Vyasa Puja Offerings 2006

(View Devamrita Swami's 2006 offering to Srila Prabhupada)

Acyuta Bhava devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

When Dhruva Maharaja saw Visnu face to face by dint of his austerities, he became overwhelmed by ecstatic symptoms and although he wanted to offer prayers to the Lord, he was unable to do so. As Visnu resides within the heart of every living entity, He understood Dhruva's dilemma. Out of the Lord's causeless mercy, by a touch on the head, all Vedic conclusions were revealed to Dhruva Maharaja, who then recited beautiful prayers to the Lord.

I will fumble to glorify you, because when I think of what you have given me, my heart melts, and I cannot properly express myself.

As Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says in Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 19.151):

brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan jiva
guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija

"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna. By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service."

Thank you for this opportunity to engage in devotional service.

I pray that I may be of some use to you in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.

Trying to be your aspiring servant,
Acyuta Bhava devi dasi
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Adina Lila devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Going to the sea on a ship without a captain, That`s us.

An intelligent and concerned person, standing on the shore, waving, whistling, calling, jumping and running up and down, back and forth, from east to west, from north to south, day and night, thats you.

Desperately you want to save us, and at the same time make sure, you don?t miss a single boat.
Only you know there is no other way out then by following your directions to the closest harbor.

Sometimes you have to jump right into the ocean and pull the lost ship behind you- in order to save it?s passengers. Immediately you take off everyone in the boat and with you sacrificial personal care, you help to cure the acquired diseases. You feed us with the best medicine,
the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, devotional service, compassion and never ending love. You are expert in knowing, each passengers needs.

Thanks for your efforts to the conditioned souls in the ocean of material existence.

Thanks for elevating us into the ocean of bliss instead.

Thanks for all your efforts during the past year and decades before.

Thanks for this great opportunity to see you at
so many different places in the world.

I pray to inherit your dedication to your Guru Maharajas mission.
Your aspiring servant
and daughter
Adina lila devi dasi
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Bhakta Alexander Kotov

Dear Guru Maharaj,

Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.

On Your appearance day let me express my sincere gratitude for everything that you do for all conditioned souls on this planet and for me personally.

Your contribution to Srila Prabhupada's and Lord Caitanya's mission is truly immense. Ordinary words are not appropriate for describing the efforts that you apply in order to pull us out of this horrible material world.

Constant flights, change of time zones and change of climatic conditions exhaust your body, but you do not hesitate even for a moment. You regard the thought of reducing your activity as inconceivable. Even the grave trauma you had this year was not an obstacle for you in your travels to the most faraway places on this planet in order to attract sincere people to the chanting of the Holy Name of God.

As already said, in the offering of one of Your disciples, "a tree is judged according to its fruits." It is possible to judge about a spiritual master through his disciples. And I can say with full certainty that all your disciples that I have had a chance to personally associate with are irrefutable proof of their spiritual master's glory. They have all the qualities of a real Vaisnava in full measure. It is my humble hope that I will be able to become a part of your big family and gradually, thanks to the association with such advanced personalities, I will be able, at least in some measure, to develop these qualities in myself.

In one of your lectures you attracted our attention to one line from Sri Guru Vandana:

guru mukha padma vaikya
citete kore yaikya

“My only desire is that the instructions emanating from the spiritual master's lotus mouth purify my consciousness."

While everyday listening to your lectures I try to constantly remember about these words. And the most amazing thing is that I begin to feel that my consciousness is gradually changing. Slowly, with difficulty, but it goes on. Thanks to Your mercy, the dirt that has accumulated in my heart for many long years of my stay in this material world is gradually exfoliating and going away.

Let me always stay under the protection of your lotus feet, in association with your beloved disciples.

Your humble servant,
Alexander Kotov
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Ameyatma das
Dear Devamrita Swami,

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Thankyou for you fine example of very steady, determined and enthusiastic preaching. You mood helps to remind me of the earnestness Srila Prabhupada had to fulfill the order of his spiritual master to preach Krsna consciousness to the Western speaking people. Without this mood of eagerness to please Srila Prabhupada and carry out his desires, it would be very easy for ISKCON to loose the loving, caring and giving mood that he founded it on.

You are training your disciples in these basic principles that Srila Prabhupada painstakingly taught, directly when he was here, and through his books. Therefore I am seeing that their quality of Krsna consciousnss is generally very fine. They are also sincerely following the vaisnava standard and enthusiatically helping others come closer to the Lord.

I appreciate very much the personal, hands on training you have given to your disciples over the years and I hope that as you continue spreading the Krsna consciousness movement, increasing the number of disciples, you will still have the time to carefully nuture your students and give them that same love and care that you were able to show them in the 'early days'. I feel this personalism and caring mood has been a major contributor to your success here in New Zealand. And also in ISKCON at large this seems to be one of the greatest needs.

I know I haven't been so much use to you for a few years now, but I am hopeful that as I become more strongly positioned to fight maya, I will be able to continue to assist you in some small way in your efforts to help others. I am desirous to preach, and I am constantly praying for the vision and enthusiasm to once again come so I can do so effectively. Please continue to help me on this path and show me what it means to be a genune Prabhupadanuga vaisnava.

From your fallen servant,
Ameyatma das
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Bhakta Angiras
Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this most auspicious appearance day of yours.

You are incessantly traveling all around the world to save the souls of this age, afflicted with kali-yuga vices; with least botheration of your own comforts. This year you went through serious physical discomforts as a consequence of the accident; however, within a span of few days or hours, you resumed extending yourself to others around the globe with full enthusiasm and dedication. This year July, I was fortunate to see a glimpse of your glorious preaching mission in New Nandagram farm. Indeed, you are creating good fortune for all of us. Your activities are always wonderful; however, it is inconceivable to me. All of your glorious acts are driven by deep compassion and selflessness for the unfortunate living beings of this age.

Srila Prabhupad mentions in the purport of SB1.12.16 that out of compassion for the conditioned souls, the Lord sends His representative, the spiritual master, whom He always protects. Hence, you are under the complete shelter of Srila Prabhupad and Sri Krsna.

Srimad Bhagavatam (last two lines of 2.4.18) says, even a person who is addicted to sinful acts can be purified by taking shelter of a devotee of the Lord. "ye'nye ca papa yad-apasrayasrayah sudhyanti tasmai prabhavinave namah". This is the glory of a Great devotee like you.

I had the good fortune of getting your association and to receive your instructions. I sincerely express my gratitude and indebtedness to you. Though I am aspiring to be your servant, I see myself unqualified in so many different ways. However, I beg your mercy to develop full faith in your instructions and to serve your instructions wholeheartedly.

Aspiring to be your eternal servant,
Bhakta Angiras
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Atma-maya devi dasi
Everyone knows what is a birthday, but what is Vyasa-puja is known only by a few most fortunate. There is a mystery happening on this wonderful day – the exchange of love between a spiritual master and disciples, between a father and children.

Dear Guru Maharaja, let me congratulate and thank you for your love, care and tolerance. For your unlimited compassion for your ‘little angels’.

All children are different: some are good, some are thorny and particularly from the last ones are usually creating unsuspected ‘mischief’. But you are very observant and in each disciple you see unique quality that is peculiar only to him. You always inspire and encourage us, you are lavish in praises but at the same time you can be very strict.

Despite immense hardships you are coming to us day by day, from town to town, bringing the message of God.

You are teaching us how to live proper live in Krisna Consciousness, real and exalted life, life which is noble, exciting, sublime, delightful, dynamic, grand and worthy. This is what Srila Prabhupada was talking about and this is what you are talking about, dear Guru Maharaja.
You love your spiritual master very much and try to satisfy him with your noble service.
Thank you very much.

Your disciple,
Atma-maya dd (Omsk)
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Bal Gopal das
Dear Gurdeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.

"It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone's heart." - Srimad-Bhagavatam
8.7.44

Day after day, year after year, decade after decade you are continually embracing voluntary suffering because of the suffering of the people in general. This consistent sankirtan service to the disciplic succession is very endearing to the Lord, therefore as Bhagavad-Gita explains, there will never be one more dear to the Lord than such a preacher of Krishna consciousness, but how do you stick, without wavering, to such dedicated services? You are a possessor of pure devotion, therefore you possess the key element to long lasting urban outreach; compassion.

As an aspiring disciple, you have so kindly given me all kinds of service in relationship to this urban outreach mission, but the enduring ingredient is certainly lacking, as you have expressed.

"Now you may go on mechanically trying to distribute Krishna consciousness for a while, but it's not going to last, there has to be the development of the heart. Recognise how strong the heart's input is into our endeavours, and then cultivate compassion… 'Yes, I will wilfully accept inconvenience for the sake of others', this is what it takes to preach in a city these days; don't fool yourself, nothing else is going to work. You can go on mechanically for a while, you can go on superficially for a while, and yes, you can benefit a lot of people, but you won't last, because sooner or later your insides are going to be affected, like 'what am I doing here' or 'I've got better things in my life to do this every day'. Its gunna hit you in your heart and your 'what am I doing on south street, you know, day after day, who cares anyway, where's my name and fame, where's my profit, how do you justify it'. And this is embarrassing for us Krishna conscious persons, giving out Lord Caitanya's Supreme Mercy, the most sublime thing in existence." – Lecture 2006

I am certainly devoid of this element which you so obviously possess, please give me this much needed heart development, so I can be an effective instrument in your service.

"When one becomes serious to follow the mission of the spiritual master, his resolution is tantamount to seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As explained before, this means meeting the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the instruction of the spiritual master.

This is technically called vanik-seva. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti T?hakura states in his Bhagavad-gita commentary on the verse 'vyavasayatmika buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana' (Bg. 2.41) that one should serve the words of the spiritual master. The disciple must stick to whatever the spiritual master orders. Simply by following on that line, one sees the Supreme Personality of Godhead." – Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.28.51, Purport

Because of your exalted connection to Prabhupada through van?i-seva, you are seeing and experiencing Krishna constantly, therefore you are so effectively giving Krishna to others. You have given me Krishna in so many amazing ways.

Associating with your sincere followers is so beneficial and is the means to rapid progress in devotional service. Please let me progressively and carefully associate with your devotees, based on the nourishing exchanges of love. Sankirtan is always amazingly refreshing, and is becoming more of an 'at home' experience.

Prabhupada's books are so full of Krishna conscious points to reflect on, and to endeavour to repeat, is so satisfying. Kirtan is truly an adventure; thank you for the privilege of being able to chant and dance with the guests at the Loft, and the devotees at the temple and ashram, these experiences are incomparable.

By your mercy I've been able to assist you in your personal service to Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, who are very very beautiful. Please let me treasure these universally rare moments, and not anxiously overlook what I am actually doing. The temple and ashram, being a place of residence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the spiritual world, Goloka Vrindavan, Navadwip Dham. Please give me the much needed reverence to properly enter these holy dhams, and experience the perfection of going home back to Godhead, instead of just going back to the ashram, to hang out at the ashram, or experience whatever unwanted familiarity there may be.

"Some of you may want perfection as soon as possible, but what is that perfection you're wanting, what do you think it is? Perfection means devotional service; if you have devotional service you have perfection, please think about that, and the more devotional service you have, the more perfect your life is. Perfection is not some vague, imaginary thing, or self-constructed thing; perfection means devotional service to the Lord. Then you're peaceful; you're simply thinking how Krishna can be satisfied." – Lecture 2006

Because you so powerfully experience perfection continually, you're so mercifully giving it freely all over the planet. Please always let me meditate on the incalculable value of devotional service, and eagerly, greedily, indulge in devotional service to the Lord, thereby truly experiencing the transcendental gifts you have so kindly given me.

Your aspiring servant,
Bal Gopal das
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Bhava Sandhi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

In Krsna book, King Yudhisthira says ' great personalities and devotees in full Krishna consciousness always think of Your lotus feet and remain fully satisfied by drinking the nectar of transcendental bliss. This nectar which they constantly drink sometimes comes out of their mouths and is sprinkled on others as the narration of Your transcendental activities. This nectar coming from the mouth of a devotee is so powerful that if one is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to drink it he is immediately freed from the continuous journey of birth and death.'

I meditate on your selflessness in travelling continuously, and how fortunate are we to have your association? When I listen to your discussions all around the world, I sense how you perfectly adapt yourself like a chameleon to your audience. Not of course in anyway changing the pure message passed down through the parampara, but in the mood of Srila Prabhupada, you remain at the cutting edge, thoughtfully packaging Krishna consciousness in the most dynamic way and suitable way for your listeners.

As you lean back and gently close you eyes, you pause before speaking. We sit huddled together waiting in anticipation, our eyes drinking your effulgent association. Then you begin, and as perfectly composed words dance from your tongue, we melt in contentment.
In your college days you had been a late night radio DJ, but now you really do soothe the hearts and minds of your listeners.

You chose to go without the complication of family life, but now you have so many sons and daughters, sometimes sitting in contentment at your lotus feet, sometimes clamoring for your attention. The 11th canto describes a man harassed by many wives, all pulling him in different directions, struggling for their own self interest, is this how we act towards such a selfless father?

You have an ever expanding family, but to each individual you so selflessly give yourself. You never see a moment wasted, and with your heavy responsibilities to Srila Prabhupada's world-wide mission you certainly have ample work before you, but when you sit with a disciple you have all the time in the world. You ask nothing for yourself, you only implore us to care for ourselves, and others, in Krishna Consciousness. You tell us, 'you can become free from the pushings of this world, if your urge to care for others in Krishna Consciousness, exceeds the urge for your own sense gratification.' You are such a gleaming example of selflessness, and care.

Gurudeva, without my awareness you acted in such a way as to increase my attachment for you at every moment, and now I find that you have captured my heart.
So I find myself begging for your mercy to enable me to be of some use to you. I am yours, but my conditioning is so strong, constantly being beaten by the waves of passion and ignorance as I try to be a servant of the devotees. Please enable me to break free from my foolishness and at last become your sincere disciple.

Trying to be the servant of your servants,
Bhava Sandhi Dasi
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Buddhimanta dasa & Shaktimanta devi dasi
Nama om Vishnu padaya
Krishna presthaia bhutale
Srimate Devamrita
swamin iti namine

pracāre ’pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca
bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ
yasya sarve ca te namaḥ

“Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaishnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion.”

Hare Krishna Dear Guru Dev,
Happy Vyasa Puja Day.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Your lotus feet.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja day Mahotsava.

Guru Maharaj, we wish you many more Vyasa Puja festivals to deliver many more fallen souls from the darkness of hellish life. Guru Maharaj this very day is always very special; this gives us an opportunity to think more of your lotus feet, your instructions, chastisements and many sweet memories of your personal association. This auspicious day engages us to plan the format of the Vyasa puja festival, discuss the nectarine time with your self, invite guests and the most importantly to discuss and finalize the Prasadam Menu for the Mahotsava.

Guru Maharaj, I was reading from Prabhupada’s book where Prabhupada says that the prime duty of a disciple is to assist his Guru so that his Guru can serve His Guru properly. Guru Maharaj you have got such a huge task of distributing love of Caitanya Mahaprabhu to every where and I am so incompetent that I am neither worthy nor qualified to assist you in pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s dreams. Guru Maharaj if you want you can transform this unqualified soul to qualified one, so please bless me so that I can be of some use to this wonderful movement ISKCON. Guru Maharaj you have been so kind to this little servant by connecting me in this divine parampara.

I understand that I have to find you in your instructions, lectures and books, however still I am feeling the separation of your personal darshan specially this year when you are not visiting Sri Vrindaban dham in Kartik. That was the only time when Noida devotees could get your divine association for a little while. Now they all have to wait for Feb. next year.

Guru Maharaj I always feel your blessings in each and every step in my life. You exactly know what, when and how much I need. I can experience your mercy in my success and failures. Guru Maharaj I still remember your valuable and personal instructions to me “to live a simple life”, I am unable to follow that. Please be merciful upon me so that I can stop hankering for material happiness and start obeying to your instructions, which is the only way to eternal happiness.

Guru Maharaj please bless me so that I can stay under the safe shelter of your lotus feet.
Hari bol Guru Maharaj.

Guru Maharaj’s Vyasa Puja ki Jai

Your insignificant servants,
Buddhimanta Dasa & Shaktimanta Devi Dasi

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Candidasa dasa

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

For this year's vyasa-puja please accept my offering of Sloka Raja. It is web-based system for memorizing Bhagavad-Gita verses. Here is a screenshot:



You can go to the Sloka Raja website and see a series of verses hidden by a saffron veil. Each verse number is given in a tab along the top of the window. If you hover the mouse over the veil shrouding a particular verse, then that text's veil becomes transparent and you can "peek" at a single line of the original Sanskrit or the English translation. You can also click the mouse button and the text becomes permanently uncovered. Clicking again re-hides the verse.

Click the left and right arrows to scroll to other verses you want to memorize. You can also directly select and scroll to the verse you want to review by clicking on the appropriate tab on the top of the window.

Pressing the "change this verse" button on the bottom of the screen puts the verse display into "selection mode". Using this mode you can change the verse you want to learn to a different one. Simply select a new chapter and verse from the list in the window and that new verse will replace the current one. Press the "accept changes" button to switch back to the memorization view. In this way you can customize the view to learn different sets of verses as you desire.

The system always remembers your personal selection of verses. When you finish using the website simply close the window. There is no need to save. Sloka Raja remembers where you left off automatically. The next time you return the website recreates your personal view exactly as you left it. Everyone can choose their own personal set of verses to memorize on Sloka Raja. It remembers a different custom selection of verses for each and every user of the system.

Sloka Raja is written using pure Javascript / Dynamic-HTML, which means that it runs entirely on the client computer and works on every operating system. This also means that it can be used offline as well as online. You do not have to be connected to the Internet to use the service. If you are using Internet Explorer just go to the website in "offline mode" and it will work as usual. Using Firefox or Safari download the service to your local hard drive using the "download for offline use" link on the bottom of the page and unpack the zip file. You can then run the program by executing the "run" application shortcut included in the download (or simply by opening "index.html" in your web-browser). It works as usual (although a bug/security feature in Safari prevents it from remembering your verse selection when you are offline).

Sloka Raja is available at the following URL for you and for all the world:

http://www.slokaraja.com

I hope this insignificant offering is to your liking. If you notice any bugs or have any suggestions for improvement, then please let me know.

your servant,
Candidasa dasa

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Dandakaranya das
Dear Guru Maharaja,

Nama Om Vishnu padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine

Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah

All glories to you on your divine appearance day.

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. You only have to keep up with a week of mundane media reports to work that one out. Sometimes people wonder why Krsna spoke the Bhagavad gita, The Song of God, on a battlefield of all places.

I guess the underlying thought process behind a person who asks that question is that “if there is a God didn't He make the material world a place for us to enjoy?” Prabhupada points out in his introduction to the Bhagavad Gita. “Material consciousness has two psychic divisions. One is that I am the creator and the other is that I am the enjoyer.”

So here is the ongoing challenge for those who are fortunate enough to realise it; overcoming our own false conditioned sense of reality and learning how to see things as they actually are through the divine eyes of Prabhupadas purports. I must admit that I don't like the wearying and burdonsome experience that the material world has to offer, who really does, but at the same time I don't have much love for Krsna either. However it is inspiring to see someone who does have genuine love for Krsna in your own transcendental example.

Krsna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that it is only through bhakti that He can be understood and He reveals himself to those who render service to Him with affection. After all of your years as a sincere servant to Lord Caitanyas mission you are living proof of Krsnas words in the Bhagavad Gita. Please sprinkle some of your mercy my way so that I can become free of my material conditioning and become a sincere servant of the Lord.

Your Aspiring servant,
Dandakaranya das
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Dharmaraj das
Nama om visnu padaya Krsihna prestaya bhu tale
srimate Devamrita swamiin iti namine

pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah

Dear Spiritual master,

In this day, which we lived the favorable appearance on you, Gurudev, i pray so that Lord Nrisimhadeva protects to you, and to all devotee, Vaisnavas of this movement of sankirtana so that we pruned his holy association.

Always throughout this time it has demonstrated her many qualities Oh! Devotee pure of the Lord! and worthy representative of Srila Prabhupada! , emphasizing indeed its interminable force, its pure and noble desire to take the glories of holy name to places inospitos, in spite of the difficulties, with its body, and the influence of the age of Kali, you, are transcedental to all that, because you take in his heart the mission of Srila Prabhupada.

All Glories to you, that you hvae compassion, granting mercy, to many people in several forms, but his grace, accepting us like spiritual sons when taking refuge on his lotus feet, is, within many. but the merciful one of all.

You, always can see to Krishna in everything, which had that the message of Lord Caitanya, within its heart, comes us at us, in the forma Extatic and Kirtana , a strong one and energic class, Krishna-katha or darshan. Because the Holy Name, is his a tool, to wake up conscience of Krishna to, and to animate us to others to follow manteniendonos. "SAtatam kirtayanto mam na but ca ta drdha vratam nama syanta ca mam bhaktya nitya yukta upasate" .

I just pray, so that Lord Krishna maintains to us with his impresindible association, and I can be a servant.

Dharmaraj dasa
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Dharma-setu das
Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Although I am not your formerly initiated disciple I thought I would take the opportunity of your vyasa puja to express my appreciation and gratitude for your being involved in helping me progress in spiritual life. Ones spiritual masters instructions come through to the disciple via the local Krsna conscious authority and by Krsna's causeless mercy I have the good fortune of serving under your care.
So I am very ecstatic to have such a wonderful Siksa-guru as yourself.

One of the qualities of a devotee is that he is expert. When I think of someone who is expert in preaching Krsna consciousness I think of you. When hearing your various lectures and talks on bhakti I am realising that you have meditated very deeply on how to make a relevant and effective presentation of Krsna consciousness.

Your audiences, knowingly or unknowingly, are captivated your by your inner blissful experience of service to Krsna and your compassion for them. You are like a whirlpool in the centre of the room that is churning an ecstatic mood drawing in the minds of your listeners and drowning them in nectar. It is wonderful to experience such high caliber preaching and inspiring to see the result of taking the service of preaching seriously. Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya are obviously pouring mercy on you and I am very grateful for your association in my life.

Thank you for your kindness and for setting such a wonderful example of a preacher in Krsna consciousness.

Your eternal servant,
Dharma-setu das.
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Divya Jnana das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

You are surely the kindest guru a disciple could ever have. Despite all my faults and weaknesses you accept my service even though improperly performed. In fact you always give me unlimited encouragement and mercy to go on serving. While I should be offering praise and glorifying you, it would appear that you end up glorifying me. The Nectar of Devotion states that one should not fail to offer some praise in the presence of the spiritual master. Though I feel completely inadequate to do so I pray that I can receive such a gift that I can glorify you forever.

In Mayapur you gave me shelter at your lotus feet for which I’m eternally thankful. I remember walking with you to the Ganga the day after my initiation with some of my god brothers. You were in front leading the way and we were following behind, one by one. I felt like a baby duck following the parent. It was a very warm feeling, one that felt protective and pleasing to the heart, that you were my shelter, my spiritual father and I must follow you.

I remember asking you in class how one can avoid the false burden of material existence. To which you replied, “By following the instructions of the spiritual master.” Srila Prabhupada wrote in regard to his spiritual master, “He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him.” I am praying for your mercy that I can develop great attachment to your instructions and keep them close to my heart.

Srila Prabhupada said that a disciple can never repay the debt to the spiritual master but can attempt to do so by preaching Krsna Consciousness. By your grace I pray that I can renew my efforts to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada. To go on enthusiastically and help others learn to love Krsna. Please forgive me for my offences.

Your servant
Divya Jnana das
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Bhakta Dwayne

Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to You.

Thank you for Gurudeva for everything you have given me.

For your Vyasa-puja this year, I wanted to glorify you and your wonderful qualities. I wrote a long offering explaining my thoughts and emotions. Upon finishing, I felt like I had barely begun. How could I write about what I am only just beginning to realise and understand?

Through your mercy you make personalized travel plans for each of us, steering us down the right road, back to Godhead. In my case, I feel that you're giving me the highest opportunity, though I am most unworthy.

I only beg that I may be able to please you.

Aspiring to serve you,
Bhakta Dwayne
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Ekendra das & Seva Kunja devi dasi & Sukha Sindhu das

nama om vishnu padaya
krishna presthaia bhutale
srimate devamrita
swamin iti namine

pracāre ’pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca
bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ
yasya sarve ca te namaḥ

nama om vishnu padaya
Krishna presthaia bhutale
srimate bhaktivedanta
swamin iti namine

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Collating the Vyasa-puja homages for my godbrothers, godsisters, and other co-dependents leaves me in awe every year. It is truly amazing how many people you've helped and are continuing to help.

Many devotees point out that its a tough time to preach these days. I'm earnestly in reverence at what you've done despite all odds.

When I browse over these sincere offerings of gratitude I'm moved almost to tears at how much transformation has taken place and gain faith that, indeed, the mercy of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu can turn refugees of the Iron Age into Vaisnava sadhus.

I pray that we can continue forward in our journey towards our true home and thank you for all of your selflessness and compassion in helping us along the way.

your servant,
Ekendra das

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Elliot
Dear Devamrta Maharaj,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

On this most auspicious occasion, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks for your guidance and blessings over the past year. You have helped me so much by your personal association, and through your humble servants Sita Pati das and Param Satya devi dasi. Without their and your help I would still be wholly immersed in the miserable illusion that is this material world.

All glories to you, such a humble servant of Srila Prabhupada and Krsna, always endeavouring to save the lost souls from the clutches of maya.

Please help me to remain in Krsna Consciousness, letting me serve you and your transcendental mission to bring everyone to Krsna's loving service.
Without your mercy, I'm lost.

yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado
yasya prasadan na gatih kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri sandhyam
vande guroh sri caranaravindam

"By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krsna.
Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement.
Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of the spiritual master."

Please be merciful unto this fallen conditioned soul.
Your aspiring servant,
Elliott
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Gaura-arati devi dasi
To my beloved spiritual master,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

As you walked into the Gaura Yoga centre to sit before your eagerly awaiting disciples, you appeared very radiant and said "what angels". I was captivated thinking "wow, he's the angel!" As you sat back on the couch I thought you were almost floating. But I soon realised you weren't some bogus yogi displaying mystic power to attract scores of followers, no, you were a genuine transcendentalist, free from the contamination of selfish desire, distributing the message of Godhead to guide us lost conditioned souls back to our original spiritual nature. When I later got to talk with you this became more apparent. After attentively listening about my self-centred life you fired some straight-up cutting instruction at me. Usually, had someone speak to me in such a way I would have run a mile, but you delivered your message on a foundation built of such deep compassion that I became bound to try and follow.

Since this first time we met I often I think of where I would be without your guidance in my life. It's never a pleasant thought. At very best I'd still be drifting from phase to phase trying to fit in somewhere, pretending to myself and everyone else that I'm happy, I'm going somewhere wonderful and that by merely smiling at someone as I walk down the street I'm making some kind of valuable contribution to the world.

But Gurudeva you are rescuing me from such a miserly life. You are diligently following in the footsteps of Patita Pavana Srila Prabhupada and Srila Narada Muni. 'Nara' means - the Supreme Personality of Godhead and 'da' means – one who can deliver. And you are relentlessly traversing the world delivering the glories of Lord Krsna to anyone fortunate enough to gain your association. Lord Caitanya instructs the brahmana Kurma in the most sublime mission…"Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Sri Krsna as they are given in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land."
CC Mad 7.128. Your lectures and instructions carry such depth of realisation that they have tremendous potency to transform one's heart's desires. I love the way you address such relevant issues, exposing the stark realities of material life. You then show that spiritual life isn't simply a dry process of vairagya, but a dynamic devotional process of glorifying Krsna.

You recently wrote a letter officially introducing the 'mentor system' to your Wellington spiritual dependents. Within you said "I'm constantly thinking of your benefit." We can so practically see this in your life. You personally teach us to serve the disciplic succession with great earnestness and ingenuity, by giving instruction and even more powerfully through your own example. This involves great sacrifice, selflessness and compassion of which you are a shining emblem of all three. Although you never thought you would have children you are now father and master to over 100 spiritual dependents all over the world. With each of us you give yourself, offering all assistance for us to loosen our grip on our foolish material attachments.

You know it, and I know it, I'm completely lost without you Gurudeva. You are the life of my otherwise worthless life. I need you. The ironic thing is you've always been there for me. You've never let me down. It's my reciprocation that is lacking. Please therefore sever my irrational attachments to maya's enslavement so I may act only for your pleasure, trying to reciprocate with your endless love to my full capacity.

Aspiring to serve you free from selfish desire,
Gaura-arati dasi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Gaurav
namo om vishnu padaya krishna prasthaya bhu tale
srimate bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

All Glories All Glories All Glories to Sri Guru !
All Glories to Sri Hari Gauranga !

My dear Gurumaharaj

Please accept my Koti Koti Dandvat Pranaam.
All Glories be at Your Kind self !

Dear Gurumaharaj

Please accept the thank you of this unthankful servant. Through your kind mercy and through the mercy of Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath I've been trying to practice Krishna Consciousness.

Your instructions for me now appear to me as your kind will. Your kind will for the protection and betterment of this degraded soul. As it is understood that Sri Hari Vasudeva's will is in the will of his pure devotee I understand that even though I have no qualification, sincerity or taste for the holy name The Lord is still allowing me to be situated the way I am situated. I feel this is all because you wanted this for me. All because of your causeless kind mercy and heart felt blessings. I feel, only because you have decided this for me, I am trying to follow the path of spirituality. Otherwise, at my own I am too restless, unambitious, ignorant, mundane and vulnerable that I will never be able to sustain or cherish the glories of Krishna Consciousness. It's been taking place all because of your kind mercy and your blessings. By accepting the love that You send me through your replies to my mails I have tasted the pure love that can be experienced by an individual.

The last time I saw you Gurumaharaj at the Melbourne retreat I revealed to you my difficulties at work and in relationships. I am sure you fixed something with that too. You charged me with this great amount of spiritual energy with your captivating instructions. Up on returning back to Sydney it so happened that I quit my mundane job as I got too busy with Janmastami Advertising and fund raising. Krishna took me right into his lap and arranged a room in his temple for me to move in. I was also involved in learning about Krishna's glories and fame through the morning programs. I was able to establish a relationship with your Gurumaharaj and my spiritual grandsire – Sri Srimad A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada by getting to serve him by dressing him. I am definite this has all been arranged through you, through your kind will and blessings. The limitless mercy that you have bestowed on this degraded, ungrateful pretender is a proof that Vaishnavas are in fact full of compassion for the fallen degraded souls.

My dear Gurumaharaj, please please accept my thank you for igniting the fire of bhakti in me. Please also engage me in your service as that mercy will surely work as fuel for this fire. Please also accept my apologies for all the times when I have been getting distracted and deviated from the path of devotion.

Seeking nothing more than your lotus feet

Your Lowest Unworthy Servant
Gaurav
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Geoff
Dear Guru-maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,

I have an attitude problem with God. This is not a surprise for a Kali-yuga inhabitant. What is unusual is that, by your mercy, I have the chance to rectify my bad attitude.

Thank you for your revolutionary Gaura Yoga center. Through this center I came in contact with the best knowledge, Srila Prabhupada's books. I not only learnt why I was suffering, but also received the best spiritual technology for reform.

Thank you for your ongoing care through Gaura Yoga management. You are expertly organising for all types of persons to come in contact with Krsna and remain in contact with Him. Your recently-introduced 3 hour Saturday kirtans are bringing together and enlivening all the whole devotee community.

Thank you for your 'mentor system'. Although recently formalised, it has existed and been essential throughout my spiritual life. I feel a great debt to such mentoring, and would not be here without it.

Despite so much help, I remain habituated to embarrassment by material desires. But my hope is that, by remaining in the association of your disciples and clinging tightly to your instructions, I will one day become purified enough to render some service to you.

Your servant,
Geoff
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Gokul Lila devi dasi
To Lord Caitanya's dear charitable warrior, O Vaisnava Goswami, our beloved Lord, master, affectionate father and well-wisher. Oh you the Gardner who plants the Bhakti seeds and uproots the weed of material desire. To you who is president of my heart, my life source, my very dear friend, my strength and inspiration, overseer and permitter, you who continually corrects and adjusts me, uplifts and enlivens, who perfectly reciprocates and is the best lover, you who prescribes the medicine, who teaches and trains, protects and cares, chastises and transforms, you who kills the nescience which constantly attacks, oh YOU who we run after crying "Krishna, Krishna!"

Praying at your divine lotus feet, always desiring your mercy, I, your insignificant daughter, attempt again to glorify you on this most auspicious day. Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

These roles are played by you in the lives of many all over the globe, disciples, aspiring disciples, dependents and non devotees. Your association, guidance and mercy is an essential part of our existence. Without you and your capable navigation through the Kali choas I'll remain suffering the attacks of ignorance blinded devoid of all strength and intelligence.

This boundless mercy and kindness your bestowing, you say is not your own but coming from the Param para. You take but not one drop of credit upon yourself, instead humbly pass it on to those ahead.

I'm made up of nothing but this special mercy. Borrowed swan feathers from you are decorating my crow tail. Yet still you ask, "how is such a transformation taking place in you?"

Just like when the Lord saw His reflection in the water and wondered who such a beautiful person looking back at Him was.

Your mood, words, and actions are my map through life, your directions, instructions and representatives are the only way any slight ignorance has lifted from my consciousness, how any service worthy of appreciation by you is taking place. Any transformation you see, is indeed because of your great power.

By the mercy of the spiritual master, a dumb man can become a poet, a lame man can cross mountains, and a blind man can see the stars.

In my crow tail I proudly show off the few borrowed swan feathers, this is the nescience which constantly attacks.Therefore I thank you for seeing this wretched fool as worthy of such mercy. I am undeserving yet still I've found such a saintly personality as you by whose mere glance all un wanted qualities go away.

In the Caitanya-caritamrta it states that one may be very a learned and intelligent scholar, but that does not enable him to understand the activities of a Vaisnava. I am yet to discover what will enable me to understand the service of my spiritual master, as your activities, your service to Srila Prabhupada and the Iskcon society is inconceivable to me.

I can barely schedule a few persons on Sankirtan, but you, to say the least you are leading a worldwide Sankirtan stragedy based on quality and quantity distribution. Such is the great power of you, our fitting master.

With firm, faith and conviction your carefully carrying Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada's vision into the latest phase of the Kali Yuga storm. Fearing the gale force winds and rain most are attempting to stay sheltered and dry, while you bravely go out into the labyrinth to tactfully rescue those who are drenched from the deadly storm.

The mood and mission you have is the same as Srila Prabhupada. Your uniqueness and success sometimes misunderstood is your ability to asses the weather forecast and adjust accordingly. Recognizing the temperature, seeing its worldwide effect your expertly conducting operations which have transcendental flare to transform the mess.

In your Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada in 2005 you quoted Srila Prabhupada who said that,

"Expert management means creating a situation of interest in Krishna even when apparently there is none".

Then you expressed your heart felt desire to reciprocate with your spiritual master and bring about fulfilment of his vision.

" Now more than ever, let us push to return your love by giving to the world the only meaningful progress: understanding Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in a conducive, favourable ambience and setting".

Thus like a magical puppeteer, you are moving the strings and producing real Vaisnava's.Your teaching us the best- have a life full of hearing and chanting, have communities of trained and nourished Devotees and make lifes mission to create this conducive, favourable setting with ambience with the goal of awakening interest of Krishna where apparently there is none. This shows your immense love to your Spiritual Master and your great power.

Like a useless puppet, I am dependent on the strings you pull.I have no strength on my own to forfill your wishes, I therefore beg to become the dynamic daughter you desire and more than ever to push forward to return this immense love to you by assisting you in the fulfilment of Srila Prabhupada's vision as the obedient servant of your servants.

Gokul Lila devi dasi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Gopi Gita devi dasi
nama om visnu padhaya  Krsna prestaya bhutale Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine

Pracare purva- daksyam ca Bhaktacara pravinata Parathatapi karunyamYasya sarve ca te namah

Nama om Visnu padya Krsna prestaya bhutale Srimate Bhakitvedanta Swamin iti namine

Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

As time passes I begin to understand more and more how fortunate I am to be your disciple. Each year you have been sticking by my side like glue.

No matter what I do or how wrong I do it you have never given up on trying to inspire me to become a better devotee and servant. Whether your words have been chastising, soft or joking your causeless mercy and care has always been enlivening and kept me going forward in my Krishna Consciousness. I sometimes wonder where I would be now if I didn’t have such a true and loving father in my life. It is certainly amazing how personally and lovingly you deal with every single devotee, how well you know our heart and what we need. Please let me thank you for going out of your way to help me. Please let me thank you for not taking my mind and senses seriously but caring for my real needs and true desires that I often don’t even know or understand. Please let me thank you for being patient with me and understanding of my short comings. And please let me thank you for accepting me as your daughter and disciple. Dear Gurudeva please forgive me for the many disturbances that I have caused or instructions that I may have neglected. I am sorry.

Still I hope to always be able to somehow serve and assist you in Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan mission.

Your aspiring servant & daughter,
Gopi-Gita

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Hriman Krishna das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Without being empowered by the direct potency of Krsna, being favoured by the Lord no one can distribute the Holy name and enjoin countless fallen souls to worship Him. Gurudeva, by distributing the Holy name you cleanse the hearts of the most degraded people, therefore extinguishing the blazing fire of the material world, like a soothing balm of sandalwood pulp on a scorching summers day. Prabhupada said that such a spiritual master broadcasts the shinning brightness of Krsna's effulgence throughout the world and he should be considered none different form Krsna, that is he should be considered the incarnation of the Lords potency. Such a personality is Krsna lingita-vigrahali, 'he who is always embraced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna'.

Gurudeva, your affection and care towards your children transpires from Krsna spiritual potency, flowing down through disciplic succession you instil in our hearts this transcendental inspiration to be constantly engaged in devotional service. Without your inspiration, without your empowerment, how can I carry on? As I stand on the street, I think how am I ever going to bring any one to Krsna's lotus feet? How am I ever going to distribute these books to the conditioned souls, when I'm bound in conditions myself? Everyone is bigger than me, everyone is taller than me and I'm uglier than all of them. I feel just like a dirty street dog yelping and barking at the passing people and every now and then someone will throw money at me to shut me up. What can a dog really do? I see and think what wonderful services your dear disciples are achieving, their magnanimous and saintly character, their qualities. What do I really posses? I suppose in every family there is a family dog and I'm not even qualified to be that. To be 'das' to be a servant of one always embraced by Krsna, is such an elevated occupation, I beg you that I can fulfil the true meaning of being 'servant' and not become just another so-called devotee. To see your merciful glances, to see you smile, to see you in ecstasy, that is my embrace. I pray that I may continue to serve you, pleasing your dear disciples, hoping to please you.

As always trying to be an unconditional servant
Hriman Krsna
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Indrakarma das
My dear Master!

I humbly offer my respectful obeisances unto your lotus feet.

It is very difficult for me to describe your transcendental glories. A conditioned soul doesn't have the words to glorify correctly a pure devotee of Sri Krsna.

My dear spiritual master, guide and father, only through your mercy can my uncontrolled mind take shelter of your lotus feet and in this way cross the ocean of material existence.

yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatta gurau
tasyaite kathita hy arthah prakasante mahatmanah

"Only to those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed" You are giving us the greatest treasure in the world, which is pure love for God, and are guiding and giving unlimited mercy so we can use this human form of life in the service of the Supreme Lord, Krsna.

yadyapi amara guru - caitanyera das
tathapi janiye tanhara prakasa

"Although I know that my spiritual master is a servitor of Sri Caitanya, I know Him also as a plenary manifestation of the Lord". Lord Sri Krsna told Uddhava, "You should know that the spiritual master is exactly like Myself". The spiritual master is the sum total of all the demigods. It is proven by Srimad Bhagavatam that the spiritual master is exactly like the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

I hope I will always remember to chant, glorify and fall at the feet of my spiritual master who is an ocean of good qualities. He is Krsna Himself with all His knowledge and potencies, the beginning and end of everything. He destroys ignorance and helps us reach the supreme abode.

Your insignificant servant,
Indrakarma das

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Jana Mohini devi dasi
My dear Srila Gurudeva!

Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!

Dear Srila Gurudeva!
Please accept my congratulations on this day of your appearance!

Every year I notice more and more that if I do not approach your lotus feet I am able neither to chant nor to speak nor to do anything good.

Once in your class in Divnomorsk you said that a disciple should address the lotus feet of his Guru and at that moment I thought you were hinting that I always look at your eyes during darsanas which is not in accordance with etiquette. But I could not understand how it is possible to speak with feet. And soon I got the chance to realize that.

We chanted at the harinam party and I tried to portray something with my unmelodious voice but it was unsuccessful. There was no life in my voice and no heart as you often say. People just passed by because they felt falsity, they felt lacking of the soul in the voice.

I had been trying to make myself out but finally understood that I can not portray something that I do not have and then I decided to appeal to your lotus feet for help. I closed my eyes and imagined your lotus feet. I started to ask you to sing through me so that your strength, your love to Krishna reflected in my voice and that people could hear it. And it happened!

I could feel my voice started to change and I received what I asked for that I didn’t have before.

I opened my eyes and saw people standing around and listening. Many passer-bys slowed their steps and stopped. I understood how wonder-working Sri Guru’s mercy is!

mukham karoti-vacalam
pangum langayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
Sri-Gurum dina-taranam

I am bowing down before you, my spiritual master! Savior of the fallen souls, by your mercy even a dumb man can become an eloquent speaker and a lame man can climb to the mountain peaks. So wonderful is Sri Guru’s mercy!

Therefore on this wonderful day I’d like to thank you for your mercy toward this fallen soul even though you know very well about all my negative qualities.

I’d like to wish you to always inspire devotees with your divine kirtans, with your strong voice full of love and devotion to Krishna. Please, be careful, take care of yourself and your health.

Let your disciples become more and more worthy continuers of your mercy and let them please you with their successes in devotional service and never ever give you pain. Your smile is proof of our success!

Always trying to become your sincere and useful disciple,
Jana Mohini dd
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Janesvari devi dasi
Dearest GuruMaharaj,

Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to HDG Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your divine lotus feet, on this most auspicious celebration of your appearance day.

"The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can obtain pure devotional service.
I bow down to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence.

Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires." (Sri Guru-vandana)

In my humble attempt to glorify you, dear Gurudev, on your Vyasa Puja day,
I like to reflect on a few of your unlimited qualities.

"You have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion."

What better 'father' than you could we wish for?

Because of your completely surrendered selfless service, your unlimited compassion and your dedication to Guru and Krsna, do we -as your aspiring sons and daughters- have a chance to make advancement in devotional service.

Even without any qualification on our behalf, you kindly enable us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

Please bestow your blessings upon me and engage me in your pure loving devotional service eternally.

Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari devi dasi

following also is a little poem...

D for Dynamicly, the Sanatan Dharma you represent,
E for Expertly, our false Ego you bend.
V for Vaisnava, pure and true,
A for Austerities and KC Activities you do.
M for Many Miles you travel the globe,
R for Radharani, Who's lotus feet are your hope.
I for Intelligence, which you always use,
T for Tolerance, without excuse.
A for Authority, you show us the way,

S for you Swim, in exstatic love night and day.
W for Wisdom and Willingness to serve,
A for your Arrows that hit the right nerve.
M for Maya, against whom we unite,
I for I'm eager to stay by your side.

Please accept this humble attempt to glorify you, Gurudev.

Your aspiring servant,
Janesvari dd
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhaktine Jessie
Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam, (1.2.6) Srila Prabhupada states "The relation [between Krishna and the living entities] is one of the servant and the served. It is transcendental and is completely distinct from our experience in material existence."

Reading this reminded me of you because your relations with your disciples and spiritual dependents are extraordinary, according to material conceptions. The satisfaction one recieves from pleasing you is somehow very different to any material happiness. You have no wish of material gain but, it seems, you just want to please your spiritual master. You are constantly thinking of the spiritual welfare of others, and out of compassion you try to protect people from the worst type of fear, with the result that, while in your presence, one may feel completely safe from the onslaughts of material nature.

These types of relationships are unheard of in our material experience. We have experience of being a servant or master of some sort in the material world, but like everything in Krishna consciousness, the reality of a situation is very different from what it appears to be from a materialistic view. Your servants and aspiring servants are very lucky to have a spiritual master possessing such pure qualities.

Your power is so wonderful that you can destroy stubborn ignorance, deep attachments and worries with a few potent words. Your chanting of the Maha-mantra can transform those who hear it, and my limited experience of this has deepened my faith in Krishna. Hearing you speak the truth with care and conviction is purifying and illuminating. Some people ignore your advice, challenging you offensively. I am ashamed to have acted in this way, but you are forgiving and tolerant, repeating the same message patiently.

I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the fruits of your devotional service in the form of Gaura Yoga and the Loft, where people who may not be looking for Krishna enjoy prasadam and learn to chant Hare Krishna - this is the beauty of these places, we get to watch these people chant and dance blissfully with their arms in the air, and gradually take to the process of Krishna consciousness. I am constantly reminded of how, by your service to Srila Prabhupada, I was also helped to discover Krishna and so was my Mum.

And now, by your causeless mercy I am here, slowly trying to follow you on the path to perfection. You have saved me from impersonalism and misery and I thank you very much. I pray to become a sturdy instrument, and be used by you in this merciful mission to transform the darkness of nescience into the light of Krishna consciousness.

From your aspiring servant,
Jessie

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhakta Jo
My Dearest Devamrita Swami,

Please accept my most humble obeiscances.

I write to you with sincere love, affection and gratitude.

Unconditional love is the essence of life - both in giving and receiving. When a child is able to show unconditional love, thoughtfulness, wisdom, knowledge and complete devotion to Krisna it can only be because the Father has guided and modelled such exemplary practices - just as you have, with the beautiful devotees who inspire and encourage me every day. As a father you instinctively know how to respond to, encourage and guide towards the only fullfilling journey that this life has to offer. When our beautiful daughter became unsure of continuing this Krisna Consciousness path we, as parents, became most anxious. You knew how to respond to her misgivings in a loving and assertive way and the result was renewed enthusiasm and comittment from her. As a result of her renewed love my husband and I too received many opportunities to take part in devotional service and have been blessed a thousand fold! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Hare Krisna!

Sincere affection is modelled by your devotees every day. If you are the eyes, ears, lips, arms and feet of our beloved Krisna then our beautiful "Angel Devotees" are an extension of you. I have experienced their continuing 'showers of affection ' as I strive to live a life of devotion for Krisna but they give all credit to you! Surely we are truely blessed to be under your guidance and care.I have, and am continually striving to, put into action your messages of practicing devotional service - practices which you consistently model and foster in your devotees. The blessings, protection and guidance which have been lavished upon me leave me feeling totally humbled but with a missionary zeal to give even more for Krisna. I have never experienced such overwhelming love as I have now with Krisna in my life. At times I feel my heart will tuely burst with such joy.

I am, and shall always be, eternally grateful to you for the guidance you provide either face-to-face or via the 'tapes' of your programmes. I dwell on every word as I would a precious pearl and listen to your teachings over and over and over again! I long for the day when I may approach you to be my guru-maharaja but in the mean time I shall steadfastedly put into practice the devotional service which will enable me to love my Dearest Krisna even more.

Thank you for being such an inspiration in my life.

Your humble servant,
Jo Hickman (Wellington ashram)
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Karuna-purna devi dasi
Dear Guru-maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisance's at your soft lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Although I always fail to properly glorify you, I will make an attempt to touch upon your divine, immeasurable glories. While I, by your causeless mercy, had the honor to travel in Europe with you, I got to experience a bit more of your transcendental qualities.

I am struck with amazement to see your deep dedication to Srila Prabhupada and his mission to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world. As you told us that your motto was in the early days, when introducing Krishna Consciousness to Eastern Europe: “I might live or I might die, but Krishna Consciousness must go on!” This shows your endless selflessness and compassion for humanity at large, and I wish that I had only a drop of that pure feeling.

I admire your determination to constantly travel from place to place, performing great austerities, only for the purpose of serving others. You do not consider your own bodily comfort, and you always emphasize that we should perform sacrifice, while teaching by example.

Within your heart there is a fire of desire to serve Lord Krishna in pure love. By your desire, thousands of other sparks are lit within the hearts of the conditioned souls. It is incredible to experience your ever-fresh inspiration and ability to shower it over others, in form of rock-concert-like kirtans, knowledge-packed lectures or merely by your transcendental glances. Whatever you do, you do with great attention and expertise. You do not let one single moment pass, without being engaged in Krishnas service. It is not at all surprising that you are so dear to everyone, because your mercy is never-ending.

Tirelessly you travel in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada, empowered by Krishna to distribute tons and tons of fruits of love of God. I cannot understand why I got the rare opportunity to meet you and serve you. Verily, this must be Krishnas causeless mercy.

Sitting at your beautiful lotus feet, or trying to carry out your order, is the perfection of my life, although I feel greatly unqualified to do so.

It is only by your causeless mercy that I have the privilege to be your spiritual daughter, and I pray that I one day will become qualified to serve you. There is no way I can ever do enough in your service, because you are an ocean of mercy, constantly pouring nectar upon your servants. For me, trying to reach up to your lotus feet is like the dwarf trying to reach for the moon (as Ragunath Das Goswami express himself in his prayer to Lord Nityananda Prabhu).

I am always deeply grateful for your mercy and tolerance upon me. And I am sincerely terrified when I think of my dark future, if I would not have been taken under the shelter of your adorable lotus feet.

“O lord and master! When will this devotee be blessed by obtaining your mercy? I am low, fallen, and devoid of all strength and intelligence. Please make me your beloved servant.” (Gurudeva, from Saranagati)

Your aspiring servant,
Karuna-purna

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Khadiravan devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances on this glorious day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Some years ago when I was quite new, (although I still am, I realise more and more) I had a dream about you. You were standing in the centre of the room, surrounded by mountains of baggage – suitcases, shoulder bags, everything. A group of us stood around you, watching you as you began to calmly, ungrudgingly, willingly pick up bag after bag and load it somewhere on your sacred frame for careful carriage. As you continued adding to your load, as one of your spectators I launched a feeble speech. "I thought we were supposed to help you carry those!" You replied with your pure stare, "ridiculous!" I heard you say in my mind. "Why say it now? You should have already been doing it" was the message I received and felt out of guilt.

There are some of your disciples who are helping you, a lot. They are beacon lights for those of us who trail behind, fighting our wars with our own sense gratification. Hoping we could catch up like a small child to its father and be a valiant soldier following in your footsteps, assisting in your fight to reclaim the wounded.

I can see more and more by your grace the horrible condition Kali yuga leaves us in, the shattered messes we are to deal with as we stumble in the door of a mercy outpost, thinking ourselves quite fine, intelligent and world-wise, interesting to say the least. Nine years down the track and I'm realizing how far from the standard I am. Even attaining the material mode of goodness is a sizeable battle. Understanding the weaknesses of the female body – once the "puffed-up conceptions of womanly life" wash off a little, and the distance there is to go to act with intelligence in such a form. How to sacrifice without counter-productive martyrdom? – "the female tendency for self-immolation" as you artfully phrased it. What's more, it's all up to me – the ball is in my court – "everything is based on desire", I have to want to do it. You can't do it for me, nor can anyone else.

I remember when you used to visit me at my work when I first started Krsna consciousness and you said to me "Don't waste your life, use your brains." I couldn't really understand at all what you meant then, because I thought I was already doing that by chanting and going to the Loft. But I think now I'm beginning to understand a little. How easily I could bypass this golden opportunity to make something of this life for your pleasure. I achieved nothing in material life, frittered my time away in meaningless, endless social interactions. I'm poised to do the same in spiritual life if I don't bite the bullet and pull myself together for the ultimate challenge. I'm eternally grateful that you reveal these internal enemies to me Gurudeva. Who else can tell us exactly what we need to hear. Only one who is the mercy incarnation of our best friend, Sri Krsna.

Please give me the strength to continue fighting to become of assistance to you. It is a most worthy mission, my only worthy mission. As you said in your Vyasa-puja offering to Srila Prabhupada last year, "A life without a sublime mission is no life at all". Actually on reflection, without the desire to please you I would just rather roll up in a ball and hide from this hell of a place, escape into the void. (with just my little bit of sense gratification to keep me going of course.) Thank you for giving me a real reason to continue living. It is taking me a long time to wake up to the life of positive action based on Krsna conscious desire, as I hide from the horrors of life based on selfish desire. You are so patient with me. Thank you for shedding so much blood to give me the best, give me as much absorption and depth as I can take. Never catering to my sense gratification, indulging my illusions. – saying "hey, you're ok… it's ok if you wanna stay here, it's not that bad!!" No…you always hold the bar high and higher – here is where life is. Not down where you think it is! Not changing Krsna's message to suit the super-selfish sense gratificatory times we live in. Pounding on our heads with instructions for freedom.

You undertake so many difficulties to please your spiritual master. You had this debilitating accident this year but still you kept travelling and preaching unfazed. Please bless me with the strength of character to take up some difficulty for your pleasure, and the intelligence to always remember the need for that, and to not just "follow the ways of life" dictated by the modes.

"When Brahmā was first created, he could not apply his creative energy to arrange the cosmic situation. At first there was only sound, vibrating the word tapa, which indicates the acceptance of hardships for spiritual realization. Refraining from sensual enjoyment, one should voluntarily accept all sorts of difficulties for spiritual realization. This is called tapasya. An enjoyer of the senses can never realize God, godliness or the science of theistic knowledge. " CC Adi 1.50 purport (excerpt)

That's a real kick in the face for all the suit-yourself laziness that composes my material heritage. A relishable outcry in this sea of sense gratification. Reassuring us yes, it is ok to sacrifice for Guru and Krsna's pleasure – even within the devotee community there is campaigning against too much "artificial" sacrifice, not enough "being for real".

A life without a sublime mission is no life at all.

Finally, thank you for your stunning example of fighting to remain relevant in outreach always, and teaching us to do the same. And at the same time, demanding the internal discipline in ourselves and in our community required in the bhakti tradition Srila Prabhupada has passed down.

As Sanatana Gosvami said to Haridas Thakura:

āpane ācare keha, nā kare pracāra
pracāra karena keha, nā karena ācāra

"Some behave very well but do not preach the cult of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, whereas others preach but do not behave properly.

'ācāra', 'pracāra',——nāmera karaha 'dui' kāry
tumi——sarva-guru, tumi jagatera ārya

"You simultaneously perform both duties in relation to the holy name by your personal behavior and by your preaching. Therefore you are the spiritual master of the entire world, for you are the most advanced devotee in the world."

CC Antya 4.102-103

Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport that here Santana Gosvami clearly defines the bona fide spiritual master of the world.

I feel so proud to have such a glorious, spiritual master, who dispels illusion with every word and action, fearless in the face of māyā's heaviest preaching – cutting through the solid conviction of the bewildered conditioned souls. We become emboldened just trailing in your footsteps.

I lament that my offering was not more a joyous/desperate outpouring of a heart steeped in sacrifice at your lotus feet.

I will try my best to make this year in your service a deeper sacrifice, come closer to being the devotee you see I should be.

I pray that my obligation and gratitude to you (combined with your loving kicks and jump starts) push me to the limits of this precious opportunity to render some service in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.

Aspiring to become your servant,
Khadiravan devi dasi

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Khela-tirtha dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Strila Prabhupada

There is undoubtedly no end to the glories of a vaisnava and it would be fiiting to pray for more mouths and hands to sing and write all the glories that would best describe you and your activities,in this offering,on this most auspicious day of your appearance.

Gurudev,I daily think about you....alot.Somedays more than others and to think about you means thinking about preaching.Your very fibre is preaching,thats what you do,thats what you live your life for.And thats why we are here.

To hear about your preaching history and triumphant results,many of which are ISKCON pioneering feats,is so enlivening and awe inspiring and these feats inspire other devotees all over the world to preach vigourously too.

In this effort to aid others to come to KC, ,spanding 3 decades,you have cultivated many from scratch.You've been a transcendental spark plug that shocks new life into stagnent centres in different parts of the world and you are not only a Spiritual Master of many but also a manager,sankirtan General,administrative wizz,a psychiatric counciller and a father too.

You are engaging many western/European youth in Lord Caitanya's sankirtan mission which is why Srila Prabhupada originally came west.Converting westeners to KC takes tremendous surrender,intense focus,loving compassion and unbroken empowerment and persistence to do this.

On the one hand its quite amazing that you've managed to hold the attention of us,your disciples,aspirents and followers,here in NZ for over 20 years.

You are so attractive.

Then on the other hand it is natural that someone as Krsna Concious as you,and you being a touch stone,any one coming in contact with you is enthralled by everything that you say,think and do at all times ,in all places and in all circumstances.

Why is it you worth taking shelter of?

Theres a few pertinent reasons,but the main reason I can truly say,that is the most relevent for me, is explained in the 5th verse of the Nectar of instruction where it describes the 3 kinds of devotees.Besides being advanced in undeviated devotional service and a pure devotee ,you are one who is 'anya nindadi sunya' completely devoid of the propensity to criticize others.

sunya="completely devoid of"

When searching my own contaminated conciousness I find so many means and ways of critisizing others that impedes devotional service.

So it is quite incredible ,in comparrison,that a heart is and can be"sunya"completely devoid of attacking and bringing down other living entities which is the nature of envy.

Gurudev, you posses this kind of heart,sunya, and this why we are able to ,with full faith,take shelter of you.

Bhaktivinode Thakur sings in the mood of a disciple,begging his Guru to invest him with the power to honour all living beings properly

"sakale samana korite sakate
deho natha yathayatha"

In that same mood ,taking into consideration your continual exhibition of your heart being devoid of the tendancy to critisize others,I beg the same of you,Gurudev,on this day,that my heart can be devoid of the propensity to critisize others then "tabe to gaibo harinama sukhe aparadha habe hata" one can chant the Holy names in extacy and only then will all my offenses cease.

To Preach and acheive the results you have,Gurudev,means that you have genuine love for the living entities.

Tolerating so much inconvenience,disciple space outs,rocks of impersonalism,ungratefulness and envy being hurled at you,lack of appreciation,even by your own godfamily and more. Still you push on Srila Prabhupada's movement and continue to give shelter to those who are sincere and needy.

Still to this day,Gurudev,I cant adequately express in words how much you mean to me.

Hoping that this insignificant life of mine can be a speck of dust at your lotus feet in this offering on this most auspicious day of your appearance

Forever your needy son and meagre aspiring servant,
Khela-tirtha dasa

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Kishor Murti dasa
namo om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale srimate devamrta swamin iti namine

pracare purva dakshyam ca bhatachara pravinata
pararthathapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namo namah

Dear Gurumaharaj,

Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust at your lotus feet.
Now again is this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja manifest along with an opportunity to make a written offering to you.

My real desire is to make my whole lifetime a suitable offering to Guru and Gauranga not only some words written once a year. My own experience is that it is so easy to say one thing and do another. I dont want that kind of life.

Please let me enter into your particular mood of service to Srila Prabhupada and actually assist your service to him.

Please forgive me for the lack of spiritual spark that so many of my Godsiblings possess. They are so cutting edge, just like their spiritual father, and Grandfather, yet I feel slow and weighed down compared to them. But they are a source of inspiration, not envy.

Please tolerate my flickering mind and please forgive my offenses to you.
I pray to become more strong in my new ashram situation so that I can do something useful to assist you.

Your humble servant,
Kishor Murti dasa
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Krishnaloka devi dasi
nama om visnu-padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrta swamin iti namine

pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah

nama om visnu-padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Every year when I meditate on how to glorify you one main point shines through – your selfless ability to reach out to so many people, you are very loyal to those under your shelter.

SB 11.17.27pp

"The spiritual master is not an enjoyer of facilities offered by his disciples. He is like a parent. Without the attentive service of his parents, a child cannot grow to manhood; similarly without the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service"

You are such a selfless, caring spiritual father; patiently helping those under your shelter grow in Krsna consciousness, teaching us by your perfect example and instructions.

The spiritual master is also called Acarya, or a transcendental professor of spiritual science".

You are undoubtedly a transcendental professor. So learned and expert in presenting Krsna consciousness. You know Srila Prabhupada's books.

Guru Maharaja, one day I want to become expert in preaching and to dynamically and compassionately reach out to others - only by your mercy.

your servant & daughter,
Krsnaloka devi dasi
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Krishna Prasada das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Another year has passed and the effects of Kali Yuga are getting stronger by the day. By your mercy only do I have the strength needed to surpass these effects.

I often think how fortunate we are to have the Gaura Yoga Centre. How you have designed it with such expertise and intelligence to function the way it does. So many Kali Yuga refugees being transformed into not only human beings but great Vaisnavas. Thankyou for making it possible to have the opportunity to associate with and try to serve such great souls.

Thankyou Gurudeva for my initiation this year, for actually allowing me to be part of such a great family of devotees under your care and guidance. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to show us by his example, how to act as devotees. He showed us the way by taking a Spiritual Master himself. Without a bonafide Spiritual Master one cannot make any advancement. You mentioned at the initiation that you are formally giving us Krsna's holy names. Please let me take advantage of this and try to relish and chant the holy names always.

The only way to please Krsna is by following your instruction and by pleasing you. So how can I please Krsna without your instruction? Please give me the intelligence and strength to serve you properly and always remember that any Spiritual advancement or ability I have is all coming from you.

I hope to someday serve you the same way you have that intense desire to serve Srila Prabhupada.

Your sorry excuse for a servant,
Krsna Prasada das
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Lavanya-sar devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances.

On this day of your Vyasa-puja I am offering with love and devotion the garland of my realizations, that ‘matured’ by your mercy. Please accept it. For the last year I have been trying to comply with an elevated position of your disciple. I learned your wonderful qualities. In Mayapur you were giving class about Bhakti Tirtha Swami. It contained so much love and humanity that I “fell sick” with the same desire to enter the same loving and pure relationship. I made my first steps in this direction and for the first time in my life I made some friends, ‘cause all that you call with the name Lavanua-sar dd is but a reflection of your mercy.

You called me to coordinate you traveling arounf Russia and your care inspired me to search for those who need this care. I’ve made my first steps in this direction and my relationships with my mother has become better. Because all that you call with the name Lavanua-sar dd is but a reflection of your mercy.

In Angarsk you gave me much more love than I deserve and I understood that I want to deserve it. I started to search directions where to put my first steps and I felt a strong desre to purely chant the holy name to ba capable of giving love to others. Suddenly I have become more serious in spiritual practice.

When you flew to Angarsk I was observing you and absorbed that tolerance and humility you demonstrated in those uncomfortable situations. Now when I am experiencing discomfort or problems I compare it with your example and understand how insignificant my problems , so I easily tolerate them. Because all that you call with the name Lavanua-sar dd is but a reflection of your mercy.
And now here in Krinitsa I understand that if it is not your mercy I would have never become happy here. Every meeting with you makes my life better in quality.

No words in this world will not be sufficient to convey the significance of your mercy in the life of your disciple. Thank you!

If you are pleased with my service then please allow me to serve you forever.

ys, Lavanya-sar dd
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Mahavan das
Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your merciful lotus feet.

I seems you never tire in your constant efforts to encourage us deeper and deeper into the ecstatic ever increasing ocean of bhakti.

For example, you have explained that our mission statement at the Gaura Yoga Center should be "we make it easy," meaning we should make it easy for people to come to Krishna consciousness, grow in Krishna consciousness in a balanced organic way and distribute Krishna consciousness to others.

After some years of trying to serve this instruction, I'm realizing more than ever the huge sacrifice you've made and continue to make to give us this opportunity - an opportunity to purify ourselves in the fastest possible way and organically develop the qualifications to represent the disciplic succession – an opportunity to actually swim and sport in the ecstatic ever increasing ocean of bhakti.

Although not always pleasing to our material senses and conceptions, you explain and demonstrate that to become effective tools in the hands of the parampara – to actually swim and sport in the ecstatic bhakti ocean - we need to understand that in the material world, Krishna consciousness is "the art of the possible," and to learn this art is what is actually needed to fulfill the purport of your mission statement.

"Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then told Sanātana Gosvāmī about proper renunciation according to a particular situation, and the Lord forbade dry renunciation and speculative knowledge in all respects."

PURPORT (excerpt)

To broadcast the cult of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one has to learn the possibility of renunciation in terms of country, time and candidate. A candidate for Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the Western countries should be taught about the renunciation of material existence, but one would teach candidates from a country like India in a different way. The teacher (ācārya) has to consider time, candidate and country. He must avoid the principle of niyamāgraha—that is, he should not try to perform the impossible. What is possible in one country may not be possible in another. The ācārya's duty is to accept the essence of devotional service. There may be a little change here and there as far as yukta-vairāgya (proper renunciation) is concerned. Dry renunciation is forbidden by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and we have also learned this from our spiritual master, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Gosvāmī Mahārāja. The essence of devotional service must be taken into consideration, and not the outward paraphernalia. (Cc. Madhya 23.105)

Your example of personal sacrifice in this regard is what inspires us to carry on this sublime yet externally and internally challenging legacy of the disciplic succession, because although it would certainly be easy to "make it difficult" it is indeed very difficult to make it easy, and without your personal example and guidance, neophytes like my self would quickly become bewildered and discouraged and thus flee the battlefield – all in the name of devotional service of course - as Arjuna wanted to before the battle of Kuruksetra.

"Arjuna said: O Janārdana, O Keśava, why do You want to engage me in this ghastly warfare, if You think that intelligence is better than fruitive work?"

PURPORT (excerpt)

Sometimes Kṛṣṇa consciousness is misunderstood to be inertia, and one with such a misunderstanding often withdraws to a secluded place to become fully Kṛṣṇa conscious by chanting the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa…Arjuna also thought of Kṛṣṇa consciousness or buddhi-yoga, or intelligence in spiritual advancement of knowledge, as something like retirement from active life and the practice of penance and austerity at a secluded place. In other words, he wanted to skillfully avoid the fighting by using Kṛṣṇa consciousness as an excuse. But as a sincere student, he placed the matter before his master and questioned Kṛṣṇa as to his best course of action. (Bg. 3.1)

I'm praying that I can also, with an open hart, always question you as to the best course of action and accept your instructions to "make it easy" for others without getting caught up in the seemingly endless array of distractions, irrelevancies, impossibilities and less-than-essentialism that so heavily plagues Kali Yuga-ites likes myself.

Today I'm begging for the spiritual strength to humbly carry this weighty instruction, and as the years go by and as my protests about the ever-increasing depth of the bhakti ocean issue forth, please kindly ignore them all as Lord Krishna did with His intimate friend Arjuna, and continue to remind me:

"Things that are very difficult to do become easy to execute if one somehow or other simply remembers Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. But if one does not remember Him, even easy things become very difficult. To this Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu I offer my respectful obeisances." (Cc . Ādi 14.1)

(Struggling to be) your faithful son,
Mahavan das

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Mangal Vaisnava das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you.

Dear Gurudev, How can I ever repay you for everything you have given me. To have revealed how to repel the blazing fire of material existence, for that mercy alone I am forever indebted to you.

Dear Gurudev, How can I ever repay you for the words that left your lips. It changed my whole life. Chanting the Holy Names, dancing in ecstasy, singing and feasting. I can only relish these wonderful activities when I am trying to meditate on your soft lotus feet and your instructions.

Dear Gurudev, How can I ever repay you for allowing this heavily conditioned wretch to serve and worship Their Lordships Radha-Giridhari. Dress them, bathe them. For this most ecstatic service, from the core of my heart I weep in appreciation for this most wonderful service you have allowed to perform.

Dear Gurudev, How can I ever repay you for way I have witnessed you reveal and relish the unlimited pastimes of the Supreme Lord and with such eagerness to hear and chant. I am in awe of your mercy to give and keep giving in such an ever-fresh mood. The way you present these most relishable pastimes leaves me in no doubt that you are tasting these rasas at first hand.

Dear Gurudev, How can I ever repay you for bestowing the most wonderful benediction of chanting the Holy Names and receiving Krishna. I've only made advancement in chanting because of your kindness, patience and care and expert guidance. For these benedictions, you have saved me from the ocean of material existence by reaching into that ocean and giving me your hand of kindness.
Please allow me to serve you here and never ever go back to that ocean of misery.

I bow down to my dear dear Gurudev on your very auspicious appearance day.

Your servant,
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Mantramala devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaj,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Your Divine Lotus Feet.

Another year passed and a month ago I was puzzled about what the content of my offering should be for your Vyasa-Puja this year. I wanted to avoid repeating myself. As usual you came to my help. At the Ukraine Festival you lent me your Caitanya Caritamrita, Part One. On the airplane back to Hungary I looked at the table of contents and decided to read Chapter 12 of Madhya-Lila entitled The Cleansing of the Gundica Temple. I thought I would read this chapter because it is so inspirational to read about the humble, dedicated and practical service of Lord Caitanya and His devotees. I may also catch the fire! I’m in so much need to catch the fire of devotional service! I have dried up over the years due to my offenses. So I started to read.

Soon I reached Text 25: “I shall not meet the King at the request of all the devotees, but I shall do so if Damodara will give his permission”. And I read the purport with special attention to this section: “It so happened that while the Lord was talking to His disciples at that time, the devotee Damodara Pandita was present. This Damodara Pandita was a very faithful devotee and a staunch lover of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Whenever there was anything that might touch or taint the character of the Lord, Damodara Pandita would immediately point it out, not even considering the exalted position of the Lord. It is sometimes said that fools rush in where angels dare not, and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted to point out Damodara Pandita’s foolishness in coming forward to criticize the Lord. Thus the Lord indirectly hinted that if Damodara Pandita would give Him permission, He would go to see the King. There was deep meaning in this statement, for it is a warning that Damodara should not dare criticize the Lord any more, for it was not befitting his position as a devotee. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was considered the guide and spiritual master of all the devotees living with Him. Damodara Pandita was one of them, and the Lord rendered Damodara Pandita a special favour by warning him to avoid criticizing Him any further. A devotee or a disciple should never attempt to criticize the Lord or His representative, the spiritual master.”

I wish I had internalised this text and purport when I was reading Caitanya Caritamrita before. Or rather, I wish I had reached a better devotional standing. Now it’s too late, the damage has been done: I have criticized you Guru Maharaj recently, not even only once, while, unlike Damodara Pandita, I’m not a faithful devotee. What is my position then?

Still, you overlooked my sinful actions so that Lord Krishna cannot take offence. Thus you are giving me another chance. This is the mercy of the Vaishnava.

I’m not sure I can utilize the chance to my advantage i.e. I will advance in Krishna Consciousness.

In one sense it doesn’t matter: I have found what I was looking for, who I was looking for. I have found the saintly goals, saintly activities and the saintly, heroic persons of Krishna Consciousness. As such my life is already successful even if I am unable to finish my business this lifetime and go back home, back to Godhead. I’m on the right path, finally!

I often think about the various aspects of your heroism. Let me name a few on this auspicious day of Your Vyasa-Puja:

I was very fortunate to hear an evening discussion of yours on the internet where you surrendered to the demand of the Perth audience and talked about your Eastern European adventures of spreading Krishna Consciousness. Being a child of communist Hungary I could certainly strongly identify with your desperation and loud cry on the Scandinavian ferry travelling to communist Poland. I would have done the same if I were you. Please forgive me, but I envision a young, naïve American boy who had to grow up extremely quickly to be able to face the morbid and ludicrous life behind the Iron Curtain. Only huge compassion can make someone return there year after year after year on this secret and most dangerous mission of spreading Krishna Consciousness. [Of course, the place would have been fine for decadence: women and wine.]

I wish you had written your memoirs for the sake of everyone but at the same time I wish you hadn’t: your memories are so painful as you said at that evening class.

I notice you never talk with me about those Eastern European years (unfortunately). Partly because they are painful. Partly because you don’t want me to look at you with big eyes. That is your utmost humbleness. Once you started to say something, but seeing the change in me you immediately stopped.

I also find heroic that you were able to live in a remote farm community in America for many years after your European years and used your time there to guide and counsel the devotees. It appears to me that you didn’t demand attention, position and “medals” after your sacrificial service in Eastern Europe but did what was needed to be done right there and at the time. I wish you had written your memoirs about this chapter of your life, as well. Those were turbulent times but your heroism is that you came out clean, unshaken and deep in your Krishna Consciousness – unlike many others.

The mid-90s found you in New Zealand and Australia. I first met Guru Maharaj in Sydney where I was based between 1995 and early 2000. In Sydney your patience appealed to me: your patience with ISKCON. And that you were the siksa guru of everyone. You very kindly shared your deepest realisations at classes, darshans and meetings: you always worked for everyone’s benefit because you wanted everyone to increase his/her Krishna Consciousness – no matter the person’s friendly or unfriendly disposition toward you.

I have been living in New Zealand from February 2000. New Zealand is different from most of Australia because you have more influence here. You have entire communities here where you are the spiritual master of everyone in the organisation. You are like Srila Prabhupada when he was on Earth: you are our father and ever well-wisher. You gave us a spiritual family with many sisters and brothers. And you teach us so nicely: like the Lord, you are more pleased if we serve each other nicely than you directly.

Your heroism is just as strong as on the battlefield of Eastern Europe but took a different form: how heroic it is to tolerate our many e-mails and darshans including our little problems which we, spoilt Western or Westernised disciples see enormous and insurmountable!

Begging for Your Mercy and Association,
Mantramala devi dasi

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhakta Manish
Namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale srimate devamrta swamin iti namine

Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama

Dear Guru Maharaj,

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance

I cannot begin to thank you for your kindness, strength and mercy. By your grace, some of my deepest problems have been dealt with and I feel a new sense of hope in my spiritual life.

By your mercy, I have a set direction I can dedicate my life too.
Through your advice and instruction, I have taken on teaching as both my profession and my main service for Bhaktivendanta Manor and for the Pandava Sena. Through this service, I am always learning more and absorbing myself in serving others.

You have the amazing ability to perfectly explain even the most complicated subject matters in an exciting and absorbing way, enlivening all those that hear. From your words, the spiritual world becomes an amazing place of adventure and excitement. I pray I am always able to hear such sweet words from your grace. Truly, you are an expert sales man for Krishna Consciousness!

I pray that I am always able to please you through your instructions.
Thank you so much for keeping Srila Prabhupada and Gauranga Mahaprabhu's teachings alive and well

Your aspiring servant
Manish Gadhvi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhakta Matt
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Before you manifested your mercy, I was blinded by so much ignorance that I could not see how much misery was being inflicted upon me. It is only by your mercy that the futility of material existence is being revealed to me.

Cakhudāna dilo yei, janme janme prabhu sei. Divya-jñāna hṛde prokāśito; you are opening my darkened eyes and filling my heart with transcendental knowledge, you are my Lord birth after birth. In a purport Srila Prabhupada says:

“A jokers activities simply arouse laughter, and a person who tries to repay the spiritual master or teacher of the transcendental message of Krsna consciousness becomes a laughing stock just like a joker because it is not possible to repay such a debt.” (SB 4.22.47)

Regardless of how long you allow me to serve you, never will such a time come where I can repay you for the rare jewel you have given me. I am most fortunate to have met you and you have displayed your causeless mercy by giving me the privilege of serving you. But due to my pride and envy I am making it very difficult for Krsna to use me as an instrument, if I only had more humility and devotion I could be of more assistance to you. I am sorry that I cannot please you in this way, for I owe you my life, you saved me.

Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Matt
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Muni-cari das
nama om visnu-padaya krsna presthaya bhu-tale srimate Devamrita svamin iti namine

pracare purve-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 your Vyasa puja.

Hare Krsna

It is hard to believe that a year has past since I last meditated on writing my Vyasa puja offering to you. The same feeling is present though, that is the feeling of complete inadequacy to describe all that you mean to me! Reading what you write to your spiritual master verses what I write to mine highlights this.

I am writing this in NZ, having just arrived here from a 5 and a half year stay at the Melbourne temple in Australia. All the devotees in Melbourne speak so highly of you and comment how lucky I am to have you as my spiritual master (a point I hope I don't take for granted). Now here in NZ I am immersed in the ocean of your disciples. My God brothers and sisters endeavor so much to please you, I pray for even a drop of their sincerity.

Listening to the classes you gave in Melbourne on the 10th canto left me awe struck. You were able to describe a super 'lofty' subject matter in such a way that I could relate to it or at least understand it in some way. This is a skill that very few seem to possess and we are very dependant on you for this. Prabhupada explains the importance of the spiritual master through out his books and so often it appears that he is just describing your character alone.

My observation has been that people in general seem to be lacking one thing, that is, genuine friendship. By genuine I mean someone who will listen, not judge. Someone who is happy to see them and enquires about their well being and their life in general. Someone who has their best interests at heart.
Crossways restaurant bought me in contact with so many people just like this. You teach us, your disciples, that this special friend should be a devotee. Once again you have shown us the example which we are endeavoring to follow.

I pray for chastity to your instructions and guidance. If I can only remember what you want and that I am representing you, then hopefully I will become steady one day.

Thank you for inspiring all of us Guru Maharaja by the example you set serving your Gurudeva, ISKCON's founder acarya.

So once again I finish with my simple prayer that one day I may be more like you, and less like me. That is, more selfless and less selfish.

Your bumbling servant and spiritual child,
Muni-cari dasa

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Nalakuvara das
Nama om Visnu padhaya Krsna prestaya bhutale Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine

Pracare purva- daksyam ca Bhaktacara pravinata Parathatapi karunyamYasya sarve ca te Hamah

Dear Guru-Maharaja,

Please accept my respectful obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

“Most important is how the man in Krsna consciousness speaks; for speech is the most important quality of any man.” BG 2.54

Guru-Maharaja, your speech is full of wonderful qualities. Not only is your speech always in relation to Lord Krsna but is always thoughtful, sensitive, timely and powerful.

You know just what to say and when to say it. Some people like to say they were rescued by you. I prefer to say I’m being rescued. And it is your speech that is and has always being rescuing me.

Once at New Varshan, when I was making a come back, I had the good fortune of having your darshan. You only made one remark, “well it’s good to see you’re still hanging around.” You knew I was half in the door, looking back and forth so you packed an instruction in a sensitive message. What you really said was, “since you’re hanging around why don’t you get it into it?”

On another detox, when I looked rather ill, you strode up to me and mocked, “so I thought the body was meant to be an instrument for pleasure?” At the time it was like a thunderbolt. Later when I was reflecting I realised you were helping me to see how stupid I was being and that instead I should use my body for Krishna’s pleasure.

Ever since then you have been taming me with your delightful words.
Initially, they always cause me to double over and gasp for breath, but soon after when their anti-venom properties start to circulate, they quickly become an impetus for making spiritual advancement.

Guru-Maharaja, I love your words. They capture my heart, scoop my mind out of the gutter and dunk it in a pool of purifying nectar. I’m forever in debt to you for preaching to me.

Always hoping to remain your servant and son,
Nalakuvara dasa
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhaktine Natasha
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All Glories to you Gurudeva

The most dearest father I have ever had, so giving, loving and affectionate to me and to all.

Gurudeva you have been so merciful to me words can not express my gratitude and appreciation to some one so self realized and pure as you.

And I'm sure you would of herd and read the most sweetest words from the most sweetest.
So I wright this to the best of the knowledge that I have been given.

I know you are dear to Krsna and anyone dear to Krsna as you are, tells me you are not an ordinary person.

You are my saviour my goal in life, but yet I have an unsteady mind due to the constant need in trying to enjoy the stool over and over again. Little intelligence due to the lack of reading and not absorbing the mind,heart and body in serving, thinking, acting for Krsna.

I cant see clearly that, this is it I have been shown the truth and nothing but the truth.

I am but a failure who only thinks of herself so self fish am I, that I just want and want more sense gratification.

When Krsna has given so much already let me give my mind, body and heart to Krsna.

I have been given a choice and yet Krsna continues to give just see how kind he is to a rascal like me.

Now I ask please please shower your mercy upon me pour it on me like a waterfall.

I know I don't deserve your mercy but my life is nothing without your mercy, I need your blessings so I can understand how to live a Krsna conscious life.

And to understand that Krsna is my shelter, all my senses belong to him.
This body is meant for Krsnas devotional service.

My mind constantly flickers like a light switch when it is off my ego is filling up let me only see the light and raise my arms and say Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare It doesn't matter if you no nothing but if you have the holy name I feel your life is a success.

But is it, you need knowledge, you need a guru, you need guidance, you need association, you need intelligence, you need mercy you need so much in such little time.

I just turned 27yrs old I came in contact with you when I was 16yrs old where has the time gone. The years went so fast, so little time.

Let me not waste any more time on my selfless self, let me be your servant, let my mind be fully absorbed in pleasing Krsna.

Please Gurudeva kind words I say thank you for caring, thank you for all you have done for me.
Don't let me ever take it for granted let me relish and absorb in being a servant of the servant of the servant.

Your aspiring servant
Natasha or Tash as you know me as Gurudeva.

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Nick
Sri Gurudeva,

please accept my most humble and reverant obeisances
all glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada!

Is it really possible? Can a person such as myself really overcome the might and prowess of the illusory energy? What hope is there for a fool who only desires the satisfaction of his pride? Could I really make a substantial change in consciousness? My fear is borne of ignorance, no doubt, and a lack of faith. Your Mercy and the Mercy of Lord Caitanya is far more powerful than my feeble attempts at pessimistic introspection. But then, it is only by Your Mercy that I can be saved. This is most serious. I absolutely must receive Your Blessings in order to learn true devotion to Krishna. I will endure, Maharaj, through any sort of material anguish if that is required to earn Your Favor. I will constantly strive to know the position of the self, to render service, to understand the essential Vedic wisdom; I will struggle indefinitely. I will not surrender to the whims of desire or the influence of false ego, or the material modes. I will persist in Your Name. I will take shelter in Krishna's Name. I will continue with such ambition only to please You, Gurudeva. And if I should fail and be cast back into the hellish planets, then I pray that You might be pleased with my attempt. For my service unto You is eternal and it is, therefore, the foundation upon which my life will be built. Please accept me as Your servant.

All glories to You on the auspicious day of Your appearance!

your aspiring servant,
Nick Toney
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhaktine Nina
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am honored to be able to be in your association, thank you so much for having faith in me.
If it was not for your mercy I would surely still be doing the same degrading acts I have been doing throughout my many life time’s. Even though the first time I ever met you I was pretty messed up, you could still see I was a spirit soul, even though I could not. You patiently waited for the fog in my head to thin out, for this I owe you my life. Something you said in a lecture once has stuck in my mind, when you once spoke of lusty men & woman using each other for sense gratification. This used to be my life & soul, to have a man to show me attention, but now by your divine knowledge you have smashed this conception I had of life & made me see not only the most important thing in life, but actually the only thing in life is Krsna Consciousness.

I want to serve you for the rest of my life, I want to help other fallen souls out of this ignorance of thinking ones self to be the body, the only way I will ever be able to do this is if I surrender to you completely. So please guide me in how to fall at your lotus feet & follow you instructions.
On this very auspicious day please forgive me that I have not glorified you enough in this offering to you for all the offences I have committed against you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my lowly offering.
Your aspiring servant Nina

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Bhaktine Noelle
My Dear Guru Maharaj,

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Please accept my humble obeisances

It is now three years since the first time I consciously encountered You in this incarnation, which is obviously all by Your design. That encounter has changed my life, and, I know, the lives of so many others who have had the privilege of meeting You in Your physical form.

I am the very worst of devotees, lacking in Bhakti, bound by material problems and duties, unable to attend Temple as I, and certainly as You, would wish; and yet through it all You have always shown such compassion and understanding - far more than I could ever deserve. You have filled me with resolve to chant my rounds, no matter what latest form of material disaster is crashing down around me – and they invariably do!

Through all the ups and downs, there is the photo of Your noble, smiling face on my little altar, watching me stumble along. Sometimes, when I snap and snarl at circumstances, I sense a frown crossing Your features – but Your words and deeds are always so compassionate, despite the high standards that You set. So often I feel I can never live up to Your example.

You have also provided me with something else I have never had – a Family of godbrothers & sisters, all far advanced beyond my level, to inspire and watch over me. For once in this life, I feel that I belong somewhere.

I have only to check out Your website before I get on with the day’s duties at my computer, to see where You are and what You are involved in, to gain a sense of perspective again. To know that You are flying off somewhere, involved and hands-on at every turn, makes my own life somehow easier and more bearable, as I am sure it does everyone else’s.

These are so few, and such humble words on the occasion of Your Vyasa Puja, yet I know You will accept them as being from my heart.

Thank You for providing not merely the electronic link to us all; but also the spiritual and transcendental link that holds us all together, like beads on Your japamala.

Please bless me not once, but constantly, because without Your blessings, I will surely fall.

Please accept my humblest obeisances,

Your aspiring disciple,
Noelle
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Prema Sankirtan das
My dear Guru Maharaj

In the S.B 7.12.1 Narada muni told King Yudhistira

brahmacari guru kule
vasan danto guror hitam
acaran dasavan nico
gurau sudrdha  sauhrdah

" A student should practice completely controlling his senses. he should be submissive and should have an attitude of firm fiendship for the spiritual master. with a great vow, the brahmacari should live at the guru kula only for the benefit of the guru."

My dear Gurudev ,this statement is my lifelong mission at your lotus feet.
Please give mercy so i can understand your auspicious qualities  more and more and simultaneously understand my position as an insignificant servant of the servant of your servants.

Let me forever be engaged in your divine service.

your eternally indepted aspiring servant

Prema sankirtan dasa
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -
Prema Vardhana das
Dear Guru Maharaja

This year, especially during your Omsk visit, I noticed how precisely your senior disciples, who have known you such a long time, have described you in the second part of your pranama-mantra. At the meeting with local businessmen you revealed your apurva-pracar – unique talent of preaching to the most difficult and proud members of society. You demonstrated your exemplary Vaisnava behavior in very delicate situations. And you showed your karunyah by giving to others the opportunities to render any little service to Krishna even though it means inconvenience for you.

We often read about qualities of a Vaisnava in books and hear about them from classes, but for a student in Krishna Consciousness it becomes much easier, and in fact only possible to truly advance, if he sees an example of the practical embodiment of these qualities in his teacher. This is what makes the University of Krishna Consciousness different from usual universities, where teachers seldom live up to what they teach and as a result their students do not undergo a real transformation of character. Such acquired knowledge only multiplies the harmful effects of the graduates’ activities because, as it is said “knowledge in the heart of a bad man is like a sword in the hand of a madman”.

Genuine spiritual education is meant to foster ideal qualities in the human being. Truthfulness, cleanliness, austerity, mercy, humility, and freedom from material desire are transcendental qualities because they have their origin in Sri Krishna. But fallen souls have no way of associating with Krishna directly. The scriptures therefore say, sarva maha-guna-gana vaisnava-sarire: in this world, all the best qualities are embodied by the Vaisnavas, Krishna’s pure devotees. (Madhya 22.76)

As a spiritual master you are instilling these qualities in your disciples through your example, association and instruction. The disciples of a Vaisnava guru thus become ‘qualified’ and can then impart these spiritual qualities to the next generation in turn. And this is the meaning of disciplic succession.

Therefore, as Srila Prabhupada says in CC Madya 24.330 “The bona fide spiritual master who accepts disciples from all over the world is also worshiped all over the world because of his qualities. The people of the world worship him just as they worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead. All these honors are offered to him because he strictly follows the brahminical principles and teaches these principles to his disciples. Such a person is called an acarya because he knows the principles of devotional service, he behaves in that way himself, and he teaches his disciples to follow in his footsteps”.

On this day I’d like to express my gratitude to my spiritual master for this support, for allowing me to see and learn these qualities: apurva-pracarah (unprecedented preaching), bhakta-acarah (exemplary vaisnava behavior) and parartha-karunyah (compassion to all).

Your servant,
Prema Vardhana das

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

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.

Please excuse my feeble attempt in trying to glorify your wonderful qualities. Which I cannot adequately do due to my short-comings and misfortune.

Thankyou Gurudeva for being such an inspiration to us all. Your drive and determination to fulfill Prabhupadas mission is so wonderful to see. By creating urban preaching centres such as the Gaura Yoga Centre, you make it so easy for people to understand who they are and what they are a part of. Places like Gaura Yoga are essential in this day and age due to this world being so degraded. It creates an atmosphere where people can come and freely inquire into Spiritual life, and see first hand how it is being practised by your sincere disciples.

I am very grateful for the guidance and instructions you are giving all your disciples and I, you do it with such patience and care. Without your shelter I would be completely lost. Due to being such a fool I don't have a clue what is best for me. I pray that I can take your instructions deep into my heart. Please give me the intelligence and strength to follow and serve you.

Kind, selfless and compassionate are only a few ways to describe your exemplary character. You freely give yourself and use whatever you possess in Krsna's service, it is truly amazing to see.

I feel very blessed to have you as my Spiritual Master. Thankyou for taking me under your wing.

Your indebted servant
Radha Prasada devi dasi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Radha Sanga devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaj

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupad.

The Lord expresses His love and compassion for the conditioned souls through His dear most devotees. I am taking this opportunity to again express my gratitude to you for accepting me and taking the responsibility for delivering me to the lotus feet of Sri Krsna.

Thank you for giving me entrance into the transcendental loving service to the Lord, the only way to liberation.

Thank you for giving me the loving sanga.

You are far and near; meditating on you I sometimes get the glimpses of the unlimited spiritual emotions.

Having experience of drowning in the illusion, my only hope is that you will always mercifully glance at me.

Your spiritual daughter
Radha sanga devi dasi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Radhikesa dasa

My dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your divine lotus feet.
All glories to you on this most beloved day of your appearance in this world.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Thank you for enabling me to be with you, allowing me to be a witness of your expert seed planting, watering and nourishing abilities. Wherever we travelled, I noticed that those fortunate souls who gained your momentary association, regained their sense of duty: to be enthusiastically engaged in the service of the Lord and His representatives.

Wherever you go, with laughter we cry,
Devotees ecstatic, you bring the Lila’s alive.
Expertly preaching, backed up by sastra,
Impersonalist no more, now my dear master.
Swimming in the ocean, of devotee association,
Sensitivity and consideration, be your personal obligation.
In Budapest you sacrificed, brought in hope, you surrender.
Following you in: Sri Sri Dayal Nitai and Vijay Gauranga.

Your servant,
Radhikesa dasa
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

 

Ramdas das

Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Where ever one turns his face he sees sex life predominant, it is the focal point for all the activities for modern civilization. Some how or another you have distracted us from modern civilizations foremost goal. And you are enabling us to gradually transcend this monster magnet. All by your authorised and influential words.

I heard so many devotees older and younger, senior and junior describe how appealing your classes are and how hard you work and how very effective you are. I personally remember loving how Prabhupada spoke in his books and when I first came to the loft you had the same appeal. It wasn't just parrot like repetition of Vedic wisdom. It was like I read; Sukadeva was compared to a parrot not because of his ability to recite the Bhagavatam exactly as he heard it from his learned father but for his ability to present the work in a manner that would appeal to all classes of men.

As time has passed for me I've come to appreciate the motivation behind your appeal. Behind your great continuous chain of sacrificial ceremonies is…. Anxiety; to do good for the perplexed people and devotees in general. We are so blessed to have your concern fall upon us at the risk of your own great personal inconvenience.

I was reading how the sages of Naimisaranya were very concerned for the public foreseeing the present age. So they asked for the easy means by which men could progress. I can see this is exactly what you do as well.

Foreseeing our appetite for devotional service, you have made it so easy. Lofts, yoga, mentor systems, real ashrama divisions. Contemporary bachelor ashrams, councillors, easy access to you. Maintainable city preaching centres. Such incredible planning takes so much analysis. And this is exactly what the sages of Naimisaranya did. You so scutinizingly follow the Parampara.

In Prabhupadas books I find so frequently your character being described so when I read his books I often find my self thinking "Gurudeva does like this or yes that describes the mood of my spiritual master.

I am praying to become compassionate like you are. But the qualifications for being compassionate are high, and I am very low.

Please bless me with real compassion and industrial strength to work as hard as you do for the benefit and upliftment of the conditioned souls

Hoping to become a sharp instrument in your hands,
your servant Ramdas das.
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Ryo

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my humble obeisance at your loutas feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

nama om visnu-padaya
krisna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-
svamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve
gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-
pascatya-desa-tarine

It was great oppotunity for me to be introduced Hare Krisna consciousness through one of the devotees. It took long time for me to awakened what is important in our life, in other words what is important to be born as the human form as I was foolish. This is what I have been lookig for... what the meaning of my life is and what the value of my life. I am still not be able to find but Hare Krisna consciousness helps me significantly to find out these questions.

Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada
Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada
jaya Srila Prabhupada

I am slowly acquiring your drop of your merciful knowledge with reading through your great books. They inspired me to know what the life is.
However I was mode of ignorant, I could maintain my life by reading your books. In addition, they lead me proper way of life and association.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Thanks for giving me an oppotunity to meet you, although I was not one of your devotees then. Your greatest pure heart and words opened my eyes. You and your devotees encourage me to progress my spiritual life.

I am afraid to say that I am unable to express how I feel and how much I appreciate your causeless mercy.

Your insignificant servant,
Bhakta Ryo
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Samuli Hirvi

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Guru Maharaja

Strugle for sense gratification leads only to frustration. Happines in material world is illusion. Its builded up by mind.

So one wants to renounce everything. One may think that spiritual means no activities ,no forms ,no relationships. And he wants to quit everything.

This is not a natural position for living entity.

You are ocean of mercy. You gave me service to do.
You asked me to make the chanting of Hare Krishna mahamantra the most in inportant thing in my life.
You asked me to serve Prabhupadas mission under Tattvavada Prabhus order.
You aseked me to studie carefully Prabhupadas books.

In this way i can learn little by little how to use my senses, mind ,intellegence and words in their original position.

Thank you very ,very much

Your servent,
bh.sam
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Sam (Wellington)

Dear Devamrita Swami

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Reflecting on what is the beginning of my Krishna Consciousness career, I can see that at every major every major junction, every serious step of progress I made, you were the underlying cause.
Bringing my chanting up to 16 rounds, moving in with Devotees, deciding my future. And all of this only began because of my reading of Perfect Escape last January. So, all the meaning and peace that my life has attained is directly attributable to you in one-way or another, Devamrita Swami.

Recently I have noticed that it is very easy to forget how profoundly unsatisfying life without Krishna Consciousness was, and that it is very easy to forget just how precious Krishna Consciousness is. I have heard the saying ‘A diamond in the hands of a baby.’ It is very easy to just become a victim of the mind and the senses if not striving with all intelligence for the Lord. This should never be allowed to happen, as it is utterly degrading to the wonderful gift I have been given.

It is my actions, more than my words that will show how grateful I am for your help. So, I hope to arrange my life so that I have the determination in the coming weeks, months and years to express to you my gratitude to you through my actions.

Hare Krishna.
Your Servant,
Sam Stewart-Jacks (Wellington)
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

 

Sandipan Krishna das

Dearest and Sweetest Uncle,

Please accept my humble obesiances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am privileged, I really am.

To hear of your glories and lectures is so blissful and enlivening.
To read your blogs from your superb website is exciting. To listen to your classes from my MP3 players is refueling. And finally to be in your presence is hard to describe in words.

And Sri Shyamasundar has been so merciful that he has allowed my senses to be active to all these activities. Truly it is only by the mercy of the Lord, that one gets the opportunity to serve the devotees. I know this because it is not by quality or credits that I have been allowed into the realm of your service. Thank you.

My lifesaver. How I was saved. Your agreement to come to the Pandava Sena Trip in Italy saved me from a Management Meltdown! No one forgets your first lecture, a historical-biographical-philosophical-explosion. We all went from distant to engaged at your lotus feet within an instant. A roomful of 130 School-College-University adolescents all in awe, big smiles and connected, really connected.

Since then staying over at home, going swimming, cooking prasadam, driving; all came at once. So enlivening – memories to carry me lifetimes. I will never forget how intently Krsna is forever on your lips whilst chanting, reading, eating and even when checking email.
And it is such a sweet chant of 'Krsna, Krsna'.

Since, things have changed, but there are instances that I'll never forget. For instance, the 'double-take' and the resulting big-sunshine-beaming-life-inspiring smile as I sat on the tiled floor outside the quarters of all my Uncles in Pune. And if that wasn't enough, my Uncle stopped and took the time to ask what on earth I was doing at the Yatra.

Now in Toronto, I am somewhat unfortunate. I crave to be in your service. I mercifully got a couple of classes in London recently and that very hilarious Q&A session in the Library; how you dealt clinically with that slightly odd medical student!! I felt very much at home, sitting on the floor next to your lotus feet; laughing away as sweet answers poured continuously from your Krsna Kissed Heart.

Oh loveable Uncle, thank you eternally for your mercy. The explosive classes, ingenious insights, wonderful writings, precious presence and exhilarating experiences, have creaked open the door a little more in this little tramps heart.

I'll never be able to thank you enough. Please bless this fool, that he is able to make his Spiritual Master Happy in his efforts to serve Gurudev's instructions.

Thank you for warming my heart with Krsna.

In your service, with love.
Sandipan Krsna Dasa

(Disciple of His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami.
Former Pandava Sena Chairperson.
Currently in Toronto)
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhaktine Sandra

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your devine grace

Gurumaharaj, i am really lost for words.I do not know how to go about glorifying you.

It has been a year 6 months and thirteen days since i met you in Cape Town.I can still remember everything that day.What i was wearing,how you were sitting,the kind of watch you wore and everything around me.I thought a lot about what we spoke about and what we still continue to speak about.The other day i came across a journal that i had been keeping while growing up, in my teenage years and finally i found some letter that i had been meaning to send but i did not know who the recepient could be.I honestly feel that right now you are the person who can best fit this description.

A spaceman came travelling on a ship from afar, it was light years since his mission had began, over the ocean he flew from his home and his presence shone like a star.He made his way down to the tip of a continent where he found a child lying lost walking the streets but when she looked at him, she just saw a shining light, just like an angel.This spaceman spoke and said do not fear even though people in your country live only 35 years, i will give you your life back.I bring a message for all of mankind to hear and as soon as he beggan telling me his message the sweetest sound filled the air.That message was Hare Krsna Maha Mantra

My heart and body trembled all the time, i saw you for a good three days in a row and the last thing you said to me again filled the air with sweetness.

Gurumaharaj, the last time i read an offering to you i asked you to accept me as one of your daughters.Today i ask and pray that you always keep me at your lotus feet because i do not feel safer anywhere and i cannot live in this place without you.

You have taken me on a journey for a glimpse of paradise and brought me to where people sing for a way to go back home.It was getting really hard to find a place to go where there are peaceful waters flow.The only thing that can save the day is bhakti, and that you have given me with all that you have.I do not understand how i came across your mercy.I spoke to one of my sisters in New zealand and they told me how you speak about our first meeting all over the world while you preach in India, Los Angeles and in England.I do not get it.You are giving me so much more than i have ever wanted in life, your association.It is only because of your mercy that i am still here and that i remain in this house.

Only love can reach the shores of godhead.I am trying really hard to be good and cultured and be a servant but i know that i have disappointed you but you still carry on encouraging me and telling me how important i am to you.I only started having a real father after i met you and i cannot explain what that feels like.Thank you for bringing me here,forgiving me friends, family and a place to call home.

All i pray for on this day is that you keep me in this house beacause i cannot do it by myself.Please help me serve devotees well and be a good servant of the servant of the servant of the lord.

Your daughter,
Bhaktin Sandra
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Sandranandana devi dasi

For my spiritual father

Namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale Srimate Devamrita swami iti namine

For your Vyasa-puja offering I wrote a story. Once upon a time, there was a heroic lion and a sweet lamb. They lived in the same part of the woods. Some of the animals often spoke together about the two. The owl remarked, “The lion is sharp in intelligence and therefore feared by all the other animals, the lamb on the other hand is the opposite. She is very meek and there are no confrontations with the other animals.”
The caterpillar replied,
“Oh, look at how the lamb prances and dances, using up so much energy uselessly, whereas the lion seems to sit within himself, fully satisfied, without any irritation from his environment.”
A deer who came to drink at the stream remarked, “Just see how the lion is well-practised at surviving in these forests, due to many steady years of living here, whereas the lamb is very frail and easily misled. I hope no danger will come to her.”
The peacocks then began to speak amongst themselves and one said to another, “If the lion would show his compassionate side he could protect and instruct the little lamb with his sharp intelligence, inner wisdom, and life experience”
Another said,
“He could adopt the lamb and teach him the principles of how to live in this dangerous forest like father, like daughter.”
Then one day a hunter came into the forest and spotted the little lamb as well as the big lion. He decided to aim first for the lion. The lion was aware of the dangerous situation fast unfolding and cunningly ducked down very low into the bushes. Due to his good position he wasn’t seen by the hunter who walked right past him. But, alas, the hunter soon came upon the lamb, and he pulled out his rifle to shoot...
The lamb, hearing a cracking sound, became nervous and began to leap into the air and tried to find some bushes in which to hide, but due to her being very young she wasn’t able to fully hide. The hunter caught up with her and aimed his rifle to shoot...
That moment there came a terrific ROAR that shook the hunters very self and he looked behind him and saw the same lion as before but now he was looking very fierce with his big sharp shining teeth, getting ready to pounce on him. The hunter quickly dropped his rifle and ran as fast as he could away from the lion, never to be seen again. All the animals in the forest praised the lion for his very heroic and compassionate deed and the story became well known all over the land.
May all the weak and frail lambs find a lion as brave and compassionate as this one for their protection from all dangers.

Gurudeva, may my small story that I wrote about you bring you some pleasure. Thank you for your mountain loads of inspiration for keeping me going out and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. You are the only hope in my life. May no evil things reach you, may you always feel transcendental pleasure in the service of your spiritual master, the Panca Tattva and Srimati Radharani and Sri Krsna.
Always seeking your pleasure and begging to assist you in the sankirtan mission,

your servant,
Sandrananda devi dasi

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Shastra Krit dasa

Dearmost Gurudev,

Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus like feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Many,many,many more happy returns of the day Gurudeva.

apane acare keha , na kare pracara
pracara karena keha, na karena acara

acara pracara namera karaha dui karya
tumi sarva guru, tumi jagatera arya

Some behave very well but do not preach the cult of krsna consciousness, whereas others preach but do not behave properly. You simultaneously perform both duties in relation to the holy name by your personal behavior and by your preaching. Therefore you are the spiritual master of the entire world(following in the footsteps of Prabhupad) , for you are( one of ) the most advanced devotees in the world.

In the puranas it is said

guravo bahavah santi sisya-vittapahaharakah durlabho sad-gurur devi sisya santapa harakah

O Devi, there are many gurus who are expert in plundering the wealth of their disciples, but a bonafide guru like you who can remove the miseries of his disciples is very difficult to find.

Bhagavatam says

tapyante loka-tapena sadhavah prayaso janah paramaradhanam tad dhi purusasyakhilatmanah

" it is said that great personalities(like your great self) almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general.
This is considered the highest method of worshiping the supreme personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone's heart"

Caitanya caritamrita says

Guru krsna rupa hana sastrera pramane
guru rupe krsna krpa karena bhakta gane

According to the deliberate opinion of all revealed scriptures, the spiritual master is non different from krsna. Lord krsna in the form of the the spiritual master delivers his devotess.

Please deliver me.

kirti gana madhye jivera kon bada kirti?
krsna bhakta baliya yanhara haya khyati.

Sri caitanya Mahaprabhu asked Ramananda Raya, " out of all glorious activities which is the most glorious?

Ramananda Ray replied, " That person (H.H Devamrita swami) who is reputed to be a devotee of lord krsna enjoys the utmost fame and glory"

Although i am unable to offer prayers to you in an adequate fashion ,out of duty i made an attempt to purify myself.

Please accept this humble offering Gurudeva.

Yours servant
Shastra krit dasa (New Dwaraka Dham)
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Bhakta Sergey

Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet.

In your instructions you manifest fatherly care and love. You are anxious about how to encourage everyone to get the highest benefit and not be satisfied with whatever they already have. Like a loving father you are giving us the most valuable and preventing us from harming ourselves with all kinds of nonsense things.

You are revealing the nature of the material world by giving very simple and easy to understand examples, dissipating the illusion of enjoyment in the material world and instead you are giving us the understanding of the true position of the living entity.

For sometime I thought I was the most selfless person in the world. But seeing how you are traveling around the world to share with others the most valuable thing you have without asking anything in return I understood that all that I had tried before was caused by the selfish desire to enjoy, not by the desire to serve others. The positive example of your life and behavior gives us a great example for us to work on ourselves.

Your servant,
Sergey from Lutsk

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Sevamrta devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaja

Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

This humble attempt to glorify you is, without a doubt, for my own purification and benefit, for you do not need glorification from me. I can only understand a tiny particle of your glories and even then, they are impossible to be realized and described by me. Still, I will try to glorify you, with your help.

Indeed, you gave me the inspiration through a lecture, 'Contemporary Urban Preaching', which you gave at Radhadesh in 2003. As I was hearing your mood of sacrifice, I could feel the contamination of pride and selfishness in my heart being washed-off. Understanding the mission statement of Gaura Yoga, as a preaching centre, swelled me up with pride and satisfaction over what a wonderful father I have.

We make it easy for you…
to come to Krsna consciousness
to grow in Krsna consciousness in a balanced organic way
and to distribute Krsna consciousness to others.

This one sentence-motto is a manifestation of your mood, divine qualities and activities as a dear servant of your spiritual master. And I feel inconceivably fortunate to be entrapped at Gaura yoga centre by this device of your mercy and compassion. Little did I know, before hearing your own explanation, which not all 'Hare Krsna' temples and centres around the world are like Gaura yoga! 'How does anybody become Krsna conscious then?' I thought (most likely, due to my foolishness). Now it is only by your endeavour that every bolt and knot of the Gaura yoga mechanism is extremely sensitized to give Krsna consciousness to others, and of course ourselves.

Śrī -guru karunā sindhu, adhama jan āra bandhu

" My spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor and lord and master of devotees"

(Śrī Guru-vandanā)

Gaura yoga preaching programmes, a combination of direct and indirect, are the manifestations of your 'friendly' compassion upon the poor (bereft of hari-namamrta). What's more is that you pour the 'fatherly' compassion upon your disciples by providing us a solid foundation in bhakti-yoga career. You are giving me the best facility to grow in Krsna consciousness. Everything is there to equip us to go back to Godhead. What can I expect to learn more than;

* taking senior devotee counselling,
* chanting 16 rounds in one go with attention (try to),
* centering daily activities around 2 hours of Sadhana (reading Prabhupada's books)
* and endeavouring for the mastery art of giving Krsna consciousness to others

('Simultaneous transformation' - for one who receives Krsna and the one who gives)

"Preach, preach, and preach! Selflessness is better than selfishness"

Yes, Guru Maharaja, I would love to give Krsna consciousness to others. I would more than love to become a worthy servant in assisting you and Srila Prabhupada. However, I am so weak and useless on my own. I am ashamed to admit that I am not giving you all I have. Holding back so much for my self- what for?, I wonder. Unfortunately, I do not have strength and intelligence to 'try my best' to please you. I do not know how to beg for your mercy, so I'd like to pray to you through the mouth of Raghunatha dasa (praying to Lord Nityanada).

"I am the lowest of men, the most sinful, fallen and condemned. Nevertheless, I desire to attain shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Like a dwarf who wants to catch the moon, I have tried my best many times, but I have never been successful." Every time I tried to go away and give up my home relationship, my father and mother unfortunately kept me bound. No one can attain the shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu without Your mercy, but if You are merciful, even the lowest of men can attain shelter at His lotus feet. Although I am unfit and greatly afraid to submit this plea, I nevertheless request You, sir, to be especially merciful toward me by granting me shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Placing Your feet on my head, give me the benediction that I may achieve the shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu without difficulty. I pray for this benediction. " (Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, Ch6, 128-133)

Guru Maharaja, my only desire is to attain shelter at your lotus feet.

Praying to be your worthy instrument,

Sevamrta devi dasi
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Sita-pati das

Dear Gurudeva

Please accept my humble obeisances on the most auspicious occasion of Sri Vyasa-puja. Happy Birthday! :-)

Why does the Loft paradigm work in some places and seem to prove ineffective in others? What are the essential elements, and what are the details? These are questions that have engaged me for a number of years now.

In his book "All Marketers are Liars" Seth Godin writes:

"The only way your story will be believed, the only way people will tell themselves the 'lie' you are depending on and the only way your idea will spread is if you tell the truth. And you are telling the truth when you live the story you are telling - when it's authentic. (You) are not sitting around scheming up new plans on how to deceive the public.
Instead you are living and breathing your story.
This is what makes it all work: a complete dedication to and embrace of your story"

It could be yoga or something else, and in the first years of the Loft it *was* something else. Those of us who were there to witness the earlier years are well aware that Hatha yoga is a "circumstantial detail". The "active ingredient" are the devotees who are sincerely and seriously practicing the devotional processes (sadhana) of bhakti-yoga and making themselves available to the public on terms that both can agree on, meeting the guests where they are at. What matters are that the staff are authentic. They really are teaching yoga (or whatever it is that they do there), and they really are devotees.

People appreciate their authenticity at first in terms of what they are "overtly advertising", and gradually, as they have the opportunity to observe them individually and in community, the integrity of their lifestyle. They really are living the values that they profess, through and through.

Two misconceptions that I've observed that defeat the potency of the "Loft preaching paradigm" and render an implementation ineffective are (1) where devotees are pretending to offer something, while internally denigrating it, with the conscious or unconscious idea that what they are doing is trying to "trick people into becoming Hare Krishnas". People pick up on this inauthenticity. (2) where persons are engaged whose primary motivation is something other than distribution of Krishna Consciousness, in order to "attract the public". This doesn't have the primal shakti of pure motivation. Sometimes those people become purified through their engagement, but rarely does this lead to a vibrant and enlivening situation that creates forward momentum.

Under your expert and discerning guidance we are learning to walk the "razor's edge" of spiritual life. To be fully human and at the same time fully spiritual. To be in the world but not of it by desiring and utilizing everything for the progress of the mission of the Lord in this world. Beyond exploitation, the attempt to selfishly gratify the senses, beyond even renunciation, the reaction of disgusted rejection, you are teaching us dedication to Guru and Krishna - transcendental to both mundane attachment and aversion.

Everything in this world comes from Krishna, therefore everything belongs to Krishna, therefore everything must be utilized in Krishna's service.

I wish to pledge my service to you lifetime after lifetime. I do not care where I go either in this life or the next, as long as I can have some connection with you and your service to your Guru Maharaja, His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

I am insignificant and can be overcome by the material energy at any time. At least at this moment I am conscious of this desire, and I wish that this desire can remain with me to the moment of death.

In this lifetime I would like to purify my heart of all the extraneous and distracting desires, misconceptions and conditioning, and become a more useful servant to you.

You once wrote to me: "With intelligence and determination surrender your life to Krishna." Thank you for being and continuing to be a shining example of how to do this.

your aspiring servant,
Sita-pati das
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Sri Yasoda devi dasi

To my beloved spiritual father,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.

Dear Guru Maharaja, thank you for allowing me to be your disciple. This is the greatest gift, and to glorify you and hear glorification of you, is one of the sweetest tastes I relish in Krsna Consciousness.

I think of what you've saved me from.......a sinful, miserable life of repeated birth and death.

Srila Narottama dasa Thakura says " Where does anyone find such a merciful personality by whose mere audience all sins go far away?
After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power."

With that power and your great compassion you have saved so many from material existence.

S.B. 1.2.5 purport... Material existence is temporary, illusory and full of miseries. there is no happiness at all. There is just the futile attempt to get rid of the miseries, and temporary cessation of misery is falsely called happiness.

S.B. 1.1.13 purport... The whole atmosphere is surcharged with opposition. And considering this, one can see that spiritual emancipation for the common man in this age is very difficult.

S.B. 1.1.22 purport... Out of madness they frankly say that there is no need for self realisation because they do not realise that this brief life is but a moment on our great journey towards self realisation...

Learned men, therefore, must be cautious of this age, and if they at all want to cross over the dangerous ocean of Kali, they must follow in the footsteps of the sages of Naimisaranya and accept Sri Suta Goswami or his bona fide representative as the captain of the ship. The ship is the message of Lord Sri Krsna in the shape of Bhagavad-Gita or the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

And you are the captain of that ship, hauling in your drowning, spluttering crew from the ocean of kali and teaching us how to breath again. Reviving us with the medicine of the holy name and Prabhupada's books.

You make it easy for us to come to Krsna Consciousness, to grow in Krsna Consciousness and you teach us how to distribute Krsna Consciousness to others.

S.B.1.5.16 pp The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the non devotees 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 material population.

You are always so dynamic and expert at encouraging anyone and everyone. I love listening to your lectures when you're talking to people very new to Krsna Consciousness, you give everything, whatever mood they have, with such skill and style you capture their hearts and minds seemingly effortlessly.

I remember before I had ever met you, I had heard allot about you and listened to some of your lectures. I always assumed you were my spiritual master, I never considered whether or not I was qualified, or if I should ask anybody, actually I was so spaced out I don't think I really thought about it at all! It was so natural I didn't even notice. You made it so easy to come to Krsna Consciousness, thank you for allowing me to be your disciple and giving me your dear servants to associate with.

At my initiation ceremony you said "...from our side we're giving everything so that they can go the distance, and we pray to Prabhupada and Krsna that they will sincerely go the distance. It is possible, it is possible.

This ceremony marks the confirmation of what should be in their hearts, 'I will push forward', 'I will cross over the ocean of repeated birth and death', 'I'll learn how to master my senses', 'I' will go through the various appropriate vedic ashrams and execute them in such a way that I'll get the benefit of that ashram'.

We hope that each one of them will render some significant service to Srila Prabhupada's mission, it is needed so much."

These words echo in my heart and mind, and as I meditate on them I realise how far away I am from being your worthy servant.

How can I serve you better Guru Maharaja?
You have given me everything and I owe you everything.
Please take whatever you want from me, whatever I have is all by your mercy.
I am nothing without you please continue to bless me with your service.

Praying that I may always remain at the lotus feet of your servants servants,
Your servant Sri Yasoda devi dasi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Sukanthi Radha devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Again, the most auspicious day of your vyasa puja is here, and I embrace this opportunity to humbly try and glorify you.

In Krishna book, Ch.32 (prayers by the personifies Vedas), Srila Prabhupada relates the inquiries of King Pariksit to Sukadeva Gosvami. King Pariksit’s inquiries were to ascertain whether the Vedas ultimately describe the Absolute truth as impersonal or personal.

Since the mind is material and the vibration of words is a material sound, how can the Vedic knowledge, expressing by material sound the thoughts of the mind, approach transcendence?

At the end of his questions, King Pariksit states:

I do not see how it is possible to understand transcendence from such expressions of material sound.

Similarly, how can I describe your transcendental glories adequately with this limited and restricted language? Indeed, how can I even conceive of them using my materially conditioned consciousness?

Prabhupada clearly tells us:

It is not that one is unable to approach the Absolute Truth by the senses and the mind. The conclusion is, rather, that the senses, mind and intelligence in the gross stage of contamination cannot appreciate the nature of the Absolute Truth, but when purified, the senses, mind and intelligence can understand what the Absolute Truth is. This purifying process is called devotional service, or Krishna consciousness.

Following in Srila Prabhupadas footsteps, you are practically and tirelessly propounding this personal approach to the Absolute Truth, clearly teaching us how to purify our senses in Krishna consciousness, hence sparing us from the impersonalist philosophy which is permeating Western society and robbing us of our individuality and Krishna’s Supreme Personhood.

Later in this chapter, Srila Prabhupada eloquently describes the pure devotee of Krishna.

Not only does a pure devotee purify his own personal existence, but whoever becomes his disciple also ultimately becomes purified and able to enter into the kingdom of God without difficulty. Not only can a pure devotee easily surpass death, but by his grace his followers also can do so without difficulty. The power of devotional service is so great that a pure devotee can electrify another person by his transcendental instruction on crossing over the ocean of nescience.

Like Prabhupada, you are very eloquent and poetic in your descriptions of all aspects of bhakti, and your words are enlivening and encouraging. You are an exemplary teacher and such a wonderful example to follow.

Srila Prabhupada further explains the effects of such a devotee on this desert like material world:

Some sparks fall onto the dry grass and thus ignite another big fire. This is in reference to the pure devotees who take compassion on the poor and innocent living entities. The pure devotee enlightens Krishna consciousness in the hearts of the conditioned souls, and thus the blazing fire of the spiritual world becomes manifest even within this material world.

It is plain to see that you have devoted your life to Krishna and are rigorously igniting dry grass throughout the whole world. Every place that you visit is extremely fortunate and your electrifying presence and instructions light up the hearts of so many parched conditioned souls.

Your bhakti, although incomprehensible to me, is like a beacon leading us confidently and expertly through the dangerous jungle of the material world. I long for the day when my mind, body and words will accept your guidance and follow your instructions wholeheartedly with no reservations. What benefit can one derive for oneself and others if this were to be the case?

Prabhupada goes on to inform us:

By his personal attempts, no one can get free from the clutches of material nature. One has to accept a bonafide spiritual master and work according to his direction. Then it is possible to cross over the nescience of material conditions.

Srila Prabhupada continues by quoting a verse by Sripada Sridhara Svami in this connection:

O all-merciful spiritual master, representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, when will my mind be completely surrendered unto your lotus feet? At that time, only by your mercy, I shall be able to get relief from all obstacles to spiritual life, and I shall be situated in blissful life.

Prabhupada further describes you:

Great devotees of the Lord travel all over the world from one place of pilgrimage to another and on their way they meet many conditioned souls and deliver them by their association and distribution of transcendental knowledge.

Guru Maharaja, I cannot say that I realize the value of Krishna Consciousness, however, having glimpsed the powerful rays of the beacon which is you, I have full faith that I must try and follow you, in this crippled state, one way or another, so that in some future lifetime, Srila Prabhupada and Krishna may notice that I am running behind you.

Thank you for showing me the way out of selfish material consciousness by your deep selfless compassion.

Please excuse me for all offenses I have committed knowingly or unknowingly at your lotus feet.

I beg you to help me align my desire with your desire and make your instructions my life and soul, not desiring anything else except to be the humble servant of your transcendental instructions.

Trying to be your un-conditional servant,

Sukanthi Radha devi dasi
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhaktine Susan

Please accept my humble obeisance’s.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to Srila Prabhupada all glories

What qualifications do I have to sit here and attempt to glorify your qualities? This is not meant as a self pitying statement, rather, as you read on, allow me to show the vastness that lies between a great mahatma and desert tumble weed, by recounting our relationship to date..

I recall our first meeting and only in hindsight see how blind I was to the lessons you were freely giving by the example of living your qualities. It was your depth of knowledge, on a topic I can’t remember, during a Sunday feast so inspiring I was compelled to ask you to sit at the table during dinner. Your humble nature not stirred as you had to pick up your own chair to join the table. With transcendental vision you maintained complete detachment in the company of my inappropriate attire, and your calm self assurance, unwavering under the onslaught of my skeptical and somewhat arrogant questioning.

You bestowed such mercy on me that night, patiently tolerating and then skillfully untangling my knotted understanding of the world around me. However, like a horse with blinkers on I could not see these subtle lessons, what to mention of the ones you were actually voicing.

I still remember my naïve questioning during our discussion of Karma. “So.. you have some sort of choice in your next body huh? You mean you could choose to come back a like a chicken or something? Have you chosen your next body?!”.

We spoke long past the last guest’s departure that night, you selflessly sacrificing your time on this confidently lost soul. Materially not knowing any other way to show my appreciation after our conversation, I asked if I could kiss you on the cheek. “I’M A MONK” came your to-the-point-reply. O-the offences you bore that evening.

That same night you inscribed on the inside of a Perfect Escape “To Susan, may a perfect escape be yours” – a book which I sadly admit to reading with materially puffed up vision. I had my concept of God and that was that.

We’ve previously discussed how having grown up under the bodily designation of a white girl in racist South Africa, complete with coloured maids, I find it ironic that I sit on the ground before your black lotus feet attempting to be your servant. Only now do I see the significance of Jada Bharata’s wisdom regarding the flickering positions of social externalities.

It is only thanks to your steadfast determination and that of your empowered devotees that I sit here today. Each time you came to Auckland I would pretend to be the great jnani, pontificating about this or that and you would knowingly smile, interjecting at the perfect moment with a scriptural quote that would burst my little know-it-all bubble. You would ask me how the Bhagavad-Gita was going, and I would tell you I was scanning the index for the topics I wanted to read. You would say read it as it is meant to be read and I would reply yes I will do that. We had this conversation on numerous occasions.

It took me 12 months and 3 continents to reach 16 rounds. On reporting this milestone you quickly put the drama’s and excuses I’d had to reaching it into perspective “So you’ve finally come in for a landing hey.. now it wasn’t thaaaaaaat hard was it?!” Your humor prevailing as I followed my new milestone with a reluctant surrender into Loft life “Susan, I’m a patient man, now hurry up and get past this phase so you can help me”

Devamrta Swami, you have given my life point. My piteous tears during that first meeting almost 2 years ago, replaced with a fulfilling assurance of direction and purpose. Unfortunately I am still so very blind to just how qualified you are to be directing my life; my short sightedness keeps me from being as useful to you as I one day hope to be.

And so in writing this, I give you full permission to continue smashing the thick layer of misconceptions I choose to ignorantly hide behind. Do with me as you will.

Your humble white servant,
Susan
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Syama Gauri devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaj

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this day of your appearance.

Ever since I had the rare opportunity of meeting you in this life, I have considered myself very fortunate to be in your hands. I feel like a hypocrite trying to glorify you even though I know there are no words I could use to show what a special person you are to me and many others. Very patiently you have scooped and cleaned up many of us from the sticky quicksand of material life.

Actively preaching with such bala (spiritual strength), conviction, fearlessness and as I have seen with my very own eyes, you have turned sensual beggars into divinely qualified, soft-hearted vaisnavas/vis. Many of the troubles you go through to give Krsna to others and to guide your disciples, I am not even aware of. I do know one thing though; that you can steal anyone's heart!, appearing as Krsna's external representation and expertly entering a person's heart without them even knowing it.

"Real love is shown through sacrifice" as you often say and show by example. The sacrifices you have made for me and many others are thankless. "I want you to have the best" as you always assure us. You Guru Maharaj have the best for us, because you represent the best; Sri Krsna.

To tell you the truth Guru Maharaj, I am trying to find better ways to express my gratitude to you for this life you have given me just out of your compassion. "As a naive disciple sometimes I forget that there will come a day when your vapu form will not be present before us, maybe some of us will be gone by then. This is a fearful thought for me, but this fear however pushes me to give myself more to your instructions and endeavor more to make you a proud father.

So as you have shown us the art of selflessly, unconditionally serving one's spiritual master according to his desire, I pray that I too can diligently follow your lotus footsteps for your pleasure. What way can I become useful to you Guru Maharaj? Again and again I try to search for words to let you know what you mean to me, so I'll put it simply and say "thank you, Guru Maharaj. Thank you for your sacrifices".

Mainly thank you for your bhakti, because of it many people are being transformed, and so many devotees are learning from you how to deeply enter into the spiritual world , even though we may not be even far at all, like myself. Intensely striving to be your unconditional servant.

your daughter,
Syama gauri devi dasi

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Steve

Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisences at your lotus feet, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

This is the first time I have attempted a Vyasa Puja offering, and I am quite confident when I say it will be inadequate.

I have read other offerings from your deciples and well wishes and always thought how nicely they expressed the gratitude I feel in my heart for all you have done for me.

I could never be so efficient in expressing such joy and appreciation.

I will simply say thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.

It was through your mercy that the Ameyatma Das & Rama Das knocked on our door.

Thank-you for showing real care for my family & I.

Thank-you for showing what it really means to be a Human Being.

Thank-you for introducing me to Srila Prabhupada and thank-you for sharing your love for him.

Thank-you for encouraging me to chant the Holy Names of Krishna.

Thank-you for preaching all over the world.

Thank-you for showing me the real meaning of lasting happiness and complete joy.

Thank-you for reawakening my love for Krishna.

Mine is a debt which can never be repaid. All I can do is humbly pray to be able to offer some service at your lotus feet eternally.

Always trying to offer some humble service,
Steve

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhaktine Sujata

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories unto you on your Appearance Day.

Guru Maharaja, this is the first time I'm writing an offering for you. So please excuse my offenses.

On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja , I feel very fortunate of having taken shelter of your lotus feet.

Early this year in Los Angeles, when I had your darshan for the first time, you asked me - " Do you accept me as your spiritual master ?".

While I replied 'Yes' , I was completely unaware of the revolution that was waiting to happen in my consciousness and in spiritual life in the months to come.

You kindly invited me for a visit to Gaura Yoga and Melbourne this year. By observing the dedicated lifestyle of devotees, I learnt how we could actively engage ourselves 24 hours a day in devotional service.

Every morning ,I relished chanting with devotees; followed by the daily services of distributing books, preaching , cooking, cleaning etc. At the end of the day I used to get physically exhausted, nevertheless, I felt satisfied and fulfilled.

My heart fills with gratitude that you have mercifully set up such contemporary ashrams for encouraging newcomers like me.
Now, I have found the best program for leading a meaningful and purposeful life.

After this 3-month overhauling experience, I have come to appreciate the endless opportunities that lie for me in Krsna Consciousness. There is so much to be accomplished in Srila Prabhupada's mission ; so much to be read , so much to be understood and realized from Srila Prabhupada's books. And then endeavour to enlighten the less fortunate souls by distributing the mercy of Lord Caitanya.

Guru Maharaja, I beg to be used as an instrument in this most important welfare activity. All my talents and energies seek to be engaged in Lord Krsna's service.

But Guru Maharaja , but for your blessings and expert guidance, I would be like a fire covered inside a pot. So, please take me into your service and allow me to dedicate my life and soul in your projects.

What other reason could there be to live ?

Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Sujata

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Svetadvipa das

To my dearest Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisance's,

All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All GLories to Sri Guru and Gauranga,
All glories to your relentless service.

What you mean to the world?
Basically everything. Everybody is harassed by the constant onslaught of
maya's taunts. But you are there with your pure kindness and genuine
concern.

What you mean to me?
Well, Everything and more. You are my connection to Krishna and Krishna is, well, Everything. And more

What you mean to Srila Prabhupada?
Everything really. You are his dear trusted disciple who is selflessly bearing the weight to carry forward his life mission for no other pleasure than he.

What you mean to Krishna?
Everything. For sure. "He who preaches my glories is most dear to me".Enough said !

Gurudeva, I am constantly stoked at your compassion and amazing concern for all the people of society who are genuinely lost and have no guiding light save for the one that you shine. How I've been so inspired by your last year of service to Srila Pabhupada. How you managed the special task of taking responsibility for Prabhupada's Movement with all its constant attention meanwhile having all the time in the world for sharing with your disciples. Anyway that's what it seems to me when I have a brief moment to relish your sincerity and purity of heart.

Thankyou on this special day. Thankyou on any day.
Forever inspired by you and forever indebted to you.

You aspiring servant
Svetadvipa Das
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Vaishnava Charan dasa

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 Dev,

Please accept my humble obeisance's at your Lotus Feet.

Although my attempt to glorify you is insufficient, still I thank you for the oppourtunity.

Over this year you taught me an important lesson, how to mature up in Krishna consciousness. My mind went through the flickering phase of ashram choice; through your Mercy you guided me to stay open till my mind is fixed enough to a degree, where Krishna will be the centre of my life.

You taught me how Krishna consciousness is above the varna ashram system practically.

You inspired me to stay sober and stay focussed on Krishna consciousness during this year of "future consciousness".

You encouraged me to read Srila Prabhupada's books & chant attentively, which has kept me alive to write this offering.

Thanking you Greatly,
Yours indebted servant,
Vaishnava Charan Dasa
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Bhakta Vikash

nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
shrimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi-pashcatya-desha-tarine

nama om vishnu-padya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
shrimate devamrita svamin-iti namine

om ajnana timirandhasya
jnananjana salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena
tasmai sri guruve namah.

Dear spiritual uncle,

Another year has flown by and we come again to that time where we can congregationally celebrate your wonderful association, kindness and preaching activities. This year especially we have been reminded of how important it is to cherish our time with you as well as ensure we follow your instructions implicitly. In attempting to capture some small fragment of your wondrous nature, I was reminded of the first time we had the opportunity to serve you. We had just found a flat to rent in Melbourne and were asked to cook lunch for you one afternoon during your visit. My wife had never cooked in the flat before, nor used the pots we had just bought, yet in the end Krsna made all arrangements. Little was I to know that it was the beginning of my relationship with you, but know looking back I can only but be amazed as to how much you showered your mercy upon us who were truly unworthy of your affection. Throughout that year you continued to make time for us and ask about our wellbeing. You made us realise the true meaning of vaishnava care and how much time we should give to help others around us in their spiritual journeys.

Maharaja I am truly blessed that you have entered into our lives, you calming presence and wise instructions have enabled me to grow spiritually. I have realised that you are truly tasting such sweet nectar from your spiritual life and that if I can stay at you lotus feet then I can also get some of that taste. So on this day I want to truly thank you for being such a treasurehouse of mercy, care and wisdom, and for lovingly guiding me in my spiritual career. I pray that I can remain at your service as long as you allow. I thank you for tolerating all my shortcomings and myriad of faults and ask you to continue to reward me with you uplifting laughter and profound realisations.

Your servant,
Vikash

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Vraja Dhama das

Dear Guru Maharaj,

On this most auspicious day of your appearance, please accept my most respectful obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your empowered devotional service.

Time and time again I observe those who follow your sublime instructions reaching "lofty" heights in their spiritual progress. They emanate your enthusiasm for simultaneous self transformation through sadhana bhakti and mass distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books. They are always blissful in their attempts to assist you in your mission, which is purely to please Prabhupada.

As you weave your way through this material world, conditioned souls are becoming unstuck from the world wide web of illusion. Their ignorance is lifted and from their sad existences arise angels and demigods. Empowered beings ready to help in this fight against maya.

For some you help them to make their first baby steps in Krishna Consciousness, for others you show them just how far the rabbit hole goes.

On the other hand I see others who come to you for advice (myself included), who approach you as if you were a columnist for Woman's Weekly magazine. As if such advice given by you could be read and then tossed in the trash at a later date. As I am finding, there are no such sentimental darshans with the disciplic succession.

Your friendly advice has the power to subdue the entire material creation. Your guidance is a Lotus "Feet-seeking" missile, if I heard it rightly from one devotee. Why would I choose my own blurred vision, over the realized scriptural vision of an advanced transcendentalist.

"A foolish person who manufactures his own ways and means through mental speculation and does not recognize the authority of the sages who lay down unimpeachable directions is simply unsuccessful again and again in his attempts" - S.B 4.18.5

Please help this poor fool this year to hear, chant and remember the The Supreme Personality of Godhead – Sri Krishna, and to follow in your own glorious foot-steps.

Waiting to serve once more at your Lotus Feet,
your sluggish servant – Vraja Dhama das
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Yadu Raya das

Dear Guru Maharaja

Please except my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Again you are giving us your disciples and aspiring disciples an opportunity to glorify you on this joyfully auspicious day of your vyasa puja, of course chanting your glories is not limited merely to just one day of the year, but today we will all take this extra opportunity to appreciate and honour not just your appearance in this world but what it is you have done for each and every one us.

Indeed you have given us the most precious gift anyone can give and that's the gift of Bhakti, yes the sublime opportunity to perform devotional service to the supreme personality of godhead Krsna as one of the foot soldiers in Lord Caitanyas Sankirtan army, guiding us at practically every step. Your guidance as our spiritual father has real value and needless to say importance in the lives of those seriously desiring to make spiritual progress, unlike the guidance for example from my biological father whom I had plenty of association with but could only give embarrassing suggestions like "don't become a welder son it will ruin your lungs and don't share sheep it will do your back in" not incorrect advice but hardly able to deliver me from the violent whirlpool of ignorance and insignificance.

In contrast although it has only been a few years since you caste your merciful glance in my direction, the benefits of following your advice, even if not always perfectly is transparently clear.

At this point I am wondering how it is that I will be able to repay this great dept to you for love you have given? and so with out making any exceedingly grand plans I will simply promise to try my very best at continuing to control my senses and engage in the duties you have allocated to me as devotional service for your satisfaction.

By you example you teach that absorption is the key to not only progress but also protection in this vicious material atmosphere, in this connection Prabhupada writes in the tenth canto that there three types of men in this world

(1) those who are liberated

(2) those who are trying to become liberated

(3) and those who are entangled in sense enjoyment

"out of these three those who are liberated chant and hear the holy name of the lord knowing perfectly well that to glorify the lord is the only way to keep one self in a transcendental position" you are revealing to those wish to emulate there mentor what it means to be constantly absorbed in un deviated devotional service using our energies to glorify Krsna and thus protecting our consciousness from flowing towards repeated suffering and an incalculable waste of time. The standard of absorption you set is indeed what we should all be striving for regardless of our current situation.

Because of your global efforts so many person are getting this chance to perform devotional service as you tirelessly pick us up and dust the ignorance and passion of and try situate us in a life Krsna consciousness, in this way your are helping to keep the connection to his divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada alive and also keep his Iskcon alive, you are providing us with a society of vaisnavas to associate with, you are giving us spiritual engagement , you are give us a sense of meaning to life, you provide us with shelter in so many ways I cannot count, you even provide us with cloths to ware.

Year after year we are captivated as you remind us of the importance of sticking to the basics and trying to makes steady progress in spiritual life, for example if one is not careful the benefits of devotional services like book distribution can easily be forgotten and the opportunity for individual transformation lost, but with a few loving, kind words you bring everything back into perspective making Krsna conscious life seem achievable. This is the reality of your association, around you there are no problems or any unnecessary concerns just desires to follow in your footsteps (sato vrtteh).

If I am aloud to ask for any blessings on this your appearance day then it would be to have the intelligence to take fall shelter of your Vani , your instructions and this way I will always have your association eternally…

Your servant,
Yadu raya das
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Vamsidhari das

Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

All glories to you on your wonderful, and all auspicious appearance day Gurudeva.
This year I have a simple poem to offer you, and though I know it if riddled with
flaws and errors, it is heart felt...

8 400 000 species of life I've now taken
And each time the goal of life I've mistaken
For eating, sleeping, defending and mating
While my Lord so kindly was watching and waiting.

Your real compassion for all is an ocean so deep
To awaken God's children from their nightmarish sleep
You've given me everything, far more than I've worth
A passage through this deluge of repeated death and birth.

Through the blazing inferno, through the cries, through the wails
Your Loft rescue crew of mercy now sail's
Giving medicine to those who believe they are well
You tolerate so much to pull us up out of hell.

Broken hearts, broken homes, broken dreams, so much pain
On books I see this again and again
Thanks to you these books touch the core of their lives
And give soothing hope, and a reason to survive.

Gurudeva make me a beggar, let me once taste that Name
Of Krsna and distribute His glories and fame
my home is now with these books on the street
And my heart I lay down at your soft lotus feet.

Independent I'm suffocating, under you I have breath
Like Lord Rama;s monkey soldier who fought to the death.
Searching for Vedic India, and a Perfect Escape
Have delivered this unqualified Kali-yuga ape.

No more free lunch's
The Mother of all battles

All glories to you on your Appearance day Gurudeva!

your struggling, aspiring servant
Vamsidhari das
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Vidyapati das

Dear Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

On this most blessed and auspicious day, I hope for my mind to be deep in contemplation over the mysterious indebtedness that arises as a natural result of the Guru-disciple relationship.

Srila Gurudeva, it's practically impossible for me to calculate exactly when my debt to you began. In the summer of 1998 I first met a disciple of yours, the first Hare Krishna devotee I had ever met, while walking in Whakatane township with some friends. I was full of envy and asked this devotee what it felt like to be a member of a cult. He just stared blankly at me, with my spiked up pink hair, facial piercings and dirty appearance and replied "Well…from my perspective it looks like you are the cult member." All my friends laughed, and instantly I was filled with respect for this devotee.

The following year an aspiring disciple of yours approached the door of my parents' house, and convinced me to give him a donation and thus I received the book Easy Journey to Other Planets. Over the following years, I frequently met your disciples in various cities in New Zealand. My brother and I spent ½ an hour talking to one disciple in Rotorua. Another gave me advice on asthma on Queen Street in Auckland. Often I would go looking for a Hare Krishna whenever I visited a city, and upon finding one I would walk past them repeatedly until they would talk to me. One day I even received a set of beads from a disciple of yours that I met on the streets of Hamilton, which lead me to start chanting Hare Krishna daily, for at least a little while. Your disciples fed me from their restaurant on many occasions.
In fact, several previous associates of mine even became your very serious disciples.

Somehow, Gurumaharaja, one of my previous associates, turned surrendered soul, convinced me to take a trip to your Gaura-Yoga centre, to see a world traveling monk. With no money in my bank account, I had to beg $3 to come for the Sunday feast, and with that
$3 I unknowingly placed myself into a debt of unimaginable proportions. On that night I heard you speak such obvious truths that I was ashamed to admit that I was so lost in a world of obvious illusion. We had a short discussion afterwards, during which you told me that I could only make a real change in the world if I first changed myself. From that night I felt a feeling of indebtedness to you, and in order to begin to pay it back, I tried to follow your advice faithfully, though progressing slowly.

Srila Gurudeva, somehow or other you dragged me from such a position of embarrassing suffering. One is automatically placed in an embarrassing position when they think they are the body, and I was so deep in such a position that I am now completely ashamed thinking about the situation, and thus I feel immensely indebted to you. And through your constant guidance, you have repeatedly given me the opportunity to begin to pay back my debt.

Srila Gurudeva, you placed me in the association of serious devotees, so that I could engage in serious devotional service to begin to pay back my debt to you. But, mysteriously, the happiness I felt by engaging in devotional service, in the association of devotees, only served to increase my feelings of indebtedness. Then, under your guidance, I began to try to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books. It is clear that this is a service very dear to you, and I thought that perhaps by serving you in this way I might just be able to repay my debt to you. But Srila Gurudeva, the mystery is that the total opposite seems to be happening!

While in Auckland I met a boy named Jonathon, who had just returned to New Zealand from a student exchange experience in Denmark. While passing through the LA Airport, heading to Denmark, he ran into a disciple of yours who sold him a book. He read that book several times, and thus decided to become vegetarian. On the way back through the LA Airport he again met that same disciple of yours, receiving this time the Journey of Self Discovery. When I met him, he decided to buy a Science of Self Realisation. I sent you an e-mail about this story some time ago, for your pleasure, and as an attempt to pay off some of my debt.

But Srila Gurudeva, that story hasn't ended, and thus my debt has only increased again! Recently, I have made a brief visit to Wellington.
On the first Krishna Fest celebration I attended while here I had a boy come up to me, asking if I remembered him. He said I had met him a year and a half ago in Auckland. Since I had met him, he had met many other disciples of yours, and bought many more books to continue his collection, which he reads regularly. He has made himself familiar with a number of your disciples at your Gaura-Yoga Centre, he has started chanting a little bit, and seems enthusiastic to continue his associating with your disciples. As we talked I asked where he got his first book, and as he explained his story more, I realized who it was I was talking to. It was that same Jonathon who I wrote to you about over a year ago.

Srila Gurudeva, somehow or other, while trying to repay my debt to you, I have found myself to be an insignificant link in your chain of mercy which is working to pull conditioned souls out of the embarrassing ocean of material existence, out of the dark ocean of misery that is bodily identification. And as a result of being in this position I feel such happiness that it seems like my debt to you has just increased a thousand fold again!

Gurudeva, I don't know what kind of trick you have played on me, but I don't see any way out of this situation, for the only currency which you will ever accept for repayment of my debt only seems to increase my indebtedness to you more and more. But unlike my materialistic friends of yesteryear, who upon finding themselves in debt are feeling incredible pangs of stress and anxiety, for myself the thought of serving you for the rest of my life in order repay this great debt only serves to fill me with such a feeling of happiness and satisfaction that I am actually praying to you today that this debt will only increase a thousand-fold, year after year after year.

Your eternally indebted servant,
Vidyapati dasa
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Vilasini devi dasi

NAMA OM VISNU PADAYA KRSNA PRESTHAYA BHU-TALE
SRIMATE SRILA DEVAMRITA SWAMI ITI NAMIME
PRACARE PURVA DASYAM CA BHAKTACARA PRAVINATA
PARARTAPI KARUNYAM CA SARVE CA TE NAMAH

Dear Srila Gurudeva Devamrita Swami:

As you said in your homage to Srila Prabhupada this year,true disciples,no matter how advanced,always see themselve as perpetual students of their Guru.

You are a loyal disciple of your Srila Gurudeva.In cold or hot weather,morning or evining times,in Europ or American continents,no matter what,how,where or when,you are bringind us the seeds of love of Krsna's consciousness into our hearts.Brouthg once for Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu,then for our dearest Srila Prabhupada,you are continuos the Paramparan of good disciples whom are triying to serve their Guru sincerly.

You and my goduncles are living eternaly into the heart of Srila Prabhupada,because your activities are pleasing his Srila Gurudeva(Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati),Krsna and Radha.

All glories unto your divine activities of preaching Srila Gurudeva.Thanks to those activities you gave and give birth many disciples,including me(the worts).Please dear father be mercyful with fallen soul,who ca not do nothing good for please you.Your are the light of this age of Kaly Yuga for all of us.

Requesting you forgivenes for my imperfections and ofensses,please give me always the chance to serve your lotus feet forever,even if you see that I have not cualifications to do it,please please,please,dont leave me alone in this ocean of miseries and darkness my dear father,my dear mother.

Giving thanks to Sri Krsna Bhagavam for the gift of love named Devamrita Swami I want to tell you THANKS GURUJI TO BE WITH US.

Your eternal servant and disciple
Vilasini dd
- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Visnu-maya devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

To understand knowledge by personal endeavour, by exercising our imperfect senses, we will never come to the right conclusion. One must learn from a spiritual master, Oh Srila Gurudeva.

To understand things beyond the range of the material mind and senses, and to understand the mystery of the revealed scriptures, one must hear from a spiritual master, Oh Srila Gurudeva.

No one can get free from the influence of material nature by personal attempts; one must accept a spiritual master, and act under his guidance, Oh Srila Gurudeva.

My knowledge is so poor, my senses are so imperfect, and my sources are so limited that it is not possible for me to have even the slightest knowledge of the Absolute region without surrendering myself to you Srila Gurudeva.

Every moment I am being deceived by the knowledge of my own direct perception. It is all the concoction of my mind, which is always deceiving, changing, and flickering.

How can I know anything of the transcendental region by my limited, perverted method of observation and experiment?

I can only lend my eager ears to the aural reception of the transcendental sound transmitted from that region to this, through the pure medium of you, Oh Srila Gurudeva.

Harassed life after life by the laws of nature, I have wandered throughout this entire universe in different planets and different species of life. Somehow or other, I have been fortunate enough to come into contact with you. You have reformed my entire life. It is my duty to capture this opportunity to learn from Krsnas representative, Oh Srila Gurudeva.

I don't want anything that diminishes my relationship with you as servant to master. You have kindly accepted me as your disciple and instructed me how to live a life without regret. My body and mind tempts me to so many ridiculous propositions, but what use is a life discriminating between different flavours of illusion. The only way the mind is defeated is through superior guidance, Oh Srila Gurudeva.

You are so expert in preaching; you become fascinated by everyone's potential. You show us what sacrifice for Visnu is, and make it easy for us, as we just follow your example. You are patient as we go along at our speed, supporting all levels of spiritual immersion, but you also push us with earnestness to go deeper and deeper into the Bhakti laboratory.

I am so blessed to be under your shelter Guru Maharaja. Your blessings are my life and soul, without which I see nothing worth my while. You have shown me my real self-interest and prevented my stepping on the 'runaway freight train'. Oh Srila Gurudeva, you say 'one who is given much, much is expected of'; so I owe you my every hour, please engage me eternally in your service.

Trying to be your selfless servant,
Visnu-maya devi dasi

- -- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --- -- -

Vraja Nari devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaja

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Thank you very much for allowing me to be your disciple.

I am praying, that there will be a day on which I will understand how much you have done for me and that all I am made of is your mercy.

Who else could be more merciful than you?
Who else would have picked me up from the dirty streets of Kali yuga, myself being not more than some dirt?
Who else would have given me some goal in life?

Guru Maharaja, I want to be serious about my Krishna Conciousness. I really want to be Krishna concious, I want to be a selfless servant, I want to be your servant; not an additional weight.
Therefore I beg you to help me to get strong so that you can shift some burdens on my shoulders. What else would be worth living for, than being your happy donkey?

I know, I don't have any credits and so many times I have proven myself to be a fullfledged fool.
There is just one thing I know, which is that by your mercy my life can be of some use. So again I beg you, please help me so that I shall become qualified to help you.

Your endeavoring, aspiring servant,

Vraja Nari devi dasi
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Vrindaranya devi dasi

Dearest Gurumaharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.

This is truly a joyous as well as sobering occasion for us all, a wonderful time of year where your dependents and well wishers come together as a spiritual family to offer services and praise in Your honour. It is most pleasing to see my spiritual father being glorified and loved by so many devotees.

Of course, even daily when I am conversing with my God sisters or God brothers, you always seem to some how slip into our conversations and our thoughts. I guess that is because you have had such a strong personal influence through out our time as devotees. You have made us feel important and valued. You have given us good and practical advice and how to best nurture our devotional creeper.

Actually, I have never met such an influentual person as you. In the time I have been practising Krishna Consciousness, I have seen how you have deeply affected so many individuals. You have offered great relief from a grossly materialistic lifestyle, to alternatively become a happy and selfless Krishna conscious practitioner. There are so many examples of your mercy here in Melbourne to this day, who have taken your words to heart and taken the initiative to bring spiritual success into their own lives as well as the lives of others.

I know when I was in high school for example and had just started associating with the devotees. It was a time when most of the students were contemplating their futures, like what will they do when they have finished their studies. Maybe travel, work, or go to university. I didn't know what I was going to do with myself. I certainly didn't envision my self standing on a busy street corner, trying to sell books to people who didn't necessarily want them. But somehow after meeting the devotees, and by a little inspiriation and mercy from Your self, I was able to overcome my insecurities and get out there and get purified, as well as help some others in the process.

Also, I must say that I really love hearing your classes. They often put things into perspective for my usually restless and uncooperative mind. Not to take my own mind too seriously but to take the Lords service and His teachings seriously.

Sometimes, it is just the simple things that you say. Like to chant our rounds with great attention, making that our priority for the day. To put our heart into any service that we do, and to perform our service to the best of our abilities. You have said that by giving Krishna to others we can easily get his mercy. I remember you saying that we should pray to Radha-Vallabha and ask them for their mercy and how to better serve them.

There are so many examples of what make you a really exceptional and magnanimous devotee, and I feel really fortunate to have had your association in this lifetime. Thank you for everything Gurumaharaja, I hope that I can always be of some service to you.

Your lowly servant and daughter,

Vrindaranya devi dasi