We come to you with our issues and you direct us, guide us back to Krishnas holy name.
You selflessly show up for everyone you meet & the disciples you initiate, asking nothing in return, except for us to turn our gaze towards Krishna and live our life thinking of Krishna. The true life’s goal.
Who else does this? No one absorbed in material nature that’s for sure. Countless conditioned people, giving their wisdom on how we should live life. But you show us how we should truly live life, and its purpose.
Who really shows up for us?
You do everyday, with your kind words, affection, guidance, encouragement, loving nature, your laugh, smile and kirtan. The list goes on.
We should remember that you showed up for us when material nature was really winning, who knows for how many life times.
Maybe it’s me starting to understand love, because I have nothing to give except my vow. And you’re showing up for me, Who am I? it doesn’t make sense. But what I do know is that you show the world selfless love everyday.
nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto
‘bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoh
Thank you for the constant encouragement to connect with the wishful filling gem that is the Holy name.
Yours 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 often feel that for you to have accepted me as your disciple you had to take a loss,
Who am I to be accepted by someone who sits at the lotus feet of Krishna?
In order for me to reach the spiritual platform, you knowingly throw yourself into the inferno of guiding your children through the maze of material life. Encouraging us all to go back home, back to godhead.
This day out of all the days is the one where we should be giving special meditations and attention upon your lotus feet.
You optimise, selfless loving action.
HG Visakha Devi Dasi wrote:
“True love can be practiced only in freedom that is, when the one who would love is not driven by selfish desire and thus controlled by lust, greed, envy, anger, or any kind of personal ambition.
“Action in freedom has got some meaning,” Srila Prabhupada says, “but when we are not free when we are in the clutches of maya [illusion] our so-called freedom has no value.””
Those who would love are selfdisciplined in all aspects of life because a lack of self-discipline means slavery to sensual demands. In Krishna’s words: “While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool.” (Bhagavad-gita 2.62–63)
love is unmotivated (ahaituki “causeless”), True love is also patient, determined, enthusiastic, and unceasing (apratihata “unbroken”).
We come to you, broken, battered, bruised & lost. We come to you with our issues and you direct us, guide us back to Krishnas holy name.
You selflessly show up for everyone you meet & the disciples you initiate, asking nothing in return, except for us to turn our gaze towards Krishna and live our life thinking of Krishna. The true life’s goal.
Who else does this? No one absorbed in material nature that’s for sure. Countless conditioned people, giving their wisdom on how we should live life. But you show us how we should truly live life, and its purpose.
Who really shows up for us?
You do everyday, with your kind words, affection, guidance, encouragement, loving nature, your laugh, smile and kirtan. The list goes on.
We should remember that you showed up for us when material nature was really winning, who knows for how many life times.
Maybe it’s me starting to understand love, because I have nothing to give except my vow. And you’re showing up for me, Who am I? it doesn’t make sense. But what I do know is that you show the world selfless love everyday.
nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto
‘bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoh
Thank you for the constant encouragement to connect with the wishful filling gem that is the Holy name.
Yours Always
Bhauma Vrindavan Das
Bhava Sandhi dd
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I once heard that one who is not grateful is a great fool. The other day, like many others, I exhibited my nature as a great fool. It was my day off, I was really tired and it felt like it had taken me all day to chant my rounds and do my reading and I felt for a moment like, if I wasn't a devotee I would have been free to do whatever I wanted today. My intelligence flashed back to a class you gave one morning at New Varsana where you had said that we crave this feeling of freedom and we think that we will get it from the material energy, but it's the other way around, we get freedom from devotional service and bondage from the material energy. So my intelligence challenged my maya mind, OK, so let's think if I were not trying to practice bhakti yoga what would I have done today? My maya mind flashed up relaxing on a beach... Intelligence.. You actually are reading on a beach.. Maya mind Well. I would actually be relaxing on the beach rather than trying to read while my mind was in anxiety about Bhagavatam sets. Intelligence.. You would actually be bored lying on a beach, and how long could you just lie there for? And in reality you probably wouldn't be on a beach, you would be at some boring job now, hold on you probably wouldn't even have a job.. remember where you were before you met devotees? You would probably be dead or in some kind of institution right now... My maya mind was a little humbled as my intelligence reminded her where I was before I met you, how I was a mess, floundering in the ocean of material existence, how you had cast a net of mercy so wide as to catch this lost soul. Finally my maya mind felt ashamed. You have given me the opportunity to get out of this ocean of birth and death, connection to Krishna, Srimad Bhagavatam, the holy name, training in devotional service, the sweetest association, even my family wouldn't exist without you, how ungrateful, how childish I was. There you are pushing on, constantly engaged in outreach, everywhere you go you surcharge with spiritual energy, traveling, leading kirtans, writing, managing, counselling. My maya mind was now quiet and actually felt quite stupid, but at the same time now grateful for so much that you have given me. I know I can never repay that debt to you, and I'm sorry that I can't offer you much, but please accept my small attempts of service that I try to offer, like a child offering a small gift to her father.
Thank you for everything Gurudeva.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhava Sandhi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I once heard that one who is not grateful is a great fool. The other day, like many others, I exhibited my nature as a great fool. It was my day off, I was really tired and it felt like it had taken me all day to chant my rounds and do my reading and I felt for a moment like, if I wasn't a devotee I would have been free to do whatever I wanted today. My intelligence flashed back to a class you gave one morning at New Varsana where you had said that we crave this feeling of freedom and we think that we will get it from the material energy, but it's the other way around, we get freedom from devotional service and bondage from the material energy. So my intelligence challenged my maya mind, OK, so let's think if I were not trying to practice bhakti yoga what would I have done today? My maya mind flashed up relaxing on a beach... Intelligence.. You actually are reading on a beach.. Maya mind Well. I would actually be relaxing on the beach rather than trying to read while my mind was in anxiety about Bhagavatam sets. Intelligence.. You would actually be bored lying on a beach, and how long could you just lie there for? And in reality you probably wouldn't be on a beach, you would be at some boring job now, hold on you probably wouldn't even have a job.. remember where you were before you met devotees? You would probably be dead or in some kind of institution right now... My maya mind was a little humbled as my intelligence reminded her where I was before I met you, how I was a mess, floundering in the ocean of material existence, how you had cast a net of mercy so wide as to catch this lost soul. Finally my maya mind felt ashamed. You have given me the opportunity to get out of this ocean of birth and death, connection to Krishna, Srimad Bhagavatam, the holy name, training in devotional service, the sweetest association, even my family wouldn't exist without you, how ungrateful, how childish I was. There you are pushing on, constantly engaged in outreach, everywhere you go you surcharge with spiritual energy, traveling, leading kirtans, writing, managing, counselling. My maya mind was now quiet and actually felt quite stupid, but at the same time now grateful for so much that you have given me. I know I can never repay that debt to you, and I'm sorry that I can't offer you much, but please accept my small attempts of service that I try to offer, like a child offering a small gift to her father.
Thank you for everything Gurudeva.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhava Sandhi dd
Bhava-vibhusana Das
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
After distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, my favourite Krishna Conscious activity is to listen to one of your lectures while taking prasad. While I was studying at university my happiest times were during lunch time, when I would sit under a tree at university and listen to one of your lectures while taking prasad. Later after I joined the Temple, when I would go on Travelling Sankirtan with my godbrothers I would relish hearing your lectures being played out loud while we took prasad either in a caravan park or in our Sankirtan van.
Your lectures are so soothing to the heart, are like an intoxicating beverage for the ears and an ecstatic festival for the mind! They have been the nourishing food for my soul, right from the beginning days of my Krsna Consciousness till now.
I have realised how you simply repeat whatever Srila Prabhupada has said in his lectures and books. You are so chaste to Srila Prabhupada’s words and teachings. So many times, while reading Srila Prabhupada’s books or listening to one of his lectures I come across a point that I had just heard you explaining in one of your lectures. Because of your chastity to Srila Prabhupada, your words carry so much potency and are able to inspire so many souls in Krishna Consciousness all around the world.
Srila Prabhupada always emphasised the distribution of his books and being chaste to him you always inspire us to distribute them. In Sri Caitanya Caritamrta (Adi 3.77), Srila Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Goswami states that:
saṅkīrtana-pravartaka śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya
saṅkīrtana-yajñe tāṅre bhaje, sei dhanya
“Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya is the initiator of saṅkīrtana [congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord]. One who worships Him through saṅkīrtana is fortunate indeed.”
Thank you, Gurudeva, for bringing us up to this most fortunate position of worshiping Lord Caitanya through Sankirtan. For this, we are all eternally indebted to you.
In the third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam (3.24.12), Lord Brahma says to Kardama Muni, “My dear son Kardama, since you have completely accepted my instructions without duplicity, showing them proper respect, you have worshiped me properly. Whatever instructions you took from me you have carried out, and thereby you have honored me.” In the purport, Srila Prabhupada further emphasises that, “To honor the spiritual master means to carry out his instructions word for word.”
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray that I may not take the instructions you bestow upon us in your lectures lightly. And may I properly honor & worship you by taking those instructions deep into my heart and carry them out word for word.
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koribo aikya,
ār nā koriho mane āśā
Your very grateful servant,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
After distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, my favourite Krishna Conscious activity is to listen to one of your lectures while taking prasad. While I was studying at university my happiest times were during lunch time, when I would sit under a tree at university and listen to one of your lectures while taking prasad. Later after I joined the Temple, when I would go on Travelling Sankirtan with my godbrothers I would relish hearing your lectures being played out loud while we took prasad either in a caravan park or in our Sankirtan van.
Your lectures are so soothing to the heart, are like an intoxicating beverage for the ears and an ecstatic festival for the mind! They have been the nourishing food for my soul, right from the beginning days of my Krsna Consciousness till now.
I have realised how you simply repeat whatever Srila Prabhupada has said in his lectures and books. You are so chaste to Srila Prabhupada’s words and teachings. So many times, while reading Srila Prabhupada’s books or listening to one of his lectures I come across a point that I had just heard you explaining in one of your lectures. Because of your chastity to Srila Prabhupada, your words carry so much potency and are able to inspire so many souls in Krishna Consciousness all around the world.
Srila Prabhupada always emphasised the distribution of his books and being chaste to him you always inspire us to distribute them. In Sri Caitanya Caritamrta (Adi 3.77), Srila Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Goswami states that:
saṅkīrtana-pravartaka śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya
saṅkīrtana-yajñe tāṅre bhaje, sei dhanya
“Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya is the initiator of saṅkīrtana [congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord]. One who worships Him through saṅkīrtana is fortunate indeed.”
Thank you, Gurudeva, for bringing us up to this most fortunate position of worshiping Lord Caitanya through Sankirtan. For this, we are all eternally indebted to you.
In the third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam (3.24.12), Lord Brahma says to Kardama Muni, “My dear son Kardama, since you have completely accepted my instructions without duplicity, showing them proper respect, you have worshiped me properly. Whatever instructions you took from me you have carried out, and thereby you have honored me.” In the purport, Srila Prabhupada further emphasises that, “To honor the spiritual master means to carry out his instructions word for word.”
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray that I may not take the instructions you bestow upon us in your lectures lightly. And may I properly honor & worship you by taking those instructions deep into my heart and carry them out word for word.
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koribo aikya,
ār nā koriho mane āśā
Your very grateful servant,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Bhishmapitamaha Das
Hare Krishna Srila Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine appearance day,
I am so fortunate to have you in my life, who can be merciful to me than you, without you I would have been suffering in this material world without knowing the goal of a soul, your instructions are like thunder bolts which cuts all the material desires and gives seed to spiritual desires. The question and answer session in RETREATS are the awakening session for fallen souls like me where all the doubts regarding Krishna gets cleared by the vani coming from your lotus mouth.
Gurudev the amount of time you spend on your disciples in training is so affectionate.
Gurudev I am trying to read the scriptures and know more about Krishna and guru, but with so many anardhas in my bhakthi couldn't able to read the scriptures properly, It's so inspiring for me that you always read Srila Prabhupada books again and again, day after day, when will I be able to reach this consciousness of continuously reading and hearing about krishna.
Gurudev, when I went to Canberra for my visa requirements, at the time of covid, it was you Gurudev who used to regularly conduct classes online and used to inspire us to preach and take the opportunity of spreading this krishna consciousness moment seriously, But I couldn't able to execute your instruction. But with your fatherly affection, you told me to do what is practical and take the opportunity of associating with devotees of Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir.
Recently in the month of February 2023 with the blessings of you Gurudev, I entered into griastha ashram, I wish on the auspicious day of your vyasa--puja please bless me and Sangeetha to do bhakti, and to serve devotees and our lives should be centered around Krishna and serving you.
I wish I could be a spec of dust under your lotus feet.
Gurudev even if I had taken 1,00,000 births as a human being in this material world, I would have not known exactly who is god or Krishna and what is the importance of a guru in the spiritual life, But because of your unlimited mercy upon me, We have your shelter upon us. Gurudev please keep me and Sangeetha under your lotus feet and please guide us eternally to please Krishna and you.
You are an exemplar of dynamic preaching beyond cultural barriers, you are a living example of Srila Prabhupada’s words. I wish I was also able to follow in your footsteps and able to serve you in some way.
Literally I am struck in this material world with so many difficulties, but with your instructions and lectures, can easily surpass them.
On this auspicious day, we pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with good health, so that you continue serving Srila Prabhupada's and SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu's mission of delivering fallen souls by giving them opportunities of chanting Holy Names of Krishna.
Seeking your blessings on this most auspicious day. I must have committed offenses in the past and due to my conditioning will commit more offenses again but as a loving and Forgiving father, please don't give up on me.
Guru Maharaj, we pray for your health and you have to always inspire fallen souls like me with your nectarian lectures.
YOUR INSIGNIFICANT SERVANTS
Bhishmapitamaha Das
Sangeetha.
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine appearance day,
I am so fortunate to have you in my life, who can be merciful to me than you, without you I would have been suffering in this material world without knowing the goal of a soul, your instructions are like thunder bolts which cuts all the material desires and gives seed to spiritual desires. The question and answer session in RETREATS are the awakening session for fallen souls like me where all the doubts regarding Krishna gets cleared by the vani coming from your lotus mouth.
Gurudev the amount of time you spend on your disciples in training is so affectionate.
Gurudev I am trying to read the scriptures and know more about Krishna and guru, but with so many anardhas in my bhakthi couldn't able to read the scriptures properly, It's so inspiring for me that you always read Srila Prabhupada books again and again, day after day, when will I be able to reach this consciousness of continuously reading and hearing about krishna.
Gurudev, when I went to Canberra for my visa requirements, at the time of covid, it was you Gurudev who used to regularly conduct classes online and used to inspire us to preach and take the opportunity of spreading this krishna consciousness moment seriously, But I couldn't able to execute your instruction. But with your fatherly affection, you told me to do what is practical and take the opportunity of associating with devotees of Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir.
Recently in the month of February 2023 with the blessings of you Gurudev, I entered into griastha ashram, I wish on the auspicious day of your vyasa--puja please bless me and Sangeetha to do bhakti, and to serve devotees and our lives should be centered around Krishna and serving you.
I wish I could be a spec of dust under your lotus feet.
Gurudev even if I had taken 1,00,000 births as a human being in this material world, I would have not known exactly who is god or Krishna and what is the importance of a guru in the spiritual life, But because of your unlimited mercy upon me, We have your shelter upon us. Gurudev please keep me and Sangeetha under your lotus feet and please guide us eternally to please Krishna and you.
You are an exemplar of dynamic preaching beyond cultural barriers, you are a living example of Srila Prabhupada’s words. I wish I was also able to follow in your footsteps and able to serve you in some way.
Literally I am struck in this material world with so many difficulties, but with your instructions and lectures, can easily surpass them.
On this auspicious day, we pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with good health, so that you continue serving Srila Prabhupada's and SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu's mission of delivering fallen souls by giving them opportunities of chanting Holy Names of Krishna.
Seeking your blessings on this most auspicious day. I must have committed offenses in the past and due to my conditioning will commit more offenses again but as a loving and Forgiving father, please don't give up on me.
Guru Maharaj, we pray for your health and you have to always inspire fallen souls like me with your nectarian lectures.
YOUR INSIGNIFICANT SERVANTS
Bhishmapitamaha Das
Sangeetha.
Bhuribhoja dasa
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories unto you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Guru maharaja, your life's mission and purpose is to present the teachings of your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. You are fulfilling his desire by preaching and sharing Bhakti Yoga - devotional service to the Love Supreme - Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
It was October 2020 when I received my first book, Bhagavad Gita from Caru Candravali dd. I read the entire book from front to cover and attended the Loft for my very first Sunday feast. Back then all the devotees wore dhotis and Saris. My first impression was "This place is very heavenly". I always looked forward to that Sunday feast where I could taste all the tasty preparations that the devotees made - subji, sweet rice and poppadoms.
Moving forward, you arranged accommodation at Ananta naga's place and it was named Garuda Ashrama. this is where I would spend the next 4 1/2 years under the guidance of Muni Cari and Sruti Cari. I am very grateful to both of them allowing me to stay there. I really liked to cook and clean and also drive to pick up bhoga and devotees arriving from overseas. It was such a meditative mood to clean the bathrooms while listening to your lectures - it inspired me in that service.
Those years really solidified my faith in Bhakti Yoga. I actually relished cleaning and cooking and serving the devotees, and if it wasn't for you Gurumaharaja, I would have been wandering, going here and there, continuing the same kali yuga activities. You saved me from the relentless conveyor belt of the illusory energy, also known as Maya.
In the Caitanya Caritamrita, Krishnadas Kaviraja mentions 26 qualities of a pure devotee. These are undoubtedly manifest within you.
Number 10 - he works for everyone's benefit. You have imbibed and understood the teachings of Lord Caitanya and are doing good for everyone by travelling the globe and giving everyone the opportunity to engage ones life in devotional service.
Number 18 - he is not influenced by the Lord's illusory energy (Maya). You are always 24 hours a day, fully engaged in pure devotional service (shravana and kirtana)
Number 23 - he is friendly. You are friendly to everyone, every living entity. You are trying to rectify and you are especially friends to your devotees.
Number 21 - he is grave. You are an ocean of mercy and your activities are very grave.
Number 25 - he is expert. Recently I was listening to your talk "Your greatest fortune". So it's the disciples responsibility to make sure he or she is watering the Bhakti lata bija. And if watered properly, the result is increased taste in the shravana and kirtana process in the association of devotees.
I need to deeply contemplate and make that effort to always hear and chant in the association of devotees. You mention you can check yourself to see where you are at. Honestly, when I do this, unfortunately I haven't make that effort and at times have been far from that mark. But recently, after expressing my dissatisfaction to the process, you lifted me above the cloud of maya and encouraged me to resume my practice. I am now chanting your pranams before chanting daily japa and it has given me the strength and faith to continue.
At your Gurumaharaja's appearance day you made some very worthy points:
Krsna can only be pleased by devotional service
Always appreciate whatever little a devotee has done for you in your Bhakti.
That we are the devotional movement, not the religious belief movement.
And to never have a defeatist attitude, rather to stay together, unite in diversity.
My only hope is to always chant Hare Krishna and associate with devotees and to serve your advanced servants at the Loft outreach.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhuribhoja dasa
Brahmakund dasa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
As I reflect on the time since I first met you, I would have never imagined the huge impact you have had on my life. You have given me a vision of life that is much greater and meaningful than anything I could have ever come up on my own - vision to live a life centered around giving pleasure to Krishna.
But one time I asked you; I don’t know why I am doing, what I am doing, it’s not that I have any love for Krishna. Gurudeva you simply replied – “you are doing it to please the Guru Parampara”. As the years in Bhakti are going on, I still struggle to develop any love for Krishna, but have now started to realize how much dependent I am on your mercy to please the Parampara.
One time I asked a question regarding how to engage in outreach, and you replied in 2 words – “develop compassion”. Your life is an example of this mood of compassion – persistently endeavoring to bring everyone closer to Krishna. In Bhagavad Gita 11.55, Krishna tells Arjuna, “he who works for Me, who makes Me the supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living being – he certainly comes to me.”
Prabhupada says in the purport that “this verse is considered to be the essence of Bhagavad Gita.” We can see this verse also mirrors your life’s essence. Over the last 5 decades, you have selflessly served the mission of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and assisted Srila Prabhupada, with no expectations from anyone, as you often say, “I am sharing this message for anyone willing to listen."
No matter what you do, you are always a few steps ahead of the game. One time, I was discussing an outreach idea with you, but you discouraged me from doing it. At that time, I couldn’t comprehend why I should not do it. Now, after a few years, I realize, had I gone ahead with my plan, it would have been a big mistake.
With your deep compassion, you are always watching out for us, holding our hand to stop us from falling into pitfalls. Because of my stubbornness, I can sometimes let go of your instructions or service, but you never let go of anyone. You are always appreciative of any effort someone takes in devotional service.
Thank you Gurudeva for your guidance & encouragement.
Regardless of any challenges or difficult situations, your confidence in the holy name and determination to chant is unwavering. You often say in your answers “our only hope is chanting. So happiness or distress, just go on chanting.”
I hope that one day, with your mercy I can develop a taste for the holy name.
I beg to be in the shelter of your service so that one day I can have some love
for Krishna.
Seeking your blessings
Your servant
Brahmakund Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
As I reflect on the time since I first met you, I would have never imagined the huge impact you have had on my life. You have given me a vision of life that is much greater and meaningful than anything I could have ever come up on my own - vision to live a life centered around giving pleasure to Krishna.
But one time I asked you; I don’t know why I am doing, what I am doing, it’s not that I have any love for Krishna. Gurudeva you simply replied – “you are doing it to please the Guru Parampara”. As the years in Bhakti are going on, I still struggle to develop any love for Krishna, but have now started to realize how much dependent I am on your mercy to please the Parampara.
One time I asked a question regarding how to engage in outreach, and you replied in 2 words – “develop compassion”. Your life is an example of this mood of compassion – persistently endeavoring to bring everyone closer to Krishna. In Bhagavad Gita 11.55, Krishna tells Arjuna, “he who works for Me, who makes Me the supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living being – he certainly comes to me.”
Prabhupada says in the purport that “this verse is considered to be the essence of Bhagavad Gita.” We can see this verse also mirrors your life’s essence. Over the last 5 decades, you have selflessly served the mission of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and assisted Srila Prabhupada, with no expectations from anyone, as you often say, “I am sharing this message for anyone willing to listen."
No matter what you do, you are always a few steps ahead of the game. One time, I was discussing an outreach idea with you, but you discouraged me from doing it. At that time, I couldn’t comprehend why I should not do it. Now, after a few years, I realize, had I gone ahead with my plan, it would have been a big mistake.
With your deep compassion, you are always watching out for us, holding our hand to stop us from falling into pitfalls. Because of my stubbornness, I can sometimes let go of your instructions or service, but you never let go of anyone. You are always appreciative of any effort someone takes in devotional service.
Thank you Gurudeva for your guidance & encouragement.
Regardless of any challenges or difficult situations, your confidence in the holy name and determination to chant is unwavering. You often say in your answers “our only hope is chanting. So happiness or distress, just go on chanting.”
I hope that one day, with your mercy I can develop a taste for the holy name.
I beg to be in the shelter of your service so that one day I can have some love
for Krishna.
Seeking your blessings
Your servant
Brahmakund Dasa
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I remember the first time I saw you in 2012 at the Jewels of Gaura Lila retreat in Gita Nagari. You were seated on the vyasasana in the temple room, late afternoon sun streaming in through the window behind you. You were glowing. This image of you is forever lovingly imprinted in my mind.
That weekend, in the association of His Holiness Radhantha Maharaja and yourself, changed my life. Aside from going to the Philadelphia temple a couple times, it was pretty much my first Bhakti experience. That being said, I had no clue what was being spoken about in class, who Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was, nor what everyone was singing at morning programme. But that didn’t sway me, because that weekend my heart was cracked open by the love and devotion I saw and felt pouring out from all the assembled devotees. Radha Damodara sunk Their hooks in deep.
It is indeed my great fortune that I came into contact with you that weekend. I remember feeling panicked on the last day of the retreat, thinking that I didn’t want to “go back to reality.” Somehow or other I was able to speak with Radhanatha Maharaja and thank him for the retreat. I expressed my concern that I was soon moving to Melbourne, and that I didn’t want to go if there wasn’t a temple there. He smiled, gesturing towards you standing nearby and said, “You should speak with Devamrita Maharaja, he travels to Australia and New Zealand often. There are many centres there.”
Though I didn’t get the chance to speak to you that weekend, I did luckily cross paths with you again, at one of those centres, Urban Yoga, the second week I was living in Melbourne. There, you kindly met with me after a talk you gave and encouraged me to be brave and to give my travels a spiritual purpose. And that was that.
Gurudeva, thank you for scooping me up out of the tossing waves of the river of nescience and for giving me the opportunity to dip my toes into the magnificent ocean of devotion. Thank you for creating outreach centres, like Bhakti Lounge and Urban Yoga, that lovingly collect all the lost traveling souls struggling in those deep and treacherous waters.
Meeting you changed the course of my life, and I am forever indebted to you for all you have given me. Before I met you, I was wandering in unknown territory, lost and alone. You pointed me on to the Bhakti path where, if we stick to it, we are safe and the destination, Krsna, is known.
On this day, I humbly beg you to please give me the strength to become a real disciple of yours, to stick to this beautiful Bhakti path and to meaningfully contribute to serving your lotus feet.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I remember the first time I saw you in 2012 at the Jewels of Gaura Lila retreat in Gita Nagari. You were seated on the vyasasana in the temple room, late afternoon sun streaming in through the window behind you. You were glowing. This image of you is forever lovingly imprinted in my mind.
That weekend, in the association of His Holiness Radhantha Maharaja and yourself, changed my life. Aside from going to the Philadelphia temple a couple times, it was pretty much my first Bhakti experience. That being said, I had no clue what was being spoken about in class, who Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was, nor what everyone was singing at morning programme. But that didn’t sway me, because that weekend my heart was cracked open by the love and devotion I saw and felt pouring out from all the assembled devotees. Radha Damodara sunk Their hooks in deep.
It is indeed my great fortune that I came into contact with you that weekend. I remember feeling panicked on the last day of the retreat, thinking that I didn’t want to “go back to reality.” Somehow or other I was able to speak with Radhanatha Maharaja and thank him for the retreat. I expressed my concern that I was soon moving to Melbourne, and that I didn’t want to go if there wasn’t a temple there. He smiled, gesturing towards you standing nearby and said, “You should speak with Devamrita Maharaja, he travels to Australia and New Zealand often. There are many centres there.”
Though I didn’t get the chance to speak to you that weekend, I did luckily cross paths with you again, at one of those centres, Urban Yoga, the second week I was living in Melbourne. There, you kindly met with me after a talk you gave and encouraged me to be brave and to give my travels a spiritual purpose. And that was that.
Gurudeva, thank you for scooping me up out of the tossing waves of the river of nescience and for giving me the opportunity to dip my toes into the magnificent ocean of devotion. Thank you for creating outreach centres, like Bhakti Lounge and Urban Yoga, that lovingly collect all the lost traveling souls struggling in those deep and treacherous waters.
Meeting you changed the course of my life, and I am forever indebted to you for all you have given me. Before I met you, I was wandering in unknown territory, lost and alone. You pointed me on to the Bhakti path where, if we stick to it, we are safe and the destination, Krsna, is known.
On this day, I humbly beg you to please give me the strength to become a real disciple of yours, to stick to this beautiful Bhakti path and to meaningfully contribute to serving your lotus feet.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Candaneśvara 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
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,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda! All glories to you on this auspicious appearance day.
I recently read in Srimad Bhagavatam about the lotus feet of Lord Krishna, where Srila Prabhupada explains why the term “lotus” is used to describe the Lord’s feet. He mentions this in SB 1.16.6.
“The spiritual planet, Goloka Vṛndāvana, the eternal abode of Lord Kṛṣṇa, is shaped like the whorl of a lotus flower. Even when the Lord descends to any one of the mundane planets, He does so by manifesting His own abode as it is. Thus His feet remain always on the same big whorl of the lotus flower. His feet are also as beautiful as the lotus flower. Therefore it is said that Lord Kṛṣṇa has lotus feet.”
This got me thinking further—why would the spiritual master’s feet be called “lotus” feet? I am no way near to even comprehend and find reference to Shastra for this owing to my own disqualification.
I started contemplating more on your lotus feet for several days and then had a small realization.
My little realization about the meaning of the lotus feet of the spiritual master was that the spiritual master's body is a temple wherein the Supreme Lord resides. The spiritual master’s body, mind, and words are fully spiritualized due to constant meditation on Sri Krishna. The guru always thinks about giving Krishna to others, chants His glories, and only maintains the body for the Lord’s pleasure.
So wherever the spiritual master places his feet or walks, that place becomes spiritually surcharged. Just as dirt cannot touch or contaminate the Lotus flower, it is as if material energy cannot touch or contaminate the spiritual master, for he is ever in spiritual bliss.
Later on, I did find some reference in a lecture which I would like to share briefly with you for your pleasure.
“Sri Guru's feet are compared to a transcendental lotus that grows in the waters of bhakti-rasa, providing beauty and attraction to the disciples' hearts. The lotus provides special honey (Padma-Madhu that acts as a remedy for the eye and heart disease of material contamination. It cleanses impurities from the eyes to reveal higher spiritual realities and purifies the heart for Lord Krishna to reside.”
“Disciples, like bumblebees, are hungry for this honey and find solace in Sri Guru's lotus feet, relieving their sufferings. Just as a bumblebee finds shelter and nourishment in a lotus flower, wandering souls in the material world find relief and premananda (loving happiness) in Sri Guru's lotus feet.”
“The petals of the lotus padma of Guru remain open to the intense desire and crying of a disciple's heart for devotion. But when the disciple loses his devotional engagement due to offenses, the lotus closes, and the disciple loses his bhakti vritti—or devotional inclination.”
After hearing this, I make it a point to practice meditating on your lotus feet as much as possible. Merely thinking about your lotus feet and remembering you consciously increases my affection towards you and deepens my relationship with you. I feel your presence and guidance in every activity I do.
It has been transformational because now l feel more aligned with you and feel that I am behaving more like how you would want me to instead of following my own mind and making decisions haphazardly.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, I sincerely and fervently beg for your mercy to give me more attraction towards your lotus feet. Unfortunately, I have understood the significance of your lotus feet only after so many years, and I am already at a loss that I did not take this seriously from the start.
Gurudeva, I sincerely pray to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Vallabha that they grant you good health and long life so you can distribute the message of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and provide fallen conditioned souls like us your guidance to progress in spiritual life. Please grant me the strength to follow your instructions so that they become the source of my life.
Your servants,
Candanesvar Das
Suvarna Radhika Devi Dasi
Narottam and Sudama
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre pūrva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
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,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda! All glories to you on this auspicious appearance day.
I recently read in Srimad Bhagavatam about the lotus feet of Lord Krishna, where Srila Prabhupada explains why the term “lotus” is used to describe the Lord’s feet. He mentions this in SB 1.16.6.
“The spiritual planet, Goloka Vṛndāvana, the eternal abode of Lord Kṛṣṇa, is shaped like the whorl of a lotus flower. Even when the Lord descends to any one of the mundane planets, He does so by manifesting His own abode as it is. Thus His feet remain always on the same big whorl of the lotus flower. His feet are also as beautiful as the lotus flower. Therefore it is said that Lord Kṛṣṇa has lotus feet.”
This got me thinking further—why would the spiritual master’s feet be called “lotus” feet? I am no way near to even comprehend and find reference to Shastra for this owing to my own disqualification.
I started contemplating more on your lotus feet for several days and then had a small realization.
My little realization about the meaning of the lotus feet of the spiritual master was that the spiritual master's body is a temple wherein the Supreme Lord resides. The spiritual master’s body, mind, and words are fully spiritualized due to constant meditation on Sri Krishna. The guru always thinks about giving Krishna to others, chants His glories, and only maintains the body for the Lord’s pleasure.
So wherever the spiritual master places his feet or walks, that place becomes spiritually surcharged. Just as dirt cannot touch or contaminate the Lotus flower, it is as if material energy cannot touch or contaminate the spiritual master, for he is ever in spiritual bliss.
Later on, I did find some reference in a lecture which I would like to share briefly with you for your pleasure.
“Sri Guru's feet are compared to a transcendental lotus that grows in the waters of bhakti-rasa, providing beauty and attraction to the disciples' hearts. The lotus provides special honey (Padma-Madhu that acts as a remedy for the eye and heart disease of material contamination. It cleanses impurities from the eyes to reveal higher spiritual realities and purifies the heart for Lord Krishna to reside.”
“Disciples, like bumblebees, are hungry for this honey and find solace in Sri Guru's lotus feet, relieving their sufferings. Just as a bumblebee finds shelter and nourishment in a lotus flower, wandering souls in the material world find relief and premananda (loving happiness) in Sri Guru's lotus feet.”
“The petals of the lotus padma of Guru remain open to the intense desire and crying of a disciple's heart for devotion. But when the disciple loses his devotional engagement due to offenses, the lotus closes, and the disciple loses his bhakti vritti—or devotional inclination.”
After hearing this, I make it a point to practice meditating on your lotus feet as much as possible. Merely thinking about your lotus feet and remembering you consciously increases my affection towards you and deepens my relationship with you. I feel your presence and guidance in every activity I do.
It has been transformational because now l feel more aligned with you and feel that I am behaving more like how you would want me to instead of following my own mind and making decisions haphazardly.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, I sincerely and fervently beg for your mercy to give me more attraction towards your lotus feet. Unfortunately, I have understood the significance of your lotus feet only after so many years, and I am already at a loss that I did not take this seriously from the start.
Gurudeva, I sincerely pray to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Vallabha that they grant you good health and long life so you can distribute the message of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and provide fallen conditioned souls like us your guidance to progress in spiritual life. Please grant me the strength to follow your instructions so that they become the source of my life.
Your servants,
Candanesvar Das
Suvarna Radhika Devi Dasi
Narottam and Sudama
Caṇḍīdāsa dāsa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
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
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the realm of technology, there's a perpetual promise of satisfaction. Every innovation, every new gadget, and every breakthrough comes with the assurance that it will solve all our problems.
However, just like trying to grab smoke, trying to squeeze happiness from such phantasmagoria always ends up causing more problems than they solve.
In the short year since your last Vyasa Puja, ChatGPT has revolutionised the world. It can answer any question, speak with perfect prose, rival the best poets, and explain clearer than the best teachers. Since last month it now can also understand speech better than a human, and speak in a lifelike human voice. It's truly amazing AI technology. However, it also means that students no longer care to learn to write, no one cares to remember knowledge, and what is considered to be truth is shaped by whomever controls the AI's training data filter.
Will ChatGPT bring happiness or perpetuate the cycle of maya's illusion? <blockquote>jaḍa-vidyā jata, māyāra vaibhava,
tomāra bhajane bādhā
moha janamiyā, anitya saḿsāre,
jīvake koraye gādhā
"All the so-called knowledge of this world is born of the flickering potency of Your illusory energy (maya). It is an impediment to the execution of devotional service to You. Indulgence in mundane knowledge verily makes an ass of the eternal soul by encouraging his infatuation with this temporary world."
– Vidyara Vilase (3) by Bhaktivinoda Thakura </blockquote>
Hypothetically, if a person were to ask ChatGPT the right question with exactly the right prompt and context, then, provided the AI answers correctly, and the person does what the answer suggests, then, perhaps, maybe, some lasting happiness might result from the AI-based yukta vairagya.
A more reliable method of gaining such happiness, however, is the method practiced and prescribed since time immemorial. The method taught in disciplic succession from Prabhupada to you, and from you to us.
<blockquote>evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
"This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way."
– Bhagavad-Gita 4.2</blockquote>
This is, of course, the method of chanting: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare; and accepting the loving devotional service that Krishna offers in response to the prayer.
<blockquote>sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati
"The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self."
– Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.6</blockquote>
With your blessings, I hope I may continue my small devotional services at the Loft as well as to yourself, for as long as Krishna sees fit. Your enduring compassion and wisdom have been the foundation of my spiritual journey, and I am eternally grateful.
Your humble servant,
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
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In the realm of technology, there's a perpetual promise of satisfaction. Every innovation, every new gadget, and every breakthrough comes with the assurance that it will solve all our problems.
However, just like trying to grab smoke, trying to squeeze happiness from such phantasmagoria always ends up causing more problems than they solve.
In the short year since your last Vyasa Puja, ChatGPT has revolutionised the world. It can answer any question, speak with perfect prose, rival the best poets, and explain clearer than the best teachers. Since last month it now can also understand speech better than a human, and speak in a lifelike human voice. It's truly amazing AI technology. However, it also means that students no longer care to learn to write, no one cares to remember knowledge, and what is considered to be truth is shaped by whomever controls the AI's training data filter.
Will ChatGPT bring happiness or perpetuate the cycle of maya's illusion? <blockquote>jaḍa-vidyā jata, māyāra vaibhava,
tomāra bhajane bādhā
moha janamiyā, anitya saḿsāre,
jīvake koraye gādhā
"All the so-called knowledge of this world is born of the flickering potency of Your illusory energy (maya). It is an impediment to the execution of devotional service to You. Indulgence in mundane knowledge verily makes an ass of the eternal soul by encouraging his infatuation with this temporary world."
– Vidyara Vilase (3) by Bhaktivinoda Thakura </blockquote>
Hypothetically, if a person were to ask ChatGPT the right question with exactly the right prompt and context, then, provided the AI answers correctly, and the person does what the answer suggests, then, perhaps, maybe, some lasting happiness might result from the AI-based yukta vairagya.
A more reliable method of gaining such happiness, however, is the method practiced and prescribed since time immemorial. The method taught in disciplic succession from Prabhupada to you, and from you to us.
<blockquote>evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
"This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way."
– Bhagavad-Gita 4.2</blockquote>
This is, of course, the method of chanting: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare; and accepting the loving devotional service that Krishna offers in response to the prayer.
<blockquote>sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati
"The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self."
– Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.6</blockquote>
With your blessings, I hope I may continue my small devotional services at the Loft as well as to yourself, for as long as Krishna sees fit. Your enduring compassion and wisdom have been the foundation of my spiritual journey, and I am eternally grateful.
Your humble servant,
Caṇḍīdāsa dāsa
Carumukhi 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!
Dear Gurudev I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me in my path for Krishna consciousness!!
I am endlessly grateful to you for giving me opportunity to render service to Deities and showing me importance of this service!
Thank you very much for inspiring me and giving me faith by being who you are - the True Servant of Shrila Prabhupada!
Thank you for accepting my service and remembering me and my name!
Please forgive me any offences I may have accidentally committed.
I fully depend on you mercy!
Your servant
Charumukhi dd
All Glories to you! All Glories to Srila Praphupada!
Dear Gurudev I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me in my path for Krishna consciousness!!
I am endlessly grateful to you for giving me opportunity to render service to Deities and showing me importance of this service!
Thank you very much for inspiring me and giving me faith by being who you are - the True Servant of Shrila Prabhupada!
Thank you for accepting my service and remembering me and my name!
Please forgive me any offences I may have accidentally committed.
I fully depend on you mercy!
Your servant
Charumukhi dd
Citta Mohini Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your lotus feet.
Thank you Gurudeva for all that you have done for me. I don't even understand at all of how much love you have for each disciple of yours. I obviously cannot repay you. But I will attempt to my best capacity, by your mercy.
Srila Prabhupada quotes in purport to verse SB 8.15.28:
<i>By the pleasure of the spiritual master, one can get extraordinary power, especially in spiritual advancement. The blessings of the spiritual master are more powerful than one’s personal endeavor for such advancement. </i>
Although you have given me so much. I still take shelter of my mind. Gurudeva please give me the strength that I can get out my self absorbed mind and do some service to please you.
Thank you Gurudeva for creating a beautiful guidance culture in the community. I am so grateful to have Radhaprasad in my life to mentor me through thick and thin, always guiding me.
Thank you Gurudeva you have given me such a gem: the seed of bhakti. And now it's my responsibility to care for the seed as you were describing in your recent class at Bhakti Lounge. I wish and hope that I can water my bhakti creeper by engaging in the process of hearing and chanting. I always remember one point very clearly that you made in an interview with HG Gopal Bhatta prabhu (28 June 2020) that you are a firm believer in the power of chanting Hare Krishna mahamantra. I really wish to develop that faith in the mahamantra. I have hope against hope that by trying to serve you, one day, I will also be able to develop a faith like yours in the mahamantra.
On this very very special day of your appearance I pray to Lord Caitanya that he may keep you in good health, so that you can keep serving Him.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Citta Mohini Devi Dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your lotus feet.
Thank you Gurudeva for all that you have done for me. I don't even understand at all of how much love you have for each disciple of yours. I obviously cannot repay you. But I will attempt to my best capacity, by your mercy.
Srila Prabhupada quotes in purport to verse SB 8.15.28:
<i>By the pleasure of the spiritual master, one can get extraordinary power, especially in spiritual advancement. The blessings of the spiritual master are more powerful than one’s personal endeavor for such advancement. </i>
Although you have given me so much. I still take shelter of my mind. Gurudeva please give me the strength that I can get out my self absorbed mind and do some service to please you.
Thank you Gurudeva for creating a beautiful guidance culture in the community. I am so grateful to have Radhaprasad in my life to mentor me through thick and thin, always guiding me.
Thank you Gurudeva you have given me such a gem: the seed of bhakti. And now it's my responsibility to care for the seed as you were describing in your recent class at Bhakti Lounge. I wish and hope that I can water my bhakti creeper by engaging in the process of hearing and chanting. I always remember one point very clearly that you made in an interview with HG Gopal Bhatta prabhu (28 June 2020) that you are a firm believer in the power of chanting Hare Krishna mahamantra. I really wish to develop that faith in the mahamantra. I have hope against hope that by trying to serve you, one day, I will also be able to develop a faith like yours in the mahamantra.
On this very very special day of your appearance I pray to Lord Caitanya that he may keep you in good health, so that you can keep serving Him.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Citta Mohini Devi Dasi
Dainyārnava Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to your lotus feet!
On this occasion of Vyasa Puja, I wish you many happy returns of this day.
As my days go by in Krishna consciousness, I realise how short life is in general.
And in this short life, I was fortunate to come in contact with you.
It is said that bhakti sustains on <strong>kripa</strong>, not on our own efforts.
I want to look forward to receiving this mercy.
Thank you for your presence in my life.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to your lotus feet!
On this occasion of Vyasa Puja, I wish you many happy returns of this day.
As my days go by in Krishna consciousness, I realise how short life is in general.
And in this short life, I was fortunate to come in contact with you.
It is said that bhakti sustains on <strong>kripa</strong>, not on our own efforts.
I want to look forward to receiving this mercy.
Thank you for your presence in my life.
Your servant,
Dainyārnava Das
Daityari-hari Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja.
Please accept my humble obeisiences. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I recall a point you made in the class you gave on Srila Prabupada's Vyasa puja day were you were emphasizing the point that every devotee goes through a testing period where as you put it "someone fails to recognize our glories" and in such situations we can either choose to be humble or we can choose to be offended. You were emphasising the point that in order to stick around in devotional service we have to be humble. Another famous example you gave here in Wales a few years ago was that of learning to swalow soap and blow bubbles. In other words, whatever humbling or difficult situations we find ourselves in according to what we might think, we should learn the art of turning everything into a positive in our endevour to serve Krishna. In order for me to understand this genuine humility on a deeper level all I can do is attempt to put myself in your shoes for a moment though I obviously have absolutely no realization of what your day to day life must be like.
You certainly exihibit this quality of humility, because to take on the role you have as a spiritual master sanyasi, responsable for the spiritual lives of hundreds of disciples, you have to contend with so many opposing elements. For a start, to remain equipoised and grounded amidst the pressure of having devotees intensely glorify you as the representative of Krishna and worship you as such must be quite a challenge unless one fully understands themselves to just be a servant of Krishna. It is quiet clear that you do not allow such glorification to cause you to think of yourself as a great personality deserving of such glorification. This is evident by the fact that you actually live an extremely simple, yet demanding life continually focusing on trying to convince people to take to Krishna Consciousness without at all focusing on your own personal conveniences or taking advantage of the entitlement you have as a guru, unless it's clearly connected to the purpose of continuing your service. It would be impossible for one who lacks humility to be able to live such a life of traveling all over the world in which people are falling at their feet, and remain steadilly undisturbed in simply trying to give them Krishna. You yourself have often explained that pride means we think we can be the enjoyers of this body seperate from Krishna. Certainly it would be seen that a proud person in your position doing the intense and demanding service you do, would not last long, because they would surely start to think of their own conveniences and comforts after some time and slacken in there austerity. This is certainly not the case with you however. There's certainly nothing appealling sounding to me about having to constantly travel to different parts of the world, where everyone is expecting you to put on a show and solve all their problems and who might then criticise you for not meeting their demands. There may also be the added headache of sometimes having to navigate socail environments infested with envious ritvik fanatics, who are often something like the Gaudia Vaisnava equivalent of born again Christians or simply people who have strayed from the path and have a chip on their shoulder. Such people might blaspheme you as being one of the hundreds of "fake guru's" that have supposedly taken over the movement since Prabhupadas departure. So amid all this intense glorification and criticism one in your position must humbly go about ones massive responsability undaunted.
There's also the reality, that even amongst those who glorify you and offer you pranams and garlands, only a small number of them could honestly say they have fully dedicated themselves to serving you and have taken your instructions as their life and soul, without any personal interest. So we see that practicaly, even though you have an extremely elevated position within this movement, this has led you into having to deal with an inconceivable headache that only a trully humble servant of Krishna could navigate unflinchingly in the face of so many seemingly opposing elements.
I would absolutely hate even the idea, of having to do what you're doing. In one sense the fact that I'm a complete mess currently, means I probably don't ever need to worry about having to take on such an enormous responsability as you have, at least not on the same scale, in this life. I simply pray that by my attempt to understand and glorify your actual humility for what it is, I may receive your blessings to continue in devotional service and give up the nasty, deep rooted materialistic complexes that are entrenched in my heart. I find myself sometimes stagnating and going backwards due to my own pride and unwillingness to be a humble servant. For some reason, even though it's clearly wrong, my mind actually makes the idea of being a humble servant seem like some form of unspeakable torture. This conditioning is deep rooted and I've somehow become so attatched to it, that to simply choose to be a humble servant on my own strength and remain so in all circumstances, seems impossible. I therefore pray for your mercy, to bless me with deeper realization of the actual reality and come out of my current state of ignorance.
Your aspiring servant,
Daityari-hari Dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisiences. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I recall a point you made in the class you gave on Srila Prabupada's Vyasa puja day were you were emphasizing the point that every devotee goes through a testing period where as you put it "someone fails to recognize our glories" and in such situations we can either choose to be humble or we can choose to be offended. You were emphasising the point that in order to stick around in devotional service we have to be humble. Another famous example you gave here in Wales a few years ago was that of learning to swalow soap and blow bubbles. In other words, whatever humbling or difficult situations we find ourselves in according to what we might think, we should learn the art of turning everything into a positive in our endevour to serve Krishna. In order for me to understand this genuine humility on a deeper level all I can do is attempt to put myself in your shoes for a moment though I obviously have absolutely no realization of what your day to day life must be like.
You certainly exihibit this quality of humility, because to take on the role you have as a spiritual master sanyasi, responsable for the spiritual lives of hundreds of disciples, you have to contend with so many opposing elements. For a start, to remain equipoised and grounded amidst the pressure of having devotees intensely glorify you as the representative of Krishna and worship you as such must be quite a challenge unless one fully understands themselves to just be a servant of Krishna. It is quiet clear that you do not allow such glorification to cause you to think of yourself as a great personality deserving of such glorification. This is evident by the fact that you actually live an extremely simple, yet demanding life continually focusing on trying to convince people to take to Krishna Consciousness without at all focusing on your own personal conveniences or taking advantage of the entitlement you have as a guru, unless it's clearly connected to the purpose of continuing your service. It would be impossible for one who lacks humility to be able to live such a life of traveling all over the world in which people are falling at their feet, and remain steadilly undisturbed in simply trying to give them Krishna. You yourself have often explained that pride means we think we can be the enjoyers of this body seperate from Krishna. Certainly it would be seen that a proud person in your position doing the intense and demanding service you do, would not last long, because they would surely start to think of their own conveniences and comforts after some time and slacken in there austerity. This is certainly not the case with you however. There's certainly nothing appealling sounding to me about having to constantly travel to different parts of the world, where everyone is expecting you to put on a show and solve all their problems and who might then criticise you for not meeting their demands. There may also be the added headache of sometimes having to navigate socail environments infested with envious ritvik fanatics, who are often something like the Gaudia Vaisnava equivalent of born again Christians or simply people who have strayed from the path and have a chip on their shoulder. Such people might blaspheme you as being one of the hundreds of "fake guru's" that have supposedly taken over the movement since Prabhupadas departure. So amid all this intense glorification and criticism one in your position must humbly go about ones massive responsability undaunted.
There's also the reality, that even amongst those who glorify you and offer you pranams and garlands, only a small number of them could honestly say they have fully dedicated themselves to serving you and have taken your instructions as their life and soul, without any personal interest. So we see that practicaly, even though you have an extremely elevated position within this movement, this has led you into having to deal with an inconceivable headache that only a trully humble servant of Krishna could navigate unflinchingly in the face of so many seemingly opposing elements.
I would absolutely hate even the idea, of having to do what you're doing. In one sense the fact that I'm a complete mess currently, means I probably don't ever need to worry about having to take on such an enormous responsability as you have, at least not on the same scale, in this life. I simply pray that by my attempt to understand and glorify your actual humility for what it is, I may receive your blessings to continue in devotional service and give up the nasty, deep rooted materialistic complexes that are entrenched in my heart. I find myself sometimes stagnating and going backwards due to my own pride and unwillingness to be a humble servant. For some reason, even though it's clearly wrong, my mind actually makes the idea of being a humble servant seem like some form of unspeakable torture. This conditioning is deep rooted and I've somehow become so attatched to it, that to simply choose to be a humble servant on my own strength and remain so in all circumstances, seems impossible. I therefore pray for your mercy, to bless me with deeper realization of the actual reality and come out of my current state of ignorance.
Your aspiring servant,
Daityari-hari Dasa.
Damodara Katha Das
Please accept my humble obeisance and glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Every year i get experience how well rounded, confident, compassionate and courageous you are when dealing with devotees. As i was listening to Bahkti Tirtha's lecture on leadership he mentions how a leader without compassion will frustrate themselves and others because of the lack of power and strength and if there is character without compassion there will be power but lack of auspiciousness. I a bring this up because of how expert you are in many different aspects, as you walked into my wood shop you mention about carbon monoxide and this is something i never though off. As i experience your association i pray that one day i am fully confident, courageous, compassionate and with character as you.
Your servant Damodara katha Das
Every year i get experience how well rounded, confident, compassionate and courageous you are when dealing with devotees. As i was listening to Bahkti Tirtha's lecture on leadership he mentions how a leader without compassion will frustrate themselves and others because of the lack of power and strength and if there is character without compassion there will be power but lack of auspiciousness. I a bring this up because of how expert you are in many different aspects, as you walked into my wood shop you mention about carbon monoxide and this is something i never though off. As i experience your association i pray that one day i am fully confident, courageous, compassionate and with character as you.
Your servant Damodara katha Das
Damodara Krsna dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you,
You have a broad framework of knowledge, both material & spiritual. It is certainly intriguing to contemplate all the occult knowledge you haven't divulged to us.
One fond memory I have is when I was fortunate to attended a home program at Bushan's, an Indian businessman, with your illustrious self and some fellow brahmacari comrades. It was 2010. After delivering with your divine eloquence an exposition on Krsna consciousness you expertly answered their questions using business analogies appealing to their sentiments as businessmen.
Towards the end of the questions this exchange took place between you and Bushan which I never forgot. After he had brought up some stuff about dark matter and the end of the universe that he'd read in some modern science articles then the following occurred.
<i>"Bushan: But in the next article in the same magazine they have factual information of a people coming from inside the earth, it's called Shambala, aaahhh Shangri-La, they call it. And there are sources that have come out from there, and there is superior life form, and earth life form comes from there...."</i>
As I have seen you do on many occasions you lent back in your seat, eyes closed, finger tips together in a pranam position. Then you replied nonchalant,
<i>"There is so much about that that the governments are holding back. So much. Even top generals they say that so much is being covered up.
Bushan: In terms of knowledge or warfare?
HH Devamrita Svami: In terms of what governments know about so called extraterrestrial beings and craft, air craft, they are not telling...."</i>
I never forgot that. I love that. How interesting! What else are we not given privy to?
Of course, this awareness isn't a valid glorification. Your true glory lies in your complete understanding of the science of bhakti. I often hear you say, <i>"The spiritual master says what Krsna says."</i> And that is your true glory and the most essential and occult knowledge that this deprived age needs. Although there is much you could say about these clandestine government operations, so as not to unnecessarily distract your audience you stick to the essential.
And of the essential there is still much you haven't delivered knowing we aren't ready for it. I remember once you saying something like, <i>"I am waiting for you all to advance so we can have deeper Krsna conscious conversations."</i> I know you are in communion with the acaryas. I have heard other examples that demonstrate your very real connection with Govinda. I have no doubt you are a Vaisnava of the highest caliber.
However, due to my miserliness I am yet to receive the spiritual riches of complete divya-jnana via your association.
At this stage I can only read Srimad Bhagavatam & Caitanya-caritamrita and then, in wonderment, think about what it is you might be seeing, experiencing, tasting, in your pure devotional service.
Your existence as a topmost Vaisnava saint gives me something to aspire for. I am happy to know, if not in this life then some future life, I could actually be a pure devotee too.
Thank you for delivering essential knowledge about krsna-tattva and giving me something to hope for.
Your servant,
Damodara Krsna dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you,
You have a broad framework of knowledge, both material & spiritual. It is certainly intriguing to contemplate all the occult knowledge you haven't divulged to us.
One fond memory I have is when I was fortunate to attended a home program at Bushan's, an Indian businessman, with your illustrious self and some fellow brahmacari comrades. It was 2010. After delivering with your divine eloquence an exposition on Krsna consciousness you expertly answered their questions using business analogies appealing to their sentiments as businessmen.
Towards the end of the questions this exchange took place between you and Bushan which I never forgot. After he had brought up some stuff about dark matter and the end of the universe that he'd read in some modern science articles then the following occurred.
<i>"Bushan: But in the next article in the same magazine they have factual information of a people coming from inside the earth, it's called Shambala, aaahhh Shangri-La, they call it. And there are sources that have come out from there, and there is superior life form, and earth life form comes from there...."</i>
As I have seen you do on many occasions you lent back in your seat, eyes closed, finger tips together in a pranam position. Then you replied nonchalant,
<i>"There is so much about that that the governments are holding back. So much. Even top generals they say that so much is being covered up.
Bushan: In terms of knowledge or warfare?
HH Devamrita Svami: In terms of what governments know about so called extraterrestrial beings and craft, air craft, they are not telling...."</i>
I never forgot that. I love that. How interesting! What else are we not given privy to?
Of course, this awareness isn't a valid glorification. Your true glory lies in your complete understanding of the science of bhakti. I often hear you say, <i>"The spiritual master says what Krsna says."</i> And that is your true glory and the most essential and occult knowledge that this deprived age needs. Although there is much you could say about these clandestine government operations, so as not to unnecessarily distract your audience you stick to the essential.
And of the essential there is still much you haven't delivered knowing we aren't ready for it. I remember once you saying something like, <i>"I am waiting for you all to advance so we can have deeper Krsna conscious conversations."</i> I know you are in communion with the acaryas. I have heard other examples that demonstrate your very real connection with Govinda. I have no doubt you are a Vaisnava of the highest caliber.
However, due to my miserliness I am yet to receive the spiritual riches of complete divya-jnana via your association.
At this stage I can only read Srimad Bhagavatam & Caitanya-caritamrita and then, in wonderment, think about what it is you might be seeing, experiencing, tasting, in your pure devotional service.
Your existence as a topmost Vaisnava saint gives me something to aspire for. I am happy to know, if not in this life then some future life, I could actually be a pure devotee too.
Thank you for delivering essential knowledge about krsna-tattva and giving me something to hope for.
Your servant,
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,
In the purport to Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya lila chapter 9.1 Srila Prabhupada states:
“Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s converting the people of South India into Vaisnavas is compared herein to Lord Visnu’s delivering Gajendra the elephant from the attack of a crocodile. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited southern India, almost all the residents were within the jaws of the crocodiles of Buddhist, Jain and Mayavada philosophy. Here Kaviraja Gosvami states that although these people were as strong as elephants, they were almost in the clutches of death because they were being attacked by the crocodiles of various philosophies. However, just as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the form of Visnu saved the elephant Gajendra from the clutches of a crocodile, so He saved all the people of South India from the clutches of various philosophies by converting them into Vaisnavas.”
Just as during the era of Lord Caitanyas earthly pastimes various crocodile like ideologies and ‘spiritual’ philosophies were capturing, dividing and bewildering the hearts and minds of the people of India, similarly, contemporary human society finds itself under the attack of various ideological predators which are death rolling people further into the cycle of repeated birth and death.
Western countries in particular are being dragged under the surface and drowned in bewilderment by ‘identity politics’, where ones race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social background and social class defines ones ultimate existential purpose in life. All based on the false premise that ‘you are your body, therefore your body defines who you are.’
Another contemporary ideological crocodile that’s entered societal waters (and even worse, being fed by certain influential crocodile like people) is that planet Earth’s problems would be solved if there’s not as many humans to cohabitate the planet with. As you mention in your international bestselling book Hiding in Unnatural Happiness:
“From time immemorial, sages and saints have alerted us to the enormous human potential for spiritual progress latent in every individual and civilization. If we ignore that innate spiritual capability to transform ourselves, what is left for us? One answer comes from the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, whose mission is to convince all humans to stop procreating, to “live long and die out,” allowing the planet to return to a state “as close as possible to the Garden of Eden.”
Then there’s the crocodile of atheistic reductionist scientific thinking which has been swimming just below the surface of modern thought for around two hundred years. Atheistic reductionist science being one of Srila Prabhupada’s main crocodile hunting targets boldly states on his morning walk on April 18th 1973:
“This is the problem. Rascals and fools are passing as scholars, scientists and philosophers, and therefore the whole world is being misguided.”
Srila Prabhupada followed this up the next day on his morning walk with another bold statement:
“If the Nobel Prize is given to a scientist who is a rascal, the men on the committee who give him that prize are no better than dogs, hogs, camels and asses. We don't accept them as human beings. One animal is praised by another animal. Where is the credit in that? If the men on the committee are no better than animals, anyone who receives the Nobel Prize in science is fool number one, because animals are praising him, not human beings.”
To further his crocodile hunting stance on his morning walk on April 29th 1973 Srila Prabhupada states:
“It is a scientific method for drawing money from others, that's all. In other words, it is cheating. Scientists juggle words like plutonium, photons, hydrogen and oxygen, but what good will people get from this? When people hear this jugglery of words, what can they say? One scientist explains something to some extent, and then another rascal comes along and explains it again, but differently, with different words. And all the time the phenomenon has remained the same. What advancement has been made? They have simply produced volumes of books. Now there is a petrol problem. Scientists have created it. If the petrol supply dwindles away, what will these rascal scientists do? They are powerless to do anything about it.”
Then there’s the apex predator crocodile of all; modern governments. Srila Prabhupada didn’t let them get away from his crocodile hunting hook either. On his morning walk conversation on April 29th 1973 he says:
Srila Prabhupada: “People work very hard while the rascal government takes taxes and spends money unnecessarily. There should be no sympathy when so much hard-earned money comes from the public and is spent so foolishly. Now the leaders are presenting another bluff "Don't worry, we are going to another planet. Now we shall bring more dust. We shall bring tons of dust. Oh, yes, now we shall have tons of dust."
Dr. Singh. They believe there may be life on Mars.
Srila Prabhupada. They may believe or not believe. What is the difference? Life exists here, but people are fighting. So suppose there is life on Mars. There is life on Mars, undoubtedly. But what will we gain from this?
Dr. Singh. People are curious to know what is going on there.
Srila Prabhupada. That means that for their childish curiosity they must spend vast sums of money. Just see the fun. And when they are asked to help one of the many poverty-stricken countries, they say, "No. No money." Do you see?”
Just as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu delivered the people of South India from the crocodile like philosophies attacking them, Gurumaharaja, you have also become an expert crocodile hunter following in the mood and mission of Srila Prabhupada!
I recall you mentioning that when you wrote the book ‘Searching for Vedic India’ one of your author intentions was: “to remove the obstacles the demons have erected in people’s minds to stop them taking to Krsna consciousness (Srila Prabhupadas books).”
As Srila Prabhupada states in the purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.11
“We are confident that if the transcendental message of Srimad-Bhagavatam is received only by the leading men of the world, certainly there will be a change of heart, and naturally the people in general will follow them. The mass of people in general are tools in the hands of the modern politicians and leaders of the people. If there is a change of heart of the leaders only, certainly there will be a radical change in the atmosphere of the world. We know that our honest attempt to present this great literature conveying transcendental messages for reviving the God consciousness of the people in general and respiritualizing the world atmosphere is fraught with many difficulties.
When there are too many materialistic activities by the people in general all over the world, there is no wonder that a person or a nation attacks another person or nation on slight provocation. That is the rule of this age of Kali or quarrel. The atmosphere is already polluted with corruption of all description, and everyone knows it well. There are so many unwanted literatures full of materialistic ideas of sense gratification. In many countries there are bodies appointed by the state to detect and censor obscene literature. This means that neither the government nor the responsible leaders of the public want such literature, yet it is in the marketplace because the people want it for sense gratification. The people in general want to read (that is a natural instinct), but because their minds are polluted they want such literatures. Under the circumstances, transcendental literature like Srimad-Bhagavatam will not only diminish the activities of the corrupt mind of the people in general, but also it will supply food for their hankering after reading some interesting literature. In the beginning they may not like it because one suffering from jaundice is reluctant to take sugar candy, but we should know that sugar candy is the only remedy for jaundice. Similarly, let there be systematic propaganda for popularizing reading of the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, which will act like sugar candy for the jaundice like condition of sense gratification. When men have a taste for this literature, the other literatures, which are catering poison to society, will then automatically cease.
We are sure, therefore, that everyone in human society will welcome Srimad-Bhagavatam, even though it is now presented with so many faults, for it is recommended by such an authority as Sri Narada, who has very kindly appeared in this chapter.”
Aspiring to become a useful servant to yourself, Srila Prabhupada and the previous acharyas.
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,
In the purport to Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya lila chapter 9.1 Srila Prabhupada states:
“Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s converting the people of South India into Vaisnavas is compared herein to Lord Visnu’s delivering Gajendra the elephant from the attack of a crocodile. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited southern India, almost all the residents were within the jaws of the crocodiles of Buddhist, Jain and Mayavada philosophy. Here Kaviraja Gosvami states that although these people were as strong as elephants, they were almost in the clutches of death because they were being attacked by the crocodiles of various philosophies. However, just as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the form of Visnu saved the elephant Gajendra from the clutches of a crocodile, so He saved all the people of South India from the clutches of various philosophies by converting them into Vaisnavas.”
Just as during the era of Lord Caitanyas earthly pastimes various crocodile like ideologies and ‘spiritual’ philosophies were capturing, dividing and bewildering the hearts and minds of the people of India, similarly, contemporary human society finds itself under the attack of various ideological predators which are death rolling people further into the cycle of repeated birth and death.
Western countries in particular are being dragged under the surface and drowned in bewilderment by ‘identity politics’, where ones race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social background and social class defines ones ultimate existential purpose in life. All based on the false premise that ‘you are your body, therefore your body defines who you are.’
Another contemporary ideological crocodile that’s entered societal waters (and even worse, being fed by certain influential crocodile like people) is that planet Earth’s problems would be solved if there’s not as many humans to cohabitate the planet with. As you mention in your international bestselling book Hiding in Unnatural Happiness:
“From time immemorial, sages and saints have alerted us to the enormous human potential for spiritual progress latent in every individual and civilization. If we ignore that innate spiritual capability to transform ourselves, what is left for us? One answer comes from the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, whose mission is to convince all humans to stop procreating, to “live long and die out,” allowing the planet to return to a state “as close as possible to the Garden of Eden.”
Then there’s the crocodile of atheistic reductionist scientific thinking which has been swimming just below the surface of modern thought for around two hundred years. Atheistic reductionist science being one of Srila Prabhupada’s main crocodile hunting targets boldly states on his morning walk on April 18th 1973:
“This is the problem. Rascals and fools are passing as scholars, scientists and philosophers, and therefore the whole world is being misguided.”
Srila Prabhupada followed this up the next day on his morning walk with another bold statement:
“If the Nobel Prize is given to a scientist who is a rascal, the men on the committee who give him that prize are no better than dogs, hogs, camels and asses. We don't accept them as human beings. One animal is praised by another animal. Where is the credit in that? If the men on the committee are no better than animals, anyone who receives the Nobel Prize in science is fool number one, because animals are praising him, not human beings.”
To further his crocodile hunting stance on his morning walk on April 29th 1973 Srila Prabhupada states:
“It is a scientific method for drawing money from others, that's all. In other words, it is cheating. Scientists juggle words like plutonium, photons, hydrogen and oxygen, but what good will people get from this? When people hear this jugglery of words, what can they say? One scientist explains something to some extent, and then another rascal comes along and explains it again, but differently, with different words. And all the time the phenomenon has remained the same. What advancement has been made? They have simply produced volumes of books. Now there is a petrol problem. Scientists have created it. If the petrol supply dwindles away, what will these rascal scientists do? They are powerless to do anything about it.”
Then there’s the apex predator crocodile of all; modern governments. Srila Prabhupada didn’t let them get away from his crocodile hunting hook either. On his morning walk conversation on April 29th 1973 he says:
Srila Prabhupada: “People work very hard while the rascal government takes taxes and spends money unnecessarily. There should be no sympathy when so much hard-earned money comes from the public and is spent so foolishly. Now the leaders are presenting another bluff "Don't worry, we are going to another planet. Now we shall bring more dust. We shall bring tons of dust. Oh, yes, now we shall have tons of dust."
Dr. Singh. They believe there may be life on Mars.
Srila Prabhupada. They may believe or not believe. What is the difference? Life exists here, but people are fighting. So suppose there is life on Mars. There is life on Mars, undoubtedly. But what will we gain from this?
Dr. Singh. People are curious to know what is going on there.
Srila Prabhupada. That means that for their childish curiosity they must spend vast sums of money. Just see the fun. And when they are asked to help one of the many poverty-stricken countries, they say, "No. No money." Do you see?”
Just as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu delivered the people of South India from the crocodile like philosophies attacking them, Gurumaharaja, you have also become an expert crocodile hunter following in the mood and mission of Srila Prabhupada!
I recall you mentioning that when you wrote the book ‘Searching for Vedic India’ one of your author intentions was: “to remove the obstacles the demons have erected in people’s minds to stop them taking to Krsna consciousness (Srila Prabhupadas books).”
As Srila Prabhupada states in the purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.11
“We are confident that if the transcendental message of Srimad-Bhagavatam is received only by the leading men of the world, certainly there will be a change of heart, and naturally the people in general will follow them. The mass of people in general are tools in the hands of the modern politicians and leaders of the people. If there is a change of heart of the leaders only, certainly there will be a radical change in the atmosphere of the world. We know that our honest attempt to present this great literature conveying transcendental messages for reviving the God consciousness of the people in general and respiritualizing the world atmosphere is fraught with many difficulties.
When there are too many materialistic activities by the people in general all over the world, there is no wonder that a person or a nation attacks another person or nation on slight provocation. That is the rule of this age of Kali or quarrel. The atmosphere is already polluted with corruption of all description, and everyone knows it well. There are so many unwanted literatures full of materialistic ideas of sense gratification. In many countries there are bodies appointed by the state to detect and censor obscene literature. This means that neither the government nor the responsible leaders of the public want such literature, yet it is in the marketplace because the people want it for sense gratification. The people in general want to read (that is a natural instinct), but because their minds are polluted they want such literatures. Under the circumstances, transcendental literature like Srimad-Bhagavatam will not only diminish the activities of the corrupt mind of the people in general, but also it will supply food for their hankering after reading some interesting literature. In the beginning they may not like it because one suffering from jaundice is reluctant to take sugar candy, but we should know that sugar candy is the only remedy for jaundice. Similarly, let there be systematic propaganda for popularizing reading of the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, which will act like sugar candy for the jaundice like condition of sense gratification. When men have a taste for this literature, the other literatures, which are catering poison to society, will then automatically cease.
We are sure, therefore, that everyone in human society will welcome Srimad-Bhagavatam, even though it is now presented with so many faults, for it is recommended by such an authority as Sri Narada, who has very kindly appeared in this chapter.”
Aspiring to become a useful servant to yourself, Srila Prabhupada and the previous acharyas.
Dandakaranya das
Dasya-prema das
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.
Dear Guru Maharaja,
You once told my mother that good fruit must come from a good tree. This concept, when applied to your Holiness and the quality of your disciples is very awe-inspiring. This past year, I have had the opportunity to associate with some of your disciples who have been brought up in your personally-crafted New Zealand ashramas. The character they have developed, although themselves not coming from high class brahminical families is very profound display of Vaisnava qualities. This is your glory Guru Maharaja!
Because of such great faith in the process of Bhakti, you are trying to engage people in devotional service some way or other. You want to give everyone a chance to reach their souls potential, following in the footsteps of Narada muni who said that even if one falls down in the course of performing devotional serve, it is still better than engaging in all sorts of duties which are devoid of devotional service. In this way, you are always looking for ways to engage people in such fortunate activities.
For me you have been so encouraging as I take on my new service of gardening. In an evening reading, you mentioned how you were keeping up with the latest gardening wisdom just to be able to check in on my attempts in this regard.
I am grateful for there opportunity on this day to reignite my dedication to you and your instructions. You explained in a Janmastami lecture this past year that we can fulfill the true purpose of Janmastami by having a rebirth of our dedication to hearing and chanting about Krishna. I’m praying that today can be a similar rebirth for me.
I know that all perfection is there in your instructions. One just has to follow. As Srila Prabhupada says in his purport to Bg. 2.7 “A person with a bonafide spiritual master is supposed to know everything.” In this Information Age, there is the potential to become overwhelmed with the constant overload of information. But we need not fall victim to this. Simply following your instructions will give all perfection. What is the difficulty?
With gratitude and love,
Your aspiring servant,
Dasya-prema das
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.
Dear Guru Maharaja,
You once told my mother that good fruit must come from a good tree. This concept, when applied to your Holiness and the quality of your disciples is very awe-inspiring. This past year, I have had the opportunity to associate with some of your disciples who have been brought up in your personally-crafted New Zealand ashramas. The character they have developed, although themselves not coming from high class brahminical families is very profound display of Vaisnava qualities. This is your glory Guru Maharaja!
Because of such great faith in the process of Bhakti, you are trying to engage people in devotional service some way or other. You want to give everyone a chance to reach their souls potential, following in the footsteps of Narada muni who said that even if one falls down in the course of performing devotional serve, it is still better than engaging in all sorts of duties which are devoid of devotional service. In this way, you are always looking for ways to engage people in such fortunate activities.
For me you have been so encouraging as I take on my new service of gardening. In an evening reading, you mentioned how you were keeping up with the latest gardening wisdom just to be able to check in on my attempts in this regard.
I am grateful for there opportunity on this day to reignite my dedication to you and your instructions. You explained in a Janmastami lecture this past year that we can fulfill the true purpose of Janmastami by having a rebirth of our dedication to hearing and chanting about Krishna. I’m praying that today can be a similar rebirth for me.
I know that all perfection is there in your instructions. One just has to follow. As Srila Prabhupada says in his purport to Bg. 2.7 “A person with a bonafide spiritual master is supposed to know everything.” In this Information Age, there is the potential to become overwhelmed with the constant overload of information. But we need not fall victim to this. Simply following your instructions will give all perfection. What is the difficulty?
With gratitude and love,
Your aspiring servant,
Dasya-prema das
Dasyamrita
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
Your dedication to your spiritual master is truly outstanding. I’ve never personally witnessed such determination and selfless service by anyone.
It appears to me that you dedicate every moment to Srila Prabhupada, and every decision you make is carefully thought out to ensure no time is wasted while you serve the Sankirtana movement.
You go beyond the limitations of the body and show us all that it is possible to transcend the three modes of nature, through your divine service.
You take such good care of your health, not for your own enjoyment, but purely to ensure you can continue preaching.
It is clearly evident to me that you have attained a level of devotion to your spiritual master and Krishna that seem so sublime, so magical, that my heart throbs and my eyes tear up thinking about it. It gives me so much faith and enthusiasm. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Out of true compassion, you are so personal with your disciples, and even though I definitely don’t deserve such treatment, you make time for me amidst your busy schedule.
My hearts true desire is to aid you in your mission, so please continue to shower mercy upon me, for without this, I feel that life is meaningless.
All glories to you Gurudeva, and all glories to my spiritual grandfather, your divine spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for saving us all.
Your aspiring servant,
Dasyamrita.
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
Your dedication to your spiritual master is truly outstanding. I’ve never personally witnessed such determination and selfless service by anyone.
It appears to me that you dedicate every moment to Srila Prabhupada, and every decision you make is carefully thought out to ensure no time is wasted while you serve the Sankirtana movement.
You go beyond the limitations of the body and show us all that it is possible to transcend the three modes of nature, through your divine service.
You take such good care of your health, not for your own enjoyment, but purely to ensure you can continue preaching.
It is clearly evident to me that you have attained a level of devotion to your spiritual master and Krishna that seem so sublime, so magical, that my heart throbs and my eyes tear up thinking about it. It gives me so much faith and enthusiasm. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Out of true compassion, you are so personal with your disciples, and even though I definitely don’t deserve such treatment, you make time for me amidst your busy schedule.
My hearts true desire is to aid you in your mission, so please continue to shower mercy upon me, for without this, I feel that life is meaningless.
All glories to you Gurudeva, and all glories to my spiritual grandfather, your divine spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for saving us all.
Your aspiring servant,
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.
Whenever I hear you speak or even see your picture I feel assured that if I sincerely apply myself even someone as fallen as me can become Krishna conscious. Sometimes I have doubts and everything seems too difficult but all this dissipates as soon as I remember you and your mercy upon the fallen souls of this material world.
Your Bhagavatam classes are rated as the best by many devotees and quite simply, I have to agree.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
ar na koriho mane asa
Make the teachings emanating from the lotus mouth of our spiritual master one with your heart, and do not desire anything else.
What more could one want in their spiritual life? To hear from the spiritual master and then apply those teachings, there is nothing more to be had in this material world. Engaging in devotional service simply to please guru and Krishna is certainly the topmost yoga. It is the highest truth and bonafide way to progress on the path back to Godhead. Without which we are simply wasting away in this wheel of samsara, birth after birth.
Gurudeva, please keep me in the shade of your lotus feet and guide me. Without you I am hopelessly engaged in the service of my senses, destined to remain in this material world for ever. I beg you to let me remain in the association of devotees and serve them as best as I can.
Thank you.
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.
Whenever I hear you speak or even see your picture I feel assured that if I sincerely apply myself even someone as fallen as me can become Krishna conscious. Sometimes I have doubts and everything seems too difficult but all this dissipates as soon as I remember you and your mercy upon the fallen souls of this material world.
Your Bhagavatam classes are rated as the best by many devotees and quite simply, I have to agree.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
ar na koriho mane asa
Make the teachings emanating from the lotus mouth of our spiritual master one with your heart, and do not desire anything else.
What more could one want in their spiritual life? To hear from the spiritual master and then apply those teachings, there is nothing more to be had in this material world. Engaging in devotional service simply to please guru and Krishna is certainly the topmost yoga. It is the highest truth and bonafide way to progress on the path back to Godhead. Without which we are simply wasting away in this wheel of samsara, birth after birth.
Gurudeva, please keep me in the shade of your lotus feet and guide me. Without you I am hopelessly engaged in the service of my senses, destined to remain in this material world for ever. I beg you to let me remain in the association of devotees and serve them as best as I can.
Thank you.
Your aspiring servant,
Dayal Nitai Dasa.
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
I have been reflecting on how it is that you are always in my life and what is the mercy you give at every moment.
Upon initiation, first I received the holy name and formal enrollment into the bhakti academy. That day, I became a card-carrying member of Krsna's family and an aspiring servant in-disciplic succession.
Therefore, by your kindness, whatever purity I have by chanting, which in turn enables me to understand the books and serve better, is by your mercy, because I chant on the beads that you have chanted on.
Many years have past since that day and I have also received Upanayana initiation from you and because of this, I have been engaged in the worship of Gaura Nitai.
My worship of Gaura Nitai is successful because I aspire and practice assisting you in their worship.
You have also given me instructions in devotional service, to make sure I read daily, to chant with attention, to serve sincerely, and in this way become a strong pillar for the welsh yathra.
The offerings that I make to Gaura Nitai are offered to you first. I meditate on a verse by Prahlada Maharaja after having duly worshipped their Lordships, attempting to learn to assist you in their worship and reminding myself never to treat our relationship lightly.
The prayer is as follows:
SB 7.9.28
My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?
It is because of you that I may one day come to know my position as the humble servant of the servant. Thank you for caring for me and saving me although I am unqualified.
My first duty is to serve you and never leave your service. By passing my life in this way, I will make my life a success.
Aspiring to assist you in the service to Srila Prabhupada's mission your aspiring servant Dayalu Gaura Dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisances on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
I have been reflecting on how it is that you are always in my life and what is the mercy you give at every moment.
Upon initiation, first I received the holy name and formal enrollment into the bhakti academy. That day, I became a card-carrying member of Krsna's family and an aspiring servant in-disciplic succession.
Therefore, by your kindness, whatever purity I have by chanting, which in turn enables me to understand the books and serve better, is by your mercy, because I chant on the beads that you have chanted on.
Many years have past since that day and I have also received Upanayana initiation from you and because of this, I have been engaged in the worship of Gaura Nitai.
My worship of Gaura Nitai is successful because I aspire and practice assisting you in their worship.
You have also given me instructions in devotional service, to make sure I read daily, to chant with attention, to serve sincerely, and in this way become a strong pillar for the welsh yathra.
The offerings that I make to Gaura Nitai are offered to you first. I meditate on a verse by Prahlada Maharaja after having duly worshipped their Lordships, attempting to learn to assist you in their worship and reminding myself never to treat our relationship lightly.
The prayer is as follows:
SB 7.9.28
My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?
It is because of you that I may one day come to know my position as the humble servant of the servant. Thank you for caring for me and saving me although I am unqualified.
My first duty is to serve you and never leave your service. By passing my life in this way, I will make my life a success.
Aspiring to assist you in the service to Srila Prabhupada's mission your aspiring servant Dayalu Gaura Dasa.
Dayamaya dd
Hare Krsna dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Appearance.
Vyasa puja is the most important day in a disciple's life and it becomes even more auspicious when we get to offer you our heartfelt gratitude in person.
Gurudeva, prior to taking shelter of your lotus feet, my life was ensnared in the service of ungrateful corporate masters. Witnessing such unfortunate souls on Queen street everyday, wrapped in business suits, I shudder to contemplate my destiny had you not rescued me from the clutches of those corporate challenges. Perhaps, I would have found myself in a mental hospital.
And just 3 years ago, Gurudeva, you again came to my rescue , when I was stuck in India during the pandemic. I was deeply touched to see your unwavering efforts to help me get back to my service in NZ. I still remember your text 'Please forgive us for not realizing earlier that you needed help to get out of your situation'. Your words of compassion and concern have become permanently etched on my heart.
Gurudeva, you have always encouraged me in distribution of Srimad Bhagavatam and cultivation. This service of sankirtan is so dear to you. You sacrificed all your youth in Lord Caitanya's mission and you still continue to do so.
In your classes , you often highlight the impending poly-crises that endangers the current world. You stand at the forefront of understanding these issues. Recently H.G.Bhrgupati prabhu shared in his class, that the reason you have such deep realizations on these topics , is because you are always contemplating on them. Gurudeva, you are expert at seeing the world through the eyes of Shastra. You urge that the reason we distribute Srila Prabhupada's books is not just because we believe in them, but because this is what the world desperately needs!
Simultaneously you are also training us to realize that this material world is a dangerous place and any negligence can cost us our spiritual lives.
Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I beg you to help me feel this urgency too. No longer do I want to fluff around in material existence. I want to dive deep in the sankirtan ocean to assist you and Srila Prabhupada in Lord Caitanya's mission.
Aspiring to cling tightly to your lotus feet,
Ys
Dayamaya dd
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Appearance.
Vyasa puja is the most important day in a disciple's life and it becomes even more auspicious when we get to offer you our heartfelt gratitude in person.
Gurudeva, prior to taking shelter of your lotus feet, my life was ensnared in the service of ungrateful corporate masters. Witnessing such unfortunate souls on Queen street everyday, wrapped in business suits, I shudder to contemplate my destiny had you not rescued me from the clutches of those corporate challenges. Perhaps, I would have found myself in a mental hospital.
And just 3 years ago, Gurudeva, you again came to my rescue , when I was stuck in India during the pandemic. I was deeply touched to see your unwavering efforts to help me get back to my service in NZ. I still remember your text 'Please forgive us for not realizing earlier that you needed help to get out of your situation'. Your words of compassion and concern have become permanently etched on my heart.
Gurudeva, you have always encouraged me in distribution of Srimad Bhagavatam and cultivation. This service of sankirtan is so dear to you. You sacrificed all your youth in Lord Caitanya's mission and you still continue to do so.
In your classes , you often highlight the impending poly-crises that endangers the current world. You stand at the forefront of understanding these issues. Recently H.G.Bhrgupati prabhu shared in his class, that the reason you have such deep realizations on these topics , is because you are always contemplating on them. Gurudeva, you are expert at seeing the world through the eyes of Shastra. You urge that the reason we distribute Srila Prabhupada's books is not just because we believe in them, but because this is what the world desperately needs!
Simultaneously you are also training us to realize that this material world is a dangerous place and any negligence can cost us our spiritual lives.
Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I beg you to help me feel this urgency too. No longer do I want to fluff around in material existence. I want to dive deep in the sankirtan ocean to assist you and Srila Prabhupada in Lord Caitanya's mission.
Aspiring to cling tightly to your lotus feet,
Ys
Dayamaya dd
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. Over the last few years, I've truly appreciated the chance to be more closely associated with you and provide a more personal level of service. It has revealed to me the authentic compassion that characterizes a Vaishnava, and how one's love for Krsna is expressed through affection, tolerance, and genuine care for others. It makes me always remember that a Vaisnava is para-dukha-dukhi that they has no personal troubles, but are very unhappy to see others in trouble. Prahlada Maharaja said, “My Lord, I have no personal problems, for I have learned how to glorify Your transcendental qualities and thus enter a trance of ecstasy. I do have a problem, however, for I am simply thinking of these rascals and fools who are busy with maya-sukha, temporary happiness, without knowledge of devotional service unto You.”
I've been fortunate to witness, especially as of late, your profound patience and sincere care in various situations, not just towards me but also towards many others you interact with. You recently mentioned how much of the world is constantly seeking external entertainment, yet at a very young age, you had already recognized the significance of self-satisfaction. Your continued dedication to imparting this beautiful realization, even though you've found profound peace in Krsna, truly showcases the depth of your compassion.
This, in turn, has set a meaningful standard for how I aspire to conduct myself in this world. I am genuinely grateful for your tireless efforts to share Krsna Consciousness with the world, and with me personally. I remain forever humbled and ready to be of service to you.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
Jñānāñjana-śalākayā
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
Thank you so much for your selfless service. Your example humbles and inspires me every day.
Your servant,
Deva Darshana Das
Dandavats. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my humble obeisances on your Vyasa Puja. Over the last few years, I've truly appreciated the chance to be more closely associated with you and provide a more personal level of service. It has revealed to me the authentic compassion that characterizes a Vaishnava, and how one's love for Krsna is expressed through affection, tolerance, and genuine care for others. It makes me always remember that a Vaisnava is para-dukha-dukhi that they has no personal troubles, but are very unhappy to see others in trouble. Prahlada Maharaja said, “My Lord, I have no personal problems, for I have learned how to glorify Your transcendental qualities and thus enter a trance of ecstasy. I do have a problem, however, for I am simply thinking of these rascals and fools who are busy with maya-sukha, temporary happiness, without knowledge of devotional service unto You.”
I've been fortunate to witness, especially as of late, your profound patience and sincere care in various situations, not just towards me but also towards many others you interact with. You recently mentioned how much of the world is constantly seeking external entertainment, yet at a very young age, you had already recognized the significance of self-satisfaction. Your continued dedication to imparting this beautiful realization, even though you've found profound peace in Krsna, truly showcases the depth of your compassion.
This, in turn, has set a meaningful standard for how I aspire to conduct myself in this world. I am genuinely grateful for your tireless efforts to share Krsna Consciousness with the world, and with me personally. I remain forever humbled and ready to be of service to you.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
Jñānāñjana-śalākayā
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
Thank you so much for your selfless service. Your example humbles and inspires me every day.
Your servant,
Deva Darshana Das
Dhira Siromani Dasa
nama om vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swami iti namine.
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances unto your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your lotus feet!
All glories to your auspicious appearance day!
How I wish I was not inept and clumsy in my attempt to glorify you? Alas my minute realisation and inability of finding words to do justice to your greatness has exposed my foolishness. I can never even put into words my feeling of gratitude that I have for you. I often say that my spiritual master has given me a burden of unrepayable debt. Since it is the duty of the disciple to glorify his spiritual master, I will like to grab this opportunity for my own purification.
Gurumaharaj, your footprint has left an immense impression on my life. I can still remember my first encounters with you, where I was running to you at the slightest problem that I used to face, just like a child running to his father. I can never forget how despite you may have been seeing my immaturity, you never stopped showering your affection on me.
I can never forget your first teachings. You mentioned how circumstances can be beyond our control , but we have unlimited control over our consciousness.
I still remember to date the example you gave where you mentioned when a plane takes off and goes higher, the buildings starts appearing smaller and smaller. We have no control over the size of the buildings , but we do have control over how high we can go. The problems may not diminish , but if our consciousness rises, the entire perspective changes and just like with greater heights, everything below becomes insignificant.
Little did I know, you were planting the seed of devotion in my heart which has always been barren.
Giving into my animalistic desires, following the dictates of an uncontrolled mind and being the slave of unrestrained senses, I was wasting my time in frivolous activities. I used to think that the world was under my feet, only to be slapped hard by maya time and again. Where would I be without your mercy Gurudeva? I cringe at the thoughts of how my life would have been. Without the mercy of Krsna, one cannot get Guru. What could a 5 year old Dhruva achieved, had it not been the intervention of Narada Muni? I remember I used to pray for a savior. Little did I know the difference between relief from material pangs and eternal happiness. Now when I look back, I see that you have bestowed me with the greatest ever gift and I am so foolish that I still have not really realised the power of devotional service.
The foundation of our movement rests in the tenet of “parampara.” The Lord talks about this in Bg 4.2: evam parampara-praptam. In the Introduction of the Krishna book, Srila Prabhupada demonstrates how to properly pay one’s respects to this system. And Narottama dasa Thakura sings about it in his Punah Prarthana song, sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu, daya kara more. But the necessary conditions of a bona fide parampara are those of preservation and unadulteration. And there is no higher proponent of this than yourself. How would I ever had access to Srila Prabhupada's mercy had it not been my fortune to come in contact with you? How would I have even understood His words, had it not been your merciful and loving glance upon me? You indeed carry Srila Prabhupada in your heart Gurudeva. Srila Prabhupada's disciples are hailed as mercy cases.
Chapter 10 of the Cc Adi-lila talks about the trunk, branches, and subbranches of the Chaitanya tree. If
that chapter is ever expanded, then Srila Prabhupada would be one of the prominent branches, and you, the most prominent subbranch. As such, you, dear Guru Maharaja, are an extension of Srila Prabhupada. Your mood of compassion is no different from Srila Prabhupada’s and no different from Nityananda Prabhu’s. You distribute the mercy and love of Krsna without any caste or creed.
You go around the world sharing the mercy and continue to save so many fallen souls just to please Srila Prabhupada. What more inspiration do I need? What excuse can I have to fail so miserably? You lead by example how to love Srila Prabhupada and carry out His instructions. I can always see how you constantly think of Srila Prabhupada. Amidst all the questions I ask, you always start the answers by saying Srila Prabhupada said/mentioned or this is what Srila Prabhupada did. You are the epitome of magnanimity. I once remember amidst my negligent and substandard service, I had a brief moment of clarity when I realized how unqualified I was to be your disciple. I reasoned that the best moment to ask you was when I was driving you from the airport many years ago and so I did ask that I am not as bright, dedicated and surrendered as my wonderful God brothers and God sisters, how is it that you accepted me as your disciple? You laughed in your own humorous way before breathing deeply and saying "I do not remember"
But, Guru Maharaja, I now know why you did it. Your compassion is, after all, in the mood of Srimati Radharani and Nityananda Prabhu. You neglect one’s faults and highlight their insignificant qualities. You rule in the realm of possibilities.
When Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswami met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the first time, they prayed thus (Madhya-lila 1.190), ‘‘Dear Lord, let us inform You that no one is more sinful than us, nor is there any offender like us. Even if we wanted to mention our sinful activities, we would immediately become ashamed. And what to speak of giving them up!”
But their prayer is not for themselves. Their prayer is for people like me who do not know how to pray. So, my dear Guru Maharaja, I simply repeat those words from my lips with the hope that someday I will be able to speak them from my heart. “You have incarnated to deliver the fallen souls. You should consider that in this world there is none more fallen than me.” And that I should consider there is none more compassionate than you. And so, I submit myself to your will.
I pray on this auspicious day may my mind be attached with the rope of devotion to your feet. May your mercy percolate unto my heart. Your equivocal instructions always cut through my deepest of illusions. You never neglect my babysteps efforts and always overlook my imperfections and blunders in serving you. Please bless me on this auspicious day that I realise the value of servitude and make the most of the great fortune that I have access to. I beg for your benediction that I can chant even more and develop some more taste in serving. Afterall, without mercy of Guru how can one even attain Krsna.
Yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado
Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi
Dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri sandhyam
Vande guroh sri caranaravindam.
I bow again and again to you and begging for forgiveness for all my imperfections while serving you. I pray for your good health and that you find newer and newer delight in pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Your insignificant servants,
Dhīra Śiromani Dāsa
Ramani Śiromani
Sudevi Kisori
srimate devamrita swami iti namine.
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances unto your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your lotus feet!
All glories to your auspicious appearance day!
How I wish I was not inept and clumsy in my attempt to glorify you? Alas my minute realisation and inability of finding words to do justice to your greatness has exposed my foolishness. I can never even put into words my feeling of gratitude that I have for you. I often say that my spiritual master has given me a burden of unrepayable debt. Since it is the duty of the disciple to glorify his spiritual master, I will like to grab this opportunity for my own purification.
Gurumaharaj, your footprint has left an immense impression on my life. I can still remember my first encounters with you, where I was running to you at the slightest problem that I used to face, just like a child running to his father. I can never forget how despite you may have been seeing my immaturity, you never stopped showering your affection on me.
I can never forget your first teachings. You mentioned how circumstances can be beyond our control , but we have unlimited control over our consciousness.
I still remember to date the example you gave where you mentioned when a plane takes off and goes higher, the buildings starts appearing smaller and smaller. We have no control over the size of the buildings , but we do have control over how high we can go. The problems may not diminish , but if our consciousness rises, the entire perspective changes and just like with greater heights, everything below becomes insignificant.
Little did I know, you were planting the seed of devotion in my heart which has always been barren.
Giving into my animalistic desires, following the dictates of an uncontrolled mind and being the slave of unrestrained senses, I was wasting my time in frivolous activities. I used to think that the world was under my feet, only to be slapped hard by maya time and again. Where would I be without your mercy Gurudeva? I cringe at the thoughts of how my life would have been. Without the mercy of Krsna, one cannot get Guru. What could a 5 year old Dhruva achieved, had it not been the intervention of Narada Muni? I remember I used to pray for a savior. Little did I know the difference between relief from material pangs and eternal happiness. Now when I look back, I see that you have bestowed me with the greatest ever gift and I am so foolish that I still have not really realised the power of devotional service.
The foundation of our movement rests in the tenet of “parampara.” The Lord talks about this in Bg 4.2: evam parampara-praptam. In the Introduction of the Krishna book, Srila Prabhupada demonstrates how to properly pay one’s respects to this system. And Narottama dasa Thakura sings about it in his Punah Prarthana song, sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu, daya kara more. But the necessary conditions of a bona fide parampara are those of preservation and unadulteration. And there is no higher proponent of this than yourself. How would I ever had access to Srila Prabhupada's mercy had it not been my fortune to come in contact with you? How would I have even understood His words, had it not been your merciful and loving glance upon me? You indeed carry Srila Prabhupada in your heart Gurudeva. Srila Prabhupada's disciples are hailed as mercy cases.
Chapter 10 of the Cc Adi-lila talks about the trunk, branches, and subbranches of the Chaitanya tree. If
that chapter is ever expanded, then Srila Prabhupada would be one of the prominent branches, and you, the most prominent subbranch. As such, you, dear Guru Maharaja, are an extension of Srila Prabhupada. Your mood of compassion is no different from Srila Prabhupada’s and no different from Nityananda Prabhu’s. You distribute the mercy and love of Krsna without any caste or creed.
You go around the world sharing the mercy and continue to save so many fallen souls just to please Srila Prabhupada. What more inspiration do I need? What excuse can I have to fail so miserably? You lead by example how to love Srila Prabhupada and carry out His instructions. I can always see how you constantly think of Srila Prabhupada. Amidst all the questions I ask, you always start the answers by saying Srila Prabhupada said/mentioned or this is what Srila Prabhupada did. You are the epitome of magnanimity. I once remember amidst my negligent and substandard service, I had a brief moment of clarity when I realized how unqualified I was to be your disciple. I reasoned that the best moment to ask you was when I was driving you from the airport many years ago and so I did ask that I am not as bright, dedicated and surrendered as my wonderful God brothers and God sisters, how is it that you accepted me as your disciple? You laughed in your own humorous way before breathing deeply and saying "I do not remember"
But, Guru Maharaja, I now know why you did it. Your compassion is, after all, in the mood of Srimati Radharani and Nityananda Prabhu. You neglect one’s faults and highlight their insignificant qualities. You rule in the realm of possibilities.
When Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswami met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the first time, they prayed thus (Madhya-lila 1.190), ‘‘Dear Lord, let us inform You that no one is more sinful than us, nor is there any offender like us. Even if we wanted to mention our sinful activities, we would immediately become ashamed. And what to speak of giving them up!”
But their prayer is not for themselves. Their prayer is for people like me who do not know how to pray. So, my dear Guru Maharaja, I simply repeat those words from my lips with the hope that someday I will be able to speak them from my heart. “You have incarnated to deliver the fallen souls. You should consider that in this world there is none more fallen than me.” And that I should consider there is none more compassionate than you. And so, I submit myself to your will.
I pray on this auspicious day may my mind be attached with the rope of devotion to your feet. May your mercy percolate unto my heart. Your equivocal instructions always cut through my deepest of illusions. You never neglect my babysteps efforts and always overlook my imperfections and blunders in serving you. Please bless me on this auspicious day that I realise the value of servitude and make the most of the great fortune that I have access to. I beg for your benediction that I can chant even more and develop some more taste in serving. Afterall, without mercy of Guru how can one even attain Krsna.
Yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado
Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi
Dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri sandhyam
Vande guroh sri caranaravindam.
I bow again and again to you and begging for forgiveness for all my imperfections while serving you. I pray for your good health and that you find newer and newer delight in pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Your insignificant servants,
Dhīra Śiromani Dāsa
Ramani Śiromani
Sudevi Kisori
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you, Srila Gurudeva on this most auspicious appearance day
Hearing and thinking about the response and interaction of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu with one of the great devotee king, Prataprudra Maharaj during the Rathayatra pastimes, our humble self has also been wondering how much pleasure you are giving to Lord Caitanya and of course Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara by offering so attractive talks about Krishna. I feel this verse is suitable to refer to on this auspicious day to speak of your munificence in giving Krishna to others.
tava kathāmṛtaṁ tapta-jīvanaṁ
kavibhir īḍitaṁ kalmaṣāpaham
śravaṇa-maṅgalaṁ śrīmad-ātataṁ
bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūridā janāḥ
TRANSLATION
“‘My Lord, the nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those who are always aggrieved in this material world. These narrations are transmitted by exalted personalities, and they eradicate all sinful reactions. Whoever hears these narrations attains all good fortune. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent welfare workers.’”
This Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.31.9. Verse quoted in Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya Lila 14.13 by Prataprudra Maharaj to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
It is such an inspirational verse for Sankirtan devotees and why not when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself just hearing the words “tava kathāmṛtam,” went into internal consciousness and embraced the king without any external consciousness. Lord Caitanya also chanted this verse and kept on saying ‘bhūridā’ ‘bhūridā’, you are the most munificent, you are the most munificent glorifying the King manifesting ecstatic symptoms. Chanting this verse they both were trembling in ecstasy of Krishna consciousness.
You have invented so many ways to bring people absorbed rather aggrieved in material life completely to Krishna consciousness. Not only that like an expert gardner helping such unfortunate souls like ourselves to become fortunate by engaging in Sankirtan/ devotional service. You are teaching us how to spread these rays of the benediction moon by engaging in Sankirtan and increasing the pleasure of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Hearing your talks over the years have certainly become sweeter and sweeter as our senses have become purified to a certain degree by performing Sankirtan. On the contrary seeing you speak and lead spiritually surcharged kirtans in such attractive ways we are also reminded of how much more purification we need to go trough to develop even a drop of such a taste for chanting and hearing and engaging others. However we find ourselves greatly fortunate that you are our inspiration and shelter for seeking spiritual strength to carry out your instructions and performing Sankirtan. Therefore on this special day this weak and humble servant of the servant of your servants beg you for spiritual strength to remain absorbed in Krishna consciousness at your lotus feet and also helping others in doing the same.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you, Srila Gurudeva on this most auspicious appearance day
Hearing and thinking about the response and interaction of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu with one of the great devotee king, Prataprudra Maharaj during the Rathayatra pastimes, our humble self has also been wondering how much pleasure you are giving to Lord Caitanya and of course Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara by offering so attractive talks about Krishna. I feel this verse is suitable to refer to on this auspicious day to speak of your munificence in giving Krishna to others.
tava kathāmṛtaṁ tapta-jīvanaṁ
kavibhir īḍitaṁ kalmaṣāpaham
śravaṇa-maṅgalaṁ śrīmad-ātataṁ
bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūridā janāḥ
TRANSLATION
“‘My Lord, the nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those who are always aggrieved in this material world. These narrations are transmitted by exalted personalities, and they eradicate all sinful reactions. Whoever hears these narrations attains all good fortune. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent welfare workers.’”
This Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.31.9. Verse quoted in Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya Lila 14.13 by Prataprudra Maharaj to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
It is such an inspirational verse for Sankirtan devotees and why not when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself just hearing the words “tava kathāmṛtam,” went into internal consciousness and embraced the king without any external consciousness. Lord Caitanya also chanted this verse and kept on saying ‘bhūridā’ ‘bhūridā’, you are the most munificent, you are the most munificent glorifying the King manifesting ecstatic symptoms. Chanting this verse they both were trembling in ecstasy of Krishna consciousness.
You have invented so many ways to bring people absorbed rather aggrieved in material life completely to Krishna consciousness. Not only that like an expert gardner helping such unfortunate souls like ourselves to become fortunate by engaging in Sankirtan/ devotional service. You are teaching us how to spread these rays of the benediction moon by engaging in Sankirtan and increasing the pleasure of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Hearing your talks over the years have certainly become sweeter and sweeter as our senses have become purified to a certain degree by performing Sankirtan. On the contrary seeing you speak and lead spiritually surcharged kirtans in such attractive ways we are also reminded of how much more purification we need to go trough to develop even a drop of such a taste for chanting and hearing and engaging others. However we find ourselves greatly fortunate that you are our inspiration and shelter for seeking spiritual strength to carry out your instructions and performing Sankirtan. Therefore on this special day this weak and humble servant of the servant of your servants beg you for spiritual strength to remain absorbed in Krishna consciousness at your lotus feet and also helping others in doing the same.
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
On this your appearance day I'm in a reminiscence pondering mood given over the past few months I've been reflecting on a conversation we had long before my initiation. The substance of your words remain as valid today as the time you first spoke and on every level remains the wisest words which leaves me always with points to ponder, but also helps others.
The main point was simply this that the problems I was facing is simply that of my own making and rather than taking excuses one has to accept personal responsibility. This alongside the many classes were you spoke about how it's only in Krishna consciousness that one faces and have to deal with the real self, yes one cannot hide from our real nature and the elements one has to work or to elevate oneself making the most of this human form of life.
Regular reading, listening and chanting makes this conversation and the points you raised in class more real, and new areas to personally work on. So my offering is simply an apology, for the many times I argued and wouldn't accept your guidance; and an apology for the countless offences to the lotus feet of the devotees.
I feel this is the best offering I can make this year one of a sincere apology
Yours humble
Dhirabhakta 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
On this your appearance day I'm in a reminiscence pondering mood given over the past few months I've been reflecting on a conversation we had long before my initiation. The substance of your words remain as valid today as the time you first spoke and on every level remains the wisest words which leaves me always with points to ponder, but also helps others.
The main point was simply this that the problems I was facing is simply that of my own making and rather than taking excuses one has to accept personal responsibility. This alongside the many classes were you spoke about how it's only in Krishna consciousness that one faces and have to deal with the real self, yes one cannot hide from our real nature and the elements one has to work or to elevate oneself making the most of this human form of life.
Regular reading, listening and chanting makes this conversation and the points you raised in class more real, and new areas to personally work on. So my offering is simply an apology, for the many times I argued and wouldn't accept your guidance; and an apology for the countless offences to the lotus feet of the devotees.
I feel this is the best offering I can make this year one of a sincere apology
Yours humble
Dhirabhakta Das
Dhruv
Hare Krishna Gurudev. Please accept my humble obeisances.
I would like to begin by thanking you for everything you have done for the world as a collective and me as an individual. Your words are inspiring and completely transcendental to material affairs and have aided me and many others to become closer to Krishna and gain a perspective to the ultimate goal of life. Us conditioned souls were stuck in this repetitive cycle of artificiality, facades and miseries, and a destructive pattern of behaviour.
Not aware of the true purpose of a rarely achieved human life, we had been living under the misconception that fulfilling our material desires would lead us to enlightenment. However, through experience and the bhakti-yoga texts we were proven wrong- I personally experienced a plethora of fears, during the time that I identified the self with the material body and mind- which is perishable. But thanks to your king grace and mercy I was able to release from such notions.
When I had darshan of your elevated self- you had a distinct spiritual glow and your words were nectarean. I asked about my fears that I had been experiencing and having that conversation changed my perspective and worldview. You told me to gradually increase to chanting 16 rounds (Im upto 8 right now, and plan very soon to bump it up to 16) and surrender to Krishna, as fear personified is afraid of Krishna.” And you asked me to read Krishna book before sleeping which I have been doing without fail every night since you asked me.
This guidance along with thorough and careful reading Bhagavad Gita As It Is which I have just finished recently, aided me immensely in releasing from the notions of temporality and materialism, which were the sole causes of misery throughout my life. This occurred only by your divine mercy and your care for me, for which I am extremely grateful and pay all the credit to you. Also, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you by transcribing your lecture on fear, which I felt was a perfect service aimed towards me which really allowed me to carefully grasp every nectarean word that came out of your mouth on the topic of causes of fear, the driving forces and how to release from them. As you emphasised in your lecture, that, “Anyone who identifies the body and mind as the self, must suffer from anxiety”,- This transcendental statement has stuck with me and has led me to introspect into the overarching causes of fear which can only be overcome through Krishna Consciousness
Thank you so much again, I hope to speak with you again soon if you and Krishna desire as I may need some more guidance on issues. Happy visa puja to you, Hare Krishna.
-Dhruv
I would like to begin by thanking you for everything you have done for the world as a collective and me as an individual. Your words are inspiring and completely transcendental to material affairs and have aided me and many others to become closer to Krishna and gain a perspective to the ultimate goal of life. Us conditioned souls were stuck in this repetitive cycle of artificiality, facades and miseries, and a destructive pattern of behaviour.
Not aware of the true purpose of a rarely achieved human life, we had been living under the misconception that fulfilling our material desires would lead us to enlightenment. However, through experience and the bhakti-yoga texts we were proven wrong- I personally experienced a plethora of fears, during the time that I identified the self with the material body and mind- which is perishable. But thanks to your king grace and mercy I was able to release from such notions.
When I had darshan of your elevated self- you had a distinct spiritual glow and your words were nectarean. I asked about my fears that I had been experiencing and having that conversation changed my perspective and worldview. You told me to gradually increase to chanting 16 rounds (Im upto 8 right now, and plan very soon to bump it up to 16) and surrender to Krishna, as fear personified is afraid of Krishna.” And you asked me to read Krishna book before sleeping which I have been doing without fail every night since you asked me.
This guidance along with thorough and careful reading Bhagavad Gita As It Is which I have just finished recently, aided me immensely in releasing from the notions of temporality and materialism, which were the sole causes of misery throughout my life. This occurred only by your divine mercy and your care for me, for which I am extremely grateful and pay all the credit to you. Also, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you by transcribing your lecture on fear, which I felt was a perfect service aimed towards me which really allowed me to carefully grasp every nectarean word that came out of your mouth on the topic of causes of fear, the driving forces and how to release from them. As you emphasised in your lecture, that, “Anyone who identifies the body and mind as the self, must suffer from anxiety”,- This transcendental statement has stuck with me and has led me to introspect into the overarching causes of fear which can only be overcome through Krishna Consciousness
Thank you so much again, I hope to speak with you again soon if you and Krishna desire as I may need some more guidance on issues. Happy visa puja to you, Hare Krishna.
-Dhruv
Dina Dayala dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet.
Thank you for being personally present with us today, on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
Your presence, in form or instruction, is the most valuable thing in our lives. I have only a vague memory of life before I met you. Not because it was so long ago, but because it was empty, without substance. Sort of nightmarish.
You reached out to me to wake me up from that. I cannot express how grateful I am to you.
One day, around the time I first began coming to the Loft in 1996, you strode into the Auckland Central Library. First, a streak of saffron passed along the outside of the large library windows. They were tinted so I saw you but you hadn’t seen me. Then, you entered & strode gracefully straight down the main isle. I wondered what would happen next. I was frozen still having just pulled a Koran from the shelf. You seemed to be moving as if remotely controlled. Then, you stopped abruptly, pivoted and saw me hiding up the religious isle. “Hello Di!” you said, raising eyebrows in genuine surprise. There was a brief exchange; then, astonished I saw you stride right back out of the library without even looking for a book. Later you told me that you didn’t know why you were walking into the library that day and that’s exactly how I remember it, as an encounter with Krishna’s special agent.
You make it look effortless but you work extremely hard to reach out to people. To this day, you are as interested in newcomers to the Loft as ever. You never forget that conditioned souls are suffering their nightmares. You are always anxious to help them, no matter how busy with other services you are, no matter how traumatised and difficult they may be to deal with. “There will be more,” you say, “are you up for it?” you imply. Yes, Guru Maharaja. For what you have done for me, I should do for others but I am impotent. Let me meditate on your fearlessness, patience, tolerance and surrender. This is the only way.
Today is your 73rd Vyasa-puja. You could be living in Mayapura, blissfully hearing and chanting close to the place of your Lord’s pastimes. Is it just compassion that compels you to keep travelling, keep reaching out to new people, keep reaching out to disciples? You do not seem able to ignore people’s suffering and put yourself first. Not an ounce of selfish interest is in you.
How glorious you are.
Thank you so much for touching my life, awakening me from its nightmare and engaging me in service. I pray that I can fix myself lifetime after lifetime in your service with no other goals.
Your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi.
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet.
Thank you for being personally present with us today, on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
Your presence, in form or instruction, is the most valuable thing in our lives. I have only a vague memory of life before I met you. Not because it was so long ago, but because it was empty, without substance. Sort of nightmarish.
You reached out to me to wake me up from that. I cannot express how grateful I am to you.
One day, around the time I first began coming to the Loft in 1996, you strode into the Auckland Central Library. First, a streak of saffron passed along the outside of the large library windows. They were tinted so I saw you but you hadn’t seen me. Then, you entered & strode gracefully straight down the main isle. I wondered what would happen next. I was frozen still having just pulled a Koran from the shelf. You seemed to be moving as if remotely controlled. Then, you stopped abruptly, pivoted and saw me hiding up the religious isle. “Hello Di!” you said, raising eyebrows in genuine surprise. There was a brief exchange; then, astonished I saw you stride right back out of the library without even looking for a book. Later you told me that you didn’t know why you were walking into the library that day and that’s exactly how I remember it, as an encounter with Krishna’s special agent.
You make it look effortless but you work extremely hard to reach out to people. To this day, you are as interested in newcomers to the Loft as ever. You never forget that conditioned souls are suffering their nightmares. You are always anxious to help them, no matter how busy with other services you are, no matter how traumatised and difficult they may be to deal with. “There will be more,” you say, “are you up for it?” you imply. Yes, Guru Maharaja. For what you have done for me, I should do for others but I am impotent. Let me meditate on your fearlessness, patience, tolerance and surrender. This is the only way.
Today is your 73rd Vyasa-puja. You could be living in Mayapura, blissfully hearing and chanting close to the place of your Lord’s pastimes. Is it just compassion that compels you to keep travelling, keep reaching out to new people, keep reaching out to disciples? You do not seem able to ignore people’s suffering and put yourself first. Not an ounce of selfish interest is in you.
How glorious you are.
Thank you so much for touching my life, awakening me from its nightmare and engaging me in service. I pray that I can fix myself lifetime after lifetime in your service with no other goals.
Your servant,
Dina Dayala devi dasi.
Dīna-pālikā devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet; all glories to Srila Prabhupada, and to you on this day of your appearance.
CC Madhya 1.206:
"'By serving you constantly, one is freed from all material desires and is completely pacified. When shall I engage as Your permanent eternal servant and always feel joyful to have such a fitting master?'"
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport: "In His teachings to Sanātana Gosvāmī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has declared every living entity to be an eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the constitutional position of all living entities. Just as a dog or servant is very satisfied to get a competent, perfect master, or as a child is completely satisfied to possess a competent father, so the living entity is satisfied by completely engaging in the service of the Supreme Lord. He thereby knows that he has a competent master to save him from all kinds of danger. Unless the living entity comes to the guaranteed protection of the Supreme Lord, He is full of anxiety. This life of anxiety is called material existence. To be completely satisfied and devoid of anxiety, one must come to the position of eternally rendering service to the Supreme Lord..."
I am so lucky to finally be sa-natha, or with a perfect master such as yourself, who has saved me from gracefully, artistically, peacefully gliding down to hell. I was like a “sophisticated” street dog before I met you, but now I am a happy child having taken shelter under a most loving father.
I'd really like to take this opportunity to thank you for so many wonderful things that frequently cross my mind that you do for the benefit of the conditioned souls; things that perhaps go unnoticed or that we don't thank you enough for.
1. I am so grateful that you travel, constantly changing time zones and somehow still sticking to a regulated schedule. You keep in touch with so many of your disciples, giving them your darshan by going place to place or meeting them over Zoom, phone call, etc. I can't even imagine what it would do to someone's physical body to have to sleep on a different mattress every couple of days, or practically spend half of one's time in a sealed tube of recycled air flying thousands of feet above the ground. Thank you for taking on this austerity for us.
2. I really appreciate that you had the foresight to have devotees and your disciples record most of your lectures. I really relish hearing all of your lectures, all the way back to the 90s, and presently the ones you give all over the world.
3. Likewise, thank you for frequently giving such personal examples about your experiences in Krsna consciousness; specifically, examples of how you overcame obstacles. These personal examples have given me so much inspiration to overcome similar, albeit not as trying, circumstances. Taking to heart these examples that you give, combined with your instruction to chant and read attentively, are the recipe for success. Specifically, I have greatly benefitted from and used the following examples: when your health started to decline on book distribution and you had to pray to Krsna to walk 10 feet to the next person; when you started hearing one of your devotee friends in the LA temple who traveled with Prabhupada speaking the latest "ISKCON gossip" and you prayed to Prabhupada for 3 days to vanquish any cynicism in your heart; and finally how instead of allowing your health condition to leave you completely despondent since you couldn't go out on sankirtana anymore, you instead absorbed yourself in editing Prabhupada's books in LA. Of course there are many more, these are just a few that have been very relevant for me in the past couple of years.
4. This leads me to my last point of gratitude, which is that I am so grateful that you never tire of repeating yourself. Thank you for having the patience to give the same examples and the same instructions in class after class, and more specifically for always instructing me to deepen my chanting. I can never hear this point enough and it is like a great sigh of relief every time you tell me this. I can finally breath and note, "Oh, great! I don't have to take my mind so seriously. All I have to do is chant more deeply and all will be resolved and revealed," or "Oh, yeah, that's the piece that's been missing: actually hearing the holy name."
So many austerities that you undertake that go untold out of your humility and desire to please Srila Prabhupada. Drawing the line and setting standards even though that might mean upsetting some devotees or not being liked by everyone, navigating city or temple politics in your GBC zone… all these "little" things that are actually very huge but we may just take for granted until one experiences it for themselves. And you do it all with class, a light heart free from envy or expectation, and a mood of full surrender to Srila Prabhupada.
You told me once that you like me because I'm not a whinger, and then you proceeded to explain to me what a whinging is. I really hope to keep that up, for your pleasure. Actually this becomes quite easy to uphold if one takes your instructions to go out and share Krsna consciousness with others, chant 16 focused rounds in a row, and keep our noses pressed to Srila Prabhupada's books; then there's nothing to complain about. You've already given us the jewel.
When I listen to a particularly relishable and relatable lecture of yours, the translation from Bhagavad-Gita 10.18 often comes to mind: "I am never satiated in hearing about You, for the more I hear the more I want to taste the nectar of your words." Of course in the Bhagavad Gita Arjuna is speaking to Krsna, but I feel that the same can be applied to the krsna-katha that you speak. Sometimes it is an indescribable feeling, where one just becomes restless, anxious to hear more– such is the potency of your words and the way you present Krsna consciousness.
I am so grateful to have had the experience in the U.S. of what it's like to serve you from afar (to a degree). Your lectures are really my lifeblood and between those and your direct instructions to me I don't need anything more in life. I feel so far away from Krsna, but at least through your lectures I feel close to you. And if I can at least keep myself fixed in your vani then somehow or other I have faith I'll get to Krsna one day.
I am sorry of all of my shortcomings in glorifying you, all I can express from my heart is how much you continue to change my life and how I've seen you change others. I am constantly dumbfounded at how Krsna has sent me the exact, perfect spiritual master. Both the humor and gravity you demonstrate, the gentleness and encouragement as well as the heaviness, is profound and everything I could ever need and more.
In conclusion, I'm really grateful for all the austerities you undertake just to call and ask, "how are your parents?" or ask another devotee how their health is, or save me a cookie, or send me to India, as though you have no bigger problems to deal with than my tiny life. Today I was listening to a lecture that you gave in New Vraja Dhama where you said, “To build his congregation, Prabhupada took an active interest in the lives of the people.” Right away I thought: you do this! It's amazing how you can think so big (like how to push on the mission of Lord Caitanya all over the world) and so small (like a devotee's individual affairs). This practically demonstrates how when a pure devotee is so attached to Krsna, Ananta, they also become ananta, or unlimited.
This year I am hoping to increase my service to you and multiply your pleasure more and more. Please bless me so that I can do the needful for your service, and also facilitate from behind the scenes for devotees to distribute increasing numbers of books in innovative ways. I hope to learn from you how to empower others instead of just trying to do it all myself.
Your lowly servant,
Dina-palika devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet; all glories to Srila Prabhupada, and to you on this day of your appearance.
CC Madhya 1.206:
"'By serving you constantly, one is freed from all material desires and is completely pacified. When shall I engage as Your permanent eternal servant and always feel joyful to have such a fitting master?'"
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport: "In His teachings to Sanātana Gosvāmī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has declared every living entity to be an eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the constitutional position of all living entities. Just as a dog or servant is very satisfied to get a competent, perfect master, or as a child is completely satisfied to possess a competent father, so the living entity is satisfied by completely engaging in the service of the Supreme Lord. He thereby knows that he has a competent master to save him from all kinds of danger. Unless the living entity comes to the guaranteed protection of the Supreme Lord, He is full of anxiety. This life of anxiety is called material existence. To be completely satisfied and devoid of anxiety, one must come to the position of eternally rendering service to the Supreme Lord..."
I am so lucky to finally be sa-natha, or with a perfect master such as yourself, who has saved me from gracefully, artistically, peacefully gliding down to hell. I was like a “sophisticated” street dog before I met you, but now I am a happy child having taken shelter under a most loving father.
I'd really like to take this opportunity to thank you for so many wonderful things that frequently cross my mind that you do for the benefit of the conditioned souls; things that perhaps go unnoticed or that we don't thank you enough for.
1. I am so grateful that you travel, constantly changing time zones and somehow still sticking to a regulated schedule. You keep in touch with so many of your disciples, giving them your darshan by going place to place or meeting them over Zoom, phone call, etc. I can't even imagine what it would do to someone's physical body to have to sleep on a different mattress every couple of days, or practically spend half of one's time in a sealed tube of recycled air flying thousands of feet above the ground. Thank you for taking on this austerity for us.
2. I really appreciate that you had the foresight to have devotees and your disciples record most of your lectures. I really relish hearing all of your lectures, all the way back to the 90s, and presently the ones you give all over the world.
3. Likewise, thank you for frequently giving such personal examples about your experiences in Krsna consciousness; specifically, examples of how you overcame obstacles. These personal examples have given me so much inspiration to overcome similar, albeit not as trying, circumstances. Taking to heart these examples that you give, combined with your instruction to chant and read attentively, are the recipe for success. Specifically, I have greatly benefitted from and used the following examples: when your health started to decline on book distribution and you had to pray to Krsna to walk 10 feet to the next person; when you started hearing one of your devotee friends in the LA temple who traveled with Prabhupada speaking the latest "ISKCON gossip" and you prayed to Prabhupada for 3 days to vanquish any cynicism in your heart; and finally how instead of allowing your health condition to leave you completely despondent since you couldn't go out on sankirtana anymore, you instead absorbed yourself in editing Prabhupada's books in LA. Of course there are many more, these are just a few that have been very relevant for me in the past couple of years.
4. This leads me to my last point of gratitude, which is that I am so grateful that you never tire of repeating yourself. Thank you for having the patience to give the same examples and the same instructions in class after class, and more specifically for always instructing me to deepen my chanting. I can never hear this point enough and it is like a great sigh of relief every time you tell me this. I can finally breath and note, "Oh, great! I don't have to take my mind so seriously. All I have to do is chant more deeply and all will be resolved and revealed," or "Oh, yeah, that's the piece that's been missing: actually hearing the holy name."
So many austerities that you undertake that go untold out of your humility and desire to please Srila Prabhupada. Drawing the line and setting standards even though that might mean upsetting some devotees or not being liked by everyone, navigating city or temple politics in your GBC zone… all these "little" things that are actually very huge but we may just take for granted until one experiences it for themselves. And you do it all with class, a light heart free from envy or expectation, and a mood of full surrender to Srila Prabhupada.
You told me once that you like me because I'm not a whinger, and then you proceeded to explain to me what a whinging is. I really hope to keep that up, for your pleasure. Actually this becomes quite easy to uphold if one takes your instructions to go out and share Krsna consciousness with others, chant 16 focused rounds in a row, and keep our noses pressed to Srila Prabhupada's books; then there's nothing to complain about. You've already given us the jewel.
When I listen to a particularly relishable and relatable lecture of yours, the translation from Bhagavad-Gita 10.18 often comes to mind: "I am never satiated in hearing about You, for the more I hear the more I want to taste the nectar of your words." Of course in the Bhagavad Gita Arjuna is speaking to Krsna, but I feel that the same can be applied to the krsna-katha that you speak. Sometimes it is an indescribable feeling, where one just becomes restless, anxious to hear more– such is the potency of your words and the way you present Krsna consciousness.
I am so grateful to have had the experience in the U.S. of what it's like to serve you from afar (to a degree). Your lectures are really my lifeblood and between those and your direct instructions to me I don't need anything more in life. I feel so far away from Krsna, but at least through your lectures I feel close to you. And if I can at least keep myself fixed in your vani then somehow or other I have faith I'll get to Krsna one day.
I am sorry of all of my shortcomings in glorifying you, all I can express from my heart is how much you continue to change my life and how I've seen you change others. I am constantly dumbfounded at how Krsna has sent me the exact, perfect spiritual master. Both the humor and gravity you demonstrate, the gentleness and encouragement as well as the heaviness, is profound and everything I could ever need and more.
In conclusion, I'm really grateful for all the austerities you undertake just to call and ask, "how are your parents?" or ask another devotee how their health is, or save me a cookie, or send me to India, as though you have no bigger problems to deal with than my tiny life. Today I was listening to a lecture that you gave in New Vraja Dhama where you said, “To build his congregation, Prabhupada took an active interest in the lives of the people.” Right away I thought: you do this! It's amazing how you can think so big (like how to push on the mission of Lord Caitanya all over the world) and so small (like a devotee's individual affairs). This practically demonstrates how when a pure devotee is so attached to Krsna, Ananta, they also become ananta, or unlimited.
This year I am hoping to increase my service to you and multiply your pleasure more and more. Please bless me so that I can do the needful for your service, and also facilitate from behind the scenes for devotees to distribute increasing numbers of books in innovative ways. I hope to learn from you how to empower others instead of just trying to do it all myself.
Your lowly servant,
Dina-palika devi dasi
Dinodhari Das Satyadhari Dasi
Namo om Vishnu padayaya Krishna pastalya bhutakle Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on your divine appearance day.
On this auspicious appearance day, we wish to thank you and show our gratitude for giving us shelter under you.
In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10, Verse 9, Krishna says:
mac-citta mad-gata-prana
bodhayantah parasparam
kathayantas ca mam nityam
tusyanti ca ramanti ca
TRANSLATION
The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are surrendered to Me, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
The symptoms of the pure devotees are described in this verse specifically. Devotees of the Supreme Lord are twenty-four hours daily engaged in glorifying the pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Their hearts and souls are constantly submerged in Kåñëa, and they take pleasure in discussing Him with other devotees.
Once one person approached Srila Gaura-kishora dasa Babaji and asked, "We see many descriptions of the devotees of the Lord in the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and other scriptures which are of the highest order.
Gaura-kishora dasa Babaji Maharaja replied, "When the desire of the devotee of the Lord is in direct conjugation with the desire of Krishna, then the compassionate pure devotee of the Lord, regardless of birth, time, and place, liberates the conditioned souls. Also, the pure devotee of the Lord attracts the living entities by exhibiting pure love of Krishna.
Gurudev, you are such a pure Soul as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita and described by elevated Vaishnavas. You have attracted countless souls like us to Prabhupada's family just by your example of love of Prabhupada and your unflinching faith in Lord Krishna. Every word you say reflects deeply with what Prabhupada's desire is and every action you do is in direct conjugation of Lord.
Gurudev, we also pray for your mercy so we can continue to serve Prabhupada, your lotus feet and the Vaiṣṇavas. Only through your blessings we may even aspire of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your aspiring Servants,
Dinodhari Das
Satyadhari Dasi
Krishna Das
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on your divine appearance day.
On this auspicious appearance day, we wish to thank you and show our gratitude for giving us shelter under you.
In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10, Verse 9, Krishna says:
mac-citta mad-gata-prana
bodhayantah parasparam
kathayantas ca mam nityam
tusyanti ca ramanti ca
TRANSLATION
The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are surrendered to Me, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
The symptoms of the pure devotees are described in this verse specifically. Devotees of the Supreme Lord are twenty-four hours daily engaged in glorifying the pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Their hearts and souls are constantly submerged in Kåñëa, and they take pleasure in discussing Him with other devotees.
Once one person approached Srila Gaura-kishora dasa Babaji and asked, "We see many descriptions of the devotees of the Lord in the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and other scriptures which are of the highest order.
Gaura-kishora dasa Babaji Maharaja replied, "When the desire of the devotee of the Lord is in direct conjugation with the desire of Krishna, then the compassionate pure devotee of the Lord, regardless of birth, time, and place, liberates the conditioned souls. Also, the pure devotee of the Lord attracts the living entities by exhibiting pure love of Krishna.
Gurudev, you are such a pure Soul as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita and described by elevated Vaishnavas. You have attracted countless souls like us to Prabhupada's family just by your example of love of Prabhupada and your unflinching faith in Lord Krishna. Every word you say reflects deeply with what Prabhupada's desire is and every action you do is in direct conjugation of Lord.
Gurudev, we also pray for your mercy so we can continue to serve Prabhupada, your lotus feet and the Vaiṣṇavas. Only through your blessings we may even aspire of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your aspiring Servants,
Dinodhari Das
Satyadhari Dasi
Krishna Das
Divya Vrindavan Devi Dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obesicances all glories to Srila Prabupada all glories to you on this most auspicious day.
I write this offering recently meditating on the first time I had personal darshan with you nearly six years ago. My life was catapulted literally right to the foreground making me reflect and re assess everything I thought of I knew. Arrogance and pride has pricked me highly lately as I realise how assured of myself for many years I was my yoga teaching background and really feeling entitled in Bhakti this was so terribly and so truly wrong.
What has unfolded now is truly unfathomable, because of you, and your mercy all because of your gracious kind, deep loving and sweet manner with me so personal and to your compassionate disiciples who took me under their wing.
Recently I heard a class in which it was said humility breeds gratitude and you carry this in abundance and vitality more and more as I hear your classes of late. You have emphasised this quality gratitude and how we should not hesitate
to thank every single person who has influenced our journey to Bhakti.
As I see you preach, give outstanding and Caitayna Caritamrita Classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes I sit transfixed and watch in awe how the majestic and regal qualities which I read regularly of Srila Prabupada I see embodied so much in you. One of my most favourite pastimes, is to read the raft of memoirs and books we have so readily at our fingertips from the Prabupada disciples from the early days, the first devotees in New York and San Francisco.
As I try my hardest but most fallen way to try and please you in devotional service
I pray deeply I can try and develop more deep humility and graciousness for what lies a head of me in Bhakti if I can keep steady determined and focused.
I cry out to the Holy Name and beg to be at your lotus feet.
The game is rigged I heard you say recently in an outreach class - nectar and so on point. I wanted to punch the air for you Gurudeva so determined to try and please you. I pray hard now more than ever that I can please you wholeheartedly and meditate on my ability to surrender more to you. To repay the debt. As I attempt to feebly serve you.
Bhakti and Krsna often feel most alive for me on Sankirtan an instruction you gave me the first time I met you to hit the street you said - I feel so eternally and unbelievably blessed by you. Thank you deeply.
I miss your presence always most your laughter, but hold on to your words and send you good health and wishes.
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 eternally
Ys Divya Vrndavana Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obesicances all glories to Srila Prabupada all glories to you on this most auspicious day.
I write this offering recently meditating on the first time I had personal darshan with you nearly six years ago. My life was catapulted literally right to the foreground making me reflect and re assess everything I thought of I knew. Arrogance and pride has pricked me highly lately as I realise how assured of myself for many years I was my yoga teaching background and really feeling entitled in Bhakti this was so terribly and so truly wrong.
What has unfolded now is truly unfathomable, because of you, and your mercy all because of your gracious kind, deep loving and sweet manner with me so personal and to your compassionate disiciples who took me under their wing.
Recently I heard a class in which it was said humility breeds gratitude and you carry this in abundance and vitality more and more as I hear your classes of late. You have emphasised this quality gratitude and how we should not hesitate
to thank every single person who has influenced our journey to Bhakti.
As I see you preach, give outstanding and Caitayna Caritamrita Classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes I sit transfixed and watch in awe how the majestic and regal qualities which I read regularly of Srila Prabupada I see embodied so much in you. One of my most favourite pastimes, is to read the raft of memoirs and books we have so readily at our fingertips from the Prabupada disciples from the early days, the first devotees in New York and San Francisco.
As I try my hardest but most fallen way to try and please you in devotional service
I pray deeply I can try and develop more deep humility and graciousness for what lies a head of me in Bhakti if I can keep steady determined and focused.
I cry out to the Holy Name and beg to be at your lotus feet.
The game is rigged I heard you say recently in an outreach class - nectar and so on point. I wanted to punch the air for you Gurudeva so determined to try and please you. I pray hard now more than ever that I can please you wholeheartedly and meditate on my ability to surrender more to you. To repay the debt. As I attempt to feebly serve you.
Bhakti and Krsna often feel most alive for me on Sankirtan an instruction you gave me the first time I met you to hit the street you said - I feel so eternally and unbelievably blessed by you. Thank you deeply.
I miss your presence always most your laughter, but hold on to your words and send you good health and wishes.
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 eternally
Ys Divya Vrndavana Devi Dasi
Duranta-sakti Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this special day of your Vyasa puja
Dear Gurudeva,
Many a times I wonder about my fortunate situation, how I have the opportunity to practice Krishna consciousness. I look back at the years prior to meeting the devotees and notice the day and night difference in my aspirations for life. Despite taking birth in the land of Bharat, in a pious Hindu family I did not have an understanding of the true purpose of life.
Thousands of miles away from India, here in faraway remote New Zealand is where I met the devotees and was given this most precious jewel of Krishna Consciousness. And I’ve often wondered how come I’ve been given this great opportunity.
Like with answers to all questions, I found the answer in Srila Prabhupada’s purports in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
From the purport to Canto 1, Chapter 7, Text 22:
“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.”
Thank you Gurudeva for showering your mercy on this underserving servant of yours.
It is only through your mercy, that I have access to devotional service. It is only through your mercy that I have access to the Guru Parampara. It is only through your mercy that I access to this wonderful community of devotees. It is only through your mercy that I have access to Radha and Giridhari. We are all most fortunate to be here in the service of Radha Giridhari. This is svayam Bhagavan himself – Giridhari. This is Radharani herself. This is Vrindavan, all of us gathered here now, we’re in Vrindavan. Krishna’s pure devotee Srila Prabhupada when he came here in the 70’s, installed these wonderful deities and manifested Vrindavan here in Auckland, New Zealand for all of our benefit.
In my case, I attribute this great fortunate to serve Radha Giridhari, to your mercy. I wouldn’t have been here if it weren’t for your mercy.
We Aucklanders are most fortunate, we have Vrindavan right here in Riverhead, Auckland, and we also have the Loft outreach center.
As soon as one steps in the door at the Loft, one can experience being instantly transported to another dimension. The loft, where the primary objective is outreach, to distribute Lord Caitanya’s mercy, one can experience the transcendentally sweet mellow of Lord Caitanya overflowing and drowning the inhabitants. It is like an oasis in a desert. Over the years, through the Loft, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Lord Caitanya’s movement, and I attribute this to your mercy Gurudeva.
I pray for the strength to continually hear from you, with faith and humility.
I pray for the strength to take Srila Prabhupada’s instructions to heart when he says in his purport in Canto 2, Ch 9, text 9:
“Following the order of the bonafide spiritual master is the only duty of the disciple, and this completely faithful execution of the bonafide spiritual master is the secret of success”.
Thank you Gurudeva for the austerities you undertake in spreading Lord Caitanya’s mercy. You travel many miles every year, throughout the globe just to please your spiritual master.
Your insignificant servant,
Duranta-sakti
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this special day of your Vyasa puja
Dear Gurudeva,
Many a times I wonder about my fortunate situation, how I have the opportunity to practice Krishna consciousness. I look back at the years prior to meeting the devotees and notice the day and night difference in my aspirations for life. Despite taking birth in the land of Bharat, in a pious Hindu family I did not have an understanding of the true purpose of life.
Thousands of miles away from India, here in faraway remote New Zealand is where I met the devotees and was given this most precious jewel of Krishna Consciousness. And I’ve often wondered how come I’ve been given this great opportunity.
Like with answers to all questions, I found the answer in Srila Prabhupada’s purports in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
From the purport to Canto 1, Chapter 7, Text 22:
“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.”
Thank you Gurudeva for showering your mercy on this underserving servant of yours.
It is only through your mercy, that I have access to devotional service. It is only through your mercy that I have access to the Guru Parampara. It is only through your mercy that I access to this wonderful community of devotees. It is only through your mercy that I have access to Radha and Giridhari. We are all most fortunate to be here in the service of Radha Giridhari. This is svayam Bhagavan himself – Giridhari. This is Radharani herself. This is Vrindavan, all of us gathered here now, we’re in Vrindavan. Krishna’s pure devotee Srila Prabhupada when he came here in the 70’s, installed these wonderful deities and manifested Vrindavan here in Auckland, New Zealand for all of our benefit.
In my case, I attribute this great fortunate to serve Radha Giridhari, to your mercy. I wouldn’t have been here if it weren’t for your mercy.
We Aucklanders are most fortunate, we have Vrindavan right here in Riverhead, Auckland, and we also have the Loft outreach center.
As soon as one steps in the door at the Loft, one can experience being instantly transported to another dimension. The loft, where the primary objective is outreach, to distribute Lord Caitanya’s mercy, one can experience the transcendentally sweet mellow of Lord Caitanya overflowing and drowning the inhabitants. It is like an oasis in a desert. Over the years, through the Loft, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Lord Caitanya’s movement, and I attribute this to your mercy Gurudeva.
I pray for the strength to continually hear from you, with faith and humility.
I pray for the strength to take Srila Prabhupada’s instructions to heart when he says in his purport in Canto 2, Ch 9, text 9:
“Following the order of the bonafide spiritual master is the only duty of the disciple, and this completely faithful execution of the bonafide spiritual master is the secret of success”.
Thank you Gurudeva for the austerities you undertake in spreading Lord Caitanya’s mercy. You travel many miles every year, throughout the globe just to please your spiritual master.
Your insignificant servant,
Duranta-sakti
Dvija Pītāmbara Dāsa
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to your divine appearance day.
For this Vyāsapūjā offering, my meditation has been based on your recent lectures at Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. You quoted Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s instructions to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī from Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. A soul wondering throughout the universe, by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide spiritual master. By the mercy of guru and Kṛṣṇa, the seed for devotional service is planted. This seed is the instruction of the spiritual master to his disciple. Every action has a motivation, an aspirations, a plan—that’s the seed for that activity. For one’s devotional service, the instruction of the guru is that seed. These instructions are to be cherished and meditated upon. By regular hearing and chanting in the association of devotees these seed slowly start to fructify.
On a couple of occasions, guests at an outreach event came to see you to seek guidance to their material situations. Your answer to them was, “just chant Hare Krishna.” They came out from the darshan, feeling somewhat disappointed. They were hoping to receive some mundane recommendations for their family and career. What they couldn’t appreciate at the time was that through your instruction to chant Hare Krishna you had planted a seed. Many years later, these seeds are starting to fructify and they are starting to experience the benefit of chanting and hearing. To many devotees, including myself, the seeds that you planted in the form of your instructions, appears to have started manifesting.
On one occasion, while having lunch with Aniruddha prabhu, prabhu mentioned about his distribution of full sets of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books. After discussing with prabhu how he did it, you asked me, “Dvija Pītāmbara, do you think it is still possible?” We hardly distributed any sets then and to think of distributing full sets of Prabhupada’s books felt quite lofty. However, many years later your desire and instruction that came with a question mark, seems to be coming true. Collectively, devotees have been progressively developing ways to increase distribution of full sets. We have no doubt that the books going out is the fructification of the seed that you planted.
We know that such book distribution is pleasing to you. After last marathon, I sent you a long PDF file with many saṇkīrtana stories and report of how devotees in Melbourne went. Your reply was very encouraging. You said that you read through all the stories and that all these devotees’ lives are becoming successful through this distribution.
You also mentioned repeatedly in your recent lectures at Melbourne that “guru gives the training on how to perform devotional service. One shouldn’t have any other unrealistic expectations.”
You are always training us on how to perform devotional service. When you see an activity or attitude in us that’s not favourable to devotional service, you correct us strongly and repeatedly to make sure that we have really understood it. When I dropped you at the wrong terminal at the airport, you corrected me through all your servants and you reminded me of it personally on every single darshan after that for next few times. By asking me to “Use Bhakti common sense” and “don’t be hesitant to use your intelligence in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness”, you instructed me to improve my service.
Gurudev, you and your dedicated devotees set a very high bar for devotional service. I humbly apologise for falling far short from the expectations and for increasing your anxiety through my devotional service. Thank you for still accepting and engaging me. I very much aspire to be able to do better someday so that I may please you. I humbly seek your blessings on this very auspicious day so I never lose sight of your instructions and your pleasure in all the activities that I perform.
Aspiring to be your worthy servant,
Dvija Pītāmbara Dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to your divine appearance day.
For this Vyāsapūjā offering, my meditation has been based on your recent lectures at Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. You quoted Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s instructions to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī from Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. A soul wondering throughout the universe, by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide spiritual master. By the mercy of guru and Kṛṣṇa, the seed for devotional service is planted. This seed is the instruction of the spiritual master to his disciple. Every action has a motivation, an aspirations, a plan—that’s the seed for that activity. For one’s devotional service, the instruction of the guru is that seed. These instructions are to be cherished and meditated upon. By regular hearing and chanting in the association of devotees these seed slowly start to fructify.
On a couple of occasions, guests at an outreach event came to see you to seek guidance to their material situations. Your answer to them was, “just chant Hare Krishna.” They came out from the darshan, feeling somewhat disappointed. They were hoping to receive some mundane recommendations for their family and career. What they couldn’t appreciate at the time was that through your instruction to chant Hare Krishna you had planted a seed. Many years later, these seeds are starting to fructify and they are starting to experience the benefit of chanting and hearing. To many devotees, including myself, the seeds that you planted in the form of your instructions, appears to have started manifesting.
On one occasion, while having lunch with Aniruddha prabhu, prabhu mentioned about his distribution of full sets of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books. After discussing with prabhu how he did it, you asked me, “Dvija Pītāmbara, do you think it is still possible?” We hardly distributed any sets then and to think of distributing full sets of Prabhupada’s books felt quite lofty. However, many years later your desire and instruction that came with a question mark, seems to be coming true. Collectively, devotees have been progressively developing ways to increase distribution of full sets. We have no doubt that the books going out is the fructification of the seed that you planted.
We know that such book distribution is pleasing to you. After last marathon, I sent you a long PDF file with many saṇkīrtana stories and report of how devotees in Melbourne went. Your reply was very encouraging. You said that you read through all the stories and that all these devotees’ lives are becoming successful through this distribution.
You also mentioned repeatedly in your recent lectures at Melbourne that “guru gives the training on how to perform devotional service. One shouldn’t have any other unrealistic expectations.”
You are always training us on how to perform devotional service. When you see an activity or attitude in us that’s not favourable to devotional service, you correct us strongly and repeatedly to make sure that we have really understood it. When I dropped you at the wrong terminal at the airport, you corrected me through all your servants and you reminded me of it personally on every single darshan after that for next few times. By asking me to “Use Bhakti common sense” and “don’t be hesitant to use your intelligence in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness”, you instructed me to improve my service.
Gurudev, you and your dedicated devotees set a very high bar for devotional service. I humbly apologise for falling far short from the expectations and for increasing your anxiety through my devotional service. Thank you for still accepting and engaging me. I very much aspire to be able to do better someday so that I may please you. I humbly seek your blessings on this very auspicious day so I never lose sight of your instructions and your pleasure in all the activities that I perform.
Aspiring to be your worthy servant,
Dvija Pītāmbara Dāsa
Dyuti-mandala Das
Dear Guru-Maharaja
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-puja!
Thank you for being a shining example of a devotee of Lord Krishna. I am always in awe of you and with great love and appreciation thank you for being my spiritual master. Your words are my guiding light. Your wonderful example I aspire to follow. By your mercy the seemingly impossible task of transcending the material energy and serving Lord Sri Krishna is possible. You are always kind and merciful to the fallen conditioned souls such as myself. I pray that I may always serve you lifetime after lifetime.
Your insignificant servant,
Dyuti-mandala Das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-puja!
Thank you for being a shining example of a devotee of Lord Krishna. I am always in awe of you and with great love and appreciation thank you for being my spiritual master. Your words are my guiding light. Your wonderful example I aspire to follow. By your mercy the seemingly impossible task of transcending the material energy and serving Lord Sri Krishna is possible. You are always kind and merciful to the fallen conditioned souls such as myself. I pray that I may always serve you lifetime after lifetime.
Your insignificant servant,
Dyuti-mandala Das
Ekant Dham Das
Hare Krishna Dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obesiances
All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Guru Maharaj, in Mangala Arati we daily sing Vande Guroh Sri Carnarvindam and I have learnt that here the word Guroh indicates our whole Guru Parampara. Guru Maharaj this is you, through whom I feel connected with our rich Gaudiya Vaishnav Parampara. You have taken up the mission of Srila Prabhupada seriously, preaching the whole world and delivering people. In this way you are also Pashchatya Desh Tarine. I have read in one of the offerings that you had faced KGB once. You are risking your life to deliver the people. This inspires the person like me who is himself struggling hard to counter the Maya. However I am sure that if I will follow your instructions and stay connected with our previous Acaryas, I will be able to continue my spiritual journey ahead. I am here to serve you and our Guru Parampara. What an insignificant soul like me can do for you? I can only pray in the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev to give you good health so that we could have more association of you.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Ekant Dham Das
Please accept my humble obesiances
All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Guru Maharaj, in Mangala Arati we daily sing Vande Guroh Sri Carnarvindam and I have learnt that here the word Guroh indicates our whole Guru Parampara. Guru Maharaj this is you, through whom I feel connected with our rich Gaudiya Vaishnav Parampara. You have taken up the mission of Srila Prabhupada seriously, preaching the whole world and delivering people. In this way you are also Pashchatya Desh Tarine. I have read in one of the offerings that you had faced KGB once. You are risking your life to deliver the people. This inspires the person like me who is himself struggling hard to counter the Maya. However I am sure that if I will follow your instructions and stay connected with our previous Acaryas, I will be able to continue my spiritual journey ahead. I am here to serve you and our Guru Parampara. What an insignificant soul like me can do for you? I can only pray in the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev to give you good health so that we could have more association of you.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your humble servant
Ekant Dham Das
Ekatma Gaura Dasa
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
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 appearance day.
It is said in Chaitanya Caritamrita that :
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
I feel so fortunate to get your mercy by being accepted as your disciple 12 years ago and you planted the bhakti lata bija, but I can see that I have grown so many unwanted material weeds around me that my creeper of devotional service has not grown much. Though I have started on the path of practicing steady sadhana bhakti again, but I believe it will take time to cut down the deep-rooted weeds which I have developed. But I know, if I sincerely hear your instructions through regular vani and vapu seva, then it will be easier to cut down these weeds.
During your recent Melbourne visit, I could see how you were tirelessly caring and endeavouring to reach out to so many devotees and showering your mercy through the ocean of your auspicious qualities.
For me the main highlight and inspiration of your recent discourses was when you gave examples from your personal life to make us understand the sastra.
You always instruct to distribute books, recently I have developed the interest to distribute books and I am looking at ways how to distribute the mercy within my working circle. Now I understand that it feels so blissful and satisfying to share and give Krishna to others.
Thank you for inspiring our lives always.
I sincerely pray to Krishna that you maintain your lively spirit and keep on guiding us on the path of bhakti.
Please bless me and my family so that we can serve you.
Trying to be your useful servant
Ekatma Gaura Das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
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 appearance day.
It is said in Chaitanya Caritamrita that :
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
I feel so fortunate to get your mercy by being accepted as your disciple 12 years ago and you planted the bhakti lata bija, but I can see that I have grown so many unwanted material weeds around me that my creeper of devotional service has not grown much. Though I have started on the path of practicing steady sadhana bhakti again, but I believe it will take time to cut down the deep-rooted weeds which I have developed. But I know, if I sincerely hear your instructions through regular vani and vapu seva, then it will be easier to cut down these weeds.
During your recent Melbourne visit, I could see how you were tirelessly caring and endeavouring to reach out to so many devotees and showering your mercy through the ocean of your auspicious qualities.
For me the main highlight and inspiration of your recent discourses was when you gave examples from your personal life to make us understand the sastra.
You always instruct to distribute books, recently I have developed the interest to distribute books and I am looking at ways how to distribute the mercy within my working circle. Now I understand that it feels so blissful and satisfying to share and give Krishna to others.
Thank you for inspiring our lives always.
I sincerely pray to Krishna that you maintain your lively spirit and keep on guiding us on the path of bhakti.
Please bless me and my family so that we can serve you.
Trying to be your useful servant
Ekatma Gaura Das
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.16.2.purport it is said
“By glorifying the Lord with exalted verses, one becomes purified. Although we are unable to offer prayers to the Lord in an adequate fashion, our duty is to make the attempt in order to purify ourselves. It is not that we should stop our glorification because demigods like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva cannot adequately glorify the Lord. Rather, as stated by Prahlāda Mahārāja, everyone should glorify the Lord according to his own ability. If we are serious and sincere devotees, the Lord will give us the intelligence to offer prayers properly.”
Similarly, our attempts to glorify you, our beloved spiritual master will not be adequate. Nevertheless, by attempting to do so, we will become purified.
In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.16.3.purport it is said
“One should speak to the general populace in accordance with one’s predecessors — sādhu, guru and śāstras. This simple process is the easiest method by which one can glorify the Lord. Devotional service, however, is the real method, for by devotional service one can satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead with just a few words. Without devotional service, volumes of books cannot satisfy the Lord.”
Similarly, our true glorification of you, will be by the service we perform for you.
Once, Śrīla Prabhupāda said to his personal servant:
“Everyone can do so many things…singing, dancing, jumping up and down, but you are actually doing something. Isn’t this love?
….
“So you just do your service, That is all that is necessary. That is what love means - to do service”
(Prabhupāda Nectar, Vol3.46)
Nevertheless, I will say a few words in my humble attempt to appreciate your sincere and dedicated service to Śrīla Prabhupāda and Kṛṣṇa.
You don’t stop. Your service capacity is mind boggling. You continue to push forward with outreach in the desolate and difficult terrain of the Western countries. Apparently your physical form is 73, but who would know? Your travel schedule is suitable for a healthy young man. Flying here, there and everywhere.
You could justifiably slow down and be writing, but you just don’t stop. You’re a lion on the chase. And the chase doesn’t stop. You're always on the prowl for Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Prabhupāda said he wanted to die on the battlefield.
“Better I keep traveling and die on the battlefield. For a warrior, it is glorious to die on the battlefield. Is it not?” (SPL.Vol2.43)
“I may live or die, in either case I am with Kṛṣṇa. I asked Kṛṣṇa to give me enthusiasm to continue up to death. A soldier should die fighting on the battlefield.”
(SPL.Vol2.52)
Similarly, by your activities, you also show the fighting spirit, following in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s footsteps.
When hearing your reveal your mind during the COVID lockdown you said (paraphrasing) “I'm a sannyasi, its my dharma to travel and preach”
We see in ISKCON other sannyasis who don’t travel and preach so much. They either stay more “local” or spend far more time writing. But you'll have none of that. You’re a warrior through and through, joining Śrīla Prabhupāda on the front lines.
And your not going after the easy pickings either. Your battling the ruthless Western countries filled with the toughest opponents.
Gurudeva, I’m struggling in my spiritual life. Please bless me with just a fraction of your determination, perseverance and fighting spirit. With it, I can humbly try to follow in your footsteps, just as you are following Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Your servant,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.16.2.purport it is said
“By glorifying the Lord with exalted verses, one becomes purified. Although we are unable to offer prayers to the Lord in an adequate fashion, our duty is to make the attempt in order to purify ourselves. It is not that we should stop our glorification because demigods like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva cannot adequately glorify the Lord. Rather, as stated by Prahlāda Mahārāja, everyone should glorify the Lord according to his own ability. If we are serious and sincere devotees, the Lord will give us the intelligence to offer prayers properly.”
Similarly, our attempts to glorify you, our beloved spiritual master will not be adequate. Nevertheless, by attempting to do so, we will become purified.
In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.16.3.purport it is said
“One should speak to the general populace in accordance with one’s predecessors — sādhu, guru and śāstras. This simple process is the easiest method by which one can glorify the Lord. Devotional service, however, is the real method, for by devotional service one can satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead with just a few words. Without devotional service, volumes of books cannot satisfy the Lord.”
Similarly, our true glorification of you, will be by the service we perform for you.
Once, Śrīla Prabhupāda said to his personal servant:
“Everyone can do so many things…singing, dancing, jumping up and down, but you are actually doing something. Isn’t this love?
….
“So you just do your service, That is all that is necessary. That is what love means - to do service”
(Prabhupāda Nectar, Vol3.46)
Nevertheless, I will say a few words in my humble attempt to appreciate your sincere and dedicated service to Śrīla Prabhupāda and Kṛṣṇa.
You don’t stop. Your service capacity is mind boggling. You continue to push forward with outreach in the desolate and difficult terrain of the Western countries. Apparently your physical form is 73, but who would know? Your travel schedule is suitable for a healthy young man. Flying here, there and everywhere.
You could justifiably slow down and be writing, but you just don’t stop. You’re a lion on the chase. And the chase doesn’t stop. You're always on the prowl for Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Prabhupāda said he wanted to die on the battlefield.
“Better I keep traveling and die on the battlefield. For a warrior, it is glorious to die on the battlefield. Is it not?” (SPL.Vol2.43)
“I may live or die, in either case I am with Kṛṣṇa. I asked Kṛṣṇa to give me enthusiasm to continue up to death. A soldier should die fighting on the battlefield.”
(SPL.Vol2.52)
Similarly, by your activities, you also show the fighting spirit, following in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s footsteps.
When hearing your reveal your mind during the COVID lockdown you said (paraphrasing) “I'm a sannyasi, its my dharma to travel and preach”
We see in ISKCON other sannyasis who don’t travel and preach so much. They either stay more “local” or spend far more time writing. But you'll have none of that. You’re a warrior through and through, joining Śrīla Prabhupāda on the front lines.
And your not going after the easy pickings either. Your battling the ruthless Western countries filled with the toughest opponents.
Gurudeva, I’m struggling in my spiritual life. Please bless me with just a fraction of your determination, perseverance and fighting spirit. With it, I can humbly try to follow in your footsteps, just as you are following Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Your servant,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Gangeya Dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to you on your Vyasa-Puja !
It is always pleasing to meditate on your great Vaisnava qualities. You are very chaste to Prabhupada's teachings and Iskcon's leadership. We therefore feel safe in your loving hands. Because of your great humility, you submissively follow in the footsteps of the great acaryas, simply repeating what you've heard and expertly adapting the form without adulterating the essence.
This ability requires a great compassionate heart, which is a fertile field in which to plant the seeds of the parampara's empowered ideas.
An example of this is the Loft in Auckland, New-Zealand. As a reciprocation for your sincere desire to relieve Lord Caitanya's anxiety, Srila Prabhupada empowered you with the intelligence to innovatively distribute Krsna consciousness. Knowing that the traditional indian temples wouldn't attract the modern western minds, you created the Loft, a warm, welcoming and accessible atmosphere. Reminding the westerns of a lounge, where they can feel at ease and simply relax. With that established, they become open to receive a Krsna conscious experience through tailor suited kirtan, Krsna-kathā and prasādam. They even have the facility to render practical services through a volunteering system.
So the internal principles remain the same, only the externals change.
A Vaisnava preacher is always anxious about how to distribute the message of Krsna consciousness and make it relatable according to time, place and circumstances. What give him this ability, are his compassion and humility, which attract the empowerment Lord Caitanya and his devotees. His heart is aching to witness the suffering of others and he feels unqualified to help them.
Developing compassion as I heard you saying, is a key element to going the distance as a sankirtana preacher, in fact Lord Visnu himself says : "Showing compassion to all living entities, you will attain self-realization. Giving assurance of safety to all, you will perceive your own self as well as all the universes in Me, and Myself in you." (S.B.3.21.31)
That simple quality is enough to be granted an entrance into the spiritual world.
By exhibiting these qualities, you inspire your disciples to go deeper in their endeavor to develop them also. We need inspiration, we need heroes to look up to and take shelter of, we need authorities that we can trust. Prabhupada gave us that, and you humbly follow in his footsteps by providing a sure footing on which we can tread and make further advancement.
I am grateful to have you as my spiritual master and sincerely thank you for giving me an oportunity to serve your lotus feet. I hope and pray that my service be pleasing to you, may I be allowed to develop a sincere compassionate mood, following in your footsteps, and become qualified to distribute books for as long as you desire me to do so.
May all the fallen souls come back home, back to Godhead !
Jaya Gurudeva !
Your obedient servant,
Gangeya Das.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to you on your Vyasa-Puja !
It is always pleasing to meditate on your great Vaisnava qualities. You are very chaste to Prabhupada's teachings and Iskcon's leadership. We therefore feel safe in your loving hands. Because of your great humility, you submissively follow in the footsteps of the great acaryas, simply repeating what you've heard and expertly adapting the form without adulterating the essence.
This ability requires a great compassionate heart, which is a fertile field in which to plant the seeds of the parampara's empowered ideas.
An example of this is the Loft in Auckland, New-Zealand. As a reciprocation for your sincere desire to relieve Lord Caitanya's anxiety, Srila Prabhupada empowered you with the intelligence to innovatively distribute Krsna consciousness. Knowing that the traditional indian temples wouldn't attract the modern western minds, you created the Loft, a warm, welcoming and accessible atmosphere. Reminding the westerns of a lounge, where they can feel at ease and simply relax. With that established, they become open to receive a Krsna conscious experience through tailor suited kirtan, Krsna-kathā and prasādam. They even have the facility to render practical services through a volunteering system.
So the internal principles remain the same, only the externals change.
A Vaisnava preacher is always anxious about how to distribute the message of Krsna consciousness and make it relatable according to time, place and circumstances. What give him this ability, are his compassion and humility, which attract the empowerment Lord Caitanya and his devotees. His heart is aching to witness the suffering of others and he feels unqualified to help them.
Developing compassion as I heard you saying, is a key element to going the distance as a sankirtana preacher, in fact Lord Visnu himself says : "Showing compassion to all living entities, you will attain self-realization. Giving assurance of safety to all, you will perceive your own self as well as all the universes in Me, and Myself in you." (S.B.3.21.31)
That simple quality is enough to be granted an entrance into the spiritual world.
By exhibiting these qualities, you inspire your disciples to go deeper in their endeavor to develop them also. We need inspiration, we need heroes to look up to and take shelter of, we need authorities that we can trust. Prabhupada gave us that, and you humbly follow in his footsteps by providing a sure footing on which we can tread and make further advancement.
I am grateful to have you as my spiritual master and sincerely thank you for giving me an oportunity to serve your lotus feet. I hope and pray that my service be pleasing to you, may I be allowed to develop a sincere compassionate mood, following in your footsteps, and become qualified to distribute books for as long as you desire me to do so.
May all the fallen souls come back home, back to Godhead !
Jaya Gurudeva !
Your obedient servant,
Gangeya Das.
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
In a morning walk on December 1973, Srila Prabhupada describes the guru as the mercy incarnation of the Lord. Krishna is kindly teaching us from within our heart, but to make His presence and grace more palpable, He sends His mercy in the form of the guru.
More and more, I can truly see the unexplainable grace of the Lord within my life through your guidance, instructions and care. Your wholehearted acceptance of me has encouraged me both materially and spiritually in the most fulfilling of ways.
Bhakti Tirtha Swami writes in The Beggar Volume 2 - 'As soon as I humbly but deeply accepted the roots of my faults, my radical change of consciousness miraculously turned the key. All of a sudden the same voice that had just moments before heavily chastised me addressed me in the gentlest manner. To my surprise He warmly embraced me and looked deep into my eyes. His words cut to the core of me.
"My child, it was not really your screaming, your crying or even your change of consciousness that turned the key. It was the prayers of your spiritual master.
For decades, your spiritual master has been begging, screaming and crying to the Supreme Lord on your behalf - even more loudly and more feelingly than you have cried. Your spiritual master's pitiful begging for your deliverance is what sent Me here to free you. You see, you were a beggar who did not know how to beg. But fortunately for you, the cries of your spiritual master pierced through the many thick layers of the material universe and summoned My intervention. Ultimately, it was these cries of your spiritual master that actually saved you, for although he is a fully realized soul, his softened heart knows the humble art of begging. "
Gurudeva, I will never be able to pay back the debt of this grace you have blessed me with. Should I even try? Your grace has guided me through so much turbulence and unease. All you ask is that will my heart and mind it is only Krishna I try to please. Day by day my gratitude and faith grows, may it reward me with a steady stream of service towards me to forever flow.
Should you be so inclined, kindly bless me with a heart that finds fulfillment in service. A mind which is aware of their duty to perform, and the consciousness to always hold the vaisnavas and Srila Prabhupada's grace near.
Aspiring to be a servant
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
In a morning walk on December 1973, Srila Prabhupada describes the guru as the mercy incarnation of the Lord. Krishna is kindly teaching us from within our heart, but to make His presence and grace more palpable, He sends His mercy in the form of the guru.
More and more, I can truly see the unexplainable grace of the Lord within my life through your guidance, instructions and care. Your wholehearted acceptance of me has encouraged me both materially and spiritually in the most fulfilling of ways.
Bhakti Tirtha Swami writes in The Beggar Volume 2 - 'As soon as I humbly but deeply accepted the roots of my faults, my radical change of consciousness miraculously turned the key. All of a sudden the same voice that had just moments before heavily chastised me addressed me in the gentlest manner. To my surprise He warmly embraced me and looked deep into my eyes. His words cut to the core of me.
"My child, it was not really your screaming, your crying or even your change of consciousness that turned the key. It was the prayers of your spiritual master.
For decades, your spiritual master has been begging, screaming and crying to the Supreme Lord on your behalf - even more loudly and more feelingly than you have cried. Your spiritual master's pitiful begging for your deliverance is what sent Me here to free you. You see, you were a beggar who did not know how to beg. But fortunately for you, the cries of your spiritual master pierced through the many thick layers of the material universe and summoned My intervention. Ultimately, it was these cries of your spiritual master that actually saved you, for although he is a fully realized soul, his softened heart knows the humble art of begging. "
Gurudeva, I will never be able to pay back the debt of this grace you have blessed me with. Should I even try? Your grace has guided me through so much turbulence and unease. All you ask is that will my heart and mind it is only Krishna I try to please. Day by day my gratitude and faith grows, may it reward me with a steady stream of service towards me to forever flow.
Should you be so inclined, kindly bless me with a heart that finds fulfillment in service. A mind which is aware of their duty to perform, and the consciousness to always hold the vaisnavas and Srila Prabhupada's grace near.
Aspiring to be a servant
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
Gaura Keli Das
Dear Gurudev,
During one of our most recent exchanges, after contemplating the existential crisis plaguing most humans today, you mentioned: "Yes, we are so fortunate that somehow or another we came to Krsna in this lifetime." This statement, although simple, is quite profound coming from you. Honestly speaking however, I feel that I am so fortunate that somehow or another, in this lifetime, I came in contact with you; who is in contact with Krsna. And maybe, depending on your mercy and my sincerity to be a qualified disciple and servant, one day, I will come to Krsna. Although very, very rare of an opportunity I am convinced that by your mercy it is possible. Indeed that would be my greatest fortune. But, how could any of this be true if first of all you had not appeared in this world? And so I can say that it has all been dependent on this glorious occasion of your appearance which I, along with so many others, sincerely celebrate today.
I would like to offer you my deepest gratitude for the inspiration to pursue loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and all His devotees, for the direct and indirect guidance you have given us, and for so much perfect wisdom; most of which I am yet to realize. One truth I have realized though is that as Krsna says in Bhagavad Gita 7.19:
After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare."
You are that very rare and great soul Krsna is referring to; for having climbed to the very top of the IV league mountains, arriving at the end of material knowledge, from that vantage point, you surrendered it all to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and therefore Krsna.
Thank you, again and again! The perfect teachings and practical examples personified by you shall be my eternal guides.
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Your servant,
Gaura Keli.
During one of our most recent exchanges, after contemplating the existential crisis plaguing most humans today, you mentioned: "Yes, we are so fortunate that somehow or another we came to Krsna in this lifetime." This statement, although simple, is quite profound coming from you. Honestly speaking however, I feel that I am so fortunate that somehow or another, in this lifetime, I came in contact with you; who is in contact with Krsna. And maybe, depending on your mercy and my sincerity to be a qualified disciple and servant, one day, I will come to Krsna. Although very, very rare of an opportunity I am convinced that by your mercy it is possible. Indeed that would be my greatest fortune. But, how could any of this be true if first of all you had not appeared in this world? And so I can say that it has all been dependent on this glorious occasion of your appearance which I, along with so many others, sincerely celebrate today.
I would like to offer you my deepest gratitude for the inspiration to pursue loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and all His devotees, for the direct and indirect guidance you have given us, and for so much perfect wisdom; most of which I am yet to realize. One truth I have realized though is that as Krsna says in Bhagavad Gita 7.19:
After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare."
You are that very rare and great soul Krsna is referring to; for having climbed to the very top of the IV league mountains, arriving at the end of material knowledge, from that vantage point, you surrendered it all to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and therefore Krsna.
Thank you, again and again! The perfect teachings and practical examples personified by you shall be my eternal guides.
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Your servant,
Gaura Keli.
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.
Whilst reading the purport to SB 11.3.21 the following words stuck me "According to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, even though one may have the good fortune to accept a bona fide, highly qualified guru, if one maintains a taste for fruitive activities or mental speculation one’s advancement will be checked. But if a serious student surrenders to a bona fide spiritual master there is absolutely no impediment to the transmission of perfect knowledge and bliss in the devotional service of the Lord."
There it is as clear as day! The dichotomy facing me as I battle with my so called mundane education and achievements as well as my stubborn attachment to profile and position. And yet there you are 50 years on continuing to show by example the true purport of service and surrender as you churn the purifying words of Srila Prabhupada's purports. Your determined endeavors to derive fresher and fresher meanings from such instructions as well as the ability to weave these timeless messages into relatable presentations for the misguided denizens of kali yuga are a testament to your position as a bonafide spiritual master.
Your surrender of a much materially valued education as well as comfortable family situation coupled with your tireless front line preaching efforts are just some of the symptoms that show how you are truly relishing the bliss of devotional service to the Lord.
Perhaps most significant of all is your dedication to your ashram and role as spiritual guide despite the pain that is sometimes inflicted on you by wayward disciples such as myself.
I pray that one day my stonelike heart will dissolve and I can truly remove any vestiges of pride and my reticence to surrender to authority and begin to slowly repay the debt of love and kindness that you have shown and continue to show.
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.
Whilst reading the purport to SB 11.3.21 the following words stuck me "According to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, even though one may have the good fortune to accept a bona fide, highly qualified guru, if one maintains a taste for fruitive activities or mental speculation one’s advancement will be checked. But if a serious student surrenders to a bona fide spiritual master there is absolutely no impediment to the transmission of perfect knowledge and bliss in the devotional service of the Lord."
There it is as clear as day! The dichotomy facing me as I battle with my so called mundane education and achievements as well as my stubborn attachment to profile and position. And yet there you are 50 years on continuing to show by example the true purport of service and surrender as you churn the purifying words of Srila Prabhupada's purports. Your determined endeavors to derive fresher and fresher meanings from such instructions as well as the ability to weave these timeless messages into relatable presentations for the misguided denizens of kali yuga are a testament to your position as a bonafide spiritual master.
Your surrender of a much materially valued education as well as comfortable family situation coupled with your tireless front line preaching efforts are just some of the symptoms that show how you are truly relishing the bliss of devotional service to the Lord.
Perhaps most significant of all is your dedication to your ashram and role as spiritual guide despite the pain that is sometimes inflicted on you by wayward disciples such as myself.
I pray that one day my stonelike heart will dissolve and I can truly remove any vestiges of pride and my reticence to surrender to authority and begin to slowly repay the debt of love and kindness that you have shown and continue to show.
Your servant
Gaura Kishore dasa
Gaura-arati dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! And all glories to you and your devotional service that uplifts so many souls.
As I'm sure you understand this is not a time in life where I have time to write eloquent poetry or recite sloka after sloka from the Bhagavat. I've also always found it difficult to properly communicate my heart with words. But still, I will make an attempt to share some of my heart in an unfettered way for my own purification, to glorify your service to Srila Prabhupada in giving this soul relationship and connection to the parampara and to express some of my gratitude and love for our relationship over the past 21 years.
I'm ever grateful for my early years in Krishna consciousness. You invested a lot of your personal time and energy to channel my 'energy of expansion' into Lord Caitanya's sankirtan mission. I still remember things you instructed me from our first meeting in Wellington, foremost being - "You need to learn to take yourself off the shelf". At 20 years old you entrusted me to manage the newly opened Loft centre in Auckland. I have so many fond memories, but I also cringe a lot when I think back at how my motivation was so mixed, driven by desire to both please you, and for name and adoration; although I think I turned a blind eye to latter at the time. At such a neophyte stage I lacked the ability to see how my dealings with the devotees I served with were such an important part of pleasing Krishna. Being 'so fixed' on my gurus instructions that I would push others out of the way to 'achieve' or 'fulfil' an order, thinking 'my service' to be more important. But you tolerated my child like attempts and encouraged me onward, knowing that it was a necessary stage for me to go through and that the process would naturally purify me. When I crashed from fatigue you took me on retreat with you to Waiheke island to recharge. I have so many sweet and funny memories from this long weekend. When we returned I was still energetically drained and you invited me to stay with the Yatras. It seemed they had no choice in the matter and they graciously welcomed me into their Onehunga home. I felt so useless, unable to carry my own weight, but Rasayatra encouraged me, "you're chanting 16 rounds, you're doing so much more service than 99% of people on the planet!"
You then suggested I move back to Wellington and had me head up the expansion of Prasad distribution at the University. You told me to "expand without limit" and I was perplexed that without limit was an instruction that was not able to be fulfilled. How could I possibly please you!? These Krishnafood days haboured so much of my heart. I really loved this service. Battles with the council, our evolvement of Krishna food from trestle table in the hub to horse float, to shipping container and now thanks to the expert arrangements of Madhava mohini and team, a vibrant cafe on campus, which was always our goal. These uni and Prasad distribution days included development of the yoga lounge club, meat free Monday pie distribution, stress free study weeks selling Prasad to thousands sponsored by the uni and our debut at womad where we ran out of everything. Literally everything - plates, forks, gas, bhoga, Lakshmi for change, all on the first day of a three day event. It was off the charts to any Prasad distribution we had experienced before. Somehow we worked in almost darkness with no wash up station, just a hose out back due to being wrongly placed in the 'self sufficient' food stall area. I used the thousands of dollars collected each day as a pillow out of fear of it being stolen from our tent or van, and we barely slept over those days to keep up. It was such a challenge but at the end we were the most blissful eight young ladies.
At one point in my single ashram days you asked me to energize the book distribution taking inspiration from the illustrious Vaisesika Prabhu. We implemented smart boxes and monthly community sankirtan festivals and had many a wonderful book distribution marathons on traveling sankirtan. One community sankirtan festival I put so much into organising it, when the time to go out came my health completely crashed. Krsnananda, my fiance at the time, who was helping prepare the feast said I had done enough and should go rest before Prasad and kirtan. But I didn't feel I could stay back after trying to get everyone else fired up to go out, so I went out on Cuba St for an hour. That hour Krishna was so kind to reciprocate with my endeavours by allowing me to meet young Jordan, the now Aravinda nabha, who seems to glow with vaisnavas qualities. It's amazing how even though impure, Krishna allows us to take a part in orchestrating His divine plan of bringing souls back to His loving shelter. It's already arranged and done by Him, we just get to experience the joy of being the instrument He holds.
Please know I share these memories not as self angrandizement, but to show how you saw a spark in me, a spark of devotion amongst copious amounts of false ego, and expertly cheered me on, and guided me to utilise all I had for the sake of Mahaprabhu. None of these experiences I would have had without you engaging, encouraging and guiding me. All along the way you stressed that "everything comes from quality hearing and chanting". You allowed me to visit the holy dham multiple times to wash off, refresh and revitalise. Unlimited fortune! Thank you.
I remember when you suggested bhakta Ben as a possible husband for me. I was somewhat shocked, and blurted out "What? me?! And Ben?!" I never dreamed of marrying a professor type. But in him I've found a lifelong friend in Krishna's service. He teaches me a lot about love, acceptance, and introspection. You instructed him to create stable Krishna conscious family life, and he strives to do this on a daily basis. I'm very fortunate to have such a caring, gentle friend to traverse my bhakti path with, and now two beautiful children entrusted in our care.
My 20's were fun and dynamic, and full of booming and busting. My 30's were a transitional phase of understanding how to serve Guru and Krishna in grihastha ashram, with our first born, where booming and busting no longer work. Spouses and children are brilliant mirrors that can help us see the worst in us, and through purification and letting go, gradually bring out the best. Balance, stability and becoming more personal in my dealings has become key. Now in my 40's I feel new life and inspiration manifesting.
Some external service has been done over the years, and that certainly always has its place, as mentioned I'm so grateful for every bit of it. But now I crave to go deeper into the depths of my heart and develop more internally, so that I more fully experience having "everything expand from my hearing and chanting". I recently heard one of your god brothers say "to the extent that we go within, we can go without (extend outside of ourselves and touch the hearts of others)." And how "everything happens within the heart." They seem like simple points but I'm finding them oceanic to ponder, and I know I've merely dipped my toe into their depths. These points echo what you've taught me, that everything expands from our hearing and chanting, from our internal service. After all, in our heart, that's where Krishna is waiting for us to return His loving embrace. Why do I put this most sublime reality off? Why do I allow distractions to forever take priority? When will I really 'go deep' and realise the Lord of my heart within and without? This I'm sure you have the power to give me. If I may be so indignant to ask for more from you, after all you have already given me. From all your sacrifice in giving Krishna to others, even in life or death circumstances, and from decades of hearing and chanting, surely, Krishna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. You have the power to give me devotional service. To some, the phase of life I'm in could seem like an impediment to devotional service. One godsister once said to me whilst I held baby Nitai "children are a detour in spiritual life." It was said with a superior complex as she was choosing to not have children but rather simply serve the mission in a so called more direct way. Sadly she is not currently practicing bhakti. When one encounters a roadblock, one takes the detour, and if one follows the signs one gets to the destination. Krishna's system is perfect, we just need guidance to perfectly apply His system as we are all on our own personal journey back to Him. It's not that I need to 'bide my time' through this phase and once the children have flown the nest I can 'have my life back.' I say no. Lord Caitanya says there are no material impediments. And my little experience is that if we do this phase properly, with heart, trying to create stability, and deep loving relationships with those in our ashram/family, keeping our daily prescribed hearing and chanting on the agenda there is so much to be gained on the path of bhakti personalism and purification of the heart.
So on this auspicious day of your appearance I sincerely thank you for giving me this divine opportunity and the countless memories from my early days which serve as my foundations to grow upon. Please accept our lives, our daily struggle, as heartfelt offerings. I know this serves a greater purpose. And please Gurudeva, please continue to gradually fan my tiny spark of devotion into a blazing fire of desire for Krishna bhakti. I still 'lick the outside of the honey jar' so to speak. Please, please, take me deeper. Help me serve Krishna in reciting His glorious names with love. In turn I'll have more realisation to move the hearts of others toward Krishna, and I'll be able to do my little bit in expanding Krishna bhakti.
With gratitude from your daughter and servant,
Gaura-arati dd
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! And all glories to you and your devotional service that uplifts so many souls.
As I'm sure you understand this is not a time in life where I have time to write eloquent poetry or recite sloka after sloka from the Bhagavat. I've also always found it difficult to properly communicate my heart with words. But still, I will make an attempt to share some of my heart in an unfettered way for my own purification, to glorify your service to Srila Prabhupada in giving this soul relationship and connection to the parampara and to express some of my gratitude and love for our relationship over the past 21 years.
I'm ever grateful for my early years in Krishna consciousness. You invested a lot of your personal time and energy to channel my 'energy of expansion' into Lord Caitanya's sankirtan mission. I still remember things you instructed me from our first meeting in Wellington, foremost being - "You need to learn to take yourself off the shelf". At 20 years old you entrusted me to manage the newly opened Loft centre in Auckland. I have so many fond memories, but I also cringe a lot when I think back at how my motivation was so mixed, driven by desire to both please you, and for name and adoration; although I think I turned a blind eye to latter at the time. At such a neophyte stage I lacked the ability to see how my dealings with the devotees I served with were such an important part of pleasing Krishna. Being 'so fixed' on my gurus instructions that I would push others out of the way to 'achieve' or 'fulfil' an order, thinking 'my service' to be more important. But you tolerated my child like attempts and encouraged me onward, knowing that it was a necessary stage for me to go through and that the process would naturally purify me. When I crashed from fatigue you took me on retreat with you to Waiheke island to recharge. I have so many sweet and funny memories from this long weekend. When we returned I was still energetically drained and you invited me to stay with the Yatras. It seemed they had no choice in the matter and they graciously welcomed me into their Onehunga home. I felt so useless, unable to carry my own weight, but Rasayatra encouraged me, "you're chanting 16 rounds, you're doing so much more service than 99% of people on the planet!"
You then suggested I move back to Wellington and had me head up the expansion of Prasad distribution at the University. You told me to "expand without limit" and I was perplexed that without limit was an instruction that was not able to be fulfilled. How could I possibly please you!? These Krishnafood days haboured so much of my heart. I really loved this service. Battles with the council, our evolvement of Krishna food from trestle table in the hub to horse float, to shipping container and now thanks to the expert arrangements of Madhava mohini and team, a vibrant cafe on campus, which was always our goal. These uni and Prasad distribution days included development of the yoga lounge club, meat free Monday pie distribution, stress free study weeks selling Prasad to thousands sponsored by the uni and our debut at womad where we ran out of everything. Literally everything - plates, forks, gas, bhoga, Lakshmi for change, all on the first day of a three day event. It was off the charts to any Prasad distribution we had experienced before. Somehow we worked in almost darkness with no wash up station, just a hose out back due to being wrongly placed in the 'self sufficient' food stall area. I used the thousands of dollars collected each day as a pillow out of fear of it being stolen from our tent or van, and we barely slept over those days to keep up. It was such a challenge but at the end we were the most blissful eight young ladies.
At one point in my single ashram days you asked me to energize the book distribution taking inspiration from the illustrious Vaisesika Prabhu. We implemented smart boxes and monthly community sankirtan festivals and had many a wonderful book distribution marathons on traveling sankirtan. One community sankirtan festival I put so much into organising it, when the time to go out came my health completely crashed. Krsnananda, my fiance at the time, who was helping prepare the feast said I had done enough and should go rest before Prasad and kirtan. But I didn't feel I could stay back after trying to get everyone else fired up to go out, so I went out on Cuba St for an hour. That hour Krishna was so kind to reciprocate with my endeavours by allowing me to meet young Jordan, the now Aravinda nabha, who seems to glow with vaisnavas qualities. It's amazing how even though impure, Krishna allows us to take a part in orchestrating His divine plan of bringing souls back to His loving shelter. It's already arranged and done by Him, we just get to experience the joy of being the instrument He holds.
Please know I share these memories not as self angrandizement, but to show how you saw a spark in me, a spark of devotion amongst copious amounts of false ego, and expertly cheered me on, and guided me to utilise all I had for the sake of Mahaprabhu. None of these experiences I would have had without you engaging, encouraging and guiding me. All along the way you stressed that "everything comes from quality hearing and chanting". You allowed me to visit the holy dham multiple times to wash off, refresh and revitalise. Unlimited fortune! Thank you.
I remember when you suggested bhakta Ben as a possible husband for me. I was somewhat shocked, and blurted out "What? me?! And Ben?!" I never dreamed of marrying a professor type. But in him I've found a lifelong friend in Krishna's service. He teaches me a lot about love, acceptance, and introspection. You instructed him to create stable Krishna conscious family life, and he strives to do this on a daily basis. I'm very fortunate to have such a caring, gentle friend to traverse my bhakti path with, and now two beautiful children entrusted in our care.
My 20's were fun and dynamic, and full of booming and busting. My 30's were a transitional phase of understanding how to serve Guru and Krishna in grihastha ashram, with our first born, where booming and busting no longer work. Spouses and children are brilliant mirrors that can help us see the worst in us, and through purification and letting go, gradually bring out the best. Balance, stability and becoming more personal in my dealings has become key. Now in my 40's I feel new life and inspiration manifesting.
Some external service has been done over the years, and that certainly always has its place, as mentioned I'm so grateful for every bit of it. But now I crave to go deeper into the depths of my heart and develop more internally, so that I more fully experience having "everything expand from my hearing and chanting". I recently heard one of your god brothers say "to the extent that we go within, we can go without (extend outside of ourselves and touch the hearts of others)." And how "everything happens within the heart." They seem like simple points but I'm finding them oceanic to ponder, and I know I've merely dipped my toe into their depths. These points echo what you've taught me, that everything expands from our hearing and chanting, from our internal service. After all, in our heart, that's where Krishna is waiting for us to return His loving embrace. Why do I put this most sublime reality off? Why do I allow distractions to forever take priority? When will I really 'go deep' and realise the Lord of my heart within and without? This I'm sure you have the power to give me. If I may be so indignant to ask for more from you, after all you have already given me. From all your sacrifice in giving Krishna to others, even in life or death circumstances, and from decades of hearing and chanting, surely, Krishna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. You have the power to give me devotional service. To some, the phase of life I'm in could seem like an impediment to devotional service. One godsister once said to me whilst I held baby Nitai "children are a detour in spiritual life." It was said with a superior complex as she was choosing to not have children but rather simply serve the mission in a so called more direct way. Sadly she is not currently practicing bhakti. When one encounters a roadblock, one takes the detour, and if one follows the signs one gets to the destination. Krishna's system is perfect, we just need guidance to perfectly apply His system as we are all on our own personal journey back to Him. It's not that I need to 'bide my time' through this phase and once the children have flown the nest I can 'have my life back.' I say no. Lord Caitanya says there are no material impediments. And my little experience is that if we do this phase properly, with heart, trying to create stability, and deep loving relationships with those in our ashram/family, keeping our daily prescribed hearing and chanting on the agenda there is so much to be gained on the path of bhakti personalism and purification of the heart.
So on this auspicious day of your appearance I sincerely thank you for giving me this divine opportunity and the countless memories from my early days which serve as my foundations to grow upon. Please accept our lives, our daily struggle, as heartfelt offerings. I know this serves a greater purpose. And please Gurudeva, please continue to gradually fan my tiny spark of devotion into a blazing fire of desire for Krishna bhakti. I still 'lick the outside of the honey jar' so to speak. Please, please, take me deeper. Help me serve Krishna in reciting His glorious names with love. In turn I'll have more realisation to move the hearts of others toward Krishna, and I'll be able to do my little bit in expanding Krishna bhakti.
With gratitude from your daughter and servant,
Gaura-arati dd
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
Your mentioned in your recent lecture by the team work of Krishna and Guru we get the creeper of seed of devotion and the greatest mercy of Guru is bestowing of the great wealth of devotional service.
During the Janmastami festival at Iskcon Chennai I had the opportunity to render service of spreading the glories of holy name in a gamified way of Spin Wheel to the fortunate curious onlookers of all age groups. It’s a simple game of colorful Spin Wheel game run in PowerPoint wherein one select a random number between 1-12 and upon choosing their number, they would be getting a message pointing to a sloka with translation glorifying Holy name from Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita with personalized punch line message of Srila Prabhupada to inspire instantly and awaken their Krishna Consciousness. This way one feels a personalized positive message from Lord Krishna on the auspicious day of Janmastami. We then Chant Hare Krishna Maha Mantra 3 times together loudly for invoking the presence and special blessing of the Lord. We further handover copies of their sloka message to them to take home and practice chanting. Everyone of them felt delighted and opened their heart with appreciation and we know Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda and the entire Pacha Tattva has done the real magic.
Initially senior devotees at temple were very worried that we may simply be a distraction for serious spiritual seekers experiencing Japa in Japa meditation area. They requested to stay away from main preaching areas. We managed to get a suitable location below a shady tree next to a Juice counter – which I realized was the best location by special arrangement of the Lord. People quenching thirst satisfying their belly were immediately favorably to explore our Game booth that eventually satisfies the soul. Though initially I was alone, I was praying for support and Lord Krishna arranged a wonderful mix of enthusiastic seasoned Mataji and versatile devotee who speaks 4 regional languages. Thereafter it was continuous flows of curious onlookers exploring the fortune, and we getting opportunity to preach non-stop, glorifying and adapt presentations according the interest and age groups consideration. Many new people left very inspired by and brought in many more. Even 30+ police men and women engaged for support for Janmashtami left their work and queued our booth having fun learning about unlimited glories of Holy name. The temple president visited our booth later in the day and appreciated our efforts. Few senior devotees came in and showered their causeless blessing with encouraging words that our activity is indeed changing the karmic fate to bhakti fortune.
It was indeed a great blissful team work, rejuvenating and enriching preaching opportunity to render devotional service in the association of devotees. I feel it was special mercy of Lord Krishna and yourself as otherwise I am just normally caught up in whirlpool of material engagements finding hard to dedicate any time for Krishna. You are a perfect representative of Parampara pioneering preaching in innovative ways just suitable and easy for anyone. Your motto of “Make it Easy” is very much essential for most cumbersome, current complex material existence with problems that spin out of control time and again.
I feel your unique ability to make people just relax initially by sweet kirtan, then by plain words of perfect commonsensical words of current world context mixed with wit and wisdom make them open their hearts fully, while they are lost in the absorption of your presentation, just at the right moment you penetrate right into the deepest of their heart pouring the nectar of bhakti with compassion, sensitivity and deepest concern just tailored for them. At that time listening soul feels that the super soul is reached and activated. The person thereafter is no more the same person, he/she is gradually walking away from the dense dark cloud of material ignorance and start seeing the light of spiritual wisdom shining right in-front of one’s vision. BG 10.11 “To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.”
We are extremely grateful and indebted for your mercy. I feel I am utterly unqualified to receive. We humbly seek your divine shelter and protection and aspire to steadily remain safe and grow and hold firmly to your lotus feet
Your aspiring servants
Gauramandala das and Vraja mandala 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
Your mentioned in your recent lecture by the team work of Krishna and Guru we get the creeper of seed of devotion and the greatest mercy of Guru is bestowing of the great wealth of devotional service.
During the Janmastami festival at Iskcon Chennai I had the opportunity to render service of spreading the glories of holy name in a gamified way of Spin Wheel to the fortunate curious onlookers of all age groups. It’s a simple game of colorful Spin Wheel game run in PowerPoint wherein one select a random number between 1-12 and upon choosing their number, they would be getting a message pointing to a sloka with translation glorifying Holy name from Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita with personalized punch line message of Srila Prabhupada to inspire instantly and awaken their Krishna Consciousness. This way one feels a personalized positive message from Lord Krishna on the auspicious day of Janmastami. We then Chant Hare Krishna Maha Mantra 3 times together loudly for invoking the presence and special blessing of the Lord. We further handover copies of their sloka message to them to take home and practice chanting. Everyone of them felt delighted and opened their heart with appreciation and we know Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda and the entire Pacha Tattva has done the real magic.
Initially senior devotees at temple were very worried that we may simply be a distraction for serious spiritual seekers experiencing Japa in Japa meditation area. They requested to stay away from main preaching areas. We managed to get a suitable location below a shady tree next to a Juice counter – which I realized was the best location by special arrangement of the Lord. People quenching thirst satisfying their belly were immediately favorably to explore our Game booth that eventually satisfies the soul. Though initially I was alone, I was praying for support and Lord Krishna arranged a wonderful mix of enthusiastic seasoned Mataji and versatile devotee who speaks 4 regional languages. Thereafter it was continuous flows of curious onlookers exploring the fortune, and we getting opportunity to preach non-stop, glorifying and adapt presentations according the interest and age groups consideration. Many new people left very inspired by and brought in many more. Even 30+ police men and women engaged for support for Janmashtami left their work and queued our booth having fun learning about unlimited glories of Holy name. The temple president visited our booth later in the day and appreciated our efforts. Few senior devotees came in and showered their causeless blessing with encouraging words that our activity is indeed changing the karmic fate to bhakti fortune.
It was indeed a great blissful team work, rejuvenating and enriching preaching opportunity to render devotional service in the association of devotees. I feel it was special mercy of Lord Krishna and yourself as otherwise I am just normally caught up in whirlpool of material engagements finding hard to dedicate any time for Krishna. You are a perfect representative of Parampara pioneering preaching in innovative ways just suitable and easy for anyone. Your motto of “Make it Easy” is very much essential for most cumbersome, current complex material existence with problems that spin out of control time and again.
I feel your unique ability to make people just relax initially by sweet kirtan, then by plain words of perfect commonsensical words of current world context mixed with wit and wisdom make them open their hearts fully, while they are lost in the absorption of your presentation, just at the right moment you penetrate right into the deepest of their heart pouring the nectar of bhakti with compassion, sensitivity and deepest concern just tailored for them. At that time listening soul feels that the super soul is reached and activated. The person thereafter is no more the same person, he/she is gradually walking away from the dense dark cloud of material ignorance and start seeing the light of spiritual wisdom shining right in-front of one’s vision. BG 10.11 “To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.”
We are extremely grateful and indebted for your mercy. I feel I am utterly unqualified to receive. We humbly seek your divine shelter and protection and aspire to steadily remain safe and grow and hold firmly to your lotus feet
Your aspiring servants
Gauramandala das and Vraja mandala devi dasi, Sanjitha and Shruti.
Gauranga Gopala dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His divine grace Srila Prabhupada.
Some years ago, while kneeling at your feet, I vowed that I would purify my life by both freeing myself from degraded habits and chanting 16 rounds of the Holy name of the Lord without offenses.
Looking back, I didn't really know what to expect from such a commitment. Somehow or other you inspired me so much faith in the process of devotion by your own exemplary character, that I took the leap and here I am.
I can feel my attraction to the material energy going down while I get some glimpse of appreciation for glorifying the Supreme Lord and His loving devotees. How did that happen ?
By your orders, I have been engaged for the past 6 years in distributing Srila Prabhupada's books to everyone I meet. What a formidable opportunity. Every day I get to associate with you by performing this very intimate service. Please shower upon me realizations of such good fortune and do not let me become comfortable. If you so desire, please engage me in that service for the rest of this life, at least, as I know that this is my chance to obtain your blessings.
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I beg you to please place your lotus feet on my head and help me controlling this non devotee mind, so I can finally surrender unto you fully. Your mercy is all that I am made of and nothing else matters than pleasing you.
Aspiring to remain your faithful and loyal servant,
Gauranga gopala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His divine grace Srila Prabhupada.
Some years ago, while kneeling at your feet, I vowed that I would purify my life by both freeing myself from degraded habits and chanting 16 rounds of the Holy name of the Lord without offenses.
Looking back, I didn't really know what to expect from such a commitment. Somehow or other you inspired me so much faith in the process of devotion by your own exemplary character, that I took the leap and here I am.
I can feel my attraction to the material energy going down while I get some glimpse of appreciation for glorifying the Supreme Lord and His loving devotees. How did that happen ?
By your orders, I have been engaged for the past 6 years in distributing Srila Prabhupada's books to everyone I meet. What a formidable opportunity. Every day I get to associate with you by performing this very intimate service. Please shower upon me realizations of such good fortune and do not let me become comfortable. If you so desire, please engage me in that service for the rest of this life, at least, as I know that this is my chance to obtain your blessings.
On this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, I beg you to please place your lotus feet on my head and help me controlling this non devotee mind, so I can finally surrender unto you fully. Your mercy is all that I am made of and nothing else matters than pleasing you.
Aspiring to remain your faithful and loyal servant,
Gauranga gopala dasa
Gauranga Mohan das
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you.
Dear Gurudeva,
Thankyou for everything Gurudeva, but it is very hard for me to express my gratitude in words because your love for Krishna and causeless mercy to give Krishna to all living entities are extreme. Your dedication, determination and hard work shows how much you surrender to your Guru Maharaj instructions to give Krishna to all over the world. You’re so merciful and compassionate towards people who are forgetting Krishna and bringing them into Krishna's shelter and giving them real happiness, which is Krishna Prema. You are so close and approachable to the people who want to know more about Krishna and you gave them knowledge what you got from your Guru Maharaj as it is.
I am so fortunate by your causeless mercy I got shelter on your lotus feet. I always remember that I landed in Australia on your Vyasapuja day and had my first prasadam in ISKCON on that very day. While I was drowning in the ocean of suffering, I was looking for help to come out. Fortunately, I met the devotees who are always traveling in small boats and helping people by giving life jackets like Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Krishna prasadam and their association. By their association, I am trying to chant Hare Krishna mantra and having prasadam. By this process I can see the big ships coming on the way who can save me fully from the suffering. By your causeless mercy you pick me from that suffering and kept me at your lotus feet and engaged me in Krishna's Service which is the ultimate purpose of life.
Whenever I meet you personally, I come with a lot of complications and sufferings happening in my life. But you are always so merciful to give your time and guidance on how to overcome without deviating from my bhakti and you encourage me to do more service and keep me in your close association. Your classes always help me to understand devotees, their dealings and inspire me to think about your instructions and my duty as a disciple.
You always quote that you live for Krishna, eat for Krishna, sleep for Krishna, and do everything with Krishna in the center. You are so merciful, you have given me so much, still I am greedy, I beg for your blessings that I can also live, eat, sleep and do everything I can, to fulfill your instructions as my life and soul.
Your insignificant servant
Gauranga Mohan Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you.
Dear Gurudeva,
Thankyou for everything Gurudeva, but it is very hard for me to express my gratitude in words because your love for Krishna and causeless mercy to give Krishna to all living entities are extreme. Your dedication, determination and hard work shows how much you surrender to your Guru Maharaj instructions to give Krishna to all over the world. You’re so merciful and compassionate towards people who are forgetting Krishna and bringing them into Krishna's shelter and giving them real happiness, which is Krishna Prema. You are so close and approachable to the people who want to know more about Krishna and you gave them knowledge what you got from your Guru Maharaj as it is.
I am so fortunate by your causeless mercy I got shelter on your lotus feet. I always remember that I landed in Australia on your Vyasapuja day and had my first prasadam in ISKCON on that very day. While I was drowning in the ocean of suffering, I was looking for help to come out. Fortunately, I met the devotees who are always traveling in small boats and helping people by giving life jackets like Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Krishna prasadam and their association. By their association, I am trying to chant Hare Krishna mantra and having prasadam. By this process I can see the big ships coming on the way who can save me fully from the suffering. By your causeless mercy you pick me from that suffering and kept me at your lotus feet and engaged me in Krishna's Service which is the ultimate purpose of life.
Whenever I meet you personally, I come with a lot of complications and sufferings happening in my life. But you are always so merciful to give your time and guidance on how to overcome without deviating from my bhakti and you encourage me to do more service and keep me in your close association. Your classes always help me to understand devotees, their dealings and inspire me to think about your instructions and my duty as a disciple.
You always quote that you live for Krishna, eat for Krishna, sleep for Krishna, and do everything with Krishna in the center. You are so merciful, you have given me so much, still I am greedy, I beg for your blessings that I can also live, eat, sleep and do everything I can, to fulfill your instructions as my life and soul.
Your insignificant servant
Gauranga Mohan Das
Gaurangachandra Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudev
I am very grateful for everything you have provided, only by your mercy I have been able to perform many of the services at New Dwaraka in Los Angeles which I feel very blissful and deeply indebted to you.
I still remember how I was when I first met you before I got initiated and how my journey has transformed since then.
Every time you visit Los Angeles, your association is always ecstatic and very inspiring, and immediately begin to think that I should improve more in my spiritual consciousness.
On this very auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I sincerely pray to Lord Krishna that you live a long life in good health and peace and continue to preach Krishna Consciousness uplifting many fallen souls like me.
Your humble servant,
Gaurangachandra Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudev
I am very grateful for everything you have provided, only by your mercy I have been able to perform many of the services at New Dwaraka in Los Angeles which I feel very blissful and deeply indebted to you.
I still remember how I was when I first met you before I got initiated and how my journey has transformed since then.
Every time you visit Los Angeles, your association is always ecstatic and very inspiring, and immediately begin to think that I should improve more in my spiritual consciousness.
On this very auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I sincerely pray to Lord Krishna that you live a long life in good health and peace and continue to preach Krishna Consciousness uplifting many fallen souls like me.
Your humble servant,
Gaurangachandra Das
Gauraraya das
Please accept my humble obeisance
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Our Glorious Master does faith instill
His words in themselves so righteous
Jewel like raindrops of mercy falling
Love rains down on bhakti blooming
Take the chance to offer a word or tear , a life turned round, disaster averted.
Deep within a prayerful tone symptom of my life's true goal
A chorus rising like the tide returning
Bowing down to your lotus feet step by step my life complete
Content to be at your beck and call awaiting
Please when you go take me with you to board that plane vaikuntha calling.
For when you go our hearts go with you
A humble offering of tendered service so that I might bow aside his light again.
So Thank you, thank you, 10 million times instead of thanks but no thanks in my English way
Please my life at thy command
At your feet, I bow surrendered.
Your aspiring servant
Gauraraya das
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Our Glorious Master does faith instill
His words in themselves so righteous
Jewel like raindrops of mercy falling
Love rains down on bhakti blooming
Take the chance to offer a word or tear , a life turned round, disaster averted.
Deep within a prayerful tone symptom of my life's true goal
A chorus rising like the tide returning
Bowing down to your lotus feet step by step my life complete
Content to be at your beck and call awaiting
Please when you go take me with you to board that plane vaikuntha calling.
For when you go our hearts go with you
A humble offering of tendered service so that I might bow aside his light again.
So Thank you, thank you, 10 million times instead of thanks but no thanks in my English way
Please my life at thy command
At your feet, I bow surrendered.
Your aspiring servant
Gauraraya das
Girish kolluri
Hare Krishna to you Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances on to your lotus feet. First time when i went to Melbourne mahaprabhu mandir i met your desciple and his name is Sevya Bhagavan prabhu, he is such a nice person,sweet person who has tolerated me, became good friend and also fed me prasadham three times a day also gave Bhagavad Gita and Krishna book. Later i have met your other desciple Gopa Vrndesh prabhu who is a PHD scholar and very simple, caring, intelligent , kindhearted and also great scholar. These both prabhus had made my most fallen life to move towards the most attractive personality Lord Sri Krishna. They taught me chanting, they taught me reading they holded my hand in every step of my life. I'm eternally in debted to that prabhus and the environment that has been creates by Nityaanada priya prabhu and Vasudha priya mataji. If these people are the most lovable people of my life and im just imagining the position of their spiritual master as the desciple get the qualities of spiritual master. If they are books you are the library, the are drop of mercy you are ocean of mercy, if they are great people you are the greatest.
Gurudev i had your darshan first time on 20 May 2021 in the afternoon you got down from the car i cant see you because the glow your carrying it is unimaginable. Your kirtan in the temple room is like the best extatic blissful dancing experience. After kirtan the class which you have explained about the qualities of Krishna each and everyword is madhuram.
You give examples in the class are so much relatable to the present world scenario and you do care about the younger generation and also the nature. Your classes are so enlightening and also so much informative which gives the picture how the humans are disturbing the present habitat.
In your second visit i have got chance to see you, hear your lectures and also kirtan. This time you gave class about the Damodarlila the way you sang the damodar prayers gurudev it is nectar and the explanation is impeccable.
After the class i have attended your retreat in Melbourne with all the young people. Your kirtan is so exthatic everyone in the hall got tired but you have the same energy. That day was one of the unforgettable days of my life. The best blissful experience ever had in my life.
In the recent visit you gave the class about the real success and also smashing so called hinduism. The classes are so so nice gurudev. I can feel your ocean of mercy in my life. Thank you so so much mahraj. You show the people how to serve krishna tirelessly, sincierely and the personal care that you show on your desciples is the great, greater and greatest treasure they all have. Please forgive me for the commited offences during the service maharaj and I beg for your mercy, blessings. I want to pray to Radha shyamasundar and Radha Vallabha for your health and eagerly waiting for your darshan soon gurudev.
Your most insignificant servant
Please accept my humble obeisances on to your lotus feet. First time when i went to Melbourne mahaprabhu mandir i met your desciple and his name is Sevya Bhagavan prabhu, he is such a nice person,sweet person who has tolerated me, became good friend and also fed me prasadham three times a day also gave Bhagavad Gita and Krishna book. Later i have met your other desciple Gopa Vrndesh prabhu who is a PHD scholar and very simple, caring, intelligent , kindhearted and also great scholar. These both prabhus had made my most fallen life to move towards the most attractive personality Lord Sri Krishna. They taught me chanting, they taught me reading they holded my hand in every step of my life. I'm eternally in debted to that prabhus and the environment that has been creates by Nityaanada priya prabhu and Vasudha priya mataji. If these people are the most lovable people of my life and im just imagining the position of their spiritual master as the desciple get the qualities of spiritual master. If they are books you are the library, the are drop of mercy you are ocean of mercy, if they are great people you are the greatest.
Gurudev i had your darshan first time on 20 May 2021 in the afternoon you got down from the car i cant see you because the glow your carrying it is unimaginable. Your kirtan in the temple room is like the best extatic blissful dancing experience. After kirtan the class which you have explained about the qualities of Krishna each and everyword is madhuram.
You give examples in the class are so much relatable to the present world scenario and you do care about the younger generation and also the nature. Your classes are so enlightening and also so much informative which gives the picture how the humans are disturbing the present habitat.
In your second visit i have got chance to see you, hear your lectures and also kirtan. This time you gave class about the Damodarlila the way you sang the damodar prayers gurudev it is nectar and the explanation is impeccable.
After the class i have attended your retreat in Melbourne with all the young people. Your kirtan is so exthatic everyone in the hall got tired but you have the same energy. That day was one of the unforgettable days of my life. The best blissful experience ever had in my life.
In the recent visit you gave the class about the real success and also smashing so called hinduism. The classes are so so nice gurudev. I can feel your ocean of mercy in my life. Thank you so so much mahraj. You show the people how to serve krishna tirelessly, sincierely and the personal care that you show on your desciples is the great, greater and greatest treasure they all have. Please forgive me for the commited offences during the service maharaj and I beg for your mercy, blessings. I want to pray to Radha shyamasundar and Radha Vallabha for your health and eagerly waiting for your darshan soon gurudev.
Your most insignificant servant
Gita Govinda devi dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasa puja!
You have been called the acarya of western outreach because in your complete dedication to Srila Prabhupada and your oneness with the desires of Krishna you have pioneered an ingenious program for attracting the wild west - club goers, pub lovers, love 'em today leave 'em tomorrow, conditioned souls - the most downtrodden and impudent, but also the most eligible for Lord Caitanya's mercy, to be attracted to Krishna consciousness. I must admit I was one of these lost and misguided jivas until, by Krishna's mercy, I got the rare opportunity to meet you, a bonafide spiritual master.
You have given me the best possible gift, Gurudev, the bhakti-lata bija. But have I really been taking care of it sufficiently? Have I even been aware of the rarity and preciousness of this ultimate gift of obtaining real happiness? You said in a lecture recently: "The best possible gift the spiritual master has to offer is the boon of devotional service." You have been so merciful Gurudev to give me the opportunity to engage in devotional service to Krishna - this is your unfathomable magnanimity, and your love. I am eternally grateful for this Gurudev, while also eternally regretful that I did not take fuller advantage of the opportunity.
Gurudev, you've risked your life in Krishna's service, from your days in communist Russia to the present day where you've had to tolerate so much from wayward disciples (such as myself), but you tirelessly continue your duty to your spiritual master and Mahaprabhu. Now, you are working to fulfil one of Srila Prabhupada's final wishes, that we establish varnasrama dharma in society to give people a chance to live a lifestyle that is conducive to the elevation of their consciousness. You don't waste even one moment of your life, Gurudev, or ever think that you've done enough. No, you spend every moment meditating on how to fulfil the desire and instructions of your spiritual master, and you mercifully engage us all in this highest and most perfect of life's occupations, freeing us from the miseries of mundane material existence.
In these turbulent times, I am so grateful and thankful to have you as my spiritual master and have full faith in your guidance, Gurudev. I only pray that one day I can adequately demonstrate my gratitude by my actions and behaviour. Although the debt to the spiritual master is impossible to repay, I would like to try.
Your humble beggar (and spiritual daughter),
Gita Govinda dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasa puja!
You have been called the acarya of western outreach because in your complete dedication to Srila Prabhupada and your oneness with the desires of Krishna you have pioneered an ingenious program for attracting the wild west - club goers, pub lovers, love 'em today leave 'em tomorrow, conditioned souls - the most downtrodden and impudent, but also the most eligible for Lord Caitanya's mercy, to be attracted to Krishna consciousness. I must admit I was one of these lost and misguided jivas until, by Krishna's mercy, I got the rare opportunity to meet you, a bonafide spiritual master.
You have given me the best possible gift, Gurudev, the bhakti-lata bija. But have I really been taking care of it sufficiently? Have I even been aware of the rarity and preciousness of this ultimate gift of obtaining real happiness? You said in a lecture recently: "The best possible gift the spiritual master has to offer is the boon of devotional service." You have been so merciful Gurudev to give me the opportunity to engage in devotional service to Krishna - this is your unfathomable magnanimity, and your love. I am eternally grateful for this Gurudev, while also eternally regretful that I did not take fuller advantage of the opportunity.
Gurudev, you've risked your life in Krishna's service, from your days in communist Russia to the present day where you've had to tolerate so much from wayward disciples (such as myself), but you tirelessly continue your duty to your spiritual master and Mahaprabhu. Now, you are working to fulfil one of Srila Prabhupada's final wishes, that we establish varnasrama dharma in society to give people a chance to live a lifestyle that is conducive to the elevation of their consciousness. You don't waste even one moment of your life, Gurudev, or ever think that you've done enough. No, you spend every moment meditating on how to fulfil the desire and instructions of your spiritual master, and you mercifully engage us all in this highest and most perfect of life's occupations, freeing us from the miseries of mundane material existence.
In these turbulent times, I am so grateful and thankful to have you as my spiritual master and have full faith in your guidance, Gurudev. I only pray that one day I can adequately demonstrate my gratitude by my actions and behaviour. Although the debt to the spiritual master is impossible to repay, I would like to try.
Your humble beggar (and spiritual daughter),
Gita Govinda dd
Gitavali devi dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble and sincere obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day and all glories to all the assembled devotees who are present here today to glorify your character, qualities, pastimes and spiritual accomplishments. Dear Gurumaharaja, you are one of a kind.
No words can really express the gratitude and appreciation I feel in my heart, everyday, but especially today.
From the depths of my heart, I am eternally grateful to have met you back in August 2005, and to have come to Krishna consciousness through your outreach centers in Auckland and in Wellington. I was a lost, free-spirited, wandering young woman, in search of more meaning, who was hungry for more purpose and real satisfaction. I was looking for genuine connections. I was looking for an authentic community of people to look up to.
When I met the wonderful devotees, who all happened to be your disciples, and when I experienced the real joy of Kirtan, I knew for certain that my life would never be the same again. I was convinced that there was nothing else out there in this material world that was as fulfilling as Chanting the Holy names of the Lord, knowing the meaning of life, to know about our spiritual nature and how to act in this world without being affected by the negative influences that prevail this temporary material world.
Throughout your years of unstoppable work, through your presence, your passion, incredible talks, sometimes even twice in a day, to reach people to inspire them to take up the process of Bhakti, you tirelessly sacrifice your time and energy to connect Krishna to more people in need.
A couple of days ago, I experienced something truly magical, this was an incredible experience in Albert Park, where the fired up young devotes who run the university club: “Sustain Yourself”, were running a lively blissful program with so much Kirtan and knockout Prasad. I had not experienced such a high vibing energy as that day this past Thursday evening. It was such a successful event. I got to make new friends and invite them to the Loft. Everyone was just so happy, many students stayed till the end. It reminded me of the old days when Prabhupada had Kirtan in the park, attracted the young people and brought them to Krishna.
Thank you for always kindly supporting me personally. You’ve always shown me so much undeserved mercy. Thank you for encouraging us, my husband and I to continue doing what we’re doing, running a contemporary men’s ashram, and hope we can continue to also assist you on the mission of pleasing Lord Caitanya, and Srila Prabhupada. You’ve given us everything we need to succeed, now is our chance to share what we’ve learned, to empower the next generation of young devotees, to take up more leadership to take up more outreach, so that more and more people can come to Bhakti, to develop themselves and experience the joys of Krishna consciousness.
Praying to keep holding on to your coat tails and not get distracted so that we can keep going and even expand what we are doing today. We are so indebted to you and pray that Krishna protects you and keeps you healthy in body and mind for many years to come.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Gitavali dd
Please accept my humble and sincere obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day and all glories to all the assembled devotees who are present here today to glorify your character, qualities, pastimes and spiritual accomplishments. Dear Gurumaharaja, you are one of a kind.
No words can really express the gratitude and appreciation I feel in my heart, everyday, but especially today.
From the depths of my heart, I am eternally grateful to have met you back in August 2005, and to have come to Krishna consciousness through your outreach centers in Auckland and in Wellington. I was a lost, free-spirited, wandering young woman, in search of more meaning, who was hungry for more purpose and real satisfaction. I was looking for genuine connections. I was looking for an authentic community of people to look up to.
When I met the wonderful devotees, who all happened to be your disciples, and when I experienced the real joy of Kirtan, I knew for certain that my life would never be the same again. I was convinced that there was nothing else out there in this material world that was as fulfilling as Chanting the Holy names of the Lord, knowing the meaning of life, to know about our spiritual nature and how to act in this world without being affected by the negative influences that prevail this temporary material world.
Throughout your years of unstoppable work, through your presence, your passion, incredible talks, sometimes even twice in a day, to reach people to inspire them to take up the process of Bhakti, you tirelessly sacrifice your time and energy to connect Krishna to more people in need.
A couple of days ago, I experienced something truly magical, this was an incredible experience in Albert Park, where the fired up young devotes who run the university club: “Sustain Yourself”, were running a lively blissful program with so much Kirtan and knockout Prasad. I had not experienced such a high vibing energy as that day this past Thursday evening. It was such a successful event. I got to make new friends and invite them to the Loft. Everyone was just so happy, many students stayed till the end. It reminded me of the old days when Prabhupada had Kirtan in the park, attracted the young people and brought them to Krishna.
Thank you for always kindly supporting me personally. You’ve always shown me so much undeserved mercy. Thank you for encouraging us, my husband and I to continue doing what we’re doing, running a contemporary men’s ashram, and hope we can continue to also assist you on the mission of pleasing Lord Caitanya, and Srila Prabhupada. You’ve given us everything we need to succeed, now is our chance to share what we’ve learned, to empower the next generation of young devotees, to take up more leadership to take up more outreach, so that more and more people can come to Bhakti, to develop themselves and experience the joys of Krishna consciousness.
Praying to keep holding on to your coat tails and not get distracted so that we can keep going and even expand what we are doing today. We are so indebted to you and pray that Krishna protects you and keeps you healthy in body and mind for many years to come.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Gitavali dd
Gokul lila dd
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you today & every day!
Much like a multifaceted diamond that gleams brilliance from every angle, you exhibit strength, sensitivity, boldness, and kindness. Often perceived as opposing qualities, these coexist within you.
At an age when most simply seek satisfaction for the mind and senses, you fearlessly went behind the Iron Curtain, boldly executing Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Facing numerous challenges but often having to keep them private to protect yourself & ISKCON.
You boldly ventured to a little island of New Zealand, pioneering western outreach and nurturing it from the grassroots. Not always appreciated by other devotees, you never wavered in your determination.
Your classes for both devotees and the public are both transformative, leaving a lasting impact on all. You are not shying away from speaking boldly. In a recent soulfeast talk, you were pretty much telling the guests they were acting like animals, but everyone remained attentive and appreciative; your purity softened the strong blow to their vision of life; in fact, so many of them were keen to speak with you later that night personally.
You are bold in inspiring devotees to undertake a complete overhaul of their character, whether it’s through a simple glance or a few words. Your guidance is always with grace and often accompanied by your wonderful wit. A memorable incident in Russia, when you suddenly appeared in the lounge from your room, surprising us all. I was seated on a large, palatial couch, mesmerised by the opulent surroundings of the house where we were staying that night. Slow to get off the throne, you quietly addressed me as "Your Majesty" and asked me to make room for you to sit down. I hurriedly vacated the room, humiliated with emotions welling up. When I later asked Ananta Naga what he made of the situation, he burst into laughter, emphasising your sense of humour.
Your kindness and sensitivity complement your strength and uncompromising boldness. During our travels with you, you often inquire about our accommodation and ensure Ananta Naga has had prasadam before departing from a program. One time you saw me in the morning with puffy eyes and asked if I had slept well. Many devotees have shared similar experiences in their homages, where you provided them with medicine when they were unwell, expressed genuine concern for their health, checking in on them regarding their financial situation after they left the single ashram, noticing if they needed something for their service and even personally covering costs of healthcare or airfares.
Your kindness in your interactions with devotees has the ability to deeply touch the heart. Many express how kind you are in darshan, where you take the time to acknowledge their good qualities and appreciate their service.
I've had the privilege of witnessing some interactions you have with your godbrothers, and your kindness stands out. I remember a flight to Bhakti Sangam festival when you happened to be on the same flight as Indradyumna Swami. We observed how you adjusted your usual airport pace just to stay with Maharaja, even waiting beside him as he discussed with officials about his danda, which they were trying to confiscate. A further testament to your kindness, I have heard you purchase icebreaker clothing to gift to your godbrothers around the world.
The brilliance of your character is truly vast; I barely just began but will have to end here.
I am ever grateful to you Gurudeva.
I pray my words of gratitude be shown in my actions of making my mind & heart one with your mission to give Krishna to others & care for devotees.
With love, your daughter & servant, Gokul lila
Please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you today & every day!
Much like a multifaceted diamond that gleams brilliance from every angle, you exhibit strength, sensitivity, boldness, and kindness. Often perceived as opposing qualities, these coexist within you.
At an age when most simply seek satisfaction for the mind and senses, you fearlessly went behind the Iron Curtain, boldly executing Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Facing numerous challenges but often having to keep them private to protect yourself & ISKCON.
You boldly ventured to a little island of New Zealand, pioneering western outreach and nurturing it from the grassroots. Not always appreciated by other devotees, you never wavered in your determination.
Your classes for both devotees and the public are both transformative, leaving a lasting impact on all. You are not shying away from speaking boldly. In a recent soulfeast talk, you were pretty much telling the guests they were acting like animals, but everyone remained attentive and appreciative; your purity softened the strong blow to their vision of life; in fact, so many of them were keen to speak with you later that night personally.
You are bold in inspiring devotees to undertake a complete overhaul of their character, whether it’s through a simple glance or a few words. Your guidance is always with grace and often accompanied by your wonderful wit. A memorable incident in Russia, when you suddenly appeared in the lounge from your room, surprising us all. I was seated on a large, palatial couch, mesmerised by the opulent surroundings of the house where we were staying that night. Slow to get off the throne, you quietly addressed me as "Your Majesty" and asked me to make room for you to sit down. I hurriedly vacated the room, humiliated with emotions welling up. When I later asked Ananta Naga what he made of the situation, he burst into laughter, emphasising your sense of humour.
Your kindness and sensitivity complement your strength and uncompromising boldness. During our travels with you, you often inquire about our accommodation and ensure Ananta Naga has had prasadam before departing from a program. One time you saw me in the morning with puffy eyes and asked if I had slept well. Many devotees have shared similar experiences in their homages, where you provided them with medicine when they were unwell, expressed genuine concern for their health, checking in on them regarding their financial situation after they left the single ashram, noticing if they needed something for their service and even personally covering costs of healthcare or airfares.
Your kindness in your interactions with devotees has the ability to deeply touch the heart. Many express how kind you are in darshan, where you take the time to acknowledge their good qualities and appreciate their service.
I've had the privilege of witnessing some interactions you have with your godbrothers, and your kindness stands out. I remember a flight to Bhakti Sangam festival when you happened to be on the same flight as Indradyumna Swami. We observed how you adjusted your usual airport pace just to stay with Maharaja, even waiting beside him as he discussed with officials about his danda, which they were trying to confiscate. A further testament to your kindness, I have heard you purchase icebreaker clothing to gift to your godbrothers around the world.
The brilliance of your character is truly vast; I barely just began but will have to end here.
I am ever grateful to you Gurudeva.
I pray my words of gratitude be shown in my actions of making my mind & heart one with your mission to give Krishna to others & care for devotees.
With love, your daughter & servant, Gokul lila
Gokula Sundari Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
Earlier this year, I had the good fortune of attending a western outreach program where you were the guest speaker. I brought a friend from a non-Indian background to hear your talk. She loved the program and was in complete awe of you. As we were leaving the centre, she said to me, “What is a person like him, doing in this place! He is world famous, he has written books.” I began writing my Vyasapuja offering whilst meditating on her comment - what is a person like him doing in this place?
In Srimad Bhagvatam (3.5.3) we read that great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord. Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport – ‘great unalloyed devotees of the Lord are compassionate towards the fallen, and therefore they travel all over the world with the mission of bringing souls back to Godhead, back to home. Such pure devotees of the Lord carry the message of Godhead in order to deliver the fallen souls, and therefore the common man who is bewildered by the influence of the external energy of the Lord should avail himself of their association.’ Dear Gurudeva, you are so exalted, both materially and spiritually, untouched by material contamination, always in Krishna consciousness. The sole purpose of your appearance must be to uplift the fallen souls.
I see at your outreach programs, how you present the very basics of this esoteric knowledge to people who are so far removed from the culture of a civilised human society. You not only patiently answer their questions but you genuinely appreciate their attempt to understand these topics. At one outreach program, I spoke to some of the guests who had a private meeting with you after you finished your talk. You had suggested to each one of them to attend such programs regularly. Most people have no interest in hearing Krishna conscious topics, yet devotees are always pushing on with these programs. Your disciples are doing this for your pleasure and you are doing this for the pleasure of your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. I am always excited to hear your ideas on how to improve these programs from devotees who are assisting you in these projects. Your lectures are a goldmine of ideas for pushing on Krishna consciousness far and wide. I am most certain that anyone who assists in these programs will have your special mercy. It is my sincere desire that people who have not taken birth in a spiritual culture can avail your association by hearing your talks and kirtans and reading your books. This way they can get connected to Srila Prabhupada and the disciplic succession.
It is by the mercy of Guru and Krishna that one attains devotional service to Krishna. Krishna brought you in my life and it is only by your mercy, in the form of your instructions, I am able to perform some devotional service. In one lecture you were glorifying Rupa Goswami and you mentioned that their expression of humility was genuine, not poetic. Then you remarked, “some people say...oh! I am so useless and they are actually useless! “I was reflecting that it is high time I stopped being useless and take this gift of Krishna Consciousness, that you have so kindly bestowed upon me, more seriously. In my limited capacity, I will never fully grasp what you have done for me, however, I would like this to be my constant meditation.
On this glorious day of your Vyasapuja, I beg at your lotus feet to give me the strength and intelligence to enthusiastically pursue my Krishna Conscious life and continue performing devotional service for your pleasure. Please always keep me in the association of devotees and never let me forget to respect them and express gratitude to them.
Your servant
Gokula Sundari Devi Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
Earlier this year, I had the good fortune of attending a western outreach program where you were the guest speaker. I brought a friend from a non-Indian background to hear your talk. She loved the program and was in complete awe of you. As we were leaving the centre, she said to me, “What is a person like him, doing in this place! He is world famous, he has written books.” I began writing my Vyasapuja offering whilst meditating on her comment - what is a person like him doing in this place?
In Srimad Bhagvatam (3.5.3) we read that great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord. Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport – ‘great unalloyed devotees of the Lord are compassionate towards the fallen, and therefore they travel all over the world with the mission of bringing souls back to Godhead, back to home. Such pure devotees of the Lord carry the message of Godhead in order to deliver the fallen souls, and therefore the common man who is bewildered by the influence of the external energy of the Lord should avail himself of their association.’ Dear Gurudeva, you are so exalted, both materially and spiritually, untouched by material contamination, always in Krishna consciousness. The sole purpose of your appearance must be to uplift the fallen souls.
I see at your outreach programs, how you present the very basics of this esoteric knowledge to people who are so far removed from the culture of a civilised human society. You not only patiently answer their questions but you genuinely appreciate their attempt to understand these topics. At one outreach program, I spoke to some of the guests who had a private meeting with you after you finished your talk. You had suggested to each one of them to attend such programs regularly. Most people have no interest in hearing Krishna conscious topics, yet devotees are always pushing on with these programs. Your disciples are doing this for your pleasure and you are doing this for the pleasure of your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. I am always excited to hear your ideas on how to improve these programs from devotees who are assisting you in these projects. Your lectures are a goldmine of ideas for pushing on Krishna consciousness far and wide. I am most certain that anyone who assists in these programs will have your special mercy. It is my sincere desire that people who have not taken birth in a spiritual culture can avail your association by hearing your talks and kirtans and reading your books. This way they can get connected to Srila Prabhupada and the disciplic succession.
It is by the mercy of Guru and Krishna that one attains devotional service to Krishna. Krishna brought you in my life and it is only by your mercy, in the form of your instructions, I am able to perform some devotional service. In one lecture you were glorifying Rupa Goswami and you mentioned that their expression of humility was genuine, not poetic. Then you remarked, “some people say...oh! I am so useless and they are actually useless! “I was reflecting that it is high time I stopped being useless and take this gift of Krishna Consciousness, that you have so kindly bestowed upon me, more seriously. In my limited capacity, I will never fully grasp what you have done for me, however, I would like this to be my constant meditation.
On this glorious day of your Vyasapuja, I beg at your lotus feet to give me the strength and intelligence to enthusiastically pursue my Krishna Conscious life and continue performing devotional service for your pleasure. Please always keep me in the association of devotees and never let me forget to respect them and express gratitude to them.
Your servant
Gokula Sundari Devi Dasi.
Goloka-Vāsī Daas
Hare krishna dear Guru Maharaj, please accept my respectable humble obeisance onto your lotus feet.
Namo om Vishnu padayaya Krishna pastalya bhutakle Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
I am wondering in this material world without a clue, what to do/where to go to find a spiritual shelter after my first aspiring Guru H.H Bhakti Charu Swami departured from this world. You kindly accepted me upon a request.
Krishna gracefully showed me you like a tree 🌳 to take shelter under you. The tree gives beautiful fragrant flowers , delicious fruits and breeze air makes a pleasant atmosphere. Similarly yours ecstatic kirtans, lectures from Srimad bhagavatam and Chaitanya charitamrita gives relief from material desires and gives transcendental happiness.
Last week you sowed a bhakti lata bija in me, I pray at your lotus feet that you please nourish/protect it by showering your causeless mercy.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja celebrations, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I pray to lord Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Sri Jagannath Baladev and Subadramai, Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and our dear Srila Prabhupad and all our previous acharyas for your good health and many more years of preaching Krishna bhakti to all the fallen souls.
Yours insignificant servant
Goloka-Vāsī Das
Namo om Vishnu padayaya Krishna pastalya bhutakle Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
I am wondering in this material world without a clue, what to do/where to go to find a spiritual shelter after my first aspiring Guru H.H Bhakti Charu Swami departured from this world. You kindly accepted me upon a request.
Krishna gracefully showed me you like a tree 🌳 to take shelter under you. The tree gives beautiful fragrant flowers , delicious fruits and breeze air makes a pleasant atmosphere. Similarly yours ecstatic kirtans, lectures from Srimad bhagavatam and Chaitanya charitamrita gives relief from material desires and gives transcendental happiness.
Last week you sowed a bhakti lata bija in me, I pray at your lotus feet that you please nourish/protect it by showering your causeless mercy.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja celebrations, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I pray to lord Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Sri Jagannath Baladev and Subadramai, Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and our dear Srila Prabhupad and all our previous acharyas for your good health and many more years of preaching Krishna bhakti to all the fallen souls.
Yours insignificant servant
Goloka-Vāsī Das
Golokeśa Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you and your services to Srila Prabhupada.
Thanks for accepting me as your disciple. I am very fortunate to have a guru like you.
I still remember the day when I first met you in New Varshana and felt very happy after our conversation. When you are going back you sang Hare Krishna in a very melodious manner and it touched my heart. At that moment I realised that I had found my spiritual master. I love to hear your classes and the way you give examples it is very easy to understand.
I pray that you bless me to have the same mood towards the holy name of the lord. And hope to serve you better in the future.
Your aspiring disciple,
Golokeśa Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you and your services to Srila Prabhupada.
Thanks for accepting me as your disciple. I am very fortunate to have a guru like you.
I still remember the day when I first met you in New Varshana and felt very happy after our conversation. When you are going back you sang Hare Krishna in a very melodious manner and it touched my heart. At that moment I realised that I had found my spiritual master. I love to hear your classes and the way you give examples it is very easy to understand.
I pray that you bless me to have the same mood towards the holy name of the lord. And hope to serve you better in the future.
Your aspiring disciple,
Golokeśa Das
Gopa Bhav Das and Shakhi Bhav DD
Dear Gurumaharaj, Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and All glories to you on this day of your 73rd Vyasa Puja
Nama Om Visnu Padaya Krsna-Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami Iti Namine
Pracare Purva-Daksyam Ca Bhaktacara-Pravinata
Pararthatapi Karunyam Yasya Sarve Ca Te Namah
Gurumaharaj - Still I remember the day I met you for the first time during my masters in los angeles,Your humble and gentle gestures and eloquent replies gave me a sense of calm and peace,It was made a lasting impact in my life,Your smile and happiness i show in your faces that day which inspired me to search path for internal happiness, and through your inspiration and guidance only we able to feel krishna prema,Thank you guru maharaj
My cool morning start with hearing - ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA series ,In each and every episode you pour so much nectar of gauranga leela and Krishna leela,There is no better way to start day than hearing episod from ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA,Thank you guru maharaja for giving us your association through ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA series. SB 2.2.37 - Sukadeva Goswami Says - Those who drink through aural reception, fully filled with the nectarean message of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the beloved of the devotees, purify the polluted aim of life known as material enjoyment and thus go back to Godhead, to the lotus feet of Him [the Personality of Godhead].
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi
dhyāyan stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
“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 obeisance’s unto him, my spiritual master.”
Keeping that mood and Always praying for your mercy and Srila Prabhupada's mercy,I go to sankirtan events every weekend and distribute books.
And our prayer for your best health and long life guru maharaj
Your humble Servant,
Gopa Bhav Das and Shakhi Bhav DD With Jisnu and Sudama
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and All glories to you on this day of your 73rd Vyasa Puja
Nama Om Visnu Padaya Krsna-Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami Iti Namine
Pracare Purva-Daksyam Ca Bhaktacara-Pravinata
Pararthatapi Karunyam Yasya Sarve Ca Te Namah
Gurumaharaj - Still I remember the day I met you for the first time during my masters in los angeles,Your humble and gentle gestures and eloquent replies gave me a sense of calm and peace,It was made a lasting impact in my life,Your smile and happiness i show in your faces that day which inspired me to search path for internal happiness, and through your inspiration and guidance only we able to feel krishna prema,Thank you guru maharaj
My cool morning start with hearing - ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA series ,In each and every episode you pour so much nectar of gauranga leela and Krishna leela,There is no better way to start day than hearing episod from ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA,Thank you guru maharaja for giving us your association through ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA series. SB 2.2.37 - Sukadeva Goswami Says - Those who drink through aural reception, fully filled with the nectarean message of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the beloved of the devotees, purify the polluted aim of life known as material enjoyment and thus go back to Godhead, to the lotus feet of Him [the Personality of Godhead].
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi
dhyāyan stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
“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 obeisance’s unto him, my spiritual master.”
Keeping that mood and Always praying for your mercy and Srila Prabhupada's mercy,I go to sankirtan events every weekend and distribute books.
And our prayer for your best health and long life guru maharaj
Your humble Servant,
Gopa Bhav Das and Shakhi Bhav DD With Jisnu and Sudama
Gopa-Vṛndeśa Dāsa
<strong>Śrīmad Devāmṛta Svāmin Kṛpāmṛta Daśakam</strong>
<strong>‘Ten verses glorifying the nectarean mercy of my spiritual master’</strong>
<strong>Verse 1</strong>
कृपार्णवात्कृष्णविभोः प्रजातो
भवानिवाभ्रः प्रभुपादभानोः ।
संसारिणां वर्षति हृन्मरूर्व्यां
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥१॥
<i>kṛpārṇavāt kṛṣṇa-vibhoḥ prajāto
bhavān ivābhraḥ prabhupāda-bhānoḥ
saṁsāriṇāṁ varṣati hṛn-marūrvyāṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>Śrīla Prabhupāda like the brilliant sun has created many stalwart devotees who resemble clouds which are saturated with mercy drawn from the boundless ocean of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s compassion. Our revered spiritual master, is one of those benevolent clouds. And like an indiscriminate rain cloud, he generously showers this mercy upon people’s materialistic hearts, which are like a dry and barren desert, suffering incessantly from the scorching heat of material existence. With profound gratitude, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 2</strong>
प्रलम्बकायं प्रकटप्रभावं
गम्भीरभावं करुणार्द्रचित्तम् ।
अगाधबोधं च विरागशोभं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥२॥
<i>pralamba-kāyaṁ prakaṭa-prabhāvaṁ
gambhīra-bhāvaṁ karuṇārdra-cittam
agādha-bodhaṁ ca virāga-śobhaṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, your commanding and grave presence is characterised by a tall and elegant stature. Yet, in contrast to your commanding lofty form, you have a very tender, unassuming heart which is saturated with compassion for everyone. Your personality shines brilliantly with detachment, deep intelligence and profound immersion in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. In great awe, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 3</strong>
भावो भवाग्नौ भवतोम्बुवर्षो
वाचो विचाराश्च तमो निहन्तुम् ।
नादो दयायानमिवास्ति हृद्यो
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥३॥
<i>bhāvo bhavāgnau bhavatombu-varṣo
vāco vicārāś ca tamo nihantum
nādo dayāyānam ivāsti hṛdyo
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>Gurudeva, your profound mood resembles torrential rain that is essential for effectively extinguishing the wild forest fire of material existence. Your insightful thoughts and illuminating words are perfect to destroy the intense darkness of ignorance lying deep within materialistic hearts. Your heart-capturing voice thunders with deep compassion for humanity suffering from spiritual amnesia. With great joy, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 4</strong>
प्रचारणे दक्षसुदीर्घदर्शी
नृश्रेयसे कारुणिकश्च भक्तिं ।
नवानुपायान् रचयन् तनोसि
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥४॥
<i>pracāraṇe dakṣa-sudīrghadarśī
nṛśreyase kāruṇikaś ca bhaktim
navān upāyān racayan tanosi
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O master, as an expert strategist and visionary in the propagation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, you create novel facilities to practice and share the art and science of devotional service. At the same time, you also devise innovative approaches for disseminating the philosophy and principles of bhakti. In this way, through your causeless mercy, you spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness extensively for the eternal welfare of everyone. In immense indebtedness, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 5</strong>
वाग्वैभवं हृद्व्यधनं जनानां
प्रायोगिकं चिन्मथनं पुनानं ।
प्रभाषणं ते करुणाप्रवाहं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥५॥
<i>vāg-vaibhavaṁ hṛd-vyadhanaṁ janānāṁ
prāyogikaṁ cin-mathanaṁ punānam
prabhāṣaṇaṁ te karuṇā-pravāhaṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, your eloquent discourses churns the intellect and enters deep into the hearts of the masses. Highly pragmatic in nature, these lectures are like a flowing stream of mercy, gushing with purifying potency that washes away the deep rooted filth of all material impressions from the consciousness. Bowing down, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 6</strong>
मोहार्तहृत्संशयनाशनानि
नव्यानि वा ते हृदयङ्गमानि ।
सद्भक्तिदानीह च लेखनानि
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥६॥
<i>mohārta-hṛt-saṁśaya-nāśanāni
navyāni vā te hṛdayaṅgamāni
sad-bhakti-dānīha ca lekhanāni
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O master, your attractive and heart-captivating writings are possessed with the power to inspire devotion to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Your insightful renditions on the Absolute Truth presented in a contemporary style dispel doubts in the hearts of the suffering modern world, ensnared by material illusions. Feeling guarded, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 7</strong>
त्वन्निर्त्यसङ्कीर्तनगर्जनानि
भावाढ्यपूर्णानि तमोनुदानि ।
सर्वाङ्गचित्तान्यभिनर्तयन्ति
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥७॥
<i>tvan-nirtya-saṅkīrtana-garjanāni
bhāvāḍhya-pūrṇāni tamonudāni
sarvāṅga-cittāny abhinartayanti
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, your thundering kīrtanas and dancing are replete with the richness of devotional ecstasy. The devotional power of these kīrtanas dispels all gloom from the mind and floods it with spiritual joy, which naturally makes one dance both in the heart and the body. With delighted spirits, I take shelter in my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 8</strong>
पितेव शिष्यानिह शिक्षयंस्त्वं
मातेव दोषान् क्षमसे च तेषां ।
पुत्रान्यथा तान्नयसे दयालुं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥८॥
<i>piteva śiṣyān iha śikṣayaṁs tvaṁ
māteva doṣān kṣamase ca teṣām
putrān yathā tān nayase dayāluṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>Dear Gurudeva, you instruct your disciples just like a father, with gravity and firmness. At the same time, like a compassionate mother, you are ever ready to forgive the shortcomings of your sincere students. In this way, you lead your disciples, who are like your own children, on the progressive path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Feeling thankful, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 9</strong>
यो नः प्रसादात्प्रभुपाददत्तं
पाश्चात्यनिस्तारणदिव्यदौत्यं ।
पितेव पुत्राय ददाति दायं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥९॥
<i>yo naḥ prasādāt prabhupāda-dattaṁ
pāścātya-nistāraṇa-divya-dautyam
piteva putrāya dadāti dāyaṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O my spiritual master, you have gratefully inherited from Śrīla Prabhupāda the divine mission of delivering the Western world. Adding to that wealth of preaching, you are now in turn mercifully passing on this sacred mission to all of us, like a father bestows his inheritance upon his children. Feeling a sense of responsibility, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 10</strong>
दुर्देशकोणेष्वपि शास्त्रदानं
तवाद्भुतं संभवति प्रसादात् ।
मरौ तु कल्पद्रुमवाटिकेव
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥१०॥
<i>durdeśa-koṇeṣv api śāstra-dānaṁ
tavādbhutaṁ saṁbhavati prasādāt
marau tu kalpa-druma-vāṭikeva
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, by your mercy and inspiration, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s transcendental books are distributed even in the far corners of the world, and devotees are made in these places which are sinking in gross sinful activities. Such wonders of making devotees in ignoble lands are akin to cultivating a garden of desire trees amidst barren deserts. With pleasant amazement, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 11</strong>
अनर्थपङ्केऽपि निमज्जितोऽहं
त्वद्भावकर्मादिकपङ्कजेऽस्मिन् ।
गुरो दयालो मधुमक्षिकः स्यां
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥११॥
<i>anartha-paṅke ’pi nimajjito ’haṁ
tvad-bhāva-karmādika-paṅkaje ’smin
guro dayālo madhu-makṣikaḥ syāṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O merciful Gurudeva! Even though my heart is deeply submerged in a swamp of unwanted desires, I humbly pray to be granted the boon of becoming a bumblebee at the lotus of your divine mood and mission of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Relishing its ecstatic beverage, may I be a working bee always busy in rendering devotional service. With this aspiration, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
Your Servant,
Gopa-Vṛndeśa Dāsa
Melbourne Mahāprabhu Mandira
<strong>‘Ten verses glorifying the nectarean mercy of my spiritual master’</strong>
<strong>Verse 1</strong>
कृपार्णवात्कृष्णविभोः प्रजातो
भवानिवाभ्रः प्रभुपादभानोः ।
संसारिणां वर्षति हृन्मरूर्व्यां
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥१॥
<i>kṛpārṇavāt kṛṣṇa-vibhoḥ prajāto
bhavān ivābhraḥ prabhupāda-bhānoḥ
saṁsāriṇāṁ varṣati hṛn-marūrvyāṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>Śrīla Prabhupāda like the brilliant sun has created many stalwart devotees who resemble clouds which are saturated with mercy drawn from the boundless ocean of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s compassion. Our revered spiritual master, is one of those benevolent clouds. And like an indiscriminate rain cloud, he generously showers this mercy upon people’s materialistic hearts, which are like a dry and barren desert, suffering incessantly from the scorching heat of material existence. With profound gratitude, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 2</strong>
प्रलम्बकायं प्रकटप्रभावं
गम्भीरभावं करुणार्द्रचित्तम् ।
अगाधबोधं च विरागशोभं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥२॥
<i>pralamba-kāyaṁ prakaṭa-prabhāvaṁ
gambhīra-bhāvaṁ karuṇārdra-cittam
agādha-bodhaṁ ca virāga-śobhaṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, your commanding and grave presence is characterised by a tall and elegant stature. Yet, in contrast to your commanding lofty form, you have a very tender, unassuming heart which is saturated with compassion for everyone. Your personality shines brilliantly with detachment, deep intelligence and profound immersion in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. In great awe, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 3</strong>
भावो भवाग्नौ भवतोम्बुवर्षो
वाचो विचाराश्च तमो निहन्तुम् ।
नादो दयायानमिवास्ति हृद्यो
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥३॥
<i>bhāvo bhavāgnau bhavatombu-varṣo
vāco vicārāś ca tamo nihantum
nādo dayāyānam ivāsti hṛdyo
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>Gurudeva, your profound mood resembles torrential rain that is essential for effectively extinguishing the wild forest fire of material existence. Your insightful thoughts and illuminating words are perfect to destroy the intense darkness of ignorance lying deep within materialistic hearts. Your heart-capturing voice thunders with deep compassion for humanity suffering from spiritual amnesia. With great joy, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 4</strong>
प्रचारणे दक्षसुदीर्घदर्शी
नृश्रेयसे कारुणिकश्च भक्तिं ।
नवानुपायान् रचयन् तनोसि
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥४॥
<i>pracāraṇe dakṣa-sudīrghadarśī
nṛśreyase kāruṇikaś ca bhaktim
navān upāyān racayan tanosi
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O master, as an expert strategist and visionary in the propagation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, you create novel facilities to practice and share the art and science of devotional service. At the same time, you also devise innovative approaches for disseminating the philosophy and principles of bhakti. In this way, through your causeless mercy, you spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness extensively for the eternal welfare of everyone. In immense indebtedness, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 5</strong>
वाग्वैभवं हृद्व्यधनं जनानां
प्रायोगिकं चिन्मथनं पुनानं ।
प्रभाषणं ते करुणाप्रवाहं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥५॥
<i>vāg-vaibhavaṁ hṛd-vyadhanaṁ janānāṁ
prāyogikaṁ cin-mathanaṁ punānam
prabhāṣaṇaṁ te karuṇā-pravāhaṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, your eloquent discourses churns the intellect and enters deep into the hearts of the masses. Highly pragmatic in nature, these lectures are like a flowing stream of mercy, gushing with purifying potency that washes away the deep rooted filth of all material impressions from the consciousness. Bowing down, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 6</strong>
मोहार्तहृत्संशयनाशनानि
नव्यानि वा ते हृदयङ्गमानि ।
सद्भक्तिदानीह च लेखनानि
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥६॥
<i>mohārta-hṛt-saṁśaya-nāśanāni
navyāni vā te hṛdayaṅgamāni
sad-bhakti-dānīha ca lekhanāni
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O master, your attractive and heart-captivating writings are possessed with the power to inspire devotion to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Your insightful renditions on the Absolute Truth presented in a contemporary style dispel doubts in the hearts of the suffering modern world, ensnared by material illusions. Feeling guarded, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 7</strong>
त्वन्निर्त्यसङ्कीर्तनगर्जनानि
भावाढ्यपूर्णानि तमोनुदानि ।
सर्वाङ्गचित्तान्यभिनर्तयन्ति
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥७॥
<i>tvan-nirtya-saṅkīrtana-garjanāni
bhāvāḍhya-pūrṇāni tamonudāni
sarvāṅga-cittāny abhinartayanti
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, your thundering kīrtanas and dancing are replete with the richness of devotional ecstasy. The devotional power of these kīrtanas dispels all gloom from the mind and floods it with spiritual joy, which naturally makes one dance both in the heart and the body. With delighted spirits, I take shelter in my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 8</strong>
पितेव शिष्यानिह शिक्षयंस्त्वं
मातेव दोषान् क्षमसे च तेषां ।
पुत्रान्यथा तान्नयसे दयालुं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥८॥
<i>piteva śiṣyān iha śikṣayaṁs tvaṁ
māteva doṣān kṣamase ca teṣām
putrān yathā tān nayase dayāluṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>Dear Gurudeva, you instruct your disciples just like a father, with gravity and firmness. At the same time, like a compassionate mother, you are ever ready to forgive the shortcomings of your sincere students. In this way, you lead your disciples, who are like your own children, on the progressive path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Feeling thankful, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 9</strong>
यो नः प्रसादात्प्रभुपाददत्तं
पाश्चात्यनिस्तारणदिव्यदौत्यं ।
पितेव पुत्राय ददाति दायं
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥९॥
<i>yo naḥ prasādāt prabhupāda-dattaṁ
pāścātya-nistāraṇa-divya-dautyam
piteva putrāya dadāti dāyaṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O my spiritual master, you have gratefully inherited from Śrīla Prabhupāda the divine mission of delivering the Western world. Adding to that wealth of preaching, you are now in turn mercifully passing on this sacred mission to all of us, like a father bestows his inheritance upon his children. Feeling a sense of responsibility, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 10</strong>
दुर्देशकोणेष्वपि शास्त्रदानं
तवाद्भुतं संभवति प्रसादात् ।
मरौ तु कल्पद्रुमवाटिकेव
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥१०॥
<i>durdeśa-koṇeṣv api śāstra-dānaṁ
tavādbhutaṁ saṁbhavati prasādāt
marau tu kalpa-druma-vāṭikeva
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O Gurudeva, by your mercy and inspiration, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s transcendental books are distributed even in the far corners of the world, and devotees are made in these places which are sinking in gross sinful activities. Such wonders of making devotees in ignoble lands are akin to cultivating a garden of desire trees amidst barren deserts. With pleasant amazement, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
<strong>Verse 11</strong>
अनर्थपङ्केऽपि निमज्जितोऽहं
त्वद्भावकर्मादिकपङ्कजेऽस्मिन् ।
गुरो दयालो मधुमक्षिकः स्यां
देवामृतस्वामिनमाश्रयेऽहम् ॥११॥
<i>anartha-paṅke ’pi nimajjito ’haṁ
tvad-bhāva-karmādika-paṅkaje ’smin
guro dayālo madhu-makṣikaḥ syāṁ
devāmṛta-svāminam āśraye ’ham</i>
<strong>O merciful Gurudeva! Even though my heart is deeply submerged in a swamp of unwanted desires, I humbly pray to be granted the boon of becoming a bumblebee at the lotus of your divine mood and mission of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Relishing its ecstatic beverage, may I be a working bee always busy in rendering devotional service. With this aspiration, I take shelter of my beloved spiritual master, His Holiness Devāmṛta Svāmī Mahārāja.</strong>
Your Servant,
Gopa-Vṛndeśa Dāsa
Melbourne Mahāprabhu Mandira
Gopi ramana dasa
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
In Cc Madhya 22.54 it is said
sadhu sanga sadhu sanga sarva sastre kaya
lava matra sadhu sange sarva siddhi haya
The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment's association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.
This is 100% true in my case. I feel verry fortunate to have your most valuable association and because of that association i can see that so much good fortune comes my way. Your potent transcendental instructions have helped me advance in spiritual life and serve krishna favourably.
I really appreciate
Your recorded lectures, audio, your kirtan, your time and attention that you give each and every disciple when you visit.
I really appreciated the japa walk during your last visit.
But most of all thank you for the gift of devotional service.
Thank you for the bhakti late bij, the seed of the creeper of devotional service that contains the instructions how to obtain krishna. Life's most valuable goal.
This is by far the most valuable gift and without which the human form of life would be wasted.
Thank you for the association of God brothers, god sisters, and well wishers their association is much needed.
Whatever devotional credits or boons I have obtained (if any ) is purely by your mercy. I am eternally indebted.
Please help me remember that my first duty as a disciple is to try my very best to serve you.
thank you for being an instrument of krishnas unconditional love and compassion.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple.
Please forgive me for my offenses.
All glories to your service.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
In Cc Madhya 22.54 it is said
sadhu sanga sadhu sanga sarva sastre kaya
lava matra sadhu sange sarva siddhi haya
The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment's association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.
This is 100% true in my case. I feel verry fortunate to have your most valuable association and because of that association i can see that so much good fortune comes my way. Your potent transcendental instructions have helped me advance in spiritual life and serve krishna favourably.
I really appreciate
Your recorded lectures, audio, your kirtan, your time and attention that you give each and every disciple when you visit.
I really appreciated the japa walk during your last visit.
But most of all thank you for the gift of devotional service.
Thank you for the bhakti late bij, the seed of the creeper of devotional service that contains the instructions how to obtain krishna. Life's most valuable goal.
This is by far the most valuable gift and without which the human form of life would be wasted.
Thank you for the association of God brothers, god sisters, and well wishers their association is much needed.
Whatever devotional credits or boons I have obtained (if any ) is purely by your mercy. I am eternally indebted.
Please help me remember that my first duty as a disciple is to try my very best to serve you.
thank you for being an instrument of krishnas unconditional love and compassion.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple.
Please forgive me for my offenses.
All glories to your service.
Gopi-gitāmrita devi dasi
Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva!
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear spiritual father,
I am so grateful that you came this year in Bulgaria since six years. Your strong presence illuminates even the darkest parts of our hearts.
The biggest “problems” in my head become tiny and easy solvable just by your association. You are so expert in revealing the beauty of Krishna consciousness.
Thank you for guiding me and my family through this bumpy, material road!
We are praying for your good health!
Your servant,
Gopi-gitāmrita
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear spiritual father,
I am so grateful that you came this year in Bulgaria since six years. Your strong presence illuminates even the darkest parts of our hearts.
The biggest “problems” in my head become tiny and easy solvable just by your association. You are so expert in revealing the beauty of Krishna consciousness.
Thank you for guiding me and my family through this bumpy, material road!
We are praying for your good health!
Your servant,
Gopi-gitāmrita
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
I take this auspicious day as an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and to seek your blessings.
You always mention the importance of expressing gratitude to anyone who has ever helped you even in a small way to grow in our bhakthi. You mention that whenever we see that person, we should express our gratitude and never make them forget it. How do I express my gratitude to you Guru Maharaj, if not for your mercy, love, affection, care and guidance I wouldn’t even be trying to follow the path of bhakti.
CC Madhya 19.151
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
I’m definitely one of those wondering living entities who is very fortunate to get the association of bonafide spiritual master. Observing my family in close circles helped me to see what would have been my situation if I was still Priya and not Gopipremamrita dd.
Last one year of my Krsna Conscious journey has been very different compared to the previous years. When I was really getting concerned about how should I move forward in my journey, lecture after lecture and through Bhagavatam purports you guided me to take shelter of hearing. Thank you GuruMaharaj for all the austerities you take in travelling across the globe and giving wonderful lectures which always enables me to connect to you and get your guidance. You have given me the seed of creeper of devotional service and through your vani have been constantly guiding me to water the creeper through hearing and chanting. Unfortunately, instead of watering the seed I have let lots of weeds grow around. Please give me your mercy Guru Maharaj so I can realise and apply in my life whatever I have heard or read in the scriptures rather than becoming proud with my knowledge.
SB 7.9.28
evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe
kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt
kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ
so ’haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām
Translation
My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?
Even though I’m fortunate to get your association I still choose to be in the unfortunate situation as I really do not appreciate or understand the depth of the fortune of your association. GuruMaharaj, wherever I’m let me please take your instructions seriously and serve you. Let me organise my life, make priorities and decisions based on what is best for your service.
You always mention the importance of attentive chanting and guidance. As a loving Spiritual father, you always set an example for your disciples to follow. You always follow what you preach. When we got an opportunity to serve you at our home, I could see how in spite of your busy meeting schedule you chanted Japa in the morning. Guru Maharaj let me please organise my life in such a way that I always give priority to attentive Japa. You always mention how anything can be tolerated with good association. Guru Maharaj, please bless me that I’m always surrounded by devotees who can inspire and guide me in this spiritual journey.
You always extend yourself to others selflessly taking austerities and letting go of your comfort to nourish and serve devotees. In spite of having so many disciples and travelling around the globe constantly you always give us your personal guidance. As a spiritual daughter let me, please develop this quality to extend myself to serve others without any ulterior motive.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Maharaj in his article on Guru Tattva says
"Our spiritual masters are the abodes of love. They appear to us in different forms to bestow their mercy upon us. They are reflected in all objects and in every entity. Indeed, they are the special manifestations of Srila Gurudeva, he who imparts divya-jnana, transcendental knowledge"
Guru Maharaj please give me the vision to understand and appreciate your mercy that's been reflected in all objects and in every entity. Let me constantly and consciously use my mind, body and words in a way that will please you.
As years go by, I can see I have a long way to go in my spiritual journey which is absolutely not possible without your mercy. I’m begging you to please give me the taste for chanting and hearing. Please give me a drop of love, faith and devotion that you have towards Srila Prabhupad. Please always use me as an Instrument in giving the holy name to others. Please help me to be mindful at all times and develop a proper service attitude.
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.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Gopipremamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
I take this auspicious day as an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and to seek your blessings.
You always mention the importance of expressing gratitude to anyone who has ever helped you even in a small way to grow in our bhakthi. You mention that whenever we see that person, we should express our gratitude and never make them forget it. How do I express my gratitude to you Guru Maharaj, if not for your mercy, love, affection, care and guidance I wouldn’t even be trying to follow the path of bhakti.
CC Madhya 19.151
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
I’m definitely one of those wondering living entities who is very fortunate to get the association of bonafide spiritual master. Observing my family in close circles helped me to see what would have been my situation if I was still Priya and not Gopipremamrita dd.
Last one year of my Krsna Conscious journey has been very different compared to the previous years. When I was really getting concerned about how should I move forward in my journey, lecture after lecture and through Bhagavatam purports you guided me to take shelter of hearing. Thank you GuruMaharaj for all the austerities you take in travelling across the globe and giving wonderful lectures which always enables me to connect to you and get your guidance. You have given me the seed of creeper of devotional service and through your vani have been constantly guiding me to water the creeper through hearing and chanting. Unfortunately, instead of watering the seed I have let lots of weeds grow around. Please give me your mercy Guru Maharaj so I can realise and apply in my life whatever I have heard or read in the scriptures rather than becoming proud with my knowledge.
SB 7.9.28
evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe
kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt
kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ
so ’haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām
Translation
My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?
Even though I’m fortunate to get your association I still choose to be in the unfortunate situation as I really do not appreciate or understand the depth of the fortune of your association. GuruMaharaj, wherever I’m let me please take your instructions seriously and serve you. Let me organise my life, make priorities and decisions based on what is best for your service.
You always mention the importance of attentive chanting and guidance. As a loving Spiritual father, you always set an example for your disciples to follow. You always follow what you preach. When we got an opportunity to serve you at our home, I could see how in spite of your busy meeting schedule you chanted Japa in the morning. Guru Maharaj let me please organise my life in such a way that I always give priority to attentive Japa. You always mention how anything can be tolerated with good association. Guru Maharaj, please bless me that I’m always surrounded by devotees who can inspire and guide me in this spiritual journey.
You always extend yourself to others selflessly taking austerities and letting go of your comfort to nourish and serve devotees. In spite of having so many disciples and travelling around the globe constantly you always give us your personal guidance. As a spiritual daughter let me, please develop this quality to extend myself to serve others without any ulterior motive.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Maharaj in his article on Guru Tattva says
"Our spiritual masters are the abodes of love. They appear to us in different forms to bestow their mercy upon us. They are reflected in all objects and in every entity. Indeed, they are the special manifestations of Srila Gurudeva, he who imparts divya-jnana, transcendental knowledge"
Guru Maharaj please give me the vision to understand and appreciate your mercy that's been reflected in all objects and in every entity. Let me constantly and consciously use my mind, body and words in a way that will please you.
As years go by, I can see I have a long way to go in my spiritual journey which is absolutely not possible without your mercy. I’m begging you to please give me the taste for chanting and hearing. Please give me a drop of love, faith and devotion that you have towards Srila Prabhupad. Please always use me as an Instrument in giving the holy name to others. Please help me to be mindful at all times and develop a proper service attitude.
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.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Gopipremamrita devi dasi
Govinda Darsana dasa
Nama om vishnu padaya krishna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a happy Vyasa Puja.
Gurudev, I am extremely insignificant and incomplete (in all of my attempts) to write anything about yourself. Still attempting to glorify you.
Gurudev by the mercy of Krishna I feel myself fortunate to have you as my spiritual master. You always acted as a father and guided both materially and spiritually. I have been surprised by your contribution to my life. You gave your personal association several times and guided on my actions. You kindly gave opportunity to serve you personally in Michigan. I was fortunate to have such a rare opportunity to be your servant for a short time.
I can recall when you instruct me to help in preaching Lord Caitanya's mission. I tried in my own little way in Melbourne. I remember that I prayed to you for your blessings during book distribution after having frustrated in my attempts. To my surprise books use to get distributed wonderfully.
Your lectures have always been sweet and thought provoking. You have Sastras sitting on your tongue and they are life source for ears. You present the sastras fit for so called modern age. And your listeners are always wonderstruck with your hypnotizing speech.
I thank you for keeping me under your shelter and seek your blessings for my spiritual growth and protection from maya.
Praying for your good health and eternal shelter
Your humble aspiring servant
Govinda Darsana dasa
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a happy Vyasa Puja.
Gurudev, I am extremely insignificant and incomplete (in all of my attempts) to write anything about yourself. Still attempting to glorify you.
Gurudev by the mercy of Krishna I feel myself fortunate to have you as my spiritual master. You always acted as a father and guided both materially and spiritually. I have been surprised by your contribution to my life. You gave your personal association several times and guided on my actions. You kindly gave opportunity to serve you personally in Michigan. I was fortunate to have such a rare opportunity to be your servant for a short time.
I can recall when you instruct me to help in preaching Lord Caitanya's mission. I tried in my own little way in Melbourne. I remember that I prayed to you for your blessings during book distribution after having frustrated in my attempts. To my surprise books use to get distributed wonderfully.
Your lectures have always been sweet and thought provoking. You have Sastras sitting on your tongue and they are life source for ears. You present the sastras fit for so called modern age. And your listeners are always wonderstruck with your hypnotizing speech.
I thank you for keeping me under your shelter and seek your blessings for my spiritual growth and protection from maya.
Praying for your good health and eternal shelter
Your humble aspiring servant
Govinda Darsana dasa
Govinda kund devi dasi
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I would like to express my gratitude & appreciation for your selfless and tireless dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. You lead us by practically showing how to expand ISKCON through different activities such as book distribution, outreach centers and devotee care.
With a compassionate heart, you share transcendental knowledge along with your own realizations to uplift the fallen conditioned souls. Your instructions are always filled with deep wisdom and sincere spiritual care to inspire anyone who is open to listen.
With pure intense desire to please and assist Srila Prabhupada, you overcome all the challenges and obstacles to serve his mission. You are travelling all over the world to inspire and train devotees so we can work collaboratively to please Guru Parampara. In every way you are teaching us how to be a devotee and serve Radha Shyamsundar eternally.
Through your mercy, I can find the strength to face my inner struggles and try to improve my devotional life. I have no qualification to engage in devotional service but praying by your mercy one day I will be able to properly serve with Bhakti.
Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I thank you for being so loving and personal, I hope and pray that you will keep showering your love and mercy to guide me in Bhakti.
I pray that the Lord always be merciful on you & let you continuously serve as per your heart's desire. I pray that Srila Prabhupada is always satisfied with your wholehearted service.
Your servant
Govindakund devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I would like to express my gratitude & appreciation for your selfless and tireless dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. You lead us by practically showing how to expand ISKCON through different activities such as book distribution, outreach centers and devotee care.
With a compassionate heart, you share transcendental knowledge along with your own realizations to uplift the fallen conditioned souls. Your instructions are always filled with deep wisdom and sincere spiritual care to inspire anyone who is open to listen.
With pure intense desire to please and assist Srila Prabhupada, you overcome all the challenges and obstacles to serve his mission. You are travelling all over the world to inspire and train devotees so we can work collaboratively to please Guru Parampara. In every way you are teaching us how to be a devotee and serve Radha Shyamsundar eternally.
Through your mercy, I can find the strength to face my inner struggles and try to improve my devotional life. I have no qualification to engage in devotional service but praying by your mercy one day I will be able to properly serve with Bhakti.
Gurudeva, on this auspicious day, I thank you for being so loving and personal, I hope and pray that you will keep showering your love and mercy to guide me in Bhakti.
I pray that the Lord always be merciful on you & let you continuously serve as per your heart's desire. I pray that Srila Prabhupada is always satisfied with your wholehearted service.
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 this auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you, Gurudeva for all that you do for us.
It was at the age of 20 when I first met you at the Bhakti House in Los Angeles on a Thursday night, you were surrounded by your Brahmacari disciples and guests, glowing and full of internal joy, you gave a talk that night, with humor and profound clarity you spoke to the core of my being, waking me up to the reality of my situation in this world.
One friend asked me at the end of your talk, “So what did you think of the spiritual professor?” I clearly said. “It’s like he’s there, but not there at the same time, it’s like his consciousness is elsewhere receiving a message, and giving it to us.”
11 years have gone by since that night, and here I am, trying to dedicate myself to your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada in the mood of outreach.
Although you traversed the globe, more than one can imagine. Without fail, you make the effort to travel the world countless and countless times, not only instructing your disciples and inspiring them year after year, but you also open the doors to newcomers, giving yourself, selflessly day after day.
Although unfathomable for me at times, the boon of my life is to have taken shelter of your lotus feet. “It is worthwhile to take shelter of such a steady devotee, who is called āśraya-vigraha, or the manifestation or form of the Lord of whom one must take shelter.” CC Ādi 1.46
May this desire to follow your instructions be present within my heart in this turbulent atmosphere of Kali Yuga. For it is only by your mercy, that I have been given the opportunity to serve in this lifetime. Without you, I would be lost, without a doubt.
“It is not possible for a conditioned soul to directly meet Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but if one becomes a sincere devotee and seriously engages in devotional service, Lord Kṛṣṇa sends an instructing spiritual master to show him favor and invoke his dormant propensity for serving the Supreme. The preceptor appears before the external senses of the fortunate conditioned soul, and at the same time the devotee is guided from within by the caittya-guru, Kṛṣṇa, who is seated as the spiritual master within the heart of the living entity.” CC Ādi 1.58
Gurudev, As I gradually progress through life, although a fool, may I serve your mission, in the service of Srila Prabhupada, and somehow or other try to please you, in whatever way you see best.
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 this auspicious day of your appearance!
Thank you, Gurudeva for all that you do for us.
It was at the age of 20 when I first met you at the Bhakti House in Los Angeles on a Thursday night, you were surrounded by your Brahmacari disciples and guests, glowing and full of internal joy, you gave a talk that night, with humor and profound clarity you spoke to the core of my being, waking me up to the reality of my situation in this world.
One friend asked me at the end of your talk, “So what did you think of the spiritual professor?” I clearly said. “It’s like he’s there, but not there at the same time, it’s like his consciousness is elsewhere receiving a message, and giving it to us.”
11 years have gone by since that night, and here I am, trying to dedicate myself to your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada in the mood of outreach.
Although you traversed the globe, more than one can imagine. Without fail, you make the effort to travel the world countless and countless times, not only instructing your disciples and inspiring them year after year, but you also open the doors to newcomers, giving yourself, selflessly day after day.
Although unfathomable for me at times, the boon of my life is to have taken shelter of your lotus feet. “It is worthwhile to take shelter of such a steady devotee, who is called āśraya-vigraha, or the manifestation or form of the Lord of whom one must take shelter.” CC Ādi 1.46
May this desire to follow your instructions be present within my heart in this turbulent atmosphere of Kali Yuga. For it is only by your mercy, that I have been given the opportunity to serve in this lifetime. Without you, I would be lost, without a doubt.
“It is not possible for a conditioned soul to directly meet Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but if one becomes a sincere devotee and seriously engages in devotional service, Lord Kṛṣṇa sends an instructing spiritual master to show him favor and invoke his dormant propensity for serving the Supreme. The preceptor appears before the external senses of the fortunate conditioned soul, and at the same time the devotee is guided from within by the caittya-guru, Kṛṣṇa, who is seated as the spiritual master within the heart of the living entity.” CC Ādi 1.58
Gurudev, As I gradually progress through life, although a fool, may I serve your mission, in the service of Srila Prabhupada, and somehow or other try to please you, in whatever way you see best.
Your aspiring servant,
Hari-Bhakta dasa
Harinamamrita das
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva,
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, I pray to Lord Narasimha dev to protect you, bless you with good health & strength to live longer and continue on with your mission in the service of your beloved Srila Prabhupada.
You mention about the meeting with Srila Prabhupada in your BBT office and him making a long 'hmmmmm' sound. Though it was the only personal meeting, I'm astonished that your love for that one sound of Srila Prabhupada is so special and is imbibed in your memory so deeply. Srila Prabhupada's books are his sound vibrations (general instructions) and you directly heard the special 'hmmmmmm' sound vibration (personal instruction). If for that one personal sound instruction you could give away your precious life to him, how much do you love that sound and that person, to make such a big commitment? It's unimaginable with my tiny intelligence. In the end of the lecture, you beautifully summarised saying that 'it was a sound from another world'. Who could do the 'decryption' of that sound vibration exchange between you both!!
No wonder for that love of his sound vibration do you always mention in many lectures on the importance of listening the holy name - sound vibration & taking personal guidance - sound vibration.
I'm in awe of your love for Srila Prabhupada, your commitment to ISKCON and your unique style of preaching. Honestly, I'm an admirer of you, Gurudeva.
Thank you for all your personal guidance. Despite giving many vocal instructions, I'm still struggling and trying to hold your feet again & again. Please do not assume that I can ever survive any single sound vibrations like yourselves. I eternally need your words, your guidance, your transcendental laughter, your witty pull-offs and your love.
On this day, I would love to offer a promise as your appearance day gift - I would like to always remain engaged in the service of preaching the glories of holy name and be a loyal servant of your desires. Even this gift is only what you have given me earlier. I do not have anything better to offer you. Ganga jal offering to Ganga and similarly your gift of holy name to me is the only treasure I have in my possession to give anyone. Please continue empowering or else I may miserably fail with my above promise too.
Tossed between indebtedness and obligations in my life, still somehow trying to hold onto your lotus feet.
your spiritual son with gratitude & love,
Harinamamrita 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, I pray to Lord Narasimha dev to protect you, bless you with good health & strength to live longer and continue on with your mission in the service of your beloved Srila Prabhupada.
You mention about the meeting with Srila Prabhupada in your BBT office and him making a long 'hmmmmm' sound. Though it was the only personal meeting, I'm astonished that your love for that one sound of Srila Prabhupada is so special and is imbibed in your memory so deeply. Srila Prabhupada's books are his sound vibrations (general instructions) and you directly heard the special 'hmmmmmm' sound vibration (personal instruction). If for that one personal sound instruction you could give away your precious life to him, how much do you love that sound and that person, to make such a big commitment? It's unimaginable with my tiny intelligence. In the end of the lecture, you beautifully summarised saying that 'it was a sound from another world'. Who could do the 'decryption' of that sound vibration exchange between you both!!
No wonder for that love of his sound vibration do you always mention in many lectures on the importance of listening the holy name - sound vibration & taking personal guidance - sound vibration.
I'm in awe of your love for Srila Prabhupada, your commitment to ISKCON and your unique style of preaching. Honestly, I'm an admirer of you, Gurudeva.
Thank you for all your personal guidance. Despite giving many vocal instructions, I'm still struggling and trying to hold your feet again & again. Please do not assume that I can ever survive any single sound vibrations like yourselves. I eternally need your words, your guidance, your transcendental laughter, your witty pull-offs and your love.
On this day, I would love to offer a promise as your appearance day gift - I would like to always remain engaged in the service of preaching the glories of holy name and be a loyal servant of your desires. Even this gift is only what you have given me earlier. I do not have anything better to offer you. Ganga jal offering to Ganga and similarly your gift of holy name to me is the only treasure I have in my possession to give anyone. Please continue empowering or else I may miserably fail with my above promise too.
Tossed between indebtedness and obligations in my life, still somehow trying to hold onto your lotus feet.
your spiritual son with gratitude & love,
Harinamamrita das
Harish chander
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Maharaj you are the only one hope for unworthy disciple like me
.I know I can not get Bhakti without your mercy .please bestow your mercy on this occasion as I can not survive his own.
Your unworthy disciples
Harish chander
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
Maharaj you are the only one hope for unworthy disciple like me
.I know I can not get Bhakti without your mercy .please bestow your mercy on this occasion as I can not survive his own.
Your unworthy disciples
Harish chander
Hriman Krsna dasa
Dear gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
This year I was relishing every drop of your realizations prior to you reading your offering to Srila Prabhupada and humbled by your heart felt glorification of his divine grace.
I really appreciate how you encourage everyone to dive deeper into bhakti. Often such thankless feats require you to explain bhakti issues and principles that need to be heard as opposed to what our false egos are jumping to hear. In particular, I want to thank you over the years how you compassionately remind us of our real position either publicly or privately. In any case your words always bring us closer to Krsna.
You said that dedication to the parampara is the key to enter into knowledge of the absolute truth. Through thick and thin you have been dedicated in fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s orders for over five decades, always thinking, planning and talking about what would please his divine grace the most.
Moreover you are not selective whether Srila Prabhupada’s instructions were too difficult or not. In fact, from your own demonstration it appears you took and relished some of the most difficult tasks, for example:
* You were part of the legendary team that received Srila Prabhupada’s ticket back to godhead for producing the entire Caitanya Caritamrta in a few months.
* You received the lotus dust particles of Srila Prahupada’s feet for being one of the few to risk their lives behind the communist regime.
* You enthused centers and increased book distribution in some of the most remote and cold places in the world. You encourage farm communities, cow protection and Varnashrama-dharma.
* You take part as a GBC member trying to consolidate the mighty task of unity and diversity amongst the age of quarrel.
This quality you have never to run away from what seemed too difficult is most admirable gurudeva. Nothing was too difficult for you because you love Srila Prabhupada and you demonstrated that love by practical service. You said that Srila Prabhupada at times made demands that may have sent us reeling and running out of the temple room, but you didn’t run away, you took his orders to heart.
Your bhakti example reminds me of a purport in SB 2.9.24:
“An easygoing life and attainment of perfection in transcendental realization cannot go together. The Lord is more clever than any living entity; therefore He wants to see how painstaking the devotee is in devotional service. The order is received from the Lord, either directly or through the bona fide spiritual master, and to execute that order, however painstaking, is the severe type of penance. One who follows the principle rigidly is sure to achieve success in attaining the Lord's mercy.”
As soon as you saw the need for Krishna consciousness, you sacrificed a potential life of luxury that would ensue from good education, you sacrificed your family, your wealth, your health and security, you sacrificed your youth and strength, and your life became an embodiment for pleasing Srila Prabhupada no matter how hard.
You said, “every legitimate disciple of Srila Prabhupada sacrifices in some way to keep his mission together and it’s a sacrifice because we don’t always all agree. You can’t stamp out the diversity and there must be unity – this takes so much spiritual maturity and a lot of humility.”
Experience showed you that ISKCON’s giant global expansion after Prabhupada left this world is attributed to the devotees who persevered in cooperating together in spite of their differences. You exhibit such surrender to Srila Prabhupada because it would have been too easy to take flight when the going gets tough, instead you found the courage and humility required to push on.
You stressed the point: “Srila Prabhupada drilled into us to stay together and it requires humility and humiliation and everyone hates to be humiliated.”
I was delighted upon hearing your words as it also reminded me how Vidura instructed Dhrtarastra to avert the calamity that loomed over the Kaurava dynasty:
“O King drink what is drunk by the honest and shunned by the dishonest – Humility is a bitter, pungent, burning, un-intoxicating and revolting medicine, but drink it deeply and regain your sobriety.”
After some years we all come to realize that to go on in bhakti, what to speak of a leadership role requires one to love eating humble pie. As you eloquently put it, “… you sometimes have to swallow the soap and blow bubbles. Unless one is humble he cannot go on in bhakti, sooner or later you will hit an obstacle.”
You teach us that humility is not just some sentiment rather it means to cooperate with one another to fulfill the desires of someone greater than our own. That’s a great sacrifice. And to dedicate ones life year after year in fulfilling the desires of the parampara is a kind of penance, which will assure us the complete and absolute mercy of the lord. Thank you! These are invaluable gems to learn.
I’m feeling so miserly gurudeva because I’m thinking out of countless births in maya, let me just give this one life to guru and Gauranga and whatever transpires will certainly be better than being amongst the refugees of Kali. However, Mahaprabhu reminds me of the standard – mama janmani janmanishvare, bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi, “I only want your causeless devotional service, birth after birth.”
In this holy day of your appearance, I pray I can understand what kind of depth in selflessness, surrender, dedication, sincerity and humbleness it takes to be a real devotee.
Your hopeful and determined servant
Hriman Krsna dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
This year I was relishing every drop of your realizations prior to you reading your offering to Srila Prabhupada and humbled by your heart felt glorification of his divine grace.
I really appreciate how you encourage everyone to dive deeper into bhakti. Often such thankless feats require you to explain bhakti issues and principles that need to be heard as opposed to what our false egos are jumping to hear. In particular, I want to thank you over the years how you compassionately remind us of our real position either publicly or privately. In any case your words always bring us closer to Krsna.
You said that dedication to the parampara is the key to enter into knowledge of the absolute truth. Through thick and thin you have been dedicated in fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s orders for over five decades, always thinking, planning and talking about what would please his divine grace the most.
Moreover you are not selective whether Srila Prabhupada’s instructions were too difficult or not. In fact, from your own demonstration it appears you took and relished some of the most difficult tasks, for example:
* You were part of the legendary team that received Srila Prabhupada’s ticket back to godhead for producing the entire Caitanya Caritamrta in a few months.
* You received the lotus dust particles of Srila Prahupada’s feet for being one of the few to risk their lives behind the communist regime.
* You enthused centers and increased book distribution in some of the most remote and cold places in the world. You encourage farm communities, cow protection and Varnashrama-dharma.
* You take part as a GBC member trying to consolidate the mighty task of unity and diversity amongst the age of quarrel.
This quality you have never to run away from what seemed too difficult is most admirable gurudeva. Nothing was too difficult for you because you love Srila Prabhupada and you demonstrated that love by practical service. You said that Srila Prabhupada at times made demands that may have sent us reeling and running out of the temple room, but you didn’t run away, you took his orders to heart.
Your bhakti example reminds me of a purport in SB 2.9.24:
“An easygoing life and attainment of perfection in transcendental realization cannot go together. The Lord is more clever than any living entity; therefore He wants to see how painstaking the devotee is in devotional service. The order is received from the Lord, either directly or through the bona fide spiritual master, and to execute that order, however painstaking, is the severe type of penance. One who follows the principle rigidly is sure to achieve success in attaining the Lord's mercy.”
As soon as you saw the need for Krishna consciousness, you sacrificed a potential life of luxury that would ensue from good education, you sacrificed your family, your wealth, your health and security, you sacrificed your youth and strength, and your life became an embodiment for pleasing Srila Prabhupada no matter how hard.
You said, “every legitimate disciple of Srila Prabhupada sacrifices in some way to keep his mission together and it’s a sacrifice because we don’t always all agree. You can’t stamp out the diversity and there must be unity – this takes so much spiritual maturity and a lot of humility.”
Experience showed you that ISKCON’s giant global expansion after Prabhupada left this world is attributed to the devotees who persevered in cooperating together in spite of their differences. You exhibit such surrender to Srila Prabhupada because it would have been too easy to take flight when the going gets tough, instead you found the courage and humility required to push on.
You stressed the point: “Srila Prabhupada drilled into us to stay together and it requires humility and humiliation and everyone hates to be humiliated.”
I was delighted upon hearing your words as it also reminded me how Vidura instructed Dhrtarastra to avert the calamity that loomed over the Kaurava dynasty:
“O King drink what is drunk by the honest and shunned by the dishonest – Humility is a bitter, pungent, burning, un-intoxicating and revolting medicine, but drink it deeply and regain your sobriety.”
After some years we all come to realize that to go on in bhakti, what to speak of a leadership role requires one to love eating humble pie. As you eloquently put it, “… you sometimes have to swallow the soap and blow bubbles. Unless one is humble he cannot go on in bhakti, sooner or later you will hit an obstacle.”
You teach us that humility is not just some sentiment rather it means to cooperate with one another to fulfill the desires of someone greater than our own. That’s a great sacrifice. And to dedicate ones life year after year in fulfilling the desires of the parampara is a kind of penance, which will assure us the complete and absolute mercy of the lord. Thank you! These are invaluable gems to learn.
I’m feeling so miserly gurudeva because I’m thinking out of countless births in maya, let me just give this one life to guru and Gauranga and whatever transpires will certainly be better than being amongst the refugees of Kali. However, Mahaprabhu reminds me of the standard – mama janmani janmanishvare, bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi, “I only want your causeless devotional service, birth after birth.”
In this holy day of your appearance, I pray I can understand what kind of depth in selflessness, surrender, dedication, sincerity and humbleness it takes to be a real devotee.
Your hopeful and determined servant
Hriman Krsna dasa
Indranila devi dasi
Dear gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotusfeet.
Today the 9th of October my earhtly father passed away.
As I meditated upon it a transcendental image of your grace popped up in the centre of my mind.
I couldn't help but feel that you have been more of a father than he ever was.
It's peculiar how the spirtual relationship with the guru becomes stronger than the carnal relationship.
Most people on this planet who loose their birthparent will shed a tear or two because of the natural inate attachment that intrinsically connects one to another fellow human. No matter what their relationship was when they were alive.
Did my earthly father love me?Yes. Did he care for me while I was with him?Yes.
Sometimes I get asked by my children what the nature of one's relationship is to the spiritual master and I try to explain that it is a spiritual connection beyond the body.
What can seem like a distant relationship with not much substance or personal physical contact on the outside can actually become a profound relationship of love and servitude.
I try to explain that by following the process of bhakti yoga in where you serve Krsna and the parampara through your Guru, Krsna as paramatma constantly reciprocates. And as Krsna is pleased the Guru becomes pleased and reciprocates with his disciple accordingly. The disciple in turn becomes happy, blissfull, knowledgeable and full of realizations. And in this way the love and bond keeps forever growing.
In my case I've been very fortunate to have you always appear in my dreams. Sometimes giving me instructions. Sometimes letting me have your association and sometimes letting me serve you.
Yes it may seem from the outside that we haven't had much personal physical time together but what makes the relationship profound between guru and disciple is the dedication from both parts in surrendering to Krsna.
Not that I'm very surrendered but the simple fact that one tries to serve Krsna through the guru immediately establishes a connection with the Lord. And anyone who relates to others in bhakti will love beyond this body. It's taking a step into another realm of existance. The realm of eternity and true love. By accepting a Guru representative in the parampara and by following all instructions and vows you're automatically protected by the spiritual realm. Not me though as I haven't been following nicely.
But for us out here that are commoners, you have made it easy to love you. You are a vaisnava through and through and always endear us with your sweet vaisnava dealings.
As I was meditating on you many beautiful memories arose and cold tears started flowing down my cheeks. Because of the uncertainty of not knowing what it will be like when you are not physically here anymore.
I remembered all the times you reached out to me asking how I was ( many many more than my earthly father).
All the times you guided and gave me advice ( many more than my father).
All the time we spent together ( I was only with my earthly father for 8 years of my life).
Not to mention your wellwishes being the most sincere.
On this day I'm considering myself extremely fortunate and lucky.
I was guided by the kind waves of the vaisnavas and etched upon the shores of your lotusfeet.
Since being 18 years old you have poured love and kindness upon me. You have made me laugh infinitely and given me infinite pleasure by talking about Krsna.
Today everyone keeps asking about my earthly father and every time they do I think of you.
Not trying to. My mind does it on its own.
I've been blessed in discipline to always think of your lotusfeet.
The constant immersion you have in Srila Prabhupada has given me that example.
Ever time I think of you I see a young boy desperately clinging on for dear life to his father's leg. Desperate for Srila Prabhupada's mercy.
I see you discombobulated searching for Krsna and calling out to Srila Prabhupada.
One could not expect a better disciple than you. I often feel but a drop of your pain being seperated from Srila Prabhupada . And I wish to one day have the same desperation you have to achieve Krsna's Lotusfeet.
I pray one day to be able to please you like you please Srila Prabhupada. Although I don't think that's ever possible.
One time I told you that your spiritual advancement was unreachable high for us simple folks and you said: "We'll if I can, so can you"!
These words always ring in my ear like a eerie fog. How will this be possible? Til this day I have no idea. All I can comfort myself with is to safely follow in your footsteps. Desperately cling on to your lotusfeet. And call out to Krsna as you have.
Thank you for being the best spiritual father one can ask for. I owe everything to your kindness. From begging to end. We'll it will never actually end.
Yet again life has humbled me.
Hoping to never become ungrafteful,
Ys,
Indranila devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotusfeet.
Today the 9th of October my earhtly father passed away.
As I meditated upon it a transcendental image of your grace popped up in the centre of my mind.
I couldn't help but feel that you have been more of a father than he ever was.
It's peculiar how the spirtual relationship with the guru becomes stronger than the carnal relationship.
Most people on this planet who loose their birthparent will shed a tear or two because of the natural inate attachment that intrinsically connects one to another fellow human. No matter what their relationship was when they were alive.
Did my earthly father love me?Yes. Did he care for me while I was with him?Yes.
Sometimes I get asked by my children what the nature of one's relationship is to the spiritual master and I try to explain that it is a spiritual connection beyond the body.
What can seem like a distant relationship with not much substance or personal physical contact on the outside can actually become a profound relationship of love and servitude.
I try to explain that by following the process of bhakti yoga in where you serve Krsna and the parampara through your Guru, Krsna as paramatma constantly reciprocates. And as Krsna is pleased the Guru becomes pleased and reciprocates with his disciple accordingly. The disciple in turn becomes happy, blissfull, knowledgeable and full of realizations. And in this way the love and bond keeps forever growing.
In my case I've been very fortunate to have you always appear in my dreams. Sometimes giving me instructions. Sometimes letting me have your association and sometimes letting me serve you.
Yes it may seem from the outside that we haven't had much personal physical time together but what makes the relationship profound between guru and disciple is the dedication from both parts in surrendering to Krsna.
Not that I'm very surrendered but the simple fact that one tries to serve Krsna through the guru immediately establishes a connection with the Lord. And anyone who relates to others in bhakti will love beyond this body. It's taking a step into another realm of existance. The realm of eternity and true love. By accepting a Guru representative in the parampara and by following all instructions and vows you're automatically protected by the spiritual realm. Not me though as I haven't been following nicely.
But for us out here that are commoners, you have made it easy to love you. You are a vaisnava through and through and always endear us with your sweet vaisnava dealings.
As I was meditating on you many beautiful memories arose and cold tears started flowing down my cheeks. Because of the uncertainty of not knowing what it will be like when you are not physically here anymore.
I remembered all the times you reached out to me asking how I was ( many many more than my earthly father).
All the times you guided and gave me advice ( many more than my father).
All the time we spent together ( I was only with my earthly father for 8 years of my life).
Not to mention your wellwishes being the most sincere.
On this day I'm considering myself extremely fortunate and lucky.
I was guided by the kind waves of the vaisnavas and etched upon the shores of your lotusfeet.
Since being 18 years old you have poured love and kindness upon me. You have made me laugh infinitely and given me infinite pleasure by talking about Krsna.
Today everyone keeps asking about my earthly father and every time they do I think of you.
Not trying to. My mind does it on its own.
I've been blessed in discipline to always think of your lotusfeet.
The constant immersion you have in Srila Prabhupada has given me that example.
Ever time I think of you I see a young boy desperately clinging on for dear life to his father's leg. Desperate for Srila Prabhupada's mercy.
I see you discombobulated searching for Krsna and calling out to Srila Prabhupada.
One could not expect a better disciple than you. I often feel but a drop of your pain being seperated from Srila Prabhupada . And I wish to one day have the same desperation you have to achieve Krsna's Lotusfeet.
I pray one day to be able to please you like you please Srila Prabhupada. Although I don't think that's ever possible.
One time I told you that your spiritual advancement was unreachable high for us simple folks and you said: "We'll if I can, so can you"!
These words always ring in my ear like a eerie fog. How will this be possible? Til this day I have no idea. All I can comfort myself with is to safely follow in your footsteps. Desperately cling on to your lotusfeet. And call out to Krsna as you have.
Thank you for being the best spiritual father one can ask for. I owe everything to your kindness. From begging to end. We'll it will never actually end.
Yet again life has humbled me.
Hoping to never become ungrafteful,
Ys,
Indranila devi dasi
Isa Sanga Devi Dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you, all glories to your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
I’m always amazed and inspired by the story of how you came to Krishna Consciousness. It was all Krishna’s divine arrangement, because you were a special soul already back then. Many times I think of this Bhagavad Gita verse (7.3):
„Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.”
Sometimes I think how many people met Srila Prabhupada, how many people he preached to, how many people got his association, how many people heard him speak, and yet, only very few of them took his mission seriously. You had all the possibilities to be absorbed in material life and enjoyement, you could have all the material successes, you are incredibly wise and intelligent, you could have led a life all materialists dream of. But instead, you were even more wise and intelligent to take the path of bhakti. You took your spiritual master’s words seriously, and you had no other goals than to fulfil his desires. It’s something only a few people could do.
Your example shows that if someone follows the process genuinely, has unflinching faith in the Lord and the philosophy, then one can achieve perfection.
And you don’t just simply follow, you guide and deliver so many fallen souls, including me. You took this great responsibility of being a spiritual master, a responsibility that I will never be able to grasp. Some months ago I was listening to a lecture that you gave decades ago in Hungary, where you mentioned sometimes people choose a guru who lives far away, so it’s less pressure, they can do whatever they want, because the guru can’t see them. It made me really sad and quite often I think of this statement. You haven’t asked me much - chant attentively and properly, serve devotees, be enthusiastic, don’t take devotional service for granted and be always grateful…not to mention my initiation vows. The last thing I would want to do is to abuse your trust. I know you see and feel everything we do, because your whole existence is transcendental, we're eternally connected, you take care of your disciples and you'll take us back to Godhead one day.
„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.” - Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.7.22. purport
Srila Prabhupada used to say: Krishna Consciousness is so simple, you might just miss it. You have countless transcendental qualities, and one of them is your limitless patience and compassion for your disciples. You repeat the most important things over and over again, until we understand it.
Day by day I wonder how I got so fortunate that I got you as my spiritual master. How I got so fortunate that you give me shelter, you give your words, instructions, and your personal care…everything you say or do is filled with pure Krishna Consciousness, and you constantly set a wonderful example how to be a disciple.
I pray that I could do something useful for you, for your mission, I pray that I could help you somehow to serve Srila Prabhupada.
I wish you a happy appearance day dearest Gurudeva, I wish you good health, and please keep me in your service, even though I don’t deserve it.
Your insignificant servant,
Isa Sanga Devi Dasi
please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you, all glories to your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
I’m always amazed and inspired by the story of how you came to Krishna Consciousness. It was all Krishna’s divine arrangement, because you were a special soul already back then. Many times I think of this Bhagavad Gita verse (7.3):
„Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.”
Sometimes I think how many people met Srila Prabhupada, how many people he preached to, how many people got his association, how many people heard him speak, and yet, only very few of them took his mission seriously. You had all the possibilities to be absorbed in material life and enjoyement, you could have all the material successes, you are incredibly wise and intelligent, you could have led a life all materialists dream of. But instead, you were even more wise and intelligent to take the path of bhakti. You took your spiritual master’s words seriously, and you had no other goals than to fulfil his desires. It’s something only a few people could do.
Your example shows that if someone follows the process genuinely, has unflinching faith in the Lord and the philosophy, then one can achieve perfection.
And you don’t just simply follow, you guide and deliver so many fallen souls, including me. You took this great responsibility of being a spiritual master, a responsibility that I will never be able to grasp. Some months ago I was listening to a lecture that you gave decades ago in Hungary, where you mentioned sometimes people choose a guru who lives far away, so it’s less pressure, they can do whatever they want, because the guru can’t see them. It made me really sad and quite often I think of this statement. You haven’t asked me much - chant attentively and properly, serve devotees, be enthusiastic, don’t take devotional service for granted and be always grateful…not to mention my initiation vows. The last thing I would want to do is to abuse your trust. I know you see and feel everything we do, because your whole existence is transcendental, we're eternally connected, you take care of your disciples and you'll take us back to Godhead one day.
„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.” - Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.7.22. purport
Srila Prabhupada used to say: Krishna Consciousness is so simple, you might just miss it. You have countless transcendental qualities, and one of them is your limitless patience and compassion for your disciples. You repeat the most important things over and over again, until we understand it.
Day by day I wonder how I got so fortunate that I got you as my spiritual master. How I got so fortunate that you give me shelter, you give your words, instructions, and your personal care…everything you say or do is filled with pure Krishna Consciousness, and you constantly set a wonderful example how to be a disciple.
I pray that I could do something useful for you, for your mission, I pray that I could help you somehow to serve Srila Prabhupada.
I wish you a happy appearance day dearest Gurudeva, I wish you good health, and please keep me in your service, even though I don’t deserve it.
Your insignificant servant,
Isa Sanga Devi Dasi
Isvaresvara Das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Being ignorant in every respect, not only as being heavily influenced by the Lord’s illusory potency, but also in regard to not knowing much even externally of the transcendental feats you performed over half a century, I feel certainly shameless to attempt to glorify you.
Yet I take hope in remembering how you many times explained Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s famous statement to Srila Rupa Gosvami, that He is explaining only a drop of the ocean of bhakti, but that such a drop alone can drown the whole universe in love of Godhead.
Pracāre pūrva-dakṣyam ca - your disciples glorify and mediate on your being a most expert preacher of Bhagavata Dharma. But such expertise is not at all merely an intellectual or rhetorical feat, but rather purely the empowerment coming through the guru parampara directly from the Supreme Person Himself, Bhagavan Sri Krsna. But would Krsna give such power to someone who doesn’t sufficiently value those who are most dear to Him, namely the devotees? No, rather we know that Vaisnava aparadha is the single most “secure” way to displease, even hurt the unconquerable Supreme Lord, and consequently lose the taste for practising Krsna consciousness altogether.
Yet, ‘bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā’, you are also a great expert in how to lovingly deal with devotees of all ranks. To neophytes, you liberally give yourself, patiently hearing them (us) out and caringly giving instructions. And in the association of your peers, you are further enlivening and deepening your experience of Krsna consciousness, relishing Krsna katha and expressing friendly loving dealings. And, as you are even admitting publicly in your lectures (for our benefit of course), you never fail to appreciate other devotees for whatever much or little they are doing.
Yet still, even if Krsna were confident that His devotee would not misuse the empowerment to behave improperly with His devotees…Krsna is not like a material master wanting something out of His servant. Krsna gives empowerment only if it is good for that devotee. So if someone has any ulterior motive in preaching, then, great empowerment would nourish weeds like pride instead of the bhakti lata.
Parārthatāpi kāruṇyam. Therefore another qualification of “real” preachers is selflessness. I heard from some of your godbrothers that they could clearly feel that anyone to whom Srila Prabhupada preached to, knew that it was solely for this person’s benefit, 0% for Prabhupada’s personal interest. And this quality is also luminously visible in you. Even though deeply learned and endowed with sophisticated language skills, you would never even consider preaching in a so-called natural way - showcasing your calibre of speech and profound knowledge. Rather it is completely natural for you to always present Krsna consciousness perfectly customized for the particular audience, be it a huge gathering of seasoned Vaishnavas or a small group of young people just beginning to taste the first mercy drops from Lord Caitanya.
With great relish you talk in an easily understandable and relatable way about the fundamental fallacies of trying to find happiness through material pursuits to new audiences decade after decade, reminding me of Srila Prabhupada’s never waning fervour in explaining the basics of spiritual life and its importance.
Above all, such empowerment and transcendental qualities are bestowed freely by Krsna upon you due to your complete dedication and great love for His Senapati-bhakta Srila Prabhupada. Aside from numerous other proofs of that love, there is one indication of it that struck me recently. While simply reading Srila Prabhupada’s purports ourselves is certainly inconceivably potent, penetrating the false ego, when hearing those same purports read out, which means relished, by you, the effect is greatly amplified.
In this way you recently discussed the purports of a most famous part of Caitanya Caritamrita concerning the bhakti lata bija, explaining what it really is which the guru gives to the disciple. The greatest gift that the spiritual master bestows upon the disciple is devotional service, specifically that he is arranging for training in devotional service.
Guru Maharaja, you have not only placed that seed of devotional service into the core of your heart, perfectly watered it ever since, but you are also most liberally passing it on to as many jivas as possible, even to such as unqualified as myself.
Although not deserving such brilliant arrangement for training in devotional service, you are not leaving it with that “only”. Every time this shameless wretch is receiving your glance, I feel a shower of love and care completely disproportionate to what I am giving - which is practically nothing. Not only have you been urging us, in so many of your lectures, to express gratitude, but you are demonstrating it yourself even to someone as undeserving as me, where there is literally nothing to thank for.
When you were recently sharing your relishing one of your favourite parts of Srimad Bhagavatam, namely Prahlada Maharaja’s prayers, you pointed out the reason for his having been able to learn from experience (in the form of observing his father’s rule of the universe) was that he had obtained the mercy of his spiritual master, Narada Muni, by anchoring his instructions in his heart. Otherwise, it is impossible to see through the thick veil of material illusion, regardless how many years, in fact lifetimes we try. And as Krsna says in Bhagavad Gita, foundational for that is surrender.
After having wasted several years, I feel that by your mercy I finally was able to take a baby step in that direction, not only theoretically understanding, but actually recognizing that giving up the so-called freedom for struggling independently awards real freedom - to act under the guidance of liberated souls, the guru parampara.
I am simply hoping that I may be able to pray with a tiny drop of the sincerity of Sri Uddhava, who, in his humility is feeling himself to be a fallen soul, is praying to His friend and spiritual master Sri Krsna in ŚB 11.19.10:
daṣṭaṁ janaṁ sampatitaṁ bile ’smin
kālāhinā kṣudra-sukhoru-tarṣam
samuddharainaṁ kṛpayāpavargyair
vacobhir āsiñca mahānubhāva
“O almighty Lord, please be merciful and uplift this hopeless living entity who has fallen into the dark hole of material existence, where the snake of time has bitten him. In spite of such abominable conditions, this poor living entity has tremendous desire to relish the most insignificant material happiness. Please save me, my Lord, by pouring down the nectar of Your instructions, which awaken one to spiritual freedom.”
Thus Uddhava is expounding the real mercy of the spiritual master to be his instructions, for which he is intensely hankering.
Guru Maharaja, still, as a hopelessly fallen living entity I am begging you to bless me that I may be able to seriously and sincerely follow your instructions and thus be able to one day render some kind of service pleasing to you, so that my feeling of indebtedness could transform from a feeling of shame practically in not being able to reciprocate with your mercy, into devotional ecstasy.
Your unworthy servant,
Isvaresvara Das
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Being ignorant in every respect, not only as being heavily influenced by the Lord’s illusory potency, but also in regard to not knowing much even externally of the transcendental feats you performed over half a century, I feel certainly shameless to attempt to glorify you.
Yet I take hope in remembering how you many times explained Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s famous statement to Srila Rupa Gosvami, that He is explaining only a drop of the ocean of bhakti, but that such a drop alone can drown the whole universe in love of Godhead.
Pracāre pūrva-dakṣyam ca - your disciples glorify and mediate on your being a most expert preacher of Bhagavata Dharma. But such expertise is not at all merely an intellectual or rhetorical feat, but rather purely the empowerment coming through the guru parampara directly from the Supreme Person Himself, Bhagavan Sri Krsna. But would Krsna give such power to someone who doesn’t sufficiently value those who are most dear to Him, namely the devotees? No, rather we know that Vaisnava aparadha is the single most “secure” way to displease, even hurt the unconquerable Supreme Lord, and consequently lose the taste for practising Krsna consciousness altogether.
Yet, ‘bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā’, you are also a great expert in how to lovingly deal with devotees of all ranks. To neophytes, you liberally give yourself, patiently hearing them (us) out and caringly giving instructions. And in the association of your peers, you are further enlivening and deepening your experience of Krsna consciousness, relishing Krsna katha and expressing friendly loving dealings. And, as you are even admitting publicly in your lectures (for our benefit of course), you never fail to appreciate other devotees for whatever much or little they are doing.
Yet still, even if Krsna were confident that His devotee would not misuse the empowerment to behave improperly with His devotees…Krsna is not like a material master wanting something out of His servant. Krsna gives empowerment only if it is good for that devotee. So if someone has any ulterior motive in preaching, then, great empowerment would nourish weeds like pride instead of the bhakti lata.
Parārthatāpi kāruṇyam. Therefore another qualification of “real” preachers is selflessness. I heard from some of your godbrothers that they could clearly feel that anyone to whom Srila Prabhupada preached to, knew that it was solely for this person’s benefit, 0% for Prabhupada’s personal interest. And this quality is also luminously visible in you. Even though deeply learned and endowed with sophisticated language skills, you would never even consider preaching in a so-called natural way - showcasing your calibre of speech and profound knowledge. Rather it is completely natural for you to always present Krsna consciousness perfectly customized for the particular audience, be it a huge gathering of seasoned Vaishnavas or a small group of young people just beginning to taste the first mercy drops from Lord Caitanya.
With great relish you talk in an easily understandable and relatable way about the fundamental fallacies of trying to find happiness through material pursuits to new audiences decade after decade, reminding me of Srila Prabhupada’s never waning fervour in explaining the basics of spiritual life and its importance.
Above all, such empowerment and transcendental qualities are bestowed freely by Krsna upon you due to your complete dedication and great love for His Senapati-bhakta Srila Prabhupada. Aside from numerous other proofs of that love, there is one indication of it that struck me recently. While simply reading Srila Prabhupada’s purports ourselves is certainly inconceivably potent, penetrating the false ego, when hearing those same purports read out, which means relished, by you, the effect is greatly amplified.
In this way you recently discussed the purports of a most famous part of Caitanya Caritamrita concerning the bhakti lata bija, explaining what it really is which the guru gives to the disciple. The greatest gift that the spiritual master bestows upon the disciple is devotional service, specifically that he is arranging for training in devotional service.
Guru Maharaja, you have not only placed that seed of devotional service into the core of your heart, perfectly watered it ever since, but you are also most liberally passing it on to as many jivas as possible, even to such as unqualified as myself.
Although not deserving such brilliant arrangement for training in devotional service, you are not leaving it with that “only”. Every time this shameless wretch is receiving your glance, I feel a shower of love and care completely disproportionate to what I am giving - which is practically nothing. Not only have you been urging us, in so many of your lectures, to express gratitude, but you are demonstrating it yourself even to someone as undeserving as me, where there is literally nothing to thank for.
When you were recently sharing your relishing one of your favourite parts of Srimad Bhagavatam, namely Prahlada Maharaja’s prayers, you pointed out the reason for his having been able to learn from experience (in the form of observing his father’s rule of the universe) was that he had obtained the mercy of his spiritual master, Narada Muni, by anchoring his instructions in his heart. Otherwise, it is impossible to see through the thick veil of material illusion, regardless how many years, in fact lifetimes we try. And as Krsna says in Bhagavad Gita, foundational for that is surrender.
After having wasted several years, I feel that by your mercy I finally was able to take a baby step in that direction, not only theoretically understanding, but actually recognizing that giving up the so-called freedom for struggling independently awards real freedom - to act under the guidance of liberated souls, the guru parampara.
I am simply hoping that I may be able to pray with a tiny drop of the sincerity of Sri Uddhava, who, in his humility is feeling himself to be a fallen soul, is praying to His friend and spiritual master Sri Krsna in ŚB 11.19.10:
daṣṭaṁ janaṁ sampatitaṁ bile ’smin
kālāhinā kṣudra-sukhoru-tarṣam
samuddharainaṁ kṛpayāpavargyair
vacobhir āsiñca mahānubhāva
“O almighty Lord, please be merciful and uplift this hopeless living entity who has fallen into the dark hole of material existence, where the snake of time has bitten him. In spite of such abominable conditions, this poor living entity has tremendous desire to relish the most insignificant material happiness. Please save me, my Lord, by pouring down the nectar of Your instructions, which awaken one to spiritual freedom.”
Thus Uddhava is expounding the real mercy of the spiritual master to be his instructions, for which he is intensely hankering.
Guru Maharaja, still, as a hopelessly fallen living entity I am begging you to bless me that I may be able to seriously and sincerely follow your instructions and thus be able to one day render some kind of service pleasing to you, so that my feeling of indebtedness could transform from a feeling of shame practically in not being able to reciprocate with your mercy, into devotional ecstasy.
Your unworthy servant,
Isvaresvara Das
Jack (Bhakti Lounge)
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Around this time last year I had a dream of Prabhupada, in the dream I saw him offer his obeisances to you in full dandavats. The next morning when talking with Ramadas I found out that he also had the same dream.
I took this as Prabhupadas way of showing us how dear you are to him. Prabhupada took his spiritual masters instruction to preach as his life and soul, and in a similar way you have dedicated your life to assist Prabhupada in his mission to fulfill this instruction.
You are a first class saintly person. Your strong conviction and faith in Krishna is contagious and you are expert in convincing others of Krishna.
Everywhere you go you speak the glories of Krishna bringing him with you wherever you go. You are so munificent and expert at giving Krishna to everyone you meet and you are always calling us to come back to the reality of Krishna Consciousness.
Your kirtans give me an experience of real happiness and freedom from all anxieties. Recently I remember thinking "this is real life".
It's frightening to think that I could have missed out on this opportunity to become Krishna Consciousness but I am so grateful that you have come into my life and have given me this most precious gift.
Thank you.
I am forever indebted to you and I hope I can assist you in serving your spiritual master and the Krishna Consciousness Movement.
All glories to you.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Jack.
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Around this time last year I had a dream of Prabhupada, in the dream I saw him offer his obeisances to you in full dandavats. The next morning when talking with Ramadas I found out that he also had the same dream.
I took this as Prabhupadas way of showing us how dear you are to him. Prabhupada took his spiritual masters instruction to preach as his life and soul, and in a similar way you have dedicated your life to assist Prabhupada in his mission to fulfill this instruction.
You are a first class saintly person. Your strong conviction and faith in Krishna is contagious and you are expert in convincing others of Krishna.
Everywhere you go you speak the glories of Krishna bringing him with you wherever you go. You are so munificent and expert at giving Krishna to everyone you meet and you are always calling us to come back to the reality of Krishna Consciousness.
Your kirtans give me an experience of real happiness and freedom from all anxieties. Recently I remember thinking "this is real life".
It's frightening to think that I could have missed out on this opportunity to become Krishna Consciousness but I am so grateful that you have come into my life and have given me this most precious gift.
Thank you.
I am forever indebted to you and I hope I can assist you in serving your spiritual master and the Krishna Consciousness Movement.
All glories to you.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Jack.
Jahnavi Jivan dd
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Nama om Vishnu Padaya Krishna -Presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhpada.
All glories to you.
I can still remember fresh in my memory those heart-touching moments when I first met you in a retreat at Hare Krishna Valley in Melbourne. By then I had seen some pious people who were practicing God-conscious life but the experience that I had got by your mercy is unparalleled with anything. You are the first saintly personality, a traveling preacher, and a monk that I have seen in my life. That incident has taken a remarkable U-turn in my life shifting my consciousness to think about spiritual life.
As we read from CC Madhya 22.54
sādhu-saṅga, sādhu-saṅga---sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-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.
Obeiscances to you Guredeva who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaishnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion. Your enthusiasm, determination, sincerity, love and affection to Srila Prabhupada are immeasurable. When I hear from your lotus mouth that you have shared on how you have come to Krishna consciousness takes me to the deep penetrating thoughts of understanding that you are not an ordinary person. You certainly empowered to enact Leela’s in Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's moment and continue your spiritual journey by assisting Srila Prabhupada's mission. Your humility, pridelessness, tolerance to various challenging situations in preaching the sublime knowledge, simplicity, self-control, renunciation, undeviating, unmotivating, constant and unalloyed devotion to the Lord, and your steadiness in serving Srila Prabhupada mission without any tinge of ulterior motivations all these wonderful qualities are the source of inspiration to a fallen conditioned soul like me. You are a true warrior of spreading Srila Prabhupada mission across the globe. All the qualities that Krishna describes in Bhagavad-gita are manifested in you and you are certainly a very very dear most devotee of the Supreme Lord
Whenever I read this verse from BG - 10.9,
mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca
Krishna says -The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
Hearing this, my mind is completely observed in your thoughts on how you are exactly setting an example in following Krishna’s instructions by applying these principles in life and showing us how to lead this human form of life and to get out of these so-called worldly attachments.
Gurudeva, I had some background from my biological father’s family worshipping Radha Krishna deities on our sweet Mango Farm in a remote village back in India. All those childhood memories blossoming by taking your divine shelter and trying to understand the importance of studying Shastra, taking association of devotees. The upbringing of my parents is in some way a root cause to get the attraction to visit Lord Krishna temple whereas the mood of a systematic process of surrendering, trying to learn to submissively serve the devotees and the Lordships and enquiring about the significance of understanding the science of realising how to establish our lost relationship with the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna is teaching me in Srila Prabhupada movement under your guidance and protection in the disciplic succession.
You are tireless traveling and engaging in transcendental service to please Srila Prabhupada.
It is mentioned in SB 3.5.3 –
janasya kṛṣṇād vimukhasya daivād
adharma-śīlasya suduḥkhitasya
anugrahāyeha caranti nūnaṁ
bhūtāni bhavyāni janārdanasya
O my Lord, great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord. Again you are setting an example in following Srila Prabhupada's mood of serving. Srila Prabhupada left Vindavan dham to USA to fulfill his Gurudeva instructions similarly you are following in his footsteps to continue his movement through your innovative outreach preaching in particular to western audiences and at the same time you make sure we Indian bodies also get nourished and nurtured by your unique way of preaching bhakti Yoga.
When we hear about your pastimes of how you started chanting just by doing one bead a day and reading scriptures straight 6 months 4 hours at a stretch and how you contributed a huge donation to the temple construction even before you were a bhakta and how you later joined the ashram, become a sankritan leader and later edited Srila Prabhupada books, especially editing CC in order to please Srila Prabhupada desire. You dedicated your life without looking back and purely depended on just a sound vibration – HUMMMM emanating from His divine grace Srila Prabhupada.
On this note, I desire to meditate on the mood of Prahalad Maharaja expressing his desire to serve his spiritual master Nardhamuni as his first duty. Only by Guru’s mercy, one gets qualified to perform devotional service and serve Supreme Lord.
In this reference, while discussing verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.28 in your last week’s SB class here in this temple, you have clarified a beautiful point, on how a disciple should not wait for customised instructions and suppose to act wholeheartedly on general instructions and not to minimize such instructions’. I remember when I enquired about you during my early Krishna Conscious days, asking how to please you. You have instructed me to chant, and I wonder at that time I’m already doing my quota of chanting every day, why are you giving me the same dosage? I was waiting to receive a new set of instructions from you. But Gurudeva, you smashed my ego and ignorance and opened my eyes to understand even this lifetime will be short for me to get the taste of chanting the holy names and hearing Krishna Katha. It took more than a decade to get to act on your instructions, so I take chanting Japa seriously, and study shastra systematically in a way that pleases you, so I get connected to Krishna through your mercy.
It is said in CC Madhya 19.151
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
You have given me bhakti lata bija, and instructions to look after it but due to entanglements in this Grihastha ashrman and tyring to untangle, I’m not sufficiently looking after the creeper to grow and constantly battling with the unwanted weeds growing in my heart.
Guru Maharaj, on this day of your Vyasa-puja, I humbly request you to please allow this fallen-conditioned soul to engage in your service as an instrument to please you and Vaishnavas. Please shower your kind mercy to get devotees association in whatever situation I have put into this material world. It is impossible to repay the debt to you with my squirrel-like attempts, to please you. But still, with great hope, on this special day, I beg to get the fortune of collecting a speck of dust from your lotus feet and trying to meditate on the mood of serving the servants of the servants of the Lord. Please bestow me your mercy so even though I’m not able to completely follow your instructions I’m feeling very thirsty to seek your blessings to imbibe the instructions and apply them in my life to become a worthy disciple under your divine loving shelter. Holding on to your lotus feet, I beg for kind mercy to me and to my family so that we can be able to learn how to serve you and your servants and be your worthy disciples.
I sincerely offer my prayers to Srisri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radhavallabha and Srisri Jaganatha, Baladeva and Subharamayi to give you a long healthy Krishna consciousness life so many fallen conditioned souls take your shelter.
Seeking your blessings and shelter
Your eternal servant,
Jahanavi Jivan dd
Nama om Vishnu Padaya Krishna -Presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhpada.
All glories to you.
I can still remember fresh in my memory those heart-touching moments when I first met you in a retreat at Hare Krishna Valley in Melbourne. By then I had seen some pious people who were practicing God-conscious life but the experience that I had got by your mercy is unparalleled with anything. You are the first saintly personality, a traveling preacher, and a monk that I have seen in my life. That incident has taken a remarkable U-turn in my life shifting my consciousness to think about spiritual life.
As we read from CC Madhya 22.54
sādhu-saṅga, sādhu-saṅga---sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-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.
Obeiscances to you Guredeva who have all the qualities of unique skills in preaching, competence in Vaishnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion. Your enthusiasm, determination, sincerity, love and affection to Srila Prabhupada are immeasurable. When I hear from your lotus mouth that you have shared on how you have come to Krishna consciousness takes me to the deep penetrating thoughts of understanding that you are not an ordinary person. You certainly empowered to enact Leela’s in Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's moment and continue your spiritual journey by assisting Srila Prabhupada's mission. Your humility, pridelessness, tolerance to various challenging situations in preaching the sublime knowledge, simplicity, self-control, renunciation, undeviating, unmotivating, constant and unalloyed devotion to the Lord, and your steadiness in serving Srila Prabhupada mission without any tinge of ulterior motivations all these wonderful qualities are the source of inspiration to a fallen conditioned soul like me. You are a true warrior of spreading Srila Prabhupada mission across the globe. All the qualities that Krishna describes in Bhagavad-gita are manifested in you and you are certainly a very very dear most devotee of the Supreme Lord
Whenever I read this verse from BG - 10.9,
mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca
Krishna says -The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
Hearing this, my mind is completely observed in your thoughts on how you are exactly setting an example in following Krishna’s instructions by applying these principles in life and showing us how to lead this human form of life and to get out of these so-called worldly attachments.
Gurudeva, I had some background from my biological father’s family worshipping Radha Krishna deities on our sweet Mango Farm in a remote village back in India. All those childhood memories blossoming by taking your divine shelter and trying to understand the importance of studying Shastra, taking association of devotees. The upbringing of my parents is in some way a root cause to get the attraction to visit Lord Krishna temple whereas the mood of a systematic process of surrendering, trying to learn to submissively serve the devotees and the Lordships and enquiring about the significance of understanding the science of realising how to establish our lost relationship with the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna is teaching me in Srila Prabhupada movement under your guidance and protection in the disciplic succession.
You are tireless traveling and engaging in transcendental service to please Srila Prabhupada.
It is mentioned in SB 3.5.3 –
janasya kṛṣṇād vimukhasya daivād
adharma-śīlasya suduḥkhitasya
anugrahāyeha caranti nūnaṁ
bhūtāni bhavyāni janārdanasya
O my Lord, great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord. Again you are setting an example in following Srila Prabhupada's mood of serving. Srila Prabhupada left Vindavan dham to USA to fulfill his Gurudeva instructions similarly you are following in his footsteps to continue his movement through your innovative outreach preaching in particular to western audiences and at the same time you make sure we Indian bodies also get nourished and nurtured by your unique way of preaching bhakti Yoga.
When we hear about your pastimes of how you started chanting just by doing one bead a day and reading scriptures straight 6 months 4 hours at a stretch and how you contributed a huge donation to the temple construction even before you were a bhakta and how you later joined the ashram, become a sankritan leader and later edited Srila Prabhupada books, especially editing CC in order to please Srila Prabhupada desire. You dedicated your life without looking back and purely depended on just a sound vibration – HUMMMM emanating from His divine grace Srila Prabhupada.
On this note, I desire to meditate on the mood of Prahalad Maharaja expressing his desire to serve his spiritual master Nardhamuni as his first duty. Only by Guru’s mercy, one gets qualified to perform devotional service and serve Supreme Lord.
In this reference, while discussing verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.28 in your last week’s SB class here in this temple, you have clarified a beautiful point, on how a disciple should not wait for customised instructions and suppose to act wholeheartedly on general instructions and not to minimize such instructions’. I remember when I enquired about you during my early Krishna Conscious days, asking how to please you. You have instructed me to chant, and I wonder at that time I’m already doing my quota of chanting every day, why are you giving me the same dosage? I was waiting to receive a new set of instructions from you. But Gurudeva, you smashed my ego and ignorance and opened my eyes to understand even this lifetime will be short for me to get the taste of chanting the holy names and hearing Krishna Katha. It took more than a decade to get to act on your instructions, so I take chanting Japa seriously, and study shastra systematically in a way that pleases you, so I get connected to Krishna through your mercy.
It is said in CC Madhya 19.151
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
You have given me bhakti lata bija, and instructions to look after it but due to entanglements in this Grihastha ashrman and tyring to untangle, I’m not sufficiently looking after the creeper to grow and constantly battling with the unwanted weeds growing in my heart.
Guru Maharaj, on this day of your Vyasa-puja, I humbly request you to please allow this fallen-conditioned soul to engage in your service as an instrument to please you and Vaishnavas. Please shower your kind mercy to get devotees association in whatever situation I have put into this material world. It is impossible to repay the debt to you with my squirrel-like attempts, to please you. But still, with great hope, on this special day, I beg to get the fortune of collecting a speck of dust from your lotus feet and trying to meditate on the mood of serving the servants of the servants of the Lord. Please bestow me your mercy so even though I’m not able to completely follow your instructions I’m feeling very thirsty to seek your blessings to imbibe the instructions and apply them in my life to become a worthy disciple under your divine loving shelter. Holding on to your lotus feet, I beg for kind mercy to me and to my family so that we can be able to learn how to serve you and your servants and be your worthy disciples.
I sincerely offer my prayers to Srisri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radhavallabha and Srisri Jaganatha, Baladeva and Subharamayi to give you a long healthy Krishna consciousness life so many fallen conditioned souls take your shelter.
Seeking your blessings and shelter
Your eternal servant,
Jahanavi Jivan dd
Jai Murari dasi
Dear Guru Deva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I’d like to offer a few words of appreciation and gratitude.
I’ve been reflecting on how hard and austere your role as a Guru is. Simple things in life that we take for granted are things that you are detached from ; having a different room and bed every week, constant traveling in cars and planes, having a different group of people around you every few days, having someone different cook your meals on a daily or weekly basis, dealing with different styles of cooking, different recipes, levels of cooking and they if are like me, then probably hit or miss meals. All of this is unsettling and would take a toll on most people but you have done this for several decades.
In every place you visit, you spend hours on a daily basis having darshan with your disciples and well wishers, providing guidance and showing real interest in their lives and progress in their Krishna consciousness. You are truly invested in everyone that you connect with and you do this in every country you visit.
On top of this you have your leadership and managerial duties, the outreach programmes, classes for devotees and personal sadhana.
Your role is hard, but you execute it joyfully, immersed in Krishna consciousness. You are able to glide with ease from country to country elevating everyone that you meet.
You have a boundless amount of compassion and tolerance. I’m truly grateful to have your presence in my life.
Your dedicated servant,
Jai Murari dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I’d like to offer a few words of appreciation and gratitude.
I’ve been reflecting on how hard and austere your role as a Guru is. Simple things in life that we take for granted are things that you are detached from ; having a different room and bed every week, constant traveling in cars and planes, having a different group of people around you every few days, having someone different cook your meals on a daily or weekly basis, dealing with different styles of cooking, different recipes, levels of cooking and they if are like me, then probably hit or miss meals. All of this is unsettling and would take a toll on most people but you have done this for several decades.
In every place you visit, you spend hours on a daily basis having darshan with your disciples and well wishers, providing guidance and showing real interest in their lives and progress in their Krishna consciousness. You are truly invested in everyone that you connect with and you do this in every country you visit.
On top of this you have your leadership and managerial duties, the outreach programmes, classes for devotees and personal sadhana.
Your role is hard, but you execute it joyfully, immersed in Krishna consciousness. You are able to glide with ease from country to country elevating everyone that you meet.
You have a boundless amount of compassion and tolerance. I’m truly grateful to have your presence in my life.
Your dedicated servant,
Jai Murari dasi
Jaisacinandana
Nama om visnu-padaya Krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudeva,
On this occasion of your Vysa Puja, as a disciple this an opportunity to reflect, introspect and assess my contribution as a disciple of yours.
So let me start with saying the Melbourne congregation is seeing an exponential growth in recent times with the influx of scores of people taking up to Bhakti. This growth is leading to a period of churn and transition and its a stated fact that we have outgrown our physical resources to sustain this growth.
Our next generation is starting to ask questions around our ideas to scale up, our future footprint and most importantly our role in wider community.
Gurudev, I need your guidance during this period of transition, in terms of my role in this Melbourne chapter and mostly importantly how can sustainable growth be achieved for the next generation.
I continue playing a small role in growing the outreach and need your blessings.
Your Servant
Jaisacinandana Das
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudeva,
On this occasion of your Vysa Puja, as a disciple this an opportunity to reflect, introspect and assess my contribution as a disciple of yours.
So let me start with saying the Melbourne congregation is seeing an exponential growth in recent times with the influx of scores of people taking up to Bhakti. This growth is leading to a period of churn and transition and its a stated fact that we have outgrown our physical resources to sustain this growth.
Our next generation is starting to ask questions around our ideas to scale up, our future footprint and most importantly our role in wider community.
Gurudev, I need your guidance during this period of transition, in terms of my role in this Melbourne chapter and mostly importantly how can sustainable growth be achieved for the next generation.
I continue playing a small role in growing the outreach and need your blessings.
Your Servant
Jaisacinandana Das
Janesvari Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and All Glories to You, on this most auspicious celebration of Your Vyasa Puja .
In accordance with Your desire for us to distribute Krsna Book this year I wanted to site the following from the preface of Krsna book :
"This book, Krsna, is another presentation to help the Krsna consciousness movement in the Western world.
This transcendental work of literature is published with profuse illustrations.
People love to read various kinds of fiction to spend their time and energy.
Now this tendency can be directed to Krsna. The result will be the imperishable satisfaction of the soul, both individually and collectively."
" We therefore request everyone to take advantage of this great transcendental literary work. One will find that by reading one page after another, an immense treasure of knowledge in art, science, literature, philosophy and religion will be revealed, and ultimately, by reading this one book, Krsna, love of Godhead will fructify."
In the summary description of Lord Krsna's pastimes of the Krsna book, Srila Prabhupada writes : " ...when one engages oneself in the devotional service of the Lord, automatically the Vaisnava reputation comes to him.
...if one is engaged in preaching, or in glorifying the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the good reputation of a preacher automatically follows one."
Gurudeva, words fall short in attempting to glorify You and all Your exemplary efforts in travelling the Globe, teaching everyone this sublime, ancient knowledge of Bhakti yoga.
All I can do is simply watch in awe and amazement how You transform people's mind and heart by expertly administering the recommended panacea for this Age of quarrel and hypocrisy.
Having had the good fortune of living in New Zealand, being part of Your Loft / Mantra lounge experience, and the vast support network of our God family, makes me realise that there's an expert behind this complex and delicately fine-tuned & thoughtfully designed outreach " machine".
That expert is YOU, dear Gurudeva.
You have taken Srila Prabhupada's example of the first "Matchless Gifts" - Loft preaching center and expertly customised it for the complex Western misdirected society.
And now this outreach model is being carried out in other parts of the world, including Atlanta, Georgia where I love visiting.
Anyone who has experience in managing knows that this doesn't happen overnight, nor does it come easily.
Nevertheless You didn't give up. or become disappointed.
Your unflinching faith in Srila Prabhupada and his unwavering dedication to his spiritual master was and remains Your guiding light.
You mentioned in a class how Your father always told You to " Leave some tracks in the sand, for when You're gone".
As an intelligent young man You were more interested in finding out where we go after we're "gone" than in leaving tracks in the sand.
But we can clearly see and acknowledge that You are indeed leaving remarkable tracks in the sand,
And I pray that I can follow Your tracks with greater determination and enthusiasm day by day, year by year.
I recently met a woman who had lost both parents in the last 2 years, who was interested to learn more about reincarnation and spiritual life beyond the body and mind.
She gladly accepted your book : " Hiding in Unnatural Happiness".
Wherever we look or go, people are suffering knowingly and unknowingly due to misidentification with the body and mind.
I am eternally indebted and grateful beyond measure for Your causeless mercy for picking me up from this ocean of birth and death, and for giving me an opportunity to correct my fallen condition to that of a servant of the servant of the servant of Your servant.
There is no task in this world more daunting and at the same time enlivening, then the attempt to repay the debt to my beloved spiritual master by propagating the Sankirtan movement wherever we go.
However insignificant our attempt, I pray that we may remain fixed and continue to receive the soothing shelter of Your merciful Lotus Feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and All Glories to You, on this most auspicious celebration of Your Vyasa Puja .
In accordance with Your desire for us to distribute Krsna Book this year I wanted to site the following from the preface of Krsna book :
"This book, Krsna, is another presentation to help the Krsna consciousness movement in the Western world.
This transcendental work of literature is published with profuse illustrations.
People love to read various kinds of fiction to spend their time and energy.
Now this tendency can be directed to Krsna. The result will be the imperishable satisfaction of the soul, both individually and collectively."
" We therefore request everyone to take advantage of this great transcendental literary work. One will find that by reading one page after another, an immense treasure of knowledge in art, science, literature, philosophy and religion will be revealed, and ultimately, by reading this one book, Krsna, love of Godhead will fructify."
In the summary description of Lord Krsna's pastimes of the Krsna book, Srila Prabhupada writes : " ...when one engages oneself in the devotional service of the Lord, automatically the Vaisnava reputation comes to him.
...if one is engaged in preaching, or in glorifying the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the good reputation of a preacher automatically follows one."
Gurudeva, words fall short in attempting to glorify You and all Your exemplary efforts in travelling the Globe, teaching everyone this sublime, ancient knowledge of Bhakti yoga.
All I can do is simply watch in awe and amazement how You transform people's mind and heart by expertly administering the recommended panacea for this Age of quarrel and hypocrisy.
Having had the good fortune of living in New Zealand, being part of Your Loft / Mantra lounge experience, and the vast support network of our God family, makes me realise that there's an expert behind this complex and delicately fine-tuned & thoughtfully designed outreach " machine".
That expert is YOU, dear Gurudeva.
You have taken Srila Prabhupada's example of the first "Matchless Gifts" - Loft preaching center and expertly customised it for the complex Western misdirected society.
And now this outreach model is being carried out in other parts of the world, including Atlanta, Georgia where I love visiting.
Anyone who has experience in managing knows that this doesn't happen overnight, nor does it come easily.
Nevertheless You didn't give up. or become disappointed.
Your unflinching faith in Srila Prabhupada and his unwavering dedication to his spiritual master was and remains Your guiding light.
You mentioned in a class how Your father always told You to " Leave some tracks in the sand, for when You're gone".
As an intelligent young man You were more interested in finding out where we go after we're "gone" than in leaving tracks in the sand.
But we can clearly see and acknowledge that You are indeed leaving remarkable tracks in the sand,
And I pray that I can follow Your tracks with greater determination and enthusiasm day by day, year by year.
I recently met a woman who had lost both parents in the last 2 years, who was interested to learn more about reincarnation and spiritual life beyond the body and mind.
She gladly accepted your book : " Hiding in Unnatural Happiness".
Wherever we look or go, people are suffering knowingly and unknowingly due to misidentification with the body and mind.
I am eternally indebted and grateful beyond measure for Your causeless mercy for picking me up from this ocean of birth and death, and for giving me an opportunity to correct my fallen condition to that of a servant of the servant of the servant of Your servant.
There is no task in this world more daunting and at the same time enlivening, then the attempt to repay the debt to my beloved spiritual master by propagating the Sankirtan movement wherever we go.
However insignificant our attempt, I pray that we may remain fixed and continue to receive the soothing shelter of Your merciful Lotus Feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi
Janma Lila Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev!
Daandavat pranams to you!
Thank you for accepting me as a disciple in spite of my shortcomings and poor qualities.
Guru Maharaj, you work tirelessly in carrying out the orders of your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. The mission of giving Krishna’s mercy to fallen down souls like me.
You make the effort to travel the globe in order nourish and guide your disciples, and to make sure we are making spiritual progress.
Thank you, Gurudev for all the compassion you have shown towards me.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa pooja I pray to Srimathi Radharani and Lord Krishna to shower their blessings upon you for the coming year and many more years to come.
Your humble servant
Janma Lila devi dasi
Daandavat pranams to you!
Thank you for accepting me as a disciple in spite of my shortcomings and poor qualities.
Guru Maharaj, you work tirelessly in carrying out the orders of your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. The mission of giving Krishna’s mercy to fallen down souls like me.
You make the effort to travel the globe in order nourish and guide your disciples, and to make sure we are making spiritual progress.
Thank you, Gurudev for all the compassion you have shown towards me.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa pooja I pray to Srimathi Radharani and Lord Krishna to shower their blessings upon you for the coming year and many more years to come.
Your humble servant
Janma Lila devi dasi
Janmastami Das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances !
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day !
Guru Dev, I don’t have any qualifications to write your glory.
Let me take your blessings to try to glorify you, which will help me to get purified.
When I was reading the verse (CC Antya 6.220)
mahāprabhura bhakta-gaṇera vairāgya pradhāna
yāhā dekhi’ prīta hana gaura-bhagavān
(Renunciation is the basic principle sustaining the lives of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s devotees. Seeing this renunciation, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is extremely satisfied.)
Guru Dev its very astonishing to see the Renunciation you have done to get the jewel of Krishna Consciousness. Even after studying in the elitist university and having everything where materialists will dream for, but you have thrown away those as a broken piece of glass.
As Srila Prabhupad mentioned "The mission of the guru is the mission of the Supreme Personality of Godhead: to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world." You are role model for the same, you travel tirelessly all over the world to uplift all the condition souls like me.
Your lectures are my oxygen to sustain in the Krishna consciousness Guru Dev.
You will make all the fools like me to understand the mistakes we do and how much we are trying to enjoy the material world, where we can get only false hopes. How Bhakti Yoga is mysticism can be understood by hearing your lecture, it has all the answers required for the conditioned souls like me.
In your recent lectures you emphasize lots on Gratitude and you always lead by examples on showing the Gratitude. I still vividly remember the lunch which we served, and you are praising lot for the small service which we did.
Guru Dev, I don’t have any one of those qualities. I know I am nowhere qualified and eligible. But I am since you are ocean of mercy with your compassion, you will uplift this fallen soul.
Guru Dev, during our last darshan when you heard we have not progressed anything on your instructions to us. You quoted the Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswathi Thakur Prabhupad that all live person does the preaching. As Saranga Thakura touched a dead body with his foot and gave life to Murari Thakur, please give us life by providing shelter under your lotus feet.
Guru Dev, this piece of garbage with the guidance from your devoted sons like Harinamamrita prabhu, Nanda Gokul prabhu, Bhava-vibhusana prabhu, started involving in books distribution. Thank you, Guru Dev, for teaching me lots via books distribution, I am sure you will shower mercy on this fallen soul.
ei-bāro karuṇā koro vaiṣṇava gosāñi
patita-pāvana tomā bine keho nāi
Your aspiring Servant
Janmastami Das
Please accept my humble obeisances !
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !
All glories to your most auspicious appearance day !
Guru Dev, I don’t have any qualifications to write your glory.
Let me take your blessings to try to glorify you, which will help me to get purified.
When I was reading the verse (CC Antya 6.220)
mahāprabhura bhakta-gaṇera vairāgya pradhāna
yāhā dekhi’ prīta hana gaura-bhagavān
(Renunciation is the basic principle sustaining the lives of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s devotees. Seeing this renunciation, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is extremely satisfied.)
Guru Dev its very astonishing to see the Renunciation you have done to get the jewel of Krishna Consciousness. Even after studying in the elitist university and having everything where materialists will dream for, but you have thrown away those as a broken piece of glass.
As Srila Prabhupad mentioned "The mission of the guru is the mission of the Supreme Personality of Godhead: to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world." You are role model for the same, you travel tirelessly all over the world to uplift all the condition souls like me.
Your lectures are my oxygen to sustain in the Krishna consciousness Guru Dev.
You will make all the fools like me to understand the mistakes we do and how much we are trying to enjoy the material world, where we can get only false hopes. How Bhakti Yoga is mysticism can be understood by hearing your lecture, it has all the answers required for the conditioned souls like me.
In your recent lectures you emphasize lots on Gratitude and you always lead by examples on showing the Gratitude. I still vividly remember the lunch which we served, and you are praising lot for the small service which we did.
Guru Dev, I don’t have any one of those qualities. I know I am nowhere qualified and eligible. But I am since you are ocean of mercy with your compassion, you will uplift this fallen soul.
Guru Dev, during our last darshan when you heard we have not progressed anything on your instructions to us. You quoted the Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswathi Thakur Prabhupad that all live person does the preaching. As Saranga Thakura touched a dead body with his foot and gave life to Murari Thakur, please give us life by providing shelter under your lotus feet.
Guru Dev, this piece of garbage with the guidance from your devoted sons like Harinamamrita prabhu, Nanda Gokul prabhu, Bhava-vibhusana prabhu, started involving in books distribution. Thank you, Guru Dev, for teaching me lots via books distribution, I am sure you will shower mercy on this fallen soul.
ei-bāro karuṇā koro vaiṣṇava gosāñi
patita-pāvana tomā bine keho nāi
Your aspiring Servant
Janmastami Das
Jayadeva Kavi das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your radiant, soothing feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I want to appreciate your dedication to keeping the main thing, the main thing.
Despite so many management responsibilities, you have the wondrous ability to keep knowledge of Krishna, and the Kirtan in the centre. Where an ordinary person may loose focus, you know what pleases Krishna and what your followers need to advance in their Bhakti life.
Of course, management for Krishna can take a variety of forms – the common goal being to please Krishna and the guru-parampara. And whether it’s GBC responsibilities or confirming flight itineraries, it’s all transcendental activity.
Yet I’m always impressed and enlivened by the way you arrange the end-of-year Recharge Festivals in Otaki. Plenty or hearing and chanting. Daily classes on Srimad-Bhagavatam and other important sastra, and lengthy, roaring kirtans lasting hours on end.
I’m a fortunate soul having the opportunity of being under your shelter, but I must take it seriously. Spiritual life is a daily practice. Actually, it’s possible to be Krishna conscious at every moment. I often ask myself, “where is my consciousness at right now?” It’s certainly not where it should be, and where I want it to be.
I remember when I left the brahmacari ashram you told me I’m fortunate to have a few years of training behind me. Because when things get slack and you loose focus in grhastha life, you can remember the standard of lifestyle from you previous ashram training and it serves as a beacon to guide you forward.
I certainly feel that now. I know I can get up earlier. I know I can chant my 16 rounds of japa before starting work, instead of all over the place and into the night. I know I can read again daily, at least 30 minutes, ideally more. Instead of once or twice a month.
I just need the spiritual strength and ability to focus. Actually, what I really need most is your blessings at this time in my life, more than ever.
Thank you for always discussing topics related to Krishna and leading absorbing kirtans.
Your insignificant servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your radiant, soothing feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I want to appreciate your dedication to keeping the main thing, the main thing.
Despite so many management responsibilities, you have the wondrous ability to keep knowledge of Krishna, and the Kirtan in the centre. Where an ordinary person may loose focus, you know what pleases Krishna and what your followers need to advance in their Bhakti life.
Of course, management for Krishna can take a variety of forms – the common goal being to please Krishna and the guru-parampara. And whether it’s GBC responsibilities or confirming flight itineraries, it’s all transcendental activity.
Yet I’m always impressed and enlivened by the way you arrange the end-of-year Recharge Festivals in Otaki. Plenty or hearing and chanting. Daily classes on Srimad-Bhagavatam and other important sastra, and lengthy, roaring kirtans lasting hours on end.
I’m a fortunate soul having the opportunity of being under your shelter, but I must take it seriously. Spiritual life is a daily practice. Actually, it’s possible to be Krishna conscious at every moment. I often ask myself, “where is my consciousness at right now?” It’s certainly not where it should be, and where I want it to be.
I remember when I left the brahmacari ashram you told me I’m fortunate to have a few years of training behind me. Because when things get slack and you loose focus in grhastha life, you can remember the standard of lifestyle from you previous ashram training and it serves as a beacon to guide you forward.
I certainly feel that now. I know I can get up earlier. I know I can chant my 16 rounds of japa before starting work, instead of all over the place and into the night. I know I can read again daily, at least 30 minutes, ideally more. Instead of once or twice a month.
I just need the spiritual strength and ability to focus. Actually, what I really need most is your blessings at this time in my life, more than ever.
Thank you for always discussing topics related to Krishna and leading absorbing kirtans.
Your insignificant servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Jayadvaita Das (Perth Australia)
Dear Gurudeva,
I bow down to your lotus feet a thousand times.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to awe-inspiring service.
I pray to Sri Sri Krishna Balraam for your good health so you can bestow your mercy on many fallen souls like me.
Firstly, thank you for tirelessly traveling to distribute the mercy of Lord Caitanya to so many places devoid of spirituality. Even at an age when most devotees would want to stay at one place and serve while focussing on their own sadhana, you put your body through so much discomfort of travel. I remember your lecture during COVID time where you shared the realisation of carrying acute travel trauma in your body from those years of continuous travel. I can certainly relate to this fact from my meager travels for work every now and then. I feel splayed out so much that it takes me a week to recover from 3-day travel. I witness you hop from city to city, country to country, and continent to continent all in a matter of days not weeks. And deliver powerful lectures that inspire the listeners to reconsider their choices in life and pull them to Krishna.
By your mercy, Subhadra and I have been practicing Krsna Bhakti in peace. We experienced the temporal nature of happiness in this world when joy of our newly wedded life was intervened by the health problems of both Subhadra's and my father.
We have been living separately due to the geographical location where our fathers were living. In hindsight, I feel grateful for this shocking development. It has made me realised the fleeting nature of joys in the material realm. Prior to this, I was so busy in my own world that I hadn't genuinely had the divine association of your Vani. I feel embarrassed for being so fickle and allowing my mind to subjugate my intelligence and partake in the wasted effort of seeing happiness in this world. I re-realised the power of your words after listening to your classes. It ignited a sense of emergency to reinvigorate my efforts in Bhakti. Thank you for the thought-provoking and carefully planned lectures.
I also feel embarrassed for my frailties and lack of effort in genuinely serving you in the preaching mission. Considering these real facts I pray for your forgiveness and aspire to be of real use in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
I aspire to genuinely serve you through concerted effort and utilize all of my resources in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya under your guidance.
Wanting to be
Your dedicated servant
Jayadvaita Das
I bow down to your lotus feet a thousand times.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to awe-inspiring service.
I pray to Sri Sri Krishna Balraam for your good health so you can bestow your mercy on many fallen souls like me.
Firstly, thank you for tirelessly traveling to distribute the mercy of Lord Caitanya to so many places devoid of spirituality. Even at an age when most devotees would want to stay at one place and serve while focussing on their own sadhana, you put your body through so much discomfort of travel. I remember your lecture during COVID time where you shared the realisation of carrying acute travel trauma in your body from those years of continuous travel. I can certainly relate to this fact from my meager travels for work every now and then. I feel splayed out so much that it takes me a week to recover from 3-day travel. I witness you hop from city to city, country to country, and continent to continent all in a matter of days not weeks. And deliver powerful lectures that inspire the listeners to reconsider their choices in life and pull them to Krishna.
By your mercy, Subhadra and I have been practicing Krsna Bhakti in peace. We experienced the temporal nature of happiness in this world when joy of our newly wedded life was intervened by the health problems of both Subhadra's and my father.
We have been living separately due to the geographical location where our fathers were living. In hindsight, I feel grateful for this shocking development. It has made me realised the fleeting nature of joys in the material realm. Prior to this, I was so busy in my own world that I hadn't genuinely had the divine association of your Vani. I feel embarrassed for being so fickle and allowing my mind to subjugate my intelligence and partake in the wasted effort of seeing happiness in this world. I re-realised the power of your words after listening to your classes. It ignited a sense of emergency to reinvigorate my efforts in Bhakti. Thank you for the thought-provoking and carefully planned lectures.
I also feel embarrassed for my frailties and lack of effort in genuinely serving you in the preaching mission. Considering these real facts I pray for your forgiveness and aspire to be of real use in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
I aspire to genuinely serve you through concerted effort and utilize all of my resources in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya under your guidance.
Wanting to be
Your dedicated servant
Jayadvaita Das
Jitamitra das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj🙏
Please accept my humble obeisances🙏
All glory to Srila Prabhupada🙏
I do not know how I could satisfy you on the day of your appearance, but I would really like to please you. The past year turned out to be extremely full of unexpected and bright events for me!
Swirled by these events, I am writing this offering to you at the very last moment, as it often happens in my life.
Today I've been thinking all day about what qualities inspire me first of all. I got my top list of your qualities)🙏
1. first of all, I am inspired by your superpower to joke and cheer up others! This is a quality that I would very much like to adopt from you, a quality that I would like to develop.
2. I really appreciate your ability to follow Srila Prabhupada without direct physical communication. When I learned about how you have been following Srila Prabhupada all your life, I wanted to learn it from you.
3. The thing that inspires me very much is your superpower to travel and maintain health and inner balance.
I don't have much experience with you. I am sure that you have many qualities. I have heard about some of your other qualities from my spiritual brothers and sisters.
But these three qualities are the guiding star for me.
I am writing this offering on the road. This time I don't have the time and opportunity to spy on how to write an offering for Vyasa puja. Therefore, this year my offering is particularly inept. I ask you to forgive me for this imperfection.
I really want to please you, I hope someday I will succeed.
My spiritual sisters Lalasamai devi dasi, Vraja Gopi devi dasi and Paramamangala devi dasi have asked me to mention them as well. They try to follow your instructions and thank you for your prayers for us all.
Your disciple is Jitamitra das.
Please accept my humble obeisances🙏
All glory to Srila Prabhupada🙏
I do not know how I could satisfy you on the day of your appearance, but I would really like to please you. The past year turned out to be extremely full of unexpected and bright events for me!
Swirled by these events, I am writing this offering to you at the very last moment, as it often happens in my life.
Today I've been thinking all day about what qualities inspire me first of all. I got my top list of your qualities)🙏
1. first of all, I am inspired by your superpower to joke and cheer up others! This is a quality that I would very much like to adopt from you, a quality that I would like to develop.
2. I really appreciate your ability to follow Srila Prabhupada without direct physical communication. When I learned about how you have been following Srila Prabhupada all your life, I wanted to learn it from you.
3. The thing that inspires me very much is your superpower to travel and maintain health and inner balance.
I don't have much experience with you. I am sure that you have many qualities. I have heard about some of your other qualities from my spiritual brothers and sisters.
But these three qualities are the guiding star for me.
I am writing this offering on the road. This time I don't have the time and opportunity to spy on how to write an offering for Vyasa puja. Therefore, this year my offering is particularly inept. I ask you to forgive me for this imperfection.
I really want to please you, I hope someday I will succeed.
My spiritual sisters Lalasamai devi dasi, Vraja Gopi devi dasi and Paramamangala devi dasi have asked me to mention them as well. They try to follow your instructions and thank you for your prayers for us all.
Your disciple is Jitamitra das.
Jiva Pandita Das
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It's still hard to fathom the greatness of your heart
When the material energies left mine torn apart
I crawl through the darkness on my hands and knees
It's the light of your love that gives me the power to see
I don't know where I came from, or how I even got here
But you give me the knowledge that helps to make this all clear
Battered and bruised I move about this world feeling heartless
But for some reason, you assure me, that you still love me regardless
How? I can’t understand. It feels like nothing about me is worthy.
I am part and parcel of Krishna, my value is inherent you remind me
Your heart is pure and spotless, not even a tinge of jealousy
You roam the earth for love's sake, and you have not a single enemy.
Singing His glories and name gives you the highest pleasure
The life you live reminds us that this is our only treasure
A single glance at your smile and anyone can see
That wherever you go, you revel in divine ecstasy
Thank you for exemplifying the highest level of commitment and sacrifice
And for teaching me that without KC, nothing in this world will suffice
I beg you for the strength to follow your footsteps forever
And for one day to develop the sincere desire to surrender
Ys. Jiva Pandita das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It's still hard to fathom the greatness of your heart
When the material energies left mine torn apart
I crawl through the darkness on my hands and knees
It's the light of your love that gives me the power to see
I don't know where I came from, or how I even got here
But you give me the knowledge that helps to make this all clear
Battered and bruised I move about this world feeling heartless
But for some reason, you assure me, that you still love me regardless
How? I can’t understand. It feels like nothing about me is worthy.
I am part and parcel of Krishna, my value is inherent you remind me
Your heart is pure and spotless, not even a tinge of jealousy
You roam the earth for love's sake, and you have not a single enemy.
Singing His glories and name gives you the highest pleasure
The life you live reminds us that this is our only treasure
A single glance at your smile and anyone can see
That wherever you go, you revel in divine ecstasy
Thank you for exemplifying the highest level of commitment and sacrifice
And for teaching me that without KC, nothing in this world will suffice
I beg you for the strength to follow your footsteps forever
And for one day to develop the sincere desire to surrender
Ys. Jiva Pandita das
Jīva-māyā dd
Hare Krsna Gurudeva.
Please accept my obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for everything,
all you do,
for being you.
Please accept my obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for everything,
all you do,
for being you.
Joel
Dear Davamrita Swami,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. Hare Krsna.
Recently, I've heard from you that when expressing gratitude, we shouldn't let the recipient forget why we're expressing gratitude; always remind them about how they've encouraged us towards bhakti yoga and never let them forget it. What follows is my small effort.
Early in 2021, shortly after Kirtan, you walked into a small room on the edge of Hamilton and quietly sat down, smiling and glancing around the room at the small group of fortunate people quietly assembled to hear from you that night. Examining you closely, I was wondering what your voice sounded like. It seemed like you were deliberately refraining from saying anything because you could read my mind or something. You gave a brief talk that illuminated the dogmatic mentality of chasing material enjoyment and encouraged everyone to add Krsna to their lives. I asked you a small question afterwards, mainly because I just wanted to talk to you. Thank you for handling me with care and giving me hope.
I like to hear Bhagavatam classes from you because you are always extremely insightful and always enjoy Hari Katha. Your character is always filled with the bliss of the selfless services you give.
Thank you for always smiling, greeting me with 'Hare Krsna', and giving me many opportunities to serve your disciples.
Please allow me to remain in the good company of your hard at work dedicated disciples.
Hare Krsna
Aspiring servant of your servants
Joel
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. Hare Krsna.
Recently, I've heard from you that when expressing gratitude, we shouldn't let the recipient forget why we're expressing gratitude; always remind them about how they've encouraged us towards bhakti yoga and never let them forget it. What follows is my small effort.
Early in 2021, shortly after Kirtan, you walked into a small room on the edge of Hamilton and quietly sat down, smiling and glancing around the room at the small group of fortunate people quietly assembled to hear from you that night. Examining you closely, I was wondering what your voice sounded like. It seemed like you were deliberately refraining from saying anything because you could read my mind or something. You gave a brief talk that illuminated the dogmatic mentality of chasing material enjoyment and encouraged everyone to add Krsna to their lives. I asked you a small question afterwards, mainly because I just wanted to talk to you. Thank you for handling me with care and giving me hope.
I like to hear Bhagavatam classes from you because you are always extremely insightful and always enjoy Hari Katha. Your character is always filled with the bliss of the selfless services you give.
Thank you for always smiling, greeting me with 'Hare Krsna', and giving me many opportunities to serve your disciples.
Please allow me to remain in the good company of your hard at work dedicated disciples.
Hare Krsna
Aspiring servant of your servants
Joel
Kaama Sarovar
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabupada.
Happy Krishna Conscious Birthday to You.
Thank you for your compassion to trust in me and accept me as your disciple.
I have innumerable flaws but I am trying hard to be a good devotee and perhaps one day receive your causeless mercy
Guru Maharaj, I have been under lots of stress lately and in many instances felt really down, but listening to your lectures and devotees association have been a great inspiration to gather courage and keep going.
At the recent retreat, you mentioned about the importance of weeding and how to protect our bhakti. This was really inspiring and uplifting. Your lectures always have the answers to the questions or problem I am facing at given time.
You are always giving me hope Guru Maharaj, and encouraging this insignificant living entity with such kind affection which I am feeling not worthy of. Without your instructions I am useless.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for being with us, guiding us all the time and encouraging us to be eternally engaged in devotional service.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for giving hope to this fallen soul.
Thank you for teaching me how to be happy.
Your eternal aspiring servant,
Kaama Sarovara.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabupada.
Happy Krishna Conscious Birthday to You.
Thank you for your compassion to trust in me and accept me as your disciple.
I have innumerable flaws but I am trying hard to be a good devotee and perhaps one day receive your causeless mercy
Guru Maharaj, I have been under lots of stress lately and in many instances felt really down, but listening to your lectures and devotees association have been a great inspiration to gather courage and keep going.
At the recent retreat, you mentioned about the importance of weeding and how to protect our bhakti. This was really inspiring and uplifting. Your lectures always have the answers to the questions or problem I am facing at given time.
You are always giving me hope Guru Maharaj, and encouraging this insignificant living entity with such kind affection which I am feeling not worthy of. Without your instructions I am useless.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for being with us, guiding us all the time and encouraging us to be eternally engaged in devotional service.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for giving hope to this fallen soul.
Thank you for teaching me how to be happy.
Your eternal aspiring servant,
Kaama Sarovara.
Kala-Svarupa Das
Guru Maharaja,
please accept my humble obescience
all glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this momentum occasion of the anniversary of your appearance. As indicated by the name of this festival - Vyasa Puja - you are a representative of Vedavyasa and the entire Guru Parampara, in particular His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. In today’s ISKCON, we see practically speaking the Gurus has a variety of roles, from managers to public speakers to sometime therapists. However, seeing from the eyes of sastra, the role of the Guru is to train the disciple how to serve Krishna, up to the perfectional stage.
It was in late 2016 when I first came into contact with you in your vani manifestation, and a few months latter when I first met you in person when I flew down to Atlanta. For most of the days I was there, you invited me to go on your characteristically fast-paced morning walks, where you asked me questions about my life and background, and allowed me to ask you any questions that I may have.
The first question that I asked, in a habit of directness born out of sitting in the halls of Physics departments, was “How do I become a pure devotee?” Although any question that I may ask is far from perfect, your answer was perfect — “Perfectly follow someone who is perfectly following.”
You are, of course, that person who is perfectly following Srila Prabhupada. But am I perfectly following you? The material energy is strong, and I am very conditioned - I fall short of the standard. Meditating on your instructions, there are certain pieces of advice that you give for a wide variety of circumstances that I approach you with. Chant with more attention and devotion. Go deeper into Srila Prabhupada’s books. Simple instructions for an age of complications.
Sometimes the mind hankers for some more complicated instruction - a severe austerity to perform, some great task to accomplish. In this way there is an excuse for not getting the result, the process being so difficult. But the process given is fundamentally simple - śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ. If one only preforms one of these completely, success is guaranteed. If we do not get the result, it is only due to the bewilderment born of our attachment to material enjoyment. How long will I neglect these simple processes, being content to rot in material entanglement?
For so long, I have been rotating in the orbit caused by my attachment and aversion to matter - the potential and kinetic energies of my bondage. But seeing through the eyes of sastra, all of the pleasures and pains that I am experiencing is only constructed from this body. But I have had millions of bodies, millions of fathers and mothers, millions of social positions and millions of places that I have called home. But Hari-Nama, Srimad Bhagavatam, Guru - these things are constant through the millions of birth within this place of suffering, offering a perfect escape to all those who wish to take it.
For me to try to offer something to you is like trying to offer water to the Ganges. What do I have that you have not given to me? All of my life is made of your mercy. Before I made contact with your empowered disciples, my life was disaster after disaster and I had no shelter, save for and except the rascal mind. I must ask you to accept whatever small service I can do with what you have given me, no matter how imperfectly performed. Please use your propensity to only see the good qualities of others to look upon whatever I do for you, Prabhupada and Krishna, and please do not become distracted by the overflowing bad qualities which I have.
Your servant,
who is trying to better listen to the commands of his master,
Kala-Svarupa Das
please accept my humble obescience
all glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this momentum occasion of the anniversary of your appearance. As indicated by the name of this festival - Vyasa Puja - you are a representative of Vedavyasa and the entire Guru Parampara, in particular His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. In today’s ISKCON, we see practically speaking the Gurus has a variety of roles, from managers to public speakers to sometime therapists. However, seeing from the eyes of sastra, the role of the Guru is to train the disciple how to serve Krishna, up to the perfectional stage.
It was in late 2016 when I first came into contact with you in your vani manifestation, and a few months latter when I first met you in person when I flew down to Atlanta. For most of the days I was there, you invited me to go on your characteristically fast-paced morning walks, where you asked me questions about my life and background, and allowed me to ask you any questions that I may have.
The first question that I asked, in a habit of directness born out of sitting in the halls of Physics departments, was “How do I become a pure devotee?” Although any question that I may ask is far from perfect, your answer was perfect — “Perfectly follow someone who is perfectly following.”
You are, of course, that person who is perfectly following Srila Prabhupada. But am I perfectly following you? The material energy is strong, and I am very conditioned - I fall short of the standard. Meditating on your instructions, there are certain pieces of advice that you give for a wide variety of circumstances that I approach you with. Chant with more attention and devotion. Go deeper into Srila Prabhupada’s books. Simple instructions for an age of complications.
Sometimes the mind hankers for some more complicated instruction - a severe austerity to perform, some great task to accomplish. In this way there is an excuse for not getting the result, the process being so difficult. But the process given is fundamentally simple - śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ. If one only preforms one of these completely, success is guaranteed. If we do not get the result, it is only due to the bewilderment born of our attachment to material enjoyment. How long will I neglect these simple processes, being content to rot in material entanglement?
For so long, I have been rotating in the orbit caused by my attachment and aversion to matter - the potential and kinetic energies of my bondage. But seeing through the eyes of sastra, all of the pleasures and pains that I am experiencing is only constructed from this body. But I have had millions of bodies, millions of fathers and mothers, millions of social positions and millions of places that I have called home. But Hari-Nama, Srimad Bhagavatam, Guru - these things are constant through the millions of birth within this place of suffering, offering a perfect escape to all those who wish to take it.
For me to try to offer something to you is like trying to offer water to the Ganges. What do I have that you have not given to me? All of my life is made of your mercy. Before I made contact with your empowered disciples, my life was disaster after disaster and I had no shelter, save for and except the rascal mind. I must ask you to accept whatever small service I can do with what you have given me, no matter how imperfectly performed. Please use your propensity to only see the good qualities of others to look upon whatever I do for you, Prabhupada and Krishna, and please do not become distracted by the overflowing bad qualities which I have.
Your servant,
who is trying to better listen to the commands of his master,
Kala-Svarupa Das
Kamala-mukhi dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
Thank you for giving me a chance to try and render devotional service at your wonderful New Gupta Vraja. You don't necessarily need me, yet you are engaging me in this service even though I am greatly unqualified and that is a testament to your causeless mercy.
Thank you for being the fountainhead of this amazing community of devotees here in Wellington, that I have a privilege to associate with. Whether its the senior devotees, peers or newer devotees, they're all living manifestations of sincerity, enthusiasm and determination that I aspire to have someday. Thank you for establishing a spiritual support system to aid in all of our Krishna conscious lives. Having instilled this guidance culture, shows how compassionate you are and how intelligently you ensure devotees are taken care of.
Please give me the intelligence to not throw away or neglect the greatest fortune that could be granted in this wretched material world, bhakti. I pray that I can take your instructions as my topmost and only aspirations in life, as an endeavour to grasp onto your lotus feet through all of the material influences that come my way.
Your ever-aspiring servant of your servant
Kamala-mukhi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
Thank you for giving me a chance to try and render devotional service at your wonderful New Gupta Vraja. You don't necessarily need me, yet you are engaging me in this service even though I am greatly unqualified and that is a testament to your causeless mercy.
Thank you for being the fountainhead of this amazing community of devotees here in Wellington, that I have a privilege to associate with. Whether its the senior devotees, peers or newer devotees, they're all living manifestations of sincerity, enthusiasm and determination that I aspire to have someday. Thank you for establishing a spiritual support system to aid in all of our Krishna conscious lives. Having instilled this guidance culture, shows how compassionate you are and how intelligently you ensure devotees are taken care of.
Please give me the intelligence to not throw away or neglect the greatest fortune that could be granted in this wretched material world, bhakti. I pray that I can take your instructions as my topmost and only aspirations in life, as an endeavour to grasp onto your lotus feet through all of the material influences that come my way.
Your ever-aspiring servant of your servant
Kamala-mukhi devi dasi
Kamalāksa das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I offer my respectful obeisances to you who is very dear to Lord Krishna and took shelter at His lotus feet.
I offer my respectful obeisances to you, O spiritual master, the disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is preaching the message of Lord Caitanyadeva and liberate the fallen souls. By your mercy, Gurudeva, one is getting Krishna's blessings. Without your mercy one cannot make any advancement. As such I have to always remember and glorify you. I offer my respectful obeisances to the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
I would like to thank you for accepting me as your disciple, for which I am very grateful to Lord Krishna. I would like to become a very good bhakta of yours, serve you and Srila Prabhupada's movement all the time so that we could help more people.
I would like to wish you a very happy birthday in strength and health. 🙏 Gauranga!
Your aspiring servant,
Kamalāksa das🙏
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I offer my respectful obeisances to you who is very dear to Lord Krishna and took shelter at His lotus feet.
I offer my respectful obeisances to you, O spiritual master, the disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is preaching the message of Lord Caitanyadeva and liberate the fallen souls. By your mercy, Gurudeva, one is getting Krishna's blessings. Without your mercy one cannot make any advancement. As such I have to always remember and glorify you. I offer my respectful obeisances to the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
I would like to thank you for accepting me as your disciple, for which I am very grateful to Lord Krishna. I would like to become a very good bhakta of yours, serve you and Srila Prabhupada's movement all the time so that we could help more people.
I would like to wish you a very happy birthday in strength and health. 🙏 Gauranga!
Your aspiring servant,
Kamalāksa 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, my beloved spiritual master!
I am fascinated by your ability to remain chaste to the Guru Parampara and yet present Krishna Consciousness in such unique ways. You are empowered by Srila Prabhupada to preach Krishna Consciousness and deliver all fallen souls simply because you have surrendered yourself unto to His Divine Grace’s lotus feet.
It is an injunction that if one wants to progress in spiritual life, he needs to accept a spiritual master. As to the various qualifications of the spiritual master I always remember the emphasis on how a bona fide spiritual master comes in disciplic succession.
Srila Prabhupada says in a lecture on the second and third verse of the 10th chapter of the Bhagavad gita that:
“…tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evābhigacchet śrotriyaṁ brahma-niṣṭham (MU 1.2.12). This śrotriyam means that one who is coming in disciplic succession. And what is the proof that he has come under the disciplic succession? Brahma-niṣṭham. Brahma-niṣṭham means he is fully convinced about the Supreme Absolute Truth.”
We can see in so many instances in the first Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam that Srila Prabhupada emphasises that the transcendental subject matter comes down the disciplic succession and is unchanged. Here is one that highlights why you are most fit to be worshipped as we are doing today.
“Śrī Vyāsadeva is the original spiritual preceptor for all men. And all other preceptors are considered to be his representatives. A representative is one who can exactly present the viewpoint of Śrī Vyāsadeva.” [Bhag. 1.1.5, Purport]
I remember in a lecture you mentioned how being a spiritual master isn’t all about getting worshipped and having an easy-going life in Krishna Consciousness. You mentioned how you have to tolerate prasadam not cooked properly, cold garlands and so on.
Most importantly you highlighted that a spiritual master repeats what he has heard in the disciplic succession. And you asked the audience if they realised how hard is it to just repeat what one hears. Indeed, it is so easy to add our own ideas and speculations in the name of preaching and neglect the core submissive mood of surrendering to the Guru Parampara.
Thank you for constantly reminding us that we are simply servants of the Guru Parampara.
and for setting the example as well by showing us how to be surrendered to the disciplic succession.
Last year you on the disappearance day of our Srila Prabhupada I was given the great fortunate of assisting you in performing the Guru Puja Arati of Srila Prabhupada.
Being a representative of Krsna, the spiritual master knows the heart of the disciple and reciprocates with their desires to serve. My last humble attempt at a vyasa puja offering I had tried to glorify your allegiance to the Guru Parampara. Especially how you preach it and teach it by your example thus showing the world your status as a bona fide spiritual master.
But what bewilders me is that despite such an insignificant and incomplete attempt at glorifying you, the reciprocation I received a month later was an opportunity to assist you while you performed Guru Puja to Srila Prabhupada.
It’s something I will not forget - that no matter the service we are simply assisting our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada and predecessor Acaryas in their service to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. What’s more is the realisation that by serving your instructions we are already engaged in assisting the predecessor arcaryas. We are following in the footsteps of the Guru Parampara because we are following you, who are the perfect follower of Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and saving me from my Kuruksetra like situation. I simply pray that:
“Gurudeva, O spiritual master! Give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations.”
In this way I may become a useful instrument in your hands for pleasing Srila Prabhupada, the previous acaryas, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Your spiritual son,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you, my beloved spiritual master!
I am fascinated by your ability to remain chaste to the Guru Parampara and yet present Krishna Consciousness in such unique ways. You are empowered by Srila Prabhupada to preach Krishna Consciousness and deliver all fallen souls simply because you have surrendered yourself unto to His Divine Grace’s lotus feet.
It is an injunction that if one wants to progress in spiritual life, he needs to accept a spiritual master. As to the various qualifications of the spiritual master I always remember the emphasis on how a bona fide spiritual master comes in disciplic succession.
Srila Prabhupada says in a lecture on the second and third verse of the 10th chapter of the Bhagavad gita that:
“…tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evābhigacchet śrotriyaṁ brahma-niṣṭham (MU 1.2.12). This śrotriyam means that one who is coming in disciplic succession. And what is the proof that he has come under the disciplic succession? Brahma-niṣṭham. Brahma-niṣṭham means he is fully convinced about the Supreme Absolute Truth.”
We can see in so many instances in the first Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam that Srila Prabhupada emphasises that the transcendental subject matter comes down the disciplic succession and is unchanged. Here is one that highlights why you are most fit to be worshipped as we are doing today.
“Śrī Vyāsadeva is the original spiritual preceptor for all men. And all other preceptors are considered to be his representatives. A representative is one who can exactly present the viewpoint of Śrī Vyāsadeva.” [Bhag. 1.1.5, Purport]
I remember in a lecture you mentioned how being a spiritual master isn’t all about getting worshipped and having an easy-going life in Krishna Consciousness. You mentioned how you have to tolerate prasadam not cooked properly, cold garlands and so on.
Most importantly you highlighted that a spiritual master repeats what he has heard in the disciplic succession. And you asked the audience if they realised how hard is it to just repeat what one hears. Indeed, it is so easy to add our own ideas and speculations in the name of preaching and neglect the core submissive mood of surrendering to the Guru Parampara.
Thank you for constantly reminding us that we are simply servants of the Guru Parampara.
and for setting the example as well by showing us how to be surrendered to the disciplic succession.
Last year you on the disappearance day of our Srila Prabhupada I was given the great fortunate of assisting you in performing the Guru Puja Arati of Srila Prabhupada.
Being a representative of Krsna, the spiritual master knows the heart of the disciple and reciprocates with their desires to serve. My last humble attempt at a vyasa puja offering I had tried to glorify your allegiance to the Guru Parampara. Especially how you preach it and teach it by your example thus showing the world your status as a bona fide spiritual master.
But what bewilders me is that despite such an insignificant and incomplete attempt at glorifying you, the reciprocation I received a month later was an opportunity to assist you while you performed Guru Puja to Srila Prabhupada.
It’s something I will not forget - that no matter the service we are simply assisting our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada and predecessor Acaryas in their service to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. What’s more is the realisation that by serving your instructions we are already engaged in assisting the predecessor arcaryas. We are following in the footsteps of the Guru Parampara because we are following you, who are the perfect follower of Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple and saving me from my Kuruksetra like situation. I simply pray that:
“Gurudeva, O spiritual master! Give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations.”
In this way I may become a useful instrument in your hands for pleasing Srila Prabhupada, the previous acaryas, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Your spiritual son,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Kardami Kapila dasa and bhaktin Alexandra
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept our humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupad!
And all glories to you Maharaj!
When this year you came to Bulgaria, it was such a holiday for everyone in our small yatra. We couldn’t stop thinking about your sacrifices – traveling so often, lost baggage, every time new servants and new faces, every time people want to speak with you and the tails go for hours, the food is different, the place you sleep at is different – so many inconveniences, so little comfort and still you do this for us. Not only you do it, you do it in such a contaminating good mood that humbles us only to be in your presence.
Guru Maharaj, it is painful to think for longer about you because we see how much you do for us, how limitless your love and dedication is for everyone, and every time we think about you, we realize how unable we are to reciprocate this huge gift. Whenever we are around you, it feels like we know, the path is clear, the mind is calm and when you leave it is painful as if we are separated not only in distance but in dimensions so so far away one from other.
We thank you for the love that we feel pouring from your words and silence, for the inspiration and for the caring guidelines you give us. Thank you for every time that we were about to get distracted from the right path because your name and your voice in our heads were our salvation. Thank you for every good quality we have because we owe it to your guidelines, blessings and presence in our lives. We thank you that you were so merciful to accept me - Kardami Kapila das for your disciple and to be under your protection and being so merciful to bhaktin Alexandra also.
We are forever in debt to be under your protection and we know this is a debt we couldn’t pay in many lifetimes.
We are praying for your good health and we hope that you are surrounded forever by people who make your sacrifices a bit lighter and sweeter.
Your servants,
bhaktin Alexandra and Kardami Kapila dasa.
Please accept our humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupad!
And all glories to you Maharaj!
When this year you came to Bulgaria, it was such a holiday for everyone in our small yatra. We couldn’t stop thinking about your sacrifices – traveling so often, lost baggage, every time new servants and new faces, every time people want to speak with you and the tails go for hours, the food is different, the place you sleep at is different – so many inconveniences, so little comfort and still you do this for us. Not only you do it, you do it in such a contaminating good mood that humbles us only to be in your presence.
Guru Maharaj, it is painful to think for longer about you because we see how much you do for us, how limitless your love and dedication is for everyone, and every time we think about you, we realize how unable we are to reciprocate this huge gift. Whenever we are around you, it feels like we know, the path is clear, the mind is calm and when you leave it is painful as if we are separated not only in distance but in dimensions so so far away one from other.
We thank you for the love that we feel pouring from your words and silence, for the inspiration and for the caring guidelines you give us. Thank you for every time that we were about to get distracted from the right path because your name and your voice in our heads were our salvation. Thank you for every good quality we have because we owe it to your guidelines, blessings and presence in our lives. We thank you that you were so merciful to accept me - Kardami Kapila das for your disciple and to be under your protection and being so merciful to bhaktin Alexandra also.
We are forever in debt to be under your protection and we know this is a debt we couldn’t pay in many lifetimes.
We are praying for your good health and we hope that you are surrounded forever by people who make your sacrifices a bit lighter and sweeter.
Your servants,
bhaktin Alexandra and Kardami Kapila dasa.
Karuna-purna dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The mission will never be accomplished
But your dedication is endless
You are the light that attracts the seekers
Into the warmth of the bhakti community
The seekers may stay, stray or fall
But your tune stays unwavering
As you try your best to uplift, inspire and advice
You meet with both gratitude and blame
You never give up your service or vows to Srila Prabhupada
You are the steady lighthouse that shows the way
For this we are eternally grateful
And we derive our good fortune from your kindness
Today I would like to thank you
For your kindness upon me
And I would like to pray
For strenght and determination
To go on chanting and serving
For the rest of eternity
Your servant,
Karuna-purna dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The mission will never be accomplished
But your dedication is endless
You are the light that attracts the seekers
Into the warmth of the bhakti community
The seekers may stay, stray or fall
But your tune stays unwavering
As you try your best to uplift, inspire and advice
You meet with both gratitude and blame
You never give up your service or vows to Srila Prabhupada
You are the steady lighthouse that shows the way
For this we are eternally grateful
And we derive our good fortune from your kindness
Today I would like to thank you
For your kindness upon me
And I would like to pray
For strenght and determination
To go on chanting and serving
For the rest of eternity
Your servant,
Karuna-purna dasi
Kārunyāmṛta Dāsa
nama om visnu- padaya
krsna pesthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita
swamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
parapatatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
This year is a significant and wonderful year for us and our activities in Krishna Consciousness, we have completed 1 year of our Bhakti Vriksha and one more addition to our family, our youngest son is born with your mercy and blessings.
Gurudeva, you have been tirelessly travelling across the globe undertaking the task handed to you by your Gurudev Srila Prabhupada to propagate Krishna Consciousness to every nook and corner. You have compiled books and have given so many seminars and lectures on how to distribute books successfully. You have participated in book distribution marathons and festivals, have met people from all walks of life and spread the message of Sri Caitanya Maha Prabhu. You have engaged yourself in book distribution to express your gratitude and love for Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna. You have set an example of enthusiasm, dedication and compassion for baddha jeevas. We look at you for inspiration to distributing books and make a humble attempt to please HDG Srila Prabhupada.
With your guidance and blessings, we are able to see miracles just by chanting the holy name of the Lord, which helps to cleanse both mind and the body from all the material contamination. We are eternally indebted to you for holding our hand and taking us out of this material ocean and from the cycle of repeated birth and death.
We cannot thank enough for taking us under your shelter and awarding an opportunity to associate with such exalted devotees and engage ourselves in some devotional activity/ service. We engage us to serve your lotus feet.
May you live a healthy long life and continue to preach the people at large and help them realise the real happiness till you are present on this planet.
Aspiring to be humble servants,
Kārunyāmṛta Dāsa, Lāvaṇyāmṛta Dasi,
Achintya Nitai, Agrani Gaura and Achyuta Hari
krsna pesthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita
swamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
parapatatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
This year is a significant and wonderful year for us and our activities in Krishna Consciousness, we have completed 1 year of our Bhakti Vriksha and one more addition to our family, our youngest son is born with your mercy and blessings.
Gurudeva, you have been tirelessly travelling across the globe undertaking the task handed to you by your Gurudev Srila Prabhupada to propagate Krishna Consciousness to every nook and corner. You have compiled books and have given so many seminars and lectures on how to distribute books successfully. You have participated in book distribution marathons and festivals, have met people from all walks of life and spread the message of Sri Caitanya Maha Prabhu. You have engaged yourself in book distribution to express your gratitude and love for Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna. You have set an example of enthusiasm, dedication and compassion for baddha jeevas. We look at you for inspiration to distributing books and make a humble attempt to please HDG Srila Prabhupada.
With your guidance and blessings, we are able to see miracles just by chanting the holy name of the Lord, which helps to cleanse both mind and the body from all the material contamination. We are eternally indebted to you for holding our hand and taking us out of this material ocean and from the cycle of repeated birth and death.
We cannot thank enough for taking us under your shelter and awarding an opportunity to associate with such exalted devotees and engage ourselves in some devotional activity/ service. We engage us to serve your lotus feet.
May you live a healthy long life and continue to preach the people at large and help them realise the real happiness till you are present on this planet.
Aspiring to be humble servants,
Kārunyāmṛta Dāsa, Lāvaṇyāmṛta Dasi,
Achintya Nitai, Agrani Gaura and Achyuta Hari
Kasi Priya das
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this very auspicious day of your appearance!
Every year I struggle to find appropriate words to glorify you, to write an offering. Every year I tell myself to start early on, to take some time of introspection, to think about my relationship with you. And every year I wait until the last moment to sit down and write. Obviously I do not recognise your significance in my life. Otherwise, how would I not take that time you deserve? Or why else would finding suitable words be so difficult.
Obviously I am at fault here, not taking that sacred relationship with you very seriously, despite you giving the most inspiring example of dedication to one’s Guru, to your own spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
Your entire life you were always greedy to get newer and newer opportunities of service to Srila Prabhupada. You dedicated yourself fully to Srila Prabhupada’s preaching mission, his books and devotee care, trying to make it easy for everyone to come and grow in Krishna consciousness. You do not care about your own comfort or to taking any trouble to try to rescue struggling spirit souls from this ever increasingly, violently wild ocean of material existence. Not many spiritual souls are so fortunate to come in touch with devotees, who act like touchstones, turning their lives sublime. How unfortunate am I, who got the good fortune to be caught in your network of care, but am unable to recognise my good fortune? You are a powerhouse of devotional service with seemingly unlimited reserves. There is not a moment you are not connected with the source of all power through Srila Prabhupada. There is not a moment that you forget that without surrendering to Srila Prabhupada, there is no access to the source of all power, Sri Krishna. You’re tirelessly reminding us that staying connected means serving the spiritual master with heart and soul. Yet, we so easily forget and are distracted by endeavours for time and money, struggling to find a balance, being sidetracked.
I therefore pray and ask for your blessings, that I will recognise my own foolishness soon, understand the importance of my relationship to you more deeply in my heart so that one day I will be able to serve you properly and offer you the glorification that you truly deserve.
Your aspiring servant
Kasi Priya das
please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this very auspicious day of your appearance!
Every year I struggle to find appropriate words to glorify you, to write an offering. Every year I tell myself to start early on, to take some time of introspection, to think about my relationship with you. And every year I wait until the last moment to sit down and write. Obviously I do not recognise your significance in my life. Otherwise, how would I not take that time you deserve? Or why else would finding suitable words be so difficult.
Obviously I am at fault here, not taking that sacred relationship with you very seriously, despite you giving the most inspiring example of dedication to one’s Guru, to your own spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
Your entire life you were always greedy to get newer and newer opportunities of service to Srila Prabhupada. You dedicated yourself fully to Srila Prabhupada’s preaching mission, his books and devotee care, trying to make it easy for everyone to come and grow in Krishna consciousness. You do not care about your own comfort or to taking any trouble to try to rescue struggling spirit souls from this ever increasingly, violently wild ocean of material existence. Not many spiritual souls are so fortunate to come in touch with devotees, who act like touchstones, turning their lives sublime. How unfortunate am I, who got the good fortune to be caught in your network of care, but am unable to recognise my good fortune? You are a powerhouse of devotional service with seemingly unlimited reserves. There is not a moment you are not connected with the source of all power through Srila Prabhupada. There is not a moment that you forget that without surrendering to Srila Prabhupada, there is no access to the source of all power, Sri Krishna. You’re tirelessly reminding us that staying connected means serving the spiritual master with heart and soul. Yet, we so easily forget and are distracted by endeavours for time and money, struggling to find a balance, being sidetracked.
I therefore pray and ask for your blessings, that I will recognise my own foolishness soon, understand the importance of my relationship to you more deeply in my heart so that one day I will be able to serve you properly and offer you the glorification that you truly deserve.
Your aspiring servant
Kasi Priya das
Kasturika devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances...
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada..
All Glories to You..
Happy appearance day Gurudeva.... Today is the day of gratitude and celebration of mercy.
Mercy bestowed by spiritual master cannot be fathomed then where the question how to repay, disciple of forever indebted. As wanderer, lost in this illusory world, I don't even get the point that I'm constantly tossed in anxieties in search of so called happiness. Result of my material education is only ignorance and how to engage in selfish pursuits endlessly without a purpose. But You created my greatest fortune, as spiritual education is challenging my underpinned principles and opening dimension which was never explored, jivera svarupa hai nityare krsna das. In recent class in bhakti lounge, you were explaining what is Spiritual master's mercy- is to ensure that the disciples are trained and educated in spiritual knowledge. You make necessary arrangements that we are taken care even though physically miles apart. I'm engaged in devotional service , here in Sri Vrindavan dham, under HG Mother Daivi sakti, that I get trained and educated how to perform devotional service, and this is your mercy upon me. Whether I was in Melbourne or Noida Or in sri Vrindavan dham, you always ensured I'm rightly placed and taken care and seeing to that I'm engaged in devotional service. Thank you for creating this great fortune.
Today I also want to share an incident, how you protected me . Few months ago in vrindavan, there was disagreement between me and other devotee, I felt let down, and pushed back by the devotee. Although I have a good relationship with this devotee, but due to turn out of incidents I decided to back off from the relationship, and that particular day i was listening to your lecture, you stressed on point whenever there are differences in our opinions with other devotees, do not back out from relationship as it will stone our hearts and we cannot chant holy names. This statement alarmed me and i realised what a grave situation I'm putting myself into. And as you always remind us of being grateful, I recalled all help this vaisnava offered me over years and applied gratitude and at once I was able to return back to relationship as normal. My heart is already steel framed and further stoning means room for more aparadhas, breeding anarthas and no scope for good chanting.
Not only you protected my relationship with this vaisnava but also protected my heart and taught me how to make it a better place to receive the Holy name.
Gurudeva, You are, the captain, guru-karnadharam guiding the boat in plying across ocean of nescience, by teaching everyone how to come to stage of dedicating everything in service of Krsna, as Krsna states in Bhagavad Gita 9.27
Yat karosi yad asnasi
Yaj juhosi dadasi yat
Yat tapasyasi kaunteya
Tat kurusva mad-arpanam...You always encourage people from different walks of life and teach them this art of Krsna consciousness. You present topics from scriptures in way people can relate to and easily understand. Thank you Gurudeva for making it easy for us.
In your recent email, you instructed me how to make my life successful ... I truly wish to carry out your instructions but I must admit that I have no strength or purity. Today I'm begging for your blessings, so that I can develop genuine appreciation and dedication for Holy name, vaisnava association, study of scriptures , Holy dham and book distribution.
Thank you for all good fortune you showered upon me.
Praying for your strong health...
Your aspiring servant,
Kasturika devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances...
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada..
All Glories to You..
Happy appearance day Gurudeva.... Today is the day of gratitude and celebration of mercy.
Mercy bestowed by spiritual master cannot be fathomed then where the question how to repay, disciple of forever indebted. As wanderer, lost in this illusory world, I don't even get the point that I'm constantly tossed in anxieties in search of so called happiness. Result of my material education is only ignorance and how to engage in selfish pursuits endlessly without a purpose. But You created my greatest fortune, as spiritual education is challenging my underpinned principles and opening dimension which was never explored, jivera svarupa hai nityare krsna das. In recent class in bhakti lounge, you were explaining what is Spiritual master's mercy- is to ensure that the disciples are trained and educated in spiritual knowledge. You make necessary arrangements that we are taken care even though physically miles apart. I'm engaged in devotional service , here in Sri Vrindavan dham, under HG Mother Daivi sakti, that I get trained and educated how to perform devotional service, and this is your mercy upon me. Whether I was in Melbourne or Noida Or in sri Vrindavan dham, you always ensured I'm rightly placed and taken care and seeing to that I'm engaged in devotional service. Thank you for creating this great fortune.
Today I also want to share an incident, how you protected me . Few months ago in vrindavan, there was disagreement between me and other devotee, I felt let down, and pushed back by the devotee. Although I have a good relationship with this devotee, but due to turn out of incidents I decided to back off from the relationship, and that particular day i was listening to your lecture, you stressed on point whenever there are differences in our opinions with other devotees, do not back out from relationship as it will stone our hearts and we cannot chant holy names. This statement alarmed me and i realised what a grave situation I'm putting myself into. And as you always remind us of being grateful, I recalled all help this vaisnava offered me over years and applied gratitude and at once I was able to return back to relationship as normal. My heart is already steel framed and further stoning means room for more aparadhas, breeding anarthas and no scope for good chanting.
Not only you protected my relationship with this vaisnava but also protected my heart and taught me how to make it a better place to receive the Holy name.
Gurudeva, You are, the captain, guru-karnadharam guiding the boat in plying across ocean of nescience, by teaching everyone how to come to stage of dedicating everything in service of Krsna, as Krsna states in Bhagavad Gita 9.27
Yat karosi yad asnasi
Yaj juhosi dadasi yat
Yat tapasyasi kaunteya
Tat kurusva mad-arpanam...You always encourage people from different walks of life and teach them this art of Krsna consciousness. You present topics from scriptures in way people can relate to and easily understand. Thank you Gurudeva for making it easy for us.
In your recent email, you instructed me how to make my life successful ... I truly wish to carry out your instructions but I must admit that I have no strength or purity. Today I'm begging for your blessings, so that I can develop genuine appreciation and dedication for Holy name, vaisnava association, study of scriptures , Holy dham and book distribution.
Thank you for all good fortune you showered upon me.
Praying for your strong health...
Your aspiring servant,
Kasturika devi dasi
Kathamrta Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories onto the auspicious occasion of your appearance in this world.
Parma vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!
Al glories unto Srila Prabhupada.
I write to you on the eve before your appearance day. I am blissfully exhausted from tonights preparations for your celebration tomorrow. I’m ever grateful that although I am a new mother that somehow Krishna has provided me with everything I need to continue to serve you with intensity. Due to your presence in my life, and following your wise instructions, I am situated in such a way that my service is fully supported and encouraged.
Thank you for initiating me into the Maha Mantra, instructing me to study Srila Prabhupada’s books, welcoming me into the sanga of devotees, training me in devotional service, helping me get settled and married to a sincere devotee, and always tolerating my inadequacies.
Thank you for your inspiring and thought provoking talks, and the humorous ways you convey your point. Like the time you explained that the pursuit of material desire is based in fear and then compared it to being trampled in a race. You said “How horrible!! Trampled while everyone else is getting ahead, without you!!!” Or how you teach us about how everything emanates from Krishna by explaining that in the pastime with Agasura- Krishna took pleasure in figuring out how to save the cowherd boys. You said He liked not knowing and then knowing - the way we tiny parts and parcels may like to figure out a crossword puzzle. Then asked, “who likes doing crossword puzzles? Jiva Shakti?,” laughing. Every time you speak I’m amazed at how great an actor you are. You effortlessly take on multiple personas, playing every part in a pastime or in the scenario you are using to illustrate your point. And it’s always been something that has moved my heart and helped my mind to focus. I can tell by the way you speak in this way, how much thought you put into your classes. I’m so fortunate to have you as my spiritual master. I pray that I can listen as well as you speak.
Your servant
Kathamrta
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories onto the auspicious occasion of your appearance in this world.
Parma vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!
Al glories unto Srila Prabhupada.
I write to you on the eve before your appearance day. I am blissfully exhausted from tonights preparations for your celebration tomorrow. I’m ever grateful that although I am a new mother that somehow Krishna has provided me with everything I need to continue to serve you with intensity. Due to your presence in my life, and following your wise instructions, I am situated in such a way that my service is fully supported and encouraged.
Thank you for initiating me into the Maha Mantra, instructing me to study Srila Prabhupada’s books, welcoming me into the sanga of devotees, training me in devotional service, helping me get settled and married to a sincere devotee, and always tolerating my inadequacies.
Thank you for your inspiring and thought provoking talks, and the humorous ways you convey your point. Like the time you explained that the pursuit of material desire is based in fear and then compared it to being trampled in a race. You said “How horrible!! Trampled while everyone else is getting ahead, without you!!!” Or how you teach us about how everything emanates from Krishna by explaining that in the pastime with Agasura- Krishna took pleasure in figuring out how to save the cowherd boys. You said He liked not knowing and then knowing - the way we tiny parts and parcels may like to figure out a crossword puzzle. Then asked, “who likes doing crossword puzzles? Jiva Shakti?,” laughing. Every time you speak I’m amazed at how great an actor you are. You effortlessly take on multiple personas, playing every part in a pastime or in the scenario you are using to illustrate your point. And it’s always been something that has moved my heart and helped my mind to focus. I can tell by the way you speak in this way, how much thought you put into your classes. I’m so fortunate to have you as my spiritual master. I pray that I can listen as well as you speak.
Your servant
Kathamrta
Khadiravan devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine service on this glorious day of your appearance.
I have been contemplating this year how you give classes continuously around the world, you always have of course, but it is just more accessible to me in almost real time due to the constant stream of classes that are uploaded in your footsteps as you travel teaching bhakti. It is a service in of itself to try and keep up with the flow of nectar. On top of that you have added your enlightening podcast, On the way to Krishna. I think of a forcefield, a barrier against the material energy that you are creating with this chanting about Krishna across the globe non-stop, that we can take shelter of against the clattering din of the material world and it’s endless problems and futile attempts to enjoy matter. Not only are these classes a barrier behind which we can experience the cool, calm space of an on-the-way to Krishna life, but they offer us the vision and activities to deal with the world and it’s problems, and our own problems. We hear from you about the real world of Lord Krishna, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Krishna’s incarnations, His soothing pastimes, and His devotees from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita. From my limited vantage point, I imagine producing such classes must take deep study, contemplation and intense selfless service to the devotees completely free from vice to give you such taste for hearing about Vasudeva. There is nothing normal about this. Thank you so much for these classes, you really have taken so seriously being a professor of devotional service and practice.
Further intensifying this forcefield you are creating as a selfless servant of Srila Prabhupada is your example of a life full of pure devotional service in Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana mission - intense, steadfast, resolute, unstoppable, ever increasing. This example distracts us from the glitter of the material energy, showing us there is another whole desirable life to be had, possible generally after much striving and mercy. I hope one day I can be in that life as you are.
You explained recently in one class how the urban outreach centres amazingly enable even a newcomer to be immersed in activities beyond the neophyte platform, “…thrust in the midst of Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana mission - giving bhakti to yourself and giving it to others. These are the activities of an advanced devotee.” What kindness to enable such an opportunity by your setting up, overseeing, and inspiring the continuation of these centres. What great fortune it is for us all to have this opportunity. I am indebted from every angle of vision.
Everyday in this material world as a conditioned soul I am by default in darkness and forgetfulness, yet everyday fortunately I have the opportunity to remember the light of re-connection with Krishna through chanting, hearing, devotional service and the company of devotees by your grace.
I hope for every thought, word and action to be gratitude in action for all you have given me. I live in hope that I can seriously assist you in your all-important service to the devotees, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya.
your servant and spiritual daughter,
Khadiravan devi dasi
please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine service on this glorious day of your appearance.
I have been contemplating this year how you give classes continuously around the world, you always have of course, but it is just more accessible to me in almost real time due to the constant stream of classes that are uploaded in your footsteps as you travel teaching bhakti. It is a service in of itself to try and keep up with the flow of nectar. On top of that you have added your enlightening podcast, On the way to Krishna. I think of a forcefield, a barrier against the material energy that you are creating with this chanting about Krishna across the globe non-stop, that we can take shelter of against the clattering din of the material world and it’s endless problems and futile attempts to enjoy matter. Not only are these classes a barrier behind which we can experience the cool, calm space of an on-the-way to Krishna life, but they offer us the vision and activities to deal with the world and it’s problems, and our own problems. We hear from you about the real world of Lord Krishna, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Krishna’s incarnations, His soothing pastimes, and His devotees from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita. From my limited vantage point, I imagine producing such classes must take deep study, contemplation and intense selfless service to the devotees completely free from vice to give you such taste for hearing about Vasudeva. There is nothing normal about this. Thank you so much for these classes, you really have taken so seriously being a professor of devotional service and practice.
Further intensifying this forcefield you are creating as a selfless servant of Srila Prabhupada is your example of a life full of pure devotional service in Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana mission - intense, steadfast, resolute, unstoppable, ever increasing. This example distracts us from the glitter of the material energy, showing us there is another whole desirable life to be had, possible generally after much striving and mercy. I hope one day I can be in that life as you are.
You explained recently in one class how the urban outreach centres amazingly enable even a newcomer to be immersed in activities beyond the neophyte platform, “…thrust in the midst of Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana mission - giving bhakti to yourself and giving it to others. These are the activities of an advanced devotee.” What kindness to enable such an opportunity by your setting up, overseeing, and inspiring the continuation of these centres. What great fortune it is for us all to have this opportunity. I am indebted from every angle of vision.
Everyday in this material world as a conditioned soul I am by default in darkness and forgetfulness, yet everyday fortunately I have the opportunity to remember the light of re-connection with Krishna through chanting, hearing, devotional service and the company of devotees by your grace.
I hope for every thought, word and action to be gratitude in action for all you have given me. I live in hope that I can seriously assist you in your all-important service to the devotees, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya.
your servant and spiritual daughter,
Khadiravan devi dasi
Khela Tirtha das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the glittering dust of your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Gurudev ,your glories are beyond the space and reading time of a Vyasa puja offering that can be submitted here .
Your disciples and God family could continue on tirelessly praising your qualities, devotional activities, victorious projects and unlimited accounts of personal care.
Numerous accounts of how you are transforming the world via leagues of disciples running worldwide yatras . So many wonderful sankirtan stories, distributing both Prabhupada's books and your books also. Some even compose Sanskrit poems, prayers and praise for you.
Of course what would an offering be if it didn't, in some way, quote scripture to glorify you the spiritual master and the principle of Vyasa Puja? Comparing all the qualities you possess to the previous acaryas, historical devotees, through stories in a modern context?
A multitude of offerings that give details of your tireless world traveling schedule, prolific lecturing and extraordinary writing skills that deeply impact the wide range of audiences that are exposed to your brilliant charm, wit and perfect character.
So many personal stories of devotees interactions with your gracious self and the consequent Krsna conscious epiphanies that move them to tears, infusing KC in their lives, that lead them eventually to Sri Krsna's lotus feet .
Offerings that tell stories of your transcendental mysticism and many instances that defy mundane logic and comprehension,even perceived by our mundane senses that are being purified in the process of Krsna Conciousness.
Many accounts discuss how you dismantle ,and put into Krsna concious perspective , the worldly conflicts, misinformation ,deceit , technological scammery and Maya's illusory energy having her way with the folly of mankind.
Here though ,I would like to give a personal account of experiencing your Krsna Concious brillance in the potent words you speak ;
Kartik 2016
We escorted you to a preaching programme in Auckland.
You narrated Damodar lila to the 100 plus audience.We were transported into this lila as you described various details ranging from the colour of the butter Sri Damodar stole to His brilliant complexion.
A short back story is needed here ;
Prior to this evening ,before you arrived in Auckland, I had been studying the Second canto in daily Bhagavatam classes at the Brahmacari ashram.
The particular section where The Lords form as Narayan is described in detail.
His complexion ,especially, being discussed in post class prasadam sessions with the devotees.
We were fascinated with how the sanskrit used would describe His colour.
Srila Prabhupada's purports would describe further.
But your one line quip on this evening took our meditation on the The Lords form to the next level
You said ;
" Sri Damodar's complexion is made up of condensed clouds of Knowledge ,eternity and bliss "
You succinctly summarized weeks of discussion in one line and allowed everyone present to see your vivid experience of The Lords form.
Gurudev, any word that issues from your mouth allows the living entity ,fortunate enough to be within earshot of them, to experience Krsna and His Name ,Form ,qualities and pastimes,which, steadily ,by your patient and deeply heartfelt cultivation, takes them home
Thankyou for allowing this fallen soul to participate in this journey.......every time you speak in Vapu or Vani.
All glories to you Gurudev ,on this day and every day .
Your aspiring servant
Khela Tirtha dasa
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the glittering dust of your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Gurudev ,your glories are beyond the space and reading time of a Vyasa puja offering that can be submitted here .
Your disciples and God family could continue on tirelessly praising your qualities, devotional activities, victorious projects and unlimited accounts of personal care.
Numerous accounts of how you are transforming the world via leagues of disciples running worldwide yatras . So many wonderful sankirtan stories, distributing both Prabhupada's books and your books also. Some even compose Sanskrit poems, prayers and praise for you.
Of course what would an offering be if it didn't, in some way, quote scripture to glorify you the spiritual master and the principle of Vyasa Puja? Comparing all the qualities you possess to the previous acaryas, historical devotees, through stories in a modern context?
A multitude of offerings that give details of your tireless world traveling schedule, prolific lecturing and extraordinary writing skills that deeply impact the wide range of audiences that are exposed to your brilliant charm, wit and perfect character.
So many personal stories of devotees interactions with your gracious self and the consequent Krsna conscious epiphanies that move them to tears, infusing KC in their lives, that lead them eventually to Sri Krsna's lotus feet .
Offerings that tell stories of your transcendental mysticism and many instances that defy mundane logic and comprehension,even perceived by our mundane senses that are being purified in the process of Krsna Conciousness.
Many accounts discuss how you dismantle ,and put into Krsna concious perspective , the worldly conflicts, misinformation ,deceit , technological scammery and Maya's illusory energy having her way with the folly of mankind.
Here though ,I would like to give a personal account of experiencing your Krsna Concious brillance in the potent words you speak ;
Kartik 2016
We escorted you to a preaching programme in Auckland.
You narrated Damodar lila to the 100 plus audience.We were transported into this lila as you described various details ranging from the colour of the butter Sri Damodar stole to His brilliant complexion.
A short back story is needed here ;
Prior to this evening ,before you arrived in Auckland, I had been studying the Second canto in daily Bhagavatam classes at the Brahmacari ashram.
The particular section where The Lords form as Narayan is described in detail.
His complexion ,especially, being discussed in post class prasadam sessions with the devotees.
We were fascinated with how the sanskrit used would describe His colour.
Srila Prabhupada's purports would describe further.
But your one line quip on this evening took our meditation on the The Lords form to the next level
You said ;
" Sri Damodar's complexion is made up of condensed clouds of Knowledge ,eternity and bliss "
You succinctly summarized weeks of discussion in one line and allowed everyone present to see your vivid experience of The Lords form.
Gurudev, any word that issues from your mouth allows the living entity ,fortunate enough to be within earshot of them, to experience Krsna and His Name ,Form ,qualities and pastimes,which, steadily ,by your patient and deeply heartfelt cultivation, takes them home
Thankyou for allowing this fallen soul to participate in this journey.......every time you speak in Vapu or Vani.
All glories to you Gurudev ,on this day and every day .
Your aspiring servant
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 a special opportunity for the disciple to meditate on your qualities, instructions, and memories of your personal association. To hear of your glories from my god-brothers and god-sisters makes the occasion even more sweeter and nourishing, and helps to recharge our lives with the spiritual impetus required to push ahead for another year.
At the very beginning of the Srimad Bhagavatam it is clearly stated by the sages of Naimisaranya, “O learned one, in this iron Age of Kali men almost always have but short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and, above all, always disturbed.” (SB 1.1.10) We see this manifesting all around us and to think that this is just the beginning of Kaliyuga is very scary. We hear of wars and conflicts in various parts of the world, and in those places that are apparently peaceful, there are other struggles. Whilst going through suffering of various kinds, we try to battle it with our limited abilities, and gradually but inevitably are forced to accept defeat. As the time factor pushes on with each passing year, the reasons for getting out of the material world once and for all become more evident. There are no real solutions that this world has to offer and the only hope for the fallen Kaliyuga residents is the opportunity to associate with a pure devotee of Krsna. As we learn from the scriptures, even a moment’s association with such a pure soul can uplift one from the greatest dangers that await them. Gurudev, you’ve been this saviour for many of us and your mission continues, surpassing five decades of dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. To continue to travel and preach even at this age is certainly one of the most thankless services and to think of how long you’ve been doing it speaks volumes of your compassion towards the suffering souls.
In one of the Srimad Bhagavatam classes during your recent visit here, you were explaining, “the real benediction of a Guru to His disciple is the opportunity to be trained in devotional service, either personally or through another arrangement... that’s the mercy - Guruprasad, and by the Guruprasad you attract the attention of Krsna”. I was contemplating about this for a few days and was trying to remember the various service opportunities that have come my way either directly or through other arrangements you’ve facilitated. You’ve always been very accommodating of my multitude of shortcomings, and I’m not sure even if I’ve made the best use of these opportunities in a manner that pleases you, but we beg you to continue to have the opportunity to keep trying. yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo - By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. There is no other hope.
On this very auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I pray that eternally remain grateful to you and all the devotees who have helped me in my spiritual journey over the years. I beg at your lotus feet to please continue to engage us in your service so that one day we may be able to please you.
Your insignificant servants
Kirtiman Krishna dasa, Priyamvada Madhavi Devi dasi, Priti & Daama
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 a special opportunity for the disciple to meditate on your qualities, instructions, and memories of your personal association. To hear of your glories from my god-brothers and god-sisters makes the occasion even more sweeter and nourishing, and helps to recharge our lives with the spiritual impetus required to push ahead for another year.
At the very beginning of the Srimad Bhagavatam it is clearly stated by the sages of Naimisaranya, “O learned one, in this iron Age of Kali men almost always have but short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and, above all, always disturbed.” (SB 1.1.10) We see this manifesting all around us and to think that this is just the beginning of Kaliyuga is very scary. We hear of wars and conflicts in various parts of the world, and in those places that are apparently peaceful, there are other struggles. Whilst going through suffering of various kinds, we try to battle it with our limited abilities, and gradually but inevitably are forced to accept defeat. As the time factor pushes on with each passing year, the reasons for getting out of the material world once and for all become more evident. There are no real solutions that this world has to offer and the only hope for the fallen Kaliyuga residents is the opportunity to associate with a pure devotee of Krsna. As we learn from the scriptures, even a moment’s association with such a pure soul can uplift one from the greatest dangers that await them. Gurudev, you’ve been this saviour for many of us and your mission continues, surpassing five decades of dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada. To continue to travel and preach even at this age is certainly one of the most thankless services and to think of how long you’ve been doing it speaks volumes of your compassion towards the suffering souls.
In one of the Srimad Bhagavatam classes during your recent visit here, you were explaining, “the real benediction of a Guru to His disciple is the opportunity to be trained in devotional service, either personally or through another arrangement... that’s the mercy - Guruprasad, and by the Guruprasad you attract the attention of Krsna”. I was contemplating about this for a few days and was trying to remember the various service opportunities that have come my way either directly or through other arrangements you’ve facilitated. You’ve always been very accommodating of my multitude of shortcomings, and I’m not sure even if I’ve made the best use of these opportunities in a manner that pleases you, but we beg you to continue to have the opportunity to keep trying. yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo - By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. There is no other hope.
On this very auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I pray that eternally remain grateful to you and all the devotees who have helped me in my spiritual journey over the years. I beg at your lotus feet to please continue to engage us in your service so that one day we may be able to please you.
Your insignificant servants
Kirtiman Krishna dasa, Priyamvada Madhavi Devi dasi, Priti & Daama
Koladvīpa-pati Das
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupāda.
Born into a crazy world, thrown into the ferocious forest of material suffering I am now struck with wonder at my good fortune having finally come in contact with Lord Chaitanya's devotees, under which Srila Prabhupāda is the commander in chief and you are one of his Sankīrtan generals.
The qualifications of the Guru are that he is able to convince the disciple with logic and argument, about the conclusions of the scriptures from having realised them himself. Prabhupāda explains in a purport to SB 5.13.22 'the arguments offered by pure devotees to their disciples are so convincing that even a dull headed disciple is immediately enlightened with spiritual knowledge'.
Indeed in this calamitous situation that the world is in, you are a true beacon of light and are brilliantly attracting many conditioned souls to the wonders of the Lord's ever glorious devotional service. This is seen in the efficacy of your outreach talks in drawing people's hearts and interest to Krishna Consciousness. I can't imagine the compassion you must have for the forgetful souls but it's depths are evident from your decades of dedicated service and success in western cities.
When you last visited Cardiff, I had the great fortune to be able to get a glimpse into your life behind the scenes, so to speak, and your character is nothing but exemplary. The spiritual master's role is not to be a pen pal as you explain but it is to train the disciples in devotional service, of which you are very expert. You don't waste time. You are always thinking of Krishna and how to expand the Sankirtan movement and you are an expert in associating with devotees; indeed you describe it as a Vaiṣṇava's sport, and it's charming to witness.
Overall, I feel completely indebted to you for giving me the valuable treasure of your association especially through your instructions and I'm determined to somehow or other try to please you and make your instructions one with my heart.
I'm praying that I may continue to be engaged in your service,
No matter how insignificant it is.
Your servant,
Koladvīpa-pati Das
Krishna Gopinath das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances
All glories to Shrila Prabhupada and to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
Recently I have been reading Maharaja Prthus prayers to Lord Vishnu after Lord Brahma came to stop him and the sacrificial performers from attempting to kill Indra.
In one purport Shrila Prabhupada amazingly points out the connection between the pure devotee and Krishna and the resulting effect of his speech.
"A pure devotee always engages in the service of the Lord, taking shelter of His lotus feet, and therefore he has a direct connection with the saffron mercy-particles that are strewn over the lotus feet of the Lord. Although when a pure devotee speaks the articulation of his voice may resemble the sound of this material sky, the voice is spiritually very powerful because it touches the particles of saffron dust on the lotus feet of the Lord. As soon as a sleeping living entity hears the powerful voice emanating from the mouth of a pure devotee, he immediately remembers his eternal relationship with the Lord, although up until that moment he had forgotten everything." S.B. 4.20.25 purport
How kind you are that you came into my life and the lives of many others and simply by speaking words coated with saffron mercy-particles awakening us from our sleeping condition.
Without meeting you, my life would have absolutely no value. Sojourning through material existence I was lost in a most unfortunate position making flicking sense gratification the ultimate goal of life, all the while destroying the lives of those I wanted to enjoy with and wracking mine in the process. Without coming in contact with you and your disciples I would have had no chance of getting out of the material pool.
When I was young I'd often try to contemplate and find a solution to the fact that everyone is dying and that all my relationships will ultimately be finished, yet there was no possibility of me, or someone around me coming anywhere near a satisfying answer. All that people would normally say: " that's just how life is"
Of course coming in my teenage years I forgot most of any deeper concerns about life. However if one simply comes to any one of your talks one gets the ultimate solution to all ones problems and understanding of the ultimate goal of connection with Krishna within a few seconds. What could be of greater benefit?
Luckily after my staunch endeavors to frustratingly squeeze some momentary enjoyment out of material existence, by Krishna's grace you came into my life.
I was already chanting 16 rounds and trying to follow the process, but when I met you and you mercifully spoke to me and gave me instructions loaded with saffron mercy-particles I knew that there won't be anything better to do than trying to become Krishna conscious.
In our first interaction in a question& answer session with devotees and a group of more sincere guests, you were pointing out the futility and lowliness of my disgusting attempts to enjoy and also elaborated the importance and unlimited superiority of devotional service and the process of purification of the heart. You ended with asking, whether I have anything better to do with my life than cleaning myself up. My answer was obviously : "No".
Some years later I am still trying to follow your instruction of cleaning myself up and becoming purified of all unwanted things in the heart and trying to become a useful instrument for your pleasure.
These few simple words infused with so much potency is what changed my course in life completely.
After giving me the medicine and always so patiently reminding me of the importance of attentive chanting, you now always kindly encourage me to pass on what I've been gifted to others.
Especially distributing Shrila Prabhupadas books is such a nice service that you have given me. So many times, when everything went wrong in my day and I'm really desperate, if I get the chance to go on books, often within such a short amount of time all these apparently big Problems are immediately washed away as I try to seek your association by trying to serve you in some small way.
And then the people who receive the books are so greatly benefited by getting the association of Shrila Prabhupada and if they are even more fortunate one day they meet you in person and get the highest benediction of meeting a bona fide spiritual master. As they meet you, as Shrila Prabhupada says, they'll immediately remember their eternal relationship with Krishna which they have forgotten for so long. What could be of greater benefit?
I'm seeking your blessings that I may become more sincere in my service to you and give up all unwanted things that I'm painfully holding on to.
Your aspiring disciple
Krishna Gopinath das
Please accept my respectful obeisances
All glories to Shrila Prabhupada and to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
Recently I have been reading Maharaja Prthus prayers to Lord Vishnu after Lord Brahma came to stop him and the sacrificial performers from attempting to kill Indra.
In one purport Shrila Prabhupada amazingly points out the connection between the pure devotee and Krishna and the resulting effect of his speech.
"A pure devotee always engages in the service of the Lord, taking shelter of His lotus feet, and therefore he has a direct connection with the saffron mercy-particles that are strewn over the lotus feet of the Lord. Although when a pure devotee speaks the articulation of his voice may resemble the sound of this material sky, the voice is spiritually very powerful because it touches the particles of saffron dust on the lotus feet of the Lord. As soon as a sleeping living entity hears the powerful voice emanating from the mouth of a pure devotee, he immediately remembers his eternal relationship with the Lord, although up until that moment he had forgotten everything." S.B. 4.20.25 purport
How kind you are that you came into my life and the lives of many others and simply by speaking words coated with saffron mercy-particles awakening us from our sleeping condition.
Without meeting you, my life would have absolutely no value. Sojourning through material existence I was lost in a most unfortunate position making flicking sense gratification the ultimate goal of life, all the while destroying the lives of those I wanted to enjoy with and wracking mine in the process. Without coming in contact with you and your disciples I would have had no chance of getting out of the material pool.
When I was young I'd often try to contemplate and find a solution to the fact that everyone is dying and that all my relationships will ultimately be finished, yet there was no possibility of me, or someone around me coming anywhere near a satisfying answer. All that people would normally say: " that's just how life is"
Of course coming in my teenage years I forgot most of any deeper concerns about life. However if one simply comes to any one of your talks one gets the ultimate solution to all ones problems and understanding of the ultimate goal of connection with Krishna within a few seconds. What could be of greater benefit?
Luckily after my staunch endeavors to frustratingly squeeze some momentary enjoyment out of material existence, by Krishna's grace you came into my life.
I was already chanting 16 rounds and trying to follow the process, but when I met you and you mercifully spoke to me and gave me instructions loaded with saffron mercy-particles I knew that there won't be anything better to do than trying to become Krishna conscious.
In our first interaction in a question& answer session with devotees and a group of more sincere guests, you were pointing out the futility and lowliness of my disgusting attempts to enjoy and also elaborated the importance and unlimited superiority of devotional service and the process of purification of the heart. You ended with asking, whether I have anything better to do with my life than cleaning myself up. My answer was obviously : "No".
Some years later I am still trying to follow your instruction of cleaning myself up and becoming purified of all unwanted things in the heart and trying to become a useful instrument for your pleasure.
These few simple words infused with so much potency is what changed my course in life completely.
After giving me the medicine and always so patiently reminding me of the importance of attentive chanting, you now always kindly encourage me to pass on what I've been gifted to others.
Especially distributing Shrila Prabhupadas books is such a nice service that you have given me. So many times, when everything went wrong in my day and I'm really desperate, if I get the chance to go on books, often within such a short amount of time all these apparently big Problems are immediately washed away as I try to seek your association by trying to serve you in some small way.
And then the people who receive the books are so greatly benefited by getting the association of Shrila Prabhupada and if they are even more fortunate one day they meet you in person and get the highest benediction of meeting a bona fide spiritual master. As they meet you, as Shrila Prabhupada says, they'll immediately remember their eternal relationship with Krishna which they have forgotten for so long. What could be of greater benefit?
I'm seeking your blessings that I may become more sincere in my service to you and give up all unwanted things that I'm painfully holding on to.
Your aspiring disciple
Krishna Gopinath das
Krishna-mayi dd
My dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna! I offer my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this most auspicious day of your divine appearance in this earthly realm, Gurudeva, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. It is almost impossible for me to comprehend the extent of mercy I have received from your compassionate heart. I lack qualifications, yet by your grace, you have bestowed upon me the good fortune to come to know Krishna.
Gurudeva, I am deeply thankful for allowing this wandering soul to take refuge at your lotus feet.
I often ponder deeply on your spiritual journey, particularly the remarkable transformation you experienced during your early days in Krishna consciousness. It's genuinely awe-inspiring how you transitioned from an initial aversion to the book distribution service to developing a profound and enduring love for it. This transformation was not a mere accident; it was ignited by your daily firm commitment, ever fresh enthusiasm, unalloyed devotion and an ardent desire to please Srila Prabhupada.
You displayed extraordinary perseverance in the face of initial obstacles and a lack of immediate results. Day after day, for months on end, you ventured forth with the steadfast resolve of, "I was determined to love it." This attitude, your readiness to undertake essential, even challenging tasks, and your ability to set aside personal preferences, comfort and ego serves as a brilliant example of your pure character and the superior spirit of sacrifice.
Your entire Bhakti journey exemplifies these sublime qualities. As a new bhakta, and later as a Guru and a worldwide spiritual leader, you have remained humble, focused, helpful, and uncompromising in your commitment to Srila Prabhupada's mission and teachings.
I pray that one day, I will be able to embrace the teachings and practices of Krishna consciousness with even a small fraction of the same commitment and fearlessness as you exemplified.
Srila Prabhupada's teachings and instructions are your life and soul. As a faithful torchbearer, you carry the radiant torch of Lord Caitanya’s mercy that Srila Prabhupada entrusted you with, illuminating the hearts of the bewildered souls with knowledge of Krishna.
Your preaching lifestyle, characterized by many inconveniences and tireless travel, has taken you to the far corners of the globe. When you speak your choice of words reflects profound and careful deliberation. You possess the rare gift of conveying the transcendental teachings to touch every heart and thus transforming ignorant souls into Krishna bhaktas.
In your presence, one can't help but be embraced by the warmth of a heart illuminated with compassion and a divine love of Krishna.
Your life and selfless service stand as a living tribute to Srila Prabhupada's legacy.
Dearest Gurudeva, I come before you with deep humility, seeking your blessings and guidance. I earnestly request your divine grace to infuse me with the strength to embrace your instructions with firm determination to follow in my daily life.
My sincere aspiration is for the foundational pillars of Bhakti, which include chanting, reading, and preaching, to transcend mere routines and become an integral and cherished part of my very being, something I approach daily with care and boundless affection.
Dearest Gurudeva, please allow me to eternally remain in your service and wholeheartedly dedicate myself to your mission of spreading Krishna consciousness in this troubled world.
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
On this most auspicious day of your divine appearance in this earthly realm, Gurudeva, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. It is almost impossible for me to comprehend the extent of mercy I have received from your compassionate heart. I lack qualifications, yet by your grace, you have bestowed upon me the good fortune to come to know Krishna.
Gurudeva, I am deeply thankful for allowing this wandering soul to take refuge at your lotus feet.
I often ponder deeply on your spiritual journey, particularly the remarkable transformation you experienced during your early days in Krishna consciousness. It's genuinely awe-inspiring how you transitioned from an initial aversion to the book distribution service to developing a profound and enduring love for it. This transformation was not a mere accident; it was ignited by your daily firm commitment, ever fresh enthusiasm, unalloyed devotion and an ardent desire to please Srila Prabhupada.
You displayed extraordinary perseverance in the face of initial obstacles and a lack of immediate results. Day after day, for months on end, you ventured forth with the steadfast resolve of, "I was determined to love it." This attitude, your readiness to undertake essential, even challenging tasks, and your ability to set aside personal preferences, comfort and ego serves as a brilliant example of your pure character and the superior spirit of sacrifice.
Your entire Bhakti journey exemplifies these sublime qualities. As a new bhakta, and later as a Guru and a worldwide spiritual leader, you have remained humble, focused, helpful, and uncompromising in your commitment to Srila Prabhupada's mission and teachings.
I pray that one day, I will be able to embrace the teachings and practices of Krishna consciousness with even a small fraction of the same commitment and fearlessness as you exemplified.
Srila Prabhupada's teachings and instructions are your life and soul. As a faithful torchbearer, you carry the radiant torch of Lord Caitanya’s mercy that Srila Prabhupada entrusted you with, illuminating the hearts of the bewildered souls with knowledge of Krishna.
Your preaching lifestyle, characterized by many inconveniences and tireless travel, has taken you to the far corners of the globe. When you speak your choice of words reflects profound and careful deliberation. You possess the rare gift of conveying the transcendental teachings to touch every heart and thus transforming ignorant souls into Krishna bhaktas.
In your presence, one can't help but be embraced by the warmth of a heart illuminated with compassion and a divine love of Krishna.
Your life and selfless service stand as a living tribute to Srila Prabhupada's legacy.
Dearest Gurudeva, I come before you with deep humility, seeking your blessings and guidance. I earnestly request your divine grace to infuse me with the strength to embrace your instructions with firm determination to follow in my daily life.
My sincere aspiration is for the foundational pillars of Bhakti, which include chanting, reading, and preaching, to transcend mere routines and become an integral and cherished part of my very being, something I approach daily with care and boundless affection.
Dearest Gurudeva, please allow me to eternally remain in your service and wholeheartedly dedicate myself to your mission of spreading Krishna consciousness in this troubled world.
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Krishnaloka dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Another year to thank you Gurudeva for your benevolent contribution not only in my life but in the lives of many in this world; personally, through your books and through your lectures.
In these times, many in this world are driven by malevolent intentions. We have unqualified leaders, wars, drugs and an alarming amount of abuse - things are getting crazier!
Krishna describes those with this malevolent nature in BG chapter 16.9
The demoniac, who are lost to themselves and who have no intelligence, engage in un-beneficial, horrible works meant to destroy the world.
pp …..They try to enjoy this material world to the utmost limit and therefore always engage in inventing something for sense gratification. Such materialistic inventions are considered to be advancement of human civilization, but the result is that people grow more and more violent and more and more cruel, cruel to animals and cruel to other human beings. They have no idea how to behave toward one another…..
In contrast, we hear in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6, the teaching of the benevolent sages was solely for the benefit of mankind.
sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati
The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.
What a contrast - benevolent/malevolent!
Thank you for your benevolent input into my life Gurudeva.
I wanted to glorify you this year Gurudeva for your unique abilities in presenting Krishna Consciousness in outreach workshops and in Srimad Bhagavatam classes. I have a new listening device so am able to listen to your lectures for at least one hour a day, which I find so interesting and nourishing.
It’s quite remarkable how extensive your understanding is, and it's impressive the art with which you present Krishna Consciousness philosophy and the enchanting Krishna & Caitanya Lila’s. Whenever you delve into these narratives, it's as if we all enter into a trance, our every sense attentive and our minds captivated by the vivid images you paint and the metaphors you skilfully weave making Krishna conscious knowledge accessible and tasty. Also because of your purity and personal dedication to the daily reading of Srila Prabhupada’s books, Krishna has given you a special gift to present them.
And you definitely use that gift, constantly travelling and doing outreach; nobody fully knows how hard you work, continuously travelling the globe selflessly giving……….thousands of gallons of blood you have used in your life to bring others closer to Krishna. You are an emblem of selflessness!
My heartfelt thanks again for your benevolent guidance in my life, Gurudeva.
Your servant,
Krishnaloka dd
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Another year to thank you Gurudeva for your benevolent contribution not only in my life but in the lives of many in this world; personally, through your books and through your lectures.
In these times, many in this world are driven by malevolent intentions. We have unqualified leaders, wars, drugs and an alarming amount of abuse - things are getting crazier!
Krishna describes those with this malevolent nature in BG chapter 16.9
The demoniac, who are lost to themselves and who have no intelligence, engage in un-beneficial, horrible works meant to destroy the world.
pp …..They try to enjoy this material world to the utmost limit and therefore always engage in inventing something for sense gratification. Such materialistic inventions are considered to be advancement of human civilization, but the result is that people grow more and more violent and more and more cruel, cruel to animals and cruel to other human beings. They have no idea how to behave toward one another…..
In contrast, we hear in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6, the teaching of the benevolent sages was solely for the benefit of mankind.
sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati
The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.
What a contrast - benevolent/malevolent!
Thank you for your benevolent input into my life Gurudeva.
I wanted to glorify you this year Gurudeva for your unique abilities in presenting Krishna Consciousness in outreach workshops and in Srimad Bhagavatam classes. I have a new listening device so am able to listen to your lectures for at least one hour a day, which I find so interesting and nourishing.
It’s quite remarkable how extensive your understanding is, and it's impressive the art with which you present Krishna Consciousness philosophy and the enchanting Krishna & Caitanya Lila’s. Whenever you delve into these narratives, it's as if we all enter into a trance, our every sense attentive and our minds captivated by the vivid images you paint and the metaphors you skilfully weave making Krishna conscious knowledge accessible and tasty. Also because of your purity and personal dedication to the daily reading of Srila Prabhupada’s books, Krishna has given you a special gift to present them.
And you definitely use that gift, constantly travelling and doing outreach; nobody fully knows how hard you work, continuously travelling the globe selflessly giving……….thousands of gallons of blood you have used in your life to bring others closer to Krishna. You are an emblem of selflessness!
My heartfelt thanks again for your benevolent guidance in my life, Gurudeva.
Your servant,
Krishnaloka dd
Krsna Kesa Das
Hare Krishna Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupad and all glories to yourself on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration.
This year I have been able to reflect and see how the mercy the guru gives to the disciple is all pervading and unfathomable as is able to override any designation or situation in ones life, it was something that was difficult for me to experience and perceive whilst being heavily absorbed In my service and not being able to vision what spiritual life would be without it.
To follow the instruction of the spiritual master is the secret to success in spiritual life as Srila Prabhupad says, By at least trying to follow your instruction guru maharaja, I now have a glimpse of how the Guru's instruction is actually the only saving grace of a disciple, To please the guru and the guru alone, by trying to understand what the Guru truly desires for us, and to perform devotional service in such a spirit of pleasing the guru is what will help us make advancement in Krishna Conciousness.
For some years now Ive been attached to my particular lifestyle and service in Krishna Consciousness and now that is changing and certain pressures and responsibilities are being lifted, Ive began to reflect by asking myself what should I actually be doing to make advancement in Krishna Consciousness?
It is at this point I become very appreciative and grateful to have your guiding hand and direction on my path of Krishna Consciousness because when its all said and done I begin to see that its only by Gurus mercy alone can one actually make advancement.
I appreciate the time and and energy you have spent with me these past few years on your trips to London and the mercy you have given me by allowing me to serve you during those trips, In these seemingly short moments of time I receive your association, I begin to reflect deeply and see clearly what It really means to be absorbed in Krishna Consciousness, by observing your lifestyle and the example you give, I witness Your limitless compassion to the youth of the western world, and I begin to understand that it knows no bounds, I can see this by your ability and dedication to learn the ever changing psychology and lingo that you use in your preaching in order to communicate Krishna Bhakti to them in words they can understand.
This is just a mere example of a fragment of your mercy that I am able to ascertain with my limited intelligence and Krisnna consciousness, but I do pray these trips continue for years to come gurudev, as these trips give me the opportunity not only to serve you in your service to Srila Prabhupads preaching mission, but also these moments of association give me the opportunity to present myself before my spiritual master in all humility and ask what should I be doing and am I doing the right thing?
Questions I am now realising only the Guru can have the answers too, You give me the ability to face the flaws in my service and my attitude and also give me the ability to muster a mood of sincerity towards making changes to correct these flaws In order to continue to co-operate and be a cog in machine of Srila Prabhupads complex Preaching mission, and for that I am truly Grateful for Gurudev.
Forever Your Aspiring Disciple
Krsna Kesa Das
Please accept my humble obeisance, all glories to Srila Prabhupad and all glories to yourself on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja celebration.
This year I have been able to reflect and see how the mercy the guru gives to the disciple is all pervading and unfathomable as is able to override any designation or situation in ones life, it was something that was difficult for me to experience and perceive whilst being heavily absorbed In my service and not being able to vision what spiritual life would be without it.
To follow the instruction of the spiritual master is the secret to success in spiritual life as Srila Prabhupad says, By at least trying to follow your instruction guru maharaja, I now have a glimpse of how the Guru's instruction is actually the only saving grace of a disciple, To please the guru and the guru alone, by trying to understand what the Guru truly desires for us, and to perform devotional service in such a spirit of pleasing the guru is what will help us make advancement in Krishna Conciousness.
For some years now Ive been attached to my particular lifestyle and service in Krishna Consciousness and now that is changing and certain pressures and responsibilities are being lifted, Ive began to reflect by asking myself what should I actually be doing to make advancement in Krishna Consciousness?
It is at this point I become very appreciative and grateful to have your guiding hand and direction on my path of Krishna Consciousness because when its all said and done I begin to see that its only by Gurus mercy alone can one actually make advancement.
I appreciate the time and and energy you have spent with me these past few years on your trips to London and the mercy you have given me by allowing me to serve you during those trips, In these seemingly short moments of time I receive your association, I begin to reflect deeply and see clearly what It really means to be absorbed in Krishna Consciousness, by observing your lifestyle and the example you give, I witness Your limitless compassion to the youth of the western world, and I begin to understand that it knows no bounds, I can see this by your ability and dedication to learn the ever changing psychology and lingo that you use in your preaching in order to communicate Krishna Bhakti to them in words they can understand.
This is just a mere example of a fragment of your mercy that I am able to ascertain with my limited intelligence and Krisnna consciousness, but I do pray these trips continue for years to come gurudev, as these trips give me the opportunity not only to serve you in your service to Srila Prabhupads preaching mission, but also these moments of association give me the opportunity to present myself before my spiritual master in all humility and ask what should I be doing and am I doing the right thing?
Questions I am now realising only the Guru can have the answers too, You give me the ability to face the flaws in my service and my attitude and also give me the ability to muster a mood of sincerity towards making changes to correct these flaws In order to continue to co-operate and be a cog in machine of Srila Prabhupads complex Preaching mission, and for that I am truly Grateful for Gurudev.
Forever Your Aspiring Disciple
Krsna Kesa Das
Krsna Prasada das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In one of your recent classes you spoke -
‘Krsna cannot be known by metaphysical speculation, by mystic yoga, or pious activities. He can only be known through devotional service. Srila Prabhupada’s mission is all about devotional service, the devotional service movement. Anyone can participate, no matter what their intellectual ability. How are our senses being engaged for Krsna’s pleasure?’
They say that one teaspoon of soil contains more living entities than there are humans and that have ever been on this planet.
Similarly, Bhakti is so rare, how is it, that out of unlimited living entities and countless lifetimes of suffering I have come in contact with this most rare fortune of being part of this amazing devotional service movement?
Its only through your mercy Gurudeva, that there is even the slightest ray of hope for me. You keep pushing me to the limits, which I am so grateful for. You said to my wife and I a few months ago, to do the yagna up until the Vyasa Puja, have two weeks rest, then get straight back into the yagna. At the same time you are so caring to make sure we are being fully rounded and nourished in Bhakti. You recently asked me if it was going to be too much service to cope with, “We still want you to be able to hear and Chant.” I realised its not all about the project at hand, but to look after our physical and spiritual health is part and parcel of devotional service.
Lately I’ve been thinking about trust and how reciprocal it is. Ultimately, Krsna is letting us know in Bhagavad-Gita, that if we trust in him, he will always have our back. Similarly, the more we are able to trust in our Spiritual Masters instructions, the more satisfying and complete our lives will become. No matter what problems may arise, we will be able to stay fixed by focusing on how to serve Guru and Krsna best in every situation. If I can just stick to the process, stick with devotees, be patient and stick to your instructions, I have faith that every effort will one day be so worthwhile.
I am often blown away by the amount of trust you have in me. When trust is reciprocated with, it really does have the ability to inspire and empower us. They say for any good relationship to thrive, we should give more than we receive. Gurudeva, I am trying to offset this balance and give more than I get, but it just doesn’t seem possible, you always have the upper hand and keep me in debt. You are such an expert servant of everyone, this is all you do in all your endeavours.
Srila Prabhupada explains in one of his purports that even though a devotee may not fully know what is Krsna’s plan, he is always obedient to it, thinking “if Im going to be part of somebody’s plan, let it be Krsna’s plan. If its Krsna’s plan, Im safe. And let me somehow remain in the right consciousness to see Krsna’s hand in his plan. Help me, Krsna, to remember that I am simply a part of your plan. I know that you will reveal to me when the time is right why you did this.”
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day, I am begging that you please give me the Spiritual intelligence and ability to obediently serve you through your instructions and be part of Krsna’s plan.
Your indebted servant,
Krsna Prasada das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In one of your recent classes you spoke -
‘Krsna cannot be known by metaphysical speculation, by mystic yoga, or pious activities. He can only be known through devotional service. Srila Prabhupada’s mission is all about devotional service, the devotional service movement. Anyone can participate, no matter what their intellectual ability. How are our senses being engaged for Krsna’s pleasure?’
They say that one teaspoon of soil contains more living entities than there are humans and that have ever been on this planet.
Similarly, Bhakti is so rare, how is it, that out of unlimited living entities and countless lifetimes of suffering I have come in contact with this most rare fortune of being part of this amazing devotional service movement?
Its only through your mercy Gurudeva, that there is even the slightest ray of hope for me. You keep pushing me to the limits, which I am so grateful for. You said to my wife and I a few months ago, to do the yagna up until the Vyasa Puja, have two weeks rest, then get straight back into the yagna. At the same time you are so caring to make sure we are being fully rounded and nourished in Bhakti. You recently asked me if it was going to be too much service to cope with, “We still want you to be able to hear and Chant.” I realised its not all about the project at hand, but to look after our physical and spiritual health is part and parcel of devotional service.
Lately I’ve been thinking about trust and how reciprocal it is. Ultimately, Krsna is letting us know in Bhagavad-Gita, that if we trust in him, he will always have our back. Similarly, the more we are able to trust in our Spiritual Masters instructions, the more satisfying and complete our lives will become. No matter what problems may arise, we will be able to stay fixed by focusing on how to serve Guru and Krsna best in every situation. If I can just stick to the process, stick with devotees, be patient and stick to your instructions, I have faith that every effort will one day be so worthwhile.
I am often blown away by the amount of trust you have in me. When trust is reciprocated with, it really does have the ability to inspire and empower us. They say for any good relationship to thrive, we should give more than we receive. Gurudeva, I am trying to offset this balance and give more than I get, but it just doesn’t seem possible, you always have the upper hand and keep me in debt. You are such an expert servant of everyone, this is all you do in all your endeavours.
Srila Prabhupada explains in one of his purports that even though a devotee may not fully know what is Krsna’s plan, he is always obedient to it, thinking “if Im going to be part of somebody’s plan, let it be Krsna’s plan. If its Krsna’s plan, Im safe. And let me somehow remain in the right consciousness to see Krsna’s hand in his plan. Help me, Krsna, to remember that I am simply a part of your plan. I know that you will reveal to me when the time is right why you did this.”
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day, I am begging that you please give me the Spiritual intelligence and ability to obediently serve you through your instructions and be part of Krsna’s plan.
Your indebted servant,
Krsna Prasada das
Krsnadeva Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to your Appearance Day
Dandavat Pranam,
On this wonderful Vyasa Puja I think about the other Souls who were standing in line waiting for your appearance so that they can finally get out of the material world. I was one of them and I still don't really know how fortunate I am to have your guidance, care and protection in my life, but I know that I'm extremely blessed to have you in my life. .
With the birth of my daughter she's also fortunate because very soon she will get to see the person responsible for changing her father's life and in turn her life.
Any amount of success that we have here in Tulsa in our community is a direct result of your blessing our sanga. I look forward to the day that we can have enough programs set up so that you can speak and help others as you helped me work on getting out of this world.
Selfishly I look forward to many more years of your Vyasa Puja. Each year I plan on getting closer and closer to properly execute your instructions. While in the process of seva I will continue to be the best tool in Krishna's service to bring more people to you. That is the least that I can do and I pray to have more of your blessings in creating an atmosphere conducive here in Oklahoma so that others may want to take up the process of Krishna consciousness.
Thank you for your life and you are continued well wishes towards my family and I
Your Servant,
Krsnadeva Das
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to your Appearance Day
Dandavat Pranam,
On this wonderful Vyasa Puja I think about the other Souls who were standing in line waiting for your appearance so that they can finally get out of the material world. I was one of them and I still don't really know how fortunate I am to have your guidance, care and protection in my life, but I know that I'm extremely blessed to have you in my life. .
With the birth of my daughter she's also fortunate because very soon she will get to see the person responsible for changing her father's life and in turn her life.
Any amount of success that we have here in Tulsa in our community is a direct result of your blessing our sanga. I look forward to the day that we can have enough programs set up so that you can speak and help others as you helped me work on getting out of this world.
Selfishly I look forward to many more years of your Vyasa Puja. Each year I plan on getting closer and closer to properly execute your instructions. While in the process of seva I will continue to be the best tool in Krishna's service to bring more people to you. That is the least that I can do and I pray to have more of your blessings in creating an atmosphere conducive here in Oklahoma so that others may want to take up the process of Krishna consciousness.
Thank you for your life and you are continued well wishes towards my family and I
Your Servant,
Krsnadeva Das
Krsnamrita Das, Rasamrita devi dasi, Balaram & Harinam
namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your appearance day!
Somehow we feel unqualified to glorify you.
Life has been a bit of a roller-coaster lately and sometimes we struggle to keep things into perspective. Nonetheless, we try to persevere by keeping Krishna at the centre of our lives.
Your powerful instructions are full of care and affection for your followers and they are available to us in your lectures and personal instructions. We pray that we can develop the craving to soak in these treasured knowledge and apply them in our lives.
You are a reservoir of knowledge and we truly admire your dedication towards the sankirtana movement. May you continue to inspire and touch the lives of others.
Thank you for being the spiritual guide on this journey of ours. Please don’t give up on us.
We pray for your good health so that you can keep guiding unfortunate souls like us. We beg for a drop of your mercy.
Trying to be your servants,
Krsnamrita das, Rasamrita devi dasi, Balaram & Harinam
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your appearance day!
Somehow we feel unqualified to glorify you.
Life has been a bit of a roller-coaster lately and sometimes we struggle to keep things into perspective. Nonetheless, we try to persevere by keeping Krishna at the centre of our lives.
Your powerful instructions are full of care and affection for your followers and they are available to us in your lectures and personal instructions. We pray that we can develop the craving to soak in these treasured knowledge and apply them in our lives.
You are a reservoir of knowledge and we truly admire your dedication towards the sankirtana movement. May you continue to inspire and touch the lives of others.
Thank you for being the spiritual guide on this journey of ours. Please don’t give up on us.
We pray for your good health so that you can keep guiding unfortunate souls like us. We beg for a drop of your mercy.
Trying to be your servants,
Krsnamrita das, Rasamrita devi dasi, Balaram & Harinam
Krsnananda dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful pranamas. Jay Srila Prabhupada!
Happy 73rd Birthday!
It’s been so long since we really connected on a heart level, so this is more of a general update from me really...please excuse any shortcomings.
2023 has been a year for me like no other. During this phenomenal year I have experienced:
- The birth of our second child, Kamala Sundari, a wonderful soul who has blessed our household so sweetly.
- Doing a full 360 in the sense that I have returned to full time work in the corporate world, albeit with a much better situation than previous roles fortunately. You know, the cost of living is really starting to bite!
- We moved house again, a massive operation for a family of four, and we received so much support from the local devotees here in Katikati, it really touched our hearts. A community (well if you can call it that, us Kiwi’s may co-operate from time to time) of Vaishnava’s is a great benediction. We now have half an acre of land on a rural property, and slowly but surely, we plan to grow food again, just like the Waikanae days.
- My dear beloved mother passed away in August. I have been dealing with grief, loss and love amongst all the practical affairs of dealing with estate administrations and lawyers, funeral directors and so forth. I have never experienced grief in a deep way before in my life. Now I understand what others before me have gone through. It is a deep experience and a profound one that is all part of the human experience. I thank Krsna for allowing me to have my mother’s association until she was nearly 86 years old. In her later years, she took shelter of Krsna, and took up the chanting of Krsna’s names in times of anxiety or fear, even up until the end of life. A remarkable achievement. I will miss her.
- I have received such grace and kindness from a remarkable Vaishnava through all of this.
- Witnessing Gaura-arati not just manage herself well, but thrive through all the intensities and demands of motherhood has touched my heart. Mothers are the first gurus and play such a critical role in society (without them, where would we be?) and sadly they often receive the least attention. But seeing her do so well inspires me to continue supporting her to the best of my ability. This is an important dharmic focus for me.
So as you can imagine, I still have so much to digest and so little time available to digest it all! It’s a whirlwind affair and a struggle for sure - this phase of life. But Krsna bhakti is such a sublime process – at any phase of life. Why? Because ultimately, however we are faring in our practice, in our own consciousness, Krsna declares his supreme secret, “You are so much loved be me!” And that is so wonderful, that reassurance, that unconditional acceptance, by the Lord of our hearts.
Though I doubt I will ever look back on these all-encompassing householder days as being the pinnacle of my bhakti practice, what is truly wonderful is that I am slowly, bit by bit, developing love in the heart. Serving my family – precious parts and parcels who are dear to Krsna – teaches me a lot about personalism. I have so much to share as well. Bhakti means to share. As we learn, we share.
My nature is very strongly directed toward the art of self-expression and avant-garde ways of thinking. And naturally, I seek like-minded association in this regard. However, I admit my communication style needs some work at times. I know it. Its in my astrology. Sometimes I might say things that inadvertently upset people. Sometimes I say things that are too brutally honest, and people aren’t ready to hear those things. So, I am working on that. To be more sensitive to the hearts and minds of others – to put myself in their shoes - is indeed a work in progress.
The time to meet with you and discuss all of this has not come to pass yet, however I hope that day will come.
Some of the things I recall most fondly of our relationship have been:
- How you very kindly and carefully nourished my bhakti practice in my early years – the fanatical days, my goodness! How did everyone tolerate me. Certainly, I think I lost some friends in the ‘outside world’ due to my unabashed zealousness.
- You gave me the benefit of the doubt and gave me permission to marry Gaura-arati which is truly endearing and I am forever grateful. I have learned so much from her! She is like my best friend.
- You took me on a trip to the U.S and Canada and briefly met my father too. You took me under your wing and showed me some of the world and a brief insight into the life of a travelling sannyasin, so I thank you!
- Frequent guidance, care and answering lots of my questions over the years, thank you so much for all the time you put into my growth and development.
- You gave me a nice name and granted me official entrance into the bhakti academy I guess you could say – harinam diksa.
Life can take us on some unexpected twists and turns. I don’t know exactly what the road will bring from here….
Srila Prabhupada wanted us to boil down the milk. And this is a period of my life where I am really thinking deeply about this and what it means. How do I boil myself down to become a more refined person? A more realized person? Thinking about this while simultaneously being completely immersed up to the eyeballs in householder responsibilities is indeed a challenge. But at the same time, I have found such incredible inspiration recently in my Krsna bhakti practice, and a shift towards more broad-minded thinking.
In the odd moment when I have time to reflect, I wonder, how is this Krsna consciousness movement going to move forward? Is a new era of innovation as spiritual scientists upon us? Can we really penetrate much more deeply into the mainstream, or will we always remain as a fringe type of society that your average Joe Bloggs finds difficult to understand? This a big question! From what I can gather from hearing from some senior devotees, the real frontier of the movement is here. I have always been so attracted to being on the frontier.
I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss all these things and more.😊
Yours in service
Krsnananda dasa
Please accept my respectful pranamas. Jay Srila Prabhupada!
Happy 73rd Birthday!
It’s been so long since we really connected on a heart level, so this is more of a general update from me really...please excuse any shortcomings.
2023 has been a year for me like no other. During this phenomenal year I have experienced:
- The birth of our second child, Kamala Sundari, a wonderful soul who has blessed our household so sweetly.
- Doing a full 360 in the sense that I have returned to full time work in the corporate world, albeit with a much better situation than previous roles fortunately. You know, the cost of living is really starting to bite!
- We moved house again, a massive operation for a family of four, and we received so much support from the local devotees here in Katikati, it really touched our hearts. A community (well if you can call it that, us Kiwi’s may co-operate from time to time) of Vaishnava’s is a great benediction. We now have half an acre of land on a rural property, and slowly but surely, we plan to grow food again, just like the Waikanae days.
- My dear beloved mother passed away in August. I have been dealing with grief, loss and love amongst all the practical affairs of dealing with estate administrations and lawyers, funeral directors and so forth. I have never experienced grief in a deep way before in my life. Now I understand what others before me have gone through. It is a deep experience and a profound one that is all part of the human experience. I thank Krsna for allowing me to have my mother’s association until she was nearly 86 years old. In her later years, she took shelter of Krsna, and took up the chanting of Krsna’s names in times of anxiety or fear, even up until the end of life. A remarkable achievement. I will miss her.
- I have received such grace and kindness from a remarkable Vaishnava through all of this.
- Witnessing Gaura-arati not just manage herself well, but thrive through all the intensities and demands of motherhood has touched my heart. Mothers are the first gurus and play such a critical role in society (without them, where would we be?) and sadly they often receive the least attention. But seeing her do so well inspires me to continue supporting her to the best of my ability. This is an important dharmic focus for me.
So as you can imagine, I still have so much to digest and so little time available to digest it all! It’s a whirlwind affair and a struggle for sure - this phase of life. But Krsna bhakti is such a sublime process – at any phase of life. Why? Because ultimately, however we are faring in our practice, in our own consciousness, Krsna declares his supreme secret, “You are so much loved be me!” And that is so wonderful, that reassurance, that unconditional acceptance, by the Lord of our hearts.
Though I doubt I will ever look back on these all-encompassing householder days as being the pinnacle of my bhakti practice, what is truly wonderful is that I am slowly, bit by bit, developing love in the heart. Serving my family – precious parts and parcels who are dear to Krsna – teaches me a lot about personalism. I have so much to share as well. Bhakti means to share. As we learn, we share.
My nature is very strongly directed toward the art of self-expression and avant-garde ways of thinking. And naturally, I seek like-minded association in this regard. However, I admit my communication style needs some work at times. I know it. Its in my astrology. Sometimes I might say things that inadvertently upset people. Sometimes I say things that are too brutally honest, and people aren’t ready to hear those things. So, I am working on that. To be more sensitive to the hearts and minds of others – to put myself in their shoes - is indeed a work in progress.
The time to meet with you and discuss all of this has not come to pass yet, however I hope that day will come.
Some of the things I recall most fondly of our relationship have been:
- How you very kindly and carefully nourished my bhakti practice in my early years – the fanatical days, my goodness! How did everyone tolerate me. Certainly, I think I lost some friends in the ‘outside world’ due to my unabashed zealousness.
- You gave me the benefit of the doubt and gave me permission to marry Gaura-arati which is truly endearing and I am forever grateful. I have learned so much from her! She is like my best friend.
- You took me on a trip to the U.S and Canada and briefly met my father too. You took me under your wing and showed me some of the world and a brief insight into the life of a travelling sannyasin, so I thank you!
- Frequent guidance, care and answering lots of my questions over the years, thank you so much for all the time you put into my growth and development.
- You gave me a nice name and granted me official entrance into the bhakti academy I guess you could say – harinam diksa.
Life can take us on some unexpected twists and turns. I don’t know exactly what the road will bring from here….
Srila Prabhupada wanted us to boil down the milk. And this is a period of my life where I am really thinking deeply about this and what it means. How do I boil myself down to become a more refined person? A more realized person? Thinking about this while simultaneously being completely immersed up to the eyeballs in householder responsibilities is indeed a challenge. But at the same time, I have found such incredible inspiration recently in my Krsna bhakti practice, and a shift towards more broad-minded thinking.
In the odd moment when I have time to reflect, I wonder, how is this Krsna consciousness movement going to move forward? Is a new era of innovation as spiritual scientists upon us? Can we really penetrate much more deeply into the mainstream, or will we always remain as a fringe type of society that your average Joe Bloggs finds difficult to understand? This a big question! From what I can gather from hearing from some senior devotees, the real frontier of the movement is here. I have always been so attracted to being on the frontier.
I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss all these things and more.😊
Yours in service
Krsnananda dasa
Kula Pavana Das and Family
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisance’s.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, we take the opportunity to offer our humble offering unto you. We neither have qualification, nor the literary eloquence to glorify enough. We take this opportunity as a service because this is the only way we try to recollect and remember our journey in your guidance and when we look back we can only see how your presence in our life made us see life in a different scope and what should be planned.
It can be easy to take it for granted, but it is remarkable how fortunate we are to have someone like you that we can approach and take guidance personally. It has been so blissful that 14 years of journey serving your instructions and be a personal cook during your visits to Melbourne kept our enthusiasm.
This year we took a hardest decision of leaving Melbourne due to health reasons. Initially We were bewildered for the change, but we felt fortunate to have your personal blessings since the beginning of our Brisbane yatra.
Often you explain in your lectures the importance of taking guidance from a bona fide spiritual master, one who solely speaks Krsna’s words.
Following In the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada and our previous acharyas you have spent almost five decades relentlessly spreading the glories of Krsna, utilising each moment to create fresh opportunities for people to come into the web of devotional service.
Such a sacrificial life is not possible for an ordinary soul, it is your dedication and sincerity towards Srila Prabhupada instructions tolerating all kind inconveniences. Gurudev, you exemplify Krsna’s instruction “sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja” in a way only purified souls can.
We seek tremendous inspiration from you. It is our earnest desire and wish that one day we may develop that tinge of desire to always serve you and the mission faithfully for Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, our humble request to motivate and guide us to continue our devotional services and follow your instructions sincerely.
We pray to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai every day to give you good health to continue your service to Srila Prabupada instructions and use us in any way possible.
Your humble servants
Kula Pavana Das
Bhuvana Pavana Devi Dasi
Yamuna and
Sachit
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisance’s.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, we take the opportunity to offer our humble offering unto you. We neither have qualification, nor the literary eloquence to glorify enough. We take this opportunity as a service because this is the only way we try to recollect and remember our journey in your guidance and when we look back we can only see how your presence in our life made us see life in a different scope and what should be planned.
It can be easy to take it for granted, but it is remarkable how fortunate we are to have someone like you that we can approach and take guidance personally. It has been so blissful that 14 years of journey serving your instructions and be a personal cook during your visits to Melbourne kept our enthusiasm.
This year we took a hardest decision of leaving Melbourne due to health reasons. Initially We were bewildered for the change, but we felt fortunate to have your personal blessings since the beginning of our Brisbane yatra.
Often you explain in your lectures the importance of taking guidance from a bona fide spiritual master, one who solely speaks Krsna’s words.
Following In the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada and our previous acharyas you have spent almost five decades relentlessly spreading the glories of Krsna, utilising each moment to create fresh opportunities for people to come into the web of devotional service.
Such a sacrificial life is not possible for an ordinary soul, it is your dedication and sincerity towards Srila Prabhupada instructions tolerating all kind inconveniences. Gurudev, you exemplify Krsna’s instruction “sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja” in a way only purified souls can.
We seek tremendous inspiration from you. It is our earnest desire and wish that one day we may develop that tinge of desire to always serve you and the mission faithfully for Srila Prabhupada.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, our humble request to motivate and guide us to continue our devotional services and follow your instructions sincerely.
We pray to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai every day to give you good health to continue your service to Srila Prabupada instructions and use us in any way possible.
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 am writing to convey my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha (SSRG) and Their devotees under your guidance. Reflecting my life till date makes me strongly accept and believe on the point without your guidance and association I would not be at a stage where I am in Krsna consciousness journey.
Though I got long way to go forward in serving you, Their lordships and all devotees. Your wisdom and expertise have been invaluable in shaping my understanding of the Krsna consciousness. Especially your unwavering support and encouragement through lectures and online classes as been very instrumental in my both material and spiritual growth.
On this glorious day of your vysa puja I take the opportunity to express my heartfelt Thanks and re-promising my initiation vows to you. Your mentorship in my Krsna consciousness journey have provided me with deeper insights into the knowledge of Krsna consciousness. With this I’m hoping and promising to work hard to be a good student of yours and Srila Prabhupada. There are instances esp. with your mentorship through online classes, lectures and or our one on ones has empowered me to achieve goals I once considered out of reach. As an example, never thought of me as practising Krsna devotee in spite of all the odds I have faced in my family life. Similar to this there many instances I doubt myself in this Krsna consciousness journey but it is through your guidance and input I was able to cross my nescience.
In my last year vysa puja offering to you I promised to study minimum of one verse of Srimad Bhagvatham every day in the morning. Till date I was able to follow this promise. Following this year I’m continuing my support in managing Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha (SSRG)’s website, Janmastami 2023 campaigns, also other digital newsletters and communication aspects. To continue my service and serve the community with greater dedication and grow spiritually in the Krsna consciousness journey I humbly seek your blessings.
Also, I take this opportunity to pray to Srila prabhupada, Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha and all the devotees for your good health and request you to keep guiding me to full-fill Srila Prabhupada’s vision.
Hare Krsna
Your servant and student
Kumara Sanandana Das
Oct 2023.
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 am writing to convey my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha (SSRG) and Their devotees under your guidance. Reflecting my life till date makes me strongly accept and believe on the point without your guidance and association I would not be at a stage where I am in Krsna consciousness journey.
Though I got long way to go forward in serving you, Their lordships and all devotees. Your wisdom and expertise have been invaluable in shaping my understanding of the Krsna consciousness. Especially your unwavering support and encouragement through lectures and online classes as been very instrumental in my both material and spiritual growth.
On this glorious day of your vysa puja I take the opportunity to express my heartfelt Thanks and re-promising my initiation vows to you. Your mentorship in my Krsna consciousness journey have provided me with deeper insights into the knowledge of Krsna consciousness. With this I’m hoping and promising to work hard to be a good student of yours and Srila Prabhupada. There are instances esp. with your mentorship through online classes, lectures and or our one on ones has empowered me to achieve goals I once considered out of reach. As an example, never thought of me as practising Krsna devotee in spite of all the odds I have faced in my family life. Similar to this there many instances I doubt myself in this Krsna consciousness journey but it is through your guidance and input I was able to cross my nescience.
In my last year vysa puja offering to you I promised to study minimum of one verse of Srimad Bhagvatham every day in the morning. Till date I was able to follow this promise. Following this year I’m continuing my support in managing Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha (SSRG)’s website, Janmastami 2023 campaigns, also other digital newsletters and communication aspects. To continue my service and serve the community with greater dedication and grow spiritually in the Krsna consciousness journey I humbly seek your blessings.
Also, I take this opportunity to pray to Srila prabhupada, Sri Sri RadhaGopinatha and all the devotees for your good health and request you to keep guiding me to full-fill Srila Prabhupada’s vision.
Hare Krsna
Your servant and student
Kumara Sanandana Das
Oct 2023.
Kumudavana Das
Dear Gurudev
We offer our humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your auspicious appearance day, and all glories to my dear Godfamily, who has been continuously motivating us and given us an opportunity to express our gratitude towards the mercy you have shown us.
I genuinely feel I am the most undeserved member of your family, but somehow or other through the association of devotees, and your indiscriminate mercy, I have been admitted to this amazing family of Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada described this family as the real United Nations, and I genuinely pray and wish each and every person in this world can understand and appreciate this, or at the very least get to hear this at least once in their lifetimes.
Thank you Gurudev for giving me and my family direction in life. We falter many times remembering and following that direction, but you have sown the seed of Bhakti in our family, and I pray to Lord Krishna and beg for your mercy and blessings so that we can have the sincerity, humility and urgency to take everything seriously, and make you a proud father and Spiritual Master.
We thank you for guiding us, blessing us, praying for us and giving us your mercy during this tumultuous time. As parents and grandparents we have experienced emotions that I pray to Krishna no-one in this world should ever have to experience, at the same time we see so many others going through a lot worse.
Each and every time, you have given us a subtle but clear message – this is a “dangerous world”. When things have been normal, I now realise we have been very superficial in understanding the gravity of this message, this time though we pray we do not forget the pain this world can cause. The pain of seeing your child suffer is intolerable, we get both materially and spiritually exhausted at times. We look at our sick child, and others in the hospital, we pray to the Lord, O Krishna, please take this pain away, and often, we forget the other children around us and forget to pray for them.
But then I think of you, your tireless service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission for longer than I have been born, how many children you have concern for, care for, the emotions you would be having listening to their concerns all over the world, how you pray for them and it just dwarfs our worries, your greatness is something that we cannot fathom, what to talk about describing it.
You are the doctor and surgeon who travels tirelessly through every continent, giving away the the medicine and true riches that humanity needs, yet you never complain, do so joyfully, enthusiastically and in a way that a person living in these times can still relate to. What right do we have to complain!
We sincerely pray to Lord Krishna, to give you great health so that you can continue curing the real sickness this world has, we can sincerely and seriously take to your message and be an instrument in whatever way you and Lord Krishna want to use us. We pray that each and every disciple in Srila Prabhupada’s family spend some time on Vyasa Puja day, reflect seriously on the opportunity we have been provided, and pray for your mercy so that we take this opportunity seriously – on our own, we have no hope.
Your servants
Kumudavana Das, Bhadravana Das
Nidhivana Devi Dasi and Kusumavana Devi Dasi
We offer our humble obesiances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your auspicious appearance day, and all glories to my dear Godfamily, who has been continuously motivating us and given us an opportunity to express our gratitude towards the mercy you have shown us.
I genuinely feel I am the most undeserved member of your family, but somehow or other through the association of devotees, and your indiscriminate mercy, I have been admitted to this amazing family of Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada described this family as the real United Nations, and I genuinely pray and wish each and every person in this world can understand and appreciate this, or at the very least get to hear this at least once in their lifetimes.
Thank you Gurudev for giving me and my family direction in life. We falter many times remembering and following that direction, but you have sown the seed of Bhakti in our family, and I pray to Lord Krishna and beg for your mercy and blessings so that we can have the sincerity, humility and urgency to take everything seriously, and make you a proud father and Spiritual Master.
We thank you for guiding us, blessing us, praying for us and giving us your mercy during this tumultuous time. As parents and grandparents we have experienced emotions that I pray to Krishna no-one in this world should ever have to experience, at the same time we see so many others going through a lot worse.
Each and every time, you have given us a subtle but clear message – this is a “dangerous world”. When things have been normal, I now realise we have been very superficial in understanding the gravity of this message, this time though we pray we do not forget the pain this world can cause. The pain of seeing your child suffer is intolerable, we get both materially and spiritually exhausted at times. We look at our sick child, and others in the hospital, we pray to the Lord, O Krishna, please take this pain away, and often, we forget the other children around us and forget to pray for them.
But then I think of you, your tireless service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission for longer than I have been born, how many children you have concern for, care for, the emotions you would be having listening to their concerns all over the world, how you pray for them and it just dwarfs our worries, your greatness is something that we cannot fathom, what to talk about describing it.
You are the doctor and surgeon who travels tirelessly through every continent, giving away the the medicine and true riches that humanity needs, yet you never complain, do so joyfully, enthusiastically and in a way that a person living in these times can still relate to. What right do we have to complain!
We sincerely pray to Lord Krishna, to give you great health so that you can continue curing the real sickness this world has, we can sincerely and seriously take to your message and be an instrument in whatever way you and Lord Krishna want to use us. We pray that each and every disciple in Srila Prabhupada’s family spend some time on Vyasa Puja day, reflect seriously on the opportunity we have been provided, and pray for your mercy so that we take this opportunity seriously – on our own, we have no hope.
Your servants
Kumudavana Das, Bhadravana Das
Nidhivana Devi Dasi and Kusumavana Devi Dasi
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet, those feet that follow eternally in the line of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this day and every day!
Thank you for this wonderful life you have given me. From day one, you have given me everything I need to be happy, fulfilled, and satisfied, although I am undeserving.
You have given me so many deep sisterly friendships with whom I have grown up, whom I can share the joys and woes of life with, whom I can have fun with, express myself with, and feel understood and loved by. I can’t imagine life without my sisters.
You have given me modern-day saints and angels to be inspired by, to seek guidance from, to gain conviction in the process of Bhakti from, and to confide in with trust, confidence, and faith. I would be nowhere without my mentors and guides, and I am so grateful for every piece of advice, suggestion for improvement, and well-wishing insight they have given me.
You have given me time and patience to grow, naturally and organically, as a Bhakti practitioner.
You have given me opportunities to sacrifice for Krishna and to experience the satisfaction that comes from giving everything to Him.
You have given me a caring, responsible, and mission-focused fiancé. Vraja Kumuda has helped me so much in overcoming negative mental tendencies and believing in myself. His extreme dedication to western outreach is humbling, inspiring, and contagious. We have had a lot of fun starting Prasadam distribution at the University of Southern California, and the project is teaching us how to cooperate as a team for Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
You have given me devotional service and the holy name. And dancing and chanting in the association of devotees. And prasadam!
You have given me a connection to Srila Prabhupada and the previous Acaryas.
You have given me a purpose and a mission aimed at life’s ultimate goal.
Thank you for saving me, Gurudeva. It’s haunting to think of the situation I would be in without your grace.
I pray for the intelligence to be able to give Krishna to others and for the patience, tolerance, and determination it takes to continue with this service throughout all the chapters of my life.
We desire to stay close to you and fulfill your desires.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Thank you for this wonderful life you have given me. From day one, you have given me everything I need to be happy, fulfilled, and satisfied, although I am undeserving.
You have given me so many deep sisterly friendships with whom I have grown up, whom I can share the joys and woes of life with, whom I can have fun with, express myself with, and feel understood and loved by. I can’t imagine life without my sisters.
You have given me modern-day saints and angels to be inspired by, to seek guidance from, to gain conviction in the process of Bhakti from, and to confide in with trust, confidence, and faith. I would be nowhere without my mentors and guides, and I am so grateful for every piece of advice, suggestion for improvement, and well-wishing insight they have given me.
You have given me time and patience to grow, naturally and organically, as a Bhakti practitioner.
You have given me opportunities to sacrifice for Krishna and to experience the satisfaction that comes from giving everything to Him.
You have given me a caring, responsible, and mission-focused fiancé. Vraja Kumuda has helped me so much in overcoming negative mental tendencies and believing in myself. His extreme dedication to western outreach is humbling, inspiring, and contagious. We have had a lot of fun starting Prasadam distribution at the University of Southern California, and the project is teaching us how to cooperate as a team for Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
You have given me devotional service and the holy name. And dancing and chanting in the association of devotees. And prasadam!
You have given me a connection to Srila Prabhupada and the previous Acaryas.
You have given me a purpose and a mission aimed at life’s ultimate goal.
Thank you for saving me, Gurudeva. It’s haunting to think of the situation I would be in without your grace.
I pray for the intelligence to be able to give Krishna to others and for the patience, tolerance, and determination it takes to continue with this service throughout all the chapters of my life.
We desire to stay close to you and fulfill your desires.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Lata Kumari
Dearest Guru maharaj ji,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
The material world is very dangerous place and it is only by great fortune, after millions of lifetimes, I finally get connected to Krishna through the spiritual master.
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu very clearly explains:
Brahmanda bhramite kona bhãgyavãn jiva
Guru- Krishna prasāde paya Bhakti lata beej
(CC Madhya lila 19.151)
"Out of millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna. By the mercy of both Krishna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service."
I was highly frustrated with material life when by Krishna's arrangements, I came in contact with devotees. They inspired us to attend a retreat and I have your first darshan at Hare Krishna valley retreat in 2019 and had great fortune to see you personally and received your inconceivable mercy by a personal instruction to me " Go greedy for Krishna, but in a structural way." At that time I could not realise the depth of your instruction with my little tiny brain but by association and guidance of devotees and your causeless mercy , I developed the taste to hear more and more about Krishna and his devotees.
Maharaj ji you bestowed mercy upon us on your visit in Melbourne in 2022 and recently on 10th October 2023 on Ekadashi day and allowed us to have your darshan. We requested to have your shelter and you mercifully agreed to take us under your shelter. Thank you so much maharaj ji. In our meeting with you in 2022, I expressed my feelings to spread Krishna conscious in our home town in India where no one is aware about supremacy of Lord Krishna. You simply smile and haven’t said anything. Later I asked how can we serve you. You instructed us to do our chanting attentively . Last year When we visited our hometown and tried to do just 5 minutes Hare Krishna mahamantra kirtan in one of family function it made a huge impact on some of the attendees. Later we realised how your causeless mercy manifested there. some of the ladies were so mesmerised by mahamantra kirtan and were inquiring if we are doing the same in Melbourne. Then each of them received Bhagavad Gita and chanting beads. Till now all of them doing Hare Krishna mahamantra kirtan in their family function even just for 2 minutes. They all are gradually developing love for Krishna.
Guru maharaja ji last year our Shiksha guru inspired us to host Bhakti Vriksha at our place. We have no qualifications and no knowledge and we were very nervous to host BV program. Specially I was in so much anxiety that could not able to sleep properly. BV program about to start next day and I had a dream in the night and you appeared in my dream standing with Sanyasa danda just like Srila Prabhupada standing. I woke up with that dream and felt so relief , I thought now we don’t have to worry Guru maharaja will look after everything. It is more than one year now and by your causeless mercy Maharaja ji, Our BV program is going very well.
Maharaj ji please guide us and shower your causeless mercy upon us so that we can follow your instructions sincerely and we can serve you and the devotees with our whole heart. We are still struggling with our six enemies -false ego, anger , greed , envy , lust and attachment with the worldly things. Please help us to get out of the darkness of material world.
Gurudeva please bless us so we can become faithful servants of the servants of Lord sri Krishna and become an instrument to spread Krishna conscious movement in every nook and corner of the world.
Aspiring to be your humble servants,
Lata Kumari
Arvind Kumar
Lavanga-lata Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
I want to express my deep gratitude for giving me spiritual initiation and giving me the opportunity to be part of the mission to share Lord Chaitanya's teachings and eventually find our way back to our eternal home. Your podcasts on Castbox have brought me immense comfort and profound wisdom, becoming a weekly highlight for me. I'm truly inspired by the way you effortlessly share your love for Lord Krishna in your classes, reaching people at different levels of understanding and adding a touch of humor, making us all laugh.
I can't thank you enough for your unlimited and selfless generosity. Your warm embrace into your spiritual family, providing us with a safe haven from the challenges of the material world, and continuously motivating me to do more for you and Krishna, is a debt I'll always carry. I aspire to serve you with the same unwavering love and dedication that you demonstrate in your service. I understand that I can never fully grasp the depth of your kindness and loving nature, and that's why my gratitude to you knows no bounds.
Thank you gurudev
Your insignificant servant,
Lavanga-lata dasi
Please accept my humble obeisance’s,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
I want to express my deep gratitude for giving me spiritual initiation and giving me the opportunity to be part of the mission to share Lord Chaitanya's teachings and eventually find our way back to our eternal home. Your podcasts on Castbox have brought me immense comfort and profound wisdom, becoming a weekly highlight for me. I'm truly inspired by the way you effortlessly share your love for Lord Krishna in your classes, reaching people at different levels of understanding and adding a touch of humor, making us all laugh.
I can't thank you enough for your unlimited and selfless generosity. Your warm embrace into your spiritual family, providing us with a safe haven from the challenges of the material world, and continuously motivating me to do more for you and Krishna, is a debt I'll always carry. I aspire to serve you with the same unwavering love and dedication that you demonstrate in your service. I understand that I can never fully grasp the depth of your kindness and loving nature, and that's why my gratitude to you knows no bounds.
Thank you gurudev
Your insignificant servant,
Lavanga-lata dasi
Leela rasa devi dasi
Dear Gurudev,Hare Krishna. Please accept my humble obeisance. Thank you so much for accepting me as your spiritual daughter. With the mercy of Krishna and you, I got the opportunity to cook for you. I will pray to you and Krishna to grant me more opportunities to serve you. Every time I attend your darshan and Bhagavatam classes, it is a feast for my eyes and ears.
After few years, I attended your retreat, and it was such a power booster for my sadhana. After hearing about the importance of "gratitude" from you, I felt a significant change in my life. Thank you so much for teaching us how to nourish our bhakti lata. With folded hands, I beg for your mercy so that I can nourish my bhakti lata by hearing your vani and sincerely chanting.I will pray to Krishna for your good health and ask for your blessings on my family. Please continue to shower your mercy upon us.
Your spiritual daughter
Leela rasa devi dasi
After few years, I attended your retreat, and it was such a power booster for my sadhana. After hearing about the importance of "gratitude" from you, I felt a significant change in my life. Thank you so much for teaching us how to nourish our bhakti lata. With folded hands, I beg for your mercy so that I can nourish my bhakti lata by hearing your vani and sincerely chanting.I will pray to Krishna for your good health and ask for your blessings on my family. Please continue to shower your mercy upon us.
Your spiritual daughter
Leela rasa devi dasi
Lila-Kisori Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva. Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you, beloved Spiritual Master.
I remember one of the first conversations that we had after being apart for many years…I was expressing joy over being reunited with my older brother, and you explained that you were able to help me more on the spiritual platform than you ever could have as an elder brother in this material world. At that time, I was so lost in the wilderness created by the illusory energy, I had no clue about the gravity, mercy and truth of your statement.
Thank you for caring for me, even in my ignorance. Thank you for consistently bringing me along on the path of Bhakti yoga. I can never repay the grace you have demonstrated by allowing me to take shelter of your feet as your initiated disciple. Thank you for all the ways that you manifest the twenty-eight qualities of a pure devotee as described in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 11:11:29-32. You are a beacon, lighting the way forward on this path of Bhakti.
In the Bhagavad Gita 4:34 the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna says:
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."
How fortunate I am to have such a spiritual master. I pray that I will be granted ever increasing willingness to be obedient to your instructions, and intelligence to understand your teachings. May the Lord bless me with humility to accept your chastisement when it is warranted, knowing that your correction is given for my edification and advancement on the path back to Godhead. May the Lord provide more ways and means for me to serve you with diligence and joy.
Gurudeva, the words ” thank you” are insufficient to express my gratitude. Any progress that I have made, and hopefully will continue to make, is by your grace. Truly it is by the mercy of my spiritual master, that I obtain the mercy of the Lord.
Your servant and affectionate sister, Lila-Kishori Devi Dasi
I remember one of the first conversations that we had after being apart for many years…I was expressing joy over being reunited with my older brother, and you explained that you were able to help me more on the spiritual platform than you ever could have as an elder brother in this material world. At that time, I was so lost in the wilderness created by the illusory energy, I had no clue about the gravity, mercy and truth of your statement.
Thank you for caring for me, even in my ignorance. Thank you for consistently bringing me along on the path of Bhakti yoga. I can never repay the grace you have demonstrated by allowing me to take shelter of your feet as your initiated disciple. Thank you for all the ways that you manifest the twenty-eight qualities of a pure devotee as described in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 11:11:29-32. You are a beacon, lighting the way forward on this path of Bhakti.
In the Bhagavad Gita 4:34 the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna says:
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."
How fortunate I am to have such a spiritual master. I pray that I will be granted ever increasing willingness to be obedient to your instructions, and intelligence to understand your teachings. May the Lord bless me with humility to accept your chastisement when it is warranted, knowing that your correction is given for my edification and advancement on the path back to Godhead. May the Lord provide more ways and means for me to serve you with diligence and joy.
Gurudeva, the words ” thank you” are insufficient to express my gratitude. Any progress that I have made, and hopefully will continue to make, is by your grace. Truly it is by the mercy of my spiritual master, that I obtain the mercy of the Lord.
Your servant and affectionate sister, Lila-Kishori Devi Dasi
Lila-madhurya dasi
Dear Gurudeva, please kindly accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Gurudeva, how I can thank You enough? How I can adequately glorify You?
Only real Vaishnava is able to glorify Vaishnava in appropriate way. Despite of lacking qualification, with hope for Your merciful understanding, I would like to say something.
You made my life, Gurudeva. Whatever I eat, whatever I wear, whatever air we breath, it is all Your mercy. Devotees, Deities, Cows, all Your mercy.
You made my life, Gurudeva.
Thank You for Your Katha, thank You for Your podcasts, so intimate, so touching. Your Katha fills our lives with sweetness.
Whatever little understanding of Bhakti process I have it is all Your mercy, Gurudeva.
You made my life, Gurudeva. If Krishna doesn't allow me to meet You, my life would be filled with ocean of emptiness, no meaning, no goal, no understanding. Hopeless and meaningless.
You bring us to life. Otherwise it is not life, but just simply lifeless bodies engaged in some useless activities.
Thank You, dear Gurudeva, for trying to put Krishna in a center of our life. At this auspicious Day of Your Vyasa-puja am praying for mercy that I always remain at Your lotus feet and Maya do not swipe me away, please kindly never let me go.
Your tiny servant, Lila-madhurya dasi
Dear Gurudeva, how I can thank You enough? How I can adequately glorify You?
Only real Vaishnava is able to glorify Vaishnava in appropriate way. Despite of lacking qualification, with hope for Your merciful understanding, I would like to say something.
You made my life, Gurudeva. Whatever I eat, whatever I wear, whatever air we breath, it is all Your mercy. Devotees, Deities, Cows, all Your mercy.
You made my life, Gurudeva.
Thank You for Your Katha, thank You for Your podcasts, so intimate, so touching. Your Katha fills our lives with sweetness.
Whatever little understanding of Bhakti process I have it is all Your mercy, Gurudeva.
You made my life, Gurudeva. If Krishna doesn't allow me to meet You, my life would be filled with ocean of emptiness, no meaning, no goal, no understanding. Hopeless and meaningless.
You bring us to life. Otherwise it is not life, but just simply lifeless bodies engaged in some useless activities.
Thank You, dear Gurudeva, for trying to put Krishna in a center of our life. At this auspicious Day of Your Vyasa-puja am praying for mercy that I always remain at Your lotus feet and Maya do not swipe me away, please kindly never let me go.
Your tiny servant, 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 personhood and service
I first of all wanted to thank you for your kindness and being so personal to me over the past few years. It’s amazing how you remember so much about people even though you travel so much and know so many people. I feel like you care for me and my genuine welfare. I’m only just coming to find out what that really is, so I hope that I am able to properly hear your instructions and understand how Krishna Bhakti is what is best for me. Thank you also for being so kind to my mother since you met her. You’re always asking about her, and even though she has a bit of resistance to some aspects of bhakti, she is quite open to Krishna and really favorable to the devotees. She visited recently and joined us for japa and morning programme which was very nice. I’m trying to be merciful to her like you told me to be, so hopefully I can act in a way that is encouraging for her.
I also need to thank you for the opportunities I am having in the ashram. I didn’t realise at first that a ladies ashram like Nandini is not so common, so I am feeling very grateful to have this opportunity. Sometimes I feel that it is very busy and a massive struggle to keep up with, but Krishnaloka told me that it is very fortunate to be so engaged in service because this will keep me spiritually saturated. I can see that when I have a bit of spare time I generally space out, so I am quite fortunate to have service that will keep me out of trouble mostly. I recently heard in one of your lectures that we should be very grateful to Krishna for giving us a lot of service, and not become bitter, because you said that such service is purifying and makes us dear to Krishna.
I’m getting a lot of opportunities in the ashram that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I got to go on the mid year marathon with Madhava Mohini and have been given the service of helping manage the ashram, like I think I mentioned last time we spoke. I’ve felt quite out of my comfort zone recently and feel like I’m being pushed to grow a lot. Im inclined to feel comfortable staying in my tiny shell and being a bit timid/lowkey but perhaps this isn’t always the best for service? I guess I don’t really know who I am. Anyways thank you for the rare opportunity to grow and become purified.
I’m hoping that over time I can develop clear realization about what I’m meant to do in life and how serving the spiritual master is the essence. I would like to develop my relationship more with you and become a genuine servant.
For the moment however it seems im dealing with my spaced out and (extremely) hectic mind, but hopefully in time I will become more genuinely cooperative and clear in mind.
I hope that I’m able to take more advantage of what you are sharing and overcome my selfishness enough to try to give back
Thank you again,
Your aspiring servant Luna
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you and your personhood and service
I first of all wanted to thank you for your kindness and being so personal to me over the past few years. It’s amazing how you remember so much about people even though you travel so much and know so many people. I feel like you care for me and my genuine welfare. I’m only just coming to find out what that really is, so I hope that I am able to properly hear your instructions and understand how Krishna Bhakti is what is best for me. Thank you also for being so kind to my mother since you met her. You’re always asking about her, and even though she has a bit of resistance to some aspects of bhakti, she is quite open to Krishna and really favorable to the devotees. She visited recently and joined us for japa and morning programme which was very nice. I’m trying to be merciful to her like you told me to be, so hopefully I can act in a way that is encouraging for her.
I also need to thank you for the opportunities I am having in the ashram. I didn’t realise at first that a ladies ashram like Nandini is not so common, so I am feeling very grateful to have this opportunity. Sometimes I feel that it is very busy and a massive struggle to keep up with, but Krishnaloka told me that it is very fortunate to be so engaged in service because this will keep me spiritually saturated. I can see that when I have a bit of spare time I generally space out, so I am quite fortunate to have service that will keep me out of trouble mostly. I recently heard in one of your lectures that we should be very grateful to Krishna for giving us a lot of service, and not become bitter, because you said that such service is purifying and makes us dear to Krishna.
I’m getting a lot of opportunities in the ashram that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I got to go on the mid year marathon with Madhava Mohini and have been given the service of helping manage the ashram, like I think I mentioned last time we spoke. I’ve felt quite out of my comfort zone recently and feel like I’m being pushed to grow a lot. Im inclined to feel comfortable staying in my tiny shell and being a bit timid/lowkey but perhaps this isn’t always the best for service? I guess I don’t really know who I am. Anyways thank you for the rare opportunity to grow and become purified.
I’m hoping that over time I can develop clear realization about what I’m meant to do in life and how serving the spiritual master is the essence. I would like to develop my relationship more with you and become a genuine servant.
For the moment however it seems im dealing with my spaced out and (extremely) hectic mind, but hopefully in time I will become more genuinely cooperative and clear in mind.
I hope that I’m able to take more advantage of what you are sharing and overcome my selfishness enough to try to give back
Thank you again,
Your aspiring servant Luna
Madhava das
Dear Guru Maharaj, please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious occasion. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
When I was in Mayapur, I had the luck of having your darshan. While I was with you, you talked to me and showed how fortunate I am to have been born with devotee parents and have the opportunity to live in the holy dham and go to the gurukul there. While you spoke to me, I realized how much I took for granted and didn't appreciate the fact that I had these opportunities.
I would like to thank you for bringing my parents into Krishna consciousness by your determined preaching. I am forever indebted to you for your constant encouragement and enthusiasm to get me involved in kirtan. This, I feel, has brought me closer to you and Krishna as well as given me a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward Krishna consciousness.
All glories to your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.
Your aspiring disciple, Madhava das.
When I was in Mayapur, I had the luck of having your darshan. While I was with you, you talked to me and showed how fortunate I am to have been born with devotee parents and have the opportunity to live in the holy dham and go to the gurukul there. While you spoke to me, I realized how much I took for granted and didn't appreciate the fact that I had these opportunities.
I would like to thank you for bringing my parents into Krishna consciousness by your determined preaching. I am forever indebted to you for your constant encouragement and enthusiasm to get me involved in kirtan. This, I feel, has brought me closer to you and Krishna as well as given me a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward Krishna consciousness.
All glories to your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.
Your aspiring disciple, Madhava das.
Madhava mohini dd
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
In this material world who really cares? I personally haven’t met anyone like you who deeply cares and wants to help the most fallen. No matter how gruelling it is to extend out that helping hand to pull people out of the carnage of material existence. It is a thankless task. It seems to get worse and worse as time goes on but your mercy also gets more and more magnanimous as time goes on.
You once said in a lecture, the more fallen people are the more service their is to do! I was so struck when I heard you say that. Neophyte that I am I just want to have a easy ride in devotional service. But you show by your outstanding example that when the going gets tough the tough get going. There is no room for excuses in your life. You carry on serving Srila Prabhupada no matter what. Your unwavering determination is enthralling. Your life is a stunning example of pure love for your spiritual master.
I read your offering to Srila Prabhupada and you mention in there that “The standard of pure devotion is so atypical and anomalous it sounds beyond supernatural. Yet nothing else can attract Kṛṣṇa. What to do?”
Although it is beyond supernatural, by your example it seems possible if one keeps at it. Of course this is your humility that you are saying it seems out of reach for you because you are a pure representative of the Supreme personality of Godhead Krsna! Again you are showing by your personal example what the right mood of a disciple to the spiritual master is.
I am extremely indebted to you. As you said in a recent lecture in Melbourne that this indebtedness a disciple feels is different to material indebtedness. Materially being indebted is a burden. Spiritual indebtedness is a part of spiritual ecstasy. How can I repay my spiritual master for what he has given me? This is real personalism. This is in reference to what Prahlad maharaja is saying to Lord Narsimhadeva in SB 7.9.28 “so ’haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām: “How can I give up the service of my spiritual master”
I beg for your blessings today to please grant me the benediction that this indebtedness I feel in my heart for you increases day by day and I can try to serve you unceasingly through all phases of life.
Your indebted servant
Madhava mohini devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
In this material world who really cares? I personally haven’t met anyone like you who deeply cares and wants to help the most fallen. No matter how gruelling it is to extend out that helping hand to pull people out of the carnage of material existence. It is a thankless task. It seems to get worse and worse as time goes on but your mercy also gets more and more magnanimous as time goes on.
You once said in a lecture, the more fallen people are the more service their is to do! I was so struck when I heard you say that. Neophyte that I am I just want to have a easy ride in devotional service. But you show by your outstanding example that when the going gets tough the tough get going. There is no room for excuses in your life. You carry on serving Srila Prabhupada no matter what. Your unwavering determination is enthralling. Your life is a stunning example of pure love for your spiritual master.
I read your offering to Srila Prabhupada and you mention in there that “The standard of pure devotion is so atypical and anomalous it sounds beyond supernatural. Yet nothing else can attract Kṛṣṇa. What to do?”
Although it is beyond supernatural, by your example it seems possible if one keeps at it. Of course this is your humility that you are saying it seems out of reach for you because you are a pure representative of the Supreme personality of Godhead Krsna! Again you are showing by your personal example what the right mood of a disciple to the spiritual master is.
I am extremely indebted to you. As you said in a recent lecture in Melbourne that this indebtedness a disciple feels is different to material indebtedness. Materially being indebted is a burden. Spiritual indebtedness is a part of spiritual ecstasy. How can I repay my spiritual master for what he has given me? This is real personalism. This is in reference to what Prahlad maharaja is saying to Lord Narsimhadeva in SB 7.9.28 “so ’haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām: “How can I give up the service of my spiritual master”
I beg for your blessings today to please grant me the benediction that this indebtedness I feel in my heart for you increases day by day and I can try to serve you unceasingly through all phases of life.
Your indebted servant
Madhava mohini devi dasi
Madhavi Lata DD
Dear Gurudev,
All glories to you, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple. Gurudev, you have connected me to Sri Krishna through the Maha mantra. I feel so proud and blessed to have a guru like you. You look after us just like a father. You are such a nice role model of a guru. Always keeping us inspired by your lectures and your projects, we adore you. Even my youngest daughter is aspiring for your diksa.
Once again I bow down to your lotus feet and thank you being the guru for my family.
Your spiritual daughter,
Madhavi Lata DD
All glories to you, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple. Gurudev, you have connected me to Sri Krishna through the Maha mantra. I feel so proud and blessed to have a guru like you. You look after us just like a father. You are such a nice role model of a guru. Always keeping us inspired by your lectures and your projects, we adore you. Even my youngest daughter is aspiring for your diksa.
Once again I bow down to your lotus feet and thank you being the guru for my family.
Your spiritual daughter,
Madhavi Lata DD
Madhu puri dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and to you.
At a recent festival class you explained that Lord Caitanya and His associates are recorded in mundane history. Being very mundane myself, I appreciated knowing this as it increased my faith in these personalities. It highlighted to me how you are able to make the message of our scriptures, as well as the experience of spiritual life, incredibly real, undeniable and accessible.
Thank you for engaging me in service that leads to these tangible experiences.
Your instruction to chant through everything has allowed me to experience heartfelt happiness, which was just a myth to me before.
The tangible connection shared with you in my times of solid sadhana and service, even when you are in a different country. In a dream, you said to me “You have good qualities, but you need to use them in the service of the Krishna.” When I later read a passage where Srila Prabhupada referred to “the Krishna” the reality of this experience was solidified. This basic instruction from you has been carried by me since, and using what I have for Krishna gives a sense of becoming alive again.
Even though I struggle, I could never leave because you have made this spiritual life too real and unforgettable for me, and I’m sure that was very intentional.
Thank you for not giving up on me and for seeing my potential. My deepest (so far most unfulfilled) wish is to live up to the potential that you are able to see, in everyone.
We see you sacrifice your own comfort and health in order to help others towards Krishna, something which is impossible to repay. I pray for the strength to at least stand up and try. Because, where would we be without you?
Your aspiring servant,
Madhu puri dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and to you.
At a recent festival class you explained that Lord Caitanya and His associates are recorded in mundane history. Being very mundane myself, I appreciated knowing this as it increased my faith in these personalities. It highlighted to me how you are able to make the message of our scriptures, as well as the experience of spiritual life, incredibly real, undeniable and accessible.
Thank you for engaging me in service that leads to these tangible experiences.
Your instruction to chant through everything has allowed me to experience heartfelt happiness, which was just a myth to me before.
The tangible connection shared with you in my times of solid sadhana and service, even when you are in a different country. In a dream, you said to me “You have good qualities, but you need to use them in the service of the Krishna.” When I later read a passage where Srila Prabhupada referred to “the Krishna” the reality of this experience was solidified. This basic instruction from you has been carried by me since, and using what I have for Krishna gives a sense of becoming alive again.
Even though I struggle, I could never leave because you have made this spiritual life too real and unforgettable for me, and I’m sure that was very intentional.
Thank you for not giving up on me and for seeing my potential. My deepest (so far most unfulfilled) wish is to live up to the potential that you are able to see, in everyone.
We see you sacrifice your own comfort and health in order to help others towards Krishna, something which is impossible to repay. I pray for the strength to at least stand up and try. Because, where would we be without you?
Your aspiring servant,
Madhu puri dasi
Madhupāna-līlā devi dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my Humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories
to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
G - Grateful:
Another year in Bhakti, another year to be grateful.
Where would I be without Srila Prabhupada's mercy?
Where would I be without your mercy?
A scary thought…
Recently you have been mentioning in classes how we should start a gratitude campaign. We should never let any devotee forget what they have done, even the smallest thing, to assist us in our devotional life.
Recently I've been feeling immense gratitude to all the devotees who have tirelessly helped me on my bhakti path, and especially gratitude to you, Gurudeva. You have always been there like a loving father, giving me your time, energy, corrections and instructions. I can only shudder to think how long I would have carried on in this material body, grinding away in the search for enjoyment, if I didn't come in contact with you.
U - Unconditional:
Going beyond the abnormal conditions of our unhuman thinking patterns where we see one person as a friend and another as an enemy, you give unconditionally. Just as Prahlada Maharaja, the highest example, prayed to the Supreme Lord for the salvation of his demoniac father because he couldn't, not forget the smallest affection that his father showed to him. Similarly, I've seen you welcome back, initiate, and affectionately appreciate people who in my polluted eyes seem to have acted as enemies. Your compassion is endless, and your humble love extends even further. You unconditionally give everyone a chance to engage in devotional service unexpected of the reciprocation which you more than deserve.
R - Resilient:
My knowledge of your days behind the Iron Curtain is limited, but from the little I do know, you stand before us as the personification of Resilience. Not deterred easily from a challenge and not thrown off by the ever changing world. In fact you’re ahead of it. You are always one step ahead. As the prices of vegetables and grains slowly increase, like the frog sitting in a pot of slow boiling water, soon to catch us all off guard. You are so expertly training and developing market farms to always ensure the devotees are taken care of. I feel protected and sheltered knowing that I'm under the care of someone who can withstand the lashes of the material energy, someone who has the strength to show how to stand on their own two feet and carry out unflinching devotional service even in the most challenging / life threatening situations.
U - Unpretentious:
Yale graduate, scholar, NY man, Sanyasi, so many devoted disciples, you have everything to be proud of, yet you are so humble, non threatening. Always trying to be the servent of your spiritual master.
D - Determination:
I heard you once describe yourself as a “Prabhupada Man” alluding that you stick to Prabhupada's instructions and don't change them. In one of your early lectures you shared an experience of how you challenged so many of your God brothers by sticking to Prabhupada's direct instructions, in this way you experienced a lot of backfire.
In a recent class given at Gita Nagari you were impressing upon the assembled devotees the importance of attending Mangala Arti. You mentioned how for 5 years in a row you never missed a Morning program, even when you were doing full time book distribution and would only get 2-3 hrs of sleep a night. I pray someday that I may develop a speck of your determination.
E - Endearing:
Before KC I was: messy, dirty internally and externally, crooked, deceitful, not very intelligent and I would have gotten offended if referred to as shy or chaste. But there was something about You, Gurudeva, I was able to give up all my bad habits. Do things and services I would never have been brave enough to do.
One marathon after being kicked out of a New World car park, my sankirtan partner and I went into the supermarket and started distributing aisle to aisle repeating the mantra “be brave for Gurudeva." Another time I remember stopping people at a McDonalds drive through, just before they would pull up to order. We would stop them trying to convince them to get a happy book instead of a happy meal. All with the desire to please you, seeing your smile pushes me to do more, knowing that you’re pleased with me convinces me that I can.
V - Vitality:
As the years tick by and we celebrate another year of you on this planet, I've noticed that unfortunately the material body does continue to get older. However, every time I see you, you look younger and more energized. You are always active and dynamic in your services. Guiding us all by example. Stressing the importance of taking care of our physical health by doing regular exercise, I know you're still able to out walk even the slimest servant in a stroll around the block.
Thank you Gurudeva for being a life giving source to myself and all the devotees.
A - Active
73 this year and but by the amount of Devotional service that you do you don't seem any older than 23. You are Always actively engaged in preaching Lord Caitanya's sankirtan movement. Encouraging us by saying to “Give Krsna at least double what you gave Maya, otherwise you're cheating.” I've realized that to get the opportunity to engage in devotional service is rare, and not always available. I pray that I always live in a place where devotional service is “on tap”.
I pray to you on this day and always that I may remain absorbed in hearing and chanting, always surrounded by devotees, and surrendered to your sankirtan mission,
Your daughter and servant
Madhupāna-līlā devi dasi
Please accept my Humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories
to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
G - Grateful:
Another year in Bhakti, another year to be grateful.
Where would I be without Srila Prabhupada's mercy?
Where would I be without your mercy?
A scary thought…
Recently you have been mentioning in classes how we should start a gratitude campaign. We should never let any devotee forget what they have done, even the smallest thing, to assist us in our devotional life.
Recently I've been feeling immense gratitude to all the devotees who have tirelessly helped me on my bhakti path, and especially gratitude to you, Gurudeva. You have always been there like a loving father, giving me your time, energy, corrections and instructions. I can only shudder to think how long I would have carried on in this material body, grinding away in the search for enjoyment, if I didn't come in contact with you.
U - Unconditional:
Going beyond the abnormal conditions of our unhuman thinking patterns where we see one person as a friend and another as an enemy, you give unconditionally. Just as Prahlada Maharaja, the highest example, prayed to the Supreme Lord for the salvation of his demoniac father because he couldn't, not forget the smallest affection that his father showed to him. Similarly, I've seen you welcome back, initiate, and affectionately appreciate people who in my polluted eyes seem to have acted as enemies. Your compassion is endless, and your humble love extends even further. You unconditionally give everyone a chance to engage in devotional service unexpected of the reciprocation which you more than deserve.
R - Resilient:
My knowledge of your days behind the Iron Curtain is limited, but from the little I do know, you stand before us as the personification of Resilience. Not deterred easily from a challenge and not thrown off by the ever changing world. In fact you’re ahead of it. You are always one step ahead. As the prices of vegetables and grains slowly increase, like the frog sitting in a pot of slow boiling water, soon to catch us all off guard. You are so expertly training and developing market farms to always ensure the devotees are taken care of. I feel protected and sheltered knowing that I'm under the care of someone who can withstand the lashes of the material energy, someone who has the strength to show how to stand on their own two feet and carry out unflinching devotional service even in the most challenging / life threatening situations.
U - Unpretentious:
Yale graduate, scholar, NY man, Sanyasi, so many devoted disciples, you have everything to be proud of, yet you are so humble, non threatening. Always trying to be the servent of your spiritual master.
D - Determination:
I heard you once describe yourself as a “Prabhupada Man” alluding that you stick to Prabhupada's instructions and don't change them. In one of your early lectures you shared an experience of how you challenged so many of your God brothers by sticking to Prabhupada's direct instructions, in this way you experienced a lot of backfire.
In a recent class given at Gita Nagari you were impressing upon the assembled devotees the importance of attending Mangala Arti. You mentioned how for 5 years in a row you never missed a Morning program, even when you were doing full time book distribution and would only get 2-3 hrs of sleep a night. I pray someday that I may develop a speck of your determination.
E - Endearing:
Before KC I was: messy, dirty internally and externally, crooked, deceitful, not very intelligent and I would have gotten offended if referred to as shy or chaste. But there was something about You, Gurudeva, I was able to give up all my bad habits. Do things and services I would never have been brave enough to do.
One marathon after being kicked out of a New World car park, my sankirtan partner and I went into the supermarket and started distributing aisle to aisle repeating the mantra “be brave for Gurudeva." Another time I remember stopping people at a McDonalds drive through, just before they would pull up to order. We would stop them trying to convince them to get a happy book instead of a happy meal. All with the desire to please you, seeing your smile pushes me to do more, knowing that you’re pleased with me convinces me that I can.
V - Vitality:
As the years tick by and we celebrate another year of you on this planet, I've noticed that unfortunately the material body does continue to get older. However, every time I see you, you look younger and more energized. You are always active and dynamic in your services. Guiding us all by example. Stressing the importance of taking care of our physical health by doing regular exercise, I know you're still able to out walk even the slimest servant in a stroll around the block.
Thank you Gurudeva for being a life giving source to myself and all the devotees.
A - Active
73 this year and but by the amount of Devotional service that you do you don't seem any older than 23. You are Always actively engaged in preaching Lord Caitanya's sankirtan movement. Encouraging us by saying to “Give Krsna at least double what you gave Maya, otherwise you're cheating.” I've realized that to get the opportunity to engage in devotional service is rare, and not always available. I pray that I always live in a place where devotional service is “on tap”.
I pray to you on this day and always that I may remain absorbed in hearing and chanting, always surrounded by devotees, and surrendered to your sankirtan mission,
Your daughter and servant
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
The First Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam explains the difficulty in crossing the ocean of Kali. One needs a strong ship of the Holy Name and a strong captain. The ocean can be a dangerous place and we are not ideal crew but you are the finest captain. Who else would dare to step on a boat with us in such treacherous conditions?
Sridar Swami mentions that a Spiritual Master is one who takes great risks. He mentions how the Gopis of Vrndavan were ready to give the dust of their feet to aid Krsna's recovery. Even though there is so much risk in offending the Supreme Lord in this way, the Gopis were willing to take this risk. In the same way, the Guru has to take so many risks in order to guide the conditioned souls.
I wonder about the risks you must take. It's hard enough to maintain our spiritual life let alone take responsibility for others. What gives you the strength to carry us back to Srila Prabhupada's Lotus Feet? You have given so much to Krsna that the doors to His transcendental abode must be open to you. Yet you remain here in the dirt with us willing to risk for our benefit when we are so unqualified.
Yet, there is a great mystery to this thankless task. We see that you relish every opportunity to reach out to the fallen souls. Many times you have mentioned to us, "Just give me people to preach to". We see the expert way you guide the fledgling souls, navigating though a see of misunderstanding and concoctions, excuses and objections, like a skilled surgeon, cutting away all unnecessary things until only the soul is left, ready to be reconnected to the Supreme Soul .
So as I clutch onto the boat, of the Holy name through the brutal waters of the material world, I cannot help but watch in awe as you risk it all to dive into those murky waters to save another drowning soul.
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
The First Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam explains the difficulty in crossing the ocean of Kali. One needs a strong ship of the Holy Name and a strong captain. The ocean can be a dangerous place and we are not ideal crew but you are the finest captain. Who else would dare to step on a boat with us in such treacherous conditions?
Sridar Swami mentions that a Spiritual Master is one who takes great risks. He mentions how the Gopis of Vrndavan were ready to give the dust of their feet to aid Krsna's recovery. Even though there is so much risk in offending the Supreme Lord in this way, the Gopis were willing to take this risk. In the same way, the Guru has to take so many risks in order to guide the conditioned souls.
I wonder about the risks you must take. It's hard enough to maintain our spiritual life let alone take responsibility for others. What gives you the strength to carry us back to Srila Prabhupada's Lotus Feet? You have given so much to Krsna that the doors to His transcendental abode must be open to you. Yet you remain here in the dirt with us willing to risk for our benefit when we are so unqualified.
Yet, there is a great mystery to this thankless task. We see that you relish every opportunity to reach out to the fallen souls. Many times you have mentioned to us, "Just give me people to preach to". We see the expert way you guide the fledgling souls, navigating though a see of misunderstanding and concoctions, excuses and objections, like a skilled surgeon, cutting away all unnecessary things until only the soul is left, ready to be reconnected to the Supreme Soul .
So as I clutch onto the boat, of the Holy name through the brutal waters of the material world, I cannot help but watch in awe as you risk it all to dive into those murky waters to save another drowning soul.
Your servant
Madhurānanda das
Madhurya-sindhu dd
My dearest Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your divine lotus feet. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
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 memorable day, I pray to Lord Krishna for Your good health and many more years of loving service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am very thankful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual 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. Thank You so much Gurudev for Your love, kindness, and inspiration You bring to my life.
Your loving glance represents a ray of hope for me. By Your mercy only can I perform devotional service without any difficulties. Your valuable guidance has given me great courage and enthusiasm to manage my spiritual life.
This year I feel very blessed as I got Your sweet personal association during our trip to Gita Nagari. Every evening You blessed us with Your melodious kirtan and nectarean Bhagavatham classes. Listening to Your discourses feel like hearing the Bhagavatham verses come to life.
The memories of the day You left Gita Nagari is still fresh in my mind. All the devotees who were there as You were getting into the car had sadness and tears in their eyes. As Your car drive away, some of the younger devotees ran quickly through a short-cut path to catch one more glimpse of You, as the car turned around the winding road. This picturesque image reminded me of the time when Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram were leaving Vrndavan to Mathura with Akrura and how the Gopis ran behind the chariot to obtain glimpses of Krishna. This is similar to the feelings Your devotees were feeling as You drove off.
It is the purity of Your service that makes You so attractive and radiant, charged with Your divine power to attract wandering souls to their rightful place at Lord Krishna's lotus feet.
Your instructions are Your real loving mercy. I have no place more secure than Your lotus feet. I pray that I have the fortune to eternally remain there.
Praying to get more of Your personal association. Please bless me and my family to nicely serve You and the Vaishnavas.
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.
Oct 19, 2023
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your divine lotus feet. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
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 memorable day, I pray to Lord Krishna for Your good health and many more years of loving service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am very thankful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual 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. Thank You so much Gurudev for Your love, kindness, and inspiration You bring to my life.
Your loving glance represents a ray of hope for me. By Your mercy only can I perform devotional service without any difficulties. Your valuable guidance has given me great courage and enthusiasm to manage my spiritual life.
This year I feel very blessed as I got Your sweet personal association during our trip to Gita Nagari. Every evening You blessed us with Your melodious kirtan and nectarean Bhagavatham classes. Listening to Your discourses feel like hearing the Bhagavatham verses come to life.
The memories of the day You left Gita Nagari is still fresh in my mind. All the devotees who were there as You were getting into the car had sadness and tears in their eyes. As Your car drive away, some of the younger devotees ran quickly through a short-cut path to catch one more glimpse of You, as the car turned around the winding road. This picturesque image reminded me of the time when Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram were leaving Vrndavan to Mathura with Akrura and how the Gopis ran behind the chariot to obtain glimpses of Krishna. This is similar to the feelings Your devotees were feeling as You drove off.
It is the purity of Your service that makes You so attractive and radiant, charged with Your divine power to attract wandering souls to their rightful place at Lord Krishna's lotus feet.
Your instructions are Your real loving mercy. I have no place more secure than Your lotus feet. I pray that I have the fortune to eternally remain there.
Praying to get more of Your personal association. Please bless me and my family to nicely serve You and the Vaishnavas.
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.
Oct 19, 2023
Madhuryadham devi dasi
Dear guru maharaj
Today on this auspicious day I pray to the Lord for your good health.
Dear Guru Maharaj thank you so much for everything. You have given me a nice Krishna Consciousness extended family which always helps and engages me with Krishna's seva in spite of all my anarthas and ignorance.
I don't have any knowledge. Sometimes I feel I do not have any qualifications and even no qualified devotees are around me still I get the chance to serve senior Vaishnavas.
This is truly your mercy on me. Your mercy flows not only directly but also from far distance.
This time when we heard the GBC meeting is in Pune we were so excited that we would meet you and here our congregation devotee friends want to hear nectar from you maharaj.
Please come to Pune.
I am not an intelligent one who can write big shloka and quote and relate I just know you are my Guru Maharaj and you are my savior who can engage me in Prabhupada's service.
Your aspiring servant,
Madhuryadham Devi Dasi.
Today on this auspicious day I pray to the Lord for your good health.
Dear Guru Maharaj thank you so much for everything. You have given me a nice Krishna Consciousness extended family which always helps and engages me with Krishna's seva in spite of all my anarthas and ignorance.
I don't have any knowledge. Sometimes I feel I do not have any qualifications and even no qualified devotees are around me still I get the chance to serve senior Vaishnavas.
This is truly your mercy on me. Your mercy flows not only directly but also from far distance.
This time when we heard the GBC meeting is in Pune we were so excited that we would meet you and here our congregation devotee friends want to hear nectar from you maharaj.
Please come to Pune.
I am not an intelligent one who can write big shloka and quote and relate I just know you are my Guru Maharaj and you are my savior who can engage me in Prabhupada's service.
Your aspiring servant,
Madhuryadham Devi Dasi.
Madhuryamrita 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!!
When I came across this string of verses in the Aila Gita in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.26.32-34, I thought of you:
“The devotees of the Lord, peacefully fixed in absolute knowledge, are the ultimate shelter for those who are repeatedly rising and falling within the fearful ocean of material life. Such devotees are just like a strong boat that comes to rescue persons who are at the point of drowning.
Just as food is the life of all creatures, just as I am the ultimate shelter for the distressed, and just as religion is the wealth of those who are passing away from this world, so My devotees are the only refuge of persons fearful of falling into a miserable condition of life.
My devotees bestow divine eyes, whereas the sun allows only external sight, and that only when it is risen in the sky. My devotees are one’s real worshipable deities and real family; they are one’s own self, and ultimately they are nondifferent from Me.
Purport: Foolishness is the wealth of the impious, who place great value on their treasure and firmly make up their minds to remain in the darkness of ignorance. Saintly devotees of the Lord are just like the sun. By the light of their words, the living entities’ eyes of knowledge are opened and the darkness of ignorance is destroyed. Thus the saintly devotees are one’s real friends and relatives. They are the proper recipients of service — not the gross material body, which merely clamors for sense gratification.”
I feel like a fool when I’m in your presence, so small and insignificant, like an ant, scared of doing something wrong or of displeasing you. You have said in the past how devotee relationships are not material and I still have not yet learned how to relate to you in person (I have so much respect for you that I get very, very nervous). However, I do feel that you are like my sun, when I listen to your words in your lectures they penetrate into my consciousness and destroy my ignorance. Thank you.
I am eternally grateful to have come in contact with devotees and especially with you. Recently I asked you a question during Srimad Bhagavatam class about associating with people at study and work and you said to not give your heart. I have come to realise that only devotees understand my heart and therefore I appreciate their association so much. They are my real friends and family because they help me remember Krishna and my purpose in life to serve Him. Thank you for encouraging me to come back to New Zealand every time I had to leave for visa reasons. I feel blessed to be a part of the loft community here in Auckland. There is a wealth of devotional service and it is the highlight of my week to engage in exciting outreach.
Thank you Gurudeva for being the best role model of full absorption in Krishna consciousness. It is so inspiring. Thank you for encouraging Jayadeva kavi and myself to go to Gita Nagari dham and have the opportunity to fully engage in devotional service before starting a family. I feel fortunate to have had that sweet experience of serving Sri Sri Radha Damodar amongst such special vaishnavas. I have such fond memories like taking the deities out to the forest for Jhulan Yatra festival, singing for the deities in mangala arati, ironing Srila Prabhupada’s cloth and making colourful rose garlands for the deities while listening to Krishna katha, reading Krishna book with the devotees while drinking fresh milk from our cows, and many many more.
Thank you for encouraging me to study Srila Prabhupada’s books. The experience of reading is very important in my life. It makes my spiritual practice alive, I feel connected to Srila Prabhupada through his words and I am constantly meditating on pastimes of Lord Chaitanya and Krishna and His devotees. At the moment, I am reading of King Prataparudra’s determination to have Lord Chaitanya’s darshan and it fuels my own spiritual desire for serving Krishna with such intensity and love.
I have finally come to this point in my life where I will be able to serve the younger generation of devotees by being their school teacher. I will try my best to give them a deep and enlivening experience of Krishna consciousness and hopefully they will choose to serve Krishna as their life’s purpose when they are mature enough. Please give me your blessings for this service.
Gurudeva, thank you for rescuing me from the fearful ocean of material life. I will try my best to hold on to your transcendental boat.
Your tiny, insignificant servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!!
When I came across this string of verses in the Aila Gita in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.26.32-34, I thought of you:
“The devotees of the Lord, peacefully fixed in absolute knowledge, are the ultimate shelter for those who are repeatedly rising and falling within the fearful ocean of material life. Such devotees are just like a strong boat that comes to rescue persons who are at the point of drowning.
Just as food is the life of all creatures, just as I am the ultimate shelter for the distressed, and just as religion is the wealth of those who are passing away from this world, so My devotees are the only refuge of persons fearful of falling into a miserable condition of life.
My devotees bestow divine eyes, whereas the sun allows only external sight, and that only when it is risen in the sky. My devotees are one’s real worshipable deities and real family; they are one’s own self, and ultimately they are nondifferent from Me.
Purport: Foolishness is the wealth of the impious, who place great value on their treasure and firmly make up their minds to remain in the darkness of ignorance. Saintly devotees of the Lord are just like the sun. By the light of their words, the living entities’ eyes of knowledge are opened and the darkness of ignorance is destroyed. Thus the saintly devotees are one’s real friends and relatives. They are the proper recipients of service — not the gross material body, which merely clamors for sense gratification.”
I feel like a fool when I’m in your presence, so small and insignificant, like an ant, scared of doing something wrong or of displeasing you. You have said in the past how devotee relationships are not material and I still have not yet learned how to relate to you in person (I have so much respect for you that I get very, very nervous). However, I do feel that you are like my sun, when I listen to your words in your lectures they penetrate into my consciousness and destroy my ignorance. Thank you.
I am eternally grateful to have come in contact with devotees and especially with you. Recently I asked you a question during Srimad Bhagavatam class about associating with people at study and work and you said to not give your heart. I have come to realise that only devotees understand my heart and therefore I appreciate their association so much. They are my real friends and family because they help me remember Krishna and my purpose in life to serve Him. Thank you for encouraging me to come back to New Zealand every time I had to leave for visa reasons. I feel blessed to be a part of the loft community here in Auckland. There is a wealth of devotional service and it is the highlight of my week to engage in exciting outreach.
Thank you Gurudeva for being the best role model of full absorption in Krishna consciousness. It is so inspiring. Thank you for encouraging Jayadeva kavi and myself to go to Gita Nagari dham and have the opportunity to fully engage in devotional service before starting a family. I feel fortunate to have had that sweet experience of serving Sri Sri Radha Damodar amongst such special vaishnavas. I have such fond memories like taking the deities out to the forest for Jhulan Yatra festival, singing for the deities in mangala arati, ironing Srila Prabhupada’s cloth and making colourful rose garlands for the deities while listening to Krishna katha, reading Krishna book with the devotees while drinking fresh milk from our cows, and many many more.
Thank you for encouraging me to study Srila Prabhupada’s books. The experience of reading is very important in my life. It makes my spiritual practice alive, I feel connected to Srila Prabhupada through his words and I am constantly meditating on pastimes of Lord Chaitanya and Krishna and His devotees. At the moment, I am reading of King Prataparudra’s determination to have Lord Chaitanya’s darshan and it fuels my own spiritual desire for serving Krishna with such intensity and love.
I have finally come to this point in my life where I will be able to serve the younger generation of devotees by being their school teacher. I will try my best to give them a deep and enlivening experience of Krishna consciousness and hopefully they will choose to serve Krishna as their life’s purpose when they are mature enough. Please give me your blessings for this service.
Gurudeva, thank you for rescuing me from the fearful ocean of material life. I will try my best to hold on to your transcendental boat.
Your tiny, insignificant servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Madurananda 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
The First Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam explains the difficulty in crossing the ocean of Kali. One needs a strong ship of the Holy Name and a strong captain. The ocean can be a dangerous place and we are not ideal crew but you are the finest captain. Who else would dare to step on a boat with us in such treacherous conditions?
Sridar Swami mentions that a Spiritual Master is one who takes great risks. He mentions how the Gopis of Vrndavan were ready to give the dust of their feet to aid Krsna's recovery. Even though there is so much risk in offending the Supreme Lord in this way, the Gopis were willing to take this risk. In the same way, the Guru has to take so many risks in order to guide the conditioned souls.
I wonder about the risks you must take. It's hard enough to maintain our spiritual life let alone take responsibility for others. What gives you the strength to carry us back to Srila Prabhupada's Lotus Feet? You have given so much to Krsna that the doors to His transcendental abode must be open to you. Yet you remain here in the dirt with us willing to risk for our benefit when we are so unqualified.
Yet, there is a great mystery to this thankless task. We see that you relish every opportunity to reach out to the fallen souls. Many times you have mentioned to us, "Just give me people to preach to". We see the expert way you guide the fledgling souls, navigating though a see of misunderstanding and concoctions, excuses and objections, like a skilled surgeon, cutting away all unnecessary things until only the soul is left, ready to be reconnected to the Supreme Soul .
So as I clutch onto the boat, of the Holy name through the brutal waters of the material world, I cannot help but watch in awe as you risk it all to dive into those murky waters to save another drowning soul.
Your servant
Madurananda 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
The First Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam explains the difficulty in crossing the ocean of Kali. One needs a strong ship of the Holy Name and a strong captain. The ocean can be a dangerous place and we are not ideal crew but you are the finest captain. Who else would dare to step on a boat with us in such treacherous conditions?
Sridar Swami mentions that a Spiritual Master is one who takes great risks. He mentions how the Gopis of Vrndavan were ready to give the dust of their feet to aid Krsna's recovery. Even though there is so much risk in offending the Supreme Lord in this way, the Gopis were willing to take this risk. In the same way, the Guru has to take so many risks in order to guide the conditioned souls.
I wonder about the risks you must take. It's hard enough to maintain our spiritual life let alone take responsibility for others. What gives you the strength to carry us back to Srila Prabhupada's Lotus Feet? You have given so much to Krsna that the doors to His transcendental abode must be open to you. Yet you remain here in the dirt with us willing to risk for our benefit when we are so unqualified.
Yet, there is a great mystery to this thankless task. We see that you relish every opportunity to reach out to the fallen souls. Many times you have mentioned to us, "Just give me people to preach to". We see the expert way you guide the fledgling souls, navigating though a see of misunderstanding and concoctions, excuses and objections, like a skilled surgeon, cutting away all unnecessary things until only the soul is left, ready to be reconnected to the Supreme Soul .
So as I clutch onto the boat, of the Holy name through the brutal waters of the material world, I cannot help but watch in awe as you risk it all to dive into those murky waters to save another drowning soul.
Your servant
Madurananda das
Mahat-Sevaka Das and Radhika-Seva Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Vyasa Puja!
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Gurudeva, you are a representative of Srila Vyasadeva to us. You are the medium through which the transcendental knowledge flows down from Lord Sri Krishna to your disciples. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for accepting us as your disciples and connecting us to the Parampara.
This year, through your classes, we learned more about your services to Srila Prabhupada and the BBT. Gurudeva, we get goosebumps every time we hear about the episode of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta publishing marathon from the early 70s. The events take us back to when Srila Prabhupada met you in your office at the BBT facility, and we try to picture Prabhupada in your office with you meditating on his lotus feet. Srila Prabhupada had finished all the translation work of his rendition of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta merely in 18 months. However, the volumes were not published. Prabhupada considered this an ISKCON-wide problem and instructed BBT to produce the first complete set within two months. You accepted the instrumental role of a copy editor in the book publishing team, dedicated your heart and soul to this service, and accomplished the inconceivable task of publishing all 17 volumes in just two months. You proofread the first copy of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta for 12 hours a day for two months straight. You even wrote all the chapter titles for Srimad Bhagavatam and did all the table of contents for Bhagavatam since the fifth canto and most of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, except the first volume of Adi-Leela.
Your book distribution and the BBT services are exemplary and inspiring. Gurudeva, your innovative preaching style, insightful books, and thought-provoking classes glorify the essence of scriptures and promote simple and sustainable living with spiritual thinking. We are very fortunate to have had opportunities to serve you this year. Your classes have also helped us comprehend the importance of Vani Seva and motivated us to focus on your instructions sincerely. We are determined to serve you by avidly reading and distributing Sri Caitanya-caritamrta and Srimad Bhagavatam.
On the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja, we sincerely pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Sri Radha Govardhandhari, and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai to bestow you with good health so that you may continue to serve Srila Prabhupada by spreading Mahaprabhu’s transcendental teachings throughout the world.
Your aspiring servants,
Mahat-Sevaka Das and Radhika-Seva Dasi
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Vyasa Puja!
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Gurudeva, you are a representative of Srila Vyasadeva to us. You are the medium through which the transcendental knowledge flows down from Lord Sri Krishna to your disciples. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for accepting us as your disciples and connecting us to the Parampara.
This year, through your classes, we learned more about your services to Srila Prabhupada and the BBT. Gurudeva, we get goosebumps every time we hear about the episode of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta publishing marathon from the early 70s. The events take us back to when Srila Prabhupada met you in your office at the BBT facility, and we try to picture Prabhupada in your office with you meditating on his lotus feet. Srila Prabhupada had finished all the translation work of his rendition of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta merely in 18 months. However, the volumes were not published. Prabhupada considered this an ISKCON-wide problem and instructed BBT to produce the first complete set within two months. You accepted the instrumental role of a copy editor in the book publishing team, dedicated your heart and soul to this service, and accomplished the inconceivable task of publishing all 17 volumes in just two months. You proofread the first copy of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta for 12 hours a day for two months straight. You even wrote all the chapter titles for Srimad Bhagavatam and did all the table of contents for Bhagavatam since the fifth canto and most of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, except the first volume of Adi-Leela.
Your book distribution and the BBT services are exemplary and inspiring. Gurudeva, your innovative preaching style, insightful books, and thought-provoking classes glorify the essence of scriptures and promote simple and sustainable living with spiritual thinking. We are very fortunate to have had opportunities to serve you this year. Your classes have also helped us comprehend the importance of Vani Seva and motivated us to focus on your instructions sincerely. We are determined to serve you by avidly reading and distributing Sri Caitanya-caritamrta and Srimad Bhagavatam.
On the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja, we sincerely pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Sri Radha Govardhandhari, and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai to bestow you with good health so that you may continue to serve Srila Prabhupada by spreading Mahaprabhu’s transcendental teachings throughout the world.
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.
While most humans today are obsessed with modern technology, sadly only a few take advantage of the original version, sri guru parampara.
The new kid on the block is supposed to triumphantly bring us out of the dark ages to a more convenient and fulfilling life, but in reality it replaces what should be a simple life of high thinking with a complicated one of brainlessness, while destroying its devotees, other species, and the planet in the process.
The old timer, however, actually delivers the goods, allowing its participants to see what otherwise remains occult, giving perfect knowledge and the methodology to realise it.
There is an old proverb, “you’re only as strong as your weakest link,” and those faithful to guru parampara can clearly see that link in the failed attempt at human progress today; the lack of genuine knowledge and the required attitude to access it.
The fortunate few who gather to express their appreciation and gratitude today, however, have the opportunity to dispel all ignorance and suffering, having you as their link in the discipline chain, their link to perfect knowledge, perfect vision.
“Vyāsa was the spiritual master of Sañjaya, and Sañjaya admits that it was by Vyāsa’s mercy that he could understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This means that one has to understand Kṛṣṇa not directly but through the medium of the spiritual master. The spiritual master is the transparent medium, although it is true that the experience is still direct. This is the mystery of the disciplic succession. When the spiritual master is bona fide, then one can hear Bhagavad-gītā directly, as Arjuna heard it.”
- Bhagavad Gita 18.75 purport
Today we honour you, our greatest friend, well-wisher, and guide, with our words and a rededication to lovingly serve your desires.
“Actually there is no difference between hearing directly from Kṛṣṇa and hearing directly from Kṛṣṇa via a bona fide spiritual master like Vyāsa. The spiritual master is the representative of Vyāsadeva also. Therefore, according to the Vedic system, on the birthday of the spiritual master the disciples conduct the ceremony called Vyāsa-pūjā.”
- Bhagavad Gita 18.75 purport
Begging to humbly follow you and one day become,
Your servant,
Mahavan das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
While most humans today are obsessed with modern technology, sadly only a few take advantage of the original version, sri guru parampara.
The new kid on the block is supposed to triumphantly bring us out of the dark ages to a more convenient and fulfilling life, but in reality it replaces what should be a simple life of high thinking with a complicated one of brainlessness, while destroying its devotees, other species, and the planet in the process.
The old timer, however, actually delivers the goods, allowing its participants to see what otherwise remains occult, giving perfect knowledge and the methodology to realise it.
There is an old proverb, “you’re only as strong as your weakest link,” and those faithful to guru parampara can clearly see that link in the failed attempt at human progress today; the lack of genuine knowledge and the required attitude to access it.
The fortunate few who gather to express their appreciation and gratitude today, however, have the opportunity to dispel all ignorance and suffering, having you as their link in the discipline chain, their link to perfect knowledge, perfect vision.
“Vyāsa was the spiritual master of Sañjaya, and Sañjaya admits that it was by Vyāsa’s mercy that he could understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This means that one has to understand Kṛṣṇa not directly but through the medium of the spiritual master. The spiritual master is the transparent medium, although it is true that the experience is still direct. This is the mystery of the disciplic succession. When the spiritual master is bona fide, then one can hear Bhagavad-gītā directly, as Arjuna heard it.”
- Bhagavad Gita 18.75 purport
Today we honour you, our greatest friend, well-wisher, and guide, with our words and a rededication to lovingly serve your desires.
“Actually there is no difference between hearing directly from Kṛṣṇa and hearing directly from Kṛṣṇa via a bona fide spiritual master like Vyāsa. The spiritual master is the representative of Vyāsadeva also. Therefore, according to the Vedic system, on the birthday of the spiritual master the disciples conduct the ceremony called Vyāsa-pūjā.”
- Bhagavad Gita 18.75 purport
Begging to humbly follow you and one day become,
Your servant,
Mahavan das
Manada devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Through your deep and real compassion for others, your tireless efforts to bring others to Krsna consciousness, you set an example of how to be truly selfless, how to really care. “A selfish life is an unhappy life” you often say.
One time, at the end of 2020, when I was on Queen street with Dina Dayala during the December book marathon, and struggling to distribute books there, you called me. I told you I was having difficulty and that I had only distributed one small book so far. You said, “That person is so fortunate.” The way you said it was like there was absolutely no doubt about the great fortune of the receiver of the small book. At the end the conversation, you said jovially, “I will let you continue with the festivities.” Festivities? Sankirtan sure felt so far from a festival for me that day. Queen street’s fast pace and passionate energy was overwhelming. But after our brief conversation, I felt spiritually refreshed with your faith and also your joy, which seemed to radiate from the phone to the street. I felt alive after that phone call. Then immediately after that, a family took a few books and more persons took books after that. I realised your desire to genuinely connect others to Krishna through book distribution was so much stronger than mine. And that I really didn’t know what compassion was. You were distributing the books that day, through your real compassion, through your desire. And I got to experience a bit of that “marathon magic” the sankirtan devotees talk about. I’d remembered your instructions about four years prior, to go on sankirtan two days a week, and I had said doubtfully, “But I’m not good at distributing books,” and you just boomed, “IT’S EFFORT! Not whether you are good at it or not. Just effort. That’s all.”
Thank you for your immense encouragement and your personalism Gurudeva. Thank you for always giving us hope that despite what difficult circumstances may come about, that simply by deepening our hearing and chanting and plugging into service – assisting you in your most sincere mission to bring others to Krsna – we find our shelter, and our real occupation. Although I do try, lately, I have not been able to do as much service as I would like or as you would like me to. I’m praying on this day for that renewed vigour to serve, that can only come from your mercy.
Your aspiring servant and ever grateful spiritual daughter
Manada devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Through your deep and real compassion for others, your tireless efforts to bring others to Krsna consciousness, you set an example of how to be truly selfless, how to really care. “A selfish life is an unhappy life” you often say.
One time, at the end of 2020, when I was on Queen street with Dina Dayala during the December book marathon, and struggling to distribute books there, you called me. I told you I was having difficulty and that I had only distributed one small book so far. You said, “That person is so fortunate.” The way you said it was like there was absolutely no doubt about the great fortune of the receiver of the small book. At the end the conversation, you said jovially, “I will let you continue with the festivities.” Festivities? Sankirtan sure felt so far from a festival for me that day. Queen street’s fast pace and passionate energy was overwhelming. But after our brief conversation, I felt spiritually refreshed with your faith and also your joy, which seemed to radiate from the phone to the street. I felt alive after that phone call. Then immediately after that, a family took a few books and more persons took books after that. I realised your desire to genuinely connect others to Krishna through book distribution was so much stronger than mine. And that I really didn’t know what compassion was. You were distributing the books that day, through your real compassion, through your desire. And I got to experience a bit of that “marathon magic” the sankirtan devotees talk about. I’d remembered your instructions about four years prior, to go on sankirtan two days a week, and I had said doubtfully, “But I’m not good at distributing books,” and you just boomed, “IT’S EFFORT! Not whether you are good at it or not. Just effort. That’s all.”
Thank you for your immense encouragement and your personalism Gurudeva. Thank you for always giving us hope that despite what difficult circumstances may come about, that simply by deepening our hearing and chanting and plugging into service – assisting you in your most sincere mission to bring others to Krsna – we find our shelter, and our real occupation. Although I do try, lately, I have not been able to do as much service as I would like or as you would like me to. I’m praying on this day for that renewed vigour to serve, that can only come from your mercy.
Your aspiring servant and ever grateful spiritual daughter
Manada devi dasi
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Dear Gurudeva,PAMHO,agtSP & agt you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
I am by nature, the eternal seervant of Krishna, but by misfortune due to being a inimical towards him from time in the immemorial, I have been identifying with this body and have been wandering the cycle of repeated birth and death, again and again, in this material existence, being burnt by the threefold miseries. Now, as a result of some unimaginable good fortune by your mercy dear Gurudeva I have come to understand that I am the eternal servant of Krishna and that I am an infinitesimal spiritual, being completely, apart from the gross and settled body now by the your mercy, I hope to follow in your footsteps, and I hope to attain the good fortune to serve your Lotus feet.
I am not a Brahmans a ksatriya or a sudra nor am i brahmana,grhasta,vanaprasta,or a sannyasi , I identify myself as the servant of the servant of the servant of the Lotus feet of Lord Krishna. The maintainers of the Gopi‘s. He is like an ocean of nectar and he is the cause of the universal transcendental Bliss, he is always existing with brilliance
Oh Goverdhana , O king of the mountains , O hill whose nectar the Best of Lord hari servants flows from the moon of Sri Radhas mouth. O hill that the Vedas declare to be the tilaka marking of Vraja please grant me residence near you.
Dear Gurudeva to be able to meditate on these simple but powerful instructions by your Grace, I feel blessed.
I look forward to being with you in the kirtana , dancing & chanting on this most auspicious day of your appearance
Ys Mangal Vaisnava Dasa
I am by nature, the eternal seervant of Krishna, but by misfortune due to being a inimical towards him from time in the immemorial, I have been identifying with this body and have been wandering the cycle of repeated birth and death, again and again, in this material existence, being burnt by the threefold miseries. Now, as a result of some unimaginable good fortune by your mercy dear Gurudeva I have come to understand that I am the eternal servant of Krishna and that I am an infinitesimal spiritual, being completely, apart from the gross and settled body now by the your mercy, I hope to follow in your footsteps, and I hope to attain the good fortune to serve your Lotus feet.
I am not a Brahmans a ksatriya or a sudra nor am i brahmana,grhasta,vanaprasta,or a sannyasi , I identify myself as the servant of the servant of the servant of the Lotus feet of Lord Krishna. The maintainers of the Gopi‘s. He is like an ocean of nectar and he is the cause of the universal transcendental Bliss, he is always existing with brilliance
Oh Goverdhana , O king of the mountains , O hill whose nectar the Best of Lord hari servants flows from the moon of Sri Radhas mouth. O hill that the Vedas declare to be the tilaka marking of Vraja please grant me residence near you.
Dear Gurudeva to be able to meditate on these simple but powerful instructions by your Grace, I feel blessed.
I look forward to being with you in the kirtana , dancing & chanting on this most auspicious day of your appearance
Ys Mangal Vaisnava Dasa
Mangal-arti dd
Dearest Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On your auspicious appearance day, I want to humbly express my gratitude for your training and for your unyielding support. Over the past year, somehow, I had the great fortune of meeting several devotees who have been trained over the years. To my amazement I noticed, no matter which country these devotees were from they carried the same mood of seriousness and being for real in Bhakti that you teach.
Thank you, Guru Maharaj, for teaching me repeatedly to always make the choice that is most pleasing to Krishna. No matter what the circumstances and practicalities, you have always taught to choose the Krishna conscious thing to do. And to always see even the most trying of circumstances, as Krishna's mercy. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn that from you.
On different occasions you have told me:
1 Read, Chant, Preach and Distribute
2 A preacher can live anywhere.
3 Don't be attached.
4 Somehow or other go on, keep on pushing Prabhupada's movement.
I have been repeating these to myself this past year and humbly reflecting that you have already taught us everything, we really just have to apply this and aspire to become a real devotee.
In this material world where there are so many abandonment issues, you have appeared as a "Firm Shelter" for me and for so many devotees. I have the great fortune of experiencing that no matter what the circumstances, you will always engage me in Krishna's service.
I humbly pray that you will always engage me as your servant. Please bless me that I can remain attached to your lotus feet.
your humble servant
Mangal-arti dd
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada
On your auspicious appearance day, I want to humbly express my gratitude for your training and for your unyielding support. Over the past year, somehow, I had the great fortune of meeting several devotees who have been trained over the years. To my amazement I noticed, no matter which country these devotees were from they carried the same mood of seriousness and being for real in Bhakti that you teach.
Thank you, Guru Maharaj, for teaching me repeatedly to always make the choice that is most pleasing to Krishna. No matter what the circumstances and practicalities, you have always taught to choose the Krishna conscious thing to do. And to always see even the most trying of circumstances, as Krishna's mercy. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn that from you.
On different occasions you have told me:
1 Read, Chant, Preach and Distribute
2 A preacher can live anywhere.
3 Don't be attached.
4 Somehow or other go on, keep on pushing Prabhupada's movement.
I have been repeating these to myself this past year and humbly reflecting that you have already taught us everything, we really just have to apply this and aspire to become a real devotee.
In this material world where there are so many abandonment issues, you have appeared as a "Firm Shelter" for me and for so many devotees. I have the great fortune of experiencing that no matter what the circumstances, you will always engage me in Krishna's service.
I humbly pray that you will always engage me as your servant. Please bless me that I can remain attached to your lotus feet.
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.
Over 500 years ago, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stated that in every town and village his name would be heard. He instructed his followers to preach the message of the Gita and Bhagavatam everywhere and to everyone. Over a century ago in 1922, Srila Prabhupada first met his spiritual master - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and at that same meeting received that fateful instruction to preach Krishna Consciousness in Western Countries. As we know, the rest is history.
We can’t forget however that instrumental in fulfilling the desire of the parampara, instrumental in us being here today, is the valuable service that you yourself have done.Your contributions to this ISKCON movement is respected and revered by many.
Unique in your offering to your spiritual master is your contribution to the outreach scene in the Western World. From putting your life at risk behind the iron curtain to setting up spiritual nightclub’s around different parts of the world. The result has been that a great number of Western devotees now grace the world with their presence. You have taken the baton that Srila Prabhupada received from his spiritual master and are now passing it on to us, your disciples.
How perfectly you have utilized your Yale standard intellect in the service of Srila Prabhupada and the world....You show how one who has recieved a tertiary education should live their life on graduating. Not for money making, not for cheap sense gratification which the cats and dogs get - but for using their acquired qualifications and abilities to benefit the masses.
Reflecting on the past year of serving predominantly within the realm of university outreach my eyes have been opened to certain realities which I was either blind to before or that have just become more prominent with the exponential degradation afforded by this age of Kali.
It is said that the millennials are now entering the child rearing phase of life and in their place - the colorful and even more confused generation Z’ers now stand in an attempt to make their mark on the world. Spending at least 4 days a week at the University of Auckland campus I have had the opportunity to talk with them, befriend them and analyze "what vibe they are on" so to speak.
Generally speaking, for many Western(ized) students, their body is not a temple but a chemical laboratory. Major traumas abound, seeing a therapist is common practice. Romantic relationships generally start quick and become toxic. And what to speak of understanding their spiritual identity, their material identity is often a mystery…
The result of such an existence? Dysfunction on all levels. Often I feel myself to be not just a friend but a psychologist and doctor to these students. Hearing their problems, giving practical advice on how to take care of themselves and at the same time trying to administer the ultimate curative treatment.
Why do we do this? Why do we go through the difficulties to reach these very broken individuals who some may argue require more work than they are worth? Why not just focus on preaching to the Indian students who are generally more wholesome and seemingly ripe for the picking? Why not just chant Hare Krishna and take prasad and just leave it at that?
We do this service to please you. In pursuance of your desire to bring more educated persons to KC.
We do this service because if it wasn’t for your mercy and mercy of those working on your behalf, we wouldn’t be here now. Therefore we feel obliged to pay it forward.
Admittedly, my capacity for service is small. My intelligence is limited. My sincerity is questionable. There are so many opportunities for expanding the outreach scene here in just Auckland alone and it saddens me that they can’t all be taken advantage of. So if I may, I would like to humbly request for the intelligence, the ability and empowerment to do more. The overarching desire for my life, is to be able to contribute all my energy, resources and abilities to expanding this sankirtana movement.
Requesting your guidance and blessings so that we may be able to perform just a fraction of the glorious work you have in your lifetime. And just a fraction of the devotion you perform it with.
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.
Over 500 years ago, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stated that in every town and village his name would be heard. He instructed his followers to preach the message of the Gita and Bhagavatam everywhere and to everyone. Over a century ago in 1922, Srila Prabhupada first met his spiritual master - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and at that same meeting received that fateful instruction to preach Krishna Consciousness in Western Countries. As we know, the rest is history.
We can’t forget however that instrumental in fulfilling the desire of the parampara, instrumental in us being here today, is the valuable service that you yourself have done.Your contributions to this ISKCON movement is respected and revered by many.
Unique in your offering to your spiritual master is your contribution to the outreach scene in the Western World. From putting your life at risk behind the iron curtain to setting up spiritual nightclub’s around different parts of the world. The result has been that a great number of Western devotees now grace the world with their presence. You have taken the baton that Srila Prabhupada received from his spiritual master and are now passing it on to us, your disciples.
How perfectly you have utilized your Yale standard intellect in the service of Srila Prabhupada and the world....You show how one who has recieved a tertiary education should live their life on graduating. Not for money making, not for cheap sense gratification which the cats and dogs get - but for using their acquired qualifications and abilities to benefit the masses.
Reflecting on the past year of serving predominantly within the realm of university outreach my eyes have been opened to certain realities which I was either blind to before or that have just become more prominent with the exponential degradation afforded by this age of Kali.
It is said that the millennials are now entering the child rearing phase of life and in their place - the colorful and even more confused generation Z’ers now stand in an attempt to make their mark on the world. Spending at least 4 days a week at the University of Auckland campus I have had the opportunity to talk with them, befriend them and analyze "what vibe they are on" so to speak.
Generally speaking, for many Western(ized) students, their body is not a temple but a chemical laboratory. Major traumas abound, seeing a therapist is common practice. Romantic relationships generally start quick and become toxic. And what to speak of understanding their spiritual identity, their material identity is often a mystery…
The result of such an existence? Dysfunction on all levels. Often I feel myself to be not just a friend but a psychologist and doctor to these students. Hearing their problems, giving practical advice on how to take care of themselves and at the same time trying to administer the ultimate curative treatment.
Why do we do this? Why do we go through the difficulties to reach these very broken individuals who some may argue require more work than they are worth? Why not just focus on preaching to the Indian students who are generally more wholesome and seemingly ripe for the picking? Why not just chant Hare Krishna and take prasad and just leave it at that?
We do this service to please you. In pursuance of your desire to bring more educated persons to KC.
We do this service because if it wasn’t for your mercy and mercy of those working on your behalf, we wouldn’t be here now. Therefore we feel obliged to pay it forward.
Admittedly, my capacity for service is small. My intelligence is limited. My sincerity is questionable. There are so many opportunities for expanding the outreach scene here in just Auckland alone and it saddens me that they can’t all be taken advantage of. So if I may, I would like to humbly request for the intelligence, the ability and empowerment to do more. The overarching desire for my life, is to be able to contribute all my energy, resources and abilities to expanding this sankirtana movement.
Requesting your guidance and blessings so that we may be able to perform just a fraction of the glorious work you have in your lifetime. And just a fraction of the devotion you perform it with.
Your aspiring servant,
Manobhirama Dasa
Mantramālā dd.
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I would like to thank you for visiting Budapest, Hungary (not the farm) this European summer, giving your association and the service opportunities which came with that.
I believe it was a useful visit for you, as well, because you could spend time with your Godbrother, Sivarāma Maharaj who was discharged from a Budapest hospital a few days prior and recuperated at one of the temple's properties with a backyard, so close to you.
Everyone loved your visit. You looked healthy and happy. We couldn't ask for better weather, either. Thank you for liking my service.
I wish you a happy Vyasa Puja day/period and good health for your upcoming year.
Your servant,
Mantramālā dd.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I would like to thank you for visiting Budapest, Hungary (not the farm) this European summer, giving your association and the service opportunities which came with that.
I believe it was a useful visit for you, as well, because you could spend time with your Godbrother, Sivarāma Maharaj who was discharged from a Budapest hospital a few days prior and recuperated at one of the temple's properties with a backyard, so close to you.
Everyone loved your visit. You looked healthy and happy. We couldn't ask for better weather, either. Thank you for liking my service.
I wish you a happy Vyasa Puja day/period and good health for your upcoming year.
Your servant,
Mantramālā dd.
Merudevi Devidasi
Namah Om Vishnu padaya krishna preshthaya bhutale, Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine. Prachare poorva daksham ca bhakta cara praveenta, prarthtaapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah!!
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev!!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and guru parampara🙏🏻🙏🏻
Kindly accept my heartfelt and humble obeisances and gratitude from the deepest core of my heart at your lotus feet.
Dear Gurudev,
I thank you so much for kindly accepting this lowly creature at your lotus feet. Your causeless mercy in the form of accepting me as your spiritual daughter is still an unbelievable fact for me. I always glorify you deep in my heart. However, I found it extremely hard to begin writing offerings for the vyasa puja of my spiritual father who is unlimited in all his godly qualities- Where and how to begin. I realised I did not have potent words nor intelligence that could help me glorify you completely. This is because of a huge thick layer of dirt in my heart due to which I was not able to glorify your transcendental qualities. I was lamenting that I was unable to put the right emotions into words to appreciate you. My prayer was also not intense. I realised that. But I did not want to let pass the opportunity to glorify you gurudev. I became so upset. I felt that I was totally useless. Then with an extremely heavy heart, I begged for your mercy so that I can glorify you with all my heart, and I realised that without your mercy it is never possible to understand even a drop of ocean of your transcendental qualities.
I was listening to your lecture last week. In which you were mentioning the verse in Madhya lila C.C- 19.151.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
Then I meditated on this point that I had been literally wandering before receiving your mercy dear Gurudev. I was always after my happiness, and so much attached to my appreciation in the deepest layers of my heart. After receiving your mercy I could realise that these mental contaminations were the biggest cause of my fear and anxiety. I had never thought before I received your mercy what my future would be. You gave me not only the aim of human life but also you provide step by step subtle guidance to make me progress spiritually.
Then I heard that you were explaining how spiritual master’s instructions are so important to grow in spiritual life and spiritual master gives devotional service beeja that contains instructions. This point stirred my heart so hard that I listed all the instructions I received so far in a diary. The very first instruction I wrote was' ' my gurudev instructed me-you don't just chant and hear the holyname’. Then I realised unless one does not take their gurudev’s words as life and soul they can never have any knowledge about the qualities of their gurumaharaj- Why would Krishna allow that? It made sense to me.. As Krishna does not reveal His qualities to those who do not follow His teachings. He does not reveal His close dear devotees’ qualities to unqualified disciples like me. I do not know Krishna. But, dear gurudev, you are so close to His heart. That fact I have realised several times. I also realise dear father that following your instructions is the key to every problem I can ever have.
Dear Gurudev, your qualities are unlimited: You are expert in preaching and dealings with devotees all over the planet. This foolish and tiny creature can not imagine measuring all the glories of my dear father in all the dimensions. So I thought that even if I try my very best on my own to glorify your just one quality out of unlimited glories, I will not be able to glorify a tiny drop of unlimited ocean of your ‘compassion’. Therefore, I beg for your mercy dear gurudev, let me glorify you dear gurudev, according to my limited capability and intelligence.
Your compassion is coming directly from storehouse of Krishna
I was reading one purport by Srila Prabhupada, SB 4.22.42 . A piece of that purport was like…
’The conclusion is that the Lord is so compassionate upon the fallen souls within this material world that He comes Himself or sends His devotees and His servants to fulfil His desire to have all the fallen souls come back home, back to Godhead’. When I was reading, I thought of you, dear father. I remember you saying in one lecture that a spiritual master is not compassionate and merciful on their own; they are merciful because that mercy is coming directly from The Supreme. That gives such a strong and beautiful conviction about the loving relationship between Krishna and my dear father.
I remembered in one lecture you were glorifying Srila Prabhupada that he was not selective in following his spiritual master’s instructions. The same quality you received from your father. It gives bliss to the heart when you mention this pastime with so much joy and love when Srila prabhupada came to your BBT office when he saw you from head to toe and then nodded”hmmmmmmmm”. This shows your deep love and respect for your real father. I beg for your mercy dear father if I can get a tinge of that mood for my spiritual father.
Your compassionate words are soothing to heart
Dear Gurudev, your transcendental answers are so strong that they pierce the innermost layer of the heart straight. I feel like these words are full of light which makes all the darkness of mind get lost for that moment, and also forever whenever I follow your words with whole heart because my spiritual father’s words are eternal truth. In personal darshan, I asked ‘I feel that I do chanting for my pleasure not for Krishna’s pleasure because when my chanting is not good then my day goes drastically bad’ then you mercifully replied ‘Krishna is the only enjoyer, gradually you will feel that you are chanting for Krishna’s pleasure’ and that just stopped my mind giving all the arguments.
you are mahavadnayaya
SB 4.12.51
A part of the purport by Srila Prabhupada made me think of you…’Pure devotees, out of compassion for the fallen souls, are kṛpālu, very kind to people in general; they distribute this Bhāgavata knowledge all over the world’.
For conditioned souls, you travel around the world at the cost of your comfort in old age. I was reading one God brother's realisation when he drove you to a devotee’s house for lunch where you were not feeling comfortable due to cold weather outside. You began to sniff, but due to love and compassion for your young disciples you remained silent. Then while coming back that god brother said to you ‘Gurudev it seems you visited these devotees only for their benefit’. Then you replied ‘why else would I visit them?’. This merciful reply forced me to point out my contamination; we go to our friends' houses for our happiness and my Gurudev travels for all living entities’ benefit. My dear father, you are mahavadanaya.
your compassion is unbiased
Isopanishad 6
yas tu sarvāṇi bhūtāny, ātmany evānupaśyati
sarva-bhūteṣu cātmānaṁ,tato na vijugupsate
the uttama-adhikārī, who sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord. Such a devotee does not discriminate between a devotee and nondevotee but sees everyone as part and parcel of God.
Also in SB 11.2.45
श्रीहविरुवाच
सर्वभूतेषु य: पश्येद् भगवद्भावमात्मन: ।
भूतानि भगवत्यात्मन्येष भागवतोत्तम: ॥ ४५ ॥
The most advanced devotee sees within everything the soul of all souls, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Consequently he sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord and understands that everything that exists is eternally situated within the Lord.
Dear father, in personal Darshan, when you asked ‘does your husband eat prasad’ then I said ‘he does not like that’. Then you again asked ‘but does he eat prasad?’.. I said ‘oh yes gurudev. I make sure to feed him prasad at least once’. Then smilingly you took a sigh of relief, and said ‘at least he is not starving’. I did not understand the depth of your concern, care and compassion dear gurudev. Your causeless mercy does not discriminate between devotees and non devotees, and you are well wisher for all conditioned souls. I beg for your mercy dear father, if I can get a tinge of that mood for people, I don't desire anything.
Your compassion is Anant ‘boundless’
Dear Father, You are expanding ocean of mercy . But, I am always worried about losing your mercy because I always feel that I am incapable and worthless to follow your instructions fully. My mind, which is full of all dirt and darkness, does not allow me to focus on hearing the holy name. It drags me to different places. It does not let me follow your instructions fully and always, I go through a loop; when I do not have the taste for the holyname, this makes my day worse, then I start begging to you so that I can hear the holyname. The loop continues endlessly. Dear father, I am a beggar who is completely dependent on your mercy, and your mercy is unlimited. I always feel that today I will not demand anything from Gurudev. why do I bother gurudev for everything but I am very helpless without your support. You never ignore my prayers, and allow me to hear the holy name. Krishna is your property. Dear father, please don't reject me. You said I need to learn to crawl before I start walking and walking before running. Dear Gurudev, I cannot crawl even without your mercy. I need your support at every step.
You are a compassionate friend to all living entities .
Dear gurumaharaj, I heard you saying recently in a lecture, which is related to dealing with people that are new to Krishna 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 so deep.
I beg you that I can develop this vision one day, so I can be free from envy from people who are potential devotees.
your compassion is rapid pain relieving aushadhi
Dear Gurudev, I want to open my heart on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja. My mind never allowed me to think that my Gurudev viewed me as his child. It was a deep pain in my deep heart. I would always curse myself that I am so unfortunate and worthless. I cannot serve you properly. I do not know if I please you or displease you. In one recent lecture, you also answered this heart locked question. Dear gurudev, you never ignore your children’s spiritual desires. I realised that for the first time in the last personal darshan, you chastised me mercifully ..your dialogues are recorded in my heart for life gurudev. you were asking both boys ‘does she give you nice prasada??’ It was like.. kids if you want to complain. You can complain to me. You also said ‘You should read and chant then your mother will be pleased and also you have a nice mother who is guiding you.’.
Also Gurudev you asked kids:: do you love your mother very much?
Also when Gurudev asked Dhruv ‘do you have Krishna book’, and he said ‘no’ then you looked at me with surprising smiles… ‘hmmmmmmm…. what’s happening here…’ as if you were saying ‘why haven't you told him about the book yet?’
Also Gurudev, you used strong words, and you chastised me. When my mind was adamant, then you strongly said ‘did you listen to what I said?? Don’t pressurise him… ,and I have said enough' … that was very strong…for my mind, my dear father.
These memorable moments are locked in my heart, dear father. Thank you so much for fulfilling my desire. How do I express the profound gratitude, I feel deep in my heart.
Dear Gurudev,
This song by Bhaktivinoda Thakur is very close to my heart, especially these lines which mirror my situation.
Jogyata vicare, kichu nahi pai,
Tomara karuna- sara
Karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya,
Prana na rakhibo ara
gurudev!
kripa-bindu diya, koro’ ei dase,
trinapekha ati hina
- 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.
Gurudeva! By a drop of mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass.
Dear Gurudev, your unlimited love for your spiritual master and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's mission is so intense that melts the hardest and dirtiest hearts like mine. Dear gurudev, kindly let me serve you in your sankirtan mission. Kindly chastise me, but kindly never reject me .
Totally dependent on your mercy,
Your aspiring servant
Merudevi Devidasi
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev!!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and guru parampara🙏🏻🙏🏻
Kindly accept my heartfelt and humble obeisances and gratitude from the deepest core of my heart at your lotus feet.
Dear Gurudev,
I thank you so much for kindly accepting this lowly creature at your lotus feet. Your causeless mercy in the form of accepting me as your spiritual daughter is still an unbelievable fact for me. I always glorify you deep in my heart. However, I found it extremely hard to begin writing offerings for the vyasa puja of my spiritual father who is unlimited in all his godly qualities- Where and how to begin. I realised I did not have potent words nor intelligence that could help me glorify you completely. This is because of a huge thick layer of dirt in my heart due to which I was not able to glorify your transcendental qualities. I was lamenting that I was unable to put the right emotions into words to appreciate you. My prayer was also not intense. I realised that. But I did not want to let pass the opportunity to glorify you gurudev. I became so upset. I felt that I was totally useless. Then with an extremely heavy heart, I begged for your mercy so that I can glorify you with all my heart, and I realised that without your mercy it is never possible to understand even a drop of ocean of your transcendental qualities.
I was listening to your lecture last week. In which you were mentioning the verse in Madhya lila C.C- 19.151.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
Then I meditated on this point that I had been literally wandering before receiving your mercy dear Gurudev. I was always after my happiness, and so much attached to my appreciation in the deepest layers of my heart. After receiving your mercy I could realise that these mental contaminations were the biggest cause of my fear and anxiety. I had never thought before I received your mercy what my future would be. You gave me not only the aim of human life but also you provide step by step subtle guidance to make me progress spiritually.
Then I heard that you were explaining how spiritual master’s instructions are so important to grow in spiritual life and spiritual master gives devotional service beeja that contains instructions. This point stirred my heart so hard that I listed all the instructions I received so far in a diary. The very first instruction I wrote was' ' my gurudev instructed me-you don't just chant and hear the holyname’. Then I realised unless one does not take their gurudev’s words as life and soul they can never have any knowledge about the qualities of their gurumaharaj- Why would Krishna allow that? It made sense to me.. As Krishna does not reveal His qualities to those who do not follow His teachings. He does not reveal His close dear devotees’ qualities to unqualified disciples like me. I do not know Krishna. But, dear gurudev, you are so close to His heart. That fact I have realised several times. I also realise dear father that following your instructions is the key to every problem I can ever have.
Dear Gurudev, your qualities are unlimited: You are expert in preaching and dealings with devotees all over the planet. This foolish and tiny creature can not imagine measuring all the glories of my dear father in all the dimensions. So I thought that even if I try my very best on my own to glorify your just one quality out of unlimited glories, I will not be able to glorify a tiny drop of unlimited ocean of your ‘compassion’. Therefore, I beg for your mercy dear gurudev, let me glorify you dear gurudev, according to my limited capability and intelligence.
Your compassion is coming directly from storehouse of Krishna
I was reading one purport by Srila Prabhupada, SB 4.22.42 . A piece of that purport was like…
’The conclusion is that the Lord is so compassionate upon the fallen souls within this material world that He comes Himself or sends His devotees and His servants to fulfil His desire to have all the fallen souls come back home, back to Godhead’. When I was reading, I thought of you, dear father. I remember you saying in one lecture that a spiritual master is not compassionate and merciful on their own; they are merciful because that mercy is coming directly from The Supreme. That gives such a strong and beautiful conviction about the loving relationship between Krishna and my dear father.
I remembered in one lecture you were glorifying Srila Prabhupada that he was not selective in following his spiritual master’s instructions. The same quality you received from your father. It gives bliss to the heart when you mention this pastime with so much joy and love when Srila prabhupada came to your BBT office when he saw you from head to toe and then nodded”hmmmmmmmm”. This shows your deep love and respect for your real father. I beg for your mercy dear father if I can get a tinge of that mood for my spiritual father.
Your compassionate words are soothing to heart
Dear Gurudev, your transcendental answers are so strong that they pierce the innermost layer of the heart straight. I feel like these words are full of light which makes all the darkness of mind get lost for that moment, and also forever whenever I follow your words with whole heart because my spiritual father’s words are eternal truth. In personal darshan, I asked ‘I feel that I do chanting for my pleasure not for Krishna’s pleasure because when my chanting is not good then my day goes drastically bad’ then you mercifully replied ‘Krishna is the only enjoyer, gradually you will feel that you are chanting for Krishna’s pleasure’ and that just stopped my mind giving all the arguments.
you are mahavadnayaya
SB 4.12.51
A part of the purport by Srila Prabhupada made me think of you…’Pure devotees, out of compassion for the fallen souls, are kṛpālu, very kind to people in general; they distribute this Bhāgavata knowledge all over the world’.
For conditioned souls, you travel around the world at the cost of your comfort in old age. I was reading one God brother's realisation when he drove you to a devotee’s house for lunch where you were not feeling comfortable due to cold weather outside. You began to sniff, but due to love and compassion for your young disciples you remained silent. Then while coming back that god brother said to you ‘Gurudev it seems you visited these devotees only for their benefit’. Then you replied ‘why else would I visit them?’. This merciful reply forced me to point out my contamination; we go to our friends' houses for our happiness and my Gurudev travels for all living entities’ benefit. My dear father, you are mahavadanaya.
your compassion is unbiased
Isopanishad 6
yas tu sarvāṇi bhūtāny, ātmany evānupaśyati
sarva-bhūteṣu cātmānaṁ,tato na vijugupsate
the uttama-adhikārī, who sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord. Such a devotee does not discriminate between a devotee and nondevotee but sees everyone as part and parcel of God.
Also in SB 11.2.45
श्रीहविरुवाच
सर्वभूतेषु य: पश्येद् भगवद्भावमात्मन: ।
भूतानि भगवत्यात्मन्येष भागवतोत्तम: ॥ ४५ ॥
The most advanced devotee sees within everything the soul of all souls, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Consequently he sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord and understands that everything that exists is eternally situated within the Lord.
Dear father, in personal Darshan, when you asked ‘does your husband eat prasad’ then I said ‘he does not like that’. Then you again asked ‘but does he eat prasad?’.. I said ‘oh yes gurudev. I make sure to feed him prasad at least once’. Then smilingly you took a sigh of relief, and said ‘at least he is not starving’. I did not understand the depth of your concern, care and compassion dear gurudev. Your causeless mercy does not discriminate between devotees and non devotees, and you are well wisher for all conditioned souls. I beg for your mercy dear father, if I can get a tinge of that mood for people, I don't desire anything.
Your compassion is Anant ‘boundless’
Dear Father, You are expanding ocean of mercy . But, I am always worried about losing your mercy because I always feel that I am incapable and worthless to follow your instructions fully. My mind, which is full of all dirt and darkness, does not allow me to focus on hearing the holy name. It drags me to different places. It does not let me follow your instructions fully and always, I go through a loop; when I do not have the taste for the holyname, this makes my day worse, then I start begging to you so that I can hear the holyname. The loop continues endlessly. Dear father, I am a beggar who is completely dependent on your mercy, and your mercy is unlimited. I always feel that today I will not demand anything from Gurudev. why do I bother gurudev for everything but I am very helpless without your support. You never ignore my prayers, and allow me to hear the holy name. Krishna is your property. Dear father, please don't reject me. You said I need to learn to crawl before I start walking and walking before running. Dear Gurudev, I cannot crawl even without your mercy. I need your support at every step.
You are a compassionate friend to all living entities .
Dear gurumaharaj, I heard you saying recently in a lecture, which is related to dealing with people that are new to Krishna 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 so deep.
I beg you that I can develop this vision one day, so I can be free from envy from people who are potential devotees.
your compassion is rapid pain relieving aushadhi
Dear Gurudev, I want to open my heart on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja. My mind never allowed me to think that my Gurudev viewed me as his child. It was a deep pain in my deep heart. I would always curse myself that I am so unfortunate and worthless. I cannot serve you properly. I do not know if I please you or displease you. In one recent lecture, you also answered this heart locked question. Dear gurudev, you never ignore your children’s spiritual desires. I realised that for the first time in the last personal darshan, you chastised me mercifully ..your dialogues are recorded in my heart for life gurudev. you were asking both boys ‘does she give you nice prasada??’ It was like.. kids if you want to complain. You can complain to me. You also said ‘You should read and chant then your mother will be pleased and also you have a nice mother who is guiding you.’.
Also Gurudev you asked kids:: do you love your mother very much?
Also when Gurudev asked Dhruv ‘do you have Krishna book’, and he said ‘no’ then you looked at me with surprising smiles… ‘hmmmmmmm…. what’s happening here…’ as if you were saying ‘why haven't you told him about the book yet?’
Also Gurudev, you used strong words, and you chastised me. When my mind was adamant, then you strongly said ‘did you listen to what I said?? Don’t pressurise him… ,and I have said enough' … that was very strong…for my mind, my dear father.
These memorable moments are locked in my heart, dear father. Thank you so much for fulfilling my desire. How do I express the profound gratitude, I feel deep in my heart.
Dear Gurudev,
This song by Bhaktivinoda Thakur is very close to my heart, especially these lines which mirror my situation.
Jogyata vicare, kichu nahi pai,
Tomara karuna- sara
Karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya,
Prana na rakhibo ara
gurudev!
kripa-bindu diya, koro’ ei dase,
trinapekha ati hina
- 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.
Gurudeva! By a drop of mercy make this servant of yours more humble than a blade of grass.
Dear Gurudev, your unlimited love for your spiritual master and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's mission is so intense that melts the hardest and dirtiest hearts like mine. Dear gurudev, kindly let me serve you in your sankirtan mission. Kindly chastise me, but kindly never reject me .
Totally dependent on your mercy,
Your aspiring servant
Merudevi Devidasi
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
Another year passes and its another year to contemplate just how amazing my spiritual master is. And this contemplation is just from my limited vision so in real life it must be even more amazing!!
I have some yoga students who often talk about world travel and they say how wonderful it would be to just constantly travel the world. To just go from one country to the next without having any permanent abode. And they comment that this would be a blissful life. I always smile at this, having your testimony of the demands of constant international travel, altitude , time zones, climate and seasons, diet, recycled air and truck loads of non devotees. Sounds hellish for an aspiring Bhakta like myself. But you endure this, and so much more, for the sake of spreading bhakti and loving service to Krsna.
You arrive in the Wellington Yatra and give your 100% to the classes and darshans and kirtanas. And it's easy to forget that you have just been doing this somewhere else. Then you leave, and we all have some rest, and then you do it all over again in another Yatra. Again and again and again. You truly are Superman Guru Maharaja. Your Sanyas cloth is your Superman suit. Your Utarea is your cape. And your devotion to your Guru Maharaja is your magic powers, your beadbag contains your Kryponite!! You are Superman for Krsna.
Thank you Guru Maharaja, thank you for all you do. Your selfless service to your spiritual master (look at me talking about selfless service as if I know something or anything about it!!). Your selfless service has made you famous in the Hare Krsna world. Everyone knows how Devamrita Swami is ‘Full steam ahead’ Swami.
Somehow or other I am trying my best to hang on. Not to be a burden and drag you down so to speak, but to do something in your mission. Something that will aid you in your service to your spiritual master and Krsna. And while I have not started that yet I know I will do real soon.
Once again Guru Maharaja, thank you for your guidance, direction and patience.
Your servant, disciple, spiritual son and ‘follower who is soon to assist you’
Muni-cari dasa.
HH Devamrita Maharaja Ki…
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
Another year passes and its another year to contemplate just how amazing my spiritual master is. And this contemplation is just from my limited vision so in real life it must be even more amazing!!
I have some yoga students who often talk about world travel and they say how wonderful it would be to just constantly travel the world. To just go from one country to the next without having any permanent abode. And they comment that this would be a blissful life. I always smile at this, having your testimony of the demands of constant international travel, altitude , time zones, climate and seasons, diet, recycled air and truck loads of non devotees. Sounds hellish for an aspiring Bhakta like myself. But you endure this, and so much more, for the sake of spreading bhakti and loving service to Krsna.
You arrive in the Wellington Yatra and give your 100% to the classes and darshans and kirtanas. And it's easy to forget that you have just been doing this somewhere else. Then you leave, and we all have some rest, and then you do it all over again in another Yatra. Again and again and again. You truly are Superman Guru Maharaja. Your Sanyas cloth is your Superman suit. Your Utarea is your cape. And your devotion to your Guru Maharaja is your magic powers, your beadbag contains your Kryponite!! You are Superman for Krsna.
Thank you Guru Maharaja, thank you for all you do. Your selfless service to your spiritual master (look at me talking about selfless service as if I know something or anything about it!!). Your selfless service has made you famous in the Hare Krsna world. Everyone knows how Devamrita Swami is ‘Full steam ahead’ Swami.
Somehow or other I am trying my best to hang on. Not to be a burden and drag you down so to speak, but to do something in your mission. Something that will aid you in your service to your spiritual master and Krsna. And while I have not started that yet I know I will do real soon.
Once again Guru Maharaja, thank you for your guidance, direction and patience.
Your servant, disciple, spiritual son and ‘follower who is soon to assist you’
Muni-cari dasa.
HH Devamrita Maharaja Ki…
Munjaranya dd
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
Gurudeva, your life is an emblem of sacrifice. For decades, you have been fulfilling the arduous responsibility of preaching Krishna consciousness to all varieties of su-kṛtinaḥ, duṣkṛtinah, the alpa-medhasām and the abuddhayaḥ; especially in the Western world. Out of affection and compassion, you scale the globe to extend your association to them, making their heart fertile soil for planting the bhakti lata bija, wherever there is a slight window of opportunity.
One may call you a globetrotter, but you are a transcendentalist, and your sankirtan jet is powered by the desire of your spiritual master, beyond the contaminations of matter. You are not fazed by maya’s trends, having complete faith in the power of the transcendental sound vibration to cut through all varieties of illusion of the latest Kali Yugaites on the block. You work hard, relentlessly with inconceivable dexterity to deliver the uncompromised message of the disciplic succession.
Thank you Gurudeva for your classes and especially your podcasts “On the way to Krishna”. They are even better than nectarean condensed ahimsa milk preparations. They are similar in the sense that they are rare and extremely delightful; but even better than them because we can relish them again and again. My heart jumps with excitement every time you put a new one.
Thank you Gurudeva for constantly instructing us in the ways and subtleties of associating and serving devotees. You are expert in relishing the nectar of wonderful and unique qualities of devotees. You describe the interactions of the most exalted Vaisnavas in the Caitanya Caritamrta with such transcendental delight, that even a stone heart like mine, entrenched in impersonalism, not only feels attracted but also aspires to qualify for such devotee relationships.
Your personal dealings are very endearing and instructive and our window to the world of Vaisnava relationships. Even a momentary interaction with you is locked in the core of my heart. Recently, my Whatsapp crashed and I lost our message thread over the past years, and I was so gutted that there was no backup. I hope and pray that by your mercy all your instructions will stay ever fresh in my heart.
In spite of my multitude of failings dear Gurudeva, you have not given up on me. So unfathomable is your patience and compassion that instead, you go out of your way to extend personal care to lovingly guide and correct this wayward child; while keeping me engaged in devotional service. How can I even begin to thank you for your love and care that shines through your sincere and dedicated servants. I am forever grateful to you for the nourishment that I feel in our devotee community that you have cultivated with so much sacrifice and care.
No qualification to my name; it’s by your mercy alone that I am walking the bhakti path. Unfortunately, my progress is very slow dear Gurudeva. Buried under the seemingly insurmountable dirt mountain of my conditionings; neither am I able to chant properly, nor am I able to serve devotees properly. I am begging for your mercy Gurudeva, please pull me out of my “I, me and mine” bubble. Begging for eternal shelter and service at your lotus feet.
In indebtedness, aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Munjaranya dd.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
Gurudeva, your life is an emblem of sacrifice. For decades, you have been fulfilling the arduous responsibility of preaching Krishna consciousness to all varieties of su-kṛtinaḥ, duṣkṛtinah, the alpa-medhasām and the abuddhayaḥ; especially in the Western world. Out of affection and compassion, you scale the globe to extend your association to them, making their heart fertile soil for planting the bhakti lata bija, wherever there is a slight window of opportunity.
One may call you a globetrotter, but you are a transcendentalist, and your sankirtan jet is powered by the desire of your spiritual master, beyond the contaminations of matter. You are not fazed by maya’s trends, having complete faith in the power of the transcendental sound vibration to cut through all varieties of illusion of the latest Kali Yugaites on the block. You work hard, relentlessly with inconceivable dexterity to deliver the uncompromised message of the disciplic succession.
Thank you Gurudeva for your classes and especially your podcasts “On the way to Krishna”. They are even better than nectarean condensed ahimsa milk preparations. They are similar in the sense that they are rare and extremely delightful; but even better than them because we can relish them again and again. My heart jumps with excitement every time you put a new one.
Thank you Gurudeva for constantly instructing us in the ways and subtleties of associating and serving devotees. You are expert in relishing the nectar of wonderful and unique qualities of devotees. You describe the interactions of the most exalted Vaisnavas in the Caitanya Caritamrta with such transcendental delight, that even a stone heart like mine, entrenched in impersonalism, not only feels attracted but also aspires to qualify for such devotee relationships.
Your personal dealings are very endearing and instructive and our window to the world of Vaisnava relationships. Even a momentary interaction with you is locked in the core of my heart. Recently, my Whatsapp crashed and I lost our message thread over the past years, and I was so gutted that there was no backup. I hope and pray that by your mercy all your instructions will stay ever fresh in my heart.
In spite of my multitude of failings dear Gurudeva, you have not given up on me. So unfathomable is your patience and compassion that instead, you go out of your way to extend personal care to lovingly guide and correct this wayward child; while keeping me engaged in devotional service. How can I even begin to thank you for your love and care that shines through your sincere and dedicated servants. I am forever grateful to you for the nourishment that I feel in our devotee community that you have cultivated with so much sacrifice and care.
No qualification to my name; it’s by your mercy alone that I am walking the bhakti path. Unfortunately, my progress is very slow dear Gurudeva. Buried under the seemingly insurmountable dirt mountain of my conditionings; neither am I able to chant properly, nor am I able to serve devotees properly. I am begging for your mercy Gurudeva, please pull me out of my “I, me and mine” bubble. Begging for eternal shelter and service at your lotus feet.
In indebtedness, aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Munjaranya dd.
Nagaraja Nitai das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
PAMHO AGTSP,
I tried to contemplate the position of a spiritual father. The golden father archetype ad infinitum. I tried to contemplate your position, only to shudder, lest I glimpse at the power, love, and glory. Your loving connection with Krsna manifests in all the jivas you shelter and serve. How can I ever contemplate the variegated eternal love flowing like the Yamuna thru your heart, flowing through parampara? I cannot conjecture transcendent dealings in their infinity. I can only patiently beg for mercy. It’s all I have. I make great effort, but no jiva has climbed their way out of the well without that merciful rope. My power to understand is a shadow without your light. Thank you for your love, your mercy. I humbly bow at your service to Guru & Gauranga. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nagaraja Nitai das
PAMHO AGTSP,
I tried to contemplate the position of a spiritual father. The golden father archetype ad infinitum. I tried to contemplate your position, only to shudder, lest I glimpse at the power, love, and glory. Your loving connection with Krsna manifests in all the jivas you shelter and serve. How can I ever contemplate the variegated eternal love flowing like the Yamuna thru your heart, flowing through parampara? I cannot conjecture transcendent dealings in their infinity. I can only patiently beg for mercy. It’s all I have. I make great effort, but no jiva has climbed their way out of the well without that merciful rope. My power to understand is a shadow without your light. Thank you for your love, your mercy. I humbly bow at your service to Guru & Gauranga. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nagaraja Nitai das
Nanda Mandir dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
On this particular day of your Vyasa Puja, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence in my life.
Your energy is infectious, and your teachings are like a guiding light. I can't help but feel uplifted and inspired whenever I listen to your classes or attend your classes or events. Just recently, at the Bhakti Corner program, your enthusiasm touched me and many others. How you connect with people is remarkable; it leaves a positive impact that lingers long after our interactions. Many of our guests shared how they felt uplifted, their hearts aglow with positivity, all thanks to your dynamic presence.
I am profoundly thankful for your guidance during my confusing and challenging times. Your wisdom has been a steady anchor, providing clarity and reassurance when I needed it the most. Your support, both spiritually and practically, has been a blessing. Your kindness has made a real difference in my life, and I am genuinely grateful for that.
I sincerely thank you for your compassion and understanding on this particular day. I earnestly seek your blessings to grow in devotion, knowledge, and service to the Supreme Lord. May I always remain under your sheltered guidance. May the Supreme Lord bestow upon you good health, strength, and endless enthusiasm to continue your important work.
Your servant,
Nanda Mandir dasa
On this particular day of your Vyasa Puja, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence in my life.
Your energy is infectious, and your teachings are like a guiding light. I can't help but feel uplifted and inspired whenever I listen to your classes or attend your classes or events. Just recently, at the Bhakti Corner program, your enthusiasm touched me and many others. How you connect with people is remarkable; it leaves a positive impact that lingers long after our interactions. Many of our guests shared how they felt uplifted, their hearts aglow with positivity, all thanks to your dynamic presence.
I am profoundly thankful for your guidance during my confusing and challenging times. Your wisdom has been a steady anchor, providing clarity and reassurance when I needed it the most. Your support, both spiritually and practically, has been a blessing. Your kindness has made a real difference in my life, and I am genuinely grateful for that.
I sincerely thank you for your compassion and understanding on this particular day. I earnestly seek your blessings to grow in devotion, knowledge, and service to the Supreme Lord. May I always remain under your sheltered guidance. May the Supreme Lord bestow upon you good health, strength, and endless enthusiasm to continue your important work.
Your servant,
Nanda Mandir dasa
Nanda gehini
Dear Gurudeva! Please , accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Never before I have felt so calm and protected as I do now in Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for showing me way to live within panic fears and understand what is really happening in the life. I always remember what you told to us ones-we have the best knowledge, we have the best lifestyle.Dear Gurudeva,I am living now the best years of my life.Thank you for developing our intellect in the only right direction.Than you for your invaluable example of devotional service . I am grateful to you for sharing the Vedic knowledge with us. Thank you for your selfless love for all of us, for your endless kindness, for your smile. Forgive me the fact that I am almost always silent and do not ask you many questions when I come to you for darshan- I am speechless because happiness overwhelms me.I am very happy because modern technologies allow us to see and listen to you at the most parts of the planet.Thank you again for bringing light , peace, Vedic knowledge, peace of mind on this material world, which is becoming crazier and crazier. Your spiritual daughter Nanda gehini dd.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Never before I have felt so calm and protected as I do now in Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for showing me way to live within panic fears and understand what is really happening in the life. I always remember what you told to us ones-we have the best knowledge, we have the best lifestyle.Dear Gurudeva,I am living now the best years of my life.Thank you for developing our intellect in the only right direction.Than you for your invaluable example of devotional service . I am grateful to you for sharing the Vedic knowledge with us. Thank you for your selfless love for all of us, for your endless kindness, for your smile. Forgive me the fact that I am almost always silent and do not ask you many questions when I come to you for darshan- I am speechless because happiness overwhelms me.I am very happy because modern technologies allow us to see and listen to you at the most parts of the planet.Thank you again for bringing light , peace, Vedic knowledge, peace of mind on this material world, which is becoming crazier and crazier. Your spiritual daughter Nanda gehini dd.
Nanda-Patni dd
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your appearence.
His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has illustrated that a diamond may be given to a child, yet despite the value of the diamond, the child lacks knowledge of its worth. Factually, this is my position, Gurudeva. I feel very limited in my understanding of your love, kindness & mercy. Which ultimately, translates to the opportunity to engage in devotional service.
What is the value of devotional service to Krishna? In the Sixth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada states: "Devotional service is so powerful that one who performs devotional service is immediately freed from all sinful desires." Devotional service purifies the heart and helps one reconnect our lost relationship with the Lord. These sinful desires are a major obstacle for myself that I continue everyday to struggle with. I wish to thank you so very much, Gurudeva, for giving me the opportunity to cleanse my heart and develop a sincere relationship with you and with Krishna.
What does devotional service mean to me? Devotional service means trying to please the Lord. It is meant to give Krishna happiness, not to give happiness to ourselves. Quite frankly, I have tried to make myself happy in so many ways, hopelessly failing at every attempt. When will I let it go? When will I let my hopes and dreams to be happy in this material world, go? What will it take...? All I am left feeling is empty, disappointed and afraid. I am praying for more of your mercy, even though I don't deserve it.
Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura places himself to the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, that "My dear Lord, Your incarnation is to reclaim all these fallen souls. But I am the lowest of the fallen souls. So, my claim is first. Kindly deliver me." Mo sama patita prabhu nā pāibe āra. "Your determination is to deliver the fallen. So I am the first-class fallen. Please accept me." I wanted to share this beautiful prayer, even though I could never have this mood myself, revealing complete surrender. I am nonetheless praying for the humility to accept your mercy as my only way of deliverance.
My goal is to be your sincere disciple and bring Krishna happiness. Thank you for offering me the diamond of devotional service, I hope to realise its value one day.
Your aspiring disciple & servant,
Nanda-Patni devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of your appearence.
His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has illustrated that a diamond may be given to a child, yet despite the value of the diamond, the child lacks knowledge of its worth. Factually, this is my position, Gurudeva. I feel very limited in my understanding of your love, kindness & mercy. Which ultimately, translates to the opportunity to engage in devotional service.
What is the value of devotional service to Krishna? In the Sixth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada states: "Devotional service is so powerful that one who performs devotional service is immediately freed from all sinful desires." Devotional service purifies the heart and helps one reconnect our lost relationship with the Lord. These sinful desires are a major obstacle for myself that I continue everyday to struggle with. I wish to thank you so very much, Gurudeva, for giving me the opportunity to cleanse my heart and develop a sincere relationship with you and with Krishna.
What does devotional service mean to me? Devotional service means trying to please the Lord. It is meant to give Krishna happiness, not to give happiness to ourselves. Quite frankly, I have tried to make myself happy in so many ways, hopelessly failing at every attempt. When will I let it go? When will I let my hopes and dreams to be happy in this material world, go? What will it take...? All I am left feeling is empty, disappointed and afraid. I am praying for more of your mercy, even though I don't deserve it.
Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura places himself to the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, that "My dear Lord, Your incarnation is to reclaim all these fallen souls. But I am the lowest of the fallen souls. So, my claim is first. Kindly deliver me." Mo sama patita prabhu nā pāibe āra. "Your determination is to deliver the fallen. So I am the first-class fallen. Please accept me." I wanted to share this beautiful prayer, even though I could never have this mood myself, revealing complete surrender. I am nonetheless praying for the humility to accept your mercy as my only way of deliverance.
My goal is to be your sincere disciple and bring Krishna happiness. Thank you for offering me the diamond of devotional service, I hope to realise its value one day.
Your aspiring disciple & servant,
Nanda-Patni devi dasi
Nandisvara
Dear Gurudev please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus feet
Gurudev the first time I consciously remember coming under the shelter of your mercy was sometime in the year 1999 when I met your pure disciple KL, and you were only 49 ( if only i had taken advantage of these earlier years,) I can still remember the effulgent shine emanating from her along with her gracefully benevolent smile apon me. What great fortune I received that day I cannot fathom.
Altho I didn't even take a book the trajectory of my life definitely changed that day and my journey out of the depths of tama guna began, I didn't take a book but she did leave me with a small Maha Mantra card and a picture of Lord Caitaniya on the back and I kept that card closer to me then any other possession I had, and over the years to follow that fateful crossing of your disciple and my receiving the card slowly wore away at my ignorance and guided me to make pivotal life decisions and ultimately take shelter under the cooling shade of your Lotus feet.
Gurudev two years later I met another of your pure disciples HK,
And with his determined Krishna intelligence he tricked me into getting The Journey of Self Discovery. Gurudev I was so stingy at the time I didn't even want to spend a cent, I was set on saving for my house by the sea with a boat and a nice car. But I did buy the book and because I spent "my" money for the book when I got home I was determined to get my money's worth from the book and besides I was interested in self development but I looked at the picture of Krishna sitting with his cowheards and thought how could this have anything to do with self discovery but out of my desire to get something from this book I began to read it and was pleasantly surprised by the forewore and then Srila Prabhupada's words swepted me up in a transcendental wurlwind explaining the futility of taking shelter of the demigods and the misery of material life to which I applauded and recognized but what would be the solution I wondered because I'd read books like how to win friends and influence people and the 7 habits of highly effective people etc and never found any lasting solution, then expertly it was revealed that this blue boy on the cover of the book was the Adi Purusa and all I had to do was learn about him and devote my life to him and everything would be taken care of, I was in ecstasy then later in the book I was reintroduced to the Maha Mantra and it all started to click into place.
One night after reading into the early hours i got on my knees and I sincerly prayed to Krishna promising him that I would all ways be a devoted servant of his. But my 4 week leave from the army was coming to an end and I'd still not made any connection to the sanga of devotees. Although I went back to my army life with a new veiw on life my following of the four regulative principles wouldn't last more then a year dropping them one by one till finally I had almost completely forgotten about Krishna.
Four years later in 2008 as i was listening to the radio working on a old dirt bike i was rebuilding from scratch (under the influence of some herbal supplements)in a garage that also contained my boat and a beautiful ford falcon car on a section with house right by the sea a song came on the radio I'd heard many times before but this time was different I could really feel the devotional longing of the singer crying to be with his lord and It really moved me then in the chorus I couldn't belive my ears it was the Maha Mantra! I was absolutely stunned and ashamed I had forgotten about Krishna. So right there an then I drew a line in the sand and decided I'm going to become a devotee.
That day I remember it was one of those really heavy overcast days I went to my room and dug out my old JSD and began to read it again, I even remember taking it out on Infantry patrols in the forest and reading it at night under touch light, then eventually I signed out the BG as it is from the palmerston north library and began reading that with fervor feeling the same nourishing droplets every time I opened the book as I did when first reading JSD all those years ago, Gurudev form reading the Bhagavad Gita I understood how important it was to have a qualified spiritual master so I prayed many times as sincerely as I could to meet you.
Not long after this I had been writing letters to addresses I found in the back of this old original Bg I had but never got any reply, so I thought surely Sanjeev ( soon to be known as Sanivas)the Indian dairy owner i was shopping with and learning how to become vegetarian from could point me in the right direction to find devotees. Which sure enough he did and gave me the number of an Indian Vaishnava couple who lived in palmy I immediately rang them and asked if they could help me the man (Amrt Govinda) replied saying where are you right now? I told him and he came and picked me up from the warehouse car park in Palmerston north at 8pm at night too!
So I went to his house and had my first meal of prasadam (that I can consciously remember) and with such excitement and joy talked about the Bg and Krishna Consciousness. Next in his Indian assertiveness he said you must come to the temple with us tomorrow. I was nervous but thought this is what I truly want so I said yes ill come.
The next day came and they came and picked me up and together we traveled to the Newlands temple. Wow what a shock I think I was the only white person there and I felt really out of place, then the kirtan began and I immediately felt soothed knowing that yes I was in the right place. Then after a few minutes the kirtan stopped and everyone hit the deck bowing their heads on floor and I looked up to see you my long awaited spiritual master glide through the crowd like swan I was captured by your serenity and my heart began to race.
After the class Amrt invited me for Darshan with you where he incouraged me to touch your feet . Feeling shy but wanting to follow his instruction I looked up at you and reached out but you pulled your feet away I felt embarrassed and you just nonchalantly asked Amrt to bring me the bhakti lounge, and looked at me asking ' would I come' yes I said I will.
After waiting for hours at the newlands temple the time finally came to go to BL as we searched for the place I secretly hoped we wouldn't find it and I could go home as I was feeling sufficiently purified and felt id explored enough for one day and would surely come back but on my own terms, but it wasn't to be we found the place, parked the car and made our way to the lounge which was then known as Gaura Yoga,
I remember I was so nervous but as we asended the stairs I felt more and more comfortable with every step the incense was sweet the sounds were familiar and the ambiance was lively as we made our way through the last door I couldn't belive my luck again face to face with that angel who had given me the Mantra card almost 10 years earlier, she was the one taking the Koha that night.
Gurudev my life has been truly amazing because of your grace and I know its only the beginning, like the turtle who comes to the surface of the ocean for air and pop's his head out of the ocean right through the only piece of wood with a hole his head size I've similarly had the normally impossible good fortune of being accepted by you the qualified spiritual master.
I pray on this most auspicious day to always remain in the cooling shade of your shadow and follow in your footsteps life after life.
Please accept me
Your ever aspiring servant
Nandisvara das,
Gurudev the first time I consciously remember coming under the shelter of your mercy was sometime in the year 1999 when I met your pure disciple KL, and you were only 49 ( if only i had taken advantage of these earlier years,) I can still remember the effulgent shine emanating from her along with her gracefully benevolent smile apon me. What great fortune I received that day I cannot fathom.
Altho I didn't even take a book the trajectory of my life definitely changed that day and my journey out of the depths of tama guna began, I didn't take a book but she did leave me with a small Maha Mantra card and a picture of Lord Caitaniya on the back and I kept that card closer to me then any other possession I had, and over the years to follow that fateful crossing of your disciple and my receiving the card slowly wore away at my ignorance and guided me to make pivotal life decisions and ultimately take shelter under the cooling shade of your Lotus feet.
Gurudev two years later I met another of your pure disciples HK,
And with his determined Krishna intelligence he tricked me into getting The Journey of Self Discovery. Gurudev I was so stingy at the time I didn't even want to spend a cent, I was set on saving for my house by the sea with a boat and a nice car. But I did buy the book and because I spent "my" money for the book when I got home I was determined to get my money's worth from the book and besides I was interested in self development but I looked at the picture of Krishna sitting with his cowheards and thought how could this have anything to do with self discovery but out of my desire to get something from this book I began to read it and was pleasantly surprised by the forewore and then Srila Prabhupada's words swepted me up in a transcendental wurlwind explaining the futility of taking shelter of the demigods and the misery of material life to which I applauded and recognized but what would be the solution I wondered because I'd read books like how to win friends and influence people and the 7 habits of highly effective people etc and never found any lasting solution, then expertly it was revealed that this blue boy on the cover of the book was the Adi Purusa and all I had to do was learn about him and devote my life to him and everything would be taken care of, I was in ecstasy then later in the book I was reintroduced to the Maha Mantra and it all started to click into place.
One night after reading into the early hours i got on my knees and I sincerly prayed to Krishna promising him that I would all ways be a devoted servant of his. But my 4 week leave from the army was coming to an end and I'd still not made any connection to the sanga of devotees. Although I went back to my army life with a new veiw on life my following of the four regulative principles wouldn't last more then a year dropping them one by one till finally I had almost completely forgotten about Krishna.
Four years later in 2008 as i was listening to the radio working on a old dirt bike i was rebuilding from scratch (under the influence of some herbal supplements)in a garage that also contained my boat and a beautiful ford falcon car on a section with house right by the sea a song came on the radio I'd heard many times before but this time was different I could really feel the devotional longing of the singer crying to be with his lord and It really moved me then in the chorus I couldn't belive my ears it was the Maha Mantra! I was absolutely stunned and ashamed I had forgotten about Krishna. So right there an then I drew a line in the sand and decided I'm going to become a devotee.
That day I remember it was one of those really heavy overcast days I went to my room and dug out my old JSD and began to read it again, I even remember taking it out on Infantry patrols in the forest and reading it at night under touch light, then eventually I signed out the BG as it is from the palmerston north library and began reading that with fervor feeling the same nourishing droplets every time I opened the book as I did when first reading JSD all those years ago, Gurudev form reading the Bhagavad Gita I understood how important it was to have a qualified spiritual master so I prayed many times as sincerely as I could to meet you.
Not long after this I had been writing letters to addresses I found in the back of this old original Bg I had but never got any reply, so I thought surely Sanjeev ( soon to be known as Sanivas)the Indian dairy owner i was shopping with and learning how to become vegetarian from could point me in the right direction to find devotees. Which sure enough he did and gave me the number of an Indian Vaishnava couple who lived in palmy I immediately rang them and asked if they could help me the man (Amrt Govinda) replied saying where are you right now? I told him and he came and picked me up from the warehouse car park in Palmerston north at 8pm at night too!
So I went to his house and had my first meal of prasadam (that I can consciously remember) and with such excitement and joy talked about the Bg and Krishna Consciousness. Next in his Indian assertiveness he said you must come to the temple with us tomorrow. I was nervous but thought this is what I truly want so I said yes ill come.
The next day came and they came and picked me up and together we traveled to the Newlands temple. Wow what a shock I think I was the only white person there and I felt really out of place, then the kirtan began and I immediately felt soothed knowing that yes I was in the right place. Then after a few minutes the kirtan stopped and everyone hit the deck bowing their heads on floor and I looked up to see you my long awaited spiritual master glide through the crowd like swan I was captured by your serenity and my heart began to race.
After the class Amrt invited me for Darshan with you where he incouraged me to touch your feet . Feeling shy but wanting to follow his instruction I looked up at you and reached out but you pulled your feet away I felt embarrassed and you just nonchalantly asked Amrt to bring me the bhakti lounge, and looked at me asking ' would I come' yes I said I will.
After waiting for hours at the newlands temple the time finally came to go to BL as we searched for the place I secretly hoped we wouldn't find it and I could go home as I was feeling sufficiently purified and felt id explored enough for one day and would surely come back but on my own terms, but it wasn't to be we found the place, parked the car and made our way to the lounge which was then known as Gaura Yoga,
I remember I was so nervous but as we asended the stairs I felt more and more comfortable with every step the incense was sweet the sounds were familiar and the ambiance was lively as we made our way through the last door I couldn't belive my luck again face to face with that angel who had given me the Mantra card almost 10 years earlier, she was the one taking the Koha that night.
Gurudev my life has been truly amazing because of your grace and I know its only the beginning, like the turtle who comes to the surface of the ocean for air and pop's his head out of the ocean right through the only piece of wood with a hole his head size I've similarly had the normally impossible good fortune of being accepted by you the qualified spiritual master.
I pray on this most auspicious day to always remain in the cooling shade of your shadow and follow in your footsteps life after life.
Please accept me
Your ever aspiring servant
Nandisvara das,
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!
Recently whilst doing some travelling, I visited New York City for the first time and whilst meditating on Prabhupada it struck me stronger than it every has – the sheer magnitude and scale of what Prabhupada achieved in the 10 years he was in the west. From the strong leadership of a global institution, the scale of inspiration and empowerment, the managerial and logistical finesse, the systematic and chaste education and the infinite lasting impressions for all future generations to feel. But what is even more glorious that this was all done whilst constantly battling challenges and obstacles from all fronts like a determined lion claiming its territory; or in Prabhupada’s case, preaching Krishna as the supreme proprietor.
This hit me deeply in my heart as I thought of you dear Gurudeva, and the infinite tolerance and steadiness you display amongst all the upheavals on macro and micro scale. Be it global, political and societal disturbances to the flux of devotees lives and challenges you constantly have to face. I’m dumbfounded when I think about how all this is possible, I’m humbled when I think about just how much tolerance you display whilst remaining a spiritual anchor for unworthy souls like me – all whilst unwaveringly doing the thankless tasks of inspiring the growth of the bhakti lata bija in the hearts of many. It all reminded me of this verse in the Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21:-
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned in the purport the following:-
“One of his qualifications, therefore, is kāruṇika, great mercy to the fallen souls. While engaged in preaching work, he has to meet with so many opposing elements, and therefore the sādhu, or devotee of the Lord, has to be very tolerant. Someone may ill-treat him because the conditioned souls are not prepared to receive the transcendental knowledge of devotional service. They do not like it; that is their disease. The sādhu has the thankless task of impressing upon them the importance of devotional service.”
One of my reflections on this is that for someone not empowered or in love with Krishna, tolerance is a futile matter when facing material matters let alone spiritual ones. Your steady tolerance is in no way avoidant or superficial, but charged with love, love for the disciples, devotees, Prabhupada and of course Krishna. Your tolerance is very much an active display of deep and grounded love. Meditating on this has slowly opened my eyes to the magnitude of depth you possess and have acquired in order to be a relentless giver of Krishna.
I know in my own spiritual life there will be much for me to tolerate, big and small. But knowing that you have mercifully given me your shelter I feel confident that I can learn from the exalted example that is you Gurudeva.
Thank you for your kindness, tolerance and heaviness. I’m forever praying I can be considered useful to you in your mission to Srila Prabhupada’s ever expanding pastimes.
Your servant forever,
Narasimha Nama das
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!
Recently whilst doing some travelling, I visited New York City for the first time and whilst meditating on Prabhupada it struck me stronger than it every has – the sheer magnitude and scale of what Prabhupada achieved in the 10 years he was in the west. From the strong leadership of a global institution, the scale of inspiration and empowerment, the managerial and logistical finesse, the systematic and chaste education and the infinite lasting impressions for all future generations to feel. But what is even more glorious that this was all done whilst constantly battling challenges and obstacles from all fronts like a determined lion claiming its territory; or in Prabhupada’s case, preaching Krishna as the supreme proprietor.
This hit me deeply in my heart as I thought of you dear Gurudeva, and the infinite tolerance and steadiness you display amongst all the upheavals on macro and micro scale. Be it global, political and societal disturbances to the flux of devotees lives and challenges you constantly have to face. I’m dumbfounded when I think about how all this is possible, I’m humbled when I think about just how much tolerance you display whilst remaining a spiritual anchor for unworthy souls like me – all whilst unwaveringly doing the thankless tasks of inspiring the growth of the bhakti lata bija in the hearts of many. It all reminded me of this verse in the Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21:-
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned in the purport the following:-
“One of his qualifications, therefore, is kāruṇika, great mercy to the fallen souls. While engaged in preaching work, he has to meet with so many opposing elements, and therefore the sādhu, or devotee of the Lord, has to be very tolerant. Someone may ill-treat him because the conditioned souls are not prepared to receive the transcendental knowledge of devotional service. They do not like it; that is their disease. The sādhu has the thankless task of impressing upon them the importance of devotional service.”
One of my reflections on this is that for someone not empowered or in love with Krishna, tolerance is a futile matter when facing material matters let alone spiritual ones. Your steady tolerance is in no way avoidant or superficial, but charged with love, love for the disciples, devotees, Prabhupada and of course Krishna. Your tolerance is very much an active display of deep and grounded love. Meditating on this has slowly opened my eyes to the magnitude of depth you possess and have acquired in order to be a relentless giver of Krishna.
I know in my own spiritual life there will be much for me to tolerate, big and small. But knowing that you have mercifully given me your shelter I feel confident that I can learn from the exalted example that is you Gurudeva.
Thank you for your kindness, tolerance and heaviness. I’m forever praying I can be considered useful to you in your mission to Srila Prabhupada’s ever expanding pastimes.
Your servant forever,
Narasimha Nama das
Nava-gauri dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I can't believe that I'm still here, still chanting every day.
You made it so easy to come to Bhakti, to grow in Bhakti, to become stable in Bhakti and to give Bhakti to others. In fact you didn't just make it easy, you made it possible in the first place. How could an ordinary Kali Yuga resident such as me get to aspire for the highest spiritual perfection? It's possible only by the mercy of the spiritual master.
Gurudeva, I cannot thank you and serve you enough to liquidate my debt to you but I'm happy to be in your debt.
You gave me service to perform, a mantra to chant, a place to stay, devotees to associate with, books to distribute, prasadam to eat, you gave me a life worth living.
I'm praying that one day I'll understand the real impact that you have on my life and on this world.
Please bless me so I can become a sharp instrument for your service. Please help me to get immersed in Srila Prabhupadas books and to distribute them far and wide. Please help me loosen my grip on this material nature. I'm in a prison house without bars. I can go at anytime but I don't want to go. Please purify my desire so I can go home and serve you there eternally.
Your aspiring servant
Nava-gauri Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I can't believe that I'm still here, still chanting every day.
You made it so easy to come to Bhakti, to grow in Bhakti, to become stable in Bhakti and to give Bhakti to others. In fact you didn't just make it easy, you made it possible in the first place. How could an ordinary Kali Yuga resident such as me get to aspire for the highest spiritual perfection? It's possible only by the mercy of the spiritual master.
Gurudeva, I cannot thank you and serve you enough to liquidate my debt to you but I'm happy to be in your debt.
You gave me service to perform, a mantra to chant, a place to stay, devotees to associate with, books to distribute, prasadam to eat, you gave me a life worth living.
I'm praying that one day I'll understand the real impact that you have on my life and on this world.
Please bless me so I can become a sharp instrument for your service. Please help me to get immersed in Srila Prabhupadas books and to distribute them far and wide. Please help me loosen my grip on this material nature. I'm in a prison house without bars. I can go at anytime but I don't want to go. Please purify my desire so I can go home and serve you there eternally.
Your aspiring servant
Nava-gauri Devi Dasi
Navadvipa Vasi Das
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
please accept my humble obeisances,
My best wishes on your vyasapuja and pray that the Supreme lord gives you more strength to take forward the mission of lord Chaithanya.
I find your lectures are very helpful both spiritually and materially. In one of you recent lectures you mentioned the importance of gratefulness by sharing your own experience with your god-brother. And I am trying to implement that in my life.
Thank you
Navadvipa vasi Das & family
please accept my humble obeisances,
My best wishes on your vyasapuja and pray that the Supreme lord gives you more strength to take forward the mission of lord Chaithanya.
I find your lectures are very helpful both spiritually and materially. In one of you recent lectures you mentioned the importance of gratefulness by sharing your own experience with your god-brother. And I am trying to implement that in my life.
Thank you
Navadvipa vasi Das & family
Nilachala Chandra Das
Hare Krishna Gurudev
All Glories To Srila Prabhupad
All Glories To Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Dear Gurudev
I offer my obeisances to your Holiness Lotus Feet.
I am extremely thankful to your Holiness for giving me your merciful audience and for the blessings. It has been 10 long years since I last met you in New York. I moved to Honolulu in the year in 2014 with family and Grand Kids. I missed your Holiness’s merciful dharshan all these years, and I feel ashamed. Your Holiness blessed me while you were in Los Angeles, and for which I am eternally grateful to your holiness lotus feet.
On your Holiness’s appearance day, I offer my prayers to Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadish to shower Their Lordships mercy upon you with excellent health, and help you to continue the legacy of Srila Prabhupad’s mission.
Hari Hari Bol!
Your humble eternal servant
Nilachala Chandra Das
Honolulu, Hawaii
All Glories To Srila Prabhupad
All Glories To Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Dear Gurudev
I offer my obeisances to your Holiness Lotus Feet.
I am extremely thankful to your Holiness for giving me your merciful audience and for the blessings. It has been 10 long years since I last met you in New York. I moved to Honolulu in the year in 2014 with family and Grand Kids. I missed your Holiness’s merciful dharshan all these years, and I feel ashamed. Your Holiness blessed me while you were in Los Angeles, and for which I am eternally grateful to your holiness lotus feet.
On your Holiness’s appearance day, I offer my prayers to Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadish to shower Their Lordships mercy upon you with excellent health, and help you to continue the legacy of Srila Prabhupad’s mission.
Hari Hari Bol!
Your humble eternal servant
Nilachala Chandra Das
Honolulu, Hawaii
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 at your divine lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Vyasapuja Gurudeva! Although I am most unqualified to offer you any proper glorification, I am going to make this humble attempt in the following poem:
O MY SPRITUAL MASTER
O My Spiritual Master, you’ve shown me the path of devotion and grace,
In this ocean of nescience, you’re my guiding base.
In the path of Krishna Bhakti, you stand like a tower,
Let me share your virtues in my humble offering in this poetic hour.
O My Spiritual Master, you’re a gift from above,
A reflection of Sri Krishna’s boundless love.
With your guidance and instructions, I remain on track,
Your determination and dedication inspire me, there's no looking back.
O My Spiritual Master, in you, I’ve found my guiding light,
A beacon on my spiritual journey, through day and night.
You are teaching me always to look beyond the mundane,
To see Sri Sri Radha Vallabha in every joy and pain.
O My Spiritual Master, you’ve led by example, shown the right way,
To selfless love and devotion to Sri Krishna, day after day.
With the teachings and wisdom from the scripture’s core,
You’ve shown me the straight path to Goloka Vrindavan’s shore.
O My Spiritual Master, in your presence and your teachings, I find my strength,
To navigate my life’s trials and tribulations, at any length.
The Sastra’s words are so profound,
Only with your guidance and instructions, they’re found.
O my Spiritual Master, your Kindness and wisdom are like a vast and boundless sea,
Always unravelling the truth and setting all the fallen spirits free.
Your dedication towards Sri Krishna and Srila Prabhupada is unwavering, pure, and true,
To Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada’s mission, I always look to you.
O My spiritual Master, on this sacred day of your Vyasapuja, I say,
Thank you, My dear Gurudeva, in every way.
I seek forgiveness for any shortcomings and inadequacies in my service and devotion,
Without your blessings and mercy, I am nothing in this worthless Material Ocean.
Please keep showering your love and mercy upon me and my family.
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 at your divine lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Happy Vyasapuja Gurudeva! Although I am most unqualified to offer you any proper glorification, I am going to make this humble attempt in the following poem:
O MY SPRITUAL MASTER
O My Spiritual Master, you’ve shown me the path of devotion and grace,
In this ocean of nescience, you’re my guiding base.
In the path of Krishna Bhakti, you stand like a tower,
Let me share your virtues in my humble offering in this poetic hour.
O My Spiritual Master, you’re a gift from above,
A reflection of Sri Krishna’s boundless love.
With your guidance and instructions, I remain on track,
Your determination and dedication inspire me, there's no looking back.
O My Spiritual Master, in you, I’ve found my guiding light,
A beacon on my spiritual journey, through day and night.
You are teaching me always to look beyond the mundane,
To see Sri Sri Radha Vallabha in every joy and pain.
O My Spiritual Master, you’ve led by example, shown the right way,
To selfless love and devotion to Sri Krishna, day after day.
With the teachings and wisdom from the scripture’s core,
You’ve shown me the straight path to Goloka Vrindavan’s shore.
O My Spiritual Master, in your presence and your teachings, I find my strength,
To navigate my life’s trials and tribulations, at any length.
The Sastra’s words are so profound,
Only with your guidance and instructions, they’re found.
O my Spiritual Master, your Kindness and wisdom are like a vast and boundless sea,
Always unravelling the truth and setting all the fallen spirits free.
Your dedication towards Sri Krishna and Srila Prabhupada is unwavering, pure, and true,
To Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada’s mission, I always look to you.
O My spiritual Master, on this sacred day of your Vyasapuja, I say,
Thank you, My dear Gurudeva, in every way.
I seek forgiveness for any shortcomings and inadequacies in my service and devotion,
Without your blessings and mercy, I am nothing in this worthless Material Ocean.
Please keep showering your love and mercy upon me and my family.
Hare Krishna!
Your daughter,
Nisha Abrol
Nitāi Jīvana dāsa
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
_
I am struggling in the currents of material nature.
Again and again, the sense objects converge with the senses, the senses sweep away the mind. Intelligence is lost, as I spiral down.
Everyday, I wrangle against my uncontrolled senses pulling me to this hellish place. The mind jumps here and there, in a restless state - befitting its nature. Despite being dulled by repeated indulgence, it still hankers with great anticipation, eager to exploit the resources of this world, hoping for lasting moments of material enjoyment.
Desires flare in my heart with each new attempt. Lust only increases. As illusion envelops, I loose sight.
I am perplexed by the power of the illusory energy. Despite having failed so many times, I stubbornly continue to arrange for pleasure in this world.
When will I be exhausted with trying to get happiness in this way? Why am I so dreamy, frolicking in this awkward embrace, not seeing my imprisonment with the slightest disgust?
Lamentation leads to yet another self-absorption, until I get bored of the sobbing tune. I quickly leach on to new prospects of enjoyment, continuing my search.
In vain. The real self is laying buried, unable to experience its very own joyful nature that originates from the spiritual strata, beyond the confines of subtle and gross matter.
In this helpless condition, I seek to take shelter of your lotus feet. I resolve to become a serious student, and serve your instructions. I hope to be able to sincerely inquire how to cut the loop, become absorbed in devotional service, experience the bliss of the soul, and encourage others to do the same.
How can my determination to execute your instructions become unwavering? How can I obtain the intensity of purpose required to embark on this quest?
Gurudeva, please be kind upon this lost soul! I desire to rise above this disempowering predicament by your grace, and thus begin to enter into the mystery of bhakti-yoga.
In order to become your worthy servant, I pray that I can imbibe from you the mood of pleasing Śrīla Prabhupāda. I wish to become simple before you, satisfied at heart, knowing that I have tried all that I could to cooperate in Lord Caitanya’s mission.
I trust that Kṛṣṇa and Śrīla Prabhupāda will be pleased with my attempt to serve your instructions, because you are their pure representative.
I beg you to give me the empowerment to be steady in executing my sādhana, steady in my intelligence, devoted to serving you with all that I possess.
Please engage me in your service, and thus keep me from gliding down further.
_
I understand from you that misidentification with the body is neither innocent nor inconsequential.
You make it clear that having a material body is not at all desirable, and that increasing bodily identification is detrimental to spiritual growth.
Your words, repeatedly drank in through the ears and churned for nectar awaken remembrance of the true goal of life in my interrupted attempts at developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Whenever I sincerely turn to your lectures in periods of inattention on the path of sādhana-bhakti, or in the midst of bodily absorption, I can sense your guiding hand, your compassionate glance, your words of encouragement. Sometimes, you admonish the foolish enjoying attitude born of my whimsical mind.
I long for real absorption in hearing and chanting, but find my heart invested elsewhere. I can hardly apply what I hear, and strive in many different directions.
Flimsy as I am, I turn down opportunities to serve your servants. I do not know the import of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, what it is that I am asking for. I cannot understand the selfless nature of bhakti, cannot understand the self.
Despite of all these shortcomings, you patiently show me how to start to do something with my senses for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa.
I profusely thank you for your graciously bestowing this gift upon this undeserving soul, and for being a most extraordinary, effulgent example of dedication to the spiritual master’s mission - through thick and thin.
Please help me to grasp the deep import of what it means to receive your instructions: Protection from the onslaughts of material nature through opportunity for devotional service at your lotus feet.
_
I may give off a pretence of meekness, and even take part - albeit begrudgingly and not as much as needed to clean my heart - but in reality, my level of surrender is meager, and my conviction pliable. My heart is weak, burning with memories of standing alone. Doubts lurk as to whether the formula works.
How can I ever uplift myself? How can I gain a heart and a brain?
Admitting to my bewildered and disoriented state, I pray that I may trust your guidance more, forsaking all attempts at speculating my way forward.
Relying on my own devices is the most serious blunder: Dreaming in my mind, I loose sight of Kṛṣṇa altogether.
Without the opportunity to engage my senses in devotional service, it wouldn’t take long to find myself succumb to temptations, embracing once again the delights of this bitter age.
Thus seriously contemplating what you have kindly given me, and drawing close to your words, it dawns on me that I have no place in this world without your mercy. It is this mercy of yours that flows through mentors and seniors, also, who perfectly function as sharp instruments in your hands.
Because you are very compassionate upon the fallen, there is certainly hope for me. Because your representatives forgo their own convenience to provide ongoing support, I can hold on, stand up, and plug in.
What would become of me without the opportunity to serve great souls, without being held accountable? Where would I be if I had not heard from you what it means to develop genuine spiritual life?
I thus seek to endeavour to deepen my relationship with you and all of your empowered helpers, with all saintly Vaiṣṇava devotees, through service.
I pray to be able to take to heart your words of guidance, and theirs, and depend on those words fully, feeling utterly helpless otherwise.
By this combined impact of your grace only will I be able to conquer over disturbing elements within, taking shape as attachment, selfishness, lust, deceit, arrogance and foolishness.
How can I dedicate my heart to your service? How will I be able to give up my pride? How can I accept you as my able guide and well-wishing father?
Please continue to encourage this dull student to grow up and follow heed. Please protect this impudent child from committing offence in his personal dealings. Please remind this wayward soul of what is most important.
_
Thank you for always pointing toward Kṛṣṇa as the Absolute Truth - the root cause of everything - giving me a chance to grasp some of what it means and takes to be more personal.
I don’t have Kṛṣṇa in my consciousness. By the strength of your words, I begin to hear how this stifles my dealings with others.
Indeed, an impersonal mentality pervades my life. I am thus poor in the real sense, absent, and lacking appreciation for even those that have helped me.
I do not see those that are around, that stuck it out, those that have given their lives for your mission - Śrīla Prabhupāda‘s mission.
Pleasing the devotees of Kṛṣṇa is the all and all. I seek your blessings for learning this transcendental science: Knowing how to relate, seeing the soul; how to be gentle, humble; how to say it kindly; where to help out, being amongst devotees, spreading Krishna’s message, attempting to serve your instructions.
My only hope is to become eligible for your mercy, and thus recover from this diseased, materially polluted and cumbersome condition of only seeing faults in others.
Please help me! How long can I otherwise go on cooking with smoke, pretending? How long will Kṛṣṇa tolerate this hideous way of wanting to take the centre stage?
How long can I rattle on without deep Kṛṣṇa conscious connections and loving exchanges? How will I ever be able to release my grip on temporary matter, without the higher taste?
All the while, I desperately cling to your words - words that you kindly speak to rekindle my heart with real love. Words that are strong yet soothing, and give me definite hope for being able to change from my perverted and absurd way of perceiving reality to genuine Kṛṣṇa-bhakti.
You are teaching nothing but this science of pure devotional service. You are reigniting my soul through opportunity for service, giving me strength in fighting against the illusory energy.
You are masterfully orchestrating togetherness bhakti-yoga, joyful spiritual sound and absorbing talks about Krishna.
I thank you with all my heart for your personal sacrifice in this regard, and humbly bow at your lotus feet.
Please forgive me my shortcomings and impudence. Please help me to become sober, responsible and wise.
I have nothing to give off my own, no power to do anything beneficial in this world.
Please, therefore instil in me the great taste for reading Śrīla Prabhupāda‘s books that you yourself possess. Please help me focus more on entering into those nectarean purports, applying their teachings, and distributing these books to others.
Thank you for encouraging me to go deeper.
_
These books are my connection point, and I pray that by serving them as you prescribe, I can feel the current of spiritual happiness.
May I always remember your words of guidance, never thinking myself independent.
You indeed cast your merciful glance upon me and gave me the protective shelter of your instructions. How will I be able to repay my debt to you? I simply aspire to hold on to your words and try my best to please you.
I am empty-handed, not knowing what to say, what to do, where to go. As I am thus wandering through this world, I simply beg for your mercy.
You have offered me the life-vest of devotional service in the ocean of Kali-yuga. Your instructions bestow all benedictions and enable me to step in for Kṛṣṇa’s cause in this world. I am clinging on to those words, and pray that in time, by executing your orders, real compassion may awaken in my miserly heart.
_
A pure devotee is a soul who is forever surrendered to the Lord, just as a child is surrendered to his parents or an animal to its master. In the surrendering process, one should (1) accept things favorable for discharging devotional service, (2) reject things unfavorable, (3) firmly believe that the Lord will always protect His devotee, (4) feel exclusively dependent on the mercy of the Lord, (5) have no interest separate from the interest of the Lord, and (6) always feel meek and humble. - TLC, preface
How will I ever understand this surrendering process, but through your example?
Thank you for inspiring me with your clarity of vision, your sense of purpose in representing Śrīla Prabhupāda, your father.
Please spark remembrance of your words and deeds in my heart and guide me through the mist. Please allow me to serve you.
May devotion to Kṛṣṇa rise in my heart by your grace.
Begging forgiveness for my faulty mentality of seeing you as an ordinary soul,
your obedient servant,
Nitāi Jīvana dāsa
_
I am struggling in the currents of material nature.
Again and again, the sense objects converge with the senses, the senses sweep away the mind. Intelligence is lost, as I spiral down.
Everyday, I wrangle against my uncontrolled senses pulling me to this hellish place. The mind jumps here and there, in a restless state - befitting its nature. Despite being dulled by repeated indulgence, it still hankers with great anticipation, eager to exploit the resources of this world, hoping for lasting moments of material enjoyment.
Desires flare in my heart with each new attempt. Lust only increases. As illusion envelops, I loose sight.
I am perplexed by the power of the illusory energy. Despite having failed so many times, I stubbornly continue to arrange for pleasure in this world.
When will I be exhausted with trying to get happiness in this way? Why am I so dreamy, frolicking in this awkward embrace, not seeing my imprisonment with the slightest disgust?
Lamentation leads to yet another self-absorption, until I get bored of the sobbing tune. I quickly leach on to new prospects of enjoyment, continuing my search.
In vain. The real self is laying buried, unable to experience its very own joyful nature that originates from the spiritual strata, beyond the confines of subtle and gross matter.
In this helpless condition, I seek to take shelter of your lotus feet. I resolve to become a serious student, and serve your instructions. I hope to be able to sincerely inquire how to cut the loop, become absorbed in devotional service, experience the bliss of the soul, and encourage others to do the same.
How can my determination to execute your instructions become unwavering? How can I obtain the intensity of purpose required to embark on this quest?
Gurudeva, please be kind upon this lost soul! I desire to rise above this disempowering predicament by your grace, and thus begin to enter into the mystery of bhakti-yoga.
In order to become your worthy servant, I pray that I can imbibe from you the mood of pleasing Śrīla Prabhupāda. I wish to become simple before you, satisfied at heart, knowing that I have tried all that I could to cooperate in Lord Caitanya’s mission.
I trust that Kṛṣṇa and Śrīla Prabhupāda will be pleased with my attempt to serve your instructions, because you are their pure representative.
I beg you to give me the empowerment to be steady in executing my sādhana, steady in my intelligence, devoted to serving you with all that I possess.
Please engage me in your service, and thus keep me from gliding down further.
_
I understand from you that misidentification with the body is neither innocent nor inconsequential.
You make it clear that having a material body is not at all desirable, and that increasing bodily identification is detrimental to spiritual growth.
Your words, repeatedly drank in through the ears and churned for nectar awaken remembrance of the true goal of life in my interrupted attempts at developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Whenever I sincerely turn to your lectures in periods of inattention on the path of sādhana-bhakti, or in the midst of bodily absorption, I can sense your guiding hand, your compassionate glance, your words of encouragement. Sometimes, you admonish the foolish enjoying attitude born of my whimsical mind.
I long for real absorption in hearing and chanting, but find my heart invested elsewhere. I can hardly apply what I hear, and strive in many different directions.
Flimsy as I am, I turn down opportunities to serve your servants. I do not know the import of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, what it is that I am asking for. I cannot understand the selfless nature of bhakti, cannot understand the self.
Despite of all these shortcomings, you patiently show me how to start to do something with my senses for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa.
I profusely thank you for your graciously bestowing this gift upon this undeserving soul, and for being a most extraordinary, effulgent example of dedication to the spiritual master’s mission - through thick and thin.
Please help me to grasp the deep import of what it means to receive your instructions: Protection from the onslaughts of material nature through opportunity for devotional service at your lotus feet.
_
I may give off a pretence of meekness, and even take part - albeit begrudgingly and not as much as needed to clean my heart - but in reality, my level of surrender is meager, and my conviction pliable. My heart is weak, burning with memories of standing alone. Doubts lurk as to whether the formula works.
How can I ever uplift myself? How can I gain a heart and a brain?
Admitting to my bewildered and disoriented state, I pray that I may trust your guidance more, forsaking all attempts at speculating my way forward.
Relying on my own devices is the most serious blunder: Dreaming in my mind, I loose sight of Kṛṣṇa altogether.
Without the opportunity to engage my senses in devotional service, it wouldn’t take long to find myself succumb to temptations, embracing once again the delights of this bitter age.
Thus seriously contemplating what you have kindly given me, and drawing close to your words, it dawns on me that I have no place in this world without your mercy. It is this mercy of yours that flows through mentors and seniors, also, who perfectly function as sharp instruments in your hands.
Because you are very compassionate upon the fallen, there is certainly hope for me. Because your representatives forgo their own convenience to provide ongoing support, I can hold on, stand up, and plug in.
What would become of me without the opportunity to serve great souls, without being held accountable? Where would I be if I had not heard from you what it means to develop genuine spiritual life?
I thus seek to endeavour to deepen my relationship with you and all of your empowered helpers, with all saintly Vaiṣṇava devotees, through service.
I pray to be able to take to heart your words of guidance, and theirs, and depend on those words fully, feeling utterly helpless otherwise.
By this combined impact of your grace only will I be able to conquer over disturbing elements within, taking shape as attachment, selfishness, lust, deceit, arrogance and foolishness.
How can I dedicate my heart to your service? How will I be able to give up my pride? How can I accept you as my able guide and well-wishing father?
Please continue to encourage this dull student to grow up and follow heed. Please protect this impudent child from committing offence in his personal dealings. Please remind this wayward soul of what is most important.
_
Thank you for always pointing toward Kṛṣṇa as the Absolute Truth - the root cause of everything - giving me a chance to grasp some of what it means and takes to be more personal.
I don’t have Kṛṣṇa in my consciousness. By the strength of your words, I begin to hear how this stifles my dealings with others.
Indeed, an impersonal mentality pervades my life. I am thus poor in the real sense, absent, and lacking appreciation for even those that have helped me.
I do not see those that are around, that stuck it out, those that have given their lives for your mission - Śrīla Prabhupāda‘s mission.
Pleasing the devotees of Kṛṣṇa is the all and all. I seek your blessings for learning this transcendental science: Knowing how to relate, seeing the soul; how to be gentle, humble; how to say it kindly; where to help out, being amongst devotees, spreading Krishna’s message, attempting to serve your instructions.
My only hope is to become eligible for your mercy, and thus recover from this diseased, materially polluted and cumbersome condition of only seeing faults in others.
Please help me! How long can I otherwise go on cooking with smoke, pretending? How long will Kṛṣṇa tolerate this hideous way of wanting to take the centre stage?
How long can I rattle on without deep Kṛṣṇa conscious connections and loving exchanges? How will I ever be able to release my grip on temporary matter, without the higher taste?
All the while, I desperately cling to your words - words that you kindly speak to rekindle my heart with real love. Words that are strong yet soothing, and give me definite hope for being able to change from my perverted and absurd way of perceiving reality to genuine Kṛṣṇa-bhakti.
You are teaching nothing but this science of pure devotional service. You are reigniting my soul through opportunity for service, giving me strength in fighting against the illusory energy.
You are masterfully orchestrating togetherness bhakti-yoga, joyful spiritual sound and absorbing talks about Krishna.
I thank you with all my heart for your personal sacrifice in this regard, and humbly bow at your lotus feet.
Please forgive me my shortcomings and impudence. Please help me to become sober, responsible and wise.
I have nothing to give off my own, no power to do anything beneficial in this world.
Please, therefore instil in me the great taste for reading Śrīla Prabhupāda‘s books that you yourself possess. Please help me focus more on entering into those nectarean purports, applying their teachings, and distributing these books to others.
Thank you for encouraging me to go deeper.
_
These books are my connection point, and I pray that by serving them as you prescribe, I can feel the current of spiritual happiness.
May I always remember your words of guidance, never thinking myself independent.
You indeed cast your merciful glance upon me and gave me the protective shelter of your instructions. How will I be able to repay my debt to you? I simply aspire to hold on to your words and try my best to please you.
I am empty-handed, not knowing what to say, what to do, where to go. As I am thus wandering through this world, I simply beg for your mercy.
You have offered me the life-vest of devotional service in the ocean of Kali-yuga. Your instructions bestow all benedictions and enable me to step in for Kṛṣṇa’s cause in this world. I am clinging on to those words, and pray that in time, by executing your orders, real compassion may awaken in my miserly heart.
_
A pure devotee is a soul who is forever surrendered to the Lord, just as a child is surrendered to his parents or an animal to its master. In the surrendering process, one should (1) accept things favorable for discharging devotional service, (2) reject things unfavorable, (3) firmly believe that the Lord will always protect His devotee, (4) feel exclusively dependent on the mercy of the Lord, (5) have no interest separate from the interest of the Lord, and (6) always feel meek and humble. - TLC, preface
How will I ever understand this surrendering process, but through your example?
Thank you for inspiring me with your clarity of vision, your sense of purpose in representing Śrīla Prabhupāda, your father.
Please spark remembrance of your words and deeds in my heart and guide me through the mist. Please allow me to serve you.
May devotion to Kṛṣṇa rise in my heart by your grace.
Begging forgiveness for my faulty mentality of seeing you as an ordinary soul,
your obedient servant,
Nitāi Jīvana dāsa
Noemi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day!
I was reflecting on your kindness and personalism walking out of the last darshan.
You are a world spiritual leader, with so many disciples, GBT and thousands of responsibilities on your plate but yet so personal with each one of us.
I am deeply touched by your care and involvement in my personal life. Thank you for considering my needs and details that might affect my spiritual life in the future, from visa to ashrama situations and practicalities. Thank you for guiding me through the intricacies of life in this material world, clearing away my dreamy vision of it.
I was recently reading:
"This human form of body is a most valuable boat, and the spiritual master is the captain, guru-karṇadhāram, to guide the boat in plying across the ocean of nescience. The instruction of Kṛṣṇa is a favorable breeze. One must use all these facilities to cross over the ocean of nescience. Since the spiritual master is the captain, one must serve the spiritual master very sincerely so that by his mercy one will be able to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord'
The material world is such a scary place, your instructions are my only shelter, without it I wouldn't have a clue of what to do. Thank you for saving me from the darkness of Kali Yuga by giving me the opportunity to engage my otherwise wasted life, in serving you. I pray that I can dedicate my life attempting to please you by being of some service to you.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Noemi
Please accept my humble obeisances,
all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day!
I was reflecting on your kindness and personalism walking out of the last darshan.
You are a world spiritual leader, with so many disciples, GBT and thousands of responsibilities on your plate but yet so personal with each one of us.
I am deeply touched by your care and involvement in my personal life. Thank you for considering my needs and details that might affect my spiritual life in the future, from visa to ashrama situations and practicalities. Thank you for guiding me through the intricacies of life in this material world, clearing away my dreamy vision of it.
I was recently reading:
"This human form of body is a most valuable boat, and the spiritual master is the captain, guru-karṇadhāram, to guide the boat in plying across the ocean of nescience. The instruction of Kṛṣṇa is a favorable breeze. One must use all these facilities to cross over the ocean of nescience. Since the spiritual master is the captain, one must serve the spiritual master very sincerely so that by his mercy one will be able to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord'
The material world is such a scary place, your instructions are my only shelter, without it I wouldn't have a clue of what to do. Thank you for saving me from the darkness of Kali Yuga by giving me the opportunity to engage my otherwise wasted life, in serving you. I pray that I can dedicate my life attempting to please you by being of some service to you.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Noemi
Nrikesari das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. Recently, I have been meditating on Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Bhagavad Gita Chapter two verse seven:
“By nature’s own way, the complete system of material activities is a source of perplexity for everyone. In every step, there is perplexity, and therefore it behoves one to approach a bona fide spiritual master who can give one proper guidance for executing the purpose of life. All Vedic literature advises us to approach a bona fide spiritual master to get free from the perplexities of life, which happen without our desire. They are like a forest fire that somehow blazes without being set by anyone. (…) The Vedic wisdom, therefore, advises 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. A person with a bona fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything. One should not, therefore, remain in material perplexities but should approach a spiritual master.”
I often hear you remember (in your lecturers) your university days when you were studying at Yale University and the Dean authorised you to study any subject you liked on the premise that you wanted to find a solution to all the world's perplexities. Your tutors smiled but encouraged you, saying, this is the attitude of a Yale man who will change the world for the better. Little did they know of the actual turn your life will take. Your aspirations, even at such an early age, reveal the heart of a Vaisnava because only a Vaisnava is truly concerned about ending all of the world's problems. However, social welfare work, charities, hospitals, political revolutions or religious functions cannot benefit anyone if bereft of glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna.
dharmaḥ svanuṣṭhitaḥ puṁsāṁ
viṣvaksena-kathāsu yaḥ
notpādayed yadi ratiṁ
śrama eva hi kevalam
“The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labour if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.” All endeavours for material improvement are a failure if bereft of devotional service to Krsna. In the same way, as it is a failure to save the dress of a drowning man without saving the actual person. Parallel to studying through the library at Yale and all of the world’s literature available to you, you also came across Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita as it is. Years later, you explained that just by reading and understanding the Bhagavad Gita, you gained so much more than from your years of study at the “prestigious” Yale University.
To reiterate Srila Prabhupada's purport on Bhagavad-Gita, anyone desiring to end material perplexities must approach a spiritual master, and Srila Prabhupada explains further in the context of the appearance of Srila Sukadeva Goswami that “there is no necessity of approaching a spiritual master unless one is in need of solving the problems of life. One who does not know how to put questions before the spiritual master has no business seeing him.”
Nevertheless, you are so kind upon us, and you see us even for apparently mundane affairs. In your last class on Srimad Bhagavatam in Melbourne, upon answering a question regarding the amount of Krsna-katha at the local bhakti-ricksha, you made the point that a devotee has no business in speaking about anything else besides Krsna but a devotee (and especially a preacher) has to be able and sensitive enough to detect and address individual obstacles and somehow or other connect them to Krsna.
Guru Maharaja, you have been exemplifying this with your outreach, retreats and classes, which directly address all the perplexities that we could possibly find ourselves in and then intelligently, you demonstrate how no material solution can ever solve them, but only the congregational glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna. Guru Maharaja, sometimes I am wondering, how do you understand so well? You must be always thinking of how to deliver the fallen souls from the tight shackles of the material energy. I want to take this opportunity and pray for your ongoing guidance, instructions, and service.
Your Servant,
Nrikesari das
Please accept my humble obeisances. Recently, I have been meditating on Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Bhagavad Gita Chapter two verse seven:
“By nature’s own way, the complete system of material activities is a source of perplexity for everyone. In every step, there is perplexity, and therefore it behoves one to approach a bona fide spiritual master who can give one proper guidance for executing the purpose of life. All Vedic literature advises us to approach a bona fide spiritual master to get free from the perplexities of life, which happen without our desire. They are like a forest fire that somehow blazes without being set by anyone. (…) The Vedic wisdom, therefore, advises 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. A person with a bona fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything. One should not, therefore, remain in material perplexities but should approach a spiritual master.”
I often hear you remember (in your lecturers) your university days when you were studying at Yale University and the Dean authorised you to study any subject you liked on the premise that you wanted to find a solution to all the world's perplexities. Your tutors smiled but encouraged you, saying, this is the attitude of a Yale man who will change the world for the better. Little did they know of the actual turn your life will take. Your aspirations, even at such an early age, reveal the heart of a Vaisnava because only a Vaisnava is truly concerned about ending all of the world's problems. However, social welfare work, charities, hospitals, political revolutions or religious functions cannot benefit anyone if bereft of glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna.
dharmaḥ svanuṣṭhitaḥ puṁsāṁ
viṣvaksena-kathāsu yaḥ
notpādayed yadi ratiṁ
śrama eva hi kevalam
“The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labour if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.” All endeavours for material improvement are a failure if bereft of devotional service to Krsna. In the same way, as it is a failure to save the dress of a drowning man without saving the actual person. Parallel to studying through the library at Yale and all of the world’s literature available to you, you also came across Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita as it is. Years later, you explained that just by reading and understanding the Bhagavad Gita, you gained so much more than from your years of study at the “prestigious” Yale University.
To reiterate Srila Prabhupada's purport on Bhagavad-Gita, anyone desiring to end material perplexities must approach a spiritual master, and Srila Prabhupada explains further in the context of the appearance of Srila Sukadeva Goswami that “there is no necessity of approaching a spiritual master unless one is in need of solving the problems of life. One who does not know how to put questions before the spiritual master has no business seeing him.”
Nevertheless, you are so kind upon us, and you see us even for apparently mundane affairs. In your last class on Srimad Bhagavatam in Melbourne, upon answering a question regarding the amount of Krsna-katha at the local bhakti-ricksha, you made the point that a devotee has no business in speaking about anything else besides Krsna but a devotee (and especially a preacher) has to be able and sensitive enough to detect and address individual obstacles and somehow or other connect them to Krsna.
Guru Maharaja, you have been exemplifying this with your outreach, retreats and classes, which directly address all the perplexities that we could possibly find ourselves in and then intelligently, you demonstrate how no material solution can ever solve them, but only the congregational glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna. Guru Maharaja, sometimes I am wondering, how do you understand so well? You must be always thinking of how to deliver the fallen souls from the tight shackles of the material energy. I want to take this opportunity and pray for your ongoing guidance, instructions, and service.
Your Servant,
Nrikesari das
Pandava bandhava dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja I would like to thank you again for all the wonderful gifts you have given me. I thank you for the practical wisdom of your instructions combined with the genuine concern for my well-being, your volcanic kirtans, your sense of humour, your deep insights into the Bhakti psychology. Thank you that you always bring me back to the basics - to chant attentively the holy name.
You are a true representative of our Founder Acharya’s teaching and of his mood. Srila Prabhupada was both compassionate, accommodating and at the same time strict follower of parampara. You, Gurudeva, are able to understand our weaknesses and at the same time you are inspiring us to go beyond them. You are like the Vedas - they have many branches facilitating the spiritual advancement of all types of people and at the same they have very clearly articulated conclusion. As Bhagavatam says, reality is different from illusion, for the benefit of all.
Thank you for loving and living the reality as a real sadhu thus giving us perfect example. I Pray for your blessings and protection.
Your servant
Pandava bandhava das
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja I would like to thank you again for all the wonderful gifts you have given me. I thank you for the practical wisdom of your instructions combined with the genuine concern for my well-being, your volcanic kirtans, your sense of humour, your deep insights into the Bhakti psychology. Thank you that you always bring me back to the basics - to chant attentively the holy name.
You are a true representative of our Founder Acharya’s teaching and of his mood. Srila Prabhupada was both compassionate, accommodating and at the same time strict follower of parampara. You, Gurudeva, are able to understand our weaknesses and at the same time you are inspiring us to go beyond them. You are like the Vedas - they have many branches facilitating the spiritual advancement of all types of people and at the same they have very clearly articulated conclusion. As Bhagavatam says, reality is different from illusion, for the benefit of all.
Thank you for loving and living the reality as a real sadhu thus giving us perfect example. I Pray for your blessings and protection.
Your servant
Pandava bandhava das
Parā-dharma Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara.
You are always there to provide shelter, enlightenment, and guidance on the way to Krishna. You save me from many dangers in life. My offering to you — is this few e-words, once a year, on occasion of your appearance day — not quite comparable to your mercy.
As I am writing this offering, my mind, speech and body are engaged — I experience a rare satisfaction in this activity. I wish my whole life was immersed in your service, but I know how very soon I will get back to slavery of my senses.
A memorable episode happened earlier this year — a little exchange in front of the Auckland Temple. It was one of my first times going out with the newborn baby. Wherever I go these days our daughter is the center of attraction. However, when you were passing by on your way out from the temple, you didn't look at the baby. You looked at me, you interacted with me. This exchange left me feeling refreshed — you reminded me of my individuality and the essence. I am very grateful for this to you.
A few life changes happened to me this year and I got overwhelmed. Being on the doorstep to a mental clinic, I got a glimpse of what I think you’ve called “chanting through the problems”. What would life be like if only I were more attentive to chanting, more surrendered and faithful at all times? When will I learn the lesson?
I remember your instruction to cook for the devotees. After a few years this instruction revealed a new meaning for me. If not this simple guidance I would have probably not have any relationships with devotees. By sharing prasadam I accumulate good memories of devotees’ interaction. It enriches my life a lot. These days I am happy if one or two devotees accept prasadam in our house. I pray for your mercy to fulfil your recommendation better.
Serving my husband remains to be the greatest service for me. With the arrival of the baby this activity has been significantly compromised and challenged. I often fall short at fulfilling my role as a wife, struggling to adequately support him. I am very fearful to fail in this task and upset you. On the other hand, seeing my husband’s tolerance, selflessness and determination to carry on humbled me a lot.
Meanwhile, you are like Narada Muni, 'whose glance never goes in vain,' moving around the planet, transforming the lives of many people. This is a true miracle that leaves me in great awe. I see it as a greater mysticism in this world. You are like a warrior, snatching conditioned souls from the very tight grasp of maya.
These days, I pray to always remember you, to keep you in my heart. Even a thought of you allows me to make the right choices in life. I beg you to relieve me of endless fears so that I can become steadfast in the service of your servants with determination and simplicity.
Your inspired servant,
Parā-dharma Devi Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Guru Parampara.
You are always there to provide shelter, enlightenment, and guidance on the way to Krishna. You save me from many dangers in life. My offering to you — is this few e-words, once a year, on occasion of your appearance day — not quite comparable to your mercy.
As I am writing this offering, my mind, speech and body are engaged — I experience a rare satisfaction in this activity. I wish my whole life was immersed in your service, but I know how very soon I will get back to slavery of my senses.
A memorable episode happened earlier this year — a little exchange in front of the Auckland Temple. It was one of my first times going out with the newborn baby. Wherever I go these days our daughter is the center of attraction. However, when you were passing by on your way out from the temple, you didn't look at the baby. You looked at me, you interacted with me. This exchange left me feeling refreshed — you reminded me of my individuality and the essence. I am very grateful for this to you.
A few life changes happened to me this year and I got overwhelmed. Being on the doorstep to a mental clinic, I got a glimpse of what I think you’ve called “chanting through the problems”. What would life be like if only I were more attentive to chanting, more surrendered and faithful at all times? When will I learn the lesson?
I remember your instruction to cook for the devotees. After a few years this instruction revealed a new meaning for me. If not this simple guidance I would have probably not have any relationships with devotees. By sharing prasadam I accumulate good memories of devotees’ interaction. It enriches my life a lot. These days I am happy if one or two devotees accept prasadam in our house. I pray for your mercy to fulfil your recommendation better.
Serving my husband remains to be the greatest service for me. With the arrival of the baby this activity has been significantly compromised and challenged. I often fall short at fulfilling my role as a wife, struggling to adequately support him. I am very fearful to fail in this task and upset you. On the other hand, seeing my husband’s tolerance, selflessness and determination to carry on humbled me a lot.
Meanwhile, you are like Narada Muni, 'whose glance never goes in vain,' moving around the planet, transforming the lives of many people. This is a true miracle that leaves me in great awe. I see it as a greater mysticism in this world. You are like a warrior, snatching conditioned souls from the very tight grasp of maya.
These days, I pray to always remember you, to keep you in my heart. Even a thought of you allows me to make the right choices in life. I beg you to relieve me of endless fears so that I can become steadfast in the service of your servants with determination and simplicity.
Your inspired servant,
Parā-dharma Devi Dasi.
Paramesvari devi dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaja,
I offer my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you and this auspicious day of your appearance on Earth.
This year you have given me a benediction of tasting the nectar of your correction/chastisement, for in your words of wisdom lies a potent force that shakes away the false ego, paving the way for genuine transformation. In your chastisement, I find not criticism, but a deep reservoir of compassion and empowerment to overcome a dark spot in my consciousness that I may not be aware of myself.
Vrindavana is undoubtedly alive in your sound vibration, whether that is your chanting or your lectures. Your pure consciousness uplifts the consciousness of those around you, simply by your very presence. The profound wisdom of Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita is immediately accessible when you speak of them, and I am forever indebted for the enlightenment you bestow upon us.
Before my trip to Vietnam and upon arriving back in the United States, your benevolent care has been a lighthouse guiding my life step by step. Your instructions are full of potency and simply by following them, I know you protect me. I know I am protected by Krishna, through your mercy.
This past year has marked a significant shift in my life. I moved out of the temple and seemingly ventured into the world on my own. Your divine blessings has shielded me from the clutches of maya, ensuring that I continue to chant the holy names, Hare Krishna, and engage in devotional service. You once wrote to me, take everything in bhakti very seriously but joyfully. For this, I am eternally grateful.
Your dedicated disciples have extended their helping hands to me in ways that I can only describe as magical. I firmly believe that this extraordinary support from the association of devotees is a direct reflection of your empowerment and the boundless blessings that flow from you.
In Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 7.91, Srila Prabhupada has beautifully articulated the profound purpose of a spiritual master, which you wholeheartedly embody in your role as my spiritual guide. He said, "If a spiritual master can convert even one soul into a perfectly pure devotee, his mission in life is fulfilled." These words remind me of your selfless dedication and tireless efforts to lead your disciples on the path of pure devotion.
As I strive to follow your instructions diligently, my utmost aspiration is to bring you the happiness and satisfaction that come from a disciple who advances in spiritual life. Your true joy, as Srila Prabhupada pointed out, does not stem from material gains, but rather from witnessing your disciples embrace the regulative principles and make genuine progress on their spiritual journey.
I earnestly pray that, by your grace and your guidance, I can move forward on the path of spiritual advancement and develop an ever-deepening love for our dear Lord, Krishna. It is my heartfelt desire to bring you contentment by becoming a humble instrument in your mission, just as you have been in Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
I pray fervently that I may acquire the intelligence and the determination to effectively engage all of my senses, my body, my mind, my energy, and whatever in my possession given to me by Krishna’s mercy, in Krishna's service. My ultimate aspiration is to one day surrender everything I have at your lotus feet, recognizing that all I possess is a result of your boundless mercy and your invaluable instructions. With unwavering faith, I am convinced that by diligently executing your divine guidance, my life will attain perfection.
Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your unceasing love, compassion, and guidance. I pray to have the eagerness to await your wise words of chastisement, for within them, I find the path to true spiritual growth and eternal happiness.
Your aspiring servant,
Paramesvari devi dasi
I offer my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you and this auspicious day of your appearance on Earth.
This year you have given me a benediction of tasting the nectar of your correction/chastisement, for in your words of wisdom lies a potent force that shakes away the false ego, paving the way for genuine transformation. In your chastisement, I find not criticism, but a deep reservoir of compassion and empowerment to overcome a dark spot in my consciousness that I may not be aware of myself.
Vrindavana is undoubtedly alive in your sound vibration, whether that is your chanting or your lectures. Your pure consciousness uplifts the consciousness of those around you, simply by your very presence. The profound wisdom of Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita is immediately accessible when you speak of them, and I am forever indebted for the enlightenment you bestow upon us.
Before my trip to Vietnam and upon arriving back in the United States, your benevolent care has been a lighthouse guiding my life step by step. Your instructions are full of potency and simply by following them, I know you protect me. I know I am protected by Krishna, through your mercy.
This past year has marked a significant shift in my life. I moved out of the temple and seemingly ventured into the world on my own. Your divine blessings has shielded me from the clutches of maya, ensuring that I continue to chant the holy names, Hare Krishna, and engage in devotional service. You once wrote to me, take everything in bhakti very seriously but joyfully. For this, I am eternally grateful.
Your dedicated disciples have extended their helping hands to me in ways that I can only describe as magical. I firmly believe that this extraordinary support from the association of devotees is a direct reflection of your empowerment and the boundless blessings that flow from you.
In Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 7.91, Srila Prabhupada has beautifully articulated the profound purpose of a spiritual master, which you wholeheartedly embody in your role as my spiritual guide. He said, "If a spiritual master can convert even one soul into a perfectly pure devotee, his mission in life is fulfilled." These words remind me of your selfless dedication and tireless efforts to lead your disciples on the path of pure devotion.
As I strive to follow your instructions diligently, my utmost aspiration is to bring you the happiness and satisfaction that come from a disciple who advances in spiritual life. Your true joy, as Srila Prabhupada pointed out, does not stem from material gains, but rather from witnessing your disciples embrace the regulative principles and make genuine progress on their spiritual journey.
I earnestly pray that, by your grace and your guidance, I can move forward on the path of spiritual advancement and develop an ever-deepening love for our dear Lord, Krishna. It is my heartfelt desire to bring you contentment by becoming a humble instrument in your mission, just as you have been in Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
I pray fervently that I may acquire the intelligence and the determination to effectively engage all of my senses, my body, my mind, my energy, and whatever in my possession given to me by Krishna’s mercy, in Krishna's service. My ultimate aspiration is to one day surrender everything I have at your lotus feet, recognizing that all I possess is a result of your boundless mercy and your invaluable instructions. With unwavering faith, I am convinced that by diligently executing your divine guidance, my life will attain perfection.
Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your unceasing love, compassion, and guidance. I pray to have the eagerness to await your wise words of chastisement, for within them, I find the path to true spiritual growth and eternal happiness.
Your aspiring servant,
Paramesvari devi dasi
Parjanya Gopa Dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to your lotus feet and all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am now 32 years old and this is the sad account of my wretched life so far, perfectly described by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his song "Amar Jivan".
"I am an impious sinner and have caused others great anxiety and trouble.
I have never hesitated to perform sinful acts for my own enjoyment. Devoid of all compassion, concerned only with my own selfish interests, I am remorseful seeing others happy. I am a perpetual liar, and the misery of others is a source of great pleasure for me.
The material desires within the core of my heart are unlimited. I am wrathful, devoted to false pride and arrogance, intoxicated by vanity, and bewildered by worldly affairs. Envy and egotism are the ornaments I wear.
Ruined by laziness and sleep, I resist all pious deeds; yet I am very active and enthusiastic to perform wicked acts. For worldly fame and reputation I engage in the practice of deceitfulness. Thus I am destroyed by my own greed and am always lustful.
A vile, wicked man such as this, rejected by godly people, is a constant offender. I am such a person, devoid
of all good works, forever inclined toward evil, worn out and wasted by various miseries "
Dear Gurudeva, these words are not at all exaggerated. They are facts.
But despite of all this past and present darkness, I have great hope, for I see the light at your lotus feet.
Krishna willing, I still have a few more years to live in this body, so I can finally try to become sincere and assist you in your mission of spreading Krishna consciousness. So you can be pleased with me.
What would be the point of my life if I die before I could be of some service to your holiness?
Krishna has blessed the entire world by sending you on earth, and I am forever grateful to you for having given me the greatest gift: the privilege of devotional service at your lotus feet.
You are the incarnation of the mercy of the Lord. By your grace one can come out of the ocean of material suffering which Lord Kapiladeva explains to be made of the tears of the condition souls.
I still cannot fathom how Krishna has been so kind upon me for directing me towards you.
I am here today only due to your unflinching devotion and dedication in wanting to assist Lord Caitanya.
Indeed your desire is one with the Lord's : To reclaim the fallen souls back to Godhead.
And it is by the specific arrangements you made in fulfilling this mission, that about 8 years ago I had the extreme good fortune of meeting your beloved disciples who so kindly nurtured me.
Now I know for certain that by always fixing my mind in remembering you, worshiping you and serving your servants, I will be engaged in the greatest welfare work and one day by your mercy, join with you in the eternal kirtan of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Thank you for not giving up on me, thank you for being the greatest father, thank you for blessing the world by your presence.
I beg Krishna, the entire parampara, and all the assembled devotees to please allow me to always be absorbed in serving your lotus feet with pure love.
Your hopeful servant,
Parjanya Gopa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to your lotus feet and all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am now 32 years old and this is the sad account of my wretched life so far, perfectly described by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his song "Amar Jivan".
"I am an impious sinner and have caused others great anxiety and trouble.
I have never hesitated to perform sinful acts for my own enjoyment. Devoid of all compassion, concerned only with my own selfish interests, I am remorseful seeing others happy. I am a perpetual liar, and the misery of others is a source of great pleasure for me.
The material desires within the core of my heart are unlimited. I am wrathful, devoted to false pride and arrogance, intoxicated by vanity, and bewildered by worldly affairs. Envy and egotism are the ornaments I wear.
Ruined by laziness and sleep, I resist all pious deeds; yet I am very active and enthusiastic to perform wicked acts. For worldly fame and reputation I engage in the practice of deceitfulness. Thus I am destroyed by my own greed and am always lustful.
A vile, wicked man such as this, rejected by godly people, is a constant offender. I am such a person, devoid
of all good works, forever inclined toward evil, worn out and wasted by various miseries "
Dear Gurudeva, these words are not at all exaggerated. They are facts.
But despite of all this past and present darkness, I have great hope, for I see the light at your lotus feet.
Krishna willing, I still have a few more years to live in this body, so I can finally try to become sincere and assist you in your mission of spreading Krishna consciousness. So you can be pleased with me.
What would be the point of my life if I die before I could be of some service to your holiness?
Krishna has blessed the entire world by sending you on earth, and I am forever grateful to you for having given me the greatest gift: the privilege of devotional service at your lotus feet.
You are the incarnation of the mercy of the Lord. By your grace one can come out of the ocean of material suffering which Lord Kapiladeva explains to be made of the tears of the condition souls.
I still cannot fathom how Krishna has been so kind upon me for directing me towards you.
I am here today only due to your unflinching devotion and dedication in wanting to assist Lord Caitanya.
Indeed your desire is one with the Lord's : To reclaim the fallen souls back to Godhead.
And it is by the specific arrangements you made in fulfilling this mission, that about 8 years ago I had the extreme good fortune of meeting your beloved disciples who so kindly nurtured me.
Now I know for certain that by always fixing my mind in remembering you, worshiping you and serving your servants, I will be engaged in the greatest welfare work and one day by your mercy, join with you in the eternal kirtan of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Thank you for not giving up on me, thank you for being the greatest father, thank you for blessing the world by your presence.
I beg Krishna, the entire parampara, and all the assembled devotees to please allow me to always be absorbed in serving your lotus feet with pure love.
Your hopeful servant,
Parjanya Gopa dasa
Prabhuram Subramanian
Dear Gurudeva,
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances,
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All Glories to your Divine Self,
Gurudeva,
I am blessed to have you as my guru representing a line of authentic spiritual masters in a sampradaya like Brahma Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya of which ISKCON is a major branch or offshoot.
I came to krsna consciousness in July 31, 2005 by your mercy when I attended your retreat in New Nandagram in Melbourne, Australia. Its been a amazing krsna conscious adventure or journey all these years by dint of your causeless mercy.
You have like a caretaking father given me all that I need to progress in bhakti.
Its your vaisnava quality of unwavering determination in serving Srila Prabhupada's mission which attracts me and others (Your Disciples, Wellwishers and Followers) towards you.
On this most glorious and auspicious Vyasa Puja of yours, I sincerely pray to Lord Krsna that he may give you a long and healthy lifespan so that you may attract more conditioned souls like me to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Place: Chennai, India
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances,
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All Glories to your Divine Self,
Gurudeva,
I am blessed to have you as my guru representing a line of authentic spiritual masters in a sampradaya like Brahma Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya of which ISKCON is a major branch or offshoot.
I came to krsna consciousness in July 31, 2005 by your mercy when I attended your retreat in New Nandagram in Melbourne, Australia. Its been a amazing krsna conscious adventure or journey all these years by dint of your causeless mercy.
You have like a caretaking father given me all that I need to progress in bhakti.
Its your vaisnava quality of unwavering determination in serving Srila Prabhupada's mission which attracts me and others (Your Disciples, Wellwishers and Followers) towards you.
On this most glorious and auspicious Vyasa Puja of yours, I sincerely pray to Lord Krsna that he may give you a long and healthy lifespan so that you may attract more conditioned souls like me to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Place: Chennai, India
Prema Sankirtan das
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances .
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It’s not possible to describe the sublime qualities of great Vaishnava devote of the Lord . They are unlimited, because Lord Sri Krishna is also unlimited.
I am so fortunate to have such Spiritual Master as you dear Gurudeva .
Please give me just the drop of your mercy , than I can also be a pure devotee of the Lord . Only purpose of the human form of life is to develop love of God : Krishna Prema …. And on the way help others to achieve the same goal .
Everything is possible even for such lowborn personality …
Your eternally indebted servant
Prema Sankirtan das
Please accept my humble obeisances .
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It’s not possible to describe the sublime qualities of great Vaishnava devote of the Lord . They are unlimited, because Lord Sri Krishna is also unlimited.
I am so fortunate to have such Spiritual Master as you dear Gurudeva .
Please give me just the drop of your mercy , than I can also be a pure devotee of the Lord . Only purpose of the human form of life is to develop love of God : Krishna Prema …. And on the way help others to achieve the same goal .
Everything is possible even for such lowborn personality …
Your eternally indebted servant
Prema Sankirtan das
Prema-lahari devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
I offer my obeisances unto you
Respectfully and humbly trying to
Catch a hold of the dust of your lotus feet
Lotus feet means service, simple and sweet.
I pray I can serve you with my whole heart
Not a little for you but myself for the most part.
Gurudeva, the last year for me has been an interesting one
Transitions, changes and all that fun
(moving out of the ashram and in with KG
And feeling as lucky as lucky can be)
But the constant that’s been with me all the time
Has been hearing your classes, so uplifting, so fine.
With your pure clean intellect you present
So many different angles of Krishna conscious content.
The main point that I hear ringing through
Your various presentations you point us to
Advance in hearing the holy name
Advance in playing the glorious game
Of giving Krishna to others, do what you can do
Give books, give prasadam or give your services to
The unique outreach centers you’ve started
Where knowledge and love for the Lord is imparted
The loft is unique (and Bhakti lounge too)
By serving there you're automatically pulled
From kanishta to the madhyama level
Even by sweeping the floor, it’s just incredible.
You explain the science of how just by helping
The place where Krishna consciousness is spreading
It removes the neophyte mentality
Of thinking all there is is the Lord and me.
It broadens your vision and lifts your aim
From serving alone to serving with friends.
Thank you Gurudeva for your high aspiration
Of having us advance in our concentration
On the Holy name and on the outreach.
Gurudeva it’s not just an aspiration, you practice what you preach!
Your tender care and love for your disciples is shown
When you meet with us all, one by one.
Taking the time to give personal advice
You can see how our choices affect our life
You give the advice but also leave us free
“Grhasta life is about living the dream”
You chuckle kindly and advise us not to reinvent the wheel
Even though we may strongly feel
We’re different and special and all the rest
But really, I know I’m not, I’m just a little bird leaving the nest
But praying never to leave the nest of your shelter
Please keep me close, don’t let me wander
Or get lost with distractions that come day after day.
Gurudeva on this auspicious day I pray
To serve you with a pure heart free from frustrations
To try my best to fulfill your lofty aspirations
Thank you for everything Gurudeva,
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter
Prema-lahari devi dasi
I offer my obeisances unto you
Respectfully and humbly trying to
Catch a hold of the dust of your lotus feet
Lotus feet means service, simple and sweet.
I pray I can serve you with my whole heart
Not a little for you but myself for the most part.
Gurudeva, the last year for me has been an interesting one
Transitions, changes and all that fun
(moving out of the ashram and in with KG
And feeling as lucky as lucky can be)
But the constant that’s been with me all the time
Has been hearing your classes, so uplifting, so fine.
With your pure clean intellect you present
So many different angles of Krishna conscious content.
The main point that I hear ringing through
Your various presentations you point us to
Advance in hearing the holy name
Advance in playing the glorious game
Of giving Krishna to others, do what you can do
Give books, give prasadam or give your services to
The unique outreach centers you’ve started
Where knowledge and love for the Lord is imparted
The loft is unique (and Bhakti lounge too)
By serving there you're automatically pulled
From kanishta to the madhyama level
Even by sweeping the floor, it’s just incredible.
You explain the science of how just by helping
The place where Krishna consciousness is spreading
It removes the neophyte mentality
Of thinking all there is is the Lord and me.
It broadens your vision and lifts your aim
From serving alone to serving with friends.
Thank you Gurudeva for your high aspiration
Of having us advance in our concentration
On the Holy name and on the outreach.
Gurudeva it’s not just an aspiration, you practice what you preach!
Your tender care and love for your disciples is shown
When you meet with us all, one by one.
Taking the time to give personal advice
You can see how our choices affect our life
You give the advice but also leave us free
“Grhasta life is about living the dream”
You chuckle kindly and advise us not to reinvent the wheel
Even though we may strongly feel
We’re different and special and all the rest
But really, I know I’m not, I’m just a little bird leaving the nest
But praying never to leave the nest of your shelter
Please keep me close, don’t let me wander
Or get lost with distractions that come day after day.
Gurudeva on this auspicious day I pray
To serve you with a pure heart free from frustrations
To try my best to fulfill your lofty aspirations
Thank you for everything Gurudeva,
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter
Prema-lahari devi dasi
Prema-lata Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your service mood
It has been 14 years since the first time I met you and life has taken many turns. At first I thought that an ideal disciple is one who asks for guidance about every single life decision. However, as time passed I realised that there are many grey areas in this mortal world and it’s impossible to have a “one -size fits all” approach. Your balanced approach to everything made me thing more deeply about every decision I took. I had to start with being more personal with myself. It took time to understand my own material conditioning and spiritual inclinations but I am glad that all this came naturally amongst your roaring kirtans and elaborate classes. At times I strongly disagreed, other times I remained unaffected but mostly I agreed with your service mood.
I am glad you have accepted me with all the faults I bring and have given me the opportunity to be in the association of all the wonderful devotees. Neither too social nor flamboyant I get the most out of seeing different types of devotees flourishing in their own way under your shelter. I admire each one of them because they are the direct result of the over flood of mercy from Lord Chaitanya.
Thank you for filling this gloomy place with outreach centres that attract people from all walks of life. It is evident that Srila Prabhupada continues to shower his blessing on all your spiritual endeavours. Your emphasis on reading his books and distributing them widely are highly commendable.
I pray that one day I can also be of some use to you in this grand spiritual movement.
Servant of your servants,
Prema-Lata Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your service mood
It has been 14 years since the first time I met you and life has taken many turns. At first I thought that an ideal disciple is one who asks for guidance about every single life decision. However, as time passed I realised that there are many grey areas in this mortal world and it’s impossible to have a “one -size fits all” approach. Your balanced approach to everything made me thing more deeply about every decision I took. I had to start with being more personal with myself. It took time to understand my own material conditioning and spiritual inclinations but I am glad that all this came naturally amongst your roaring kirtans and elaborate classes. At times I strongly disagreed, other times I remained unaffected but mostly I agreed with your service mood.
I am glad you have accepted me with all the faults I bring and have given me the opportunity to be in the association of all the wonderful devotees. Neither too social nor flamboyant I get the most out of seeing different types of devotees flourishing in their own way under your shelter. I admire each one of them because they are the direct result of the over flood of mercy from Lord Chaitanya.
Thank you for filling this gloomy place with outreach centres that attract people from all walks of life. It is evident that Srila Prabhupada continues to shower his blessing on all your spiritual endeavours. Your emphasis on reading his books and distributing them widely are highly commendable.
I pray that one day I can also be of some use to you in this grand spiritual movement.
Servant of your servants,
Prema-Lata Devi Dasi
Premdham das
My dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glory to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special day of your Vyas Pooja, I pray to Lord Krishna to bless you good health.
I have countless reasons and occasions to be reminded about your mercy which you keep showing unto these useless souls. I feel very fortunate that I got this opportunity to serve you in Prabhupada's mission. There was so much noise and confusion in the name of spirituality. I feel lucky not to get trapped in those bogus teachings.
I keep hearing about your teaching/preaching activities and love to be part of it but cannot do so due to our presence in India.
One thing that I keep reminding myself is the ocean of mercy that I got, if I'll ever came to realize to appreciate it.
Once again on this day I promise to serve you with all my abilities for ever.
Your aspiring servants,
Premdham das.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glory to Srila Prabhupada.
On this special day of your Vyas Pooja, I pray to Lord Krishna to bless you good health.
I have countless reasons and occasions to be reminded about your mercy which you keep showing unto these useless souls. I feel very fortunate that I got this opportunity to serve you in Prabhupada's mission. There was so much noise and confusion in the name of spirituality. I feel lucky not to get trapped in those bogus teachings.
I keep hearing about your teaching/preaching activities and love to be part of it but cannot do so due to our presence in India.
One thing that I keep reminding myself is the ocean of mercy that I got, if I'll ever came to realize to appreciate it.
Once again on this day I promise to serve you with all my abilities for ever.
Your aspiring servants,
Premdham das.
Pritam
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrita-swami iti namine.
I failed. Standing right face to face, was seeing it coming. At that time it was tomatoes in mind.i was putting the effort to utter tomatoes. Without realizing at that moment that I was able to take the holy name. I could chant but that very moment made me feel I was fallen then ajamila.
Srila gurudev they were surprised looking at my report and kept on
Saying I was lucky. But hardly they know that it was you who gave me the pran as Praneshvar krsna das. I was done as per the materialistic point, but it's ur mercy that u giving a second chance. It's with ur potency that I am standing here and pleading - I failed once but seek your shelter of ur feet to fight back. Through out the struggle all I could recollect was ur instructions on "you vs fear" in one of ur programs.
Thank you gurudev for giving me Praneshvar Krsna.
srimate devamrita-swami iti namine.
I failed. Standing right face to face, was seeing it coming. At that time it was tomatoes in mind.i was putting the effort to utter tomatoes. Without realizing at that moment that I was able to take the holy name. I could chant but that very moment made me feel I was fallen then ajamila.
Srila gurudev they were surprised looking at my report and kept on
Saying I was lucky. But hardly they know that it was you who gave me the pran as Praneshvar krsna das. I was done as per the materialistic point, but it's ur mercy that u giving a second chance. It's with ur potency that I am standing here and pleading - I failed once but seek your shelter of ur feet to fight back. Through out the struggle all I could recollect was ur instructions on "you vs fear" in one of ur programs.
Thank you gurudev for giving me Praneshvar Krsna.
Purnananda devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your appearance!
Around six years ago I had the good fortune of meeting you at the Bhakti Lounge in Wellington. Devastated by material existence, my communications were incoherent to any sane person, especially an esteemed practitioner of bhakti yoga like you. I was at a complete loss, despite recently having ventured to Wellington to pursue doctoral studies, and you simply said something that cut through the illusion and gave hope that there was a solution to all the madness. “Just chant”, you said, explaining that it would repel the karmic burden I found myself under. And that was it. Those two words lodged themselves in my heart, and even now I can hear them as clearly as when they were spoken, and I have just tried to chant ever since, with the invaluable help of your disciples. That experience very much reminds me of the following description by Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam, canto 8, purport to text 4:
“… By cultivating spiritual knowledge, we can realize that we have nothing to do with all this material paraphernalia. This clearance of the misgivings of material existence at once takes place by association with the Lord’s devotees, who are able to inject the transcendental sound into the depths of the bewildered heart and thus make one practically liberated from all lamentation and illusion.”
Now, seeing others in the shoes that I was in, I am humbled and inspired by the compassion, tact and understanding you show to them also. However, you are always to the point and tell people not what they want to hear, but what they need to hear, a life-changing experience for any person. A heart-changing experience. And it is incomprehensible that you are constantly traveling the globe and meeting so many more persons and helping them too in the same way.
Not to speak of your deeply affecting kirtans and frequent classes on Srimad Bhagavatam, from the U.S., to Bulgaria, to Australia, over the past year you have continued to share the wonders of transcendental sound by sharing with us your podcasts from the series “On the Way to Krishna”. These podcasts are pure joy, relief from the mundanities of life in the material world, pure Krishna katha, solace for the heart. They give us hope on the path of bhakti and help us to keep in touch with you, reminding us of Krishna’s glories and also that we have such a glorious spiritual master in you!
Thank you for giving me the chance to assist you in helping others. Praying for your mercy so that I can get myself permanently together and be more effective in these endeavours. Hoping to always “just chant” and serve you in a way that is pleasing to you.
Your spiritual daughter and servant,
Purnananda dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your appearance!
Around six years ago I had the good fortune of meeting you at the Bhakti Lounge in Wellington. Devastated by material existence, my communications were incoherent to any sane person, especially an esteemed practitioner of bhakti yoga like you. I was at a complete loss, despite recently having ventured to Wellington to pursue doctoral studies, and you simply said something that cut through the illusion and gave hope that there was a solution to all the madness. “Just chant”, you said, explaining that it would repel the karmic burden I found myself under. And that was it. Those two words lodged themselves in my heart, and even now I can hear them as clearly as when they were spoken, and I have just tried to chant ever since, with the invaluable help of your disciples. That experience very much reminds me of the following description by Srila Prabhupada in Srimad Bhagavatam, canto 8, purport to text 4:
“… By cultivating spiritual knowledge, we can realize that we have nothing to do with all this material paraphernalia. This clearance of the misgivings of material existence at once takes place by association with the Lord’s devotees, who are able to inject the transcendental sound into the depths of the bewildered heart and thus make one practically liberated from all lamentation and illusion.”
Now, seeing others in the shoes that I was in, I am humbled and inspired by the compassion, tact and understanding you show to them also. However, you are always to the point and tell people not what they want to hear, but what they need to hear, a life-changing experience for any person. A heart-changing experience. And it is incomprehensible that you are constantly traveling the globe and meeting so many more persons and helping them too in the same way.
Not to speak of your deeply affecting kirtans and frequent classes on Srimad Bhagavatam, from the U.S., to Bulgaria, to Australia, over the past year you have continued to share the wonders of transcendental sound by sharing with us your podcasts from the series “On the Way to Krishna”. These podcasts are pure joy, relief from the mundanities of life in the material world, pure Krishna katha, solace for the heart. They give us hope on the path of bhakti and help us to keep in touch with you, reminding us of Krishna’s glories and also that we have such a glorious spiritual master in you!
Thank you for giving me the chance to assist you in helping others. Praying for your mercy so that I can get myself permanently together and be more effective in these endeavours. Hoping to always “just chant” and serve you in a way that is pleasing to you.
Your spiritual daughter and servant,
Purnananda dd
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.
It was my greatest fortune to get your precious darshan this summer at Gita Nagari dham since the pandemic. I pray that I get this opportunity every year.
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 grateful 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.
It was my greatest fortune to get your precious darshan this summer at Gita Nagari dham since the pandemic. I pray that I get this opportunity every year.
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 grateful 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.
Where would we all be Gurudeva without your care, time and shelter? I shudder at the thought. Last month marked my 40th trip around the sun and my honest reflection as I look back over the years, is how fast the time goes by. I remember hearing you say that in a lecture, when I was in my teens. Now, fast forward in time, I’m classified as middle aged and I get called mam by shop keepers. I wonder how did that happen so fast?
I’m beyond grateful that I met you back then. Life would have been very different, had our paths not crossed. Our paths not only crossed, but you gave me a new path to travel entirely - the path of Bhakti. You straightened me out, instilled in me the clarity of thought to choose a different path in life, to strive for a lifetime career in Bhakti. You saved me and countless other souls from the mainstream mayhem and the carnage of polished animal life. You have made a permanent impact on my life and heart so deeply and continue to do so.
In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.8 Srila Prabhupada explains “The process is that by the grace of the devotee the mercy of the Lord is obtained, and by the mercy of the Lord a chance to serve the Lord’s devotee is obtained.
There’s a special and remarkable connection between the two.
It is also said vaisnava association is the most sublime secret. It is the very best means of spiritual attainment and is in fact, an essential aspect of the ultimate goal.
This sublime secret you have been lovingly sharing with us all for so long.
In Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya Lila chapter 25 text 265 states “Krsna Consciousness means understanding the truth of Krsna, the truth of devotional service, the truth of love of Godhead, the truth of emotional ecstasy, the truth of transcendental mellows and the truth of the pastimes of the Lord.”
Truthfully Gurudeva it’s by your mercy that we are all here today and are able to delve into the depths of these matters. The way you explain and share with us the different facets of Bhakti in very real and relatable ways so that we get it, is awe inspiring.
Without your love and guidance I’d just be another Kali Yuga casualty.
Thank you for your tireless effort year after year, decade after decade. You faithfully serve your spiritual master with such love, conviction and determination. I hope one day I can imbue even just a drop of what you have.
A number of months ago while embarking on a particular service you had asked me to do, I was feeling way-out of my depth. You told me to pray to Krsna to please give me the intelligence to have the transcendental vision and ability to do what needs to be done.
On this most auspicious day I humbly beg and pray for your mercy, so that I may be given the intelligence to obtain that vision and ability, so that I can carry out your vision and mission always with a mood of love, devotion, dedication and determination. Lord knows it’s only possible if I’m made up out of your causeless mercy.
Always seeking to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your spiritual daughter and trying servant,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day, your Vyasa Puja.
Where would we all be Gurudeva without your care, time and shelter? I shudder at the thought. Last month marked my 40th trip around the sun and my honest reflection as I look back over the years, is how fast the time goes by. I remember hearing you say that in a lecture, when I was in my teens. Now, fast forward in time, I’m classified as middle aged and I get called mam by shop keepers. I wonder how did that happen so fast?
I’m beyond grateful that I met you back then. Life would have been very different, had our paths not crossed. Our paths not only crossed, but you gave me a new path to travel entirely - the path of Bhakti. You straightened me out, instilled in me the clarity of thought to choose a different path in life, to strive for a lifetime career in Bhakti. You saved me and countless other souls from the mainstream mayhem and the carnage of polished animal life. You have made a permanent impact on my life and heart so deeply and continue to do so.
In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.8 Srila Prabhupada explains “The process is that by the grace of the devotee the mercy of the Lord is obtained, and by the mercy of the Lord a chance to serve the Lord’s devotee is obtained.
There’s a special and remarkable connection between the two.
It is also said vaisnava association is the most sublime secret. It is the very best means of spiritual attainment and is in fact, an essential aspect of the ultimate goal.
This sublime secret you have been lovingly sharing with us all for so long.
In Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya Lila chapter 25 text 265 states “Krsna Consciousness means understanding the truth of Krsna, the truth of devotional service, the truth of love of Godhead, the truth of emotional ecstasy, the truth of transcendental mellows and the truth of the pastimes of the Lord.”
Truthfully Gurudeva it’s by your mercy that we are all here today and are able to delve into the depths of these matters. The way you explain and share with us the different facets of Bhakti in very real and relatable ways so that we get it, is awe inspiring.
Without your love and guidance I’d just be another Kali Yuga casualty.
Thank you for your tireless effort year after year, decade after decade. You faithfully serve your spiritual master with such love, conviction and determination. I hope one day I can imbue even just a drop of what you have.
A number of months ago while embarking on a particular service you had asked me to do, I was feeling way-out of my depth. You told me to pray to Krsna to please give me the intelligence to have the transcendental vision and ability to do what needs to be done.
On this most auspicious day I humbly beg and pray for your mercy, so that I may be given the intelligence to obtain that vision and ability, so that I can carry out your vision and mission always with a mood of love, devotion, dedication and determination. Lord knows it’s only possible if I’m made up out of your causeless mercy.
Always seeking to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your spiritual daughter and trying servant,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Radha Sarana dd
Dearest Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to Gurudev!
Every year I reflect my good fortune that I came across Srila Prabhupada's books and his devotees. It all started out at Krishna Lunch, Gainesville, FL, Fall of 2008.
Every year I reflect my great fortune that you accepted this lowly rascal as your disciple.
You are the captain of the spiritual ship making sure that we are steadily progressing in Krsna Consciousness. I would be lost in this chaotic material world if it wasn't for your mercy and compassion.
I am forever grateful and indebted.
your humble servant,
Radha Sarana dd
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to Gurudev!
Every year I reflect my good fortune that I came across Srila Prabhupada's books and his devotees. It all started out at Krishna Lunch, Gainesville, FL, Fall of 2008.
Every year I reflect my great fortune that you accepted this lowly rascal as your disciple.
You are the captain of the spiritual ship making sure that we are steadily progressing in Krsna Consciousness. I would be lost in this chaotic material world if it wasn't for your mercy and compassion.
I am forever grateful and indebted.
your humble servant,
Radha Sarana dd
Radhastami Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna my dear Guru Maharaj,
Dandavat Pranam!
All glories to Srila Prabhupad!
All glories to you my dear Guru Maharaj!
Hare Krishna to you, Gurudev! Our Prayers to Sree RadhaGopinath for your good health!
I wished to give a good time to write this for you. But my days were very busy, multi focused and so draining that I was not even able to find a peaceful time to write the offering. I felt very guilty having been occupied. When I prayed to you, by your mercy, Lord arranged for a peaceful time. So I was able to melt down an offering. I even finished my chanting that morning before writing.
To begin with Gurudev, I would like to thank you every time for mercifully accepting me as your spiritual daughter. You are my strength.
Whenever I am exhausted, you give me strength every time to get up and face the reality. Whenever I feel confused on what to do, you not occasionally but always always guide me through your lectures, totally to the point I needed.
The instruction that I always remember is Shut all your plan making factory and go by Krishna's plan is my favourite. Kindly shed your mercy to do that.
Gurudev, You are our Radhagopinath's mercy personified.
you have transformed me into a different person in these years. You gave me opportunities to serve you prasadam and appreciated that too.
You are the force behind me to help me chant my rounds, to read sastras, serve vaishnavas and serve Sree Radhagopinath regardless of what goes in my mind.
By your mercy, we as a family are engaged in book distribution, serving senior guest devotees prasadam at temple. Please help me to improve on these more.
You are guiding my family to engage in Krishna's service. Son, Hemanth chants 8 rounds and reads Bhagavad Gita everyday. My humble gratitude to you.
Gurudev, I vener the qualities you possess - you preach with such a prudence and hilarity. Your expertise in the sastras, cleanliness, timeliness is amazing.
I beg at your lotus feet so I develop qualities that will please Krishna. Please guide me so that I can read sastras, remember, apply always and be consistent in my sadhana.
kintu kabe prabhu, yogyatā arpibe,
e dāsere doyā kori'
citta sthira habe, sakala sohibo,
ekānte bhajibo hari
O master, please bestow upon this servant of yours the spiritual competence to fulfill that order and for my mind to become tranquil and fixed to endure all hardships and serve Lord Hari without distractions. We are humbly begging at your lotus feet to serve your instructions.
In your lectures, you always insists us to remember that we are assisting Guru Parampara to serve Krishna. Please help to remember this and show the right attitude when offering prayers to Radhagopinath.
Always a humble servant and a pleasing daughter.
Radhastami Devi Dasi.
Dandavat Pranam!
All glories to Srila Prabhupad!
All glories to you my dear Guru Maharaj!
Hare Krishna to you, Gurudev! Our Prayers to Sree RadhaGopinath for your good health!
I wished to give a good time to write this for you. But my days were very busy, multi focused and so draining that I was not even able to find a peaceful time to write the offering. I felt very guilty having been occupied. When I prayed to you, by your mercy, Lord arranged for a peaceful time. So I was able to melt down an offering. I even finished my chanting that morning before writing.
To begin with Gurudev, I would like to thank you every time for mercifully accepting me as your spiritual daughter. You are my strength.
Whenever I am exhausted, you give me strength every time to get up and face the reality. Whenever I feel confused on what to do, you not occasionally but always always guide me through your lectures, totally to the point I needed.
The instruction that I always remember is Shut all your plan making factory and go by Krishna's plan is my favourite. Kindly shed your mercy to do that.
Gurudev, You are our Radhagopinath's mercy personified.
you have transformed me into a different person in these years. You gave me opportunities to serve you prasadam and appreciated that too.
You are the force behind me to help me chant my rounds, to read sastras, serve vaishnavas and serve Sree Radhagopinath regardless of what goes in my mind.
By your mercy, we as a family are engaged in book distribution, serving senior guest devotees prasadam at temple. Please help me to improve on these more.
You are guiding my family to engage in Krishna's service. Son, Hemanth chants 8 rounds and reads Bhagavad Gita everyday. My humble gratitude to you.
Gurudev, I vener the qualities you possess - you preach with such a prudence and hilarity. Your expertise in the sastras, cleanliness, timeliness is amazing.
I beg at your lotus feet so I develop qualities that will please Krishna. Please guide me so that I can read sastras, remember, apply always and be consistent in my sadhana.
kintu kabe prabhu, yogyatā arpibe,
e dāsere doyā kori'
citta sthira habe, sakala sohibo,
ekānte bhajibo hari
O master, please bestow upon this servant of yours the spiritual competence to fulfill that order and for my mind to become tranquil and fixed to endure all hardships and serve Lord Hari without distractions. We are humbly begging at your lotus feet to serve your instructions.
In your lectures, you always insists us to remember that we are assisting Guru Parampara to serve Krishna. Please help to remember this and show the right attitude when offering prayers to Radhagopinath.
Always a humble servant and a pleasing daughter.
Radhastami Devi Dasi.
Radhika Prasad Das (Sydney)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupad !!
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I reflect on over a decade of my fond memories with you. All the fatherly care & mercy you shower upon us, and there have also been times (for my own good), you had to straighten me up occasionally, with a smile. I am also reflecting fondly on the nearly 10 years of my visits to the Year-end retreats in NZ. I always look forward to those trips as much as I look forward to my dham visits, in fact, I see no difference.
I had a moment of epiphany thinking about the phrase - “bhakta-achara pravinata” – from your pranama mantra. Which I had been previously spontaneously imaged you in my mind’s eye, and then realised ironically the Sanskrit phrase when translated in English is exactly what I think of you. You are an expert in steering and exhorting your students skillfully towards maturity in bhakti. It can be hard to comprehend your ways in the initial stages, but as the eyes mature, I can see, its just your natural instinctive ability to help us, and guide us.
I hear also a lot about you in my meetings at the BI, as they never get tired of glorifying how much you support the BI project both financially and in spirit. In fact, they say you are the only Swamy they know who holds Prabhupad’s desire of the BI to the highest esteem. I am trying my little bit at the BI.
My family has been very encouraging me with the books distribution. I had slowed down a little this year after the knee surgery, but again picking up my heels now.
Today, I pray to Lord Narsingadev to cast a glance of His protect-ful eyes during your extensive travels and also pray for your longevity and good health. I don’t mind being a bit selfish and pray also to bless me that I grow with a large heart to fit your ‘sarva bhuta hite ratah’ plan for this planet.
With great respect and veneration I bow down at your feet. Let my head remain bent low at the greatness of how well you conduct your Sanyasa ashrama.
Humbly
Rahika prasad Das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupad !!
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I reflect on over a decade of my fond memories with you. All the fatherly care & mercy you shower upon us, and there have also been times (for my own good), you had to straighten me up occasionally, with a smile. I am also reflecting fondly on the nearly 10 years of my visits to the Year-end retreats in NZ. I always look forward to those trips as much as I look forward to my dham visits, in fact, I see no difference.
I had a moment of epiphany thinking about the phrase - “bhakta-achara pravinata” – from your pranama mantra. Which I had been previously spontaneously imaged you in my mind’s eye, and then realised ironically the Sanskrit phrase when translated in English is exactly what I think of you. You are an expert in steering and exhorting your students skillfully towards maturity in bhakti. It can be hard to comprehend your ways in the initial stages, but as the eyes mature, I can see, its just your natural instinctive ability to help us, and guide us.
I hear also a lot about you in my meetings at the BI, as they never get tired of glorifying how much you support the BI project both financially and in spirit. In fact, they say you are the only Swamy they know who holds Prabhupad’s desire of the BI to the highest esteem. I am trying my little bit at the BI.
My family has been very encouraging me with the books distribution. I had slowed down a little this year after the knee surgery, but again picking up my heels now.
Today, I pray to Lord Narsingadev to cast a glance of His protect-ful eyes during your extensive travels and also pray for your longevity and good health. I don’t mind being a bit selfish and pray also to bless me that I grow with a large heart to fit your ‘sarva bhuta hite ratah’ plan for this planet.
With great respect and veneration I bow down at your feet. Let my head remain bent low at the greatness of how well you conduct your Sanyasa ashrama.
Humbly
Rahika prasad Das
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
Bhakti is so amazing! Devotees, devotional service, chanting, dancing, reading, feasting.. Everyday really is a festival and you gave me the ticket! If only my stubborn attachment to my false ego allowed me to fully immerse in this festival.
Time and time again I am reminded that Krishna reciprocates when we endeavour. I was wondering while preparing for this offering how to understand the guru disciple relationship. One morning I resumed one of your podcasts halfway through, and you answered that very question. You explained that what we should expect from our spiritual master is training in devotional service. That Krishna’s mercy is sending the guru, and the guru’s mercy is providing full training in devotional service. What a shelter it is to know all our questions will be answered if we make the effort to hear and chant. What a blessing it is that Krishna allowed me your divine association.
Even though I am full of fault, you mercifully plucked me out of the waves of miserable existence and engaged me in this wonderful sankirtana movement. I can never thank you enough for all the training and encouragement you give me. You give me faith that in time, I won’t let myself be a barrier to experience the bliss that every day in bhakti has to offer. Even the most challenging days are worth celebrating if we take them as opportunities to go deeper into bhakti - I pray I never waste such opportunities.
You are full in everything, because you have Krishna. You selflessly travel the world, sacrificing precious reading and chanting time to try to knock some sense into Maya’s captees. And you are a huge success! The Bhakti Lounge and other outreach centres are thriving hubs with so many sincere devotee’s serving with such heart and new people taking up this bhakti path. You are the engine of the machine because you provide such nourishment and when you come you surcharge the spirits! You are a very dynamic preacher, and watching you connect with a crowd of newcomers is truly inspiring. You have such tact while not sugar coating. I like your straightforwardness.
So, because you have everything, there really is nothing little ol’ me can offer. However, when you love someone, you serve them. So, I pray for the strength to always perform my devotional service with enthusiasm, determination and patience. To be able to support the sankirtana movement in whatever capacity life allows, and to never lose taste for a yajna. Please help me, because really, I can’t do any of this without you. Without you I am a lost cause.
Thank you for being a shelter for so many conditioned souls. You are living proof that bhakti really is amazing.
Always indebted and aspiring to serve,
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
Bhakti is so amazing! Devotees, devotional service, chanting, dancing, reading, feasting.. Everyday really is a festival and you gave me the ticket! If only my stubborn attachment to my false ego allowed me to fully immerse in this festival.
Time and time again I am reminded that Krishna reciprocates when we endeavour. I was wondering while preparing for this offering how to understand the guru disciple relationship. One morning I resumed one of your podcasts halfway through, and you answered that very question. You explained that what we should expect from our spiritual master is training in devotional service. That Krishna’s mercy is sending the guru, and the guru’s mercy is providing full training in devotional service. What a shelter it is to know all our questions will be answered if we make the effort to hear and chant. What a blessing it is that Krishna allowed me your divine association.
Even though I am full of fault, you mercifully plucked me out of the waves of miserable existence and engaged me in this wonderful sankirtana movement. I can never thank you enough for all the training and encouragement you give me. You give me faith that in time, I won’t let myself be a barrier to experience the bliss that every day in bhakti has to offer. Even the most challenging days are worth celebrating if we take them as opportunities to go deeper into bhakti - I pray I never waste such opportunities.
You are full in everything, because you have Krishna. You selflessly travel the world, sacrificing precious reading and chanting time to try to knock some sense into Maya’s captees. And you are a huge success! The Bhakti Lounge and other outreach centres are thriving hubs with so many sincere devotee’s serving with such heart and new people taking up this bhakti path. You are the engine of the machine because you provide such nourishment and when you come you surcharge the spirits! You are a very dynamic preacher, and watching you connect with a crowd of newcomers is truly inspiring. You have such tact while not sugar coating. I like your straightforwardness.
So, because you have everything, there really is nothing little ol’ me can offer. However, when you love someone, you serve them. So, I pray for the strength to always perform my devotional service with enthusiasm, determination and patience. To be able to support the sankirtana movement in whatever capacity life allows, and to never lose taste for a yajna. Please help me, because really, I can’t do any of this without you. Without you I am a lost cause.
Thank you for being a shelter for so many conditioned souls. You are living proof that bhakti really is amazing.
Always indebted and aspiring to serve,
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Radhikanath 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 Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day of your Vyasa
puja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Although I am an unworthy disciple, full of faults, I approach you with the greatest appreciation.
I thank Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha from the bottom of my heart for giving me such a sweet and caring spiritual master. When I listen to your lectures and read your books, I am amazed at my good fortune and what to speak of the ecstatic kirtans which I hear around the world, I think I must have done something good to get this opportunity.
When I read this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, I know that I am fortunate to have a spiritual master as you.
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
Not only should one hear submissively from the spiritual master, but one must also get a clear understanding from him, in submission and service and inquiries. A bona fide spiritual master is by nature very kind toward the disciple. Therefore when the student is submissive and is always ready to render service, the reciprocation of knowledge and inquiries becomes perfect.
I ask for your blessings Gurudev, so one day I can develop attachment to the Lord, and I can serve you with full conviction, love and devotion. Please bless me so that I can keep my vow.
Your aspiring servant,
Radhikanath Das
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day of your Vyasa
puja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Although I am an unworthy disciple, full of faults, I approach you with the greatest appreciation.
I thank Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha from the bottom of my heart for giving me such a sweet and caring spiritual master. When I listen to your lectures and read your books, I am amazed at my good fortune and what to speak of the ecstatic kirtans which I hear around the world, I think I must have done something good to get this opportunity.
When I read this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, I know that I am fortunate to have a spiritual master as you.
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
Not only should one hear submissively from the spiritual master, but one must also get a clear understanding from him, in submission and service and inquiries. A bona fide spiritual master is by nature very kind toward the disciple. Therefore when the student is submissive and is always ready to render service, the reciprocation of knowledge and inquiries becomes perfect.
I ask for your blessings Gurudev, so one day I can develop attachment to the Lord, and I can serve you with full conviction, love and devotion. Please bless me so that I can keep my vow.
Your aspiring servant,
Radhikanath Das
Radhikesa dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
Wise Guru of Bhakti, so gentle and kind,
Your lessons of love have enlightened my mind.
With patience and care, you show us the way,
To live with devotion, from day to day.
Your calm, soothing voice helps quiet our fears,
As we open our hearts and attune our ears.
You guide us through Bhakti with such elegant grace,
Allow healing and wisdom to flow through this space.
You speak of life's struggles with empathy and care,
Reminding us always that love will be there.
This practice you share is a gift beyond words,
I’m thankful, dear Gurudeva, for your presence so strong.
Your servant,
Radhikesa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day
Wise Guru of Bhakti, so gentle and kind,
Your lessons of love have enlightened my mind.
With patience and care, you show us the way,
To live with devotion, from day to day.
Your calm, soothing voice helps quiet our fears,
As we open our hearts and attune our ears.
You guide us through Bhakti with such elegant grace,
Allow healing and wisdom to flow through this space.
You speak of life's struggles with empathy and care,
Reminding us always that love will be there.
This practice you share is a gift beyond words,
I’m thankful, dear Gurudeva, for your presence so strong.
Your servant,
Radhikesa dasa
Rahul Ramchandani
Namo om Vishnu padayaya Krishna pastalya bhutakle Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev, hope you are keeping well and thank you so much for your recent visit to Melbourne and personal Darshans.
We are a part of this amazing movement of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Krishna Consciousness (KC). Srila Prabhupada took this movement outside of India and spread Krishna Consciousness (KC) through his KC (Kindness and Compassion). In the lines of the previous Acaryas you too show so much of kindness and compassion to all your disciples including myself. But apart from kindness and compassion you are also giving so much of wisdom. In the recent initiation ceremony you mentioned to the second initiates that "For those taking second initiation you have to be the head on the social body....we want people of wisdom and compassion, the compassion of making the sacrifice to give that wisdom to others that's a real Brahmana". This point stuck with me and whilst I am writing this offering I am also realising that you walk the talk. You have been so compassionately sacrificing your time, health, energy and so much more to help everyone attain Krishna by giving personal darshans, answering to our emails, attending university programs, speaking in retreats, giving classes, singing roaring kirtans and travelling tirelessly around the globe.
Every personal darshan you give me an instruction that I can follow, not something that is too challenging but at the same time that helps me to become better. A person of your status may not even want to speak to me considering the nature of my anarthaas and contamination but there you are again and again not only speaking to me but also doing all your best to help me.
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.
My only desire is that the fire of anarthaas is subsided and that can only happen by your mercy. I know I am a begger but please help me to become a sincere one.
Hope that this meets you well, if I can be of any service, please do let me know.
Your humble servant
Rahul Ramchandani
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev, hope you are keeping well and thank you so much for your recent visit to Melbourne and personal Darshans.
We are a part of this amazing movement of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Krishna Consciousness (KC). Srila Prabhupada took this movement outside of India and spread Krishna Consciousness (KC) through his KC (Kindness and Compassion). In the lines of the previous Acaryas you too show so much of kindness and compassion to all your disciples including myself. But apart from kindness and compassion you are also giving so much of wisdom. In the recent initiation ceremony you mentioned to the second initiates that "For those taking second initiation you have to be the head on the social body....we want people of wisdom and compassion, the compassion of making the sacrifice to give that wisdom to others that's a real Brahmana". This point stuck with me and whilst I am writing this offering I am also realising that you walk the talk. You have been so compassionately sacrificing your time, health, energy and so much more to help everyone attain Krishna by giving personal darshans, answering to our emails, attending university programs, speaking in retreats, giving classes, singing roaring kirtans and travelling tirelessly around the globe.
Every personal darshan you give me an instruction that I can follow, not something that is too challenging but at the same time that helps me to become better. A person of your status may not even want to speak to me considering the nature of my anarthaas and contamination but there you are again and again not only speaking to me but also doing all your best to help me.
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.
My only desire is that the fire of anarthaas is subsided and that can only happen by your mercy. I know I am a begger but please help me to become a sincere one.
Hope that this meets you well, if I can be of any service, please do let me know.
Your humble servant
Rahul Ramchandani
Ramadas das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for so mercifully trying to help me for so many years. You are very very kind.
You have always been very personal with me. Transcendentally kind ,gentle, stern, merciful, friendly.
You gave me a chance to be a brahmacari. And always worked hard to make the ashram a real place where we could become the best we could and distribute to others.
Then you also provided a marriage situation for me.
You have given me everything material and spiritual.
You’ve also given me so much incredible encouragement. That actually is amazing because I’m very slow and dull.
Amongst my old friends before Krsna consciousness there were many who could have offered much more in a much sounder state of mind.
But the special thing is you give this personal care to each individual who tries to take advantage of your mercy.
Whenever I read Prabhupadas books I think of you because there’s so many details about pure devotees.
You got me to try and learn the drum, to try and cook, book, and read, mentor, manage even. Take care of cars, clean , dress nicely.
Before you I never did any of these things. Especially try and help others.
At least now I have the scope of thinking of others.
Thank you again for all you efforts to help me. You really put your heart on your sleeve. I wish I could become a real disciple one day.
Ys
Ramadas das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for so mercifully trying to help me for so many years. You are very very kind.
You have always been very personal with me. Transcendentally kind ,gentle, stern, merciful, friendly.
You gave me a chance to be a brahmacari. And always worked hard to make the ashram a real place where we could become the best we could and distribute to others.
Then you also provided a marriage situation for me.
You have given me everything material and spiritual.
You’ve also given me so much incredible encouragement. That actually is amazing because I’m very slow and dull.
Amongst my old friends before Krsna consciousness there were many who could have offered much more in a much sounder state of mind.
But the special thing is you give this personal care to each individual who tries to take advantage of your mercy.
Whenever I read Prabhupadas books I think of you because there’s so many details about pure devotees.
You got me to try and learn the drum, to try and cook, book, and read, mentor, manage even. Take care of cars, clean , dress nicely.
Before you I never did any of these things. Especially try and help others.
At least now I have the scope of thinking of others.
Thank you again for all you efforts to help me. You really put your heart on your sleeve. I wish I could become a real disciple one day.
Ys
Ramadas das
Ramani Śiromani Dāsi
Hare krishna dear gurumaharaj.
Dandavat pranam. Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and All Glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.
I will start by wishing you a very Happy Birthday dear father; or a very Happy Vyasa Puja to you. Thank you for your presence in my life and for always guiding me through your mind boggling classes. Thank you for always enlightening me with your wisdom, be it through your online classes or the spiritual retreats here in Melbourne. My mind is often perplexed, racing with thoughts, questioning everything, but when you present spiritual knowledge altogether with your scientific approach, worldly knowledge and ideologies, it brings many answers to questions. It calms my mind and gives me conviction that you are guiding me and my family in the right direction.
Dear gurudev, I know you make enormous amounts of efforts to travel long hours, to sleep and eat in different time zones, and to live life in a suitcase just for us. I am very humbly appreciative for everything you do to give krsna consciousness to others.
I will not take more of your time, dear father. I just want to end by praying to Sri Radhavallabha for your good health and well being on this Vyasa Puja of yours.
Please always keep us under your shelter and bless us.
Your servant Ramani Śiromani Dāsi
& Sudevi Kisori
Dandavat pranam. Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and All Glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.
I will start by wishing you a very Happy Birthday dear father; or a very Happy Vyasa Puja to you. Thank you for your presence in my life and for always guiding me through your mind boggling classes. Thank you for always enlightening me with your wisdom, be it through your online classes or the spiritual retreats here in Melbourne. My mind is often perplexed, racing with thoughts, questioning everything, but when you present spiritual knowledge altogether with your scientific approach, worldly knowledge and ideologies, it brings many answers to questions. It calms my mind and gives me conviction that you are guiding me and my family in the right direction.
Dear gurudev, I know you make enormous amounts of efforts to travel long hours, to sleep and eat in different time zones, and to live life in a suitcase just for us. I am very humbly appreciative for everything you do to give krsna consciousness to others.
I will not take more of your time, dear father. I just want to end by praying to Sri Radhavallabha for your good health and well being on this Vyasa Puja of yours.
Please always keep us under your shelter and bless us.
Your servant Ramani Śiromani Dāsi
& Sudevi Kisori
Rangini dasi
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
Hare Krishna dear guru dev,
It is not easy to glorify great personalities, It is not possible for me to describe your wonderful qualities. But it is the duty of a disciple to glorify the spiritual master on vysa pooja day. Please kindly forgive me If I commit any mistake, as this is my first offering to you .
You are the personification of all good qualities. Especially compassion. Because of your compassion you have accepted this insignificant fallen soul as your disciple. You are like a Sun shining brightly which destroys the darkness (anarthas) within me. A spiritual master can see through the disciple. In the very first meeting seeing me and my parents you found that I am there only daughter and the fear within them. That moment I realized a spiritual master can see through people's mind and heart.
Dear spiritual father you gave us rebirth on 9/10/2022, the previous day we had a big loss in the family I lost my father in law who was like my father but you are so merciful, you become our spiritual father the same day. you came in to our lives as our spiritual father and instructed us to keep Krishna as center and give Krishna to every one. As the first step we started distributing prasadham and books to our neighbours.
Next amazing quality is the love and care you show towards your disciple. I still remember the one day retreat in Sydney. Myself and Suranga Das attended the retreat. At the end of the retreat when we got the opportunity to talk with you, Suranga das explained you about my health condition. Your Love and kind words, I still remember the words you told me I will pray to Krishna to give you good health so you can engage more in His service. After coming back to Melbourne, I gave my breath test for the bacteria. Because of your prayers and causeless mercy the test result was negative.
In this auspicious day I am begging your mercy, so I can improve my Daily Sadhana and with this good health I can engage more in Srila Prabhupadas Mission.
your Insignificant servants,
Rangini Dasi, Anirudh and Prajna.
Namah Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Preshtaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin Iti Namine
Prachare Purva Dhaksam Ca Bhakti cara Praveenata
Paratapte Karunyam Yasya Sarvachate Namaha
Hare Krishna dear guru dev,
It is not easy to glorify great personalities, It is not possible for me to describe your wonderful qualities. But it is the duty of a disciple to glorify the spiritual master on vysa pooja day. Please kindly forgive me If I commit any mistake, as this is my first offering to you .
You are the personification of all good qualities. Especially compassion. Because of your compassion you have accepted this insignificant fallen soul as your disciple. You are like a Sun shining brightly which destroys the darkness (anarthas) within me. A spiritual master can see through the disciple. In the very first meeting seeing me and my parents you found that I am there only daughter and the fear within them. That moment I realized a spiritual master can see through people's mind and heart.
Dear spiritual father you gave us rebirth on 9/10/2022, the previous day we had a big loss in the family I lost my father in law who was like my father but you are so merciful, you become our spiritual father the same day. you came in to our lives as our spiritual father and instructed us to keep Krishna as center and give Krishna to every one. As the first step we started distributing prasadham and books to our neighbours.
Next amazing quality is the love and care you show towards your disciple. I still remember the one day retreat in Sydney. Myself and Suranga Das attended the retreat. At the end of the retreat when we got the opportunity to talk with you, Suranga das explained you about my health condition. Your Love and kind words, I still remember the words you told me I will pray to Krishna to give you good health so you can engage more in His service. After coming back to Melbourne, I gave my breath test for the bacteria. Because of your prayers and causeless mercy the test result was negative.
In this auspicious day I am begging your mercy, so I can improve my Daily Sadhana and with this good health I can engage more in Srila Prabhupadas Mission.
your Insignificant servants,
Rangini Dasi, Anirudh and Prajna.
Rasa Keli Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about your appearance day is profound gratitude. Without you, I would be utterly lost in the bottomless pool of material miseries. By Krsna’s endless mercy, you received Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's transcendental message of bhakti at the lotus feet of His Holiness A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and have been eagerly, relentlessly and selflessly delivering it all over the world. Your delivery of Mahaprabhu’s message is so expert and reaches so many fallen souls for it combines objective science with heartfelt compassion and, in my taste, just the right amount of naked truth; the kind of truth that sets you free!
Dear Gurudev, I don’t know how I deserved to cross your path; but by Krsna’s arrangement I did and for that, I am eternally grateful. You allowed me to take shelter at your lotus feet, the lotus feet of a self-realized soul, and gave me knowledge to get out of this disastrous material world, for you have seen the truth. As Krsna explains to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, 4.34:
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
[Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.]
I am so unqualified to be your servant but, still, you continue to give me opportunities to serve you. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude when I think about the time last year when you stayed at our home during your visit in Southern California. It must have been such an austerity for you to tolerate the immense shortcomings in our service and I beg you for your forgiveness. Your patience and compassion is immeasurable.
Dear Gurudev, my eternal spiritual father, on this special day of your appearance, I would like to offer you my deepest feelings of gratitude for showing me the truth and for allowing me to become your aspiring servant. You gave me the greatest gift in all the worlds and there is nothing in my minute abilities to ever repay you. Hare Krsna!
Your aspiring servant,
Rasa Keli Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about your appearance day is profound gratitude. Without you, I would be utterly lost in the bottomless pool of material miseries. By Krsna’s endless mercy, you received Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's transcendental message of bhakti at the lotus feet of His Holiness A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and have been eagerly, relentlessly and selflessly delivering it all over the world. Your delivery of Mahaprabhu’s message is so expert and reaches so many fallen souls for it combines objective science with heartfelt compassion and, in my taste, just the right amount of naked truth; the kind of truth that sets you free!
Dear Gurudev, I don’t know how I deserved to cross your path; but by Krsna’s arrangement I did and for that, I am eternally grateful. You allowed me to take shelter at your lotus feet, the lotus feet of a self-realized soul, and gave me knowledge to get out of this disastrous material world, for you have seen the truth. As Krsna explains to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, 4.34:
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
[Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.]
I am so unqualified to be your servant but, still, you continue to give me opportunities to serve you. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude when I think about the time last year when you stayed at our home during your visit in Southern California. It must have been such an austerity for you to tolerate the immense shortcomings in our service and I beg you for your forgiveness. Your patience and compassion is immeasurable.
Dear Gurudev, my eternal spiritual father, on this special day of your appearance, I would like to offer you my deepest feelings of gratitude for showing me the truth and for allowing me to become your aspiring servant. You gave me the greatest gift in all the worlds and there is nothing in my minute abilities to ever repay you. Hare Krsna!
Your aspiring servant,
Rasa Keli Devi Dasi
Rasaika Sindu Das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for giving some sense to this dull headed person and shower unlimited mercy so I can also perform some Bhakthi in this life time
Gurudeva whatever I have seen and observed with my limited senses you have provided the messge of Bhagavat Gita and carried yourself in a way that any person meets you will have a permanent positive impression and remember few things about Krishna. This mercy of yours is a one of greatest blessing for the materlisatic and cannot be compared with anything materially.
I vividly remember your lectures in the retreat and the way provide the stark contrast what we have here in material world and what is there in the Spritual world is marvel in itself. I also like the way you end of lecture in a way that force audiences to do some inner reflection and make them curious about the the Krishna consciousnes.
There is no way I can express my gratidue in words and actions for the mercy you have showered upon me who is not worthy of it.
Please forgive me for my shortcomings and mistakes that I have done in my Spritual journey. I like to beg for forgiveness at your lotus feet and pleae bless me so I can spread the glories of Krishna under the guidance of the parampara.
Aspiring to serve you,
Rasaika Sindhu Das
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for giving some sense to this dull headed person and shower unlimited mercy so I can also perform some Bhakthi in this life time
Gurudeva whatever I have seen and observed with my limited senses you have provided the messge of Bhagavat Gita and carried yourself in a way that any person meets you will have a permanent positive impression and remember few things about Krishna. This mercy of yours is a one of greatest blessing for the materlisatic and cannot be compared with anything materially.
I vividly remember your lectures in the retreat and the way provide the stark contrast what we have here in material world and what is there in the Spritual world is marvel in itself. I also like the way you end of lecture in a way that force audiences to do some inner reflection and make them curious about the the Krishna consciousnes.
There is no way I can express my gratidue in words and actions for the mercy you have showered upon me who is not worthy of it.
Please forgive me for my shortcomings and mistakes that I have done in my Spritual journey. I like to beg for forgiveness at your lotus feet and pleae bless me so I can spread the glories of Krishna under the guidance of the parampara.
Aspiring to serve you,
Rasaika Sindhu Das
Rasayatra devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obesiances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this day of your 73rd Vyasa puja.
I have been observing that this world we live in is simply one set of crises after another. (Of course you have been reminding me of this for nearly three decades.)
'Crisis' can be defined in the following way; 'an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending. Especially one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome'.
This human form allows us the distinct opportunity to be set free rather than lurch from one set of crises to another. For some time now I have witnessed you in crisis response mode; the definition of crisis being that the real tragedy is the souls overidentification with the body and mind as the self. Such an addiction to the external pulls us away from remembrance of our eternal loving relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna.
Continuously, patiently, you remind us of this key point- regardless of our ashram status, what part of the world we live in, or where ever we may find ourselves situated on our spiritual journey.
Always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
Your resilience, conviction and spiritual determination is truly awe inspiring.
Seemingly never fatigued in battle, you continue at one hundred miles an hour all the while steady in your sadhana, energetic in your personal dealings with devotees, responsible in your management service, effective in your outreach and relentless in your travel schedule.
Clearly nourished by your deep spiritual devotion to our founder Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada your tireless energy to invigorate individual and collective Krishna Consciousness around the globe can be experienced as simultaneously intimidating and aspirational.
Intimating to our material conditioning. Aspirational towards genuine spiritual freedom.
Always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
There is a process that needs to occur to actually remember to remember Krishna at every moment. Rich, spiritual reserves need to be tapped into in order to remain spiritually charged while surfing deftly through ongoing external crises- be they personal, social, environmental, global or otherwise.
Our level of realization needs to deepen, our personal application of the bhakti process is indeed paramount to our spiritual survival.
Again, this is something I have learnt from you. Over time I have witnessed this key consistency in your personal example; steady, unwavering daily sadhana practice, through thick and thin, no matter what the external circumstance.
I truly feel so grateful to be your disciple.
Your example, your guidance and your kindness are like nothing I have ever experienced before, most likely not for millions of lifetimes.
I am in awe of the sincere souls whom have gathered around you, all over the planet. So much talent, spiritual dedication and support to you in your mission to serve your Divine Spiritual Master. The mission of shining the torchlight of real knowledge into a world seeped in the darkness of ignorance, a world confused about its real mission in life.
This is the real crisis. No clear idea of our real interests, our real ego, our real self, our real eternal relationships. Bogged down in a tsunami of distraction.
Thankyou for your very real example of blissfully surfing the relentless waves, indifferent to the lurking sharks. Steady in transcendence. Able to offer real shelter to the spiritually aspirational.
By your mercy, kindly empower this materially conditioned slouch to rise above the oppressive waves of distraction.
Begging for one drop of your spiritual determination.
Your disciple and servant,
Rasayatra devi dasi
Please accept my humble obesiances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this day of your 73rd Vyasa puja.
I have been observing that this world we live in is simply one set of crises after another. (Of course you have been reminding me of this for nearly three decades.)
'Crisis' can be defined in the following way; 'an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending. Especially one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome'.
This human form allows us the distinct opportunity to be set free rather than lurch from one set of crises to another. For some time now I have witnessed you in crisis response mode; the definition of crisis being that the real tragedy is the souls overidentification with the body and mind as the self. Such an addiction to the external pulls us away from remembrance of our eternal loving relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna.
Continuously, patiently, you remind us of this key point- regardless of our ashram status, what part of the world we live in, or where ever we may find ourselves situated on our spiritual journey.
Always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
Your resilience, conviction and spiritual determination is truly awe inspiring.
Seemingly never fatigued in battle, you continue at one hundred miles an hour all the while steady in your sadhana, energetic in your personal dealings with devotees, responsible in your management service, effective in your outreach and relentless in your travel schedule.
Clearly nourished by your deep spiritual devotion to our founder Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada your tireless energy to invigorate individual and collective Krishna Consciousness around the globe can be experienced as simultaneously intimidating and aspirational.
Intimating to our material conditioning. Aspirational towards genuine spiritual freedom.
Always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
There is a process that needs to occur to actually remember to remember Krishna at every moment. Rich, spiritual reserves need to be tapped into in order to remain spiritually charged while surfing deftly through ongoing external crises- be they personal, social, environmental, global or otherwise.
Our level of realization needs to deepen, our personal application of the bhakti process is indeed paramount to our spiritual survival.
Again, this is something I have learnt from you. Over time I have witnessed this key consistency in your personal example; steady, unwavering daily sadhana practice, through thick and thin, no matter what the external circumstance.
I truly feel so grateful to be your disciple.
Your example, your guidance and your kindness are like nothing I have ever experienced before, most likely not for millions of lifetimes.
I am in awe of the sincere souls whom have gathered around you, all over the planet. So much talent, spiritual dedication and support to you in your mission to serve your Divine Spiritual Master. The mission of shining the torchlight of real knowledge into a world seeped in the darkness of ignorance, a world confused about its real mission in life.
This is the real crisis. No clear idea of our real interests, our real ego, our real self, our real eternal relationships. Bogged down in a tsunami of distraction.
Thankyou for your very real example of blissfully surfing the relentless waves, indifferent to the lurking sharks. Steady in transcendence. Able to offer real shelter to the spiritually aspirational.
By your mercy, kindly empower this materially conditioned slouch to rise above the oppressive waves of distraction.
Begging for one drop of your spiritual determination.
Your disciple and servant,
Rasayatra devi dasi
Rasesvari devi dasi
Hare Krishna dearest Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you so dearly for the opportunity to glorify you and remember my great fortune of having such a spiritual master as you.
I felt a great transcendental push from you since your last visit to Wellington - to wake us up to the reality of Bhakti Lounge. It was striking to hear that preaching is above the neophyte level; something I hadn’t really considered with such gravity before. A preaching centre right in our laps. Yet how often were we taking up the opportunity?
Recently I’ve been listening to your lecture series on city preaching. It’s been amazing to hear you speak on the matters of preaching and then I get to see it live when I walk through Bhakti Lounge. You spoke on how ISKCON leaders weren’t prepared for the ghastly shapes of Kali Yuga to come, and what that would mean for preaching. Everyone thought the counterculture of hippies was the worst yet. But walking through Kali Yuga is walking on a razor edge and people are coming through the doors cut up and traumatised. Shellshocked. So you elaborated that it’s easier to sink into comfort and settle for preaching to the Indian communities - at least they have some remnants of culture, civilisation and some respect.
How daring and bold you must’ve been to go against the grain of the ISKCON world. To introduce a paradigm shift to ISKCON that would invite criticism from your own godbrothers. A tale so similar to Srila Prabhupada; following the orders of his spiritual master no matter the critique.
Your preaching centres are a shelter that is shading everyone from the scorching sun of Kali. I saw your lectures come to life the other night when I was washing dishes with 3 guests. All three ladies were honest and openly shared their experience with the brutal realities outside our dear Bhakti Lounge. One lady expressed that she was parked in her car late at night and was just about to leave until a 14 year old girl came knocking on her window. The young girl had been drugged and dropped off in an unknown place. Our little green paradise in New Zealand showing it’s true naked form.
Often I reflect where I would’ve been dropped if I hadn’t fallen at your lotus feet Gurudeva. The first time I heard of Bhakti Lounge, my flatmate told me it was a vegan food place and we came expecting to eat. But we came late and got ushered into a big room. Sitting at the back I remember watching a play and then we were all asked to turn the other way around. There I found myself right in front of your seat as you came in to shake our existence. Dropped right at your lotus feet. Since then, you have invested so much to pick me up and dust me off. I thank you so dearly for every darshan you’ve gifted me. Truly, they are a gift. Every meeting I leave with instructions to hold onto. What is my life without your guidance? “jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra.” (Gurudeva! Kripa Bindu Diya)
You’ve made it clear; “If you want to show gratitude, give Krsna to others.” I’m praying on this day that I may follow your footsteps, a child fumbling behind their spiritual father. Praying that I may invest energy into others just as you’ve invested energy into me.
And you a most expert preacher. You mercifully slice everyone’s ignorance. Just like Srila Prabhupada, you have a club in one hand and a Bhagavatam in the other. Yet with those same hands, you gently and lovingly cultivate our Krsna Bhakti. Often I watch how you interact with every devotee so personally. It always feels like you have nowhere to be but to nourish your disciples. Yet we know you are loaded with heavy responsibilities. And I watch how you interact with guests, you make Bhakti Lounge feel like it’s their space. So concerned about how to make them feel comfortable and hooked to come back again and again. Today I am praying that I can make a dent in the large debt I owe to you. Because even an attempt to express my gratitude to you, by investing in my service, puts me in more debt - because my service to you is my shelter and my lifeline.
Aspiring to be a grateful disciple and servant at your lotus feet,
Rasesvari devi dasi
Thank you so dearly for the opportunity to glorify you and remember my great fortune of having such a spiritual master as you.
I felt a great transcendental push from you since your last visit to Wellington - to wake us up to the reality of Bhakti Lounge. It was striking to hear that preaching is above the neophyte level; something I hadn’t really considered with such gravity before. A preaching centre right in our laps. Yet how often were we taking up the opportunity?
Recently I’ve been listening to your lecture series on city preaching. It’s been amazing to hear you speak on the matters of preaching and then I get to see it live when I walk through Bhakti Lounge. You spoke on how ISKCON leaders weren’t prepared for the ghastly shapes of Kali Yuga to come, and what that would mean for preaching. Everyone thought the counterculture of hippies was the worst yet. But walking through Kali Yuga is walking on a razor edge and people are coming through the doors cut up and traumatised. Shellshocked. So you elaborated that it’s easier to sink into comfort and settle for preaching to the Indian communities - at least they have some remnants of culture, civilisation and some respect.
How daring and bold you must’ve been to go against the grain of the ISKCON world. To introduce a paradigm shift to ISKCON that would invite criticism from your own godbrothers. A tale so similar to Srila Prabhupada; following the orders of his spiritual master no matter the critique.
Your preaching centres are a shelter that is shading everyone from the scorching sun of Kali. I saw your lectures come to life the other night when I was washing dishes with 3 guests. All three ladies were honest and openly shared their experience with the brutal realities outside our dear Bhakti Lounge. One lady expressed that she was parked in her car late at night and was just about to leave until a 14 year old girl came knocking on her window. The young girl had been drugged and dropped off in an unknown place. Our little green paradise in New Zealand showing it’s true naked form.
Often I reflect where I would’ve been dropped if I hadn’t fallen at your lotus feet Gurudeva. The first time I heard of Bhakti Lounge, my flatmate told me it was a vegan food place and we came expecting to eat. But we came late and got ushered into a big room. Sitting at the back I remember watching a play and then we were all asked to turn the other way around. There I found myself right in front of your seat as you came in to shake our existence. Dropped right at your lotus feet. Since then, you have invested so much to pick me up and dust me off. I thank you so dearly for every darshan you’ve gifted me. Truly, they are a gift. Every meeting I leave with instructions to hold onto. What is my life without your guidance? “jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra.” (Gurudeva! Kripa Bindu Diya)
You’ve made it clear; “If you want to show gratitude, give Krsna to others.” I’m praying on this day that I may follow your footsteps, a child fumbling behind their spiritual father. Praying that I may invest energy into others just as you’ve invested energy into me.
And you a most expert preacher. You mercifully slice everyone’s ignorance. Just like Srila Prabhupada, you have a club in one hand and a Bhagavatam in the other. Yet with those same hands, you gently and lovingly cultivate our Krsna Bhakti. Often I watch how you interact with every devotee so personally. It always feels like you have nowhere to be but to nourish your disciples. Yet we know you are loaded with heavy responsibilities. And I watch how you interact with guests, you make Bhakti Lounge feel like it’s their space. So concerned about how to make them feel comfortable and hooked to come back again and again. Today I am praying that I can make a dent in the large debt I owe to you. Because even an attempt to express my gratitude to you, by investing in my service, puts me in more debt - because my service to you is my shelter and my lifeline.
Aspiring to be a grateful disciple and servant at your lotus feet,
Rasesvari devi dasi
Rasikananda das
Hare Krishna Dear Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you
Thank you so much for continually showering your mercy upon us here at the bottom of the world in little old NZ. We are so lucky that you choose to spend time and preach here.
Your centres such as bhakti lounge are amongst the best preaching centres in the world
A place where people can come and experience real life beyond the dream world of material existence.
Following in your footsteps your disciples imbibe your fervent preaching spirit and are always making wonderful efforts to share Krsna consciousness far and wide.
Whatever little progress i have made in bhakti... I owe it all to you and your disciples..i can't thank you enough.and i would like to share some pastimes which show your mercy coming down.
Perhaps one of my earliest connections was when Krishnaloka Mataji distributed a SB set to my mum on door to door. At that time i was still in primary school. The bhagavatam sat on the shelf gathering dust for many years and i always used to wonder what these big set of books were. When I finally started to read bhagavatam I was so grateful for how it had come to us.
Sometime around 10 years later in the late 2000's, khadiravan Mataji practically forced an office worker in lower hutt to take a copy of SSR. When he said that he didn't have any money she pushed the book under his arm and said 'we dont want your money anyway' the gentlemen returned to his office and put the book on the shelf in the coffee room where it stayed for one year finally one day he said to himself 'what the heck is this book anyway? He opened it and had a look through and the very same day he went to bhakti lounge and eventually became the devotee we know now as parama Karuna Prabhuji. Who is my mentor, guide and shelter in Wellington.
Around about the same time i had gotten connected to the $3 lunch in Dunedin and started to visit bhakti lounge in the summer holidays. My first friend there was a gentle lady who was very chill and relaxed.she made me feel welcome and always kindly invited me to keep coming back. One day i received some mail at my flat in Dunedin.. it was from her! Inside was a handwritten postcard with Jagannath from Mayapur and some homemade cookies shaped like a lions face and decorated with intricate stickers. The letter was very kind and wished me well.. it read: 'these are my spiritual master's favorite deities from Mayapur and i made you these cookies in the shape of Nrsinghadev to give you strength to chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna hare hare.hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare.
From Akarsini
I flipped the card back and forth in disbelief. I was like, who does that. I couldnt comprehend the level of kindness and personalism.
Nowadays im so lucky to have good friendships with many of your disciples..particularly the mens ashram in Wellington. They really look out for me and inspire me with their enthusiasm.
I pray that somehow i can assist your disciples in their service to you and this way be of some use in Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanyas sankirtan mission
Dear Maharaj,
Thank you so much for the responsibility you have taken up in Srila Prabhupada service. Although i may have some general idea, i cannot imagine the full extent of the burden you may face when in the position of sanyasi, spiritual master and gbc
But Maharaj you do it with such dignity and grace and in my humble opinion you are a perfect example of a leader in Srila Prabhupadas movement. Without devotees like you this movement could not go on.
"A devotee's behavior establishes the true purpose of religious principles. The behavior of Madhavendra Puri Gosvami is the essence of such religious principles."
Cc Madhya 17.185
Dear Maharaj
Thank you for your wonderful classes and kirtans
Thank you for your hearty laughter which shakes the dust of material anxiety from my heart
Thank you for always asking me if im ok, when you are passing through Wellington.
No doubt its been done many times before and rightly so.but I thought of offering an acrostic poem of your name 🙏
Dynamic
Enthusiastic
Valorous
Altruistic
Magnanimous
Regal
Innovative
Transformative
Amazing
Aspiring to be a servant of your servants
Rasikananda das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you
Thank you so much for continually showering your mercy upon us here at the bottom of the world in little old NZ. We are so lucky that you choose to spend time and preach here.
Your centres such as bhakti lounge are amongst the best preaching centres in the world
A place where people can come and experience real life beyond the dream world of material existence.
Following in your footsteps your disciples imbibe your fervent preaching spirit and are always making wonderful efforts to share Krsna consciousness far and wide.
Whatever little progress i have made in bhakti... I owe it all to you and your disciples..i can't thank you enough.and i would like to share some pastimes which show your mercy coming down.
Perhaps one of my earliest connections was when Krishnaloka Mataji distributed a SB set to my mum on door to door. At that time i was still in primary school. The bhagavatam sat on the shelf gathering dust for many years and i always used to wonder what these big set of books were. When I finally started to read bhagavatam I was so grateful for how it had come to us.
Sometime around 10 years later in the late 2000's, khadiravan Mataji practically forced an office worker in lower hutt to take a copy of SSR. When he said that he didn't have any money she pushed the book under his arm and said 'we dont want your money anyway' the gentlemen returned to his office and put the book on the shelf in the coffee room where it stayed for one year finally one day he said to himself 'what the heck is this book anyway? He opened it and had a look through and the very same day he went to bhakti lounge and eventually became the devotee we know now as parama Karuna Prabhuji. Who is my mentor, guide and shelter in Wellington.
Around about the same time i had gotten connected to the $3 lunch in Dunedin and started to visit bhakti lounge in the summer holidays. My first friend there was a gentle lady who was very chill and relaxed.she made me feel welcome and always kindly invited me to keep coming back. One day i received some mail at my flat in Dunedin.. it was from her! Inside was a handwritten postcard with Jagannath from Mayapur and some homemade cookies shaped like a lions face and decorated with intricate stickers. The letter was very kind and wished me well.. it read: 'these are my spiritual master's favorite deities from Mayapur and i made you these cookies in the shape of Nrsinghadev to give you strength to chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna hare hare.hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare.
From Akarsini
I flipped the card back and forth in disbelief. I was like, who does that. I couldnt comprehend the level of kindness and personalism.
Nowadays im so lucky to have good friendships with many of your disciples..particularly the mens ashram in Wellington. They really look out for me and inspire me with their enthusiasm.
I pray that somehow i can assist your disciples in their service to you and this way be of some use in Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanyas sankirtan mission
Dear Maharaj,
Thank you so much for the responsibility you have taken up in Srila Prabhupada service. Although i may have some general idea, i cannot imagine the full extent of the burden you may face when in the position of sanyasi, spiritual master and gbc
But Maharaj you do it with such dignity and grace and in my humble opinion you are a perfect example of a leader in Srila Prabhupadas movement. Without devotees like you this movement could not go on.
"A devotee's behavior establishes the true purpose of religious principles. The behavior of Madhavendra Puri Gosvami is the essence of such religious principles."
Cc Madhya 17.185
Dear Maharaj
Thank you for your wonderful classes and kirtans
Thank you for your hearty laughter which shakes the dust of material anxiety from my heart
Thank you for always asking me if im ok, when you are passing through Wellington.
No doubt its been done many times before and rightly so.but I thought of offering an acrostic poem of your name 🙏
Dynamic
Enthusiastic
Valorous
Altruistic
Magnanimous
Regal
Innovative
Transformative
Amazing
Aspiring to be a servant of your servants
Rasikananda das
Rāsotsava Das
Hare Krishna Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Parampara!
All glories to ur lotus feet!
The Spiritual Master is the only way for attaining the mercy of Krishna and it’s only through the actualisation of his vani that one can do so-“Guru mukha padma vakya, chitte te koriya aikya/yasya prasada Bhagavat prasado, yasya prasada na gati kutoh pi.” Please allow me to glorify you whilst dovetailing my imperfect empirical devices in this insignificant attempt.
"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.”-BG 4.34. After trillions of births, having been smashed left and right amongst countless species had I finally come to ponder beyond karmic mundanities(charvita charvananam). And whilst at the crossroads between nihilism and impersonalism I finally came to avail your causeless mercy through your selfless disciples. I shall pray to lord Balarama for the necessary strength to surrender to your expertise for effectively using this human vessel in crossing over the ocean of repeated birth and death, whilst inspiring others to do the same.
Your words still resonate within me-“what about your real father?” That sparked the hope-the aspiration for an eternally synergistic sustainable happiness. Despite countless disqualifications you have been so merciful towards countless conditioned souls like me. I am forever indebted. My only aspiration is for one day to take full shelter of you in military discipline and make lives sublime.
With every bygone week it strikes me as to how specifically personal your instructions are. Only if I were able to make them my heart and soul would I be worthy of contribution towards the Sankirtana mission. Scavenged by the ruins of the past, strangulated under the grips of my mind and senses I cry to Krishna in sentimental desperation. Yet I am such a fool that I fail to recognise the shelter of your instructions. My sincere prayer is that I may realise that you are the external manifestation of my super-soul.
“Who is actually a person? What is the purpose of a relationship and it’s implications? What is real? What is unreal? How to please someone you care for or someone you look up to? How do you be happy even when reverses hit hard? How to do the right things? What’s true happiness?”-all these have been my concurrent meditations. Ironically enough the answer to all this is also available just through the following of your instructions. Yet I am so egotistic that I have failed at this. May lord Narasimha kindly uproot such fruitless obstacles on my path towards serving you wholeheartedly with utmost sincerity.
I don’t intend to engage in frivolous lip-service. I aspire to employ this insignificantly short human form of birth in actualising the real goal of life. And I know superficially that the only way to do that is by serving at your lotus feet. May I develop the intelligence so that I can engage in loving devotional service, not for mundane adoration, fame, popularity, so on and so forth but solely to satisfy the heart of Guru, Krishna and all saintly persons. I am not qualified to pray to Krishna, nor am I qualified to pray to you. However, I know that both Guru and Krishna is limitlessly merciful towards all fallen souls, even the likes of Jagai and Madhai. In fact the answer to the prayers is contained within your instructions. So instead of making a false show of sentimental reverence I must develop the discipline to actualise your instructions in full length. Or else what’s the value in being called a “discipline” for cheap adoration. After all that’s what the Guru-Shishya relationship is. Please accept my sincere apologies.
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Rāsotsava
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Parampara!
All glories to ur lotus feet!
The Spiritual Master is the only way for attaining the mercy of Krishna and it’s only through the actualisation of his vani that one can do so-“Guru mukha padma vakya, chitte te koriya aikya/yasya prasada Bhagavat prasado, yasya prasada na gati kutoh pi.” Please allow me to glorify you whilst dovetailing my imperfect empirical devices in this insignificant attempt.
"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.”-BG 4.34. After trillions of births, having been smashed left and right amongst countless species had I finally come to ponder beyond karmic mundanities(charvita charvananam). And whilst at the crossroads between nihilism and impersonalism I finally came to avail your causeless mercy through your selfless disciples. I shall pray to lord Balarama for the necessary strength to surrender to your expertise for effectively using this human vessel in crossing over the ocean of repeated birth and death, whilst inspiring others to do the same.
Your words still resonate within me-“what about your real father?” That sparked the hope-the aspiration for an eternally synergistic sustainable happiness. Despite countless disqualifications you have been so merciful towards countless conditioned souls like me. I am forever indebted. My only aspiration is for one day to take full shelter of you in military discipline and make lives sublime.
With every bygone week it strikes me as to how specifically personal your instructions are. Only if I were able to make them my heart and soul would I be worthy of contribution towards the Sankirtana mission. Scavenged by the ruins of the past, strangulated under the grips of my mind and senses I cry to Krishna in sentimental desperation. Yet I am such a fool that I fail to recognise the shelter of your instructions. My sincere prayer is that I may realise that you are the external manifestation of my super-soul.
“Who is actually a person? What is the purpose of a relationship and it’s implications? What is real? What is unreal? How to please someone you care for or someone you look up to? How do you be happy even when reverses hit hard? How to do the right things? What’s true happiness?”-all these have been my concurrent meditations. Ironically enough the answer to all this is also available just through the following of your instructions. Yet I am so egotistic that I have failed at this. May lord Narasimha kindly uproot such fruitless obstacles on my path towards serving you wholeheartedly with utmost sincerity.
I don’t intend to engage in frivolous lip-service. I aspire to employ this insignificantly short human form of birth in actualising the real goal of life. And I know superficially that the only way to do that is by serving at your lotus feet. May I develop the intelligence so that I can engage in loving devotional service, not for mundane adoration, fame, popularity, so on and so forth but solely to satisfy the heart of Guru, Krishna and all saintly persons. I am not qualified to pray to Krishna, nor am I qualified to pray to you. However, I know that both Guru and Krishna is limitlessly merciful towards all fallen souls, even the likes of Jagai and Madhai. In fact the answer to the prayers is contained within your instructions. So instead of making a false show of sentimental reverence I must develop the discipline to actualise your instructions in full length. Or else what’s the value in being called a “discipline” for cheap adoration. After all that’s what the Guru-Shishya relationship is. Please accept my sincere apologies.
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Rāsotsava
Rebeca Escobar (Mantra house & Hawaii)
Dear your holiness Devramita Swami, please accept my humble obeisances and all glories to Srila Prabhupada,
It is your appearance day and you are so merciful that you are allowing us to meditate on your essence. You are so generous that even on your appearance day, you are giving us all the transcendental gift of remembering you.
How can I try to express all my gratitude and love in this offering. As I write down this letter to you, I am staying in Krishnaloka DD's room. Me, a baby who is hoping that one day I can crawl on her hands is sleeping on the bed of one of the most amazing soul I have encountered. When you see her smile, I see the prema one can experience when they surrender their life to their spiritual master. Who am I for this amazing soul to entrust me her room. It shows her endless selflessness and kindness. If it wasn't for you and your disciples's mercy and compassion, I wouldn't be here in New Zealand now.
I lived my whole life with a hole in my heart. I have tried seeking everywhere for the purpose of life and during COVID, when I was hitting rockbottom, I heard you.
You answered all my questions with bhakti yoga in your iconic lecture, " a crisis is a terrible thing to waste." Since then I aspired to take shelter from you because I knew if I was to ever have a small drop of hope to serve at your lotus feet, maybe, just maybe I can have a chance.
When I found out you would be touring USA for the first time in 2022 after three years, I knew I had to see you so that you can get to know me. I traveled all of California to attend all your lectures, and the devotees saw through my enthusiasm how much I wanted to serve you to a point where I probably committed so many offenses. I remember when I apologized to you for my behavior, you laughed it off and you told me that I was sincere. You see in me what I can't see because of my material contamination.
It was at the recharge festival in New Zealand last year when I took darshan from you that changed everything on a deeper level for me and my Sadhana. I remember being with you in front of your deities and you took away the anarthas that were greatly hindering my spiritual path. I told you how much I loved outreach service and you told me to move to the New Zealand ashram. Again, you saw something in me that I wouldn't think I would be capable of. No words can ever express my gratitude towards you, I can only aspire to serve my whole life for you and follow your instructions.
Lastly, when I asked you if I can one day take shelter of your lotus feet, you closed you eyes and smiled. You asked me"is that what you want?"
When I said yes, you simply said "then so be it". I can't repay the mercy and the compassion you have given me. I can only attempt to spread Sri Chaitanya's san kirtan movement and carry out Prabhupada's desires. I can only try to give someone Krishna in the same way that the devotees took their time to open up my eyes and hearts. I offer you the promise of doing outreach everywhere I go until. my last breath of this material body,
Your aspiring aspiring servant of the servant,
Rebeca
It is your appearance day and you are so merciful that you are allowing us to meditate on your essence. You are so generous that even on your appearance day, you are giving us all the transcendental gift of remembering you.
How can I try to express all my gratitude and love in this offering. As I write down this letter to you, I am staying in Krishnaloka DD's room. Me, a baby who is hoping that one day I can crawl on her hands is sleeping on the bed of one of the most amazing soul I have encountered. When you see her smile, I see the prema one can experience when they surrender their life to their spiritual master. Who am I for this amazing soul to entrust me her room. It shows her endless selflessness and kindness. If it wasn't for you and your disciples's mercy and compassion, I wouldn't be here in New Zealand now.
I lived my whole life with a hole in my heart. I have tried seeking everywhere for the purpose of life and during COVID, when I was hitting rockbottom, I heard you.
You answered all my questions with bhakti yoga in your iconic lecture, " a crisis is a terrible thing to waste." Since then I aspired to take shelter from you because I knew if I was to ever have a small drop of hope to serve at your lotus feet, maybe, just maybe I can have a chance.
When I found out you would be touring USA for the first time in 2022 after three years, I knew I had to see you so that you can get to know me. I traveled all of California to attend all your lectures, and the devotees saw through my enthusiasm how much I wanted to serve you to a point where I probably committed so many offenses. I remember when I apologized to you for my behavior, you laughed it off and you told me that I was sincere. You see in me what I can't see because of my material contamination.
It was at the recharge festival in New Zealand last year when I took darshan from you that changed everything on a deeper level for me and my Sadhana. I remember being with you in front of your deities and you took away the anarthas that were greatly hindering my spiritual path. I told you how much I loved outreach service and you told me to move to the New Zealand ashram. Again, you saw something in me that I wouldn't think I would be capable of. No words can ever express my gratitude towards you, I can only aspire to serve my whole life for you and follow your instructions.
Lastly, when I asked you if I can one day take shelter of your lotus feet, you closed you eyes and smiled. You asked me"is that what you want?"
When I said yes, you simply said "then so be it". I can't repay the mercy and the compassion you have given me. I can only attempt to spread Sri Chaitanya's san kirtan movement and carry out Prabhupada's desires. I can only try to give someone Krishna in the same way that the devotees took their time to open up my eyes and hearts. I offer you the promise of doing outreach everywhere I go until. my last breath of this material body,
Your aspiring aspiring servant of the servant,
Rebeca
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 te namah
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and onto your lotus feet.
I was amazed and felt fortunate to think about Krishna Consciousness, which you gave me, inspired me to apply and it changed my life completely. Even after 17 years, your precious gift and messages are ever fresh, like a shining torch, and the centre of my life. You gave me this precious gift freely and have I offered you anything in return?
Reflecting on this past year, I always make some plans or goals to achieve in the year and offer the achievement to you. But I was wondering if I really achieved the goal I set up in the beginning of each year, means “Am I really offering anything useful to you?”.
Achieving any goals requires good planning and developing a strategy, like having a map and compass in the good old style. First pin down the final goal then investigate the route or how to achieve it. Then make a detailed plan like when and where. Then analyse what is required to execute according to the plan. Needless to say, the most important thing is knowing the final goal.
“Do I know the final goal? = Do I know how to please you?”
“Do I have any plans to please you?”
“Have I even investigated or analysed how to please you?”
I believed that I was a good analyst, but I was not even analysing this task, the lifelong task of pleasing you. So, then what is pleasing you??
You always emphasise in many classes that this Krishna Consciousness is a lifelong career. What I was instructed in my first-year of bhakti was “Attentive chanting and reading Srila Prabhupada books.” This does not change even after practicing 10, 20, 30 years. Apply the same principles. What a simple tactics! What makes me think it’s more complicated?
You have already given me a goal, the goal of this life and how to achieve it. I simply apply what you taught me.
I believe what pleases you is we are happily applying this simple process. Year after year applying this process. Happily staying in Krishna Consciousness and staying with other “Happy Krishna Conscious devotees.”
I would like to offer you.
“I am so happy in Krishna Consciousness, and I would like to keep practicing at the last breath of this life.”
The servant of your servant,
Rudrarama Pandit das
Krishna-pressthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and onto your lotus feet.
I was amazed and felt fortunate to think about Krishna Consciousness, which you gave me, inspired me to apply and it changed my life completely. Even after 17 years, your precious gift and messages are ever fresh, like a shining torch, and the centre of my life. You gave me this precious gift freely and have I offered you anything in return?
Reflecting on this past year, I always make some plans or goals to achieve in the year and offer the achievement to you. But I was wondering if I really achieved the goal I set up in the beginning of each year, means “Am I really offering anything useful to you?”.
Achieving any goals requires good planning and developing a strategy, like having a map and compass in the good old style. First pin down the final goal then investigate the route or how to achieve it. Then make a detailed plan like when and where. Then analyse what is required to execute according to the plan. Needless to say, the most important thing is knowing the final goal.
“Do I know the final goal? = Do I know how to please you?”
“Do I have any plans to please you?”
“Have I even investigated or analysed how to please you?”
I believed that I was a good analyst, but I was not even analysing this task, the lifelong task of pleasing you. So, then what is pleasing you??
You always emphasise in many classes that this Krishna Consciousness is a lifelong career. What I was instructed in my first-year of bhakti was “Attentive chanting and reading Srila Prabhupada books.” This does not change even after practicing 10, 20, 30 years. Apply the same principles. What a simple tactics! What makes me think it’s more complicated?
You have already given me a goal, the goal of this life and how to achieve it. I simply apply what you taught me.
I believe what pleases you is we are happily applying this simple process. Year after year applying this process. Happily staying in Krishna Consciousness and staying with other “Happy Krishna Conscious devotees.”
I would like to offer you.
“I am so happy in Krishna Consciousness, and I would like to keep practicing at the last breath of this life.”
The servant of your 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
On this Vyasa Puja day, I again reflect on how fallen I am and how undeserving I am of Your mercy that You shower on us. I am so grateful for all the love and kindness that You have shown my wife and I.
This year was special because I got Your personal association in Gita Nagari. It was such a blissful experience being in Gita Nagari doing what we can, to serve You as well as Radha Damodar and the devotees. We are eternally grateful to You for these opportunities to serve.
Every evening, I looked forward to Your association, kirtan, and Srimad Bhagavatham lectures. Your message always seemed to be aimed directly at me. I felt like I was in a one-on-one class with You.
When my wife and I had Your personal darshan we mentioned some of the difficulties that our older daughter is going through. You had a two-word instruction for us, which was “be compassionate”. More so than anything I have heard, Your instructions have given me greater clarity and peace of mind in dealing with this situation.
Your instruction and guidance on going on a pilgrimage to Mayapur are still ringing in our ears. We are praying to You and Gaura Nitai to give us the opportunity to go on this long-delayed pilgrimage.
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 many 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
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
On this Vyasa Puja day, I again reflect on how fallen I am and how undeserving I am of Your mercy that You shower on us. I am so grateful for all the love and kindness that You have shown my wife and I.
This year was special because I got Your personal association in Gita Nagari. It was such a blissful experience being in Gita Nagari doing what we can, to serve You as well as Radha Damodar and the devotees. We are eternally grateful to You for these opportunities to serve.
Every evening, I looked forward to Your association, kirtan, and Srimad Bhagavatham lectures. Your message always seemed to be aimed directly at me. I felt like I was in a one-on-one class with You.
When my wife and I had Your personal darshan we mentioned some of the difficulties that our older daughter is going through. You had a two-word instruction for us, which was “be compassionate”. More so than anything I have heard, Your instructions have given me greater clarity and peace of mind in dealing with this situation.
Your instruction and guidance on going on a pilgrimage to Mayapur are still ringing in our ears. We are praying to You and Gaura Nitai to give us the opportunity to go on this long-delayed pilgrimage.
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 many 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
Sammohi Devi Dasi
Nama om visnu-padaya Krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Guru Maharaja
On this occasion of your Vyasa Puja I want to thank you again for taking me under your shelter 16 years ago and guide me in my spiritual process.
Recently in the retreat in Melbourne I was asked to do some services while you were giving the lecture but after many years I asked please can you ask someone else I am usually doing some services when Gurudeva gives classes so after long time I made all arrangement to attend the class and listening to you directly. I need to say I felt bad but was so important for my future services to listen to you.
It is so inspiring first just to see you. The way you glorified Krishna and the Bhakti you showed us made me wants to feel the same one day. You are example is so important for me. Second the way you spoke to the audience, with so much love and compassion. When you used the analogy of the mango to show the devotees stages, describing the difference between a ripe mango and a mature mango is the sweetness and both are mangos but only time made the different made me feel we really have lot of hope to become better in this life time and closer to Krishna. So nice of you to remind us the importance of a spiritual master, follow your instructions and why it is important to follow the principles as well.
I really like to cook for you but still some limitations are there for me so I can't do this service as much as I want it to do. I know my situation is only temporal and hopefully soon I will be able to serve you more.
I know also I should preach more but it is in my heart to do it, just finding more opportunities, as an offering to you I will put extra effort in this regard.
Thank you again Guru Maharaja for accepting me and guide me as a disciple
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
On this occasion of your Vyasa Puja I want to thank you again for taking me under your shelter 16 years ago and guide me in my spiritual process.
Recently in the retreat in Melbourne I was asked to do some services while you were giving the lecture but after many years I asked please can you ask someone else I am usually doing some services when Gurudeva gives classes so after long time I made all arrangement to attend the class and listening to you directly. I need to say I felt bad but was so important for my future services to listen to you.
It is so inspiring first just to see you. The way you glorified Krishna and the Bhakti you showed us made me wants to feel the same one day. You are example is so important for me. Second the way you spoke to the audience, with so much love and compassion. When you used the analogy of the mango to show the devotees stages, describing the difference between a ripe mango and a mature mango is the sweetness and both are mangos but only time made the different made me feel we really have lot of hope to become better in this life time and closer to Krishna. So nice of you to remind us the importance of a spiritual master, follow your instructions and why it is important to follow the principles as well.
I really like to cook for you but still some limitations are there for me so I can't do this service as much as I want it to do. I know my situation is only temporal and hopefully soon I will be able to serve you more.
I know also I should preach more but it is in my heart to do it, just finding more opportunities, as an offering to you I will put extra effort in this regard.
Thank you again Guru Maharaja for accepting me and guide me as a disciple
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Sattva-tanu das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
It is your Vyas puja, the most auspicious day in the life of a disciple and here I am again finding myself short of words to express my gratitude and glorify you. I have always been that ‘bare minimum devotee’ who is hardly ever capable of following the high standards set by most of the members of our god family. It always makes me wonder, how am I still around? The answer can be found in the Vaisnava Vijnapti prayers ( song 3) of Srila Narottam Dasa Thakur.
ki rūpe pāibo sevā mui durācāra
śrī guru vaiṣṇave rati nā hoilo āmāra
aśeṣa māyāte mana magana hoilo
vaiṣṇavete leśa mātra rati nā janmilo
viṣaye bhuliyā andha hoinu divā-niśi
gale phāńsa dite phire māyā se piśācī
ihāre koriyā jaya chāḍāno nā yāya
sādhu kṛpā vinā āra nāhiko upāya
adoṣa-daraśi prabhu! patita uddhāra
ei bāra narottame koroho nistāra
Narottam Dasa expresses - "How can an ill-behaved person like me attain devotional service? I have no loving attachment to Sri Guru and Vaisnavas. My mind is endlessly absorbed in maya, and I don't even have the slightest loving attachment to the Vaisnavas. I have been blinded due to being absorbed in sense gratification day and night and the witch named maya repeatedly hangs a noose around my neck.
However, in the last four lines of his prayers, he gives the antidote to this poisonous position by saying that the only way to defeat maya is by attaining the mercy of the saints. He further emphasises the fact that the Vaisnava thakura, the Guru is adoṣa-daraśi, he does not look for faults, but he simply redeems the fallen! - This year I was fortunate to see this in action, how you affectionately approached a fellow devotee who is going through a treacherous time in his devotional life and in spite of his downfall, provided him with all the encouragement and love for a hopeful return. I know for fact that it is this same loving affection and your wonderful quality to look beyond my faults and incapability that somehow keeps me in Krsna consciousness. Following the mood of Narottama Das Thakura, I pray that I may continue to get your mercy and redemption and can one day get my act together.
Your servant,
Sattva-tanu das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
It is your Vyas puja, the most auspicious day in the life of a disciple and here I am again finding myself short of words to express my gratitude and glorify you. I have always been that ‘bare minimum devotee’ who is hardly ever capable of following the high standards set by most of the members of our god family. It always makes me wonder, how am I still around? The answer can be found in the Vaisnava Vijnapti prayers ( song 3) of Srila Narottam Dasa Thakur.
ki rūpe pāibo sevā mui durācāra
śrī guru vaiṣṇave rati nā hoilo āmāra
aśeṣa māyāte mana magana hoilo
vaiṣṇavete leśa mātra rati nā janmilo
viṣaye bhuliyā andha hoinu divā-niśi
gale phāńsa dite phire māyā se piśācī
ihāre koriyā jaya chāḍāno nā yāya
sādhu kṛpā vinā āra nāhiko upāya
adoṣa-daraśi prabhu! patita uddhāra
ei bāra narottame koroho nistāra
Narottam Dasa expresses - "How can an ill-behaved person like me attain devotional service? I have no loving attachment to Sri Guru and Vaisnavas. My mind is endlessly absorbed in maya, and I don't even have the slightest loving attachment to the Vaisnavas. I have been blinded due to being absorbed in sense gratification day and night and the witch named maya repeatedly hangs a noose around my neck.
However, in the last four lines of his prayers, he gives the antidote to this poisonous position by saying that the only way to defeat maya is by attaining the mercy of the saints. He further emphasises the fact that the Vaisnava thakura, the Guru is adoṣa-daraśi, he does not look for faults, but he simply redeems the fallen! - This year I was fortunate to see this in action, how you affectionately approached a fellow devotee who is going through a treacherous time in his devotional life and in spite of his downfall, provided him with all the encouragement and love for a hopeful return. I know for fact that it is this same loving affection and your wonderful quality to look beyond my faults and incapability that somehow keeps me in Krsna consciousness. Following the mood of Narottama Das Thakura, I pray that I may continue to get your mercy and redemption and can one day get my act together.
Your servant,
Sattva-tanu das
Satyasaar Devi Dasi
Respected Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories
to Srila Prabhupada . All glories to your Vyasa Puja day.
I am feeling fortunate and humbled to express my deep gratitude to write this offering for your pleasure and my purification. Your Vani and Vapu are helping me to go closer to Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Reflecting back on the beautiful memories and wonderful gifts you have showered on me in all these years, I feel fortunate and simultaneously unqualified. I offer my repeated obeisances to you Guru Maharaj for the spiritual gifts you have given me.
Encouraging me to chant with taste through your lectures
Providing me a residence in Vrindavan for my retirement and all favourable conditions to execute Krishna consciousness.
Old age brings a lot of health issues. Once I was in the greatest trouble. I went
in front of your laminated photo on the altar and begged you to please save me and within a very short duration you changed my mind, sent me devotees, and motivated me to take shelter of Srimad Bhagavatam which made my faith even stronger.
You are an ocean of mercy. I need your mercy to follow your instructions sincerely. I am grateful to you for keeping me engaged in chanting, hearing and reading.
Your divine association through your lectures your lectures are like Uddipans, small steps in my spiritual life.
I am indebted to you Guru Maharaj for ignoring my faults and shortcomings. Kindly forgive me Guru Maharaj for committing mistakes knowingly or unknowingly towards your lotus feet. I pray for your good health Gurudeva.
Your servant
Satyasaar Devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories
to Srila Prabhupada . All glories to your Vyasa Puja day.
I am feeling fortunate and humbled to express my deep gratitude to write this offering for your pleasure and my purification. Your Vani and Vapu are helping me to go closer to Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Reflecting back on the beautiful memories and wonderful gifts you have showered on me in all these years, I feel fortunate and simultaneously unqualified. I offer my repeated obeisances to you Guru Maharaj for the spiritual gifts you have given me.
Encouraging me to chant with taste through your lectures
Providing me a residence in Vrindavan for my retirement and all favourable conditions to execute Krishna consciousness.
Old age brings a lot of health issues. Once I was in the greatest trouble. I went
in front of your laminated photo on the altar and begged you to please save me and within a very short duration you changed my mind, sent me devotees, and motivated me to take shelter of Srimad Bhagavatam which made my faith even stronger.
You are an ocean of mercy. I need your mercy to follow your instructions sincerely. I am grateful to you for keeping me engaged in chanting, hearing and reading.
Your divine association through your lectures your lectures are like Uddipans, small steps in my spiritual life.
I am indebted to you Guru Maharaj for ignoring my faults and shortcomings. Kindly forgive me Guru Maharaj for committing mistakes knowingly or unknowingly towards your lotus feet. I pray for your good health Gurudeva.
Your servant
Satyasaar Devi dasi
Saumya-mayī devi dasi
Hare Krsna dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories and gratitude to you on your auspicious appearance day.
You recently spoke to us about the importance of remembering our great fortune. How after wandering for so long in this universe, by the grace of Krishna we were given contact with a bonafide spiritual master who gave us the bhakti lata bīja.
This was a sobering and timely reminder for me. With a strong tendency to focus in on my own little world of dramas, I always need your divine intervention to help me zoom out and remember that greatest fortune you have gifted us.
The opportunity we have been granted is not ordinary. The life you have given us is very rare.
Gurudeva, you are so expert at widening our lens and helping us see the bigger picture, the higher goal. I am so grateful for your persistent efforts to wake me up, shake me up and help me stay on the steady path towards that goal. You expertly do this through inspiring and encouraging us to engage in devotional service, reminding us of how this is what we are meant for and how this will take us home and fully satisfy us. "Your heart and soul is meant for sankirtana. You forgot that? You're meant to be the sankirtana queen." A few simple words of encouragement from you like this can re-focus and reinvigorate our core being. Every day you are working so hard to give these reminders and encouragements to so many, day in day out, keeping us all on the path. You are so tolerant and perseverant, as you can see the fortune we have and so much want us to realise that and not throw it away.
You explained how it is often said that there is no greater mistake in life than to forget what you are trying to achieve. By your tireless efforts you give your life fibre to help us focus on remembering what we are here for. Gurudeva, you perfectly know the changing and turbulent nature of this world and therefore instill in us the need to go deeper.
I was recently reading about when Srila Prabhupada was about to leave his fledgling new American devotees for the first time and return to India. Yamuna devi described how he was literally pleading with the devotees to stay strong and resist the inevitable attacks of maya. Prabhupada had explained how when one becomes too overwhelmed by maya, the master 'regrets for his inability to protect the disciple and sometimes he cries with tears in the eyes that he could not save the soul.' Gurudeva, you give your whole life and heart for us, you are so glorious! You perfectly follow Prabhupada's mood in which through your example and instructions you alert us to the reality of this world and that all that will never change are Krsna, His Holy Name, Devotional service, the spiritual master and his instructions. Everything else will change. But I feel secure knowing that I do and will always have these stable shelters. The thread of your mercy is a constant that I know I can depend on and always take shelter of. Trying to do this over time and especially through the sankirtana service has really saved me, uplfited me and given me such faith, devotional strength and solace. I expressed this to you recently of how through the ups and downs book distribution has saved me and been such a shelter. "You are very fortunate"- you replied gravely. Thank you for being my shelter and gifting me such a wonderful, life-giving service Gurudeva.
In this recent class about our great fortune you read from Srila Prabhupada's purport that the boon of devotional service is 'the best gift the spiritual master can offer the disciple.'
It is your deep mercy that you know how to custom wrap this gift to suit every disciples needs and nature. As a 'transcendental professor of spiritual science' you can perfectly and expertly engage us in devotional service for our gradual advancement.
Not only that, but you package this gift of devotional service with such personal care and guidance.
"Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly, without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service." (CC Adi 1.46)
You are so so personal, caring and I really feel you to be and am dependent on you as my spiritual father Gurudeva.
Srila Prabhupada commented about his Guru Maharaja with tears in his eyes that "My spiritual master was no ordinary man.
He saved me." I feel this toward you Gurudeva, that you not only saved me once, but continually save me from my own mind , lower tendencies and self inflicted rollercoaster rides. I am so indebted to you for that and this really shows your glories that you never give up on me, despite all my shortcomings and continue to shower me with such direct personal encouragement, care, affection and instruction.
About a month ago I was reading through many instructions you've given me over the years and was amazed to see how you have given me an instruction for practically every step and stage and situation of my life. I was overwhelmed with emotion to see how these very personal instructions are a direct manifestation of your care for me...I felt that from the moment I rise, until I rest there are your words guiding me in every field of my life. I thought that was incredible because it almost felt like if you were with me in person through my day and observing me, then these are all the things you would advise me to do at every step in order to be the most happy peaceful and best devotee I could be. But because you are lovingly obliged to travel this earth to uplift so many and can't be with each disciple at every moment, your instructions serve the same purpose of perfectly guiding and benefitting every area of our life if we want that. This realisation helped me feel your immensely deep and extraordinary care for my lowly self and all your disciples.
I don't always do the best thing for myself, but I trust so much that you know and care for me better than I can know and care for myself. Your deep care helps me consider how much more I should value and care for myself as your servant. You recently explained how we must 'act in such a way to see our self worth as a servant of Krsna.' You went on to further explain how "that's the most glorious position in the universe~ to be a servant of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu!" This really struck me and helped me understand the deep need to develop my identity and self worth in that way and thus care for myself on a deep level by taking your instructions to the core of my being. Why? Because those instructions are embedded with the care stemming from your understanding of me as a soul sincerely trying to serve Lord Caitanya. I am so far from that and am so fledgling in my service attempts, but I have faith that you see me in that way and see my potential. Therefore I know that if I can just do my best to cling to the ropes of your instructions then I can stay on this path, gradually realise my greatest fortune and give my life to the service of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu ~ giving this greatest gift to others by your mercy.
I know that beyond this disturbed and wayward mind, selfish tendencies and self-destructive patterns, within the core of my heart this is all I really want. This gift you have given of devotional service to Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu is my only real happiness, peace and nourishment. I therefore beg you for the strength of mind and intelligence to overcome all of my lower tendencies and fix my mind and heart in this service.
I feel so indebted to you Gurudeva and although this cannot be repaid I feel a loving obligation to make a small attempt by taking the weight of responsibility for assisting in pushing on this Sankirtana movement for your pleasure.
I recently was moved to tears when reading how Prabhupada once begged his disciples "I am an old man. I may die at any moment, but please please carry on this sankirtana movement. Please don't leave." Ofcourse Prabhupada's potency was beyond really depending on anyone- however it was his great mercy that he gave his disciples some service to do for this extraordinary transcendental mission. Simultaneously he was begging them not to leave with such a humble mood reflecting his understanding of the distracting an degrading nature of this material world. I felt so moved by this plea and took this on my head and heart and could relate this to how I feel towards you Gurudeva. I desperately want to assist you in spreading this Sankirtan movement, I want to give my heart and soul to this mission and I desperately need your mercy to do so. I pray for the strength to overcome the obstacles that prevent me from serving you to my full potential. Please always keep me under your loving glance and help me to always remain deeply absorbed in and tightly bound to your lotus feet in affection and gratitude.
Also, Here is link to slideshow for our group Sankirtana offering for you incase time doesn't allow at your Vyasapuja ceremony :)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EZDU-6Vqf4jamx-W0T_E55BtVwP_z6PbTmxwoK1u0zA/edit?usp=drivesdk
Your aspiring servant,
Saumya-mayī devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories and gratitude to you on your auspicious appearance day.
You recently spoke to us about the importance of remembering our great fortune. How after wandering for so long in this universe, by the grace of Krishna we were given contact with a bonafide spiritual master who gave us the bhakti lata bīja.
This was a sobering and timely reminder for me. With a strong tendency to focus in on my own little world of dramas, I always need your divine intervention to help me zoom out and remember that greatest fortune you have gifted us.
The opportunity we have been granted is not ordinary. The life you have given us is very rare.
Gurudeva, you are so expert at widening our lens and helping us see the bigger picture, the higher goal. I am so grateful for your persistent efforts to wake me up, shake me up and help me stay on the steady path towards that goal. You expertly do this through inspiring and encouraging us to engage in devotional service, reminding us of how this is what we are meant for and how this will take us home and fully satisfy us. "Your heart and soul is meant for sankirtana. You forgot that? You're meant to be the sankirtana queen." A few simple words of encouragement from you like this can re-focus and reinvigorate our core being. Every day you are working so hard to give these reminders and encouragements to so many, day in day out, keeping us all on the path. You are so tolerant and perseverant, as you can see the fortune we have and so much want us to realise that and not throw it away.
You explained how it is often said that there is no greater mistake in life than to forget what you are trying to achieve. By your tireless efforts you give your life fibre to help us focus on remembering what we are here for. Gurudeva, you perfectly know the changing and turbulent nature of this world and therefore instill in us the need to go deeper.
I was recently reading about when Srila Prabhupada was about to leave his fledgling new American devotees for the first time and return to India. Yamuna devi described how he was literally pleading with the devotees to stay strong and resist the inevitable attacks of maya. Prabhupada had explained how when one becomes too overwhelmed by maya, the master 'regrets for his inability to protect the disciple and sometimes he cries with tears in the eyes that he could not save the soul.' Gurudeva, you give your whole life and heart for us, you are so glorious! You perfectly follow Prabhupada's mood in which through your example and instructions you alert us to the reality of this world and that all that will never change are Krsna, His Holy Name, Devotional service, the spiritual master and his instructions. Everything else will change. But I feel secure knowing that I do and will always have these stable shelters. The thread of your mercy is a constant that I know I can depend on and always take shelter of. Trying to do this over time and especially through the sankirtana service has really saved me, uplfited me and given me such faith, devotional strength and solace. I expressed this to you recently of how through the ups and downs book distribution has saved me and been such a shelter. "You are very fortunate"- you replied gravely. Thank you for being my shelter and gifting me such a wonderful, life-giving service Gurudeva.
In this recent class about our great fortune you read from Srila Prabhupada's purport that the boon of devotional service is 'the best gift the spiritual master can offer the disciple.'
It is your deep mercy that you know how to custom wrap this gift to suit every disciples needs and nature. As a 'transcendental professor of spiritual science' you can perfectly and expertly engage us in devotional service for our gradual advancement.
Not only that, but you package this gift of devotional service with such personal care and guidance.
"Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly, without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service." (CC Adi 1.46)
You are so so personal, caring and I really feel you to be and am dependent on you as my spiritual father Gurudeva.
Srila Prabhupada commented about his Guru Maharaja with tears in his eyes that "My spiritual master was no ordinary man.
He saved me." I feel this toward you Gurudeva, that you not only saved me once, but continually save me from my own mind , lower tendencies and self inflicted rollercoaster rides. I am so indebted to you for that and this really shows your glories that you never give up on me, despite all my shortcomings and continue to shower me with such direct personal encouragement, care, affection and instruction.
About a month ago I was reading through many instructions you've given me over the years and was amazed to see how you have given me an instruction for practically every step and stage and situation of my life. I was overwhelmed with emotion to see how these very personal instructions are a direct manifestation of your care for me...I felt that from the moment I rise, until I rest there are your words guiding me in every field of my life. I thought that was incredible because it almost felt like if you were with me in person through my day and observing me, then these are all the things you would advise me to do at every step in order to be the most happy peaceful and best devotee I could be. But because you are lovingly obliged to travel this earth to uplift so many and can't be with each disciple at every moment, your instructions serve the same purpose of perfectly guiding and benefitting every area of our life if we want that. This realisation helped me feel your immensely deep and extraordinary care for my lowly self and all your disciples.
I don't always do the best thing for myself, but I trust so much that you know and care for me better than I can know and care for myself. Your deep care helps me consider how much more I should value and care for myself as your servant. You recently explained how we must 'act in such a way to see our self worth as a servant of Krsna.' You went on to further explain how "that's the most glorious position in the universe~ to be a servant of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu!" This really struck me and helped me understand the deep need to develop my identity and self worth in that way and thus care for myself on a deep level by taking your instructions to the core of my being. Why? Because those instructions are embedded with the care stemming from your understanding of me as a soul sincerely trying to serve Lord Caitanya. I am so far from that and am so fledgling in my service attempts, but I have faith that you see me in that way and see my potential. Therefore I know that if I can just do my best to cling to the ropes of your instructions then I can stay on this path, gradually realise my greatest fortune and give my life to the service of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu ~ giving this greatest gift to others by your mercy.
I know that beyond this disturbed and wayward mind, selfish tendencies and self-destructive patterns, within the core of my heart this is all I really want. This gift you have given of devotional service to Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu is my only real happiness, peace and nourishment. I therefore beg you for the strength of mind and intelligence to overcome all of my lower tendencies and fix my mind and heart in this service.
I feel so indebted to you Gurudeva and although this cannot be repaid I feel a loving obligation to make a small attempt by taking the weight of responsibility for assisting in pushing on this Sankirtana movement for your pleasure.
I recently was moved to tears when reading how Prabhupada once begged his disciples "I am an old man. I may die at any moment, but please please carry on this sankirtana movement. Please don't leave." Ofcourse Prabhupada's potency was beyond really depending on anyone- however it was his great mercy that he gave his disciples some service to do for this extraordinary transcendental mission. Simultaneously he was begging them not to leave with such a humble mood reflecting his understanding of the distracting an degrading nature of this material world. I felt so moved by this plea and took this on my head and heart and could relate this to how I feel towards you Gurudeva. I desperately want to assist you in spreading this Sankirtan movement, I want to give my heart and soul to this mission and I desperately need your mercy to do so. I pray for the strength to overcome the obstacles that prevent me from serving you to my full potential. Please always keep me under your loving glance and help me to always remain deeply absorbed in and tightly bound to your lotus feet in affection and gratitude.
Also, Here is link to slideshow for our group Sankirtana offering for you incase time doesn't allow at your Vyasapuja ceremony :)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EZDU-6Vqf4jamx-W0T_E55BtVwP_z6PbTmxwoK1u0zA/edit?usp=drivesdk
Your aspiring servant,
Saumya-mayī devi dasi.
Sevamrita Devi Dasi
To my dear spiritual master,
I offer my obeisances at your lotus feet, my forever spiritual shelter.
It is undeniably impossible for me to understand the depth of your dedication to pleasing Srila Prabhupada and Krsna’s senses. Yet I get a glimpse of its manifestation by observing your activities and qualities -such as determination, compassion and intelligence.
Those desirable qualities of yours are a barometer that the bhakti process actually works! Like a child feeling confident under the care of own parents, I feel assured my Bhakti endeavour can be successful in your association and service.
<i>Following in the footsteps of Nārada Muni, this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is rendering service to humanity by giving everyone a chance to come in contact with Kṛṣṇa. If one is fortunate, he becomes intimately related with this movement. Then, by the grace of Kṛṣṇa, one’s life becomes successful. Everyone has dormant kṛṣṇa-bhakti — love for Kṛṣṇa — and in the association of good devotees, that love is revealed. As stated in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 22.107):
nitya-siddha-kṛṣṇa-prema ‘sādhya’ kabhu naya
śravaṇādi-śuddha-citte karaye udaya
Dormant devotional service to Kṛṣṇa is within everyone. Simply by associating with devotees, hearing their good instructions and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, dormant love for Kṛṣṇa is awakened. In this way one acquires the seed of devotional service. Guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja. ( Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya 19.151) </i>
Thank you for showering the greatest fortune upon me through your guidance and association.
Your aspiring servant,
Sevamrita devi dasi
Sevya Bhagavan dasa
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your merciful lotus feet.
In Brahma Samhita it is said, beginning from the smallest microbe Indragopa to Mahendra the king of heaven, all living entities take birth to undergo reactions of fruitive work. But the spiritual master is not one of those living entities and scriptures forbade one to equate the spiritual master like a common man, guruṣu nara-matiḥ. Therefore, Gurudeva your appearance is not same as a common man. You are the mercy incarnation of the Supreme Lord manifested as spiritual master to rectify conditioned souls of this material world. Along with the Senapati Bhakta, Srila Prabhupada, all of you, the eternal associates of the Supreme Lord, Sri Gaura Bhagavan, appeared to execute the mission of giving Krishna Consciousness.
yadi papi chadi dharma dure dese yaya
mora senapati-bhakta yaibe tathaya
“If some sinful people escape and giving up religious principles go to far off countries, then my senapati-bhakta (military commander) will come at that time to give them Krishna consciousness.” Locana Dasa Thakura in his Caitanya Mangala (Sutra-khanda, song 12).
You expertly took charge of the family business of your beloved spiritual father Srila Prabhupada for more than 5 decades and have been delivering the transcendental fruits for free to everyone throughout the world. When the business was started by the transcendental gardener Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, (CC Adi 9.34 – 40)
Text 34: “I am the only gardener. How many places can I go? How many fruits can I pick and distribute?
Text 35: “It would certainly be a very laborious task to pick the fruits and distribute them alone, and still I suspect that some would receive them and others would not.
Text 36: “Therefore I order every man within this universe to accept this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere.
Text 37: “I am the only gardener. If I do not distribute these fruits, what shall I do with them? How many fruits can I alone eat?
Text 38: “By the transcendental desire of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, water has been sprinkled all over the tree, and thus there are innumerable fruits of love of Godhead.
Text 39: “Distribute this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits and ultimately become free from old age and death.
Text 40: “If the fruits are distributed all over the world, My reputation as a pious man will be known everywhere, and thus all people will glorify My name with great pleasure.
These are the only fruits that nourish this malnourished world. Lord Vishwambhara maintains the entire cosmos with these fruits of devotional service, and you are so charitable and expert, you train us how to eat these fruits for ourselves and distribute to others. For this reason, you tirelessly travel every continent of this world and nurturing every one of us. You never calculated your pleasure, your only pleasure is serving their Lordships and distributing their mercy. In your recent visit I was ironing your cloths, I just ironed your saffron cloths and left the pant aside thinking that is not yours. Sevamarita Mataji asked me, “Did you iron the pants and explained me that you use pants when you go these communist countries to preach under cover. You have been accepting all kinds of risks just to please Srila Prabhupada and their Lordships. That incident reminded me of a verse from Chaitanya Charitamirta Antya 20.52
nā gaṇi āpana-duḥkha, sabe vāñchi tāṅra sukha,
tāṅra sukha — āmāra tātparya
more yadi diyā duḥkha, tāṅra haila mahā-sukha,
sei duḥkha — mora sukha-varya
“I do not mind My personal distress. I only wish for the happiness of Kṛṣṇa, for His happiness is the goal of My life. However, if He feels great happiness in giving Me distress, that distress is the best of My happiness.
In the purport Srila Prabhupada writes, “Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that a devotee does not care about his own happiness and distress; he is simply interested in seeing that Kṛṣṇa is happy, and for that purpose he engages in various activities. A pure devotee has no way of sensing happiness except by seeing that Kṛṣṇa is happy in every respect. If Kṛṣṇa becomes happy by giving him distress, such a devotee accepts that unhappiness as the greatest of all happiness.
It puzzles me whenever I think of how you travel to these different time zones back-to-back and fill everyone with enthusiasm through your thought provoking and sweet lectures. One week you were in UK, another week in USA, immediately in NZ, then AU, from here you went to China, back to AU and to NZ. This is humanly impossible. We feel the magnitude of the spiritual world in your presence. You never spear a single moment go without serving the Lord. I am always eager to chant and dance when you lead the Kirtan. Gurudeva, in your recent lectures in Melbourne, you were talking about gratitude, I was thinking how can I express my gratitude to you? There is no way I can equally reciprocate to your mercy; therefore, I am eternally indebted to you. All I can do is sincerely serve you, take your instructions to the heart and follow them as my life and soul.
On this auspicious Sri Vyasapuja day I beg for your mercy at your louts feet to engage me eternally in your service and let my body, mind and soul engage in the service and pleasure of you, Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radhavallaba.
tvam gopika vrisharaves tanayantike 'se
sevadhikarini guro nija-pada-padme
dasyam pradaya kuru mam vraja-kanane shri-
radhanghri-sevana-rase sukhinim sukhabdhau
"O beloved spiritual master, you are always in the presence of the cowherd girl Radha, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu. Please award me service at your lotus-like feet, which are the proprietors of devotional service. Please place me in the ocean of joy by bestowing upon me happiness in the mellows of service at the feet of Sri Radha in the groves of Vraja Dhama."
Your obedient servant,
Sevya Bhagavan dasa
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your merciful lotus feet.
In Brahma Samhita it is said, beginning from the smallest microbe Indragopa to Mahendra the king of heaven, all living entities take birth to undergo reactions of fruitive work. But the spiritual master is not one of those living entities and scriptures forbade one to equate the spiritual master like a common man, guruṣu nara-matiḥ. Therefore, Gurudeva your appearance is not same as a common man. You are the mercy incarnation of the Supreme Lord manifested as spiritual master to rectify conditioned souls of this material world. Along with the Senapati Bhakta, Srila Prabhupada, all of you, the eternal associates of the Supreme Lord, Sri Gaura Bhagavan, appeared to execute the mission of giving Krishna Consciousness.
yadi papi chadi dharma dure dese yaya
mora senapati-bhakta yaibe tathaya
“If some sinful people escape and giving up religious principles go to far off countries, then my senapati-bhakta (military commander) will come at that time to give them Krishna consciousness.” Locana Dasa Thakura in his Caitanya Mangala (Sutra-khanda, song 12).
You expertly took charge of the family business of your beloved spiritual father Srila Prabhupada for more than 5 decades and have been delivering the transcendental fruits for free to everyone throughout the world. When the business was started by the transcendental gardener Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, (CC Adi 9.34 – 40)
Text 34: “I am the only gardener. How many places can I go? How many fruits can I pick and distribute?
Text 35: “It would certainly be a very laborious task to pick the fruits and distribute them alone, and still I suspect that some would receive them and others would not.
Text 36: “Therefore I order every man within this universe to accept this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere.
Text 37: “I am the only gardener. If I do not distribute these fruits, what shall I do with them? How many fruits can I alone eat?
Text 38: “By the transcendental desire of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, water has been sprinkled all over the tree, and thus there are innumerable fruits of love of Godhead.
Text 39: “Distribute this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits and ultimately become free from old age and death.
Text 40: “If the fruits are distributed all over the world, My reputation as a pious man will be known everywhere, and thus all people will glorify My name with great pleasure.
These are the only fruits that nourish this malnourished world. Lord Vishwambhara maintains the entire cosmos with these fruits of devotional service, and you are so charitable and expert, you train us how to eat these fruits for ourselves and distribute to others. For this reason, you tirelessly travel every continent of this world and nurturing every one of us. You never calculated your pleasure, your only pleasure is serving their Lordships and distributing their mercy. In your recent visit I was ironing your cloths, I just ironed your saffron cloths and left the pant aside thinking that is not yours. Sevamarita Mataji asked me, “Did you iron the pants and explained me that you use pants when you go these communist countries to preach under cover. You have been accepting all kinds of risks just to please Srila Prabhupada and their Lordships. That incident reminded me of a verse from Chaitanya Charitamirta Antya 20.52
nā gaṇi āpana-duḥkha, sabe vāñchi tāṅra sukha,
tāṅra sukha — āmāra tātparya
more yadi diyā duḥkha, tāṅra haila mahā-sukha,
sei duḥkha — mora sukha-varya
“I do not mind My personal distress. I only wish for the happiness of Kṛṣṇa, for His happiness is the goal of My life. However, if He feels great happiness in giving Me distress, that distress is the best of My happiness.
In the purport Srila Prabhupada writes, “Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that a devotee does not care about his own happiness and distress; he is simply interested in seeing that Kṛṣṇa is happy, and for that purpose he engages in various activities. A pure devotee has no way of sensing happiness except by seeing that Kṛṣṇa is happy in every respect. If Kṛṣṇa becomes happy by giving him distress, such a devotee accepts that unhappiness as the greatest of all happiness.
It puzzles me whenever I think of how you travel to these different time zones back-to-back and fill everyone with enthusiasm through your thought provoking and sweet lectures. One week you were in UK, another week in USA, immediately in NZ, then AU, from here you went to China, back to AU and to NZ. This is humanly impossible. We feel the magnitude of the spiritual world in your presence. You never spear a single moment go without serving the Lord. I am always eager to chant and dance when you lead the Kirtan. Gurudeva, in your recent lectures in Melbourne, you were talking about gratitude, I was thinking how can I express my gratitude to you? There is no way I can equally reciprocate to your mercy; therefore, I am eternally indebted to you. All I can do is sincerely serve you, take your instructions to the heart and follow them as my life and soul.
On this auspicious Sri Vyasapuja day I beg for your mercy at your louts feet to engage me eternally in your service and let my body, mind and soul engage in the service and pleasure of you, Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radhavallaba.
tvam gopika vrisharaves tanayantike 'se
sevadhikarini guro nija-pada-padme
dasyam pradaya kuru mam vraja-kanane shri-
radhanghri-sevana-rase sukhinim sukhabdhau
"O beloved spiritual master, you are always in the presence of the cowherd girl Radha, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu. Please award me service at your lotus-like feet, which are the proprietors of devotional service. Please place me in the ocean of joy by bestowing upon me happiness in the mellows of service at the feet of Sri Radha in the groves of Vraja Dhama."
Your obedient servant,
Sevya Bhagavan dasa
Shalendra Nath
To My Treasured Guru Dev
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet.
All Glories unto you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja. All
Glories To His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
I only wish I could find the suitable words to glorify you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja.
I pray at your feet that with your blessings someday I will get an opportunity to serve you and the devotees around you with absolute devotion.
Through articles, messages and classes you have educated and inspired many neophyte devotee like me in Krishna consciousness.
Meeting you in person has strengthen my spiritual life and given me better understanding and purpose of life, better understanding of the relationship between Guru and the disciple and how I can enrich my devotional service.
Guru Maharaj in last few months I am not doing my Sunday cooking service at North Sydney Temple because I am looking after my frail old father. Remembering you in my daily chanting gives me renewed energy and determination to do something different such as introducing young families to ISKCON and its facilities to both children and the adults.
With your mercy Guru Dev, the poor soul such as my-self will be able to further enrich my spiritual knowledge and apply ISKCON teachings in my daily life, disseminate that knowledge within my family and my community.
Your Aspiring Das
Shalendra Nath
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet.
All Glories unto you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja. All
Glories To His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
I only wish I could find the suitable words to glorify you on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja.
I pray at your feet that with your blessings someday I will get an opportunity to serve you and the devotees around you with absolute devotion.
Through articles, messages and classes you have educated and inspired many neophyte devotee like me in Krishna consciousness.
Meeting you in person has strengthen my spiritual life and given me better understanding and purpose of life, better understanding of the relationship between Guru and the disciple and how I can enrich my devotional service.
Guru Maharaj in last few months I am not doing my Sunday cooking service at North Sydney Temple because I am looking after my frail old father. Remembering you in my daily chanting gives me renewed energy and determination to do something different such as introducing young families to ISKCON and its facilities to both children and the adults.
With your mercy Guru Dev, the poor soul such as my-self will be able to further enrich my spiritual knowledge and apply ISKCON teachings in my daily life, disseminate that knowledge within my family and my community.
Your Aspiring Das
Shalendra Nath
Shashi Bhushan
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, Guru and Gauranga.
I thank you for taking me into your shelter and instructing on how sadhna is very very important. You have helped me into getting my priorities right.
You have given me a strong foundation in Krishna Conciousness via your lectures at the retreats in Melbourne in around year 2006 . Your explanation on understanding the nature of the material success and at the same time guiding me on how to manoeuvre while dealing with the material activities, have helped me a lot.
I am indebted to you for your expert guidance and seek your blessings to be able to serve you and your mission to your satisfaction.
Your menial servant,
Shashi Bhushan
Melbourne
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, Guru and Gauranga.
I thank you for taking me into your shelter and instructing on how sadhna is very very important. You have helped me into getting my priorities right.
You have given me a strong foundation in Krishna Conciousness via your lectures at the retreats in Melbourne in around year 2006 . Your explanation on understanding the nature of the material success and at the same time guiding me on how to manoeuvre while dealing with the material activities, have helped me a lot.
I am indebted to you for your expert guidance and seek your blessings to be able to serve you and your mission to your satisfaction.
Your menial servant,
Shashi Bhushan
Melbourne
Shastra krit das
Dearmost Gurudeva. Please accept my humble obeisances all glories to Srila Prabhupad.
Your glories and divine qualities are vast but for my purification I just wanted to write few words of glorification on this most auspicious day of your holy appearance.
I feel greatly fortunate in this life to have come to Krishna consciousness and most fortunate to have come to Krishna consciousness through you and having received the best training from you and from devotees trained by you.
Hearing :
Gurudev, for the last so many years, listening to your classes everyday is a very important part of my sadhana. Due to your intense sadhana and impeccable character you have such deep Krishna conscious realizations and love. You are trying to give us a glimpse of those experiences through your vani. At times you are pleading , begging, and chastising.
I'm so dull,unfortunately, that I'm not able to understand the urgency and seriousness of this short and precious human form of life.
Through your compassionate teachings and profound realizations you help us enter into the majestic Gaudiya philosophy which otherwise we would have no entrance. You are a transcendental smoothie maker. You are giving us the essence of the bhagavatam which is the essence of the vedas.
So much thought you put into your classes and books. You are always defending Krishna and encouraging us to serve Krishna purely by practical and humorous examples.
It seems like the potency of huih has increased over time. So many want it at the first sight, and so many are reading it. Many of whom have finished reading are being inspired to further read Srila Prabhupada's books.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Takur used to have a celebration whenever a book or little magazine came out of the printing press saying, 'it's non different from Bhagavatam.'
Your books are non different from Bhagavatam and the potency shows by changing the readers heart. Your books are like Gold with fragrance.
Distributing:
For your pleasure I started distributing more Krishna books now because of your desire that people should hear about Krsna. During the recent Krishna book marathon I have simply stacked cases of Krishna books and started praying over and over to your picture with these words:
Please gurudeva give me taste for hearing and distributing Krishna's pastimes.
Magically about 7 cases went out.
Chanting :
Over time by your mercy I'm realizing the importance of good Japa. In an old class you were talking to devotees how 'we take the trouble to go around beads 1700 times but only the weeds will grow if we are not attentive. A devotee is only as good as his Japa."
Before my daily Japa, your words come to mind how if I want to become an empowered sankirtan devotee I should chant all my rounds without interruption.
Sadachar:
You are setting a great example of the importance of taking care of one's health for Krishna's service. The way you eat , the way you exercise , getting good rest at night so you can chant nicely in the morning. Such a rare fortune to have witnessed your example. Even though I'm making slow progress, just in having witnessed your example my future is forever changed.
You are taking care of you for me and I'm taking care of me for you.
Kripa sindhu:
Your heart is soft and ripe. Out of gratitude you open up your heart full of gems to anyone who comes forward to practice Krishna Consciousness and assist you in the sankirtan mission.
What do we see inside the temple of your heart ?
Srila Prabhupad
All the Acarya's
Pure names of Krishna
Love for Krsna
Humility
Enthusiasm
Patience
Just to name a few. How can I fully understand the depth of your heart? You are an eternal associate of Lord Caitanya and Srila prabhupada.
Giver :
You appreciate devotees contribution no matter how big or small.
You recognize excellence.
You empower those with excellence.
You give room for creative freedom.
You teach us not just duty but to go beyond duty and how to love.
You teach us how burden of love is no burden.
Sadhu Bhushan:
It is explained in Bhagavatam that a sadhu, a saintly person, a devotee must be truthful so that people will trust whatever he says. “Yes, here is a person I can trust. So whatever he says is the truth and nothing but the truth.” You definitely are a trust worthy sadhu. Every word you speak and even your facial expression is merciful and well thought out full of potency and wisdom.
Through your personal example you show us how to have so much love and respect for god family and vaisnavas. You have taught us this vaisnava sport of being creative in serving devotees.
Once we understand you a little it's amazing to see how you do things. Although mysterious when we meditate and pray on it the meaning is revealed.
Tolerant like a tree :
Gurudeva trying to assist you in out reach more and more we are noticing many of the new comers are coming with a lot of mental problems , health issues , financial issues, broken families , addictions, unregulated etc just to name a few. Many times after giving so much of our time and energy and resources to help them, they leave blaming us , critical, and even hostile. I feel like that's got to be the most painful experience part of doing this service. But remembering your example of how tolerant, understanding and practical you are even after going through heartbreaks, and how you continue doing out reach in a jolly mood for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupad. I feel like my problems are minuscule and so we continue with our service.
Our whole family wishes you a happy Vyasa Puja, and we look forward to your vapu sanga.
Your unworthy and aspiring servant
Shastra krit dasa
Your glories and divine qualities are vast but for my purification I just wanted to write few words of glorification on this most auspicious day of your holy appearance.
I feel greatly fortunate in this life to have come to Krishna consciousness and most fortunate to have come to Krishna consciousness through you and having received the best training from you and from devotees trained by you.
Hearing :
Gurudev, for the last so many years, listening to your classes everyday is a very important part of my sadhana. Due to your intense sadhana and impeccable character you have such deep Krishna conscious realizations and love. You are trying to give us a glimpse of those experiences through your vani. At times you are pleading , begging, and chastising.
I'm so dull,unfortunately, that I'm not able to understand the urgency and seriousness of this short and precious human form of life.
Through your compassionate teachings and profound realizations you help us enter into the majestic Gaudiya philosophy which otherwise we would have no entrance. You are a transcendental smoothie maker. You are giving us the essence of the bhagavatam which is the essence of the vedas.
So much thought you put into your classes and books. You are always defending Krishna and encouraging us to serve Krishna purely by practical and humorous examples.
It seems like the potency of huih has increased over time. So many want it at the first sight, and so many are reading it. Many of whom have finished reading are being inspired to further read Srila Prabhupada's books.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Takur used to have a celebration whenever a book or little magazine came out of the printing press saying, 'it's non different from Bhagavatam.'
Your books are non different from Bhagavatam and the potency shows by changing the readers heart. Your books are like Gold with fragrance.
Distributing:
For your pleasure I started distributing more Krishna books now because of your desire that people should hear about Krsna. During the recent Krishna book marathon I have simply stacked cases of Krishna books and started praying over and over to your picture with these words:
Please gurudeva give me taste for hearing and distributing Krishna's pastimes.
Magically about 7 cases went out.
Chanting :
Over time by your mercy I'm realizing the importance of good Japa. In an old class you were talking to devotees how 'we take the trouble to go around beads 1700 times but only the weeds will grow if we are not attentive. A devotee is only as good as his Japa."
Before my daily Japa, your words come to mind how if I want to become an empowered sankirtan devotee I should chant all my rounds without interruption.
Sadachar:
You are setting a great example of the importance of taking care of one's health for Krishna's service. The way you eat , the way you exercise , getting good rest at night so you can chant nicely in the morning. Such a rare fortune to have witnessed your example. Even though I'm making slow progress, just in having witnessed your example my future is forever changed.
You are taking care of you for me and I'm taking care of me for you.
Kripa sindhu:
Your heart is soft and ripe. Out of gratitude you open up your heart full of gems to anyone who comes forward to practice Krishna Consciousness and assist you in the sankirtan mission.
What do we see inside the temple of your heart ?
Srila Prabhupad
All the Acarya's
Pure names of Krishna
Love for Krsna
Humility
Enthusiasm
Patience
Just to name a few. How can I fully understand the depth of your heart? You are an eternal associate of Lord Caitanya and Srila prabhupada.
Giver :
You appreciate devotees contribution no matter how big or small.
You recognize excellence.
You empower those with excellence.
You give room for creative freedom.
You teach us not just duty but to go beyond duty and how to love.
You teach us how burden of love is no burden.
Sadhu Bhushan:
It is explained in Bhagavatam that a sadhu, a saintly person, a devotee must be truthful so that people will trust whatever he says. “Yes, here is a person I can trust. So whatever he says is the truth and nothing but the truth.” You definitely are a trust worthy sadhu. Every word you speak and even your facial expression is merciful and well thought out full of potency and wisdom.
Through your personal example you show us how to have so much love and respect for god family and vaisnavas. You have taught us this vaisnava sport of being creative in serving devotees.
Once we understand you a little it's amazing to see how you do things. Although mysterious when we meditate and pray on it the meaning is revealed.
Tolerant like a tree :
Gurudeva trying to assist you in out reach more and more we are noticing many of the new comers are coming with a lot of mental problems , health issues , financial issues, broken families , addictions, unregulated etc just to name a few. Many times after giving so much of our time and energy and resources to help them, they leave blaming us , critical, and even hostile. I feel like that's got to be the most painful experience part of doing this service. But remembering your example of how tolerant, understanding and practical you are even after going through heartbreaks, and how you continue doing out reach in a jolly mood for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupad. I feel like my problems are minuscule and so we continue with our service.
Our whole family wishes you a happy Vyasa Puja, and we look forward to your vapu sanga.
Your unworthy and aspiring servant
Shastra krit dasa
Shivam
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances & all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It has only been a year, but yet I can barely remember what my life was like before meeting you & your disciples for the first time 2 years ago.
I was skeptical, proud & blinded by my own tamasic tendencies when I spoke to you for the first time & asked “what spiritual level” I was at. You prompted me to start chanting & reading the Bhagavad Gita, & to be honest I probably needed a bit more Prasad before I was ready to embark on a journey towards Krsna!
It took me a while to realise the effect of your preaching, presence & mercy had reached me through your deeply compassionate & convicted disciples. I was enamoured by the way they served me & other newcomers in Bhakti which such patience & care. The moment I saw their level of respect & devotion towards you is when it clicked that the love & depth of this community is a reflection of you.
It was after that realisation that your lectures began to strike the core of my heart like sledgehammers, cracking its shell of indifference & false pride. The way you guide us through the world, Vedic knowledge, & the works of Srila Prabhupada is unparalleled.
But most of all I will never forget the patience & mercy you’ve shown a lost fool like me. I’m ashamed to remember how offensive & proud I have been all my life & how you have been able to see beyond my ocean of faults has me in disbelief. I will eternally be in your debt.
Your aspiring servant
Shivam
Please accept my humble obeisances & all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It has only been a year, but yet I can barely remember what my life was like before meeting you & your disciples for the first time 2 years ago.
I was skeptical, proud & blinded by my own tamasic tendencies when I spoke to you for the first time & asked “what spiritual level” I was at. You prompted me to start chanting & reading the Bhagavad Gita, & to be honest I probably needed a bit more Prasad before I was ready to embark on a journey towards Krsna!
It took me a while to realise the effect of your preaching, presence & mercy had reached me through your deeply compassionate & convicted disciples. I was enamoured by the way they served me & other newcomers in Bhakti which such patience & care. The moment I saw their level of respect & devotion towards you is when it clicked that the love & depth of this community is a reflection of you.
It was after that realisation that your lectures began to strike the core of my heart like sledgehammers, cracking its shell of indifference & false pride. The way you guide us through the world, Vedic knowledge, & the works of Srila Prabhupada is unparalleled.
But most of all I will never forget the patience & mercy you’ve shown a lost fool like me. I’m ashamed to remember how offensive & proud I have been all my life & how you have been able to see beyond my ocean of faults has me in disbelief. I will eternally be in your debt.
Your aspiring servant
Shivam
Sitapati das
om ajñana-timirandhasya jñananjana-shalakaya
chakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge.
“If you take a glass of water from the Ganges and again offer it, so what is the gain and profit of Ganges? But your process, your faith, your love for mother Ganges, "Mother Ganges, I offer you this little water," that is accepted.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1968[1]
Wellington, 1998. There are just a couple of us in the ashram, and you are sleeping on the floor, in a sleeping bag, along with us.
No ISKCON political roles - no GBC, no Regional Secretary, not even an official Initiating Guru role.
You had come from a meeting with the ISKCON authorities in Auckland, and you say to me: “The only opposition that we are getting to our preaching is from within the movement itself.”
I can hear exasperation in your voice.
To which, I say: “So, why bother staying in ISKCON then?”
It seems obvious to me - they’re not paying for anything, not supplying any men or materials, we aren’t even leveraging their brand. So, what exactly do these people bring to the table - besides trying to tell us what to do?
And you say to me: “Srila Prabhupada wanted us to work together. It is an austerity, but it is my service to him.”
And then, the words that I will never forget: “If you want to be a preacher, don’t expect to be appreciated”.
Fast-forward to 2023, and the chanting of the Holy Name - the thirty-two syllable mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
is prominently featured on cinema screens nationwide in New Zealand in the movie “River of Freedom”, which documents the nationwide protest convoy, the three weeks of the 2022 New Zealand Parliament Occupation, and the activities of the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord there.
And, I have framed letters and newspaper announcements from ISKCON denouncing devotees who performed the Yuga Dharma of Harinam Sankirtan in general, and me specifically by name. It is recognition, if not appreciation.
In that same year, 1998, you instructed me to write a book denying the veracity of the US Moon landings. You shared with me: “I was reading a conversation where Srila Prabhupada says: ‘The more you kick in the face of the scientists, the more you worship Radha and Krishna.’”
In the intervening decades, I believe I have found the conversation you were referencing. In a morning walk with devotee scientists of the Bhaktivedanta Institute in 1973, Srila Prabhupada instructed them: “We kick on your face. That's all. That is our philosophy. The more we kick on Darwin's face, the more advanced in spiritual consciousness[2].”
I undertook that service, and wrote the book.
In 1998, the internet had orders of magnitude less information than today, but I was able to use it to order books and videos from the US to aid in the research. In the book I used the ascending method of empirical evidence and reasoning to support Srila Prabhupada’s conclusion, which he presented based on the descending method of viewing the world through the lens of sastra. I covered the discrepancies in the photographic record; the challenge presented by the Van Allen radiation belt; the lack of further technological development and exploitation being more consistent with faking it, than with an actual technological achievement and the opening of access to resources; and the suspicious deaths of several of the astronauts - most notably Gus Grissom.
In 1967, Grissom gave a press conference where he went off-script and stated that going to the Moon would not be possible for at least another decade, and hung a lemon on a spacecraft model in front of the press photographers.
Five days later, he complained during a test: “How are we going to get to the moon if we can't talk between two or three buildings?”
Minutes later, he and two other astronauts were dead - burned alive on the ground inside their spacecraft.
Another astronaut on the program was killed in an aircraft malfunction, and another in his car at a level crossing, hit by a train. A clear message: “Get with the actual program …or else.”
At the end of the book, I come to the following conclusions:
1. The evidence used to support the extraordinary claim of a manned Moon landing is not sufficiently strong to establish the conclusion.
2. The evidence contains serious problems when examined in detail.
3. There is a coherent narrative that the Moon landings were faked, and this hypothesis is strongly supported by the evidence, and is not contradicted by it.
Add to this Srila Prabhupada’s assertion that it was faked, and the shastric basis that he used to arrive at that conclusion, and it seems like an open-and-shut case.
However, there was one doubt that I just could not get over, and that doubt had me shelve the book: “How could such a large-scale fraud be perpetrated? So many people would have to be in on it! The scale… surely this isn’t possible, is it?”
Fast-forward to 2020, and as I watched the fraud of the pandemic being perpetrated on the world around me, all doubt disappeared.
“So many people would have to be in on it? I’m watching it happen in real-time in front of my face. And this is obviously not their first rodeo.”
Without the protection of the sastra, individual humans are not capable of reasoning outside of the social heuristics that can be used by powerful and intelligent asuras to bewilder and control the human populace. “So many people would have to be in on it,” turns out to be the key pramana. Once that is mastered, anything is possible.
In that moment, I achieved clarity. The Moon landings were faked. Asamsayah - without doubt. As Srila Prabhupada said in 1976: “Their business (is) in Arizona[3]”.
And the pandemic was followed by - unbelievably - a literal repeat of the faked Moon landing.
Another one!
And the primary evidence to support this claim? A video of India’s Prime Minister waving a flag while watching a video feed of a video feed of a computer graphic of a moon landing, as the narrator voices over: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is here to personally verify the moon landing”.
“Too many people would have to be in on it”, indeed. This is the real pramana: appeal to authority.
Wojaks on Arjuna das’ YouTube channel “Theology Unleashed'' chant their mantras, meant to dispel all theistic claims: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence” and “Claims advanced with no evidence can be dismissed with no evidence”, all the while holding up pictures of duct-taped curtain rods and tinfoil, and a computer graphic from an Atari video game system as all the evidence needed to support the extraordinary claim of a Moon landing. Because “seeing is believing”, right?
And you know what you are looking at, because they told you what you are looking at - and “too many people would have to be in on it”.
As our quiescent godbrother Tri Yuga das says: “The Moon landing is a purity test for Hare Krishnas”.
And make no mistake about it - belief in the doctrine of the Moon landing is a purity test for the asuras too. No-one can be credible in the system who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Srila Prabhupada and boldly declares in unison with his 1977 statement: “They have not gone[4].”
To declare this is to declare oneself anathema to the church that poses itself as “secular society”, an apostate of the first-order, a “conspiracy theorist”.
The Moon landing is a fundamental religious tenet of the asuric world order, a foundational miracle. It is believed not on the strength of evidence - how many have examined any evidence in detail, personally? It is professed on the strength of social pressure, and the cost of being a heretic. It is a religious belief disguised as rational thinking and “science” - and it contradicts Srila Prabhupada’s statements and the version of the Bhagavat Purana, and thus we reject it.
Ultimately, understanding anything more than what is right in front of us requires hearing from authority. (And, it turns out - even that). So the real question before us is: “where do I repose my faith?”
What do we do about the many statements in Srila Prabhupada’s books, lectures, and conversations that challenge assumptions and beliefs widely held by the humans of today?
What do we do as the assumptions and beliefs of society shift, or are deliberately shifted by others on this planet with their own agenda, one at odds with Srila Prabhupada’s?
Do we change Srila Prabhupada’s statements? Do we edit them or annotate them to contextualise them and make them palatable to the asuric social programming that has infected and wrapped the mind of the human?
Or do we state them as they are, and deal with whatever might come back - doing our duty, unattached to the result?
Do we transform Srila Prabhupada’s books and his teachings to suit the world, or are we here on a mission to transform the world to align with the statements of the sastra and the pure devotee?
Do we apologise for Srila Prabhupada’s “controversial” statements and try to retract, relativise, minimise, obscure, or change them, following the course of history wherever it leads us?
Or are we to be apologists for them and assert them boldly, changing the course of history?
Are we willing to go to the stake or face the lions? To be put to the sword - or to put others to the sword?
“Now they are trying to destroy us. And we are trying to destroy them. The conflict is already there. And this is now psychological fight. And then there will be actual fight. And we must take part in that fight.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1977[5]
Or will we deny the Founder-Acharya three times before the cock crows?
I believe that this is the fundamental choice in front of us.
We are either a world-shaping force that will be resisted as we exert our influence on this planet: a historical force with two feet firmly planted on sastra and Srila Prabhupada’s statements, doomed, if we lose, to be demonised by the asuras - in other words, to be “the bad guys”.
Or else we are just carried along by the current of history, icing on top of the cake - wanting to be “the good guys” in a drama directed by the demons, accepting the role of the spiritual master to the asuras - Shukracharya.
Do we really want to be praised by the asuric and the bewildered? Appreciated by the ass-like?
Or, do we embrace our role on the world stage as “a cross between the Taliban and the Amish” - deniers of the Moon landing, promoters of “primitive religious beliefs”, anti-democratic, racist, sexist, homophobic, wanting to impose feudal social systems on humanity, anti-“technological progress”, and believers of bizarre conspiracy theories, from the frame story that the universe is an eternal battle between the divine and the demoniac - the devas and the asuras - and that any other frame story is an asuric deception, to the belief that we serve an invisible all-pervading personality called “Lord Vishnu” and we are here to assert His dominion over the planet?
I, personally, find the answer to that question to be at least hinted at in the statement: “don’t expect to be appreciated”.
We’re not here to avoid “being called bad names”, like this is kindergarten. We don’t want a gold star from the teachers in Prahlad’s gurukula.
The asuras do not back away from their frame. They assert boldly: “you are telling the people a fairy tale in order to amass wealth, prestige, and power. There is no reality to this Lord Vishnu.”
They are so confident in saying this - no doubt at all. Why? Because it is precisely what they are doing.
They have discovered how to manipulate humanity with fairy tales - global warming, climate change, global pandemic, Moon landing, evolution, “The Science” - and they are certain that we are doing the same thing.
They even invite us to join them: “Come on - we all know that it is a grift. Sign up for the Barking Dogs Assembly Sustainable Development Agenda, and use your fairy tale influence along with us.”
“The United Nation is an assembly of barking dogs, I've said that, [laughs] and they published it.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1976[6]
No compromise. Totalitarian War on Maya.
Hare Krishna is the single greatest threat to “Western Civilisation” - publish the headline.
We are immortal. We cannot be stopped. We are here to take this planet for Lord Vishnu.
And people are not going to like it.
They are going to love it!
Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam! Total World Victory of Hare Krishna.
“…if Kṛṣṇa accepts a little service from you, then your life is glorious.
So it is not possible to love Krishna perfectly, to render service to Krishna, because He is unlimited. There is a process, worshiping the Ganges in India. The Ganges River is considered sacred river. So they worship the Ganges, the river Ganges, by taking water from the Ganges and offering it. Suppose in a small pot like this, either pot or your handful, you take some water from the Ganges and with your devotion and mantra you offer to the Ganges water.
So you take a glass of water from the Ganges and offer it to the Ganges, what is there, gain and profit or loss or gain for the Ganges? If you take a glass of water from the Ganges and again offer it, so what is the gain and profit of Ganges? But your process, your faith, your love for mother Ganges, "Mother Ganges, I offer you this little water," that is accepted.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1968[7]
Aham idaṁ yacchāmi
With gratitude,
Sitapati Das
________________
[1] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/680927le-seattle
[2] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/730511mwla
[3] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/760706r2wdc
[4] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/770218r3may
[5] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/770121r1bhu
[6] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/760627gcnv
[7] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/680927le-seattle
chakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge.
“If you take a glass of water from the Ganges and again offer it, so what is the gain and profit of Ganges? But your process, your faith, your love for mother Ganges, "Mother Ganges, I offer you this little water," that is accepted.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1968[1]
Wellington, 1998. There are just a couple of us in the ashram, and you are sleeping on the floor, in a sleeping bag, along with us.
No ISKCON political roles - no GBC, no Regional Secretary, not even an official Initiating Guru role.
You had come from a meeting with the ISKCON authorities in Auckland, and you say to me: “The only opposition that we are getting to our preaching is from within the movement itself.”
I can hear exasperation in your voice.
To which, I say: “So, why bother staying in ISKCON then?”
It seems obvious to me - they’re not paying for anything, not supplying any men or materials, we aren’t even leveraging their brand. So, what exactly do these people bring to the table - besides trying to tell us what to do?
And you say to me: “Srila Prabhupada wanted us to work together. It is an austerity, but it is my service to him.”
And then, the words that I will never forget: “If you want to be a preacher, don’t expect to be appreciated”.
Fast-forward to 2023, and the chanting of the Holy Name - the thirty-two syllable mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
is prominently featured on cinema screens nationwide in New Zealand in the movie “River of Freedom”, which documents the nationwide protest convoy, the three weeks of the 2022 New Zealand Parliament Occupation, and the activities of the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord there.
And, I have framed letters and newspaper announcements from ISKCON denouncing devotees who performed the Yuga Dharma of Harinam Sankirtan in general, and me specifically by name. It is recognition, if not appreciation.
In that same year, 1998, you instructed me to write a book denying the veracity of the US Moon landings. You shared with me: “I was reading a conversation where Srila Prabhupada says: ‘The more you kick in the face of the scientists, the more you worship Radha and Krishna.’”
In the intervening decades, I believe I have found the conversation you were referencing. In a morning walk with devotee scientists of the Bhaktivedanta Institute in 1973, Srila Prabhupada instructed them: “We kick on your face. That's all. That is our philosophy. The more we kick on Darwin's face, the more advanced in spiritual consciousness[2].”
I undertook that service, and wrote the book.
In 1998, the internet had orders of magnitude less information than today, but I was able to use it to order books and videos from the US to aid in the research. In the book I used the ascending method of empirical evidence and reasoning to support Srila Prabhupada’s conclusion, which he presented based on the descending method of viewing the world through the lens of sastra. I covered the discrepancies in the photographic record; the challenge presented by the Van Allen radiation belt; the lack of further technological development and exploitation being more consistent with faking it, than with an actual technological achievement and the opening of access to resources; and the suspicious deaths of several of the astronauts - most notably Gus Grissom.
In 1967, Grissom gave a press conference where he went off-script and stated that going to the Moon would not be possible for at least another decade, and hung a lemon on a spacecraft model in front of the press photographers.
Five days later, he complained during a test: “How are we going to get to the moon if we can't talk between two or three buildings?”
Minutes later, he and two other astronauts were dead - burned alive on the ground inside their spacecraft.
Another astronaut on the program was killed in an aircraft malfunction, and another in his car at a level crossing, hit by a train. A clear message: “Get with the actual program …or else.”
At the end of the book, I come to the following conclusions:
1. The evidence used to support the extraordinary claim of a manned Moon landing is not sufficiently strong to establish the conclusion.
2. The evidence contains serious problems when examined in detail.
3. There is a coherent narrative that the Moon landings were faked, and this hypothesis is strongly supported by the evidence, and is not contradicted by it.
Add to this Srila Prabhupada’s assertion that it was faked, and the shastric basis that he used to arrive at that conclusion, and it seems like an open-and-shut case.
However, there was one doubt that I just could not get over, and that doubt had me shelve the book: “How could such a large-scale fraud be perpetrated? So many people would have to be in on it! The scale… surely this isn’t possible, is it?”
Fast-forward to 2020, and as I watched the fraud of the pandemic being perpetrated on the world around me, all doubt disappeared.
“So many people would have to be in on it? I’m watching it happen in real-time in front of my face. And this is obviously not their first rodeo.”
Without the protection of the sastra, individual humans are not capable of reasoning outside of the social heuristics that can be used by powerful and intelligent asuras to bewilder and control the human populace. “So many people would have to be in on it,” turns out to be the key pramana. Once that is mastered, anything is possible.
In that moment, I achieved clarity. The Moon landings were faked. Asamsayah - without doubt. As Srila Prabhupada said in 1976: “Their business (is) in Arizona[3]”.
And the pandemic was followed by - unbelievably - a literal repeat of the faked Moon landing.
Another one!
And the primary evidence to support this claim? A video of India’s Prime Minister waving a flag while watching a video feed of a video feed of a computer graphic of a moon landing, as the narrator voices over: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is here to personally verify the moon landing”.
“Too many people would have to be in on it”, indeed. This is the real pramana: appeal to authority.
Wojaks on Arjuna das’ YouTube channel “Theology Unleashed'' chant their mantras, meant to dispel all theistic claims: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence” and “Claims advanced with no evidence can be dismissed with no evidence”, all the while holding up pictures of duct-taped curtain rods and tinfoil, and a computer graphic from an Atari video game system as all the evidence needed to support the extraordinary claim of a Moon landing. Because “seeing is believing”, right?
And you know what you are looking at, because they told you what you are looking at - and “too many people would have to be in on it”.
As our quiescent godbrother Tri Yuga das says: “The Moon landing is a purity test for Hare Krishnas”.
And make no mistake about it - belief in the doctrine of the Moon landing is a purity test for the asuras too. No-one can be credible in the system who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Srila Prabhupada and boldly declares in unison with his 1977 statement: “They have not gone[4].”
To declare this is to declare oneself anathema to the church that poses itself as “secular society”, an apostate of the first-order, a “conspiracy theorist”.
The Moon landing is a fundamental religious tenet of the asuric world order, a foundational miracle. It is believed not on the strength of evidence - how many have examined any evidence in detail, personally? It is professed on the strength of social pressure, and the cost of being a heretic. It is a religious belief disguised as rational thinking and “science” - and it contradicts Srila Prabhupada’s statements and the version of the Bhagavat Purana, and thus we reject it.
Ultimately, understanding anything more than what is right in front of us requires hearing from authority. (And, it turns out - even that). So the real question before us is: “where do I repose my faith?”
What do we do about the many statements in Srila Prabhupada’s books, lectures, and conversations that challenge assumptions and beliefs widely held by the humans of today?
What do we do as the assumptions and beliefs of society shift, or are deliberately shifted by others on this planet with their own agenda, one at odds with Srila Prabhupada’s?
Do we change Srila Prabhupada’s statements? Do we edit them or annotate them to contextualise them and make them palatable to the asuric social programming that has infected and wrapped the mind of the human?
Or do we state them as they are, and deal with whatever might come back - doing our duty, unattached to the result?
Do we transform Srila Prabhupada’s books and his teachings to suit the world, or are we here on a mission to transform the world to align with the statements of the sastra and the pure devotee?
Do we apologise for Srila Prabhupada’s “controversial” statements and try to retract, relativise, minimise, obscure, or change them, following the course of history wherever it leads us?
Or are we to be apologists for them and assert them boldly, changing the course of history?
Are we willing to go to the stake or face the lions? To be put to the sword - or to put others to the sword?
“Now they are trying to destroy us. And we are trying to destroy them. The conflict is already there. And this is now psychological fight. And then there will be actual fight. And we must take part in that fight.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1977[5]
Or will we deny the Founder-Acharya three times before the cock crows?
I believe that this is the fundamental choice in front of us.
We are either a world-shaping force that will be resisted as we exert our influence on this planet: a historical force with two feet firmly planted on sastra and Srila Prabhupada’s statements, doomed, if we lose, to be demonised by the asuras - in other words, to be “the bad guys”.
Or else we are just carried along by the current of history, icing on top of the cake - wanting to be “the good guys” in a drama directed by the demons, accepting the role of the spiritual master to the asuras - Shukracharya.
Do we really want to be praised by the asuric and the bewildered? Appreciated by the ass-like?
Or, do we embrace our role on the world stage as “a cross between the Taliban and the Amish” - deniers of the Moon landing, promoters of “primitive religious beliefs”, anti-democratic, racist, sexist, homophobic, wanting to impose feudal social systems on humanity, anti-“technological progress”, and believers of bizarre conspiracy theories, from the frame story that the universe is an eternal battle between the divine and the demoniac - the devas and the asuras - and that any other frame story is an asuric deception, to the belief that we serve an invisible all-pervading personality called “Lord Vishnu” and we are here to assert His dominion over the planet?
I, personally, find the answer to that question to be at least hinted at in the statement: “don’t expect to be appreciated”.
We’re not here to avoid “being called bad names”, like this is kindergarten. We don’t want a gold star from the teachers in Prahlad’s gurukula.
The asuras do not back away from their frame. They assert boldly: “you are telling the people a fairy tale in order to amass wealth, prestige, and power. There is no reality to this Lord Vishnu.”
They are so confident in saying this - no doubt at all. Why? Because it is precisely what they are doing.
They have discovered how to manipulate humanity with fairy tales - global warming, climate change, global pandemic, Moon landing, evolution, “The Science” - and they are certain that we are doing the same thing.
They even invite us to join them: “Come on - we all know that it is a grift. Sign up for the Barking Dogs Assembly Sustainable Development Agenda, and use your fairy tale influence along with us.”
“The United Nation is an assembly of barking dogs, I've said that, [laughs] and they published it.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1976[6]
No compromise. Totalitarian War on Maya.
Hare Krishna is the single greatest threat to “Western Civilisation” - publish the headline.
We are immortal. We cannot be stopped. We are here to take this planet for Lord Vishnu.
And people are not going to like it.
They are going to love it!
Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam! Total World Victory of Hare Krishna.
“…if Kṛṣṇa accepts a little service from you, then your life is glorious.
So it is not possible to love Krishna perfectly, to render service to Krishna, because He is unlimited. There is a process, worshiping the Ganges in India. The Ganges River is considered sacred river. So they worship the Ganges, the river Ganges, by taking water from the Ganges and offering it. Suppose in a small pot like this, either pot or your handful, you take some water from the Ganges and with your devotion and mantra you offer to the Ganges water.
So you take a glass of water from the Ganges and offer it to the Ganges, what is there, gain and profit or loss or gain for the Ganges? If you take a glass of water from the Ganges and again offer it, so what is the gain and profit of Ganges? But your process, your faith, your love for mother Ganges, "Mother Ganges, I offer you this little water," that is accepted.”
* Srila Prabhupada, 1968[7]
Aham idaṁ yacchāmi
With gratitude,
Sitapati Das
________________
[1] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/680927le-seattle
[2] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/730511mwla
[3] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/760706r2wdc
[4] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/770218r3may
[5] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/770121r1bhu
[6] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/760627gcnv
[7] https://vedabase.io/en/library/transcripts/680927le-seattle
Śivānanda Sena das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on your appearance day.
On this auspicious day, I’m inspired to reflect, with gratitude, on how you so mercifully sabotaged my career in the illusory energy and opened up such incredible vistas of nonmaterial career opportunity in the life of this insignificant soul.
One time, when we picked you up from Wellington airport, you joked with me about how Krishna cunningly tricked me in my Otago university days, and how (referring to the devotees) “you probably thought these people would ruin your career”.
Hearing this I was reminded of how you unhesitatingly gave up the supposed “brahmaloka” of USA career achievement - high-flying power, profit and prestige - for the service of Srila Prabhupada.
My early twenties were characterised by a gnawing sense of bewilderment and career anxiety, baffled about what I should do with my life, all the while confronted with frustration and false hopes, struggling to squeeze meaning out of a world which ostensibly had none.
In contrast, what a life I have now, brimming with an abundance of real nonmaterial career wealth - opportunities for devotional service to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, in the company of enlivened and caring devotees, at its peak potential offering the most tantalising payoff - the most radiant and ambrosial flavours of pure love of Godhead.
You have painstakingly dragged my undeserving self out of the mud of karmic life, dusted me off, and offered me a real career and a real life.
As you recently quoted from Srila Prabhupada, the mercy of the Guru comes in the form of training in devotional service, and this you shower upon so many of us like a veritable monsoon rain cloud, inundating us with bhakti opportunities.
This is your signature expertise, Gurudeva; you provide us young bhakti practitioners of all levels with an abundance of ways to dynamically engage our youthful energies in the service of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada, as our central occupation.
With ingenuity, flair and unremitting focus, you convey to us the prime importance of chanting the sweet Holy Names and giving Krishna to others.
You care for us through well-conceived and carefully embedded systems of personal guidance, offering your own jewel-like instructions, brilliant yet concise, while also training up the next generation of mentors; carefully weaving a fabric of personal bhakti care.
Your own nonmaterial career example is exemplary, indeed, it is astounding how much you selflessly sacrifice for His Divine Grace year after year, constantly traveling and dealing with hefty responsibilities, leadership headaches and the issues of so many disciples coming from all corners of the globe.
What motivates you to do this Gurudeva? Any mundane globetrotting CEO would have long ago resigned from such a thankless task.
But for you, it is not enough to relish Krishna consciousness for yourself, following the compassionate mood and vani of Srila Prabhupada, you can’t bear to see others suffering, trudging away through the jungle of Kali yuga degradation.
While some like myself are all too willing to let others suffer through materialistic life as long as I am seemingly “doing alright”, you simply care too much not to intervene, as the dear representative of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nityananda.
And it’s not easy - the more I try to make some little effort to try to assist you in giving Krishna to others, the more I see how heroic your sacrifice must be to wage war against maya and rescue so many lost jivas, holding fast to Srila Prabhupada’s nectarean instructions.
In this way you follow in the exalted line of the six Goswamis, expanding the limits of the ocean of transcendental bliss (anandambudhi-vardhanam) and magnanimously inviting even the least qualified of us to sail along behind you in your wake.
Despite this wealth of bhakti development opportunities, Gurudeva, how much am I taking full shelter of them? Although externally engaged in devotional activities, how far away I am from developing the state of a real devotee, reveling not in external accomplishments or status-seeking, but in developing the genuine internal mood of being the servant of the servant of Krishna.
As Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to SB.7.7.30-31: “A disciple should serve the spiritual master as a menial servant, and whatever he has in his possession should be dedicated to the spiritual master. Prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā. Everyone has his life, his wealth, his intelligence and his words, and all of them should be offered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the medium of the spiritual master. Everything should be offered to the spiritual master as a matter of duty, but the offering should be made to the spiritual master with heart and soul, not artificially to gain material prestige.”
I long to deeply imbibe this mood and one day serve you with the purity you deserve. Just as you are Srila Prabhupada’s career man, through and through, I pray to truly become your man, and to dedicate my life, wealth, intelligence and words to assist you in fulfilling your compassionate desires, without a taint of artificiality or lust for material prestige.
In this way I pray that my career in the material energy may one day be finally and truly ruined by your grace.
Thank you for your merciful intervention in my small existence and begging for the spiritual strength to go to the next level in my Bhakti career.
Your aspiring servant,
Sivananda Sena das
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on your appearance day.
On this auspicious day, I’m inspired to reflect, with gratitude, on how you so mercifully sabotaged my career in the illusory energy and opened up such incredible vistas of nonmaterial career opportunity in the life of this insignificant soul.
One time, when we picked you up from Wellington airport, you joked with me about how Krishna cunningly tricked me in my Otago university days, and how (referring to the devotees) “you probably thought these people would ruin your career”.
Hearing this I was reminded of how you unhesitatingly gave up the supposed “brahmaloka” of USA career achievement - high-flying power, profit and prestige - for the service of Srila Prabhupada.
My early twenties were characterised by a gnawing sense of bewilderment and career anxiety, baffled about what I should do with my life, all the while confronted with frustration and false hopes, struggling to squeeze meaning out of a world which ostensibly had none.
In contrast, what a life I have now, brimming with an abundance of real nonmaterial career wealth - opportunities for devotional service to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, in the company of enlivened and caring devotees, at its peak potential offering the most tantalising payoff - the most radiant and ambrosial flavours of pure love of Godhead.
You have painstakingly dragged my undeserving self out of the mud of karmic life, dusted me off, and offered me a real career and a real life.
As you recently quoted from Srila Prabhupada, the mercy of the Guru comes in the form of training in devotional service, and this you shower upon so many of us like a veritable monsoon rain cloud, inundating us with bhakti opportunities.
This is your signature expertise, Gurudeva; you provide us young bhakti practitioners of all levels with an abundance of ways to dynamically engage our youthful energies in the service of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada, as our central occupation.
With ingenuity, flair and unremitting focus, you convey to us the prime importance of chanting the sweet Holy Names and giving Krishna to others.
You care for us through well-conceived and carefully embedded systems of personal guidance, offering your own jewel-like instructions, brilliant yet concise, while also training up the next generation of mentors; carefully weaving a fabric of personal bhakti care.
Your own nonmaterial career example is exemplary, indeed, it is astounding how much you selflessly sacrifice for His Divine Grace year after year, constantly traveling and dealing with hefty responsibilities, leadership headaches and the issues of so many disciples coming from all corners of the globe.
What motivates you to do this Gurudeva? Any mundane globetrotting CEO would have long ago resigned from such a thankless task.
But for you, it is not enough to relish Krishna consciousness for yourself, following the compassionate mood and vani of Srila Prabhupada, you can’t bear to see others suffering, trudging away through the jungle of Kali yuga degradation.
While some like myself are all too willing to let others suffer through materialistic life as long as I am seemingly “doing alright”, you simply care too much not to intervene, as the dear representative of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nityananda.
And it’s not easy - the more I try to make some little effort to try to assist you in giving Krishna to others, the more I see how heroic your sacrifice must be to wage war against maya and rescue so many lost jivas, holding fast to Srila Prabhupada’s nectarean instructions.
In this way you follow in the exalted line of the six Goswamis, expanding the limits of the ocean of transcendental bliss (anandambudhi-vardhanam) and magnanimously inviting even the least qualified of us to sail along behind you in your wake.
Despite this wealth of bhakti development opportunities, Gurudeva, how much am I taking full shelter of them? Although externally engaged in devotional activities, how far away I am from developing the state of a real devotee, reveling not in external accomplishments or status-seeking, but in developing the genuine internal mood of being the servant of the servant of Krishna.
As Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to SB.7.7.30-31: “A disciple should serve the spiritual master as a menial servant, and whatever he has in his possession should be dedicated to the spiritual master. Prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā. Everyone has his life, his wealth, his intelligence and his words, and all of them should be offered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the medium of the spiritual master. Everything should be offered to the spiritual master as a matter of duty, but the offering should be made to the spiritual master with heart and soul, not artificially to gain material prestige.”
I long to deeply imbibe this mood and one day serve you with the purity you deserve. Just as you are Srila Prabhupada’s career man, through and through, I pray to truly become your man, and to dedicate my life, wealth, intelligence and words to assist you in fulfilling your compassionate desires, without a taint of artificiality or lust for material prestige.
In this way I pray that my career in the material energy may one day be finally and truly ruined by your grace.
Thank you for your merciful intervention in my small existence and begging for the spiritual strength to go to the next level in my Bhakti career.
Your aspiring servant,
Sivananda Sena das
Smita-Kanti devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I am infinitely indebted to you. For the gentle, deeply caring and personal way in which you deal with me- a grossly ignorant and forgetful jiva.
On one visit to Wellington, just after your welcome kirtan, you scanned the room, looked me in the eye and said “ah, Smita-Kānti, always smiling”. Ludicrously ironic, at a time where my mind was threatening to get the better of me, and seeing you was the sole cause of my brief reprieve from darkness.
Just in that small exchange, you reminded me of the gift of my initiated name and the opportunity I’ve received to make my life perfect. To become a servant of the beauty of Krishna’s smile. A boon so extraordinary, from a guru so far elevated from this dry and degraded material sphere.
Yet, regardless of your motive or intent, of which I have no cause to claim I understand, this small comment has left a lasting impression. A theme with you, the smallest amount of words said can have the deepest of impacts. No need for a lengthy analysis or discussion, your words cut through the nonsense and go straight to the heart.
Another time when you told me in full seriousness, yet with a warmth that exuded your entire being, “Smita-Kānti, you’re not a sack of potatoes”. Such a succinct and penetratingly personal instruction. Had anyone else encouraged me in that way, I’m almost certain it wouldn’t have taken effect. However you never speak mere words, beyond this, your whole way of being is entrenched in intense love for Krishna and thus the words you speak have a dramatic effect.
I marvel at your sustained devotion to the will and mission of your Srila Prabhupada. Through and through, an empowered soul sent to uplift and deliver us in such wonderfully personal ways.
My shortcomings are many and the dust in my heart remains thick. But I am so grateful that you have allowed me to take refuge under your lotus feet. I hope one day to be of some use to you.
Your ever aspiring servant,
Smita-Kānti devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
I am infinitely indebted to you. For the gentle, deeply caring and personal way in which you deal with me- a grossly ignorant and forgetful jiva.
On one visit to Wellington, just after your welcome kirtan, you scanned the room, looked me in the eye and said “ah, Smita-Kānti, always smiling”. Ludicrously ironic, at a time where my mind was threatening to get the better of me, and seeing you was the sole cause of my brief reprieve from darkness.
Just in that small exchange, you reminded me of the gift of my initiated name and the opportunity I’ve received to make my life perfect. To become a servant of the beauty of Krishna’s smile. A boon so extraordinary, from a guru so far elevated from this dry and degraded material sphere.
Yet, regardless of your motive or intent, of which I have no cause to claim I understand, this small comment has left a lasting impression. A theme with you, the smallest amount of words said can have the deepest of impacts. No need for a lengthy analysis or discussion, your words cut through the nonsense and go straight to the heart.
Another time when you told me in full seriousness, yet with a warmth that exuded your entire being, “Smita-Kānti, you’re not a sack of potatoes”. Such a succinct and penetratingly personal instruction. Had anyone else encouraged me in that way, I’m almost certain it wouldn’t have taken effect. However you never speak mere words, beyond this, your whole way of being is entrenched in intense love for Krishna and thus the words you speak have a dramatic effect.
I marvel at your sustained devotion to the will and mission of your Srila Prabhupada. Through and through, an empowered soul sent to uplift and deliver us in such wonderfully personal ways.
My shortcomings are many and the dust in my heart remains thick. But I am so grateful that you have allowed me to take refuge under your lotus feet. I hope one day to be of some use to you.
Your ever aspiring servant,
Smita-Kānti devi dasi.
Smitamrta Dasi
All glories to you Gurudeva on this most auspicious day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Words don't come easily when trying to express something that is inconceivable, so please forgive me if this falls short.
Recently you were speaking about what we should do as disciples once we receive the seed of bhakti. To receive this seed from a bonafide spiritual master, such as yourself, is the top most mercy. The type of mercy that doesn't come around for millions of lifetimes. You asked us, what do we do after we meet with this greatest fortune?
My guiding light on this dark path, dear Gurudeva, is the attempt to cherish this gift you have so kindly given me. Each day, no matter how difficult it may seem, I try to please you in some small way. Each time my foot aimed for dangerous territory, I think of you and what would make you happy, and I easily withhold that step and move it to a more suitable path A neophyte such as myself can easily get swept away by so called suffering, but my anchor is you.
The spiritual strength you offer to me on a daily basis is inconceivable. The example you lead by is such a clear instruction in itself. To hear you relish Lord Caitanya's pastimes encourages me to dig deeper, to get off the mundane, surface level, and to dive into the ocean of that sweetness.
I appreciate so much your non-comprimising attitude on the way in which a devotee should live their lives. I've seen so many devotees cut corners with vows and principles, but Gurudeva, you have deeply instilled in me the idea that this would make you very displeased and will not do. I strive to make you happy in some way so why would I want to cut corners and disappoint you?
I am so small but it is clear to me that whatever I do have is because of your mercy only Gurudeva. I know that if I follow your instructions and your example that my path back home to Krsna has been clearly paved out and the destination is certain.
All glories to you.
Your eternal servant
Smitamrta Dasi.
Words don't come easily when trying to express something that is inconceivable, so please forgive me if this falls short.
Recently you were speaking about what we should do as disciples once we receive the seed of bhakti. To receive this seed from a bonafide spiritual master, such as yourself, is the top most mercy. The type of mercy that doesn't come around for millions of lifetimes. You asked us, what do we do after we meet with this greatest fortune?
My guiding light on this dark path, dear Gurudeva, is the attempt to cherish this gift you have so kindly given me. Each day, no matter how difficult it may seem, I try to please you in some small way. Each time my foot aimed for dangerous territory, I think of you and what would make you happy, and I easily withhold that step and move it to a more suitable path A neophyte such as myself can easily get swept away by so called suffering, but my anchor is you.
The spiritual strength you offer to me on a daily basis is inconceivable. The example you lead by is such a clear instruction in itself. To hear you relish Lord Caitanya's pastimes encourages me to dig deeper, to get off the mundane, surface level, and to dive into the ocean of that sweetness.
I appreciate so much your non-comprimising attitude on the way in which a devotee should live their lives. I've seen so many devotees cut corners with vows and principles, but Gurudeva, you have deeply instilled in me the idea that this would make you very displeased and will not do. I strive to make you happy in some way so why would I want to cut corners and disappoint you?
I am so small but it is clear to me that whatever I do have is because of your mercy only Gurudeva. I know that if I follow your instructions and your example that my path back home to Krsna has been clearly paved out and the destination is certain.
All glories to you.
Your eternal servant
Smitamrta Dasi.
Sri Goloka das
namo om visnu padaya
krsna presthaya bhutale
srmati devamrita
svami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca,
bhaktacara-pravinata,
pararthatapi karunyam,
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your mission!
Happy Appearance Day Srila Gurudeva!
The Srimad Bhagavatam states:
As long as one has to accept a material body, with its different parts and paraphernalia, which are not fully under one’s control, one must have the lotus feet of his superiors, namely his spiritual master and the spiritual master’s predecessors. By their mercy, one can sharpen the sword of knowledge, and with the power of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s mercy one must then conquer the enemies mentioned above. In this way, the devotee should be able to merge into his own transcendental bliss, and then he may give up his body and resume his spiritual identity
- Śrimad Bhagavatam 7.15.45
This verse makes it abundantly clear that the lotus feet of the spiritual master are required for those who adopt a physical body. The Guru's mercy is the lifeline that sharpens the disciple's understanding and enables him or her to overcome the soul's true enemies: attachment, hostility, avarice, lamentation, illusion, fear, insanity, false prestige, insults, fault-finding, deception, envy, intolerance, passion, bewilderment, hunger, and sleep.
The purport states that the spiritual master is the captain of one's material body (guru-karnadharam). The spiritual master is an expert at adjusting the sails to catch the most opportune wind – Lord Krsna's mercy. Similarly, you are an expert at adjusting our desires so that we may one day merit Krsna's mercy. The most important aspect of our service to the captain is our sincerity. With sincere service to the captain, the disciple receives direct spiritual fortitude from Lord Balarama.
I was fortunate enough to have my first darshan of you in London, my birthplace, and you progressively became more prominent in my life in Sydney, Australia. There, you trained me personally and carefully during my bachelor years. You orchestrated so many devotees and things around me to ensure that I am well cared for; you seemed to be intimately familiar with my personal issues and concerns; and despite my continuous setbacks and disappointments, you gave me shelter with compassion and grace. When I migrated to the United States, you continued to care for me. Constantly visiting and ensuring that I was spiritually inspired. You are an expert at removing the material layers off of me, regardless of how many billions I add by the day. No matter where in the world I have traveled, you have always been my constant friend, always there for me.
Despite having such a global perspective and caring for devotees worldwide, you are incredibly personable and make everyone feel exclusive. It continues to be a mystery to me how you can be both mission and devotee orientated at the same time!
Thank you so much Srila Gurudeva for all that you do for all of us.
On behalf of your disciple and my late father, Sriman Giriraja Das.
Your aspiring servant,
Sri Goloka das
krsna presthaya bhutale
srmati devamrita
svami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca,
bhaktacara-pravinata,
pararthatapi karunyam,
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your mission!
Happy Appearance Day Srila Gurudeva!
The Srimad Bhagavatam states:
As long as one has to accept a material body, with its different parts and paraphernalia, which are not fully under one’s control, one must have the lotus feet of his superiors, namely his spiritual master and the spiritual master’s predecessors. By their mercy, one can sharpen the sword of knowledge, and with the power of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s mercy one must then conquer the enemies mentioned above. In this way, the devotee should be able to merge into his own transcendental bliss, and then he may give up his body and resume his spiritual identity
- Śrimad Bhagavatam 7.15.45
This verse makes it abundantly clear that the lotus feet of the spiritual master are required for those who adopt a physical body. The Guru's mercy is the lifeline that sharpens the disciple's understanding and enables him or her to overcome the soul's true enemies: attachment, hostility, avarice, lamentation, illusion, fear, insanity, false prestige, insults, fault-finding, deception, envy, intolerance, passion, bewilderment, hunger, and sleep.
The purport states that the spiritual master is the captain of one's material body (guru-karnadharam). The spiritual master is an expert at adjusting the sails to catch the most opportune wind – Lord Krsna's mercy. Similarly, you are an expert at adjusting our desires so that we may one day merit Krsna's mercy. The most important aspect of our service to the captain is our sincerity. With sincere service to the captain, the disciple receives direct spiritual fortitude from Lord Balarama.
I was fortunate enough to have my first darshan of you in London, my birthplace, and you progressively became more prominent in my life in Sydney, Australia. There, you trained me personally and carefully during my bachelor years. You orchestrated so many devotees and things around me to ensure that I am well cared for; you seemed to be intimately familiar with my personal issues and concerns; and despite my continuous setbacks and disappointments, you gave me shelter with compassion and grace. When I migrated to the United States, you continued to care for me. Constantly visiting and ensuring that I was spiritually inspired. You are an expert at removing the material layers off of me, regardless of how many billions I add by the day. No matter where in the world I have traveled, you have always been my constant friend, always there for me.
Despite having such a global perspective and caring for devotees worldwide, you are incredibly personable and make everyone feel exclusive. It continues to be a mystery to me how you can be both mission and devotee orientated at the same time!
Thank you so much Srila Gurudeva for all that you do for all of us.
On behalf of your disciple and my late father, Sriman Giriraja Das.
Your aspiring servant,
Sri Goloka das
Sri Jiva Charan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s. All glories unto you on the this most auspicious day.
I cannot even begin to understand and comprehend how much attraction, infatuation and love you must have for Krishna. How else would someone be able to completely and solely give their life to the execution of the various limbs of shuddha bhakti? How is someone who had the opportunity to enjoy the pinnacle and zenith of the most tantalising material pleasures able to give up such abundance for the pursuance of selfless service to the lotus feet of their spiritual master? Again, surely this is because of the fathomless depths of Krishna bhakti and transcendental love that is within the core of your heart and which is the essence of your very being. No one else but an exalted Vaishnava who has this love, a person like yourself, could continue to inspire and push on the mission and vision of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the previous acharyas, and Srila Prabhupada year after year and decade after decade. This is simply wonderful and inconceivable to me.
With this vision of your divine self in mind, it is then completely amazing to think that I have had the opportunity to personally associate with and serve you. When I reflect upon the times when I have had your personal association I am struck with the feeling that you deeply and sincerly care about me. I am so grateful for the attention, heartfelt concern, and despite my many short comings, encouragement you have shown me over the years. Thank you for your authenticity, truthfulness, fatherhood, kindness, love, and interpersonal diligence that you blessed me and many others with.
On this day I can only really pray and beg that I may one day gain a fragment of a drop of the purity, service attitude, sincerity, and ultimately love that you embody. Thank you for everything Gurudeva. I am eternally grateful for everything that you have done for me.
Your servant and son,
Sri Jiva Charan Das.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s. All glories unto you on the this most auspicious day.
I cannot even begin to understand and comprehend how much attraction, infatuation and love you must have for Krishna. How else would someone be able to completely and solely give their life to the execution of the various limbs of shuddha bhakti? How is someone who had the opportunity to enjoy the pinnacle and zenith of the most tantalising material pleasures able to give up such abundance for the pursuance of selfless service to the lotus feet of their spiritual master? Again, surely this is because of the fathomless depths of Krishna bhakti and transcendental love that is within the core of your heart and which is the essence of your very being. No one else but an exalted Vaishnava who has this love, a person like yourself, could continue to inspire and push on the mission and vision of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the previous acharyas, and Srila Prabhupada year after year and decade after decade. This is simply wonderful and inconceivable to me.
With this vision of your divine self in mind, it is then completely amazing to think that I have had the opportunity to personally associate with and serve you. When I reflect upon the times when I have had your personal association I am struck with the feeling that you deeply and sincerly care about me. I am so grateful for the attention, heartfelt concern, and despite my many short comings, encouragement you have shown me over the years. Thank you for your authenticity, truthfulness, fatherhood, kindness, love, and interpersonal diligence that you blessed me and many others with.
On this day I can only really pray and beg that I may one day gain a fragment of a drop of the purity, service attitude, sincerity, and ultimately love that you embody. Thank you for everything Gurudeva. I am eternally grateful for everything that you have done for me.
Your servant and son,
Sri Jiva Charan Das.
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on your most auspicious Sri Vyasa Puja celebration.
Dear Guru Maharaja, I offer my repeated obeisances to you on this most auspicious day, and every day.
On January 2nd, 1969, Los Angeles, a recording was made of Srila Prabhupada singing and then giving his divine purport to Sri Sri Gurvastakam, by Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura.
Srila Prabhupada mentions in one section:
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka-
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Purport by Srila Prabhupada:
‘So the spiritual master is not self-made. It is not that if anyone comes before you and bluffs you that ‘I have attained spiritual perfection, and I have realised something by some method’. No.
The spiritual master, bonafide spiritual, means he has to receive the power from authority. Otherwise it is useless. No. It is not that one can become spiritual master overnight. He has to take the power from his spiritual master. Therefore it is called praptasya. Praptasya means one who has obtained, one who has got the merciful blessings of his spiritual master.
We should always remember that the spiritual master is in the disciplic succession. The original spiritual master is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He blesses his next disciple, just like Brahma. Brahma blesses, his next disciple, just like Narada. Narada blesses, his next disciple, just like Vyasa. Vyasa blesses his next disciple, Madhavacarya. Similarly, the blessing is coming. Just like royal succession. The throne is inherited by disciplic or hereditary succession. Similarly, this power from the Supreme Personality of Godhead has to receive.
Nobody can preach. Nobody can become a spiritual master, without obtaining power from the right source’. Therefore, the very word it is stated here, praptasya. Praptasya means, ‘one who has obtained’. Praptasya kalyana. What he has obtained? Kalyana. Kalyana means auspicity. He has received something which is auspicious for all the human kind. Praptasya kalyana gunarnavasya.’
Srila Prabhupada continues to elaborate upon these beautiful verses, but meditating upon this one verse alone, I have seen over the last 23 years how you consistently glorify the parampara by presenting Krsna consciousness purely without interpretation, passing this auspicious knowledge and the practice of bhakti down through the parampara, as the humble, powerful and steadfast son of Srila Prabhupada, dutiful, exemplary, fearless, compassionate, innovative and truthful at every step, just to name a few of your many jewel like qualities.
In a lecture on SB 6.1.42, Los Angeles, June 8, 1976, Srila Prabhupada said:
‘...One can see by the eyes of knowledge, not buy these blunt eyes. This is useless they cannot see, and how can you see through the sabda? Sastra means sabda. Don’t try to see a saintly person by your eyes. You see a saintly person by the ear, because if you hear from the saintly person, and if he is speaking from the experience, which he has had from the, another saintly person, this is called guru-parampara - then the knowledge is perfect.
Following in this same mood, you reiterated the exact same point in my initiation ceremony lecture:
‘Those who are taking initiation, they should have some understanding either by experience or by learning, through study, and hearing that they cannot be happy and express themselves in a material way, experience is not necessary. It’s not the best way to learn. You really get banged up and beat up learning by experience. The best way to learn is by hearing. Hearing is not a paltry or insufficient way to learn. Many people think that if I just hear it, how do I actually experience it?
The nature of the Shaba brahman, the Vedic sound is that by properly receiving the sound vibration. Your consciousness is infused with all the spiritual necessities. It’s not that you’re intaking theory. No, the transcendental sound is impregnated with the experience that you need, but you have to be very serious about taking in the sounds in that way. You can learn so much about the material world and by deeply intaking Srila Prabhupada’s books, and his purports and what he said. They seem to be simple sometimes, but they are so deep.’
Your example is always my inspiration and strength that I hold deeply within my heart.
As you mentioned in a recent initiation ceremony in Melbourne, to be linked to the parampara is a mercy beyond our wildest imagination.
That mercy flows through you to everyone you meet, as you extinguish the blazing forest fire of material existence.
I remember once in Melbourne I was cooking for you on ekadasi.
It must have been around 2008 or so, and was at the time when you were just starting to change your diet to accept ahimsa dairy products if dairy was ever to be sparingly used.
On this day I was preparing your lunch prasad that was to be taken along with HG Bhanu Swami and HG Aniruddha prabhu.
I used to make you special ekadasi buckwheat jam cookies. Although they did contain one ingredient I didn’t quite know how to change - butter. Ahimsa butter was not an option, so after considering briefly I thought, ‘I’m sure Guru Maharaja won’t mind a little bit of butter in an ekadasi dessert just this once’, and UNFORTUNATELY I carried on cooking!
I believe lunch went ahead smoothly enough. Then it came time for dessert. By now I was really starting to doubt my decision to use butter in the cookies but it was too late. Waiting on the steps outside the temple dining room, I heard a commotion and loud discussion inside, I was then called into the dining room. With my heart beating in my throat, knowing this could only go one of two ways (good or bad), I slowly entered.
You asked me what was in the cookies.
I began to list the ingredients; buckwheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, muscovado sugar, a little cinnamon...
‘And...?’ You asked. ‘And jam’, I replied!
‘And...?’ You asked again.’...And a little butter’, I managed to get out.
All of a sudden, Bhanu Swami Maharaja cheered with happiness, to which you jokingly replied ‘The parampara is broken’, to my complete shock and devastation.
You explained how Bhanu Swami had been trying to guess the ingredients in the cookies and was certain there was butter, you had promised him I would never do that!
Oh Krishna, what a dreadful experience that was! As I slowly backed away Aniruddha prabhu noticed my face and tracked me down a few hours later to kindly encourage me that it was ok and that the Parampara wasn’t really broken!
Many years on I still feel some anxiety!
Please forgive me Guru Maharaja, you mean everything to me.
My only shelter, strength and hope.
Everything comes from you, through the ever merciful parampara, I pray that link may never be broken.
On this most auspicious day I pray that Srila Prabhupada, Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, and Sri Jaganatha Baladeva Subhadra all bless you with good health.
I pray for the strength to follow every instruction you have blessed me with, and long to cook for you again…. Without butter (!) and many other things.
Thankyou for blessing me beyond my wildest imagination, saving me and allowing me to be your disciple.
I pray to serve you in a way that always pleases you.
Forever your aspiring servant and daughter,
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on your most auspicious Sri Vyasa Puja celebration.
Dear Guru Maharaja, I offer my repeated obeisances to you on this most auspicious day, and every day.
On January 2nd, 1969, Los Angeles, a recording was made of Srila Prabhupada singing and then giving his divine purport to Sri Sri Gurvastakam, by Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura.
Srila Prabhupada mentions in one section:
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka-
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Purport by Srila Prabhupada:
‘So the spiritual master is not self-made. It is not that if anyone comes before you and bluffs you that ‘I have attained spiritual perfection, and I have realised something by some method’. No.
The spiritual master, bonafide spiritual, means he has to receive the power from authority. Otherwise it is useless. No. It is not that one can become spiritual master overnight. He has to take the power from his spiritual master. Therefore it is called praptasya. Praptasya means one who has obtained, one who has got the merciful blessings of his spiritual master.
We should always remember that the spiritual master is in the disciplic succession. The original spiritual master is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He blesses his next disciple, just like Brahma. Brahma blesses, his next disciple, just like Narada. Narada blesses, his next disciple, just like Vyasa. Vyasa blesses his next disciple, Madhavacarya. Similarly, the blessing is coming. Just like royal succession. The throne is inherited by disciplic or hereditary succession. Similarly, this power from the Supreme Personality of Godhead has to receive.
Nobody can preach. Nobody can become a spiritual master, without obtaining power from the right source’. Therefore, the very word it is stated here, praptasya. Praptasya means, ‘one who has obtained’. Praptasya kalyana. What he has obtained? Kalyana. Kalyana means auspicity. He has received something which is auspicious for all the human kind. Praptasya kalyana gunarnavasya.’
Srila Prabhupada continues to elaborate upon these beautiful verses, but meditating upon this one verse alone, I have seen over the last 23 years how you consistently glorify the parampara by presenting Krsna consciousness purely without interpretation, passing this auspicious knowledge and the practice of bhakti down through the parampara, as the humble, powerful and steadfast son of Srila Prabhupada, dutiful, exemplary, fearless, compassionate, innovative and truthful at every step, just to name a few of your many jewel like qualities.
In a lecture on SB 6.1.42, Los Angeles, June 8, 1976, Srila Prabhupada said:
‘...One can see by the eyes of knowledge, not buy these blunt eyes. This is useless they cannot see, and how can you see through the sabda? Sastra means sabda. Don’t try to see a saintly person by your eyes. You see a saintly person by the ear, because if you hear from the saintly person, and if he is speaking from the experience, which he has had from the, another saintly person, this is called guru-parampara - then the knowledge is perfect.
Following in this same mood, you reiterated the exact same point in my initiation ceremony lecture:
‘Those who are taking initiation, they should have some understanding either by experience or by learning, through study, and hearing that they cannot be happy and express themselves in a material way, experience is not necessary. It’s not the best way to learn. You really get banged up and beat up learning by experience. The best way to learn is by hearing. Hearing is not a paltry or insufficient way to learn. Many people think that if I just hear it, how do I actually experience it?
The nature of the Shaba brahman, the Vedic sound is that by properly receiving the sound vibration. Your consciousness is infused with all the spiritual necessities. It’s not that you’re intaking theory. No, the transcendental sound is impregnated with the experience that you need, but you have to be very serious about taking in the sounds in that way. You can learn so much about the material world and by deeply intaking Srila Prabhupada’s books, and his purports and what he said. They seem to be simple sometimes, but they are so deep.’
Your example is always my inspiration and strength that I hold deeply within my heart.
As you mentioned in a recent initiation ceremony in Melbourne, to be linked to the parampara is a mercy beyond our wildest imagination.
That mercy flows through you to everyone you meet, as you extinguish the blazing forest fire of material existence.
I remember once in Melbourne I was cooking for you on ekadasi.
It must have been around 2008 or so, and was at the time when you were just starting to change your diet to accept ahimsa dairy products if dairy was ever to be sparingly used.
On this day I was preparing your lunch prasad that was to be taken along with HG Bhanu Swami and HG Aniruddha prabhu.
I used to make you special ekadasi buckwheat jam cookies. Although they did contain one ingredient I didn’t quite know how to change - butter. Ahimsa butter was not an option, so after considering briefly I thought, ‘I’m sure Guru Maharaja won’t mind a little bit of butter in an ekadasi dessert just this once’, and UNFORTUNATELY I carried on cooking!
I believe lunch went ahead smoothly enough. Then it came time for dessert. By now I was really starting to doubt my decision to use butter in the cookies but it was too late. Waiting on the steps outside the temple dining room, I heard a commotion and loud discussion inside, I was then called into the dining room. With my heart beating in my throat, knowing this could only go one of two ways (good or bad), I slowly entered.
You asked me what was in the cookies.
I began to list the ingredients; buckwheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, muscovado sugar, a little cinnamon...
‘And...?’ You asked. ‘And jam’, I replied!
‘And...?’ You asked again.’...And a little butter’, I managed to get out.
All of a sudden, Bhanu Swami Maharaja cheered with happiness, to which you jokingly replied ‘The parampara is broken’, to my complete shock and devastation.
You explained how Bhanu Swami had been trying to guess the ingredients in the cookies and was certain there was butter, you had promised him I would never do that!
Oh Krishna, what a dreadful experience that was! As I slowly backed away Aniruddha prabhu noticed my face and tracked me down a few hours later to kindly encourage me that it was ok and that the Parampara wasn’t really broken!
Many years on I still feel some anxiety!
Please forgive me Guru Maharaja, you mean everything to me.
My only shelter, strength and hope.
Everything comes from you, through the ever merciful parampara, I pray that link may never be broken.
On this most auspicious day I pray that Srila Prabhupada, Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, and Sri Jaganatha Baladeva Subhadra all bless you with good health.
I pray for the strength to follow every instruction you have blessed me with, and long to cook for you again…. Without butter (!) and many other things.
Thankyou for blessing me beyond my wildest imagination, saving me and allowing me to be your disciple.
I pray to serve you in a way that always pleases you.
Forever your aspiring servant and daughter,
Sri Yasoda devi dasi
Śrikānta Sena Dāsa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
I acknowledge that I alone, with my tiny brain and fatigued senses, cannot with words available to me glorify you in such a way that a Vaisnava like you ought to be glorified. Just like how young boys like Dhruva Maharaj and Prahlad Maharaj were given blessings and the faculty to glorify the Supreme Lord, similarly, I simply beg that you give me sufficient skillset to glorify you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja date.
This year I have meditated on your qualities and thought deeply about the lessons which I can learn and apply in my tiny effort to please Guru and Gauranga. I found myself focusing on one quality and then realising that there would be extensive examples and variations of such quality that made the task of meditating on more than one quality nigh impossible. The trigger for this meditation sprung from an observation that we do not live in a world of unity. In fact, disunity is the modus operandi which allows illusion to reign supreme. To our misfortune, this disunity exists within our society of devotees; after all, hospitals admit sick people, not healthy. I am no stranger to being caught up in the latest politicking, ISKCON administrative drama and vile social media interactions. All of this has not increased my taste in the Holy Name nor has it allowed me to serve Guru and Gauranga.
So this is why I looked towards my Dhruvaloka for guidance.
The following qualities of you, Gurudeva, have deepened my attraction for the Holy Name and increased my desire to serve Guru and Gauranga:
- Consistency. I have readily observed that you have a “hold no prisoners” approach to sadhana and seva. You maintain such a strong standard and do not deviate from it at all. Yes, you fly around the world, but even then you are maintaining a strict standard and have been doing so for many many decades. What is even more instructive is that you do not permit any deviation to this approach for your disciples. Your consistency in Srila Prabhupada’s seva inspires me to reach for the same consistency in my own spiritual practice.
- Balanced and impartial. When Srila Prabhupada was asked whether devotees should put in Back to Godhead a picture of Ahobilam and refer to it as the appearance place of Lord Nrsimhadeva, Srila Prabhupada reprimanded his disciples for being drawn into controversy and instructed them to not do so. This instruction is clearly observable in your conduct. You are always very careful in Vaisnava dealings (bhaktacara pravinata) and deftly deal with devotees seeking to drag you into controversy. In 2023, where everyone has an opinion that must be broadcast and everyone must choose a side, this quality of yours is an instruction I seek to apply every day.
- Love for Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Of this there is no doubt. You served Srila Prabhupada in the miraculous publishing of Caitanya Caritamrta in 3 months. You always encourage devotees to read Caitanya Caritamrta and when you speak on Lord Caitanya’s pastimes or the pastimes of his associates, the ecstasy you experience is observable. This inspires me to read Caitanya Caritamrta daily and listen to pastimes of Lord Caitanya constantly. I can see, with only tiny intelligence, why Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur said he would never let go of Caitanya Caritamrta for any reasons whatsoever.
- Selflessness. You give yourself to others quite a lot - in giving classes, giving your time for darshans, instructing disciples and outreach programs. I cannot understand how you have the energy and will to give yourself so freely at your age. I am much younger in age and I struggle to see myself surviving a day in that manner. Yet, your instructions are to serve and give ourselves to others, for Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Even a grhasta who is so busy can extend themselves for Guru and Gauranga and attain unlimited benefit. This year I attempted to deepen myself in outreach by being one of the managers of the Bhakti Shala outreach programs at Tweed Heads. The programs run very well and we are getting interested persons attending every program.
Gurudeva, I thank you from my core for guiding me with your instructions in the form of your qualities. They always inspire me to dig my heels in deep for Krishna and to not be satisfied with mediocre and casual devotional practice.
I beg that you bless me to give more and more of myself for Guru and Gauranga and hold nothing back for myself.
Trying to be your servant,
Srikanta Sena Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
I acknowledge that I alone, with my tiny brain and fatigued senses, cannot with words available to me glorify you in such a way that a Vaisnava like you ought to be glorified. Just like how young boys like Dhruva Maharaj and Prahlad Maharaj were given blessings and the faculty to glorify the Supreme Lord, similarly, I simply beg that you give me sufficient skillset to glorify you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja date.
This year I have meditated on your qualities and thought deeply about the lessons which I can learn and apply in my tiny effort to please Guru and Gauranga. I found myself focusing on one quality and then realising that there would be extensive examples and variations of such quality that made the task of meditating on more than one quality nigh impossible. The trigger for this meditation sprung from an observation that we do not live in a world of unity. In fact, disunity is the modus operandi which allows illusion to reign supreme. To our misfortune, this disunity exists within our society of devotees; after all, hospitals admit sick people, not healthy. I am no stranger to being caught up in the latest politicking, ISKCON administrative drama and vile social media interactions. All of this has not increased my taste in the Holy Name nor has it allowed me to serve Guru and Gauranga.
So this is why I looked towards my Dhruvaloka for guidance.
The following qualities of you, Gurudeva, have deepened my attraction for the Holy Name and increased my desire to serve Guru and Gauranga:
- Consistency. I have readily observed that you have a “hold no prisoners” approach to sadhana and seva. You maintain such a strong standard and do not deviate from it at all. Yes, you fly around the world, but even then you are maintaining a strict standard and have been doing so for many many decades. What is even more instructive is that you do not permit any deviation to this approach for your disciples. Your consistency in Srila Prabhupada’s seva inspires me to reach for the same consistency in my own spiritual practice.
- Balanced and impartial. When Srila Prabhupada was asked whether devotees should put in Back to Godhead a picture of Ahobilam and refer to it as the appearance place of Lord Nrsimhadeva, Srila Prabhupada reprimanded his disciples for being drawn into controversy and instructed them to not do so. This instruction is clearly observable in your conduct. You are always very careful in Vaisnava dealings (bhaktacara pravinata) and deftly deal with devotees seeking to drag you into controversy. In 2023, where everyone has an opinion that must be broadcast and everyone must choose a side, this quality of yours is an instruction I seek to apply every day.
- Love for Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Of this there is no doubt. You served Srila Prabhupada in the miraculous publishing of Caitanya Caritamrta in 3 months. You always encourage devotees to read Caitanya Caritamrta and when you speak on Lord Caitanya’s pastimes or the pastimes of his associates, the ecstasy you experience is observable. This inspires me to read Caitanya Caritamrta daily and listen to pastimes of Lord Caitanya constantly. I can see, with only tiny intelligence, why Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur said he would never let go of Caitanya Caritamrta for any reasons whatsoever.
- Selflessness. You give yourself to others quite a lot - in giving classes, giving your time for darshans, instructing disciples and outreach programs. I cannot understand how you have the energy and will to give yourself so freely at your age. I am much younger in age and I struggle to see myself surviving a day in that manner. Yet, your instructions are to serve and give ourselves to others, for Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Even a grhasta who is so busy can extend themselves for Guru and Gauranga and attain unlimited benefit. This year I attempted to deepen myself in outreach by being one of the managers of the Bhakti Shala outreach programs at Tweed Heads. The programs run very well and we are getting interested persons attending every program.
Gurudeva, I thank you from my core for guiding me with your instructions in the form of your qualities. They always inspire me to dig my heels in deep for Krishna and to not be satisfied with mediocre and casual devotional practice.
I beg that you bless me to give more and more of myself for Guru and Gauranga and hold nothing back for myself.
Trying to be your servant,
Srikanta Sena Dasa
Sriman Nrsimha das
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your divine appearance!
Fourteen years ago, as a new devotee, I happened to find myself participating in one of your ecstatic kirtans. I have had the causeless fortune to attend many of your kirtans since then but this one has vividly stuck in my mind. It was during an evening hall program in Sydney’s West and there were over one hundred devotees and guests in attendance. I made myself to the front of the crowd and holding a pair of kartals in my hand I stood standing face to face with you. As you gradually picked up the pace to a resounding fast beat, you locked your eyes straight into mine and your face became very serious. You then roared “chant, chant!” and with a graceful signal of your hands instructed to me to start jumping. That gesture threw not only me, but also my Godbrother Kamsari Sena Prabhu standing next to me, wildly into the air as you encouraged us to give all our energy to chanting the Holy Name.
A couple of years later in December 2012 at the Otaki Recharge Festival I witnessed another mystical experience in your presence during New Year’s Eve. You led an almost two-hour unforgettable kirtan leading up to midnight. I was one in the crowd and flanked by an assembly of my Godbrothers who were yelling, jumping, and dancing like madmen. Draping your saffron silk chaddar around your head and singing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, you paced back and forth, sometimes towards the deity of Srila Prabhupada and sometimes towards Sri Sri Doyal Nitai Gaura Hari. With folded hands I could see that time and again you were begging to Them for mercy, then at one point you turned toward us and started jumping into the air while loudly chanting. This was a most rare occasion and that night I had my first experiential glimpse, even as a neophyte, that the Holy Name and Krishna are non-different.
During my first personal meeting with you in 2009 you had placed your hand on my head and showered me with mercy by saying “I bless you so that you may start chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra”. Less than a week after that I went from not knowing anything about the Hare Krishna Mahamantra to chanting sixteen rounds – such is the magic of a moment’s association with a pure devotee. When I now reflect on this benediction, I can appreciate it on two levels. Firstly, you inspired me to begin engaging in the minimum dosage of the hearing and chanting process. Secondly however and more importantly, within this blessing is the benediction to one day very soon begin chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra as it is, purely, and free from all offence.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for giving me the Holy Name and for being a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my devotional service to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Your servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your divine appearance!
Fourteen years ago, as a new devotee, I happened to find myself participating in one of your ecstatic kirtans. I have had the causeless fortune to attend many of your kirtans since then but this one has vividly stuck in my mind. It was during an evening hall program in Sydney’s West and there were over one hundred devotees and guests in attendance. I made myself to the front of the crowd and holding a pair of kartals in my hand I stood standing face to face with you. As you gradually picked up the pace to a resounding fast beat, you locked your eyes straight into mine and your face became very serious. You then roared “chant, chant!” and with a graceful signal of your hands instructed to me to start jumping. That gesture threw not only me, but also my Godbrother Kamsari Sena Prabhu standing next to me, wildly into the air as you encouraged us to give all our energy to chanting the Holy Name.
A couple of years later in December 2012 at the Otaki Recharge Festival I witnessed another mystical experience in your presence during New Year’s Eve. You led an almost two-hour unforgettable kirtan leading up to midnight. I was one in the crowd and flanked by an assembly of my Godbrothers who were yelling, jumping, and dancing like madmen. Draping your saffron silk chaddar around your head and singing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, you paced back and forth, sometimes towards the deity of Srila Prabhupada and sometimes towards Sri Sri Doyal Nitai Gaura Hari. With folded hands I could see that time and again you were begging to Them for mercy, then at one point you turned toward us and started jumping into the air while loudly chanting. This was a most rare occasion and that night I had my first experiential glimpse, even as a neophyte, that the Holy Name and Krishna are non-different.
During my first personal meeting with you in 2009 you had placed your hand on my head and showered me with mercy by saying “I bless you so that you may start chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra”. Less than a week after that I went from not knowing anything about the Hare Krishna Mahamantra to chanting sixteen rounds – such is the magic of a moment’s association with a pure devotee. When I now reflect on this benediction, I can appreciate it on two levels. Firstly, you inspired me to begin engaging in the minimum dosage of the hearing and chanting process. Secondly however and more importantly, within this blessing is the benediction to one day very soon begin chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra as it is, purely, and free from all offence.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for giving me the Holy Name and for being a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my devotional service to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.
Your servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Śrīvāsa śaraṇa das
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 Gurudev,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your Lotus Feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you, Gurudev.
Before having the great fortune of hearing you speak at the Mantra Lounge in early 2021, my life was a pathetic and empty mess. By Krishna’s causeless mercy, I found myself at your Lotus Feet.
Your words cut and sliced my illusion and simultaneously, were saturated with empathy and concern for all the attendees. You spoke about how we are all looking for deep, loving connection and how by practicing bhakti, we can make the ultimate loving connection.
“mitaṁ ca sāraṁ ca vaco hi vāgmitā” iti
Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence. [CC Adi 1.106]
Your eloquent, beautiful words have saved my life, Gurudev.
By your unshakable attachment to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and your invincible determination to fulfil them to the highest possible degree, you have awoken so many others like me, to our true position in the universe and engaged us in devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna.
You take such great care in giving us the essence of bhakti. The Six Goswamis took the waterfall of love for God that Lord Caitanya brought and turned it into an ocean in which everyone can bathe. Srila Prabhupada extracted the essence of that ocean, and presented it to the modern, western world in a way that we can understand. You administer Srila Prabhupada’s medicine so deftly that Kali Yuga dregs like me have the chance to bathe in and relish Lord Caitanya’s ocean of love of Godhead.
You make it clear to us in your lectures that Bhakti isn’t a belief, or a sentiment. Bhakti is love and love is selfless service. We have to set aside our desires and our comfort, and assist you in expanding Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan mission, in whatever way we can. You tell us that Krishna wants to see how painstaking we will be to serve him.
You embody the essence of Bhakti by your painstaking and selfless service to Srila Prabhupada, your disciples and to all living entities. By your shining example and infallible instructions you are illuminating the path back to Godhead for all of us.
Thank you for giving me shelter, Gurudev. I beg for forgiveness for my offences and many shortcomings, for the strength to chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra with sincerity and the determination to always remain fixed on following your instructions. Please protect me from falling away from your service.
Your lowly servant,
Śrīvāsa śaraṇa das
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your Lotus Feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you, Gurudev.
Before having the great fortune of hearing you speak at the Mantra Lounge in early 2021, my life was a pathetic and empty mess. By Krishna’s causeless mercy, I found myself at your Lotus Feet.
Your words cut and sliced my illusion and simultaneously, were saturated with empathy and concern for all the attendees. You spoke about how we are all looking for deep, loving connection and how by practicing bhakti, we can make the ultimate loving connection.
“mitaṁ ca sāraṁ ca vaco hi vāgmitā” iti
Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence. [CC Adi 1.106]
Your eloquent, beautiful words have saved my life, Gurudev.
By your unshakable attachment to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and your invincible determination to fulfil them to the highest possible degree, you have awoken so many others like me, to our true position in the universe and engaged us in devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna.
You take such great care in giving us the essence of bhakti. The Six Goswamis took the waterfall of love for God that Lord Caitanya brought and turned it into an ocean in which everyone can bathe. Srila Prabhupada extracted the essence of that ocean, and presented it to the modern, western world in a way that we can understand. You administer Srila Prabhupada’s medicine so deftly that Kali Yuga dregs like me have the chance to bathe in and relish Lord Caitanya’s ocean of love of Godhead.
You make it clear to us in your lectures that Bhakti isn’t a belief, or a sentiment. Bhakti is love and love is selfless service. We have to set aside our desires and our comfort, and assist you in expanding Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan mission, in whatever way we can. You tell us that Krishna wants to see how painstaking we will be to serve him.
You embody the essence of Bhakti by your painstaking and selfless service to Srila Prabhupada, your disciples and to all living entities. By your shining example and infallible instructions you are illuminating the path back to Godhead for all of us.
Thank you for giving me shelter, Gurudev. I beg for forgiveness for my offences and many shortcomings, for the strength to chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra with sincerity and the determination to always remain fixed on following your instructions. Please protect me from falling away from your service.
Your lowly servant,
Śrīvāsa śaraṇa das
Sruti-cari dd
Dear Guru Deva
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja this year was quite revealing to me. I was confronted by my complacent self-absorption. As I listened to my god-brothers and god-sisters read their offerings I noticed their voices often cracked and they paused to subdue emotion while expressing their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Srila Prabhupada. Sometimes tears even slid down their faces.
I, however, felt nothing. No gratitude for the gift of spiritual wisdom, no determination to share what I have been given, no compassion for fallen souls. I realised I have become self-absorbed. I have forgotten how fortunate I am to have Prabhupada – and you – in my life.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.”
CC Madya 19:151
It’s so easy to become selfish when you’re sick. Your full focus is on trying to coax a little energy out of the body, while dealing with the endless hurdles it offers. And there is the mental disruption too. Loneliness and depression are always hovering. Frustration beats at you constantly. So it’s hard to feel grateful, it’s hard to feel compassion. It’s hard to be Krishna Conscious.
But I want to be Krishna Conscious. I have to be! Knowing I’m not this body but a soul – sat, chit, and ananda – gives me perspective beyond my tiny world. It gives me value in a valueless material universe and a future worth working toward. I could not tolerate otherwise.
It is only by your example and care that I have any chance of Krishna Consciousness. Despite your inconceivable workload you find time to encourage little me. You have not only given me the seed of the devotional service creeper but continue to nurture this struggling seedling. I am indeed extremely fortunate.
With all my heart I thank you, Guru Deva, for giving me the Bhakti Lata Bija. My life would be pointless and futile without it. Not worth living. And I fervently hope that one day I will be able to share it with others. Because I know how pointless life can be without it.
Please excuse my many faults and continue to regard me as your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja this year was quite revealing to me. I was confronted by my complacent self-absorption. As I listened to my god-brothers and god-sisters read their offerings I noticed their voices often cracked and they paused to subdue emotion while expressing their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Srila Prabhupada. Sometimes tears even slid down their faces.
I, however, felt nothing. No gratitude for the gift of spiritual wisdom, no determination to share what I have been given, no compassion for fallen souls. I realised I have become self-absorbed. I have forgotten how fortunate I am to have Prabhupada – and you – in my life.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.”
CC Madya 19:151
It’s so easy to become selfish when you’re sick. Your full focus is on trying to coax a little energy out of the body, while dealing with the endless hurdles it offers. And there is the mental disruption too. Loneliness and depression are always hovering. Frustration beats at you constantly. So it’s hard to feel grateful, it’s hard to feel compassion. It’s hard to be Krishna Conscious.
But I want to be Krishna Conscious. I have to be! Knowing I’m not this body but a soul – sat, chit, and ananda – gives me perspective beyond my tiny world. It gives me value in a valueless material universe and a future worth working toward. I could not tolerate otherwise.
It is only by your example and care that I have any chance of Krishna Consciousness. Despite your inconceivable workload you find time to encourage little me. You have not only given me the seed of the devotional service creeper but continue to nurture this struggling seedling. I am indeed extremely fortunate.
With all my heart I thank you, Guru Deva, for giving me the Bhakti Lata Bija. My life would be pointless and futile without it. Not worth living. And I fervently hope that one day I will be able to share it with others. Because I know how pointless life can be without it.
Please excuse my many faults and continue to regard me as your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sruti-cari dd
Stambha bhava das
Dear Gurudeva,
I offer my prostrated obeisances again and again in the dust at your lotus feet on this auspicious day.
Your care and compassion have consistently touched my heart, especially during the initial months as I emerged from the relentless grip of the material energy. I vividly recall the moment as I was departing New Zealand en route to the Melbourne temple, you handed me a handwritten note. It bore the following words:
"Dear Muni Cari, Dandakaranya & Gopal Guru,
Please look after Simon; he is a gentle soul.
Your well-wisher,
Devamrita Swami."
After 21 years, I still cherish that note. Every year, during my visit to the UK where it's carefully kept, I read it. It serves as a reminder of your unwavering concern for the well-being of others and inspires me to cultivate a similar caring nature.
After fifteen years, my mother made a special effort to travel an hour and a half to London to meet with you again. I was deeply impressed by your expertise in dealing with her. You gently encouraged her to take up chanting, mentioning it three times during the conversation. Afterwards, she declared to me, "I'm not going to start chanting and become a Hare Krishna." However, a week later, at Bhaktivedanta Manor, we sat next to each other in chairs facing the beautiful forms of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda, and she chanted her first round gazing at the Deities. Before my departure from the UK, I made a pact with her that if she chanted one round daily for a month, I would never press her again to chant. It took some time for her to start, but now, for the past three weeks, without fail, she has been chanting one round daily, and she reports to me that she’s feeling much more peaceful.
In 2012, at Simferopol airport in eastern Ukraine, we were on the bus from the aeroplane to the terminal and I was taking care of your hand luggage, making sure it was always within reach and sight. Suddenly, I felt your hand on my shoulder. When I looked up, expecting words, I encountered your compassionate smile unaccompanied by speech. From that smile, I gleaned two messages: "Everything will be alright, just keep chanting Hare Krishna," and "Thank you for your service." That image of your smile is eternally etched in my heart because now I know that I have done something to please you, and thus my life is a success.
Thank you for being an exemplary role model through your words, actions, and deeds, and for guiding us to uphold the proper standards.
I remember a moment at Krasnodar airport in Russia when we were waiting for our bags to come off the plane. As I kept an eye out for our bags, I felt something being pushed in to the back of my head, like a gentle finger prod. I was about to turn around to investigate when I heard your voice resounding in my ear, saying, "The top of the śikha is supposed to start here!"
Pride is an undesirable quality that Krishna dislikes to see in his devotees, as expressed by the the Gopis in the Gopi Gita, nija-jana-smaya-dhvansama-smita “Your smile shatters the false pride of your devotees.” However, the perfection of pride lies in becoming proud of Krishna and his pure devotees free from arrogance. So it is my heartfelt declaration to the world that no one is prouder that I am! I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is steadfast on traversing the path of renunciation, I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who has an abundance of sublime Vaisnava qualities, I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is expert in dealing with other Vaisnavas, I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is addicted to chanting the Holy Names and I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is fixed in his determination and perseverance to give Krishna to others.
I continuously pray to remain in your service, life after life.
Your hopeful servant
Stambha bhava das
I offer my prostrated obeisances again and again in the dust at your lotus feet on this auspicious day.
Your care and compassion have consistently touched my heart, especially during the initial months as I emerged from the relentless grip of the material energy. I vividly recall the moment as I was departing New Zealand en route to the Melbourne temple, you handed me a handwritten note. It bore the following words:
"Dear Muni Cari, Dandakaranya & Gopal Guru,
Please look after Simon; he is a gentle soul.
Your well-wisher,
Devamrita Swami."
After 21 years, I still cherish that note. Every year, during my visit to the UK where it's carefully kept, I read it. It serves as a reminder of your unwavering concern for the well-being of others and inspires me to cultivate a similar caring nature.
After fifteen years, my mother made a special effort to travel an hour and a half to London to meet with you again. I was deeply impressed by your expertise in dealing with her. You gently encouraged her to take up chanting, mentioning it three times during the conversation. Afterwards, she declared to me, "I'm not going to start chanting and become a Hare Krishna." However, a week later, at Bhaktivedanta Manor, we sat next to each other in chairs facing the beautiful forms of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda, and she chanted her first round gazing at the Deities. Before my departure from the UK, I made a pact with her that if she chanted one round daily for a month, I would never press her again to chant. It took some time for her to start, but now, for the past three weeks, without fail, she has been chanting one round daily, and she reports to me that she’s feeling much more peaceful.
In 2012, at Simferopol airport in eastern Ukraine, we were on the bus from the aeroplane to the terminal and I was taking care of your hand luggage, making sure it was always within reach and sight. Suddenly, I felt your hand on my shoulder. When I looked up, expecting words, I encountered your compassionate smile unaccompanied by speech. From that smile, I gleaned two messages: "Everything will be alright, just keep chanting Hare Krishna," and "Thank you for your service." That image of your smile is eternally etched in my heart because now I know that I have done something to please you, and thus my life is a success.
Thank you for being an exemplary role model through your words, actions, and deeds, and for guiding us to uphold the proper standards.
I remember a moment at Krasnodar airport in Russia when we were waiting for our bags to come off the plane. As I kept an eye out for our bags, I felt something being pushed in to the back of my head, like a gentle finger prod. I was about to turn around to investigate when I heard your voice resounding in my ear, saying, "The top of the śikha is supposed to start here!"
Pride is an undesirable quality that Krishna dislikes to see in his devotees, as expressed by the the Gopis in the Gopi Gita, nija-jana-smaya-dhvansama-smita “Your smile shatters the false pride of your devotees.” However, the perfection of pride lies in becoming proud of Krishna and his pure devotees free from arrogance. So it is my heartfelt declaration to the world that no one is prouder that I am! I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is steadfast on traversing the path of renunciation, I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who has an abundance of sublime Vaisnava qualities, I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is expert in dealing with other Vaisnavas, I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is addicted to chanting the Holy Names and I’m proud of having such a spiritual master who is fixed in his determination and perseverance to give Krishna to others.
I continuously pray to remain in your service, life after life.
Your hopeful servant
Stambha bhava das
Sucandra Das
Dear Gurudev
I offer humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
I am eternally indebted for your causeless mercy that you’ve bestowed upon me by accepting my ignorant self. By your mercy I have been able to help my friends and family become more Krishna conscious. I wish to continue doing my little part in giving krishna to others and expanding my capacity to be able to do more.
I pray for your blessings so I can develop strong faith in Guru, Sadhu and Shartra, have gratitude towards other vaishnavas and eventually develop some attachment for krishna.
I offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet hundreds and hundreds of times. Please forgive any offenses this aspiring servant may have committed knowingly/unknowingly at your lotus feet.
Your Servant
Sucandra Das
I offer humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
I am eternally indebted for your causeless mercy that you’ve bestowed upon me by accepting my ignorant self. By your mercy I have been able to help my friends and family become more Krishna conscious. I wish to continue doing my little part in giving krishna to others and expanding my capacity to be able to do more.
I pray for your blessings so I can develop strong faith in Guru, Sadhu and Shartra, have gratitude towards other vaishnavas and eventually develop some attachment for krishna.
I offer my humble obeisances at your lotus feet hundreds and hundreds of times. Please forgive any offenses this aspiring servant may have committed knowingly/unknowingly at your lotus feet.
Your Servant
Sucandra Das
Sukanthi Radha dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Today I want to express my realisations about the grhasta ashrama. I want to offer this reflection to you to invoke your mercy for the successful completion of this important ashram. I know it’s important to you and important to Srila Prabhupada and therefore it’s important to me.
At the advent of Kali Yuga, we hear in Srimad-Bhagavatam:
All ordinary transactions and dealings became polluted with cheating, even between friends. And in familial affairs, there was always misunderstanding between fathers, mothers and sons, between well-wishers, and between brothers. Even between husband and wife there was always strain and quarrel. (SB 1.14.4)
If we expect a relationship to be the source of our happiness, we will be sorely disappointed.
This statement by Rukmini to Krishna, can be applied to both men and women seeking happiness from a material body and mind:
A man within this material world is just a dead body. In fact, superficially, the living entity is covered by this body, which is nothing but a bag of skin decorated with beards and moustaches, hairs on the body, nails on the fingers and hairs on the head.
We know that happiness and perfection in this age of Kali comes from Harinam sankirtan, and there is simply no other way.
“ ‘In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.’ ” (CC Madhya 6.242)
“Material comforts cannot be increased or decreased. It is therefore said in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.5.18), tal labhyate duḥkhavad anyataḥ sukham: “As far as material happiness is concerned, that comes without effort, just as tribulations come without effort.” Material happiness and pain can be attained without endeavor. One should not bother for material activities.” SB 5.8.10 (purport)
“Philanthropists and altruists do not realize that it is impossible to improve people’s material conditions. Material conditions are already established by the superior administration according to one’s karma. They cannot be changed.” (5.8.10 purport)
In modern society we will get the message that we should move on when things are not working. I am just as likely to do this as anybody else living in Kali Yuga but with the right association I pray it will never come to pass.
Once when you stayed with us in Mayapur, my husband and I were being very quiet so as not to disturb you and you commented one day that if anyone sees us, they will think grhasta life is very peaceful! You know full well the reality.
The details of our struggles are endless and complex, we need to take advantage of all help available but ultimately:
Living beings who are entangled in the complicated meshes of birth and death can be freed immediately by even unconsciously chanting the holy name of Krsna, which is feared by fear personified" (SB 1.1.14)
Gurudev, please accept this offering as I try to serve you and Srila Prabhupada by the successful execution of my ashram whilst always seeking to cling to the causeless mercy of Lord Caitanya through Harinam sankirtan. I’m begging you today for the strength to practise what I preach and to genuinely welcome humility into my modernised stubborn heart. You once commented at how all the years of me doing sankirtana haven’t made me humble (I guess I have to do a lot more sankirtan) You have this quality of humility Gurudev, please give me one drop so I can serve you and this ashram better.
Thank you for your shelter and for the taste for outreach, and for a good husband and son. I pray we can always keep your instruction to try to co-operate in the centre of our lives.
Your aspiring servant,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
P.S We love your podcasts and I put them on for Haridev sometimes at night when he wants to talk instead of sleep. He listens attentively and says, in his words “They help to fall me asleep”. Thank you for all your beautiful podcasts and classes Gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Today I want to express my realisations about the grhasta ashrama. I want to offer this reflection to you to invoke your mercy for the successful completion of this important ashram. I know it’s important to you and important to Srila Prabhupada and therefore it’s important to me.
At the advent of Kali Yuga, we hear in Srimad-Bhagavatam:
All ordinary transactions and dealings became polluted with cheating, even between friends. And in familial affairs, there was always misunderstanding between fathers, mothers and sons, between well-wishers, and between brothers. Even between husband and wife there was always strain and quarrel. (SB 1.14.4)
If we expect a relationship to be the source of our happiness, we will be sorely disappointed.
This statement by Rukmini to Krishna, can be applied to both men and women seeking happiness from a material body and mind:
A man within this material world is just a dead body. In fact, superficially, the living entity is covered by this body, which is nothing but a bag of skin decorated with beards and moustaches, hairs on the body, nails on the fingers and hairs on the head.
We know that happiness and perfection in this age of Kali comes from Harinam sankirtan, and there is simply no other way.
“ ‘In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.’ ” (CC Madhya 6.242)
“Material comforts cannot be increased or decreased. It is therefore said in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.5.18), tal labhyate duḥkhavad anyataḥ sukham: “As far as material happiness is concerned, that comes without effort, just as tribulations come without effort.” Material happiness and pain can be attained without endeavor. One should not bother for material activities.” SB 5.8.10 (purport)
“Philanthropists and altruists do not realize that it is impossible to improve people’s material conditions. Material conditions are already established by the superior administration according to one’s karma. They cannot be changed.” (5.8.10 purport)
In modern society we will get the message that we should move on when things are not working. I am just as likely to do this as anybody else living in Kali Yuga but with the right association I pray it will never come to pass.
Once when you stayed with us in Mayapur, my husband and I were being very quiet so as not to disturb you and you commented one day that if anyone sees us, they will think grhasta life is very peaceful! You know full well the reality.
The details of our struggles are endless and complex, we need to take advantage of all help available but ultimately:
Living beings who are entangled in the complicated meshes of birth and death can be freed immediately by even unconsciously chanting the holy name of Krsna, which is feared by fear personified" (SB 1.1.14)
Gurudev, please accept this offering as I try to serve you and Srila Prabhupada by the successful execution of my ashram whilst always seeking to cling to the causeless mercy of Lord Caitanya through Harinam sankirtan. I’m begging you today for the strength to practise what I preach and to genuinely welcome humility into my modernised stubborn heart. You once commented at how all the years of me doing sankirtana haven’t made me humble (I guess I have to do a lot more sankirtan) You have this quality of humility Gurudev, please give me one drop so I can serve you and this ashram better.
Thank you for your shelter and for the taste for outreach, and for a good husband and son. I pray we can always keep your instruction to try to co-operate in the centre of our lives.
Your aspiring servant,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
P.S We love your podcasts and I put them on for Haridev sometimes at night when he wants to talk instead of sleep. He listens attentively and says, in his words “They help to fall me asleep”. Thank you for all your beautiful podcasts and classes Gurudev.
Sukha krida dasi
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On the blissful occasion of your vyasa puja, I am humbled by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada that despite my fallen and undeserving condition, you still gave me shelter so I can start my journey on the path of Bhakti.
Gurudeva, despite such a hectic schedule whenever I have emailed and troubled you regarding any challenges that I have faced, you have always taken the time to reply. It still stumps me as to how do you address the needs of so many disciples of yours, at the same time inspires me to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to serving devotees in a humble mood. The last instruction that you had given me was to stay under the guidance of a senior vaishnava when it comes to dealing with practical challenges in Grishastha life and thats something I have been attempting to do which has helped me stay on track with my sadhna in spite of any hurdles.
Gurudeva as you have mentioned many times this material world is very uncertain and cruel in a way that it can sway us away before we realize and therefore my only way out is to hold your lotus feet and stay connected with your vaani to help me sail through all the tough times that are yet to hound me. Please bless me as I am your eternally dependent servant aspiring to serve Srila Prabhupada's movement with my limitations and anarthas and yet hoping that by your mercy, I am able to please Krishna through serving His devotees.
Thank you for giving me your shelter.
Your menial servant
Sukha Krida dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On the blissful occasion of your vyasa puja, I am humbled by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada that despite my fallen and undeserving condition, you still gave me shelter so I can start my journey on the path of Bhakti.
Gurudeva, despite such a hectic schedule whenever I have emailed and troubled you regarding any challenges that I have faced, you have always taken the time to reply. It still stumps me as to how do you address the needs of so many disciples of yours, at the same time inspires me to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to serving devotees in a humble mood. The last instruction that you had given me was to stay under the guidance of a senior vaishnava when it comes to dealing with practical challenges in Grishastha life and thats something I have been attempting to do which has helped me stay on track with my sadhna in spite of any hurdles.
Gurudeva as you have mentioned many times this material world is very uncertain and cruel in a way that it can sway us away before we realize and therefore my only way out is to hold your lotus feet and stay connected with your vaani to help me sail through all the tough times that are yet to hound me. Please bless me as I am your eternally dependent servant aspiring to serve Srila Prabhupada's movement with my limitations and anarthas and yet hoping that by your mercy, I am able to please Krishna through serving His devotees.
Thank you for giving me your shelter.
Your menial servant
Sukha Krida dasi
Sundarangi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious occasion!
Thank you for including me in your training academy for devotional service Gurumaharaja. I remember you saying once "Any questions Sundarangi, that's why we have you here" your tone sounded serious. My false ego was like... of course, yes, I have finally been recognised as an expert question asker.... What a joke! I am embarrassed how long it took me to appreciate this as direct training from you Gurudeva. Thanks to your mercy I can now see this as your kind coaching of Bhagavad Gita fundamentals, that my position as disciple requires rendering of service and submissively making inquiries. Being submissive and also speaking up, for your service is something I'm working on Gurudeva.
Reading Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10 Chapter 2 recently I came to a purport where Srila Prabhupada speaks about how devotees make it easy for others to take up Krsna consciousness and simultaneously both advance/are purified. This is what you have taught us as the motto at outreach centres!! Another light bulb moment Gurudeva, this time about your dedication and application of instructions from your spiritual master.
Gurudeva these vani and vapu moments are so so sweet and I long for them to continue ever increasing.
Your grateful aspiring servant from the artist and the engineer ashram , Sundarangi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious occasion!
Thank you for including me in your training academy for devotional service Gurumaharaja. I remember you saying once "Any questions Sundarangi, that's why we have you here" your tone sounded serious. My false ego was like... of course, yes, I have finally been recognised as an expert question asker.... What a joke! I am embarrassed how long it took me to appreciate this as direct training from you Gurudeva. Thanks to your mercy I can now see this as your kind coaching of Bhagavad Gita fundamentals, that my position as disciple requires rendering of service and submissively making inquiries. Being submissive and also speaking up, for your service is something I'm working on Gurudeva.
Reading Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10 Chapter 2 recently I came to a purport where Srila Prabhupada speaks about how devotees make it easy for others to take up Krsna consciousness and simultaneously both advance/are purified. This is what you have taught us as the motto at outreach centres!! Another light bulb moment Gurudeva, this time about your dedication and application of instructions from your spiritual master.
Gurudeva these vani and vapu moments are so so sweet and I long for them to continue ever increasing.
Your grateful aspiring servant from the artist and the engineer ashram , Sundarangi devi dasi
Surapala dasa
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to your spiritual father, Srila Prabhupada, and your faithful following in his footsteps.
All glories to your merciful appearance in this material world. Your divine presence in this material world is a profound blessing for all of us here. Although this world is a place of severe complexities, especially in this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, your appearance and presence are a life-saving blessing Lord Krishna bestowed upon all of us struggling condition souls. It is like an appearance of life-saving light from the lighthouse on a ferocious ocean in the darkness of the night. By having your enlightening association, a conditioned soul like my fallen self can become liberated from the dangerous darkness of ignorance and be protected from the onslaughts of ferocious waves of the ocean of Maya. Receiving your education and guidance, we are getting a chance to become Krishna conscious again and thus use present life to finally reconnect with Krishna forever.
Lord Krishna blessed us with your presence on this Earth planet to have the unique opportunity of following your footsteps on the path of Bhakti and, in this way, invite and host you in our lives. By humble and attentive listening to your lectures, following your instructions, seeing your humble and very polite interactions with other Vaishnavas, and witnessing your compassionate outreaching to conditioned souls, we are learning what it means to be a Vaishnava and what Krishna consciousness is all about. We are learning from you the spiritual wisdom, Vaishnava culture, and the art of performing loving, devotional service to Guru and Krishna.
Since your mind and heart from the very beginning were enraptured by the pure love of Srila Prabhupada’s books, you naturally mastered the science of Krishna consciousness. Thus, when you talk about Krishna, His pastimes, or the Bhakti process, it is like you are giving a tour through the spiritual atmosphere of Krishna loka and offering a tangible experience of spiritual reality, allowing the listener to taste the unforgettable flavor of sat-cit-ananda qualities.
From the beginning of my spiritual life, you captured my attention with a clear realism of spirituality; therefore, I love listening to your lectures. They are mesmerizing me with the beauty of Krishna consciousness and inspiring me to endeavor to relish it daily.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your spiritual education, guidance, and example on how to be a selfless servant of Guru, a dedicated devotee of Krishna. Your exemplary dedication in loving service to Srila Prabhupada and his mission is profoundly inspiring. It teaches a lesson that by becoming a devoted servant of the Guru and assisting him with persistence in his mission of spreading Krishna’s glories, the path of the spiritual life in Bhakti is easy, sublime, and blissful.
In my teenage years, when I was growing up in a communist society, I noticed awful hypocrisy and exploitation. I started to question everything around me. My vision was that there should be honesty, mutual respect, and appreciation of one another, not treating with ugly impersonalism, equalizing everyone, claiming that we all are one or the same - which was just a tool to exploit.
I also wanted to know if there was God or if it was just a social concept of those who were weak and needed to get some good feeling in this impersonal chaos. I noticed that people were talking about the love of God but, at the same time, did things opposite to the knowledge they were promoting. This indicated that there was something very vague in the religious sphere, making me very doubtful and skeptical.
I was trying to investigate this subject with everyone around me, even with my professors in the College of Mining Engineering that I was studying (on the order of my parents). However, in the end, the conclusion was always the same; “nobody knows” or “just believe in Jesus”. It was not enough for me, though.
I wanted to help people, protect the weak and innocent, stop harassment and abuse, and punish miscreants. Therefore, after graduation from College, when I left my family to move to Warsaw, I decided to study law. In my 20-year-old mind, there was a concept that by continuing to be dedicated to martial arts combined with becoming a lawyer, I would end hypocrisy and exploitation and thus establish justice, law, and order in the society I live in. Very quickly, however, I realized it was a utopia. I felt that material arrangements can not solve the constantly increasing degradation and mess in society. I was puzzled, wondering about the sense and real purpose of life.
Merciful Lord Krishna, however, rescued me very quickly, sending wonderful devotees who invited me to one of their University Club’s Bhakti Yoga programs. There, they were sharing in a complaint language (to obey governmental law at that time) what you imparted to them and trained them according to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. After a few educational programs, they convinced me that Krishna’s law is the real law. Therefore, I decided to open myself to the spiritual education of Krishna consciousness instead of the social law of material existence. Thus, this spiritual awakening marked the beginning of your compassionate care in my life.
Now, from the perspective of the time, when I look at the past to the late 70s and early 80s to your dangerous underground voyages, trips to countries under the Iron Curtin just to give us spiritual education in Krishna consciousness and train us in devotional service I clearly see that it was your act of unconditional love and care in genuine compassion. Otherwise, how could you risk your precious life to come where danger was waiting in every nook and corner? I remember you mentioned that when you were leaving the safe environment of the temple, you were residing in Scandinavia and traveling to us in Poland or other communist countries; you were not sure if you would come back at all. Often, you get the impression that it can be your last trip.
So, you were doing it just to save us conditioned souls who were suffering pangs of material existence under the oppression of the communist regime. You risked your life repeatedly to provide us with spiritual education and devotional training. Your selfless acts of love and genuine compassion saved countless souls like me from the clutches of material existence. If not for you, where will I be now? What will I do at the moment? I shudder to think where I would be without your intervention.
In 1981, due to political tribulations that were in Eastern Europe at that time, you sent me with another devotee to the Polish mountains not only to establish a farm there but also to protect me from mandatory army draft and thus let my sprouting bhakti-lata-bija to grow peacefully. You were the one who paid direct and close attention to my spiritual growth and bestowed personal care, facilitating my spiritual needs in performing devotional service.
Your teachings clarified for me the essence of personalism and the culture of social dealings. You emphasized Krishna as the Supreme Person and the culture of social interaction He established. You pointed out that since Krishna is the ONE who established personalism and culture of social dealings, everything is spinning around this axiom of reality, and there is no necessity of concocting something else as all conditioned souls are doing in this material world. You gave me a personal lesson preventing me from trying to imagine what personalism and culture of social dealings are but instead, recognize and accept the Supreme Person with His culture of personalism, be grateful and appreciative of the association of His devotees, and thus learn the art of Bhakti that connects Krishna with His devotees.
You not only gave other devotees and me in New Santipur farm your personal training in Krishna consciousness but also supplied us with agricultural equipment for biodynamic cultivation and warm clothes to make sure that we can stay healthy and vigorously engaged in devotional service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. You often emphasized to us: “Be now vigorously engaged in devotional service to Krishna when your body is still young, strong, and full of energy. Because you don’t want to regret it later, when your body becomes old and youthful energy gone, you cannot perform as you can now...”
A few decades later, now, after 43 years of assisting your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet, you are still continuing to bestow your compassionate, loving care upon my fallen self. Whenever you were visiting my wife and me at the places we were serving your mission (that you have no personal interest whatsoever to visit, but still you did it just for the sake of your disciples), your purpose has always been to inspire and guide us to remain spiritually healthy and engaged in assisting your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada lotus feet.
You embody the wisdom and lineage of the Parampara and Vaishnava traditions. Your unwavering efforts to facilitate our complete absorption in devotional service reflect your dedication to making our lives successful.
Therefore, you are the most important person in the life of every your disciple. Although we learned from you that Krishna is the most important person because He is the Supreme Lord of everyone; nonetheless, you always emphasize the fact that Krishna Himself is stressing the point that He considers His pure devotee as more important than Himself. Therefore, you are, for all of us, your disciples, the most important person in our lives.
Being causelessly blessed to have occasionally your divine vapu, and having the opportunity to serve you directly, often makes me very nervous in awe and reverence to your divine persona. Nonetheless, your exceptional caution in dealings with me prevents me from developing any detrimental familiarity with your divine association, for which I am very grateful. I humbly accept your lessons as a loving attempt to elevate this immature disciple, as I am, to higher principles of love and spiritual care and to transcend sentimental attraction to superficial dealings you usually call “Polish bhava”. Thank you, Gurudeva, for your merciful help and divine attempt to transfer me from the conditioned stage of “Polish bhava” to the stage of pure Bhakti Bhava.
Your watchful and caring approach ensures that sentimental neophytes like myself don't succumb to superficial affection. You teach us the genuine form of love, emphasizing the true meaning of selfless love as, in your words, "selfless striving to fulfill the desires of the beloved." Not type of “love,” according to mundane understanding, which usually refers to lust or superficial affection based on sensory perception of sentimental warm, fuzzy feelings, what people in kali-yuga only know.
While I naturally yearn to love and be loved, I humbly beg you, Gurudeva, please help me embrace this genuine love with pure spiritual affection, striving to satisfy your desires to the fullest extent.
In your teachings, you continually stress the necessity of being constantly absorbed in Krishna’s service and making it a lifelong ambition. Therefore, being inspired by your teachings, I desire to get more chances and opportunities to increase my absorption in assisting you in your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada and Krishna and thus be constantly productive and valuable to your mission.
It is evident that you are working tirelessly to secure Srila Prabhupada's legacy, ensuring that future generations can inherit it. Your vision is a source of inspiration and guidance for all of us. I anticipate the day when I can fully comprehend and express my gratitude for all you have done, not only for me but for all humanity. I aspire to immerse myself in devotional service that can truly satisfy your noble heart. The depths of love and care you offer to conditioned souls may forever remain a mystery, but I am eager to continue growing under your guidance and shelter.
Although my aging body is no longer in the same physical condition as it was earlier and does not allow me to continue an intense pace as it was years ago, still your merciful encouragement to stay absorbed with devotional activities by assisting your divine mission of serving Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet is the essential, invigorating and life-giving panacea for me. Your education, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration are giving me hope against hope.
Gurudeva, thank you very much for everything you did and are still doing to help me stay on track with devotional service. I am so grateful to you for everything I am aware of and what is beyond my awareness. You are a personification of Krishna’s mercy for me. Your blessings and mercy are what my life consists of. I don’t have strength on my own; without your empowerment, I am powerless, and my life is useless. Therefore, I badly need your mercy and blessings to sustain my longevity in devotional service and be productive in your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories. I beg you, please, empower me to assist you in your caring for Srila Prabhupada’s legacy of spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world.
Please, continue bestowing your divine causeless mercy upon my fallen self because this is the only chance for me to succeed in my present life and reconnect with Krishna. For sure, if you deliver such a fallen soul like myself and make me fully Krishna conscious in this lifetime, then undoubtedly, you can make the entire world Krishna conscious and help them eternally love Krishna.
Begging to remain at the dust of your lotus feet and seeking to follow your footsteps eternally,
your humble aspiring servant,
Surapala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to your spiritual father, Srila Prabhupada, and your faithful following in his footsteps.
All glories to your merciful appearance in this material world. Your divine presence in this material world is a profound blessing for all of us here. Although this world is a place of severe complexities, especially in this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, your appearance and presence are a life-saving blessing Lord Krishna bestowed upon all of us struggling condition souls. It is like an appearance of life-saving light from the lighthouse on a ferocious ocean in the darkness of the night. By having your enlightening association, a conditioned soul like my fallen self can become liberated from the dangerous darkness of ignorance and be protected from the onslaughts of ferocious waves of the ocean of Maya. Receiving your education and guidance, we are getting a chance to become Krishna conscious again and thus use present life to finally reconnect with Krishna forever.
Lord Krishna blessed us with your presence on this Earth planet to have the unique opportunity of following your footsteps on the path of Bhakti and, in this way, invite and host you in our lives. By humble and attentive listening to your lectures, following your instructions, seeing your humble and very polite interactions with other Vaishnavas, and witnessing your compassionate outreaching to conditioned souls, we are learning what it means to be a Vaishnava and what Krishna consciousness is all about. We are learning from you the spiritual wisdom, Vaishnava culture, and the art of performing loving, devotional service to Guru and Krishna.
Since your mind and heart from the very beginning were enraptured by the pure love of Srila Prabhupada’s books, you naturally mastered the science of Krishna consciousness. Thus, when you talk about Krishna, His pastimes, or the Bhakti process, it is like you are giving a tour through the spiritual atmosphere of Krishna loka and offering a tangible experience of spiritual reality, allowing the listener to taste the unforgettable flavor of sat-cit-ananda qualities.
From the beginning of my spiritual life, you captured my attention with a clear realism of spirituality; therefore, I love listening to your lectures. They are mesmerizing me with the beauty of Krishna consciousness and inspiring me to endeavor to relish it daily.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your spiritual education, guidance, and example on how to be a selfless servant of Guru, a dedicated devotee of Krishna. Your exemplary dedication in loving service to Srila Prabhupada and his mission is profoundly inspiring. It teaches a lesson that by becoming a devoted servant of the Guru and assisting him with persistence in his mission of spreading Krishna’s glories, the path of the spiritual life in Bhakti is easy, sublime, and blissful.
In my teenage years, when I was growing up in a communist society, I noticed awful hypocrisy and exploitation. I started to question everything around me. My vision was that there should be honesty, mutual respect, and appreciation of one another, not treating with ugly impersonalism, equalizing everyone, claiming that we all are one or the same - which was just a tool to exploit.
I also wanted to know if there was God or if it was just a social concept of those who were weak and needed to get some good feeling in this impersonal chaos. I noticed that people were talking about the love of God but, at the same time, did things opposite to the knowledge they were promoting. This indicated that there was something very vague in the religious sphere, making me very doubtful and skeptical.
I was trying to investigate this subject with everyone around me, even with my professors in the College of Mining Engineering that I was studying (on the order of my parents). However, in the end, the conclusion was always the same; “nobody knows” or “just believe in Jesus”. It was not enough for me, though.
I wanted to help people, protect the weak and innocent, stop harassment and abuse, and punish miscreants. Therefore, after graduation from College, when I left my family to move to Warsaw, I decided to study law. In my 20-year-old mind, there was a concept that by continuing to be dedicated to martial arts combined with becoming a lawyer, I would end hypocrisy and exploitation and thus establish justice, law, and order in the society I live in. Very quickly, however, I realized it was a utopia. I felt that material arrangements can not solve the constantly increasing degradation and mess in society. I was puzzled, wondering about the sense and real purpose of life.
Merciful Lord Krishna, however, rescued me very quickly, sending wonderful devotees who invited me to one of their University Club’s Bhakti Yoga programs. There, they were sharing in a complaint language (to obey governmental law at that time) what you imparted to them and trained them according to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. After a few educational programs, they convinced me that Krishna’s law is the real law. Therefore, I decided to open myself to the spiritual education of Krishna consciousness instead of the social law of material existence. Thus, this spiritual awakening marked the beginning of your compassionate care in my life.
Now, from the perspective of the time, when I look at the past to the late 70s and early 80s to your dangerous underground voyages, trips to countries under the Iron Curtin just to give us spiritual education in Krishna consciousness and train us in devotional service I clearly see that it was your act of unconditional love and care in genuine compassion. Otherwise, how could you risk your precious life to come where danger was waiting in every nook and corner? I remember you mentioned that when you were leaving the safe environment of the temple, you were residing in Scandinavia and traveling to us in Poland or other communist countries; you were not sure if you would come back at all. Often, you get the impression that it can be your last trip.
So, you were doing it just to save us conditioned souls who were suffering pangs of material existence under the oppression of the communist regime. You risked your life repeatedly to provide us with spiritual education and devotional training. Your selfless acts of love and genuine compassion saved countless souls like me from the clutches of material existence. If not for you, where will I be now? What will I do at the moment? I shudder to think where I would be without your intervention.
In 1981, due to political tribulations that were in Eastern Europe at that time, you sent me with another devotee to the Polish mountains not only to establish a farm there but also to protect me from mandatory army draft and thus let my sprouting bhakti-lata-bija to grow peacefully. You were the one who paid direct and close attention to my spiritual growth and bestowed personal care, facilitating my spiritual needs in performing devotional service.
Your teachings clarified for me the essence of personalism and the culture of social dealings. You emphasized Krishna as the Supreme Person and the culture of social interaction He established. You pointed out that since Krishna is the ONE who established personalism and culture of social dealings, everything is spinning around this axiom of reality, and there is no necessity of concocting something else as all conditioned souls are doing in this material world. You gave me a personal lesson preventing me from trying to imagine what personalism and culture of social dealings are but instead, recognize and accept the Supreme Person with His culture of personalism, be grateful and appreciative of the association of His devotees, and thus learn the art of Bhakti that connects Krishna with His devotees.
You not only gave other devotees and me in New Santipur farm your personal training in Krishna consciousness but also supplied us with agricultural equipment for biodynamic cultivation and warm clothes to make sure that we can stay healthy and vigorously engaged in devotional service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. You often emphasized to us: “Be now vigorously engaged in devotional service to Krishna when your body is still young, strong, and full of energy. Because you don’t want to regret it later, when your body becomes old and youthful energy gone, you cannot perform as you can now...”
A few decades later, now, after 43 years of assisting your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet, you are still continuing to bestow your compassionate, loving care upon my fallen self. Whenever you were visiting my wife and me at the places we were serving your mission (that you have no personal interest whatsoever to visit, but still you did it just for the sake of your disciples), your purpose has always been to inspire and guide us to remain spiritually healthy and engaged in assisting your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada lotus feet.
You embody the wisdom and lineage of the Parampara and Vaishnava traditions. Your unwavering efforts to facilitate our complete absorption in devotional service reflect your dedication to making our lives successful.
Therefore, you are the most important person in the life of every your disciple. Although we learned from you that Krishna is the most important person because He is the Supreme Lord of everyone; nonetheless, you always emphasize the fact that Krishna Himself is stressing the point that He considers His pure devotee as more important than Himself. Therefore, you are, for all of us, your disciples, the most important person in our lives.
Being causelessly blessed to have occasionally your divine vapu, and having the opportunity to serve you directly, often makes me very nervous in awe and reverence to your divine persona. Nonetheless, your exceptional caution in dealings with me prevents me from developing any detrimental familiarity with your divine association, for which I am very grateful. I humbly accept your lessons as a loving attempt to elevate this immature disciple, as I am, to higher principles of love and spiritual care and to transcend sentimental attraction to superficial dealings you usually call “Polish bhava”. Thank you, Gurudeva, for your merciful help and divine attempt to transfer me from the conditioned stage of “Polish bhava” to the stage of pure Bhakti Bhava.
Your watchful and caring approach ensures that sentimental neophytes like myself don't succumb to superficial affection. You teach us the genuine form of love, emphasizing the true meaning of selfless love as, in your words, "selfless striving to fulfill the desires of the beloved." Not type of “love,” according to mundane understanding, which usually refers to lust or superficial affection based on sensory perception of sentimental warm, fuzzy feelings, what people in kali-yuga only know.
While I naturally yearn to love and be loved, I humbly beg you, Gurudeva, please help me embrace this genuine love with pure spiritual affection, striving to satisfy your desires to the fullest extent.
In your teachings, you continually stress the necessity of being constantly absorbed in Krishna’s service and making it a lifelong ambition. Therefore, being inspired by your teachings, I desire to get more chances and opportunities to increase my absorption in assisting you in your mission of serving Srila Prabhupada and Krishna and thus be constantly productive and valuable to your mission.
It is evident that you are working tirelessly to secure Srila Prabhupada's legacy, ensuring that future generations can inherit it. Your vision is a source of inspiration and guidance for all of us. I anticipate the day when I can fully comprehend and express my gratitude for all you have done, not only for me but for all humanity. I aspire to immerse myself in devotional service that can truly satisfy your noble heart. The depths of love and care you offer to conditioned souls may forever remain a mystery, but I am eager to continue growing under your guidance and shelter.
Although my aging body is no longer in the same physical condition as it was earlier and does not allow me to continue an intense pace as it was years ago, still your merciful encouragement to stay absorbed with devotional activities by assisting your divine mission of serving Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet is the essential, invigorating and life-giving panacea for me. Your education, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration are giving me hope against hope.
Gurudeva, thank you very much for everything you did and are still doing to help me stay on track with devotional service. I am so grateful to you for everything I am aware of and what is beyond my awareness. You are a personification of Krishna’s mercy for me. Your blessings and mercy are what my life consists of. I don’t have strength on my own; without your empowerment, I am powerless, and my life is useless. Therefore, I badly need your mercy and blessings to sustain my longevity in devotional service and be productive in your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories. I beg you, please, empower me to assist you in your caring for Srila Prabhupada’s legacy of spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world.
Please, continue bestowing your divine causeless mercy upon my fallen self because this is the only chance for me to succeed in my present life and reconnect with Krishna. For sure, if you deliver such a fallen soul like myself and make me fully Krishna conscious in this lifetime, then undoubtedly, you can make the entire world Krishna conscious and help them eternally love Krishna.
Begging to remain at the dust of your lotus feet and seeking to follow your footsteps eternally,
your humble aspiring servant,
Surapala dasa
Suresvari devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
I am not a good writer nor a poet, but still, I wish to express my gratitude to you. I am very grateful for your loving sacrifice to let a fallen soul like me to accept Krsna Consciousness so easily. Everything that I am today, I am because of you and your teachings, your tolerance and support. I thank Krsna every day that he brought you into my life.
You recently said at the Melbourne day retreat that “be the change in yourself first and then others” and that “offences to devotees, neglecting initiation vows and neglecting instructions from the spiritual master are the weeds of bhakti lata” As I heard you say this, it was like you were speaking to my soul. You can make everyone understand the need for and importance of teaching spiritual values of love, selflessness, gratitude, compassion in their life. You are always leading by example and showing me the right path to take. Thank you for reminding me that I should not make these offences and that I must become serious and sincere in my Krishna Conscious life.
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I humbly pray Guru Maharaj to give me knowledge, intelligence and determination so that I give up all types of sense gratification, give up all the anarthas and develop great attachment to chant the holy names of Krishna, read Srila Prabhupada books and serve the devotees. Although I am not qualified to be a disciple of yours; I humbly pray that I may somehow be able to give a little contribution back to please and serve you. Thank you for saving me Guru Maharaj from Kali yuga.
Your Servant,
Suresvari devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
I am not a good writer nor a poet, but still, I wish to express my gratitude to you. I am very grateful for your loving sacrifice to let a fallen soul like me to accept Krsna Consciousness so easily. Everything that I am today, I am because of you and your teachings, your tolerance and support. I thank Krsna every day that he brought you into my life.
You recently said at the Melbourne day retreat that “be the change in yourself first and then others” and that “offences to devotees, neglecting initiation vows and neglecting instructions from the spiritual master are the weeds of bhakti lata” As I heard you say this, it was like you were speaking to my soul. You can make everyone understand the need for and importance of teaching spiritual values of love, selflessness, gratitude, compassion in their life. You are always leading by example and showing me the right path to take. Thank you for reminding me that I should not make these offences and that I must become serious and sincere in my Krishna Conscious life.
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I humbly pray Guru Maharaj to give me knowledge, intelligence and determination so that I give up all types of sense gratification, give up all the anarthas and develop great attachment to chant the holy names of Krishna, read Srila Prabhupada books and serve the devotees. Although I am not qualified to be a disciple of yours; I humbly pray that I may somehow be able to give a little contribution back to please and serve you. Thank you for saving me Guru Maharaj from Kali yuga.
Your Servant,
Suresvari devi dasi
Sveta Manjari dd
Dearest GURUDEVA
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya- deśa-tāriṇe
Life has been challenging but mostly blissful as I try in every possible way to remain engaged in Lord Krishna’s service. I make so many offences, and think I am soon going to be disqualified and pushed aside because I simply do not try hard enough to serve in the right mood. Somehow the years pass by with more and more opportunities to serve with an unexplainable height of blissfulness and with tons of nectar.
Gurudeva you are the only reason I am able to serve Their Lordships. As explained the system of disciplic succession is very important as a means of spiritual success. One becomes a mahat by the grace of his mahat spiritual master. If one takes shelter of the lotus feet of a great soul, there is every possibility of his also becoming a great soul.. In Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur's eight stanzas of prayer to the spiritual master, it is clearly stated that simply by satisfying the spiritual master one can achieve the supreme success in life, and in spite of executing all ritualistic performances, if one cannot satisfy the spiritual master, he has no access to spiritual perfection.
I am not sure if I do enough to satisfy you. Please offer me some wisdom in this regard and keep me at your lotus feet.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya- deśa-tāriṇe
Life has been challenging but mostly blissful as I try in every possible way to remain engaged in Lord Krishna’s service. I make so many offences, and think I am soon going to be disqualified and pushed aside because I simply do not try hard enough to serve in the right mood. Somehow the years pass by with more and more opportunities to serve with an unexplainable height of blissfulness and with tons of nectar.
Gurudeva you are the only reason I am able to serve Their Lordships. As explained the system of disciplic succession is very important as a means of spiritual success. One becomes a mahat by the grace of his mahat spiritual master. If one takes shelter of the lotus feet of a great soul, there is every possibility of his also becoming a great soul.. In Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur's eight stanzas of prayer to the spiritual master, it is clearly stated that simply by satisfying the spiritual master one can achieve the supreme success in life, and in spite of executing all ritualistic performances, if one cannot satisfy the spiritual master, he has no access to spiritual perfection.
I am not sure if I do enough to satisfy you. Please offer me some wisdom in this regard and keep me at your lotus feet.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Sveta Manjari Devi Dasi
Syama gauri dd
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so grateful you took the time to nurture whatever interest in bhakti you first saw in my eyes.
Grateful for your deep desire to help each person out of this chaotic and confusing world.
Gratitude to you for creating service opportunities that form some of the best memories of our lives.
Thank you for drawing us into the depths of bhakti through your insightful classes.
Thank you for being so exemplary in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for your dedication in all your services year after year.
All glories to you on this Vyasa puja day.
Your servant
Syama gauri dd
Please accept my obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so grateful you took the time to nurture whatever interest in bhakti you first saw in my eyes.
Grateful for your deep desire to help each person out of this chaotic and confusing world.
Gratitude to you for creating service opportunities that form some of the best memories of our lives.
Thank you for drawing us into the depths of bhakti through your insightful classes.
Thank you for being so exemplary in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for your dedication in all your services year after year.
All glories to you on this Vyasa puja day.
Your servant
Syama gauri dd
Syamanga Das
Hare Krishna Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Firstly thank you for your regular Srimad Bhagavatam classes, and your tireless efforts to continue preaching annually in every continent, and giving generous amounts of your time here in New Zealand.
One theme I regularly pick up in your Srimad Bhagavatam morning classes, is the importance and constant effort required to chanting Hare Krishna with attention.
You mentioned earlier this year how a devotee needs to have the desire that “may I someday approach the standard”. Here now I am desiring that, may I someday approach the standard of chanting Hare Krishna, with full attention and affection. Having the opportunity, I want to arrange my life around this goal, of quality chanting.
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.
Gurudeva, without the opportunity of service to Lord Caitanya through your guidance I would be lost, and not know the purpose of my life, bound up in the modes of nature. Please accept my deepest "thank you", and my obeisances at your lotus feet.
Your ever-grateful servant
Syamanga das
Tamalavan das
Apologies I must have failed upload (on Wendnesday last week 18th Oct.)
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please Accept my humble Obeisances
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to your Divine, Selfless Services
Greetings on your Special day.
As to my Spiritual situation.
Well I can say I had probably lost a degree of balance in my outlook.
Relation with one non-Vaisnava relative have been challenging. I spoke firmly. My personal stability wavered. My spiritual composure buckled.
Khadiravan with personal conviction in her Vaisnava Path has re-centred me. I am most grateful.
The Vedic writings have been great. A source of psychological recovery from the conditions of Tumultuous Age.
Thankyou for your Spiritual leadership, Spiritual parenting of Khadiravan and Mahavan.
Your Humble Servant
Tamalavan Das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please Accept my humble Obeisances
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to your Divine, Selfless Services
Greetings on your Special day.
As to my Spiritual situation.
Well I can say I had probably lost a degree of balance in my outlook.
Relation with one non-Vaisnava relative have been challenging. I spoke firmly. My personal stability wavered. My spiritual composure buckled.
Khadiravan with personal conviction in her Vaisnava Path has re-centred me. I am most grateful.
The Vedic writings have been great. A source of psychological recovery from the conditions of Tumultuous Age.
Thankyou for your Spiritual leadership, Spiritual parenting of Khadiravan and Mahavan.
Your Humble Servant
Tamalavan Das
Tarunyamrita Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most sincere and humble obeisances.
All glories to your spiritual master His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion, your vyasa puja.
Reflecting on this past year I feel deep gratitude for you. Learning more about the incredible things you have done in the past and watching how you so selflessly put Krishna at the center of everything you are. Your completely extraordinary in everything you do and everything you have done for Krishna. I cannot see the depths of it but its an honor observing your strong faith and loving relationship with your spiritual master.
I went to Australia this year and when I came back the time difference was three hours. It threw me out of kilter for about a week. It boggles my mind thinking of how you preach Lord Chaitanya's mission all around the world and where ever you land you get straight into the time zone with a big smile and always deliver a standout transcendental class.
Each time I get the blessing of seeing you in person, you are always so kind and gentle with me. You emanate genuine care and love and it's like nothing I've ever experienced. You encourage me in motherhood, and although your a strict sanyasi, I feel like you really understand. I feel unworthy of your mercy and at the same time I am so grateful. I feel truly blessed you allowed me to take shelter of you and the Parampara, for this I am forever indebted to you. Aspiring to please you, the Parampara and Lord Chaitanya's mission I look forward to this exciting life of service.
Thankyou for being such an inspiration, showing us how to serve Krishna to the highest standard. Thankyou Gurudeva for guiding us so selflessly on the way back home to our beloved Krishna.
Forever your aspiring servant,
Tarunyamrta Devi Dasi
Please accept my most sincere and humble obeisances.
All glories to your spiritual master His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious occasion, your vyasa puja.
Reflecting on this past year I feel deep gratitude for you. Learning more about the incredible things you have done in the past and watching how you so selflessly put Krishna at the center of everything you are. Your completely extraordinary in everything you do and everything you have done for Krishna. I cannot see the depths of it but its an honor observing your strong faith and loving relationship with your spiritual master.
I went to Australia this year and when I came back the time difference was three hours. It threw me out of kilter for about a week. It boggles my mind thinking of how you preach Lord Chaitanya's mission all around the world and where ever you land you get straight into the time zone with a big smile and always deliver a standout transcendental class.
Each time I get the blessing of seeing you in person, you are always so kind and gentle with me. You emanate genuine care and love and it's like nothing I've ever experienced. You encourage me in motherhood, and although your a strict sanyasi, I feel like you really understand. I feel unworthy of your mercy and at the same time I am so grateful. I feel truly blessed you allowed me to take shelter of you and the Parampara, for this I am forever indebted to you. Aspiring to please you, the Parampara and Lord Chaitanya's mission I look forward to this exciting life of service.
Thankyou for being such an inspiration, showing us how to serve Krishna to the highest standard. Thankyou Gurudeva for guiding us so selflessly on the way back home to our beloved Krishna.
Forever your aspiring servant,
Tarunyamrta Devi Dasi
Thakur Saranga das
Hare Krishna Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prbhupada.
All glories to your auspicious divine appearance in this world .
All glories to your most significant role as an unputdownable, stalwart military commander of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan army under the commander in chief, Mahaprabhu’s “ Senapati bhakta “ His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
In Sri Caitanya Mangala, Sutra-khanda, Locana das Thakura predicted,
"yadi papi chadi dharma dure dese yaya
mora senapati-bhakta yaibe tathaya"
“If some sinful people escape and giving up religious principles go to far off countries, then my senapati-bhakta (military commander) will come at that time to give them Krishna consciousness.”
Although born and raised in this sacred land of Bharat varsa, being ignorant and allured by Maya’s bait of name, fame, riches, I drifted so far in the dangerous waters of the west, all the way to down under New Zealand set amidst the pacific.
Fortunately your limitless compassion covered even that “ Dure dese “ or far off land and by your causeless mercy you rescued me from drowning in huge, illusive material pool through your dedicated assistants, nourishing me at 'the loft' with genuine love, care and life changing guidance. Gradually restoring me in my constitutional position as your eternal servant and even bringing me in the sacred land of Sridham Mayapur, to assist you during your visits.
Now for almost a decade of residing in the most sacred of all tirthas, im only starting to realise what I chant every morning to assist you in your worship.
“I am by nature the eternal servant of Krsna. But because of my bad fortune, I have been inimical toward Him from time immemorial, and thus I have identified myself with my body and continuously wandered in the cycle of birth and death in the material world, suffering the burning threefold miseries. Now, as a result of some unimaginable good fortune, my spiritual master’s mercy has enabled me to know that I am Krsna’s eternal servant, an infinitesimal spiritual being completely apart from the gross and subtle body. And so by the order of my spiritual master I have obtained the good fortune of serving his lotus feet and, following in his footsteps, the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha-Madhava.”
I mediate on your exalted position Gurumaharaj,
pratah sriman-navadvipe dvi-netram dvi-bhujam gurum varabhaya-pradam santam smaret tan-nama-purvakam
"At the Yogapitha in Sri Mayapur, in the spiritual abode of Navadvipa, Lord Gaurasundara sits on a jeweled throne. On His right is Lord Nityananda, on His left Sri Gadadhara. In front, with joined palms, are Sri Advaita and Srivasa Thakura, who holds an umbrella over Lord Caitanya’s head. On a jeweled platform below Lord Gauranga’s throne, my spiritual master sits."
While i meditate on your exalted position I feel extremely fortunate to be somewhat related to you, through your service, very remotely, very insignificantly but still through your appreciation, through your merciful glance, i shine, like a broken piece of glass which also sparkle sometimes when the soothing moonlight shines upon it.
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day I beg for your merciful glance upon me and my family so that we can follow your instructions and sustain our practice of sadhana bhakti and our quest to assist you in pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Please forgive any offences I may have committed unknowingly or unconsciously at your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Thakur saranga das
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prbhupada.
All glories to your auspicious divine appearance in this world .
All glories to your most significant role as an unputdownable, stalwart military commander of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan army under the commander in chief, Mahaprabhu’s “ Senapati bhakta “ His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
In Sri Caitanya Mangala, Sutra-khanda, Locana das Thakura predicted,
"yadi papi chadi dharma dure dese yaya
mora senapati-bhakta yaibe tathaya"
“If some sinful people escape and giving up religious principles go to far off countries, then my senapati-bhakta (military commander) will come at that time to give them Krishna consciousness.”
Although born and raised in this sacred land of Bharat varsa, being ignorant and allured by Maya’s bait of name, fame, riches, I drifted so far in the dangerous waters of the west, all the way to down under New Zealand set amidst the pacific.
Fortunately your limitless compassion covered even that “ Dure dese “ or far off land and by your causeless mercy you rescued me from drowning in huge, illusive material pool through your dedicated assistants, nourishing me at 'the loft' with genuine love, care and life changing guidance. Gradually restoring me in my constitutional position as your eternal servant and even bringing me in the sacred land of Sridham Mayapur, to assist you during your visits.
Now for almost a decade of residing in the most sacred of all tirthas, im only starting to realise what I chant every morning to assist you in your worship.
“I am by nature the eternal servant of Krsna. But because of my bad fortune, I have been inimical toward Him from time immemorial, and thus I have identified myself with my body and continuously wandered in the cycle of birth and death in the material world, suffering the burning threefold miseries. Now, as a result of some unimaginable good fortune, my spiritual master’s mercy has enabled me to know that I am Krsna’s eternal servant, an infinitesimal spiritual being completely apart from the gross and subtle body. And so by the order of my spiritual master I have obtained the good fortune of serving his lotus feet and, following in his footsteps, the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha-Madhava.”
I mediate on your exalted position Gurumaharaj,
pratah sriman-navadvipe dvi-netram dvi-bhujam gurum varabhaya-pradam santam smaret tan-nama-purvakam
"At the Yogapitha in Sri Mayapur, in the spiritual abode of Navadvipa, Lord Gaurasundara sits on a jeweled throne. On His right is Lord Nityananda, on His left Sri Gadadhara. In front, with joined palms, are Sri Advaita and Srivasa Thakura, who holds an umbrella over Lord Caitanya’s head. On a jeweled platform below Lord Gauranga’s throne, my spiritual master sits."
While i meditate on your exalted position I feel extremely fortunate to be somewhat related to you, through your service, very remotely, very insignificantly but still through your appreciation, through your merciful glance, i shine, like a broken piece of glass which also sparkle sometimes when the soothing moonlight shines upon it.
Gurudeva, on this most auspicious day I beg for your merciful glance upon me and my family so that we can follow your instructions and sustain our practice of sadhana bhakti and our quest to assist you in pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
Please forgive any offences I may have committed unknowingly or unconsciously at your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Thakur saranga das
Thakura Murari das
Hare Krishna Maharaja
Please Accept My Humble Obeisances
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
All Glories To You on Your Special Appearance Day
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to you for your unwavering support for Srila Prabhupada's mission.In addition for the care that you provide to those under your guidance.
I wish for you continued health to carry out your wonderful service.
Hare Krishna
Your servant
Thakura Murari das
Tīrtha-kīrti das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet, on this most auspicious day.
Today is auspicious, because a pure devotee of Krishna, an ambassador of Navadvip Dham, descended to this material world, to assist Srila Prabhupada introduce the chanting of Hare Krishna in every town and village, as ordered by Lord Caitanya. Following in the footsteps of His Divine Grace, You took Bhagavad Gita, and the Holy Name to hostile territories, behind the Iron curtain, knowing that Krishna was protecting You. Such faith in the order of Guru, can defeat even impossible challenges, as you also exemplified in the publishing marathon of the full Sri Caitanya Caritamrita set in 2 months!
Although I do not get as much of your vapu association as I'd like, I have become more aware of how you are guiding me from within, and through my other siksa gurus. In hindsight, it's easier to see how your caring hand has helped me through even the toughest situations. However, when I get caught up in the moment, I am blinded by the lower modes of passion and ignorance. I therefore pray that my mind may always be fixed on your lotus feet, for you are holding the torchlight of knowledge, to dispell the darkness of ignorance.
Oh Acarya, you set the perfect example, with Krishna's Holy Names, qualities and pastimes always dancing gracefully on your tongue, anyone who hears you speak, or sees your interactions is ignited with deeper love for the Lord. This is how Srila Prabhupada defined a true Vaishnava, and you are guiding our yatra to teach others to do the same.
These words cannot express sufficiently, my gratitude for everything you have done. Please forgive me for my offences.
Your aspiring servant,
tīrtha-kīrti das
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet, on this most auspicious day.
Today is auspicious, because a pure devotee of Krishna, an ambassador of Navadvip Dham, descended to this material world, to assist Srila Prabhupada introduce the chanting of Hare Krishna in every town and village, as ordered by Lord Caitanya. Following in the footsteps of His Divine Grace, You took Bhagavad Gita, and the Holy Name to hostile territories, behind the Iron curtain, knowing that Krishna was protecting You. Such faith in the order of Guru, can defeat even impossible challenges, as you also exemplified in the publishing marathon of the full Sri Caitanya Caritamrita set in 2 months!
Although I do not get as much of your vapu association as I'd like, I have become more aware of how you are guiding me from within, and through my other siksa gurus. In hindsight, it's easier to see how your caring hand has helped me through even the toughest situations. However, when I get caught up in the moment, I am blinded by the lower modes of passion and ignorance. I therefore pray that my mind may always be fixed on your lotus feet, for you are holding the torchlight of knowledge, to dispell the darkness of ignorance.
Oh Acarya, you set the perfect example, with Krishna's Holy Names, qualities and pastimes always dancing gracefully on your tongue, anyone who hears you speak, or sees your interactions is ignited with deeper love for the Lord. This is how Srila Prabhupada defined a true Vaishnava, and you are guiding our yatra to teach others to do the same.
These words cannot express sufficiently, my gratitude for everything you have done. Please forgive me for my offences.
Your aspiring servant,
tīrtha-kīrti das
Trailokyanatha dasa
Dear Guru Maharaj.
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to You on this auspicious day of Your Vyasa Puja!
On this day I would like to express my gratitude to You.
I would like to thank You that after initiation my life became an adventure again, just like 20 years ago when I first began my clumsy attempts to serve.
I would like to thank You for Your lectures, which (thanks to the Internet) have become available in large numbers.
I would especially like to thank you for your wonderful disciples, thanks to communication with whom I have the chance to develop spiritually and adopt their wonderful qualities.
I want to thank you for Thakur Saranga Prabhu with his kind and compassionate heart, for Bala Gopala Prabhu with his amazing ability to quote a sloka glorifying Lord Chaitanya at the right moment, for Venu-madhurya Prabhu with his desire to serve no matter what, for Pandava Bandhava Prabhu with his intelligence and common sense.
Thank You very much for the opportunity to serve.
Hare Krsna.
your servant, Trailokyanatha dasa
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to You on this auspicious day of Your Vyasa Puja!
On this day I would like to express my gratitude to You.
I would like to thank You that after initiation my life became an adventure again, just like 20 years ago when I first began my clumsy attempts to serve.
I would like to thank You for Your lectures, which (thanks to the Internet) have become available in large numbers.
I would especially like to thank you for your wonderful disciples, thanks to communication with whom I have the chance to develop spiritually and adopt their wonderful qualities.
I want to thank you for Thakur Saranga Prabhu with his kind and compassionate heart, for Bala Gopala Prabhu with his amazing ability to quote a sloka glorifying Lord Chaitanya at the right moment, for Venu-madhurya Prabhu with his desire to serve no matter what, for Pandava Bandhava Prabhu with his intelligence and common sense.
Thank You very much for the opportunity to serve.
Hare Krsna.
your servant, Trailokyanatha dasa
Tulavati Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day.
Sometimes lost in lalaland I can see how easy it is to forget what my goal of life is - or at least what it should be. Desire to develop love for Krishna becomes almost forgotten as the focus on hearing and chanting about His glories loses priority in my "busy plan maker mind".
Being stuck in Tulavat's world I often forget how temporary this body and mind is and how all the happiness and distress that come with that is also naturally very temporary and not worth the endeavour. I've been noticing more and more how much time and energy I waste on temporary things! "What a waste of time, come on Tulavati, get it together", I preach to myself! How much more attention could I be putting into my rounds and my reading? How much better could I be serving devotees? How many more people could I be meeting/ cultivating? How much more could I be giving to Srila Prabhupada's mission? Ohhh if it wasn't for my limited mind..!
So firstly I would like to say I'm sorry Gurudeva, I'm sorry for being so selfish and self centred. I definitely have lots to learn and to grow in order to be a sharp instrument in mission, so thank you for being so encouraging and patient with my baby steps.
Secondly, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for giving me the seed of devotional service and for creating such a strong community where everything is service centred. Thank you for all the devotees you trained so amazingly - their eagerness to serve you sometimes rubs off on me and makes me inspired to also serve your mission wholeheartedly like they do - I can see that for them there is no time for maya.
I know I have a loooong way to go, but I thank you for the service opportunities you give me. My service keeps me grounded as it shows me the naked reality of the material world and how much people are suffering and in need of Krishna.
Doing the prasada distribution at the wellington high school is definitely a daily wake up call and gives me very low chances to dream about happiness in the material world. The youth are drowning in anxiety and existential crises. They have no idea who they are and what they are meant to be doing with their lives, and stuck in their minds, they look for relief in all kinds of intoxication and distractions, which just lead them to more suffering. This service inspires me to go a bit outside of my comfort zone and makes me want to give, it makes me want to be there for them - like someone was (and still are) there for me!
My heart warms up just by knowing they are choosing Krishna day after day! They love prasada, and in that way, they are giving Krishna a chance to work on their heart.. They are getting purified and surely will have more opportunities for service in the future. They are very lucky to also get your mercy.
I always feel amazed to see how expert you are in engaging the jivas in devotional service. Bhakti is by nature supremely attractive but being covered by the material modes, most of the people can't appreciate it for what it is, but you are so expert in packing it in such a palatable way so everyone gets a chance to taste Krishna's mercy.
Gurudeva, my attempts to serve you are my life guard. If it wasn't for that I would definitely be lost in material life again, so please, on this auspicious day I again beg you to keep me on track, keep me under your wings. I know I'm very stubborn and independent but please be strict and straightforward with me. I need your guidance, as this is the only way I can see myself being protected from the strong and sneaky material energy.
Please bless me so I can develop a taste for reading and chanting. Please help me to have my sadhana as the priority in my life, giving me the realization that everything comes from that! I really want to be a sharp instrument in order to contribute to your mission, so please clean my heart, getting rid of my selfish propensity as I'm sick of having my material conditions coming on the way and jeopardizing my desire to serve devotees and you, wholeheartedly.
Your grateful servant and spiritual daughter,
Tulavati devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this auspicious day.
Sometimes lost in lalaland I can see how easy it is to forget what my goal of life is - or at least what it should be. Desire to develop love for Krishna becomes almost forgotten as the focus on hearing and chanting about His glories loses priority in my "busy plan maker mind".
Being stuck in Tulavat's world I often forget how temporary this body and mind is and how all the happiness and distress that come with that is also naturally very temporary and not worth the endeavour. I've been noticing more and more how much time and energy I waste on temporary things! "What a waste of time, come on Tulavati, get it together", I preach to myself! How much more attention could I be putting into my rounds and my reading? How much better could I be serving devotees? How many more people could I be meeting/ cultivating? How much more could I be giving to Srila Prabhupada's mission? Ohhh if it wasn't for my limited mind..!
So firstly I would like to say I'm sorry Gurudeva, I'm sorry for being so selfish and self centred. I definitely have lots to learn and to grow in order to be a sharp instrument in mission, so thank you for being so encouraging and patient with my baby steps.
Secondly, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for giving me the seed of devotional service and for creating such a strong community where everything is service centred. Thank you for all the devotees you trained so amazingly - their eagerness to serve you sometimes rubs off on me and makes me inspired to also serve your mission wholeheartedly like they do - I can see that for them there is no time for maya.
I know I have a loooong way to go, but I thank you for the service opportunities you give me. My service keeps me grounded as it shows me the naked reality of the material world and how much people are suffering and in need of Krishna.
Doing the prasada distribution at the wellington high school is definitely a daily wake up call and gives me very low chances to dream about happiness in the material world. The youth are drowning in anxiety and existential crises. They have no idea who they are and what they are meant to be doing with their lives, and stuck in their minds, they look for relief in all kinds of intoxication and distractions, which just lead them to more suffering. This service inspires me to go a bit outside of my comfort zone and makes me want to give, it makes me want to be there for them - like someone was (and still are) there for me!
My heart warms up just by knowing they are choosing Krishna day after day! They love prasada, and in that way, they are giving Krishna a chance to work on their heart.. They are getting purified and surely will have more opportunities for service in the future. They are very lucky to also get your mercy.
I always feel amazed to see how expert you are in engaging the jivas in devotional service. Bhakti is by nature supremely attractive but being covered by the material modes, most of the people can't appreciate it for what it is, but you are so expert in packing it in such a palatable way so everyone gets a chance to taste Krishna's mercy.
Gurudeva, my attempts to serve you are my life guard. If it wasn't for that I would definitely be lost in material life again, so please, on this auspicious day I again beg you to keep me on track, keep me under your wings. I know I'm very stubborn and independent but please be strict and straightforward with me. I need your guidance, as this is the only way I can see myself being protected from the strong and sneaky material energy.
Please bless me so I can develop a taste for reading and chanting. Please help me to have my sadhana as the priority in my life, giving me the realization that everything comes from that! I really want to be a sharp instrument in order to contribute to your mission, so please clean my heart, getting rid of my selfish propensity as I'm sick of having my material conditions coming on the way and jeopardizing my desire to serve devotees and you, wholeheartedly.
Your grateful servant and spiritual daughter,
Tulavati devi dasi
Udit Singh
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad! During this occasion of your vyas puja I really want to express my gratitude to you for providing me the shelter of your lotus feet.
I feel a deep connection with you through all your lectures. I am regularly hearing all your accessible classes and deeply cherish the intricate details of bhakti wisdom which you elaborate in your lectures.
You wonderfully connect with the western / Gen Z population-by bridging the gap between socio economic problems and its solutions via spirituality.
You have repeatedly raised The trending challenges of current era which includes but not limited to Artificial intelligence, climate change, ongoing geopolitical wars etc and how the solution all these problems culminates into Krishna Consciousness.
Some of the topics like ‘God of the Gaps’, ‘Matter of the gaps’, ‘Hedonic adaptation’ etc have garnered immense interest among the youth which shows that you are always trying to connect with the younger generation by presenting Krishna consciousness philosophy in the most adaptable ways.
You have repeatedly demonstrated through your example that how as a practising devotee we have to regularly meditate on different situations, testaments and personalities of Bhakti literatures and lead a life filled with devotional emotions (Bhakti Bhav).
Guru maharaj I was fortunate enough to have your Darshans during mayapur leadership Sanga and that meeting has left a deep impression in me. I am regularly trying to follow your personal instructions about chanting attentively, avoiding conflicts and leading a simple family life which you instructed me during our first interaction.
I feel a deep separation from your association and always strive to render service at your lotus feet.
I want to dedicate my life for serving the mission of lord Chaitanya mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupad and without your blessings and mercy I won’t be able to garner strength to serve my ISKCON authorities.
Dear guru maharaj please bless me so that I keep myself persistent, enthusiastic and patient in rendering service to the entire guru parampara. This is humble desire of your most fallen servant.
Looking forward to take your Darshans soon.
Trying to become your humble servant
Udit Singh
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad! During this occasion of your vyas puja I really want to express my gratitude to you for providing me the shelter of your lotus feet.
I feel a deep connection with you through all your lectures. I am regularly hearing all your accessible classes and deeply cherish the intricate details of bhakti wisdom which you elaborate in your lectures.
You wonderfully connect with the western / Gen Z population-by bridging the gap between socio economic problems and its solutions via spirituality.
You have repeatedly raised The trending challenges of current era which includes but not limited to Artificial intelligence, climate change, ongoing geopolitical wars etc and how the solution all these problems culminates into Krishna Consciousness.
Some of the topics like ‘God of the Gaps’, ‘Matter of the gaps’, ‘Hedonic adaptation’ etc have garnered immense interest among the youth which shows that you are always trying to connect with the younger generation by presenting Krishna consciousness philosophy in the most adaptable ways.
You have repeatedly demonstrated through your example that how as a practising devotee we have to regularly meditate on different situations, testaments and personalities of Bhakti literatures and lead a life filled with devotional emotions (Bhakti Bhav).
Guru maharaj I was fortunate enough to have your Darshans during mayapur leadership Sanga and that meeting has left a deep impression in me. I am regularly trying to follow your personal instructions about chanting attentively, avoiding conflicts and leading a simple family life which you instructed me during our first interaction.
I feel a deep separation from your association and always strive to render service at your lotus feet.
I want to dedicate my life for serving the mission of lord Chaitanya mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupad and without your blessings and mercy I won’t be able to garner strength to serve my ISKCON authorities.
Dear guru maharaj please bless me so that I keep myself persistent, enthusiastic and patient in rendering service to the entire guru parampara. This is humble desire of your most fallen servant.
Looking forward to take your Darshans soon.
Trying to become your humble servant
Udit Singh
Urjjesvari dd
Dear GuruMaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I want to express my gratitude to you and share the impact your presence has had in my life.
I remember, as a newbie to the Loft in Wellington, whilst we were all taking prasadam, you playfully encouraged me to eat a simply wonderful by putting the whole sweet in my mouth at once. This sparked a competition amongst everyone there. Amidst the laughter, one girl took on the challenge, filling her mouth with at least 6 sweets. However, it was too many and she couldn’t get them past her windpipe. Her face began turning blue.
After what felt like an eternity, you broke the shocked silence by calling out "Hare Krishna!" Miraculously, she swallowed, enough to take a breath. Then, as if guided by unseen hands, a breeze caused the curtain above her to sway, knocking a Krishna book onto her lap.
Watching this all unfold, as a 16 year old girl, left quite an impression on me. At the time I thought, ‘What kind of magical religion is this and who is this person?!’
Looking back now, I see your playful spirit and aptitude in finding ways to teach and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the ways you do that is through your classes. You’ve always had a unique perspective; speaking candidly on topics which some may consider taboo or using humour to make uncomfortable truths more palatable. Through your innovative approach you are able to make Krishna Consciousness relevant and accessible to everyone.
Numerous times your topical discussions have helped me to process and resolve the latest hurdle that has surfaced in my devotional life. Looking back, there have been numerous instances where events unfolded in a way that initially appeared negative or challenging. You have been there for me through many of those times. I recall many instances where you have told me to quit being so melodramatic, =) but I also remember feeling so bad once that you told me to hold onto your feet and not let go!
As time has passed, and I reflect on some of those experiences, with a deeper understanding, I can see Krishna's hand in them and appreciate more the wisdom of his plan. I can recognise how even amidst adversity there is a greater purpose at play.
By your association, I am learning to trust more in Krishna's plan.
Your insights have not only helped me navigate the ups and downs of life but have also provided me with the tools to recognise Krishna's presence in it too. I am a work in progress, but you instil within me a desire to work on myself and do better for Krishnas pleasure.
Your guidance has aided me to find my voice, express myself through writing poetry, and embrace my creative side.
Even in matters as simple as cooking, you have always encouraged me, despite my humble attempts in the kitchen. Your belief in my potential ignites a sense of confidence, allowing me to explore and improve my culinary skills as a form of devotional service.
Your dedication towards giving the message of love and devotion to Krishna has touched the lives of countless individuals like me. I am grateful for your leadership and vision. I pray for your good health and that you will always have the strength to carry on your mission of enlightening souls and uplifting humanity.
Your aspiring servant,
Urjesvari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I want to express my gratitude to you and share the impact your presence has had in my life.
I remember, as a newbie to the Loft in Wellington, whilst we were all taking prasadam, you playfully encouraged me to eat a simply wonderful by putting the whole sweet in my mouth at once. This sparked a competition amongst everyone there. Amidst the laughter, one girl took on the challenge, filling her mouth with at least 6 sweets. However, it was too many and she couldn’t get them past her windpipe. Her face began turning blue.
After what felt like an eternity, you broke the shocked silence by calling out "Hare Krishna!" Miraculously, she swallowed, enough to take a breath. Then, as if guided by unseen hands, a breeze caused the curtain above her to sway, knocking a Krishna book onto her lap.
Watching this all unfold, as a 16 year old girl, left quite an impression on me. At the time I thought, ‘What kind of magical religion is this and who is this person?!’
Looking back now, I see your playful spirit and aptitude in finding ways to teach and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the ways you do that is through your classes. You’ve always had a unique perspective; speaking candidly on topics which some may consider taboo or using humour to make uncomfortable truths more palatable. Through your innovative approach you are able to make Krishna Consciousness relevant and accessible to everyone.
Numerous times your topical discussions have helped me to process and resolve the latest hurdle that has surfaced in my devotional life. Looking back, there have been numerous instances where events unfolded in a way that initially appeared negative or challenging. You have been there for me through many of those times. I recall many instances where you have told me to quit being so melodramatic, =) but I also remember feeling so bad once that you told me to hold onto your feet and not let go!
As time has passed, and I reflect on some of those experiences, with a deeper understanding, I can see Krishna's hand in them and appreciate more the wisdom of his plan. I can recognise how even amidst adversity there is a greater purpose at play.
By your association, I am learning to trust more in Krishna's plan.
Your insights have not only helped me navigate the ups and downs of life but have also provided me with the tools to recognise Krishna's presence in it too. I am a work in progress, but you instil within me a desire to work on myself and do better for Krishnas pleasure.
Your guidance has aided me to find my voice, express myself through writing poetry, and embrace my creative side.
Even in matters as simple as cooking, you have always encouraged me, despite my humble attempts in the kitchen. Your belief in my potential ignites a sense of confidence, allowing me to explore and improve my culinary skills as a form of devotional service.
Your dedication towards giving the message of love and devotion to Krishna has touched the lives of countless individuals like me. I am grateful for your leadership and vision. I pray for your good health and that you will always have the strength to carry on your mission of enlightening souls and uplifting humanity.
Your aspiring servant,
Urjesvari dd
Uttama Bhakti Das & Raga Bhakti Devi Dasi
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 Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of Vyasa Puja
On this day, we gather to celebrate and offer our heartfelt gratitude for your divine presence in our lives and for the wisdom and guidance you have imparted to us.
Your teachings, filled with profound spiritual insights, have illuminated the path of self-realization for countless souls like ourselves. Your dedication to the service of Lord Krishna and your unwavering commitment to spreading the message of love, compassion, and devotion have been an inspiration to all of us.
You are a spiritual warrior who is roaring like a lion spreading Krishna consciousness and serving the mission of Srila Prabhupada relentlessly and carrying his mercy around the globe and giving it to everyone. Every soul who comes in contact with you, their life is forever changed in the most transformational way. Your lectures, books, and personal interactions have touched everyone hearts, igniting the fire of devotion within them.
Your exemplary life as a renunciant monk, scholar, and spiritual guide serves as a shining beacon of hope in this material world. Your humility, compassion and unwavering faith in the Supreme Lord have been a source of strength and encouragement for us.
We are eternally grateful for the opportunity to be in your association and to learn from your wisdom. Your Vyasa Puja is a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to spiritual guides like you. May your divine presence continue to bless us with spiritual enlightenment and guide us on the path of Bhakti.
On this sacred occasion of Vyasa Puja, we offer our deepest respects, love, and heartfelt prayers for your good health, continued service to the Lord and boundless happiness.
Thank you, Srila Gurudeva, for being our spiritual light and guiding us on the path of eternal devotion.
Your insignificant servants
Uttama Bhakti Das, Raga Bhakti Devi Dasi, Radhe and Vrindaa
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most auspicious occasion of Vyasa Puja
On this day, we gather to celebrate and offer our heartfelt gratitude for your divine presence in our lives and for the wisdom and guidance you have imparted to us.
Your teachings, filled with profound spiritual insights, have illuminated the path of self-realization for countless souls like ourselves. Your dedication to the service of Lord Krishna and your unwavering commitment to spreading the message of love, compassion, and devotion have been an inspiration to all of us.
You are a spiritual warrior who is roaring like a lion spreading Krishna consciousness and serving the mission of Srila Prabhupada relentlessly and carrying his mercy around the globe and giving it to everyone. Every soul who comes in contact with you, their life is forever changed in the most transformational way. Your lectures, books, and personal interactions have touched everyone hearts, igniting the fire of devotion within them.
Your exemplary life as a renunciant monk, scholar, and spiritual guide serves as a shining beacon of hope in this material world. Your humility, compassion and unwavering faith in the Supreme Lord have been a source of strength and encouragement for us.
We are eternally grateful for the opportunity to be in your association and to learn from your wisdom. Your Vyasa Puja is a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to spiritual guides like you. May your divine presence continue to bless us with spiritual enlightenment and guide us on the path of Bhakti.
On this sacred occasion of Vyasa Puja, we offer our deepest respects, love, and heartfelt prayers for your good health, continued service to the Lord and boundless happiness.
Thank you, Srila Gurudeva, for being our spiritual light and guiding us on the path of eternal devotion.
Your insignificant servants
Uttama Bhakti Das, Raga Bhakti Devi Dasi, Radhe and Vrindaa
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
For the regular person, each morning brings a new permutation of wrestling in the currents of the three modes of nature. Blowing in the wind of the whims of the mind…
In stark contrast is the person who has achieved peace as
Krishna describes in Bhagavad Gita (2:70) "...like the ocean - ever being filled but always still."
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that as long as one has a material body, the demands of the body for sense gratification will continue…the proof of a Krishna conscious man? One who has lost all inclinations for material sense gratification, although the desires are present. Because he remains satisfied in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, he can remain steady like the ocean and therefore enjoy full peace."
You, dear Gurudeva, is such a peaceful person. Intensely peaceful.
It is extraordinary how for decades you have been blissfully and steadily serving Krishna, with such force and focus - longer than we have even been alive!
You consistently choose to serve Krishna with mind, body and words.
Your life is an artful masterpiece, crafted for maximum service to Krishna.
Watching how you interact with different devotees is such a joy. Your every word and expression is calculated and purposeful. Your concern - for the true welfare of the devotee.
To us your example seems like a dream - so beautiful yet so out of reach.
Yet at the same time you give us such kind hope and practical encouragement:
Throughout the day, ask yourself: " What is the best thing for Krishna's pleasure?"
It may seem small, but it is very significant. In this way your choice muscles will grow.
Dear Gurudeva, we are utterly dependent on your kindness for making any progress.
Please engage us in your service.
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Devi Dasi
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
For the regular person, each morning brings a new permutation of wrestling in the currents of the three modes of nature. Blowing in the wind of the whims of the mind…
In stark contrast is the person who has achieved peace as
Krishna describes in Bhagavad Gita (2:70) "...like the ocean - ever being filled but always still."
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that as long as one has a material body, the demands of the body for sense gratification will continue…the proof of a Krishna conscious man? One who has lost all inclinations for material sense gratification, although the desires are present. Because he remains satisfied in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, he can remain steady like the ocean and therefore enjoy full peace."
You, dear Gurudeva, is such a peaceful person. Intensely peaceful.
It is extraordinary how for decades you have been blissfully and steadily serving Krishna, with such force and focus - longer than we have even been alive!
You consistently choose to serve Krishna with mind, body and words.
Your life is an artful masterpiece, crafted for maximum service to Krishna.
Watching how you interact with different devotees is such a joy. Your every word and expression is calculated and purposeful. Your concern - for the true welfare of the devotee.
To us your example seems like a dream - so beautiful yet so out of reach.
Yet at the same time you give us such kind hope and practical encouragement:
Throughout the day, ask yourself: " What is the best thing for Krishna's pleasure?"
It may seem small, but it is very significant. In this way your choice muscles will grow.
Dear Gurudeva, we are utterly dependent on your kindness for making any progress.
Please engage us in your service.
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Devi Dasi
Vamsidhari das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasapuja ceremony day.
Some twenty years ago you invited me to sit beside you on a comfortable Victorian couch at Gaura’s Place in Hamilton.
Warm afternoon light streamed into the converted office area, decorated with familiar Loft outreach décor.
My heart raced and my agitated eyes, darting between the beautiful encyclopaedia of Srimad Bhagavatam and captivating sweetness of Sri Sri Radha Manasa-Chandra, came to rest on your comforting smile.
You spoke so softly and encouragingly, and I’m embarrassed to say, that though I tried to hear your words, they seemed to slip like sand through my mind.
One message stuck, “We want rising moons, not shooting stars”.
Recently I visited a prison in Wellington.
There I interviewed convicted offenders who had committed unspeakable crimes, and then very thankfully left.
Prison is a horrible place.
The atmosphere is surcharged with tension, anger, rage, frustration, lamentation, regret, loneliness and hopelessness.
I breathed a sigh of relief to drive out and turn back into familiar residential streets.
I felt glad to be back in normal society.
As I drove out chanting, it dawned upon me that I was in fact not free, and that in fact I remained imprisoned.
Moving between one prison and another, I’ve accepted countless births and deaths trying to squeeze out happiness in this prison world.
Incarcerated within this body and mind I accepted as my goal in life the hope of scratching out some momentary relief from suffering.
I became so proud to occasionally exchange my iron shackles for those in bronze.
Within the prison house I’ve accepted multiple life sentences as all in all, forgetting completely the greater reality that exists beyond, forsaking my eternal connection…and yet somehow, I’ve received the greatest fortune of receiving your mercy.
Even after being rescued, cultivated, educated, initiated, and entrusted with devotional service…I again found myself sitting stubbornly within my cell, forsaking my invitation to reform and return home and instead – turning to stone.
By your compassion and the authentic love you have for your spiritual master’s mission, I’ve found myself on a correctional program within the prison.
Your instruction remains stuck in my heart, “We want rising moons, not shooting stars”.
Who can fathom the compassion of someone “breaking into prison” to rehabilitate obstinate, convicted offenders like myself?
“The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His subsequent followers exhibited expert dexterity in this connection. By following the same method, one can bring the materialistic men of this age of quarrel into order for peaceful life and transcendental realization.”
Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1.5.16.
Though this moon rises oh so slow, is scarred by contact with the prison atmosphere and often casts more shadow then light, I feel so grateful to remain a recipient of your instructions.
With sincerity I eagerly play whatever part I can in assisting you in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.
I now eagerly and enthusiastically await my release date. It may happen today, or many lifetimes from today, but I earnestly and sincerely pray that no matter where I am, I remain ever attached to your instructions and surrendered to your lotus feet.
You’re aspiring servant and indebted son,
Vamsidhari das.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasapuja ceremony day.
Some twenty years ago you invited me to sit beside you on a comfortable Victorian couch at Gaura’s Place in Hamilton.
Warm afternoon light streamed into the converted office area, decorated with familiar Loft outreach décor.
My heart raced and my agitated eyes, darting between the beautiful encyclopaedia of Srimad Bhagavatam and captivating sweetness of Sri Sri Radha Manasa-Chandra, came to rest on your comforting smile.
You spoke so softly and encouragingly, and I’m embarrassed to say, that though I tried to hear your words, they seemed to slip like sand through my mind.
One message stuck, “We want rising moons, not shooting stars”.
Recently I visited a prison in Wellington.
There I interviewed convicted offenders who had committed unspeakable crimes, and then very thankfully left.
Prison is a horrible place.
The atmosphere is surcharged with tension, anger, rage, frustration, lamentation, regret, loneliness and hopelessness.
I breathed a sigh of relief to drive out and turn back into familiar residential streets.
I felt glad to be back in normal society.
As I drove out chanting, it dawned upon me that I was in fact not free, and that in fact I remained imprisoned.
Moving between one prison and another, I’ve accepted countless births and deaths trying to squeeze out happiness in this prison world.
Incarcerated within this body and mind I accepted as my goal in life the hope of scratching out some momentary relief from suffering.
I became so proud to occasionally exchange my iron shackles for those in bronze.
Within the prison house I’ve accepted multiple life sentences as all in all, forgetting completely the greater reality that exists beyond, forsaking my eternal connection…and yet somehow, I’ve received the greatest fortune of receiving your mercy.
Even after being rescued, cultivated, educated, initiated, and entrusted with devotional service…I again found myself sitting stubbornly within my cell, forsaking my invitation to reform and return home and instead – turning to stone.
By your compassion and the authentic love you have for your spiritual master’s mission, I’ve found myself on a correctional program within the prison.
Your instruction remains stuck in my heart, “We want rising moons, not shooting stars”.
Who can fathom the compassion of someone “breaking into prison” to rehabilitate obstinate, convicted offenders like myself?
“The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His subsequent followers exhibited expert dexterity in this connection. By following the same method, one can bring the materialistic men of this age of quarrel into order for peaceful life and transcendental realization.”
Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1.5.16.
Though this moon rises oh so slow, is scarred by contact with the prison atmosphere and often casts more shadow then light, I feel so grateful to remain a recipient of your instructions.
With sincerity I eagerly play whatever part I can in assisting you in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.
I now eagerly and enthusiastically await my release date. It may happen today, or many lifetimes from today, but I earnestly and sincerely pray that no matter where I am, I remain ever attached to your instructions and surrendered to your lotus feet.
You’re aspiring servant and indebted son,
Vamsidhari das.
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
In contemplating a theme for my offering, I feel most inspired to reflect on the experiences that I have had in your physical presence this year.
During what was for us, as you said, ‘balmy Springtime’ (but just cold weather for you!), I was privileged to stay with you as your servant in Cardiff. It was quite an experience! As you will no doubt remember, I made quite a few blunders, shall we say, throughout the course of your stay. And by the end of it, all those errors, big or small, had seemed to gang up together and set me on a ‘cringe conveyor-belt’; a perpetually moving cycle of painful-to-watch events, replayed incessantly in the mind, attended by intense pangs of embarrassment and foolishness!
Kr̥ṣṇa Consciousness had never been so real to me as when I was doing that service for you, who are the Lord’s representative in my life. I was able to better realise my own ineptitude, my lack of qualification. Truthfully the greatest solace I found at that time was to deeply immerse myself in Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s prayer known as ‘Gurudev! Kṛpā-bindu diyā’, some lines of which translate as follows:
Gurudeva, O spiritual master! Give to this servant just one drop of mercy.
I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength.
When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you.
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.
At that time, quite morose about not having done a very good job of serving you, I became happy! I was experiencing a uniquely tuned state of consciousness in which I was able to relate those sentiments expressed by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura better than ever before.
Put succinctly, I would like to thank you for the way you deal with me; I feel I have picked up on but a modicum of your expertise in this regard. Since childhood, I have wanted to be ‘the best’ at the things I do, seeking praise from seniors, juniors and peers alike; and that praise has very often been there. But to approach a powerful and grave personality such as yourself is different. Of course, you have always been the epitome of gentleness, and you are always sweet and pleasing, but you do not give the cheap words of praise that I have often been accustomed to, and needily sought validation or gratification from in my insecurity. That special feature of interacting with you, I soon reasoned, is that you care enough about me as a spirit soul not to want to aggravate my already-rampant ahaṅkāra. You actually know how to help me cut that false ego to pieces, which is so necessary and so important for my spiritual life.
To wonder a little further on this point, I have also been delightedly grateful when you have many times sweetly shown personal attention to me, as if to encourage me amidst what you know is powerful medicine for me to stomach. Just small things, like taking a moment to ask me about my keyboard playing while you were taking breakfast, have always given reassurance and strength. I feel that your dealings, which sometimes effortlessly or nonchalantly deal grievous blows to our anarthas, but which are always interspersed with appropriate yet warm, friendly, familial affection are the dealings of an expert spiritual master. In fact, when I consider these qualities in you, I only think of the accounts I have heard of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s dealings with his disciples. I hope there is some valid meaning in what I have tried to express.
During that aforementioned Spring visit of yours, I thought I gleaned another spark of realisation about your personality. Once you told me, some years back: ‘meditate very deeply on how you can give your life to serving Lord Caitanya’. Something about assisting you on a more personal level that week made me better appreciate how you yourself do just that; you have, for so long, been travelling from place to place, relentlessly surmounting awkward time-zone changes, no doubt tolerating unimaginable inconveniences of all kinds, all to help further Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s saṅkīrtana movement. You seem to be so inwardly motivated towards that end, which is so much of the essence of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books. And as you preach with such chastity to Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmr̥ta and the other great works of your spiritual master, you live as a sterling example of the same.
I have already explained that that week I was quite full of self-admonishment and inner disappointment, thinking that I had failed to serve you nicely. And, perhaps, the afternoon before you were leaving, that feeling was reaching its peak in me. Then, unexpectedly, you called to say you wanted to take a walk around the precinct where we were staying, so I excitedly grabbed my coat and made myself ready. Please forgive my sentimentality, but as I walked behind you around that compound, it was, again quite an experience. I began to cry, tears of regret at what I thought was my ineptitude, which then morphed into tears of gratitude that you hadn’t rejected me despite my being unqualified. I felt so happy to be following in your footsteps, literally, as we circumambulated around a small hedgy area, and so happy to be able to dedicate my life to following in your footsteps in service to Lord Caitanya. That walk made me feel alot better!
When you then visited in the Summer, I took especially great inspiration from the lectures you gave, and I was mesmerised by the mystical, profound and unprecedentedly deep answers you gave to what I thought had been my quite ordinary questions. You inspired me to cultivate deeper faith about Kr̥ṣṇa’s presence in His Holy Name and to push on towards our topmost goal of love for Kr̥ṣṇa in Vr̥ndāvana. When you related how you have been meditating deeply on the verse beginning ‘bhagavān api tā rātrīḥ’ for so many years, I was filled with spiritual inspiration to continue my work of hearing and chanting about Kr̥ṣṇa in your wake.
I have tried to encapsulate some of these thoughts and feelings into a couple of Sanskrit verses, using the same metre as the Ṣad-gosvāmy-āṣṭakam, which is called Śārdūla-vikrīḍita. Please accept them as my best attempt to propound your glories, on the basis of the humble service I have tried to render over the past three quarters of a decade!
(1)
paścatyāvarta-hr̥n-maṇiṁ kathaṁ ahaṁ śaknomi stotum alam
pratyeka-varṣa-bhū-tale bhramasi bho śrī-kr̥ṣṇa-dayāmbudhiḥ
gāyan śrī-hari-nāma tvam asi sadā bhāvāmr̥tam majjasi
gaurānanda-guroḥ pade ta bhavatāṁ uddeśaṁ ekaṁ mama
paścatya-āvarta - the Western countries; hr̥t - heart; maṇim - jewel; katham - how; aham - I; śaknomi - am able; stotum - to praise; alam - sufficiently; prati-eka - each and every; varṣa - country; bhū-tale - on the surface of the earth; bhramasi - you wander; bho - O!; śrī-kr̥ṣṇa-dayāmbudhiḥ - ocean of Lord Kr̥ṣṇa’s mercy; gāyan - singing; śrī-hari-nāma - the Holy Name; tvam - you; asi - are; sadā - always; bhāvāmr̥ta - the nectar of spiritual emotions; majjasi - you bathe; gaurānanda - the bliss of Lord Caitanya; guroḥ - of the guru; pade - the two feet; te - your; bhavatāṁ - may they become; uddeśam - goal; ekam - only; mama - my.
A jewel, come out of the heart of the Western countries; how can I glorify you adequately? O ocean of Kr̥ṣṇa’s mercy, You travel in every land on earth, singing the Lord’s Holy name. You always submerge yourself in nectarean devotional moods. O Gurudeva, enriched with the bliss of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, may your lotus feet be my highest goal and aspiration.
COMMENT: The Western world is mostly a horrific mess of ugra-karma, with sinister characters abound, but it does have its moments of sincerity! Persons of your calibre, of whom there are very few, are the only redeemers of these nations. And you shine forth, as a dazzling precious gem, from New York City, which is the heart of those countries. Gaurānanda is similar to the mediation on the Spiritual Master as kṛṣṇānanda in the Guru-Gāyatrī mantra; certainly you are absorbed in the transcendental bliss that is connected with Lord Gaura, His pastimes and His saṅkīrtana movement, and you must certainly be giving Him boundless transcendental bliss by your activities.
(2)
satyam eva yadā yadā kathayasi āsvādya-kr̥ṣṇa-kathām
sarva-bhakta-janān hi svādayasi tvaṁ saprema-karṇais tadā
gambhīrasya niṣkiñcanasya tu mr̥doḥ phullekṣaṇasya hasan
gaurānanda-guroḥ pade ta bhavatāṁ uddeśaṁ ekaṁ mama
satyam - truthfully; eva - certainly; yadā yadā - whenever and wherever; kathayasi - you speak; āsvādya - relishable; kr̥ṣṇa-kathām - topics of Lord Kr̥ṣṇa; sarva-bhakta-janān - all of the devotees; hi - indeed; svādayasi - you cause to taste; tvam - you; saprema-karṇais - with loving ears; tadā - at that time; gambhīrasya - of the grave; niṣkiñcanasya - surrendered, with no material possessions; tu - but; mr̥doḥ - mild and gentle; phullekṣaṇasya - with blooming eyes; hasan - laughing; gaurānanda - the bliss of Lord Caitanya; guroḥ - of the guru; pade - the two feet; te - your; bhavatāṁ - may they become; uddeśam - goal; ekam - only; mama - my.
Truthfully I can bear witness to the effect your speaking has on devotees. Whenever and wherever your relishable discourses about Lord Govinda take place, each and every devotee present becomes entised to hear with ears of love. Gurudeva, you are so grave and fathomless, and a true renunciant, yet you are so mild and so sweet as you laugh with eyes abloom! You bring such joy to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and I pray that your lotus feet be my highest aspiration.
COMMENT: I meditate upon your activities in Wales, which have been my most significant experiences of you. You leave the devotees awestruck after you speak, and we are given access to deeper aspects of Kṛṣṇa Consciousnesses when we hear from you. Your personality is inconceivably broad, bearing awesome heaviness and majesty as much as it bears delicate and playful gentleness. To see you laughing in the assembly of devotees, relishing the 'Wales mood' is the greatest happiness for me. I am praying that whatever extraneous, detrimental or misguided aspirations may lurk in my heart will gracefully bow down today, and give way to what I have ascertained from scripture to be the highest goal I need aspire for: the pure, spontaneous, determined service of your lotus feet, in whatever birth I may take, eternally.
Your servant,
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
In contemplating a theme for my offering, I feel most inspired to reflect on the experiences that I have had in your physical presence this year.
During what was for us, as you said, ‘balmy Springtime’ (but just cold weather for you!), I was privileged to stay with you as your servant in Cardiff. It was quite an experience! As you will no doubt remember, I made quite a few blunders, shall we say, throughout the course of your stay. And by the end of it, all those errors, big or small, had seemed to gang up together and set me on a ‘cringe conveyor-belt’; a perpetually moving cycle of painful-to-watch events, replayed incessantly in the mind, attended by intense pangs of embarrassment and foolishness!
Kr̥ṣṇa Consciousness had never been so real to me as when I was doing that service for you, who are the Lord’s representative in my life. I was able to better realise my own ineptitude, my lack of qualification. Truthfully the greatest solace I found at that time was to deeply immerse myself in Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s prayer known as ‘Gurudev! Kṛpā-bindu diyā’, some lines of which translate as follows:
Gurudeva, O spiritual master! Give to this servant just one drop of mercy.
I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength.
When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you.
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.
At that time, quite morose about not having done a very good job of serving you, I became happy! I was experiencing a uniquely tuned state of consciousness in which I was able to relate those sentiments expressed by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura better than ever before.
Put succinctly, I would like to thank you for the way you deal with me; I feel I have picked up on but a modicum of your expertise in this regard. Since childhood, I have wanted to be ‘the best’ at the things I do, seeking praise from seniors, juniors and peers alike; and that praise has very often been there. But to approach a powerful and grave personality such as yourself is different. Of course, you have always been the epitome of gentleness, and you are always sweet and pleasing, but you do not give the cheap words of praise that I have often been accustomed to, and needily sought validation or gratification from in my insecurity. That special feature of interacting with you, I soon reasoned, is that you care enough about me as a spirit soul not to want to aggravate my already-rampant ahaṅkāra. You actually know how to help me cut that false ego to pieces, which is so necessary and so important for my spiritual life.
To wonder a little further on this point, I have also been delightedly grateful when you have many times sweetly shown personal attention to me, as if to encourage me amidst what you know is powerful medicine for me to stomach. Just small things, like taking a moment to ask me about my keyboard playing while you were taking breakfast, have always given reassurance and strength. I feel that your dealings, which sometimes effortlessly or nonchalantly deal grievous blows to our anarthas, but which are always interspersed with appropriate yet warm, friendly, familial affection are the dealings of an expert spiritual master. In fact, when I consider these qualities in you, I only think of the accounts I have heard of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s dealings with his disciples. I hope there is some valid meaning in what I have tried to express.
During that aforementioned Spring visit of yours, I thought I gleaned another spark of realisation about your personality. Once you told me, some years back: ‘meditate very deeply on how you can give your life to serving Lord Caitanya’. Something about assisting you on a more personal level that week made me better appreciate how you yourself do just that; you have, for so long, been travelling from place to place, relentlessly surmounting awkward time-zone changes, no doubt tolerating unimaginable inconveniences of all kinds, all to help further Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s saṅkīrtana movement. You seem to be so inwardly motivated towards that end, which is so much of the essence of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books. And as you preach with such chastity to Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmr̥ta and the other great works of your spiritual master, you live as a sterling example of the same.
I have already explained that that week I was quite full of self-admonishment and inner disappointment, thinking that I had failed to serve you nicely. And, perhaps, the afternoon before you were leaving, that feeling was reaching its peak in me. Then, unexpectedly, you called to say you wanted to take a walk around the precinct where we were staying, so I excitedly grabbed my coat and made myself ready. Please forgive my sentimentality, but as I walked behind you around that compound, it was, again quite an experience. I began to cry, tears of regret at what I thought was my ineptitude, which then morphed into tears of gratitude that you hadn’t rejected me despite my being unqualified. I felt so happy to be following in your footsteps, literally, as we circumambulated around a small hedgy area, and so happy to be able to dedicate my life to following in your footsteps in service to Lord Caitanya. That walk made me feel alot better!
When you then visited in the Summer, I took especially great inspiration from the lectures you gave, and I was mesmerised by the mystical, profound and unprecedentedly deep answers you gave to what I thought had been my quite ordinary questions. You inspired me to cultivate deeper faith about Kr̥ṣṇa’s presence in His Holy Name and to push on towards our topmost goal of love for Kr̥ṣṇa in Vr̥ndāvana. When you related how you have been meditating deeply on the verse beginning ‘bhagavān api tā rātrīḥ’ for so many years, I was filled with spiritual inspiration to continue my work of hearing and chanting about Kr̥ṣṇa in your wake.
I have tried to encapsulate some of these thoughts and feelings into a couple of Sanskrit verses, using the same metre as the Ṣad-gosvāmy-āṣṭakam, which is called Śārdūla-vikrīḍita. Please accept them as my best attempt to propound your glories, on the basis of the humble service I have tried to render over the past three quarters of a decade!
(1)
paścatyāvarta-hr̥n-maṇiṁ kathaṁ ahaṁ śaknomi stotum alam
pratyeka-varṣa-bhū-tale bhramasi bho śrī-kr̥ṣṇa-dayāmbudhiḥ
gāyan śrī-hari-nāma tvam asi sadā bhāvāmr̥tam majjasi
gaurānanda-guroḥ pade ta bhavatāṁ uddeśaṁ ekaṁ mama
paścatya-āvarta - the Western countries; hr̥t - heart; maṇim - jewel; katham - how; aham - I; śaknomi - am able; stotum - to praise; alam - sufficiently; prati-eka - each and every; varṣa - country; bhū-tale - on the surface of the earth; bhramasi - you wander; bho - O!; śrī-kr̥ṣṇa-dayāmbudhiḥ - ocean of Lord Kr̥ṣṇa’s mercy; gāyan - singing; śrī-hari-nāma - the Holy Name; tvam - you; asi - are; sadā - always; bhāvāmr̥ta - the nectar of spiritual emotions; majjasi - you bathe; gaurānanda - the bliss of Lord Caitanya; guroḥ - of the guru; pade - the two feet; te - your; bhavatāṁ - may they become; uddeśam - goal; ekam - only; mama - my.
A jewel, come out of the heart of the Western countries; how can I glorify you adequately? O ocean of Kr̥ṣṇa’s mercy, You travel in every land on earth, singing the Lord’s Holy name. You always submerge yourself in nectarean devotional moods. O Gurudeva, enriched with the bliss of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, may your lotus feet be my highest goal and aspiration.
COMMENT: The Western world is mostly a horrific mess of ugra-karma, with sinister characters abound, but it does have its moments of sincerity! Persons of your calibre, of whom there are very few, are the only redeemers of these nations. And you shine forth, as a dazzling precious gem, from New York City, which is the heart of those countries. Gaurānanda is similar to the mediation on the Spiritual Master as kṛṣṇānanda in the Guru-Gāyatrī mantra; certainly you are absorbed in the transcendental bliss that is connected with Lord Gaura, His pastimes and His saṅkīrtana movement, and you must certainly be giving Him boundless transcendental bliss by your activities.
(2)
satyam eva yadā yadā kathayasi āsvādya-kr̥ṣṇa-kathām
sarva-bhakta-janān hi svādayasi tvaṁ saprema-karṇais tadā
gambhīrasya niṣkiñcanasya tu mr̥doḥ phullekṣaṇasya hasan
gaurānanda-guroḥ pade ta bhavatāṁ uddeśaṁ ekaṁ mama
satyam - truthfully; eva - certainly; yadā yadā - whenever and wherever; kathayasi - you speak; āsvādya - relishable; kr̥ṣṇa-kathām - topics of Lord Kr̥ṣṇa; sarva-bhakta-janān - all of the devotees; hi - indeed; svādayasi - you cause to taste; tvam - you; saprema-karṇais - with loving ears; tadā - at that time; gambhīrasya - of the grave; niṣkiñcanasya - surrendered, with no material possessions; tu - but; mr̥doḥ - mild and gentle; phullekṣaṇasya - with blooming eyes; hasan - laughing; gaurānanda - the bliss of Lord Caitanya; guroḥ - of the guru; pade - the two feet; te - your; bhavatāṁ - may they become; uddeśam - goal; ekam - only; mama - my.
Truthfully I can bear witness to the effect your speaking has on devotees. Whenever and wherever your relishable discourses about Lord Govinda take place, each and every devotee present becomes entised to hear with ears of love. Gurudeva, you are so grave and fathomless, and a true renunciant, yet you are so mild and so sweet as you laugh with eyes abloom! You bring such joy to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and I pray that your lotus feet be my highest aspiration.
COMMENT: I meditate upon your activities in Wales, which have been my most significant experiences of you. You leave the devotees awestruck after you speak, and we are given access to deeper aspects of Kṛṣṇa Consciousnesses when we hear from you. Your personality is inconceivably broad, bearing awesome heaviness and majesty as much as it bears delicate and playful gentleness. To see you laughing in the assembly of devotees, relishing the 'Wales mood' is the greatest happiness for me. I am praying that whatever extraneous, detrimental or misguided aspirations may lurk in my heart will gracefully bow down today, and give way to what I have ascertained from scripture to be the highest goal I need aspire for: the pure, spontaneous, determined service of your lotus feet, in whatever birth I may take, eternally.
Your servant,
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Vegavan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupadad.
Thank you for accepting me under the shelter of your divine lotus feet and tolerating my mistakes and offenses. It is my good fortune that I have come into contact with a pure devotee.
Narottama dasa Thakura says “chāḍiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā nistāra pāyeche kebā”. Without serving a pure devotee, one cannot advance in spiritual life.
Prahlad Maharaj also says in Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.32:
naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-'bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat
“Unless they smear upon their bodies the dust of the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava completely freed from material contamination, persons very much inclined toward materialistic life cannot be attached to the lotus feet of the Lord, who is glorified for His uncommon activities. Only by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious and taking shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord in this way can one be freed from material contamination.”
Therefore, how fortunate I must be to have the opportunity to render devotional service to you. It is only by your mercy that I am able to attempt to free myself from my material contamination. I pray that you may empower me to give up my materialistic attachments and that rendering devotional service unto you becomes my life and soul.
I continuously feel the struggle with my material desires, sometimes knowingly, but often unknowingly. However, I do notice whenever I have the great fortune of your association, just like bathing in the river ganges, I feel like I’m being released from the grip of my sinful reactions, material desires and anxieties. For a moment, I see a glimpse of what it feels like to be free from the mental platform as you ignite the spark of Krsna Consciousness within me.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.10 it says:
bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās
tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho
tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni
svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā
“My lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage. “
Due to your potency and you carrying the personality of godhead within your heart, you are able to purify the polluted consciousness wherever you go. Thank you for teaching me the methods of devotional service and always resounding the transcendental message of Krsna. I hope that one day this will bring me a fraction of the conviction in devotional service and attachment to the supreme personality of godhead as you.
As you have made your nest in the lotuslike face of the Lord, I aim to make a nest at your lotuslike feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Vegavan Das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupadad.
Thank you for accepting me under the shelter of your divine lotus feet and tolerating my mistakes and offenses. It is my good fortune that I have come into contact with a pure devotee.
Narottama dasa Thakura says “chāḍiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā nistāra pāyeche kebā”. Without serving a pure devotee, one cannot advance in spiritual life.
Prahlad Maharaj also says in Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.32:
naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghriṁ
spṛśaty anarthāpagamo yad-arthaḥ
mahīyasāṁ pāda-rajo-'bhiṣekaṁ
niṣkiñcanānāṁ na vṛṇīta yāvat
“Unless they smear upon their bodies the dust of the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava completely freed from material contamination, persons very much inclined toward materialistic life cannot be attached to the lotus feet of the Lord, who is glorified for His uncommon activities. Only by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious and taking shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord in this way can one be freed from material contamination.”
Therefore, how fortunate I must be to have the opportunity to render devotional service to you. It is only by your mercy that I am able to attempt to free myself from my material contamination. I pray that you may empower me to give up my materialistic attachments and that rendering devotional service unto you becomes my life and soul.
I continuously feel the struggle with my material desires, sometimes knowingly, but often unknowingly. However, I do notice whenever I have the great fortune of your association, just like bathing in the river ganges, I feel like I’m being released from the grip of my sinful reactions, material desires and anxieties. For a moment, I see a glimpse of what it feels like to be free from the mental platform as you ignite the spark of Krsna Consciousness within me.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.10 it says:
bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās
tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho
tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni
svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā
“My lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage. “
Due to your potency and you carrying the personality of godhead within your heart, you are able to purify the polluted consciousness wherever you go. Thank you for teaching me the methods of devotional service and always resounding the transcendental message of Krsna. I hope that one day this will bring me a fraction of the conviction in devotional service and attachment to the supreme personality of godhead as you.
As you have made your nest in the lotuslike face of the Lord, I aim to make a nest at your lotuslike feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Vegavan Das
Venkata Brahmanandarao 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 and my wife are offering our respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja 2023. All glories to you Srila Gurudev, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Gauranga as well.
Gurudev, I am indebted to you so much for your service towards Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Your classes are so nice. Your interactions are always memorable.
Our ( I and my wife) always felt very happy when we met you. My wife loves your smile, talks, and she is so happy to receive your continous blessings even though we did not perform noticeable services onto your lotus feet yet. I am happy to have you as my spiritual father.
Dear Gurumaharaja, at my mistakes, you are always helping me to learn lessons in so many ways directly and from your lectures/classes.
For example, please let me write below mistakes which I committed on 10/10/2034 after Srimad bhagavatam class in ISKCON Melbourne temple:
1) I did not inform you that I am lifting you from your right side & I didn't take your permission to lift you from the vyasaasan seat after the class.
2) I moved you in the wrong direction/side, which caused you to get imbalanced and resulted in pain/discomfort to your body.
3) I did not put the seat belt onto you after opening the car door for your entry ento car's front seat.
Learned lessons from my above 3 mistakes:
1) Always let you know that I am there to get your approval when performing insignificant seva to you. This brings an understanding to you about my activity.
2) I have to ensure the balance & I need to communicate with other prabhu while doing insignificant seva.
3) I have to watch carefully how other devotees are doing/done the same service before I commence the seva.
4) You have informed me to wear leg socks to prevent cold weather, I felt very happy from your suggestion. Thank you guruDEVA.
Please let me request you to forgive me for my mistakes, guru Maharaja. Thank you so much for your mercy upon me all the time, guruDEVA.
Thank you gurudev for blessing me & my wife continuously. Haribole.
Guru Maharaja ki jai. guruDEVA ki jai. Srila Prabhupada ki jai. Anantha koti acharya vrinda ki jai. Anantha koti bhakta vrinda ki jai. Panchatatvaki jai. Sri Sri Rasha Krishna ki jai. Please take care. Thanks for letting me to write this info-offering on this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja 2023.
Your aspiring servants,
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (Disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and your Siksha disciple, spritiual daughter-in-law)
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥnama
Dear Gurudev, Hare Krishna.
I and my wife are offering our respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja 2023. All glories to you Srila Gurudev, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Gauranga as well.
Gurudev, I am indebted to you so much for your service towards Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Your classes are so nice. Your interactions are always memorable.
Our ( I and my wife) always felt very happy when we met you. My wife loves your smile, talks, and she is so happy to receive your continous blessings even though we did not perform noticeable services onto your lotus feet yet. I am happy to have you as my spiritual father.
Dear Gurumaharaja, at my mistakes, you are always helping me to learn lessons in so many ways directly and from your lectures/classes.
For example, please let me write below mistakes which I committed on 10/10/2034 after Srimad bhagavatam class in ISKCON Melbourne temple:
1) I did not inform you that I am lifting you from your right side & I didn't take your permission to lift you from the vyasaasan seat after the class.
2) I moved you in the wrong direction/side, which caused you to get imbalanced and resulted in pain/discomfort to your body.
3) I did not put the seat belt onto you after opening the car door for your entry ento car's front seat.
Learned lessons from my above 3 mistakes:
1) Always let you know that I am there to get your approval when performing insignificant seva to you. This brings an understanding to you about my activity.
2) I have to ensure the balance & I need to communicate with other prabhu while doing insignificant seva.
3) I have to watch carefully how other devotees are doing/done the same service before I commence the seva.
4) You have informed me to wear leg socks to prevent cold weather, I felt very happy from your suggestion. Thank you guruDEVA.
Please let me request you to forgive me for my mistakes, guru Maharaja. Thank you so much for your mercy upon me all the time, guruDEVA.
Thank you gurudev for blessing me & my wife continuously. Haribole.
Guru Maharaja ki jai. guruDEVA ki jai. Srila Prabhupada ki jai. Anantha koti acharya vrinda ki jai. Anantha koti bhakta vrinda ki jai. Panchatatvaki jai. Sri Sri Rasha Krishna ki jai. Please take care. Thanks for letting me to write this info-offering on this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja 2023.
Your aspiring servants,
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (Disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and your Siksha disciple, spritiual daughter-in-law)
Venu-madhurya das
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my prostrated obeisances at Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
During this auspicious day of Your appearance, I hope to highlight some of Your many extraordinary qualities that You possess and manifest.
In the list of 26 vaishnava qualities Srila Prabhupada mentions them in the purport to SB 5.18.12, He lists as number 15 quality as "He is steady".
In many letters and conversations with devotees before delegating a task or service, or just dealing with a person, Srila Prabhupada often asked or outlined an important question about character of a person: "Is he reliable?"
Eg in letter to Vaikunthanatha 72/02/21 Srila Prabhupada writes: "...you may deal directly with Karanadhana as he is very reliable." Or during conversation in Paris 74/06/14 Srila Prabhupada states "...he is devotee. Therefore he is reliable."
I have no doubts whatsoever that after 50 years of Your dedicated & focused service to His Divine Grace and Lord Chaitanya, Srila Prabhupada would now proudly say about His disciple - Devamrita Swami is very reliable. The time and fruits are a proof.
Even with my limited vision, conditioning and just a little fraction of personal association with You, I could see qualities when You being very kind to everyone and at the same time equal to everyone. How You being magnanimous and work tirelessly for everyone’s benefit. How You remain very peaceful in the midst of storms of age of Kali. How You are always surrendered to Kṛṣṇa & teaching us to do the same. How You remain very meek despite Your achievements, titles, positions, successes...How You control Your senses and do not eat more than required (in fact seems every year it becomes less and less). I saw You offering respect to everyone in classes and personal conversations. I have never spotted any desire for respect. I witnessed You in different states while being very grave and silent and another times friendly and merciful. And always expert in vaishnava dealings as we chant in Your pranama mantra.
Just in that one paragraph I have mentioned majority of 26 vaishnava qualities. How lucky we are to have You walking the Earth on so many continents giving the mercy of Your association to so many devotees worldwide.
Gurudeva You teach by Your words and behaviour, its rare when people walk their talk, but You make it possible for us to follow in Your footsteps, by expert guidance and personal example.
I wish one blessed day You may think of me and Lila-madhurya as reliable disciples of Yours. And I hope many of my godbrothers and godsisters are already in such category, by knowing some of them, I am sure they are... Thank You Gurudeva for this family and rare gift of devotional service to Krishna, Vaishnavas and You.
Your unqualified, but grateful servant,
Venu-madhurya das
During this auspicious day of Your appearance, I hope to highlight some of Your many extraordinary qualities that You possess and manifest.
In the list of 26 vaishnava qualities Srila Prabhupada mentions them in the purport to SB 5.18.12, He lists as number 15 quality as "He is steady".
In many letters and conversations with devotees before delegating a task or service, or just dealing with a person, Srila Prabhupada often asked or outlined an important question about character of a person: "Is he reliable?"
Eg in letter to Vaikunthanatha 72/02/21 Srila Prabhupada writes: "...you may deal directly with Karanadhana as he is very reliable." Or during conversation in Paris 74/06/14 Srila Prabhupada states "...he is devotee. Therefore he is reliable."
I have no doubts whatsoever that after 50 years of Your dedicated & focused service to His Divine Grace and Lord Chaitanya, Srila Prabhupada would now proudly say about His disciple - Devamrita Swami is very reliable. The time and fruits are a proof.
Even with my limited vision, conditioning and just a little fraction of personal association with You, I could see qualities when You being very kind to everyone and at the same time equal to everyone. How You being magnanimous and work tirelessly for everyone’s benefit. How You remain very peaceful in the midst of storms of age of Kali. How You are always surrendered to Kṛṣṇa & teaching us to do the same. How You remain very meek despite Your achievements, titles, positions, successes...How You control Your senses and do not eat more than required (in fact seems every year it becomes less and less). I saw You offering respect to everyone in classes and personal conversations. I have never spotted any desire for respect. I witnessed You in different states while being very grave and silent and another times friendly and merciful. And always expert in vaishnava dealings as we chant in Your pranama mantra.
Just in that one paragraph I have mentioned majority of 26 vaishnava qualities. How lucky we are to have You walking the Earth on so many continents giving the mercy of Your association to so many devotees worldwide.
Gurudeva You teach by Your words and behaviour, its rare when people walk their talk, but You make it possible for us to follow in Your footsteps, by expert guidance and personal example.
I wish one blessed day You may think of me and Lila-madhurya as reliable disciples of Yours. And I hope many of my godbrothers and godsisters are already in such category, by knowing some of them, I am sure they are... Thank You Gurudeva for this family and rare gift of devotional service to Krishna, Vaishnavas and You.
Your unqualified, but grateful servant,
Venu-madhurya das
Vikram Kumar
Nama Om Vshnu Padaya Krishna Pristhaya Bhutale Srimati Devamrita Swamin Eti Namine.
O’ Guru Maharaj, I pray to your lotus feet for your mercy and blessings.
At the age of 70 Srila Prabhupada went to US, to fulfil the desire of his spiritual master, and in the same mood you are serving day and night to your guru maharaj by traveling entire world for countless number of times, spreading Krishna Consciousness to everyone over the last 51 years.
The example of your life full of sacrifice for your guru maharaj is a perfect inspiration for us to learn the art of devotional service.
Six years ago I first attended your boat festival, being unaware that the boat which I happen to take was not an ordinary boat. It appeared old, but it had the strength of taking the conditioned souls out of the sufferings of this world.
The mercy of Krishna Katha, you gave on boat, continued on Farm. I attended your retreat, thinking lets attend there is no harm. But, soon I realised I have meet my guru by whose mercy only there is a hope that I would be able to transcend my material desire.
Conditioned souls like me are in forrest fire, and you are like a rescuer commander of Srila Prabhupada, serving day and night, to re-pair the lost parts and parcel back to Krishna.
This Hare Krishna movement was started by Srila Prabhupada, which is actually moving by the efforts and dedication of masters like you.
I pray to your lotus feet for forgiveness of any offences which I may have done in my neophyte stage, and request you for giving me strength, intelligence, and ability to be able to serve you sincerely and serve in speeding the mission of Srila Prabhupada. The mission of spreading the causeless Mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to all the suffering souls of this world.
Your servant,
Vikram
O’ Guru Maharaj, I pray to your lotus feet for your mercy and blessings.
At the age of 70 Srila Prabhupada went to US, to fulfil the desire of his spiritual master, and in the same mood you are serving day and night to your guru maharaj by traveling entire world for countless number of times, spreading Krishna Consciousness to everyone over the last 51 years.
The example of your life full of sacrifice for your guru maharaj is a perfect inspiration for us to learn the art of devotional service.
Six years ago I first attended your boat festival, being unaware that the boat which I happen to take was not an ordinary boat. It appeared old, but it had the strength of taking the conditioned souls out of the sufferings of this world.
The mercy of Krishna Katha, you gave on boat, continued on Farm. I attended your retreat, thinking lets attend there is no harm. But, soon I realised I have meet my guru by whose mercy only there is a hope that I would be able to transcend my material desire.
Conditioned souls like me are in forrest fire, and you are like a rescuer commander of Srila Prabhupada, serving day and night, to re-pair the lost parts and parcel back to Krishna.
This Hare Krishna movement was started by Srila Prabhupada, which is actually moving by the efforts and dedication of masters like you.
I pray to your lotus feet for forgiveness of any offences which I may have done in my neophyte stage, and request you for giving me strength, intelligence, and ability to be able to serve you sincerely and serve in speeding the mission of Srila Prabhupada. The mission of spreading the causeless Mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to all the suffering souls of this world.
Your servant,
Vikram
Vilasini dd
Nama om Visnu padaya
Krishna presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept most humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine lotus feet
In this occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I would like to glorify your divine presence in this world and all the service that you have done as a preacher and initiating Guru.
Over 20 years ago when you came to Lima-Peru to visit the yatra, I knew you were the person who would guide me in the process of my Krishna consciousness. At the time you were a sannyasa and even though you still gave me shelter when I approached you and ask for it. Few years later you gave me Harinama inition and from there I knew our connection will never end.
Today. I have a family on my own. I have two children who for the first time this year had the opportunity to interact with you in our last visit to Gita Nagari. MY older daughter Malini for the last 2 years has been asking me to see you so I granted her her wish by taking her with me to Gita Nagari to take your darshan. She was very nervous but you were very kind and patient with her. She shared with you how nervous she was and you with such a nice voice and in such a lovely way asked her why she was nervous and she replied that it was her first time talking to a Guru. After our darshan she was thrilled and very happy.
In that darshan she also asked about what it takes to get initiated and you explained it very nicely. So, in the summer she was trying to chant more rounds everyday and on Balaram Purnima she reached 16 rounds! now she is back to school and does not chant as many as before but that accomplishment of the 16 rounds she wont never forget it and in time to time we talk about it. Definitely she got the inspiration after your preaching.
I'm sharing this because the cause of my family and I being Krishna conscious is YOU dear Guru Maharaja. You have saved me and my family from the illusory clutches of maya. You have gave me life since the moment you accept me as your disciple. I'm fascinated the way you preach and the way you talk.
You have such a particular way to articulate words in your preaching that blows my mind away!
Describing your glories has not end.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving yourself to your spiritual master and your disciples.
You have giving all and still giving more.
Happy Vyasa Puja dear Gurudeva
YS and disciple Vilasini dd
Krishna presthaya bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept most humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine lotus feet
In this occasion of your Vyasa Puja, I would like to glorify your divine presence in this world and all the service that you have done as a preacher and initiating Guru.
Over 20 years ago when you came to Lima-Peru to visit the yatra, I knew you were the person who would guide me in the process of my Krishna consciousness. At the time you were a sannyasa and even though you still gave me shelter when I approached you and ask for it. Few years later you gave me Harinama inition and from there I knew our connection will never end.
Today. I have a family on my own. I have two children who for the first time this year had the opportunity to interact with you in our last visit to Gita Nagari. MY older daughter Malini for the last 2 years has been asking me to see you so I granted her her wish by taking her with me to Gita Nagari to take your darshan. She was very nervous but you were very kind and patient with her. She shared with you how nervous she was and you with such a nice voice and in such a lovely way asked her why she was nervous and she replied that it was her first time talking to a Guru. After our darshan she was thrilled and very happy.
In that darshan she also asked about what it takes to get initiated and you explained it very nicely. So, in the summer she was trying to chant more rounds everyday and on Balaram Purnima she reached 16 rounds! now she is back to school and does not chant as many as before but that accomplishment of the 16 rounds she wont never forget it and in time to time we talk about it. Definitely she got the inspiration after your preaching.
I'm sharing this because the cause of my family and I being Krishna conscious is YOU dear Guru Maharaja. You have saved me and my family from the illusory clutches of maya. You have gave me life since the moment you accept me as your disciple. I'm fascinated the way you preach and the way you talk.
You have such a particular way to articulate words in your preaching that blows my mind away!
Describing your glories has not end.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving yourself to your spiritual master and your disciples.
You have giving all and still giving more.
Happy Vyasa Puja dear Gurudeva
YS and disciple Vilasini dd
Vindhyāvali Devī Dāsī
Dear Gurūdeva,
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Nama Oṁ Viṣṇu-pādāya Kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
Śrīmate Devāmrita Swāmi iti nāmine
Prachāre purva-dakshyam ca bhaktāchara-pravinata
Parārthatapi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
All glories to you!
On this day of your glorious Vyāsa Pūjā, I remind myself of the beautiful song “Ohe Vaiṣṇava Thākura” by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Thākura. He exudes the mood of total humility, begging for the mercy of a pure Vaiṣṇava. Trying to follow the example set forth by all stalwart devotees, this day, I would like to beg you for your mercy in my life. I am drawn to this particular stanza:
krsna se tomara, krsna dite paro,
tomara sakati ache
ami to' kańgala, 'krsna' 'krsna' boli',
dhai tava pache pache
“ Kṛṣṇa is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Kṛṣṇa! Kṛṣṇa!" “
In my 2017 Vyāsa Pūjā offering, I wrote this “Please help me, please accept me as an instrument in assisting you with sharing the wonderful message of Śrīla Prabhupāda with others. Please forgive me for being a poor book distributor, I try my best to give Kṛṣṇa to others, and I will try harder. By your mercy, one day, hopefully I will be able to be of some service to you.” You'll be delighted to know that this year, as an offering to you, I distributed 1 Srimad Bhāgavatam Set, 12 Kṛṣṇa volumes, 3 Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, and 6 small books during the world-wide book distribution campaign on October 14. I only hope and pray that I can continue to do more and more and contribute in whatever small ways I can to the magnificent Saṅkirtan mission for both your and the Vaiṣṇavas' pleasure.
During your visit in September, you were so generous to spend time and share your insights with my good friend Amelia, who I am certain left the meeting feeling quite inspired. You will be happy to hear that she started doing sevā in the deity kitchen. I was equally inspired by that encounter for two reasons:
1. I saw an affectionate fatherly side of you, and you referred to me as your spiritual daughter. My heart was profoundly impacted by the words you spoke. I held back my emotions and tears with great difficulty. I will relish that moment forever.
2. I spent a significant amount of my life (late teens and early twenties) exploring the Abrahamic religions, specifically Islam and Christianity, before discovering Srila Prabhupāda's works. Your responses to Amelia's questions were enlightening, clarified some of my own long-standing questions, and reinforced the idea that Srila Prabhupāda really did impart the highest knowledge to us.
You remarked in the meeting that I have never ever given you a thank-you card. Please forgive my immaturity, for I am still learning the proper etiquette. I will offer you a thank-you card with my own artwork, next time.
I have noticed a recurring theme in your presentations during the US tour this year: to sincerely thank devotees for their service and appreciate them. We advance spiritually by doing this. For the past few months, I have been reflecting on it and making a special effort to recognize and thank devotees. It has been a really purifying experience and a useful tool for taming the ego and letting go of negativity. It also circles back to the significance of sādhu-saṅga and how the prayers and well wishes of the Vaiṣṇavas are what sustain my Bhakti. I appreciate you sharing this straightforward, practical, yet profound strategy to help us escape the dangerous trap of taking devotees for granted.
Gurūdeva, I humbly ask you for just one thing at your lotus feet. No matter what I experience in life, please never let me forget Kṛṣṇa and to always remember Him. My mental health has suffered greatly over the past three years, and many traumatic memories from my childhood and adolescence, dating back to when I was four years old, have surfaced. I have spent many dark nights for months being bewildered and angry at Kṛṣṇa, and that was a very dark place to be. I was mentally consumed by the anguish, that I had little time for Kṛṣṇa. "Kṛṣṇa, where is your protection?" is a query I have repeatedly posed. When you traveled to Los Angeles in 2022, I was quite embarrassed to meet you. I felt so inadequate and defeated. I've had the realization that this is the karma I had to deal with in this lifetime, and it was a process. I'm glad to say that my spiritual health has returned, and I don't want to be in that state of resentment once more. Please give me your grace to develop Śāstra-chakṣus, seek refuge in the Srimad Bhagavatam, take shelter of the holy names, be spiritually strong, and keep my focus on developing Kṛṣṇa-prema—not just for myself, but also to share with the rest of the world. As the African saying goes, “If you want to go fast, walk alone but if you want to go far, walk together.” In my journey towards Kṛṣṇa, I want to uplift as many souls as I can. And that will be my genuine offering to you, at the end of my lifetime. On this auspicious day of your Vyāsa Pūjā, I would like to beg forgiveness from you for all my offenses.
I will always treasure the wonderful opportunity that my family and I got this year to serve lunch prasadam to you for the first time. I am extremely grateful that I was able to perform menial service to you for my own purification. We are incredibly blessed. I implore you to kindly grant me the courage, wisdom, and humility to appreciate the value of sevā, and to do so without succumbing to the false ego.
My spouse Thirumurugan has received such generosity from you, kindness that I will never be able to reciprocate. Your discussions with him have given him something to think about, and he has begun to reflect more intently on them. You'll be glad to learn that he enjoys making prasādam for and feeding devotees very much. He sends you his obeisances and his heartfelt wishes. When she sees your picture, our young daughter Kiirtidaa likes to say, "This is Gurūdeva." We appreciate all that you do for us.
Gurūdeva, you are my hope, strength and solace. I am here to please you. Let me fulfill your desire if I am able and you see fit. Please give me the strength to grow and serve you. I don’t want to fall short and have a mediocre spiritual life. I may not understand your shelter now, but one day I hope to get there. I fervently pray that I may exhibit at least some of the traits that Śrīmatī Vindhyāvali Devī possessed, that you alluded to during my initiation ceremony, and be a Vaiṣnavi in action.
Your spiritual daughter and most worthless aspiring servant,
Vindhyāvali Devī Dāsī
New Dwārakā Dhāma (Los Angeles)
20th October 2023
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Nama Oṁ Viṣṇu-pādāya Kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
Śrīmate Devāmrita Swāmi iti nāmine
Prachāre purva-dakshyam ca bhaktāchara-pravinata
Parārthatapi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
All glories to you!
On this day of your glorious Vyāsa Pūjā, I remind myself of the beautiful song “Ohe Vaiṣṇava Thākura” by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Thākura. He exudes the mood of total humility, begging for the mercy of a pure Vaiṣṇava. Trying to follow the example set forth by all stalwart devotees, this day, I would like to beg you for your mercy in my life. I am drawn to this particular stanza:
krsna se tomara, krsna dite paro,
tomara sakati ache
ami to' kańgala, 'krsna' 'krsna' boli',
dhai tava pache pache
“ Kṛṣṇa is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Kṛṣṇa! Kṛṣṇa!" “
In my 2017 Vyāsa Pūjā offering, I wrote this “Please help me, please accept me as an instrument in assisting you with sharing the wonderful message of Śrīla Prabhupāda with others. Please forgive me for being a poor book distributor, I try my best to give Kṛṣṇa to others, and I will try harder. By your mercy, one day, hopefully I will be able to be of some service to you.” You'll be delighted to know that this year, as an offering to you, I distributed 1 Srimad Bhāgavatam Set, 12 Kṛṣṇa volumes, 3 Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, and 6 small books during the world-wide book distribution campaign on October 14. I only hope and pray that I can continue to do more and more and contribute in whatever small ways I can to the magnificent Saṅkirtan mission for both your and the Vaiṣṇavas' pleasure.
During your visit in September, you were so generous to spend time and share your insights with my good friend Amelia, who I am certain left the meeting feeling quite inspired. You will be happy to hear that she started doing sevā in the deity kitchen. I was equally inspired by that encounter for two reasons:
1. I saw an affectionate fatherly side of you, and you referred to me as your spiritual daughter. My heart was profoundly impacted by the words you spoke. I held back my emotions and tears with great difficulty. I will relish that moment forever.
2. I spent a significant amount of my life (late teens and early twenties) exploring the Abrahamic religions, specifically Islam and Christianity, before discovering Srila Prabhupāda's works. Your responses to Amelia's questions were enlightening, clarified some of my own long-standing questions, and reinforced the idea that Srila Prabhupāda really did impart the highest knowledge to us.
You remarked in the meeting that I have never ever given you a thank-you card. Please forgive my immaturity, for I am still learning the proper etiquette. I will offer you a thank-you card with my own artwork, next time.
I have noticed a recurring theme in your presentations during the US tour this year: to sincerely thank devotees for their service and appreciate them. We advance spiritually by doing this. For the past few months, I have been reflecting on it and making a special effort to recognize and thank devotees. It has been a really purifying experience and a useful tool for taming the ego and letting go of negativity. It also circles back to the significance of sādhu-saṅga and how the prayers and well wishes of the Vaiṣṇavas are what sustain my Bhakti. I appreciate you sharing this straightforward, practical, yet profound strategy to help us escape the dangerous trap of taking devotees for granted.
Gurūdeva, I humbly ask you for just one thing at your lotus feet. No matter what I experience in life, please never let me forget Kṛṣṇa and to always remember Him. My mental health has suffered greatly over the past three years, and many traumatic memories from my childhood and adolescence, dating back to when I was four years old, have surfaced. I have spent many dark nights for months being bewildered and angry at Kṛṣṇa, and that was a very dark place to be. I was mentally consumed by the anguish, that I had little time for Kṛṣṇa. "Kṛṣṇa, where is your protection?" is a query I have repeatedly posed. When you traveled to Los Angeles in 2022, I was quite embarrassed to meet you. I felt so inadequate and defeated. I've had the realization that this is the karma I had to deal with in this lifetime, and it was a process. I'm glad to say that my spiritual health has returned, and I don't want to be in that state of resentment once more. Please give me your grace to develop Śāstra-chakṣus, seek refuge in the Srimad Bhagavatam, take shelter of the holy names, be spiritually strong, and keep my focus on developing Kṛṣṇa-prema—not just for myself, but also to share with the rest of the world. As the African saying goes, “If you want to go fast, walk alone but if you want to go far, walk together.” In my journey towards Kṛṣṇa, I want to uplift as many souls as I can. And that will be my genuine offering to you, at the end of my lifetime. On this auspicious day of your Vyāsa Pūjā, I would like to beg forgiveness from you for all my offenses.
I will always treasure the wonderful opportunity that my family and I got this year to serve lunch prasadam to you for the first time. I am extremely grateful that I was able to perform menial service to you for my own purification. We are incredibly blessed. I implore you to kindly grant me the courage, wisdom, and humility to appreciate the value of sevā, and to do so without succumbing to the false ego.
My spouse Thirumurugan has received such generosity from you, kindness that I will never be able to reciprocate. Your discussions with him have given him something to think about, and he has begun to reflect more intently on them. You'll be glad to learn that he enjoys making prasādam for and feeding devotees very much. He sends you his obeisances and his heartfelt wishes. When she sees your picture, our young daughter Kiirtidaa likes to say, "This is Gurūdeva." We appreciate all that you do for us.
Gurūdeva, you are my hope, strength and solace. I am here to please you. Let me fulfill your desire if I am able and you see fit. Please give me the strength to grow and serve you. I don’t want to fall short and have a mediocre spiritual life. I may not understand your shelter now, but one day I hope to get there. I fervently pray that I may exhibit at least some of the traits that Śrīmatī Vindhyāvali Devī possessed, that you alluded to during my initiation ceremony, and be a Vaiṣnavi in action.
Your spiritual daughter and most worthless aspiring servant,
Vindhyāvali Devī Dāsī
New Dwārakā Dhāma (Los Angeles)
20th October 2023
Vinita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Appearance.
Recently I was telling a devotee about my early days in Krishna Consciousness. I was attending the Melbourne Temple programs and chanting two rounds of japa, which I'd been doing for quite some time. The devotee cultivating me said I should increase my chanting, but I explained that I couldn't be attentive for more than two rounds, so better I stick to two rounds of attentive chanting than chant inattentively. She said it's more important to focus on quantity, then the quality would come. But I wasn't convinced. So I stayed with my two rounds.
Then one day you came to visit. You asked me how many rounds I was chanting, and I said two. You enthusiastically replied "I want you to increase your chanting!" Straight away I agreed, and from the next morning I was up to four rounds. Eventually I made it to 16, was able to take initiation, and then start my Krishna Conscious journey of helping to save lives, just as mine had well and truly been saved.
Among those currently getting saved are the children in my Home Daycare. After many years of preparation, including study, finding and getting accepted for a suitable house, and working though a long list of criteria for safety and premises requirements, I became eligible to become a Home Based Educator. And in February of this year, my Home Daycare began.
The program starts with Darshan and kirtana on arrival. The kids become absorbed in the Deities, sometimes pointing to Them and the picture of Lord Nrsimhadeva,
and the youngest becomes happy and laughs each time.
They play for some time, have morning Prasad, then we sit for Nrsimhadeva prayers and Darshan Arati in Mayapur. They love this time, with one coming to sit on my lap so she can see the Lord, and the others joining in too.
When it's time for the lunch offering, they become very excited and start laughing and running around. Before the offering takes place, they receive Ganga water on their heads, then there's more kirtana while the offering takes place.
We take Prasad, then the kids play, and it's amazing how happy they get! They love looking at Krishna Books, with one becoming amazingly absorbed in the pictures, and they will all fortunately have a hope of growing up to be devotees.
And it's all because of you.
Thank you for your amazing level of dedication to Krishna Consciousness, always doing your best to inspire people in their hearing and chanting, and maintaining an amazing level of enthusiasm.
And thank you again for everything.
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.
Recently I was telling a devotee about my early days in Krishna Consciousness. I was attending the Melbourne Temple programs and chanting two rounds of japa, which I'd been doing for quite some time. The devotee cultivating me said I should increase my chanting, but I explained that I couldn't be attentive for more than two rounds, so better I stick to two rounds of attentive chanting than chant inattentively. She said it's more important to focus on quantity, then the quality would come. But I wasn't convinced. So I stayed with my two rounds.
Then one day you came to visit. You asked me how many rounds I was chanting, and I said two. You enthusiastically replied "I want you to increase your chanting!" Straight away I agreed, and from the next morning I was up to four rounds. Eventually I made it to 16, was able to take initiation, and then start my Krishna Conscious journey of helping to save lives, just as mine had well and truly been saved.
Among those currently getting saved are the children in my Home Daycare. After many years of preparation, including study, finding and getting accepted for a suitable house, and working though a long list of criteria for safety and premises requirements, I became eligible to become a Home Based Educator. And in February of this year, my Home Daycare began.
The program starts with Darshan and kirtana on arrival. The kids become absorbed in the Deities, sometimes pointing to Them and the picture of Lord Nrsimhadeva,
and the youngest becomes happy and laughs each time.
They play for some time, have morning Prasad, then we sit for Nrsimhadeva prayers and Darshan Arati in Mayapur. They love this time, with one coming to sit on my lap so she can see the Lord, and the others joining in too.
When it's time for the lunch offering, they become very excited and start laughing and running around. Before the offering takes place, they receive Ganga water on their heads, then there's more kirtana while the offering takes place.
We take Prasad, then the kids play, and it's amazing how happy they get! They love looking at Krishna Books, with one becoming amazingly absorbed in the pictures, and they will all fortunately have a hope of growing up to be devotees.
And it's all because of you.
Thank you for your amazing level of dedication to Krishna Consciousness, always doing your best to inspire people in their hearing and chanting, and maintaining an amazing level of enthusiasm.
And thank you again for everything.
Your aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Vira-gopi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for the opportunity to glorify you according to my limited capacity and reflect upon the true wealth you have given me.
Recently I was meditating on the quality of compassion and I was reminded of an analogy you gave a few years ago explaining how people are spoiling their human lives and how this is like seeing a child about to walk off the edge of a roof. It gave me a glimpse into how you can continuously and tirelessly endure so many austerities to give Krsna to others, because you have this realization. Through your personal example you have imbued your disciples with this same spirit of outreach and as a result just by their association one can be swept up in their enthusiasm and develop a desire to also spread this Sankirtan mission.
Not only are you constantly bestowing compassion to those who have not yet come in contact with Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement but you are also persistently encouraging and uplifting those who are trying to practice Krsna consciousness, reminding us of our good fortune. You were speaking recently about how the best thing the Guru can give his disciple is devotional service. Through Bhakti Lounge and the ladies Ashram you have given ample opportunity for devotional service and you expertly engage everyone according to their nature so they can grow in Bhakti. Unfortunately I can’t truly appreciate the depths of what you’ve given me. However I can see how without the dynamic, absorbing and challenging service which you engage me in, I am unsatisfied and lifeless. Please help me to develop a mature vision and appreciation of devotional service, going beyond the externals, so that I can become steady in all circumstances.
Thank you for giving me everything I need to make this human life successful; sincere association, Srila Prabhupada’s books, devotional service, the maha mantra, instructions to guide each area of my life, ashram training and guidance. I pray to you to develop a desire to serve you selflessly in an effort to show my gratitude and appreciation. I would like to put more effort into outreach. If you so desire, please show me my capacity in this regard and give me the intelligence to do this in a way that is most pleasing to you.
Begging to stay under the shelter of your lotus feet,
and hoping to become a worthy disciple,
Vira-gopi devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for the opportunity to glorify you according to my limited capacity and reflect upon the true wealth you have given me.
Recently I was meditating on the quality of compassion and I was reminded of an analogy you gave a few years ago explaining how people are spoiling their human lives and how this is like seeing a child about to walk off the edge of a roof. It gave me a glimpse into how you can continuously and tirelessly endure so many austerities to give Krsna to others, because you have this realization. Through your personal example you have imbued your disciples with this same spirit of outreach and as a result just by their association one can be swept up in their enthusiasm and develop a desire to also spread this Sankirtan mission.
Not only are you constantly bestowing compassion to those who have not yet come in contact with Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement but you are also persistently encouraging and uplifting those who are trying to practice Krsna consciousness, reminding us of our good fortune. You were speaking recently about how the best thing the Guru can give his disciple is devotional service. Through Bhakti Lounge and the ladies Ashram you have given ample opportunity for devotional service and you expertly engage everyone according to their nature so they can grow in Bhakti. Unfortunately I can’t truly appreciate the depths of what you’ve given me. However I can see how without the dynamic, absorbing and challenging service which you engage me in, I am unsatisfied and lifeless. Please help me to develop a mature vision and appreciation of devotional service, going beyond the externals, so that I can become steady in all circumstances.
Thank you for giving me everything I need to make this human life successful; sincere association, Srila Prabhupada’s books, devotional service, the maha mantra, instructions to guide each area of my life, ashram training and guidance. I pray to you to develop a desire to serve you selflessly in an effort to show my gratitude and appreciation. I would like to put more effort into outreach. If you so desire, please show me my capacity in this regard and give me the intelligence to do this in a way that is most pleasing to you.
Begging to stay under the shelter of your lotus feet,
and hoping to become a worthy disciple,
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
Here comes the blessed time again when I can sit and meditate on some of your unlimited qualities. I really cherish this moment of my life.
SB 6.9.50:-
svayaṁ niḥśreyasaṁ vidvān
na vakty ajñāya karma hi
na rāti rogiṇo ‘pathyaṁ
vāñchato ‘pi bhiṣaktamaḥ
Translation :- A pure devotee who is fully accomplished in the science of devotional service will never instruct a foolish person to engage in fruitive activities for material enjoyment, not to speak of helping him in such activities. Such a devotee is like an experienced physician, who never encourages a patient to eat food injurious to his health, even if the patient desires it.
You truly exemplify this verse. Just like an expert physician, though he know very well about the precarious condition of his patient, does not scare the patient but at the same time informs patient about his condition and prescribe the required medicine. You also Gurudev, knowing very well about our condition of suffering in the material world, explain us about the gravity of the problem in a joking yet in a very firm way and prescribe a beautiful medicine of chanting Hare Krishna. As you mention that chanting Hare Krishna is the solution to everything.
It is really inspiring to see how much taste and faith you have in Hare Krishna Maha mantra.
Fortunately, sometimes I get an opportunity to drive you to airport and I get a chance to hear you chanting. I can not express that feeling when I hear you calling out loud "Hare Krishna". Seeking your blessings that one day I can also start chanting with love.
Gurudev, just like clouds travel from one place to another, you are like a mercy cloud. You also keep on travelling to pour the mercy rain of Krishna consciousness on everyone.
In the purport of SB 11.26.29, Srila Prabhupada says that When one obeys the order of a bona fide spiritual master, the polluted workings of the mind are checked, one sees things in a new, spiritual light, and there blossoms the propensity for selfless loving service to the Lord, which gives the fruit of love of Godhead.
And in one of your recent lectures in Melbourne you had mentioned that the ""Greatest benediction of Guru to disciple is the sincere training devotional service, either personally or another arrangement. That is a real Guru Prasad and with that Guru Prasad, we get the mercy of Krishna"".
While meditating on the above purport of Srila Prabhupada and your lecture point, I am thinking with my limited understanding that you have already given me a greatest gift by giving me the platform to be trained in sincere devotional service but to be able to receive that fruit of love of Godhead, I will have to sincerely obey your instructions.
You have kindly given me the Brahmana Diksha recently. I am seeking your blessings to be able to follow your instructions whole heartedly.
As a conditioned jiva, I have many short comings but as a loving father, please keep forgiving me and never give up on me.
On this auspicious day, I sincerely pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with healthy and long life, so that you can keep on saving many more jiva like me.
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
Here comes the blessed time again when I can sit and meditate on some of your unlimited qualities. I really cherish this moment of my life.
SB 6.9.50:-
svayaṁ niḥśreyasaṁ vidvān
na vakty ajñāya karma hi
na rāti rogiṇo ‘pathyaṁ
vāñchato ‘pi bhiṣaktamaḥ
Translation :- A pure devotee who is fully accomplished in the science of devotional service will never instruct a foolish person to engage in fruitive activities for material enjoyment, not to speak of helping him in such activities. Such a devotee is like an experienced physician, who never encourages a patient to eat food injurious to his health, even if the patient desires it.
You truly exemplify this verse. Just like an expert physician, though he know very well about the precarious condition of his patient, does not scare the patient but at the same time informs patient about his condition and prescribe the required medicine. You also Gurudev, knowing very well about our condition of suffering in the material world, explain us about the gravity of the problem in a joking yet in a very firm way and prescribe a beautiful medicine of chanting Hare Krishna. As you mention that chanting Hare Krishna is the solution to everything.
It is really inspiring to see how much taste and faith you have in Hare Krishna Maha mantra.
Fortunately, sometimes I get an opportunity to drive you to airport and I get a chance to hear you chanting. I can not express that feeling when I hear you calling out loud "Hare Krishna". Seeking your blessings that one day I can also start chanting with love.
Gurudev, just like clouds travel from one place to another, you are like a mercy cloud. You also keep on travelling to pour the mercy rain of Krishna consciousness on everyone.
In the purport of SB 11.26.29, Srila Prabhupada says that When one obeys the order of a bona fide spiritual master, the polluted workings of the mind are checked, one sees things in a new, spiritual light, and there blossoms the propensity for selfless loving service to the Lord, which gives the fruit of love of Godhead.
And in one of your recent lectures in Melbourne you had mentioned that the ""Greatest benediction of Guru to disciple is the sincere training devotional service, either personally or another arrangement. That is a real Guru Prasad and with that Guru Prasad, we get the mercy of Krishna"".
While meditating on the above purport of Srila Prabhupada and your lecture point, I am thinking with my limited understanding that you have already given me a greatest gift by giving me the platform to be trained in sincere devotional service but to be able to receive that fruit of love of Godhead, I will have to sincerely obey your instructions.
You have kindly given me the Brahmana Diksha recently. I am seeking your blessings to be able to follow your instructions whole heartedly.
As a conditioned jiva, I have many short comings but as a loving father, please keep forgiving me and never give up on me.
On this auspicious day, I sincerely pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with healthy and long life, so that you can keep on saving many more jiva like me.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Viracandra Dasa
Vishnu Priyeshvara Das
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj, Please accept my humble obeisances.
I am grateful for your association and your amazing discourses which are guiding me constantly towards depending on Guru, Saadhu and Shaastras.
I have been blessed to be under your wing while crawling through this quagmire of material world and with the help of your guidance I am slowly learning to make my way forward by holding on to your lotus feet. Your words of wisdom are my only hope to survive struggles of this material world.
I will never be able to forget the day when you gave me shelter in 2021 and said that you will assist me in my bhakti journey. As the time is passing I am slowly realising the magnanimity of your love and compassion towards a fallen soul like me. You are constantly giving me the confidence and strength to keep going on this path relentlessly because you are there to help.
Please bless me to continue working towards becoming a better disciple and continue to spread the holy name under your guidance.
Your Servant
Vishnu-Priyeshvara-Das
I am grateful for your association and your amazing discourses which are guiding me constantly towards depending on Guru, Saadhu and Shaastras.
I have been blessed to be under your wing while crawling through this quagmire of material world and with the help of your guidance I am slowly learning to make my way forward by holding on to your lotus feet. Your words of wisdom are my only hope to survive struggles of this material world.
I will never be able to forget the day when you gave me shelter in 2021 and said that you will assist me in my bhakti journey. As the time is passing I am slowly realising the magnanimity of your love and compassion towards a fallen soul like me. You are constantly giving me the confidence and strength to keep going on this path relentlessly because you are there to help.
Please bless me to continue working towards becoming a better disciple and continue to spread the holy name under your guidance.
Your Servant
Vishnu-Priyeshvara-Das
Visnuloka dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja!
Please accept my humble obeisences to Your lotus feets!
All glories to Srila Praphupada!
All glories to Your Holiness!
nama on-visnu padaya
krisna presthaya bhutale
srimate dewamrita
swamin iti namine
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
parathatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
"Obeisences to You who have all the qualities of unique
skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings,
selflessness and compassion."
Since I met You, I have never ceased to admire Your connection
with Krisna, Your attachment and surrender to the Lord.
Your example of bright enthusiasm to spread Krisna Consciousness
and beeng gret representative of Lord Caytanya Mahaprabhu
spreading the knowlege and Love for Krisna make this World
alive and conscious.
Your love for Krisna ignites in the heart the joy of essence
to be in this material world, awaiking all living beings,
who are drying up and rushing for love and happines.
You are such an expert preacherGuru Maharaja, each time
I hear You speak I am andazed at that on what I was meditating
the questions I had You say exactly what I need to hear.
Every time I meet You, the light of Your instructions, which
help me to improve my understanding the Lord through
my heart.
I admire Your relationship and gratitude for Srila Praphupada.
Very important to me listen when You talk about Srila Praphupada.
Recently I was listen a xlass given by Your Holiness, it was given
on Vyasa Puja of HG Srila Praphupada. You told very impotrant
thing about quality I have to developin my heart, is humility to be
humble.
To keep together as one family, cooperate and grow together
in Krisna Consciousness we need to be patient to each other,
make conscessions, despite our different visions of how it should be.
Humility the main quality.
I offer my obeisances to Your lotus feets and wish to learn
to become humble as You are. I wish always be greatful. I always
remember the phrase You told "Bhakti is based on gratitude"
"Without gratitude Bhakti can't grow".
You also mentioned that over the time we'll understand and will apreciate the
the great Mercy that Srila Praphupada left us to be together
in big family of ISKCON. Thinking on this topic makes me more enthusiastic.
You give me so much if Yiur guidance and care, always making
sure that I understand. I wish to be always Your servant
and be helpful in Your mission.
Thank You very much for inspiring me and my family to read
Srila Praphupada's books regularly. It makes our family
to feel always Krisna in the center of our relationship.
Dear Gurudeva it is my sincerr desire that I may be able
to assist You in Your service to Srila Praphupada. Please
allow me to stay in devotional service and please allow me
to stay to Your lotus feets and follow Your footsteps.
Your eternal servant
Visnuloka dasi.
Viswatma Dasa
Hare Krsna to you Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on the auspicious day.
Once again, on this special day, I have the chance to express my admiration for someone as remarkable as you. To be honest, I don't feel qualified to praise you, but I'll try my best.
Gurudeva, you radiate purity, and every time I'm around you, I feel cleansed. Your commitment to truth is truly exceptional. You have a deep understanding of spiritual knowledge, which surpasses anything else I've encountered. Your love for Lord Krishna is the highest form of any relationship. Your strong foundation in scriptural principles makes you unshakeable in your devotion, like a determined warrior.
Honestly, I don't think I could handle the challenges of everyday life and the temptations of materialistic pursuits without your guidance and constant reminders through your teachings.
I'm so grateful to you, Gurudev, and I hope you'll continue to be my mentor and provide shelter to this humble disciple. Please forgive me for any of my shortcomings.
I hope you'll keep inspiring and guiding me on my spiritual journey, as you are a source of great strength and comfort
Your insignificant servant,
Viswatma Das
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on the auspicious day.
Once again, on this special day, I have the chance to express my admiration for someone as remarkable as you. To be honest, I don't feel qualified to praise you, but I'll try my best.
Gurudeva, you radiate purity, and every time I'm around you, I feel cleansed. Your commitment to truth is truly exceptional. You have a deep understanding of spiritual knowledge, which surpasses anything else I've encountered. Your love for Lord Krishna is the highest form of any relationship. Your strong foundation in scriptural principles makes you unshakeable in your devotion, like a determined warrior.
Honestly, I don't think I could handle the challenges of everyday life and the temptations of materialistic pursuits without your guidance and constant reminders through your teachings.
I'm so grateful to you, Gurudev, and I hope you'll continue to be my mentor and provide shelter to this humble disciple. Please forgive me for any of my shortcomings.
I hope you'll keep inspiring and guiding me on my spiritual journey, as you are a source of great strength and comfort
Your insignificant servant,
Viswatma Das
Vraja Kumuda Das
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my prostrate obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on the most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
As I meditate on the purport of the verse SB 7.9.28 spoken by Prahlada Maharaj,
evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe
kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt
kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ
so 'haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām
“My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?”
I feel immensely indebted to your divine lotus feet, overwhelmed with gratitude. As I traversed through existence, living an ignorant life of self-absorption in urban Delhi, I could have never imagined that one day I would receive the greatest benediction. Yes, shelter at your lotus feet is the supreme destination that one can achieve. As Srila Prabhupada writes in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya lila 10.136, “An authorized spiritual master is as good as Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” You are a pure, transparent representative of Lord Sri Caitanya Dev, and serving your lotus feet in disciplic succession is the greatest boon in my life. You have bestowed on my lowly self the supreme benefit, the boon of rendering devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. What else is there to endeavor for but take shelter at your lotus feet. This debt I will never be able to repay in eternities.
Taking upon yourself the curse given by Daksa to Nārada Muni, coming down in disciplic succession, you travel all over the globe to deliver the fallen conditioned souls to please your beloved spiritual master. Receiving the power of attorney from Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu, you are spreading the glories of the holy name everywhere.
As Narottama Das Thakur writes in Prema Bhakti Candrika,
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koribo aikya,
ār nā koriho mane āśā
“My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.” My only desire is to purify my consciousness so I can sincerely follow your instructions and fulfill all your desires. My cruel and wicked mind is a powerhouse of material desires, and only your nectarine instructions can cleanse my heart and alleviate me from this bhava-roga.
O most merciful one, I aspire to be your menial servant of the servant and protect the bhakti creeper, the seed of devotional service, that you have given me as guru-prasad. I pray for your causeless mercy so that I can attain transcendental vision and intelligence to spread Krishna consciousness far and wide to please You and the Parampara.
Your Insignificant Servant
Vraja Kumuda Das
Please accept my prostrate obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on the most auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
As I meditate on the purport of the verse SB 7.9.28 spoken by Prahlada Maharaj,
evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe
kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt
kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ
so 'haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām
“My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?”
I feel immensely indebted to your divine lotus feet, overwhelmed with gratitude. As I traversed through existence, living an ignorant life of self-absorption in urban Delhi, I could have never imagined that one day I would receive the greatest benediction. Yes, shelter at your lotus feet is the supreme destination that one can achieve. As Srila Prabhupada writes in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya lila 10.136, “An authorized spiritual master is as good as Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” You are a pure, transparent representative of Lord Sri Caitanya Dev, and serving your lotus feet in disciplic succession is the greatest boon in my life. You have bestowed on my lowly self the supreme benefit, the boon of rendering devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. What else is there to endeavor for but take shelter at your lotus feet. This debt I will never be able to repay in eternities.
Taking upon yourself the curse given by Daksa to Nārada Muni, coming down in disciplic succession, you travel all over the globe to deliver the fallen conditioned souls to please your beloved spiritual master. Receiving the power of attorney from Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu, you are spreading the glories of the holy name everywhere.
As Narottama Das Thakur writes in Prema Bhakti Candrika,
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koribo aikya,
ār nā koriho mane āśā
“My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.” My only desire is to purify my consciousness so I can sincerely follow your instructions and fulfill all your desires. My cruel and wicked mind is a powerhouse of material desires, and only your nectarine instructions can cleanse my heart and alleviate me from this bhava-roga.
O most merciful one, I aspire to be your menial servant of the servant and protect the bhakti creeper, the seed of devotional service, that you have given me as guru-prasad. I pray for your causeless mercy so that I can attain transcendental vision and intelligence to spread Krishna consciousness far and wide to please You and the Parampara.
Your Insignificant Servant
Vraja Kumuda Das
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, on your Vyasapuja!
I was listening recently to the talk that you gave during the initiation ceremony in Swansea 2014, in which I became your disciple. You compared the initiation ceremony as like having a boarding pass being put in your hand, and being given official clearance to begin your journey, out of the material world, back to Krsna. What a gift it is that you so selflessly give out to your many disciples around the world! However, you stressed, we must hold onto the boarding pass and make sure to make our way to the gate.
I had spoken to you on your recent visit to Wales of my struggles that I have been facing, trying to navigate through the whirlwind of distractions in grhasta life and motherhood. Your visit and advice truly helped me to refocus. I will always be eternally grateful to you, for the time that you give me and my husband on your visits. I hope that you know, as distracted as I may have become in this busy terminal of my life, I am still trying to cling onto the boarding pass. I pray to constantly better understand how to follow your instructions, how to, with your guidance, steer my life in a way to one day make it through to the gate.
Praying to always be in your loving service,
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, on your Vyasapuja!
I was listening recently to the talk that you gave during the initiation ceremony in Swansea 2014, in which I became your disciple. You compared the initiation ceremony as like having a boarding pass being put in your hand, and being given official clearance to begin your journey, out of the material world, back to Krsna. What a gift it is that you so selflessly give out to your many disciples around the world! However, you stressed, we must hold onto the boarding pass and make sure to make our way to the gate.
I had spoken to you on your recent visit to Wales of my struggles that I have been facing, trying to navigate through the whirlwind of distractions in grhasta life and motherhood. Your visit and advice truly helped me to refocus. I will always be eternally grateful to you, for the time that you give me and my husband on your visits. I hope that you know, as distracted as I may have become in this busy terminal of my life, I am still trying to cling onto the boarding pass. I pray to constantly better understand how to follow your instructions, how to, with your guidance, steer my life in a way to one day make it through to the gate.
Praying to always be in your loving service,
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Vraja-gopi dasi
Dear Gurudev, accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. On this auspicious day I want to wish you good health and express my gratitude for your work and care for your mentees. Your compassion for others is incredible. In the examples of your lectures you show sensitivity and understanding of the current situations and the lilas of Krishna and His devotees. This can inspire both us and those who are not familiar with the knowledge transmitted through the parampara. For me you are the example of the desire to always remember your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. I always ask you: “My dear spiritual teacher, who gives the highest bliss - love of God! Please engage me in blissful service of Sri Krishna, the source of pleasure in the land of Vraja." I always remember that I am only your insignificant servant.
Vraja-gopi dasi
Vraja-gopi dasi
Vrndavana-madhurya dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you!
Service is enevitable. Serve Maya or Krishna are the options.
kāmādīnāṁ kati na katidhā pālitā durnideśās
teṣāṁ jātā mayi na karuṇā na trapā nopaśāntiḥ...
"For so long I have obeyed undesirable orders from my masters of lust, anger, greed, illusion and envy"
By your mercy of instructions and arrangements, I am now engaged in superior service to your lotus feet. I now have, in you, a worthwhile master to serve.
As food eaten gives a tangible experience, I likewise percieve how serving you is the greatest fortune. Even tiny chores become most significant when done for you. I placed some medicine in your hand the other day, and felt that small action more worth while that the biggest material accomplishment.
Being around you is mesmerizing. You have the internal strength of a King and the sweetness and joy of an innocent child. A guest arrived at the loft after receiving a book on the street, saw you and remarked "he speaks much just by his presence."
Greater still is to serve your desire- for those forgetful to turn back to Godhead. With unlimited compassion you have dedicated your life to this cause and helped us to contribute to such an exhalted mission. Distributing knowledge in the form of books, cultivating persons, sharing Krishna's remanants, speaking bhagavatam, amongst other engagements, all made readily available by you for us to plug into. You have arranged for devotional service, a tasteful arrangement for the pleasure of their Lordships.
You live by the highest ideals and conciecely communicate that which you exemplify.
“mitaṁ ca sāraṁ ca vaco hi vāgmitā” iti
“Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence.” c.c. adi 1.106
You are focuses in every detail. You said " a chance to give pleasure to Krishna is so rare."
You are expert and variagated in service. You told " Don't be a one trick pony."
You preach with compassion. You said "We view everyone as being poor"
You expand by teaching and empowering others. You told me "If you know something teach it to others. Thats brahminical life!"
You are realistic. You told "I am not saying everything they do is perfect. The place has its strengths and its weaknesses- Like everywhere."
You are meek and vigilant. You told us to always think ""I have no level of immunity that can allow me to go beyond one day. I need everything right now!"
You are enthusiastic and when asked how we can remain so. You told "#1. Rise as early as possible in the morning and chant quality japa #2. Daily read Srila Prabhupada’s books...
#3. Try to give Krishna conciousness to others"
You cooperate with many for Srila Prabhupada's pleasure who said "your love for me will be shown by how you cooperate".
You causioned me "I don't want to hear anything other than gentlemanly dealings amongst you."
You want us to work collectively, self sufficiently and progressively. You said "decide amongst yourselves."
You inspire and promote independent responsibility. You said "it's up to you all!"
You expertly instruct according to time, place and circumstance. Due to purity and realization your words have a profound effect. I keep a note of words of guidance you have given me, that I reflect to. Below and above are only a few.
You told me:
"Take time to cultivate kowledge and communicate that knowledge."
"Sacrifice for serving Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda."
"We want to help more people."
"Get out of the selfish conception of devotional service. "
"Your not the enjoyer!"
"Lets see what Krishna wants to make of you."
Thank you for giving me instructions to hold on to and menial service in your presence that has sustained me throughout these years
"Because a bona fide spiritual master is a representative of Kṛṣṇa, if he bestows any blessings upon his disciple, that will make the disciple immediately advanced without the disciple’s following the regulative principles. Or, the regulative principles will be easier for one who has served the spiritual master without reservation." Bhagavad-gita 13.12 purport
I wish to be worthy of your blessings. When that day comes I will cry for the benediction of love for the Lord, genuine friendship with His devotees, and compassion for all living entities.
Repeatedly bowing down at your lotus feet, Your servant,
Vrndavana-madhurya dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you!
Service is enevitable. Serve Maya or Krishna are the options.
kāmādīnāṁ kati na katidhā pālitā durnideśās
teṣāṁ jātā mayi na karuṇā na trapā nopaśāntiḥ...
"For so long I have obeyed undesirable orders from my masters of lust, anger, greed, illusion and envy"
By your mercy of instructions and arrangements, I am now engaged in superior service to your lotus feet. I now have, in you, a worthwhile master to serve.
As food eaten gives a tangible experience, I likewise percieve how serving you is the greatest fortune. Even tiny chores become most significant when done for you. I placed some medicine in your hand the other day, and felt that small action more worth while that the biggest material accomplishment.
Being around you is mesmerizing. You have the internal strength of a King and the sweetness and joy of an innocent child. A guest arrived at the loft after receiving a book on the street, saw you and remarked "he speaks much just by his presence."
Greater still is to serve your desire- for those forgetful to turn back to Godhead. With unlimited compassion you have dedicated your life to this cause and helped us to contribute to such an exhalted mission. Distributing knowledge in the form of books, cultivating persons, sharing Krishna's remanants, speaking bhagavatam, amongst other engagements, all made readily available by you for us to plug into. You have arranged for devotional service, a tasteful arrangement for the pleasure of their Lordships.
You live by the highest ideals and conciecely communicate that which you exemplify.
“mitaṁ ca sāraṁ ca vaco hi vāgmitā” iti
“Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence.” c.c. adi 1.106
You are focuses in every detail. You said " a chance to give pleasure to Krishna is so rare."
You are expert and variagated in service. You told " Don't be a one trick pony."
You preach with compassion. You said "We view everyone as being poor"
You expand by teaching and empowering others. You told me "If you know something teach it to others. Thats brahminical life!"
You are realistic. You told "I am not saying everything they do is perfect. The place has its strengths and its weaknesses- Like everywhere."
You are meek and vigilant. You told us to always think ""I have no level of immunity that can allow me to go beyond one day. I need everything right now!"
You are enthusiastic and when asked how we can remain so. You told "#1. Rise as early as possible in the morning and chant quality japa #2. Daily read Srila Prabhupada’s books...
#3. Try to give Krishna conciousness to others"
You cooperate with many for Srila Prabhupada's pleasure who said "your love for me will be shown by how you cooperate".
You causioned me "I don't want to hear anything other than gentlemanly dealings amongst you."
You want us to work collectively, self sufficiently and progressively. You said "decide amongst yourselves."
You inspire and promote independent responsibility. You said "it's up to you all!"
You expertly instruct according to time, place and circumstance. Due to purity and realization your words have a profound effect. I keep a note of words of guidance you have given me, that I reflect to. Below and above are only a few.
You told me:
"Take time to cultivate kowledge and communicate that knowledge."
"Sacrifice for serving Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda."
"We want to help more people."
"Get out of the selfish conception of devotional service. "
"Your not the enjoyer!"
"Lets see what Krishna wants to make of you."
Thank you for giving me instructions to hold on to and menial service in your presence that has sustained me throughout these years
"Because a bona fide spiritual master is a representative of Kṛṣṇa, if he bestows any blessings upon his disciple, that will make the disciple immediately advanced without the disciple’s following the regulative principles. Or, the regulative principles will be easier for one who has served the spiritual master without reservation." Bhagavad-gita 13.12 purport
I wish to be worthy of your blessings. When that day comes I will cry for the benediction of love for the Lord, genuine friendship with His devotees, and compassion for all living entities.
Repeatedly bowing down at your lotus feet, Your servant,
Vrndavana-madhurya dasa
Yamuna Jivan 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,
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day ,I offer my respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet . All glories to you Srila Gurudeva.All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The first verse of Guruvastakam says,
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.
At the time of meeting you for the first time, this was exactly my situation. I was burning in the forest fire of material existence. Samsara dava nala - lidha loka. And you have mercifully extinguished it by your compassionate heart and boundless ocean of knowledge and wisdom. I still remember you saying “One Bite at a time and don't bite off more than you can chew.”
And, with your mercy and blessings, I was able to successfully come out of the situation.
Your divine grace has transformed my existence, shedding light on Bhakti yoga and life's purpose. You have gifted me the precious treasure of self-realization, for which I remain eternally thankful.Again, I was completely off track, going nowhere, holding decades of erroneous and preconceived notions of life and spirituality. Your jewel-like words quoting Lord Krishna from Srimad Bhagavad Gita , inspired me to read Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita as it is and other books by Prabhupada which had a positive lasting effect on me.
Your compassion knows no bounds, Guru Maharaj. In your presence, I have witnessed true kindness, patience, and love personally myself and for all beings. Your example is a guiding light, showing the way to lead a life that is not only beneficial to oneself but also to others.
Your unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna, Your daily practice of bhakti and devotion has demonstrated the power of faith and devotion,gave me immense inspiration to continue the path of Bhakti. Your words expressing the glories of Chanting the names of the Lord “ The process actually works” was quite reassuring and removed all the doubts about chanting.
Your teachings have allowed me to overcome obstacles, transcend limitations, and embark on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth. With your blessings, I am gradually trying myself to become a worthy servant to you.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.54, Arjuna asks Lord Krishna..
sthita-prajñasya kā bhāṣā
samādhi-sthasya keśava
sthita-dhīḥ kiṁ prabhāṣeta
kim āsīta vrajeta kim.
O Kṛṣṇa, what are the symptoms of one whose consciousness is thus merged in transcendence? How does he speak, and what is his language? How does he sit, and how does he walk?.
Guru Maharaj, you are the embodiment of divine grace and the way you speak, walk and deal with others is a testimony of a fully Krishna conscious Soul, life dedicated to Krishna. My life has been enriched immeasurably by your presence. I pray that your mercy continues to guide me on my journey and once again take this opportunity to pray to the Lordships, Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Jagannath, Baladeva,Subadhra Mata and Gaura Nitai to give you good health and strength to carry on the mission of Lord Chaitainya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada.
And that I may always be worthy of your blessings.
With profound respect and boundless gratitude,
Yours Servant
Yamuna Jivan Das
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day ,I offer my respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet . All glories to you Srila Gurudeva.All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The first verse of Guruvastakam says,
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.
At the time of meeting you for the first time, this was exactly my situation. I was burning in the forest fire of material existence. Samsara dava nala - lidha loka. And you have mercifully extinguished it by your compassionate heart and boundless ocean of knowledge and wisdom. I still remember you saying “One Bite at a time and don't bite off more than you can chew.”
And, with your mercy and blessings, I was able to successfully come out of the situation.
Your divine grace has transformed my existence, shedding light on Bhakti yoga and life's purpose. You have gifted me the precious treasure of self-realization, for which I remain eternally thankful.Again, I was completely off track, going nowhere, holding decades of erroneous and preconceived notions of life and spirituality. Your jewel-like words quoting Lord Krishna from Srimad Bhagavad Gita , inspired me to read Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita as it is and other books by Prabhupada which had a positive lasting effect on me.
Your compassion knows no bounds, Guru Maharaj. In your presence, I have witnessed true kindness, patience, and love personally myself and for all beings. Your example is a guiding light, showing the way to lead a life that is not only beneficial to oneself but also to others.
Your unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna, Your daily practice of bhakti and devotion has demonstrated the power of faith and devotion,gave me immense inspiration to continue the path of Bhakti. Your words expressing the glories of Chanting the names of the Lord “ The process actually works” was quite reassuring and removed all the doubts about chanting.
Your teachings have allowed me to overcome obstacles, transcend limitations, and embark on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth. With your blessings, I am gradually trying myself to become a worthy servant to you.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.54, Arjuna asks Lord Krishna..
sthita-prajñasya kā bhāṣā
samādhi-sthasya keśava
sthita-dhīḥ kiṁ prabhāṣeta
kim āsīta vrajeta kim.
O Kṛṣṇa, what are the symptoms of one whose consciousness is thus merged in transcendence? How does he speak, and what is his language? How does he sit, and how does he walk?.
Guru Maharaj, you are the embodiment of divine grace and the way you speak, walk and deal with others is a testimony of a fully Krishna conscious Soul, life dedicated to Krishna. My life has been enriched immeasurably by your presence. I pray that your mercy continues to guide me on my journey and once again take this opportunity to pray to the Lordships, Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Jagannath, Baladeva,Subadhra Mata and Gaura Nitai to give you good health and strength to carry on the mission of Lord Chaitainya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada.
And that I may always be worthy of your blessings.
With profound respect and boundless gratitude,
Yours Servant
Yamuna Jivan Das
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.
I'm so grateful to you for coming to this world. You've saved my life. And now I finally understand that I must also save lives. Spreading Krishna consciousness is effective life-saving because it saves people from the violence inherent in the bodily concept of life. Obsessed with nationalism, racism, classism and narcissism, superficially sophisticated people of the modern age lash out at the real or imagined enemies all around them, like a cornered animal, and they rejoice in the pain and destruction of those who are different from them. Division and hate is increasing day by day, being conjured by a host of bad actors.
Instead of joining the blame game and indulging in dissolution, you see the innocence of people in general, and their potential:
"Bodily consciousness means to cling to class, color, creed, culture and country. We hold on to this quintet as the source of stability in life, and then we get manipulated by politicians. The process of manipulation is twofold: establish a strong sense of identity, and then identify a threat to your identity. That's how people are manipulated into action."
"Real human progress kicks in when the mirage, the mass consensual trance, loses its attraction. When the constant stream of our material attempts exhaust us, when we are weary of the illusory matrix of consumer culture - that is when our actual advancement in real human life finally begins."
Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan Movement also has a chance to influence innocent people and to teach them to transcend their limited, material identities. This is a real spiritual solution to real world problems and we should do everything in our power to make the wisdom culture of Krishna consciousness relevant and accessible. Your commitment to informed and sensitive presentation of Krishna consciousness demonstrates your faith in the potential to actually save the world.
I pray to always be your faithful sidekick.
your servant,
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.
I'm so grateful to you for coming to this world. You've saved my life. And now I finally understand that I must also save lives. Spreading Krishna consciousness is effective life-saving because it saves people from the violence inherent in the bodily concept of life. Obsessed with nationalism, racism, classism and narcissism, superficially sophisticated people of the modern age lash out at the real or imagined enemies all around them, like a cornered animal, and they rejoice in the pain and destruction of those who are different from them. Division and hate is increasing day by day, being conjured by a host of bad actors.
Instead of joining the blame game and indulging in dissolution, you see the innocence of people in general, and their potential:
"Bodily consciousness means to cling to class, color, creed, culture and country. We hold on to this quintet as the source of stability in life, and then we get manipulated by politicians. The process of manipulation is twofold: establish a strong sense of identity, and then identify a threat to your identity. That's how people are manipulated into action."
"Real human progress kicks in when the mirage, the mass consensual trance, loses its attraction. When the constant stream of our material attempts exhaust us, when we are weary of the illusory matrix of consumer culture - that is when our actual advancement in real human life finally begins."
Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan Movement also has a chance to influence innocent people and to teach them to transcend their limited, material identities. This is a real spiritual solution to real world problems and we should do everything in our power to make the wisdom culture of Krishna consciousness relevant and accessible. Your commitment to informed and sensitive presentation of Krishna consciousness demonstrates your faith in the potential to actually save the world.
I pray to always be your faithful sidekick.
your servant,
Yasodeva das