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Vyasa Puja Offerings 2020
(View Devamrita Swami's 2020 offering to Srila Prabhupada)
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Aarti Dixit
Namo om Vishnu padayaya Krishna pastalya bhutakle Shrimate devamrita-swamin iti namine
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on your divine appearance day.
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Very happy krishna conscious birthday to you.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja celebrations, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for showering your causeless mercy and by giving your shelter and despirately waiting to get initiated despite of my disqualifications and ability.
Gurudev by your mercy I am now 14 weeks pregnant. Reading Srimad bhagavatam to baby everyday. My pregnancy it was all magical I guess without your mercy could not have been happened.
Recently I was listening to your lecture and you said you had knee pain and limping for that. Felt very sad to hear that.
Plz take care of yourself and I will pray to krishna for your healthy long life.
Also I was listening to your vani and how caring you were with the your disciples and you still remember very first moment with them, how they approached you. It was just an amazing thing that inspite you have so many disciples you know there names and all the tiny details about them. No wonder you are spiritual father, you know everything.
After this covid finishes please visit Melbourne we are all waiting to take your Darshan.
Miss you Gurudev.
See you soon.
Once again very very happy krishna conscious birthday to you. May lord Radhavallabha give all the good and healthy coming years.
Yours trying to be humble disciple
Aarti Dixit
Achintya Nitai
Pracare-purva-daksyam-ca bhaktacara-pravinata Pararthathapi-karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you Gurudev.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on your divine appearance day.
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Very happy krishna conscious birthday to you.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja celebrations, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for showering your causeless mercy and by giving your shelter and despirately waiting to get initiated despite of my disqualifications and ability.
Gurudev by your mercy I am now 14 weeks pregnant. Reading Srimad bhagavatam to baby everyday. My pregnancy it was all magical I guess without your mercy could not have been happened.
Recently I was listening to your lecture and you said you had knee pain and limping for that. Felt very sad to hear that.
Plz take care of yourself and I will pray to krishna for your healthy long life.
Also I was listening to your vani and how caring you were with the your disciples and you still remember very first moment with them, how they approached you. It was just an amazing thing that inspite you have so many disciples you know there names and all the tiny details about them. No wonder you are spiritual father, you know everything.
After this covid finishes please visit Melbourne we are all waiting to take your Darshan.
Miss you Gurudev.
See you soon.
Once again very very happy krishna conscious birthday to you. May lord Radhavallabha give all the good and healthy coming years.
Yours trying to be humble disciple
Aarti Dixit
Achintya Nitai
Abhishek Bhatnagar
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance unto your divine lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada,
I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Gaura Hari to allow you to continue your preaching journey for many more years to come.
May Lord NaraHari, who is protector and maintainer of this material world, please protect you in all aspects.
On this auspicious appearance day of yours, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Krishna, our guru Parampara and Srila Prabhupada for blessing us with your association.
I have heard that serving the Vani of a great soul like your holiness, help us to purify our consciousness and elevate from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness.
Recently, I asked Gopavrindesh Prabhu, that I am finding it difficult to relate your lectures in my personal life. This is due to my ignorance and strong dull headedness.
It is often seen that a sick person doesn’t realize how he is affected by his sickness and someone else needs to help him to get cured.
Gopa Prabhu guided me that by hearing your lectures, will help me understand my true material nature and my material consciousness, once I realized this, I can relate your divine instructions to a personal and higher level.
After that, this event, changed my perception and every single lecture of yours was so much related to me. All the lectures of yours are unveiling my true nature.
Each lecture, Whether, it is the most recent one - Friends and Enemies, outreach group or festival lectures- (Radhastami Lecture- New Zealand), each lecture change my conception to real worlds problem.
My perception towards this material world was to exploit and enjoy, and if I am in trouble, pray to God and get out of the temporary situation and repeat the same cycle.
However, YourHoliness meticulous taught us how to realize our true self and how to become selfless.
You, also explained that without understanding our material nature and surrounding, I can’t be peaceful or spiritually advance.
I have also learned from you that one’s devotional life is significantly affected when one offends a devotee. Due to this action, his attraction towards material enjoyment and sinful activities becomes stronger. You gave an example of Jaya & Vijay, who committed offence towards 4 Kumaras and acted independently separate from Krishna.
You beautifully and profoundly explain, how they became not just an ordinary demon, but the most powerful demons of the history because their attachment towards material enjoyment was very high.
You also explained, “how did they get this attachment?” It is to the degree we commit offence towards devotee, in the same degree our material attachments increase.
Therefore, giving up material attachment is not that easy for the people who have committed offences towards devotees.
I, therefore, beg your forgiveness, for all the offences I have committed knowingly and unknowingly. Gurudeva, you taught me that enjoying in this material world will only cause pain and suffering.
You have blessed me with such a beautiful and most valuable thing of entire creation i.e.- KrishnaPrema – the science of true happiness and love. But due to my stubborn nature to enjoy separately from Krishna is not allowing me to take shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet and, not able to fully enjoy with Krishna and his pure devotees peacefully.
Please forgive me for not taking this path of Krishna consciousness seriously, but each day because of your causeless mercy I am taking small turtle steps to improve my bhakti.
I sincerely thank you for bestowing the blessing and giving me such a loving Godbrothersand Godsisters.
I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Hari, that day become sooner when I sincerely follow and execute all your instructions as my life and soul.
I sincerely, beg to all my God Brother and Sisters to please forgive me for all my offences done knowing and unknowing and please pray and bless me to become a sincere servant of your Holiness.
Yours trying to be aspiring Servant Abhishek, Shubhra, Chakradhar(son) and Murali (daughter) (you blessed her this name).
Please accept my humble obeisance unto your divine lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada,
I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Gaura Hari to allow you to continue your preaching journey for many more years to come.
May Lord NaraHari, who is protector and maintainer of this material world, please protect you in all aspects.
On this auspicious appearance day of yours, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Krishna, our guru Parampara and Srila Prabhupada for blessing us with your association.
I have heard that serving the Vani of a great soul like your holiness, help us to purify our consciousness and elevate from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness.
Recently, I asked Gopavrindesh Prabhu, that I am finding it difficult to relate your lectures in my personal life. This is due to my ignorance and strong dull headedness.
It is often seen that a sick person doesn’t realize how he is affected by his sickness and someone else needs to help him to get cured.
Gopa Prabhu guided me that by hearing your lectures, will help me understand my true material nature and my material consciousness, once I realized this, I can relate your divine instructions to a personal and higher level.
After that, this event, changed my perception and every single lecture of yours was so much related to me. All the lectures of yours are unveiling my true nature.
Each lecture, Whether, it is the most recent one - Friends and Enemies, outreach group or festival lectures- (Radhastami Lecture- New Zealand), each lecture change my conception to real worlds problem.
My perception towards this material world was to exploit and enjoy, and if I am in trouble, pray to God and get out of the temporary situation and repeat the same cycle.
However, YourHoliness meticulous taught us how to realize our true self and how to become selfless.
You, also explained that without understanding our material nature and surrounding, I can’t be peaceful or spiritually advance.
I have also learned from you that one’s devotional life is significantly affected when one offends a devotee. Due to this action, his attraction towards material enjoyment and sinful activities becomes stronger. You gave an example of Jaya & Vijay, who committed offence towards 4 Kumaras and acted independently separate from Krishna.
You beautifully and profoundly explain, how they became not just an ordinary demon, but the most powerful demons of the history because their attachment towards material enjoyment was very high.
You also explained, “how did they get this attachment?” It is to the degree we commit offence towards devotee, in the same degree our material attachments increase.
Therefore, giving up material attachment is not that easy for the people who have committed offences towards devotees.
I, therefore, beg your forgiveness, for all the offences I have committed knowingly and unknowingly. Gurudeva, you taught me that enjoying in this material world will only cause pain and suffering.
You have blessed me with such a beautiful and most valuable thing of entire creation i.e.- KrishnaPrema – the science of true happiness and love. But due to my stubborn nature to enjoy separately from Krishna is not allowing me to take shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet and, not able to fully enjoy with Krishna and his pure devotees peacefully.
Please forgive me for not taking this path of Krishna consciousness seriously, but each day because of your causeless mercy I am taking small turtle steps to improve my bhakti.
I sincerely thank you for bestowing the blessing and giving me such a loving Godbrothersand Godsisters.
I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Hari, that day become sooner when I sincerely follow and execute all your instructions as my life and soul.
I sincerely, beg to all my God Brother and Sisters to please forgive me for all my offences done knowing and unknowing and please pray and bless me to become a sincere servant of your Holiness.
Yours trying to be aspiring Servant Abhishek, Shubhra, Chakradhar(son) and Murali (daughter) (you blessed her this name).
Acyuta Bhava devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this day of your appearance
Although the years pass by I vividly recall
First hearing you speak, the impact was not small.
With accent foreign and message so deep
You shook me out of my spiritual sleep.
Your influence so great it continued unseen
Your powerful presence hijacking my dream.
I knew then that you were my guide
And for many years now, you have constantly tried.
Encouragement, training, advice and care
Without you, I would be nowhere.
Your constant compassion and firm determination
Your exemplary qualities give such inspiration.
You serve Srila Prabhupada with your every breath
Saving conditioned souls from the path of death.
You show us that purely serving Krishna is the goal
And the only way to bring satisfaction to the soul.
Thank you Gurudeva for changing the course of my life
For giving me a purpose and saving me from strife.
Please always allow me to serve you in some way
I sincerely hope to be a useful servant one day.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Acyuta bhava dd
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this day of your appearance
Although the years pass by I vividly recall
First hearing you speak, the impact was not small.
With accent foreign and message so deep
You shook me out of my spiritual sleep.
Your influence so great it continued unseen
Your powerful presence hijacking my dream.
I knew then that you were my guide
And for many years now, you have constantly tried.
Encouragement, training, advice and care
Without you, I would be nowhere.
Your constant compassion and firm determination
Your exemplary qualities give such inspiration.
You serve Srila Prabhupada with your every breath
Saving conditioned souls from the path of death.
You show us that purely serving Krishna is the goal
And the only way to bring satisfaction to the soul.
Thank you Gurudeva for changing the course of my life
For giving me a purpose and saving me from strife.
Please always allow me to serve you in some way
I sincerely hope to be a useful servant one day.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Acyuta bhava dd
Aghahanta das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances on this auspicious occasion of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Reflecting on your many attributes and qualities, there is always one that stands out most in my mind - <strong> Personalism.</strong>
<strong>Yoga means connection:</strong>
Through real-world modern-day examples and analogies, you so expertly deliver Krishna’s message, hand-tailored to your audience. Straight up truth talk about our real-world struggles - right here, right now, no esoteric fluff, yet delivered from a place of sincere compassion and love.
I was again reminded of this expertise while sitting in one of your recent classes here at New Varshana. During the Bhagavatam class, I was astounded at how all this was done, while simultaneously customizing your delivery even further to the mixed demographic of your listeners. I watched and listened, as you carefully went around the entire room throughout the class sharing the one lesson in multiple different ways. From toddlers to teens, parents to monks, gurukulis, husbands and wives, beginners to long term practitioners, you systematically spoke to each one that morning, using the examples and analogies relevant to their individual situation. As you yourself always say, ‘yoga means connection’, and here I was, witnessing this such yoga in all its perfection.
<strong>Our default setting:</strong>
On further reflection on this class, what I find further significant is that one of the main points you were addressing that morning was personalism. To paraphrase, you said “Our factory setting, our default in this material world is one of impersonalism.” We don’t want to deal with persons. Heck, we don’t want to even deal with ourselves, let alone others, and what to speak of the Supreme Person. The extend of this mentality is, as you shared, that there is now a technological race to see who will make the best romantic robot. All pleasure without any obligation, the summary of our perverted desire to be the enjoyer in this material world, to be God. Although hearing this message, again and again, I still my find myself stubbornly holding onto this default setting, locked into my own self-interest, not willing to uncheck that box. How more fortunate I am then, that despite my own lack of real ‘self’ interest, you continue to provide everything I need to 'personalise', all the while waiting with such incredible patience.
<strong>Exemplary acts:</strong>
As we celebrate your appearance in this world and in our own personal lives, I’d like to conclude by acknowledging the self-sacrifice you have been performing for Prabhupada and for the lives of countless souls day after day, year after year; for now more than 5 decades. A truly inconceivable feat and one that I cannot begin to comprehend due to my own deficit of commitment and surrender.
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas
tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute
lokas tad anuvartate
'Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.'
Love requires personalism and to become personal we must become selfless. This lesson you teach by your own example at every waking minute, serving all whom you meet. I pray and beg for your mercy that I may one day develop even a drop of such loving qualities and give up these factory settings of impersonalism. Thank you for always being the loving father that you are and patiently watching over me all these years.
Your eternally indebted and aspiring servant,
Aghahanta das.
Please accept my respectful obeisances on this auspicious occasion of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Reflecting on your many attributes and qualities, there is always one that stands out most in my mind - <strong> Personalism.</strong>
<strong>Yoga means connection:</strong>
Through real-world modern-day examples and analogies, you so expertly deliver Krishna’s message, hand-tailored to your audience. Straight up truth talk about our real-world struggles - right here, right now, no esoteric fluff, yet delivered from a place of sincere compassion and love.
I was again reminded of this expertise while sitting in one of your recent classes here at New Varshana. During the Bhagavatam class, I was astounded at how all this was done, while simultaneously customizing your delivery even further to the mixed demographic of your listeners. I watched and listened, as you carefully went around the entire room throughout the class sharing the one lesson in multiple different ways. From toddlers to teens, parents to monks, gurukulis, husbands and wives, beginners to long term practitioners, you systematically spoke to each one that morning, using the examples and analogies relevant to their individual situation. As you yourself always say, ‘yoga means connection’, and here I was, witnessing this such yoga in all its perfection.
<strong>Our default setting:</strong>
On further reflection on this class, what I find further significant is that one of the main points you were addressing that morning was personalism. To paraphrase, you said “Our factory setting, our default in this material world is one of impersonalism.” We don’t want to deal with persons. Heck, we don’t want to even deal with ourselves, let alone others, and what to speak of the Supreme Person. The extend of this mentality is, as you shared, that there is now a technological race to see who will make the best romantic robot. All pleasure without any obligation, the summary of our perverted desire to be the enjoyer in this material world, to be God. Although hearing this message, again and again, I still my find myself stubbornly holding onto this default setting, locked into my own self-interest, not willing to uncheck that box. How more fortunate I am then, that despite my own lack of real ‘self’ interest, you continue to provide everything I need to 'personalise', all the while waiting with such incredible patience.
<strong>Exemplary acts:</strong>
As we celebrate your appearance in this world and in our own personal lives, I’d like to conclude by acknowledging the self-sacrifice you have been performing for Prabhupada and for the lives of countless souls day after day, year after year; for now more than 5 decades. A truly inconceivable feat and one that I cannot begin to comprehend due to my own deficit of commitment and surrender.
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas
tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute
lokas tad anuvartate
'Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.'
Love requires personalism and to become personal we must become selfless. This lesson you teach by your own example at every waking minute, serving all whom you meet. I pray and beg for your mercy that I may one day develop even a drop of such loving qualities and give up these factory settings of impersonalism. Thank you for always being the loving father that you are and patiently watching over me all these years.
Your eternally indebted and aspiring servant,
Aghahanta das.
Akarsini devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept My Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
At your Vyasa Puja celebration last year, in Auckland, I was taking in the scene of devotees waiting to see you as you walked down the red carpet and glided into the temple. Two long rows of eyes hoping to receive some form of acknowledgement from you, including myself.
To ordinary vision the turn out probably looked like a jumbo sized gathering but to your humble self probably just a tiny handful of refugees that you managed to salvage from the wreckage of kali yuga. Doing your best to patch up and repair the damage created by such a debased culture, you steadily and selflessly keep pursuing solutions for the materially afflicted whether it be for just one individual or a remedy for the entire society. Ramai Swami was teaching us about how the Sages of Naimisaranya, through their inquires, wanted to find out how they could help the people in general because sages are actually true friends, ceaselessly finding ways to support and illuminate others.
Hopefully one day I could catch this particular strain of virus from you, unfortunately at this point I feel like Kalayavana trying to capture Krsna without devotional service.
Despite all the impractical endeavours, and having to learn the hard way to try and serve you, its all worth it if just to read some signal of approval in your fleeting glance as you walk past.
Still struggling to be your servant
Akarsini devi dasi
Please Accept My Humble Obeicences
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
At your Vyasa Puja celebration last year, in Auckland, I was taking in the scene of devotees waiting to see you as you walked down the red carpet and glided into the temple. Two long rows of eyes hoping to receive some form of acknowledgement from you, including myself.
To ordinary vision the turn out probably looked like a jumbo sized gathering but to your humble self probably just a tiny handful of refugees that you managed to salvage from the wreckage of kali yuga. Doing your best to patch up and repair the damage created by such a debased culture, you steadily and selflessly keep pursuing solutions for the materially afflicted whether it be for just one individual or a remedy for the entire society. Ramai Swami was teaching us about how the Sages of Naimisaranya, through their inquires, wanted to find out how they could help the people in general because sages are actually true friends, ceaselessly finding ways to support and illuminate others.
Hopefully one day I could catch this particular strain of virus from you, unfortunately at this point I feel like Kalayavana trying to capture Krsna without devotional service.
Despite all the impractical endeavours, and having to learn the hard way to try and serve you, its all worth it if just to read some signal of approval in your fleeting glance as you walk past.
Still struggling to be your servant
Akarsini devi dasi
Alexandra
Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Maharaj. I will never forget your kindness towards me when I became very ill last year. A godbrother or sister (I am still not sure who!) told you of my situation. When you contacted me personally to offer me solace, I have never felt so supported. So cared for. It was then I knew, without doubt, that you were my guru. You encouraged me to use this struggle as an opportunity to deepen my faith and realise my total dependence on Krishna. Although my struggle has been hard, I have kept these words close to my heart. They have kept me going in the darkest of times. And kept me focussed when things seemed a little lighter. I believe that, with the knowledge of your support and wishes, I have deepened my faith. Thank you, Guru Maharaj. I can never repay it. But I will try by serving you to the best of my ability. Please accept my humble efforts.
Your most humble servant,
Alexandra.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Maharaj. I will never forget your kindness towards me when I became very ill last year. A godbrother or sister (I am still not sure who!) told you of my situation. When you contacted me personally to offer me solace, I have never felt so supported. So cared for. It was then I knew, without doubt, that you were my guru. You encouraged me to use this struggle as an opportunity to deepen my faith and realise my total dependence on Krishna. Although my struggle has been hard, I have kept these words close to my heart. They have kept me going in the darkest of times. And kept me focussed when things seemed a little lighter. I believe that, with the knowledge of your support and wishes, I have deepened my faith. Thank you, Guru Maharaj. I can never repay it. But I will try by serving you to the best of my ability. Please accept my humble efforts.
Your most humble servant,
Alexandra.
Amani Gaurahari das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Walking behind you as you casually, but determinedly, transit the fifteen minute journey to the next terminal in an underground section of an airport, it suddenly dawned on me. A glimpse of the epic sacrifice you have made to push on Srila Prabhupada's Krishna consciousness movement.
I watch as you march your time-torn body, like a seasoned warrior heading to the next of countless battles, towards your next fight against maya. How have you continued for so long?
Mundane heroes are easily appreciated by the general populace; their beauty, charisma, wealth, charms, etc. Being extraordinarily adorned with what the masses desperately aspire for, they are easily recognized.
A devotee, on the other hand, not endeavoring for cheap fame and adoration, fights on tirelessly for the mission of Krishna irrespective of the results.
I imagined how you should have an entourage of bodyguards, servants, ministers and medical staff marching behind you through the airport. Instead you just had me… This situation, with your hardly competent, one person entourage, actually only multiplies your glories.
Despite my little understanding of the extent of your sacrifice, I am increasingly impressed by your continued determination and perseverance. But what really impressed me is how you can keep going without the recognition and assistance that you really deserve.
I strongly desire to be of some useful assistance to you yet feel so incompetent and unable to help.
Thank you for the opportunity to purify my consciousness. I look forward to the day when I can serve you nicely
Your servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Walking behind you as you casually, but determinedly, transit the fifteen minute journey to the next terminal in an underground section of an airport, it suddenly dawned on me. A glimpse of the epic sacrifice you have made to push on Srila Prabhupada's Krishna consciousness movement.
I watch as you march your time-torn body, like a seasoned warrior heading to the next of countless battles, towards your next fight against maya. How have you continued for so long?
Mundane heroes are easily appreciated by the general populace; their beauty, charisma, wealth, charms, etc. Being extraordinarily adorned with what the masses desperately aspire for, they are easily recognized.
A devotee, on the other hand, not endeavoring for cheap fame and adoration, fights on tirelessly for the mission of Krishna irrespective of the results.
I imagined how you should have an entourage of bodyguards, servants, ministers and medical staff marching behind you through the airport. Instead you just had me… This situation, with your hardly competent, one person entourage, actually only multiplies your glories.
Despite my little understanding of the extent of your sacrifice, I am increasingly impressed by your continued determination and perseverance. But what really impressed me is how you can keep going without the recognition and assistance that you really deserve.
I strongly desire to be of some useful assistance to you yet feel so incompetent and unable to help.
Thank you for the opportunity to purify my consciousness. I look forward to the day when I can serve you nicely
Your servant,
Amani Gaurahari das
Amit Angrish
NAMA OM VISHNU-PADAYA KRISHNA-PRESHTHAYA BHU-TALE SRIMATE DEVAMITRA SWAMI ITI NAMINE
PRACHARE PURAM DAKSHAM CHA BHAKTACHAR PRAVINATA PARATHAPI KARUNYA YASHYA SARVE CHA TE NAMAHA
NAMA OM VISHNU-PADAYA KRISHNA-PRESHTHAYA BHU-TALE SRIMATE BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMIN ITI NAMINE
NAMASTE SARASWATI DEVE GAURA-VANI-PRACHARINE NIRVISHESHA-SHUNYAVADI PASHCHATYA-DESHA-TARINE
Dear Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
I feel blessed and grateful to you for taking me in your shelter. As guided by you, I am reading books of Prabhupada and Krishna to know more about Krishna and Parabhupada. By that we will love Krishna. Gurumaharaj your always smiling face motivates and helps me overcome the challenges I face in life.
Your humble servant
Amit Angirish
NOIDA
PRACHARE PURAM DAKSHAM CHA BHAKTACHAR PRAVINATA PARATHAPI KARUNYA YASHYA SARVE CHA TE NAMAHA
NAMA OM VISHNU-PADAYA KRISHNA-PRESHTHAYA BHU-TALE SRIMATE BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMIN ITI NAMINE
NAMASTE SARASWATI DEVE GAURA-VANI-PRACHARINE NIRVISHESHA-SHUNYAVADI PASHCHATYA-DESHA-TARINE
Dear Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
I feel blessed and grateful to you for taking me in your shelter. As guided by you, I am reading books of Prabhupada and Krishna to know more about Krishna and Parabhupada. By that we will love Krishna. Gurumaharaj your always smiling face motivates and helps me overcome the challenges I face in life.
Your humble servant
Amit Angirish
NOIDA
Ana Salido
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
As I sit here and try to put into words how I feel, I can't help but think of your last Vyasa Puja. It’s such a bittersweet memory for me. It was while I was writing my last offering that I realized that I wanted to try and serve you for the rest of my lives. Your Vyasa Puja celebration has been one of the most fun and heart-filling days of my Krishna Consciousness. It was as if the light from your smile was dissipating the darkness in my heart, replacing it with joy, bliss, and love. It was also the last time I was in your physical presence. I remember on the last day, as you were walking away, I couldn't help but cry because I wasn’t sure when I'd see you again. It seems my feeling was right as I still don't know when I'll be able to see you again with Covid now a big part of our world.
Despite the physical distance over the last year, the connection, care and affection I feel towards you has only grown in more ways than I could have imagined. This year has been a hard year for everyone, myself included. I’ve experienced more loss, heartbreak, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety in this year than ever before. However, through it all, your lockdown lectures gave me comfort and hope. Your emails made me feel protected and cared for. Your smile and kirtans gave me a reason to smile when I could find none in the world. Taking shelter from you has been a lifeline for me during this difficult year. Once more, you saved me.
When I was young I had this view of my father as my hero, my savior, and my protector - the one person who could save me from anything and anyone. As time went by and I saw his body age and weaken, I realized that he was not invincible as I had one day thought. Now I can see that it was just an illusion and he could never really protect me. The way I feel about you is the same, but with you I know that it's not an illusion. I know that you can protect the real me as long as I stay close to you. As long as I am under your guidance and your protection I'll always be okay. How can I ever thank you enough or repay you?
Every darshan, email exchange, and interaction I have with you melts my heart. You are so caring, so encouraging, and so loving. I am always left feeling protected, peaceful, and hopeful. I have learned to appreciate the qualities that you possess even more - your knowledge, surrender, compassion, selflessness, and humility. You empower, inspire, and encourage me with your example and guidance. How lucky am I to have a spiritual master and father like you. I am forever indebted to Srila Prabhupada for bringing you into my life.
I am eternally grateful for your association and mercy. I pray and hope that one day soon I will be in your physical association again, being illuminated by the effulgence of your smile. I can't imagine a better life than one where I try to serve you.
As I reach the end of my offering I realize that I have just scratched the surface in explaining my feelings and gratefulness towards you. I hope that you know. Thank you, Gurudeva, thank you so much.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Ana (Ms. AZ)
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
As I sit here and try to put into words how I feel, I can't help but think of your last Vyasa Puja. It’s such a bittersweet memory for me. It was while I was writing my last offering that I realized that I wanted to try and serve you for the rest of my lives. Your Vyasa Puja celebration has been one of the most fun and heart-filling days of my Krishna Consciousness. It was as if the light from your smile was dissipating the darkness in my heart, replacing it with joy, bliss, and love. It was also the last time I was in your physical presence. I remember on the last day, as you were walking away, I couldn't help but cry because I wasn’t sure when I'd see you again. It seems my feeling was right as I still don't know when I'll be able to see you again with Covid now a big part of our world.
Despite the physical distance over the last year, the connection, care and affection I feel towards you has only grown in more ways than I could have imagined. This year has been a hard year for everyone, myself included. I’ve experienced more loss, heartbreak, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety in this year than ever before. However, through it all, your lockdown lectures gave me comfort and hope. Your emails made me feel protected and cared for. Your smile and kirtans gave me a reason to smile when I could find none in the world. Taking shelter from you has been a lifeline for me during this difficult year. Once more, you saved me.
When I was young I had this view of my father as my hero, my savior, and my protector - the one person who could save me from anything and anyone. As time went by and I saw his body age and weaken, I realized that he was not invincible as I had one day thought. Now I can see that it was just an illusion and he could never really protect me. The way I feel about you is the same, but with you I know that it's not an illusion. I know that you can protect the real me as long as I stay close to you. As long as I am under your guidance and your protection I'll always be okay. How can I ever thank you enough or repay you?
Every darshan, email exchange, and interaction I have with you melts my heart. You are so caring, so encouraging, and so loving. I am always left feeling protected, peaceful, and hopeful. I have learned to appreciate the qualities that you possess even more - your knowledge, surrender, compassion, selflessness, and humility. You empower, inspire, and encourage me with your example and guidance. How lucky am I to have a spiritual master and father like you. I am forever indebted to Srila Prabhupada for bringing you into my life.
I am eternally grateful for your association and mercy. I pray and hope that one day soon I will be in your physical association again, being illuminated by the effulgence of your smile. I can't imagine a better life than one where I try to serve you.
As I reach the end of my offering I realize that I have just scratched the surface in explaining my feelings and gratefulness towards you. I hope that you know. Thank you, Gurudeva, thank you so much.
Your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Ana (Ms. AZ)
Anādī Kaiśora dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja,
“You’re a Yale man, you will influence the world.” The words of your professor still ring true,
But not that he could comprehend Prabhupada’s plan for you.
The ways that you would influence were beyond his tiny mind,
Tiny in comparison to the wealth that you would find ...
And not the type of wealth that Yale men oft’ aspire for,
But wealth a million times more dear than a New York jeweller’s store.
The store house of love of God is beyond most Yale men’s reach,
Should they desire to taste it’s fruits, they too, like you, must preach!
And preaching you do tirelessly, it defines your life for certain,
In order to please Prabhupada you breached the iron curtain.
And as you were en route you donned a suit and wig to hide,
As I recall you said that when you saw yourself you cried.
“Why do I have to go through this?” and “What will be my fate?”
But much like you instructed me, your Guru’s work was your best mate.
I cannot fathom what you did, the hardships that you faced,
My tears over our overheating van seem out of place,
In comparison to you and your outreach mine is so small.
I can only ask that you will let me help you, that is all.
The pride a young boy feels towards his dad is like no other,
I feel that pride to see you representing those two brothers.
Caitanya and Nityananda, your life long dedication,
Tirelessly you spread their love, the mercy incarnations.
Your mother prayed to Jesus Christ for her son to serve the Lord,
Nor could she imagine at the time what he’d award.
Unaware that God is blue or plays the flute and tends the cows,
She was praying for a preacher man but couldn’t foresee how,
Her wish would be fulfilled in time but not the way she thought,
A travelling sannyasi son, Goloka’s finest sort!
Yes, both of these are prophecies, proved true eventually,
Resulting in a miracle for insignificant me.
If they had never come to light then I would not be here,
I don’t think I deserve your care being somewhat insincere ...
But alas like rain falls on the sea where it’s not needed,
The limits of your outreach efforts can’t be superseded
And thus your loving network spreads so wide across the world,
Sweetly vibrating Vedic hymns like Garuda’s wings unfurled
You courier the messages of Krishna with expertise,
Tailoring your words to suit the audiences needs.
Perfect, more perfect and most perfect fall short to glorify,
Your dedication to Krishna’s wish but with these words I’ve tried
To glorify you on this most auspicious type of day,
And pray by Krishna’s mercy for, under your wing, a place to stay.
All glories to you, for your causeless kindness, mercy and care I pray,
Aspiring to be a satisfactory servant of yours one day.
Anādī Kaiśora dāsa
Please accept my obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja,
“You’re a Yale man, you will influence the world.” The words of your professor still ring true,
But not that he could comprehend Prabhupada’s plan for you.
The ways that you would influence were beyond his tiny mind,
Tiny in comparison to the wealth that you would find ...
And not the type of wealth that Yale men oft’ aspire for,
But wealth a million times more dear than a New York jeweller’s store.
The store house of love of God is beyond most Yale men’s reach,
Should they desire to taste it’s fruits, they too, like you, must preach!
And preaching you do tirelessly, it defines your life for certain,
In order to please Prabhupada you breached the iron curtain.
And as you were en route you donned a suit and wig to hide,
As I recall you said that when you saw yourself you cried.
“Why do I have to go through this?” and “What will be my fate?”
But much like you instructed me, your Guru’s work was your best mate.
I cannot fathom what you did, the hardships that you faced,
My tears over our overheating van seem out of place,
In comparison to you and your outreach mine is so small.
I can only ask that you will let me help you, that is all.
The pride a young boy feels towards his dad is like no other,
I feel that pride to see you representing those two brothers.
Caitanya and Nityananda, your life long dedication,
Tirelessly you spread their love, the mercy incarnations.
Your mother prayed to Jesus Christ for her son to serve the Lord,
Nor could she imagine at the time what he’d award.
Unaware that God is blue or plays the flute and tends the cows,
She was praying for a preacher man but couldn’t foresee how,
Her wish would be fulfilled in time but not the way she thought,
A travelling sannyasi son, Goloka’s finest sort!
Yes, both of these are prophecies, proved true eventually,
Resulting in a miracle for insignificant me.
If they had never come to light then I would not be here,
I don’t think I deserve your care being somewhat insincere ...
But alas like rain falls on the sea where it’s not needed,
The limits of your outreach efforts can’t be superseded
And thus your loving network spreads so wide across the world,
Sweetly vibrating Vedic hymns like Garuda’s wings unfurled
You courier the messages of Krishna with expertise,
Tailoring your words to suit the audiences needs.
Perfect, more perfect and most perfect fall short to glorify,
Your dedication to Krishna’s wish but with these words I’ve tried
To glorify you on this most auspicious type of day,
And pray by Krishna’s mercy for, under your wing, a place to stay.
All glories to you, for your causeless kindness, mercy and care I pray,
Aspiring to be a satisfactory servant of yours one day.
Anādī Kaiśora dāsa
Ananda-candra devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this sacred occasion of your Vyasa-Puja
Many people around me have material capabilities, opportunities handed to them effortlessly, careers, studies, houses, land, families, budgets, plans, goals, determination, they know how to move in the world. Whereas I continually stare into space not knowing what or how to do much at all, very little drive or direction, what to speak of success. Can’t rent a tiny flat smoothly, can’t buy a car without problems, can't hold a minimum wage job without being made redundant, can’t even get a job counting votes on election day.
Many people around me have spiritual capabilities, attention spans to read and absorb Krsna for hours, give spontaneous expert classes, remember verses in a flash, cook like seasoned pros with so much love of God emanating in each mouthful, they have obvious propensities, talents, sincerity and devotion for Krsna. Whereas I continually stare into space, my memory is terrible, have no ability as a scholar, no service niche, no devotion, just a dry barren heart for the Lord.
All the above makes it easy to feel utterly depressed in this body and in this life and at recurring times over the years I have certainly felt this heavy way.
But there is always something that scrapes this sad existence off the pavement... And this is where the good part of this offering begins...
Trying to serve you and Prabhupada in Lord Chaitanyas mission is the ONLY way to get out of the funk and morose that shapes the bleak destiny of this this grey girl from Cambridge. I'm FOREVER grateful.
In a world suffering from impersonalism, it's easy to go through a lifespan without being nice to anyone. Of course real "nice-ness" is when Krsna is in the equation, but even materially nice, it's hard to find anyone who even says a genuine 'hello' or 'how are you?', or takes one moment of their imaginary busy life to make eye contact. Shopkeepers are nice to you in store but out of store ignore you. Why go out of the way in basic human dealings if that other person adds nothing to your life? It’s just the norm, people are objects and things, no-one else does it, there's no time, it's all about me and my programme – the mindset of most.
I was one of those types but thanks to your inspiration I'm trying to climb out of that well of impersonalistic misery. I’m FOREVER grateful.
There is nothing more rewarding than trying to be slightly nice and personal. Taking even a few seconds out of your day to show a little kindness really is a small price to pay for such a HUGE upliftment, for both the giver and the receiver. I’ve really noticed how offering even one teeny-tiny caring exchange can bring SO much joy to ones face, SO much relief and motivation into ones day. It’s so wonderful! Why are people so reluctant to do such simple things? Why have I taken so long to do such simple things?
You have taught us that our default setting is impersonalism whereby we treat each other without any consideration of individuality.
To counter this disease you have called upon our community of devotees to be a heart touching community. You said that we should touch someone’s heart every day. Furthermore that we should all compete in this way.
I aspire to fill up my morbid life with this quest to overcome the disease of voidism and impersonalism in dealings with devotees, non-devotees and yet-to-be devotees in trying to assist them in their entry into Bhakti.
In my attempt to do this it flushes away all self-centred misery and for this I’m FOREVER grateful. Plus, it’s one thing I, with all my shortcomings, can actually aspire to do!
As I contemplated these thoughts, I came across this excerpt from Sri Caitanya Bhagavat Madya-khanda 5.8 purport, where Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur says:
"When will Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada, who has established within this material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under His lotus feet ?". The most merciful Sri Caitanyadeva’s pastimes of distributing love of Krsna that Sri Rupa prescribed to his followers as the remedy for curing the disease of aversion to the service of the Lord are the ideal offering for Vyasa-Puja".
Please accept my tiny attempts in personalism in outreach and devotee dealings as my gratitude to you.
Your servant
ananda-candra
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this sacred occasion of your Vyasa-Puja
Many people around me have material capabilities, opportunities handed to them effortlessly, careers, studies, houses, land, families, budgets, plans, goals, determination, they know how to move in the world. Whereas I continually stare into space not knowing what or how to do much at all, very little drive or direction, what to speak of success. Can’t rent a tiny flat smoothly, can’t buy a car without problems, can't hold a minimum wage job without being made redundant, can’t even get a job counting votes on election day.
Many people around me have spiritual capabilities, attention spans to read and absorb Krsna for hours, give spontaneous expert classes, remember verses in a flash, cook like seasoned pros with so much love of God emanating in each mouthful, they have obvious propensities, talents, sincerity and devotion for Krsna. Whereas I continually stare into space, my memory is terrible, have no ability as a scholar, no service niche, no devotion, just a dry barren heart for the Lord.
All the above makes it easy to feel utterly depressed in this body and in this life and at recurring times over the years I have certainly felt this heavy way.
But there is always something that scrapes this sad existence off the pavement... And this is where the good part of this offering begins...
Trying to serve you and Prabhupada in Lord Chaitanyas mission is the ONLY way to get out of the funk and morose that shapes the bleak destiny of this this grey girl from Cambridge. I'm FOREVER grateful.
In a world suffering from impersonalism, it's easy to go through a lifespan without being nice to anyone. Of course real "nice-ness" is when Krsna is in the equation, but even materially nice, it's hard to find anyone who even says a genuine 'hello' or 'how are you?', or takes one moment of their imaginary busy life to make eye contact. Shopkeepers are nice to you in store but out of store ignore you. Why go out of the way in basic human dealings if that other person adds nothing to your life? It’s just the norm, people are objects and things, no-one else does it, there's no time, it's all about me and my programme – the mindset of most.
I was one of those types but thanks to your inspiration I'm trying to climb out of that well of impersonalistic misery. I’m FOREVER grateful.
There is nothing more rewarding than trying to be slightly nice and personal. Taking even a few seconds out of your day to show a little kindness really is a small price to pay for such a HUGE upliftment, for both the giver and the receiver. I’ve really noticed how offering even one teeny-tiny caring exchange can bring SO much joy to ones face, SO much relief and motivation into ones day. It’s so wonderful! Why are people so reluctant to do such simple things? Why have I taken so long to do such simple things?
You have taught us that our default setting is impersonalism whereby we treat each other without any consideration of individuality.
To counter this disease you have called upon our community of devotees to be a heart touching community. You said that we should touch someone’s heart every day. Furthermore that we should all compete in this way.
I aspire to fill up my morbid life with this quest to overcome the disease of voidism and impersonalism in dealings with devotees, non-devotees and yet-to-be devotees in trying to assist them in their entry into Bhakti.
In my attempt to do this it flushes away all self-centred misery and for this I’m FOREVER grateful. Plus, it’s one thing I, with all my shortcomings, can actually aspire to do!
As I contemplated these thoughts, I came across this excerpt from Sri Caitanya Bhagavat Madya-khanda 5.8 purport, where Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur says:
"When will Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada, who has established within this material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under His lotus feet ?". The most merciful Sri Caitanyadeva’s pastimes of distributing love of Krsna that Sri Rupa prescribed to his followers as the remedy for curing the disease of aversion to the service of the Lord are the ideal offering for Vyasa-Puja".
Please accept my tiny attempts in personalism in outreach and devotee dealings as my gratitude to you.
Your servant
ananda-candra
Ananta-naga das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this joyful day of your appearance!
I have been meditating on the importance of shelter and guidance in our lives.
I remember when meeting you for the first time at the Loft in Auckland, I had a deep conviction in my heart that I can trust you and take guidance from you. Because of your purity and selfless service to your spiritual master for many years, even a dull person like myself could develop a desire to hear your instructions.
Until that point of time in my life, I have been suffering from chronic depression and suicidal thoughts, becoming cynical and stone-hearted from many failed relationships and disillusioned with western ideas of success and happiness.
I thought, moving to New Zealand will solve many of my problems and will make me happy. Instead, the shift to New Zealand made me more stressed, frustrated, and with no one to take shelter of.
I was like an unkempt dog, loitering on the streets, without a master.
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada mentioned in the class on SB 1.2.14 given in LA in 1972:
“A dog, unless it has got a nice master, it is a street dog. A street dog. It has no value. Anyone can kill, and it has no shelter, loitering in the street. … What is his value?”
When I met you, I have gained shelter and my life started to have some value. Depression and unhealthy thought patterns disappeared. I was happy to discover your mission of giving shelter to as many conditioned souls as possible by connecting them to Krishna’s service.
Last year especially highlighted the need for shelter. In a recent class, you pointed out that the world is facing many crises: pandemic on top of global warming and nuclear weapons expansion, political systems failures, and economic uncertainty.
The impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization require change like never before and you lead the charge in giving that shelter and guidance.
Even though you cannot travel internationally, you are available via modern technology, connecting you to many different parts of the world every day.
I feel so lucky and privileged to have your personal association when devotees from outside of New Zealand can only dream of it. To the devotees from Aotearoa, you give so much of your precious time and attention, fortifying our intelligence with timeless wisdom. You tirelessly inspire us with enlivening Krishna-Katha and rocking kirtans, urging us to go deeper in our practice of hearing and chanting.
At the same time, you take care of the practical side of our lives, helping us to make informed and intelligent decisions and take responsibility for our choices.
I wish I can develop a particle of your compassion for the suffering of other living beings.
So many persons may feel lost and in need of guidance right now and I pray on this auspicious day of your appearance to be an instrument in connecting these persons to your shelter and guidance.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this joyful day of your appearance!
I have been meditating on the importance of shelter and guidance in our lives.
I remember when meeting you for the first time at the Loft in Auckland, I had a deep conviction in my heart that I can trust you and take guidance from you. Because of your purity and selfless service to your spiritual master for many years, even a dull person like myself could develop a desire to hear your instructions.
Until that point of time in my life, I have been suffering from chronic depression and suicidal thoughts, becoming cynical and stone-hearted from many failed relationships and disillusioned with western ideas of success and happiness.
I thought, moving to New Zealand will solve many of my problems and will make me happy. Instead, the shift to New Zealand made me more stressed, frustrated, and with no one to take shelter of.
I was like an unkempt dog, loitering on the streets, without a master.
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada mentioned in the class on SB 1.2.14 given in LA in 1972:
“A dog, unless it has got a nice master, it is a street dog. A street dog. It has no value. Anyone can kill, and it has no shelter, loitering in the street. … What is his value?”
When I met you, I have gained shelter and my life started to have some value. Depression and unhealthy thought patterns disappeared. I was happy to discover your mission of giving shelter to as many conditioned souls as possible by connecting them to Krishna’s service.
Last year especially highlighted the need for shelter. In a recent class, you pointed out that the world is facing many crises: pandemic on top of global warming and nuclear weapons expansion, political systems failures, and economic uncertainty.
The impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization require change like never before and you lead the charge in giving that shelter and guidance.
Even though you cannot travel internationally, you are available via modern technology, connecting you to many different parts of the world every day.
I feel so lucky and privileged to have your personal association when devotees from outside of New Zealand can only dream of it. To the devotees from Aotearoa, you give so much of your precious time and attention, fortifying our intelligence with timeless wisdom. You tirelessly inspire us with enlivening Krishna-Katha and rocking kirtans, urging us to go deeper in our practice of hearing and chanting.
At the same time, you take care of the practical side of our lives, helping us to make informed and intelligent decisions and take responsibility for our choices.
I wish I can develop a particle of your compassion for the suffering of other living beings.
So many persons may feel lost and in need of guidance right now and I pray on this auspicious day of your appearance to be an instrument in connecting these persons to your shelter and guidance.
Your servant,
Ananta-naga das
Anna Acatieva
Dear Srila Dewamrita Maharaja! Please accept our hamble obeisances! All glories to Srila Praphupada! All glories to You on this auspicious day of vyasa puja! As The representative of Srila Praphupada and all Guru-Parampara hearing Your classes and Kirtans our heart fills with spiritual Joy and lights The mindfullness. By Your devotional service, by Your love for People, by Your following The instructions of Srila Praphupada, by Your personal exemple You teach us to walk ahead in the real jorney towards ultimate goal. You came forward to fill our life with Krisna Conscious and Mercy. Every day we remember Your words, that chanting The Hare Krishna pMahamantra 16 rounds is most important action and Base in Kali-Yuga which leads us to Krisna. I and my husbend Ruslan trying to keep our Sadhana. We consider ourselfs most Fortunate that we have met You and we may descover and churn The ocean of True Knowledge and try to become spiritual stronger.
We humbly beg You to continue to show Your blessings to make us The instrument in serving of Lord Sri Chaytanya mission. We beg You to give us the inner strength to be in this mission and become the ideal servant of the servant of The servant. Thank You dear Srila Dewamrita Swami Maharaja, thank You for bringing in our life sence and guiding us!Today on Your vyasa puja our doughter 6 years old wanted to serve You. She worships Gopal, and she made for You colored with Sri Radharani's ornaments nice paper blanket. When doghter puts her Gopal for a sleep she also covers Your Image with this blanket. It so amazing to see how in such youg person manifests the rael position of soul-to serve. Nothing to worry, nothing to think, only to walk following Your Way, back to Godhead.
Your servants Ruslan Anna and Rasika-Rani.
We humbly beg You to continue to show Your blessings to make us The instrument in serving of Lord Sri Chaytanya mission. We beg You to give us the inner strength to be in this mission and become the ideal servant of the servant of The servant. Thank You dear Srila Dewamrita Swami Maharaja, thank You for bringing in our life sence and guiding us!Today on Your vyasa puja our doughter 6 years old wanted to serve You. She worships Gopal, and she made for You colored with Sri Radharani's ornaments nice paper blanket. When doghter puts her Gopal for a sleep she also covers Your Image with this blanket. It so amazing to see how in such youg person manifests the rael position of soul-to serve. Nothing to worry, nothing to think, only to walk following Your Way, back to Godhead.
Your servants Ruslan Anna and Rasika-Rani.
Annabelle Rose Carrington
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I feel so fortunate to come and hear your classes. Whenever you give classes, you explain everything so nicely in a way that is easier for me to understand, and at the same time you make the classes very interesting. Thank you for being so kind, to teach us about how to be proper humans and how to find out who Krishna is, and how to love him. I really love to come and hear your classes at the Temple, Loft, Bhakti Lounge and at the Hare Krishna National Festival, especially when you told us about how Krishna loves to go for a picnic with the unlimited cowherd boys and their calves!
I also feel so grateful to be able to come and hear you lead kirtans! I had never experienced something so wonderful as when you lead the kirtan so enthusiastically and blissfully, so that everyone couldn’t help but chant and dance to their hearts’ content.
Also, thank you for writing such a valuable book as Hiding in Unnatural Happiness. It was this book that actually made me realise that I wasn’t satisfied with my normal way of life, and that I wanted to find out more about everything. It was the perfect stepping-stone for me to then start hearing talks at Mantra Lounge.
I’m also extremely grateful that you have made New Zealand such an easy place to start learning how to become a devotee. Thanks to your compassion, intelligence and hard work, there are so many awesome devotees here, who have already been so kind to me and taught me so much, and engaged me in trying to do what is beneficial for Krishna’s service. The centres you have set up also make it really fun to start learning about Krishna Consciousness too!
In the last year, since I started to learn about Krishna Consciousness, my life has already transformed to be so much better than before, even though I am only a tiny baby in Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for giving me this priceless opportunity, to actually try to use my life for what it is meant for.
Annabelle
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I feel so fortunate to come and hear your classes. Whenever you give classes, you explain everything so nicely in a way that is easier for me to understand, and at the same time you make the classes very interesting. Thank you for being so kind, to teach us about how to be proper humans and how to find out who Krishna is, and how to love him. I really love to come and hear your classes at the Temple, Loft, Bhakti Lounge and at the Hare Krishna National Festival, especially when you told us about how Krishna loves to go for a picnic with the unlimited cowherd boys and their calves!
I also feel so grateful to be able to come and hear you lead kirtans! I had never experienced something so wonderful as when you lead the kirtan so enthusiastically and blissfully, so that everyone couldn’t help but chant and dance to their hearts’ content.
Also, thank you for writing such a valuable book as Hiding in Unnatural Happiness. It was this book that actually made me realise that I wasn’t satisfied with my normal way of life, and that I wanted to find out more about everything. It was the perfect stepping-stone for me to then start hearing talks at Mantra Lounge.
I’m also extremely grateful that you have made New Zealand such an easy place to start learning how to become a devotee. Thanks to your compassion, intelligence and hard work, there are so many awesome devotees here, who have already been so kind to me and taught me so much, and engaged me in trying to do what is beneficial for Krishna’s service. The centres you have set up also make it really fun to start learning about Krishna Consciousness too!
In the last year, since I started to learn about Krishna Consciousness, my life has already transformed to be so much better than before, even though I am only a tiny baby in Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for giving me this priceless opportunity, to actually try to use my life for what it is meant for.
Annabelle
Apurva-Madhuri DD
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
At this most special time of the year, I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to meditate on your shelter and the containment it provides me. How lucky planet earth is to have had 70 years of your presence; of your beautiful feet walking along it! When I am centred in my self, I can see clearly that your loving shelter is my road map. It's my torch light; my instruction manual for navigating the increasingly complicated maze that is material life. Your words feel like a warm hug, reminding me at every second where my true home is. The sound of your voice feels like a lullaby, even if the content of your speech is sobering and even confronting at times.
If I'm honest I'll admit that I find myself taking you for granted - both your presence in this world and your mercy on me. But at least recognising that distorted cognition gives me the opportunity to remind myself that in actuality, knowing you is the most special thing I could possibly ask for in this world.
So on this occasion, I thank you for your kindness to me, for engaging me in some service to you. I thank you for allowing me to connect with our spiritual family of great souls past and present through you. Seeing people connect with you gives me such excitement in this great age of debilitating confusion, and I know I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this effort. May I always remember that associating with you, Srila Prabhupada and our acharyas is the real joy and the best medicine for me, and that being with others who are also in association with you is the best company to keep.
Forever your aspiring servant and loving daughter,
Apurva-Madhuri Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
At this most special time of the year, I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to meditate on your shelter and the containment it provides me. How lucky planet earth is to have had 70 years of your presence; of your beautiful feet walking along it! When I am centred in my self, I can see clearly that your loving shelter is my road map. It's my torch light; my instruction manual for navigating the increasingly complicated maze that is material life. Your words feel like a warm hug, reminding me at every second where my true home is. The sound of your voice feels like a lullaby, even if the content of your speech is sobering and even confronting at times.
If I'm honest I'll admit that I find myself taking you for granted - both your presence in this world and your mercy on me. But at least recognising that distorted cognition gives me the opportunity to remind myself that in actuality, knowing you is the most special thing I could possibly ask for in this world.
So on this occasion, I thank you for your kindness to me, for engaging me in some service to you. I thank you for allowing me to connect with our spiritual family of great souls past and present through you. Seeing people connect with you gives me such excitement in this great age of debilitating confusion, and I know I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this effort. May I always remember that associating with you, Srila Prabhupada and our acharyas is the real joy and the best medicine for me, and that being with others who are also in association with you is the best company to keep.
Forever your aspiring servant and loving daughter,
Apurva-Madhuri Devi Dasi
Aravinda Nabha das
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you, on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Some time ago I went to visit a devotee who had unfortunately dropped their Practice.
I walked into their room and was sad to see this once happy devotee, now reduced to a life of uncontrolled senses. Instantly I realised my life would be hell if I left the devotees.
I got to see the reality, you leave your spiritual master and your back in the same modes of nature that he picked up from.
You can see the suffering I was in and the hell awaiting me. You also see where I am now going, provided I follow your instructions.
By your mercy I'm getting a glimpse of this.
It’s 2019, the second to last day of the marathon. My mind has gone on vacation and Krishna takes over, I'm floating from car to car in a warehouse car park. After 9 hours and 36 Krishna books I go to the van to take some prasad.
Wow it's so crystal clear, Krishna is doing it all and I'm getting to watch it happen. The experience of being Krishnas instrument is thrilling far beyond mundane sense enjoyment. I go out of the van to chant a couple of rounds before bed, I can hear Krishna’s holy name. Amazing.
Ill never forget this, as you've said, “sankirtan gives you lifetime memories”.
Soon after the Marathon, the Otaki festival comes and goes. Half asleep on the way back to Auckland, i'm thinking, wow only a few weeks and we will be in India, not just India, but Jaipur, Vrindavan and Mayapur!
Jaipur is packed with surprises and a life long memory of Radha Govindevaji.
The early morning Mangal Arti is out of this world…
Not really knowing where we are or what is going to happen we turn up to the temple at freezing four am. At 4:25 it seems like half of Jaipur has turned up to offer spontaneous devotional service to the Lord. As we circumambulate Govindevji, we are given handfuls of Tulsi and Ladoo. Were soaked in caranamrita and one elderly Vaishnava who appears to have nothing accept the clothes on his back is determined to give us all 10 rupees. This is so ecstatic, I don't deserve it.
Next we’re in Vrindavan, I've momentarily lost Bali at Radha Damodara mandir, so I go to see Srila Prabhupada in his room.
As I enter the Pujari looks at me and says, “Srila Prabhupada wants you to do puja for him.”
I get mental, then just do it. He blew the conch for me and away we went.
The whole arti, it's just Srila Prabhupada the pujari and I.
How am I here with you Prabhupada?
I can see Prabhupada is letting me know that he is watching the sankirtan Struggle, he does appreciate even my tiny effort. How will I ever forget this?
I never expected this, I'm thinking, "Thank you Gurudeva, for engaging me in Srila Prabhupada's Mission"
On and on the mercy keeps coming, Mayapur is packed with Great Souls. On a rickshaw ride to Rasamrta Kunj I jump out to lie flat before your exalted friend and God Brother HH Sivarama Swami.
Day after day we hear from so many great souls. HH Jayapataka Maharaj speaks on Book distribution.
“Usually I'm known for speaking of Lord Caitanyas pastimes, BUT I SAY THAT THIS SANKIRTAN BOOK DISTRIBUTION IS LORD CAITANYAS PASTIMES!”
With complete conviction you can almost feel the whole temple room on the edge of tears.
I go to hear HH Bhakti Charu Swami Speak on “Keeping Srila Prabhupadas legacy”.
Its amazing, everyone is completely absorbed, he mentions how Bhakti Vinod Thakur had a vision of Sankirtan being performed at the place which is now ISCKON Mayapur. In that vision he saw many westerners and Vaishnavas from all over the world. They were all dancing and chanting with the Bengali Vaishnavas.
After Maharaj speaks I run to make Gaura Arti at 7pm.
It hits me as we are dancing before Mahaprabhu, this is Bhakti Vinod Thakura’s vision, by my Spiritual Masters mercy i'm here chanting and dancing with my western brothers and these amazing Bengali Vaishnavas.
I have so much more to say yet I already feel embarrassed for speaking so much about myself. Please forgive me for this, I'm trying to relay my appreciation for the experiences you have given me.
Why, why do I feel this important?
BG 8.6
Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.
Prior to meeting you my destination was unknown to me. Now I'm starting to realize, you've really saved me.
Before I took my first initiation, I sat before you at New Gupta Vraja, you were taking your lunch.
A duck flew over us and landed in the pond, you looked at me and said, “just think you could have been a duck.”
I smiled, then I peeked at you… You looked very grave.
Your completely right Gurudeva, after visiting all the hellish planets, a ducks body would have been perfect for me.
I would have left this world most likely at an early age thinking of the most abominable things.
But now a miracle is happening, these Kali yuga thoughts are being replaced with Krishna and Krishnas service. All this is made possible by Your Mercy.
Indeed I'm sandwiched in forgetfulness, but your instructions to daily hear and chant about Krishna are gradually working.
In summary I thank you for the wonderful life you have given me, I thank you for where you're taking me and what you have saved me from.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I pray and beg krishna to help me become your serious disciple.
Thank you for everything so far Gurudeva, I'm excited to grow up and serve you anywhere any time any way!
Your aspiring servant,
Aravinda Nabha das.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you, on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Some time ago I went to visit a devotee who had unfortunately dropped their Practice.
I walked into their room and was sad to see this once happy devotee, now reduced to a life of uncontrolled senses. Instantly I realised my life would be hell if I left the devotees.
I got to see the reality, you leave your spiritual master and your back in the same modes of nature that he picked up from.
You can see the suffering I was in and the hell awaiting me. You also see where I am now going, provided I follow your instructions.
By your mercy I'm getting a glimpse of this.
It’s 2019, the second to last day of the marathon. My mind has gone on vacation and Krishna takes over, I'm floating from car to car in a warehouse car park. After 9 hours and 36 Krishna books I go to the van to take some prasad.
Wow it's so crystal clear, Krishna is doing it all and I'm getting to watch it happen. The experience of being Krishnas instrument is thrilling far beyond mundane sense enjoyment. I go out of the van to chant a couple of rounds before bed, I can hear Krishna’s holy name. Amazing.
Ill never forget this, as you've said, “sankirtan gives you lifetime memories”.
Soon after the Marathon, the Otaki festival comes and goes. Half asleep on the way back to Auckland, i'm thinking, wow only a few weeks and we will be in India, not just India, but Jaipur, Vrindavan and Mayapur!
Jaipur is packed with surprises and a life long memory of Radha Govindevaji.
The early morning Mangal Arti is out of this world…
Not really knowing where we are or what is going to happen we turn up to the temple at freezing four am. At 4:25 it seems like half of Jaipur has turned up to offer spontaneous devotional service to the Lord. As we circumambulate Govindevji, we are given handfuls of Tulsi and Ladoo. Were soaked in caranamrita and one elderly Vaishnava who appears to have nothing accept the clothes on his back is determined to give us all 10 rupees. This is so ecstatic, I don't deserve it.
Next we’re in Vrindavan, I've momentarily lost Bali at Radha Damodara mandir, so I go to see Srila Prabhupada in his room.
As I enter the Pujari looks at me and says, “Srila Prabhupada wants you to do puja for him.”
I get mental, then just do it. He blew the conch for me and away we went.
The whole arti, it's just Srila Prabhupada the pujari and I.
How am I here with you Prabhupada?
I can see Prabhupada is letting me know that he is watching the sankirtan Struggle, he does appreciate even my tiny effort. How will I ever forget this?
I never expected this, I'm thinking, "Thank you Gurudeva, for engaging me in Srila Prabhupada's Mission"
On and on the mercy keeps coming, Mayapur is packed with Great Souls. On a rickshaw ride to Rasamrta Kunj I jump out to lie flat before your exalted friend and God Brother HH Sivarama Swami.
Day after day we hear from so many great souls. HH Jayapataka Maharaj speaks on Book distribution.
“Usually I'm known for speaking of Lord Caitanyas pastimes, BUT I SAY THAT THIS SANKIRTAN BOOK DISTRIBUTION IS LORD CAITANYAS PASTIMES!”
With complete conviction you can almost feel the whole temple room on the edge of tears.
I go to hear HH Bhakti Charu Swami Speak on “Keeping Srila Prabhupadas legacy”.
Its amazing, everyone is completely absorbed, he mentions how Bhakti Vinod Thakur had a vision of Sankirtan being performed at the place which is now ISCKON Mayapur. In that vision he saw many westerners and Vaishnavas from all over the world. They were all dancing and chanting with the Bengali Vaishnavas.
After Maharaj speaks I run to make Gaura Arti at 7pm.
It hits me as we are dancing before Mahaprabhu, this is Bhakti Vinod Thakura’s vision, by my Spiritual Masters mercy i'm here chanting and dancing with my western brothers and these amazing Bengali Vaishnavas.
I have so much more to say yet I already feel embarrassed for speaking so much about myself. Please forgive me for this, I'm trying to relay my appreciation for the experiences you have given me.
Why, why do I feel this important?
BG 8.6
Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.
Prior to meeting you my destination was unknown to me. Now I'm starting to realize, you've really saved me.
Before I took my first initiation, I sat before you at New Gupta Vraja, you were taking your lunch.
A duck flew over us and landed in the pond, you looked at me and said, “just think you could have been a duck.”
I smiled, then I peeked at you… You looked very grave.
Your completely right Gurudeva, after visiting all the hellish planets, a ducks body would have been perfect for me.
I would have left this world most likely at an early age thinking of the most abominable things.
But now a miracle is happening, these Kali yuga thoughts are being replaced with Krishna and Krishnas service. All this is made possible by Your Mercy.
Indeed I'm sandwiched in forgetfulness, but your instructions to daily hear and chant about Krishna are gradually working.
In summary I thank you for the wonderful life you have given me, I thank you for where you're taking me and what you have saved me from.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I pray and beg krishna to help me become your serious disciple.
Thank you for everything so far Gurudeva, I'm excited to grow up and serve you anywhere any time any way!
Your aspiring servant,
Aravinda Nabha das.
Atma-Dharma dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Śrila Prabhupãda.
You have lots of taste for the holy name, and have arranged a nice community of devotees that chant the holy name.
Thanks for letting me do some service.
Your Servant
Atma-Dharma dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Śrila Prabhupãda.
You have lots of taste for the holy name, and have arranged a nice community of devotees that chant the holy name.
Thanks for letting me do some service.
Your Servant
Atma-Dharma dasa
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Disclaimer: This offering has no intention to dismiss educated devotees who are able to utilise the realm of education and esteemed occupation in the service of spreading Krsna Bhakti to one and all.
Dear Gurudeva ,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you and your unstoppable devotional service!
Once after listening to Srila Prabhupada speak about the failure of modern education during your lunch, you asked if I had attended University. Feeling very grateful, I mentioned how I had been spared since I joined you during the last year of my high school.
You then smilingly said something along the lines of "though I'm not sure if you would have really made it in that world"... (Laughter!)
Then you spoke, repeating the commentary of the unfortunate.
"Some would say, I ruined your life!" ...
Laughing but also cringing, the point was clear for me that only 100% ignorant persons would ever begin entertaining such mundane thoughts.
While someone drowns, desperately choking on sea water, gasping for breath, how could someone prematurely rescue them, forever saving them from untimely death?
No one but the utterly ignorant would claim that we should let the person drown a little longer and maybe go unconscious before their retrieval!
The lethal educational injection which inspires faith in the vicious Western ways, without a trace of direction towards serving Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is horribly debilitating.
You are eternally rolling up your kurta sleeves and continuing to revive us poisoned souls twisting in derangement so faithful to Kali yuga's murders.
I will be more than happy for you to "ruin my life" birth after birth if I can enter the Sankirtan arena of the Panca Tattva loudly roaring the maha mantra with the devotees of ISKCON, mesmerized by the ever increasingly beautiful forms of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari so mercifully given to us by Srila Prabhupada.
If ruining my life is the price to pay for the lifetimes of the highest of all treasured activities - devotional service, which we now have the fortunate chance to render under your guidance, then please I beg you to go ahead and "ruin my life" by connecting me to the most esteemed universally celebrated gifts of the Sri Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.
If giving you my last few teenage years, my twenties and the balance of this feeble life, and as a result having the luxury of years in the brahmacari ashram filled with Sadhu Sanga, Kirtan, succulent sadhana, book distribution and outreach, then if I may be so bold - please ruin my life and the lives of this whole condemned country so we may all blissfully participate in Srila Prabhupada's Sankirtan Yajna.
At another time, you mentioned how an unfortunate creature had lost his mind and written you with an equation of how much money he thought he would have earned if he hadn't served Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada and the ISKCON society.
I was absolutely astonished to hear of such ignorant madness.
No mundane figures, achievements or position in this world can compare to the limitless wealth you so freely offer us as participants in Srila Prabhupada's mission.
"The advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is like an expanding ocean of nectar. One who does not collect the valuable jewels within that ocean is certainly the poorest of the poor."
"The golden moon of Lord Caitanyacandra now creates great tidal waves in the nectar ocean of pure love for Lord Krsna. A person untouched by these waves is certainly the poorest of the poor."
Caitanya Candramrita 34 & 36.
I beg you for the power to always remain increasingly wonderstruck at the sophisticated, elite opportunity you mercifully shower upon us to serve in some token way in Srila Prabhupada's glorious society.
Please Gurudeva protect me from becoming a unfaithful street dog, diseased with ingratitude and mundane values.
Please bless me so I may always remain as your faithful happy dog, rich in the wealth of enthusiastic devotional service in the company of your real followers.
Aspiring to remain the happy servant of your servants
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Dear Gurudeva ,
Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you and your unstoppable devotional service!
Once after listening to Srila Prabhupada speak about the failure of modern education during your lunch, you asked if I had attended University. Feeling very grateful, I mentioned how I had been spared since I joined you during the last year of my high school.
You then smilingly said something along the lines of "though I'm not sure if you would have really made it in that world"... (Laughter!)
Then you spoke, repeating the commentary of the unfortunate.
"Some would say, I ruined your life!" ...
Laughing but also cringing, the point was clear for me that only 100% ignorant persons would ever begin entertaining such mundane thoughts.
While someone drowns, desperately choking on sea water, gasping for breath, how could someone prematurely rescue them, forever saving them from untimely death?
No one but the utterly ignorant would claim that we should let the person drown a little longer and maybe go unconscious before their retrieval!
The lethal educational injection which inspires faith in the vicious Western ways, without a trace of direction towards serving Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is horribly debilitating.
You are eternally rolling up your kurta sleeves and continuing to revive us poisoned souls twisting in derangement so faithful to Kali yuga's murders.
I will be more than happy for you to "ruin my life" birth after birth if I can enter the Sankirtan arena of the Panca Tattva loudly roaring the maha mantra with the devotees of ISKCON, mesmerized by the ever increasingly beautiful forms of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari so mercifully given to us by Srila Prabhupada.
If ruining my life is the price to pay for the lifetimes of the highest of all treasured activities - devotional service, which we now have the fortunate chance to render under your guidance, then please I beg you to go ahead and "ruin my life" by connecting me to the most esteemed universally celebrated gifts of the Sri Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.
If giving you my last few teenage years, my twenties and the balance of this feeble life, and as a result having the luxury of years in the brahmacari ashram filled with Sadhu Sanga, Kirtan, succulent sadhana, book distribution and outreach, then if I may be so bold - please ruin my life and the lives of this whole condemned country so we may all blissfully participate in Srila Prabhupada's Sankirtan Yajna.
At another time, you mentioned how an unfortunate creature had lost his mind and written you with an equation of how much money he thought he would have earned if he hadn't served Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada and the ISKCON society.
I was absolutely astonished to hear of such ignorant madness.
No mundane figures, achievements or position in this world can compare to the limitless wealth you so freely offer us as participants in Srila Prabhupada's mission.
"The advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is like an expanding ocean of nectar. One who does not collect the valuable jewels within that ocean is certainly the poorest of the poor."
"The golden moon of Lord Caitanyacandra now creates great tidal waves in the nectar ocean of pure love for Lord Krsna. A person untouched by these waves is certainly the poorest of the poor."
Caitanya Candramrita 34 & 36.
I beg you for the power to always remain increasingly wonderstruck at the sophisticated, elite opportunity you mercifully shower upon us to serve in some token way in Srila Prabhupada's glorious society.
Please Gurudeva protect me from becoming a unfaithful street dog, diseased with ingratitude and mundane values.
Please bless me so I may always remain as your faithful happy dog, rich in the wealth of enthusiastic devotional service in the company of your real followers.
Aspiring to remain the happy servant of your servants
Bāla Gopāla dāsa
Baladeva Nitai das
Dear Gurudeva,
I offer my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
I am now writing my third attempt at my offering to you this year. Each time I wrote an offering so far, I looked at it a few days later and I realised that this is not really an honest offering to you.
The fact of the matter is that you have done so much for me Gurudeva. So much more than I can ever repay. And my depth of realisation of that is so small.
I feel like you saved me again this year. I was having some difficulty transitioning ashrama. After being under the shelter of your safe and secure bramacari ashrama I had forgotten what the big bad world is like. It’s no pretty picnic. But the real obstacle that was causing me so much trouble was this massive ocean of material desires that I have locked away in my dark dirty heart and my stubborn unwillingness to serve Krishna. And then out of the blue you started messaging me. You were asking if everything was going appropriately and safely. You also asked if I had enough money and had a place to stay. The care was always there on your part. I was reminded of my debt to you. Despite which ever ashrama I am in and whether or not the ashrama is seemingly more “independent” than others, I am still your disciple, so I need to act as such. I began to listen to your lectures every day once again. And from hearing from you each day, I feel like I had a total revolution in my consciousness.
Your lectures are incredible Gurudeva, they always keep me afloat.
I was just looking at my small collection of your lectures on my computer and I was thinking to myself “how many hours of constant glorification of Krishna is in here?”. I’m amazed at your taste for hearing and chanting about Krishna. You always take the subject matter to such depths and reveal so much more of the pastimes than what I can conceive of when reading Prabhupada’s books. And then when I read the same pastime or section of Bhagavatam or Chaitanya Charitamrta that I have heard you speak about in a lecture, then it all comes to life so much more. Thank you for always bringing Krishna Consciousness to life for us all!
Sometimes, in my brief moments of somewhat steadier consciousness I have the realisation that all the nectar is already on the table for me to get. You have made it so easy to come to Krishna Consciousness, practice Krishna Consciousness and grow in Krishna Consciousness. All I have to do is accept and take part in the nectar that is already there.
I am reminded of a time where Prabhupada was telling some of his disciples of the relationship of the spiritual master with his disciples. Apparently he made a shoving motion and exclaimed that the spiritual master is simply giving Krishna Consciousness profusely to his disciples. All the nectar is there, but it is up to the individual disciple how much they can or want to receive of that mercy.
And so during these moments of clarity, I wonder what it will take for me to become a more eager recipient of the mercy that you are so openhandedly giving. You often give the example of the classroom. There are the “teachers pet” students who sit at the front of the class. There are the sometimes good, sometimes naughty students in the middle. And finally, at the back there are the slackers who simply goof off all day and don’t actually learn anything. I really want to start making my way up to the front of the classroom. I’m sick of goofing off at the back. Thank you for always being patient with me as I go through my rocky adolescent years in Bhakti.
So I guess here is my glorification of you in a nutshell Gurudeva. You have left me with absolutely no excuses of why I can’t personally become Krishna Conscious. You have made everything so readily available. We have stable ashramas that you have built up so carefully. We have a constant supply of your lectures and even your personal sanga throughout the year. We have the mentor system. We have Bhakti Lounge, a dedicated hub of service to Krishna, so that we can plug in at any time. All the nectar and mercy is there if we want it. So as you spoke of recently to the Bhakti Lounge community, our service to Krishna is completely voluntary. And you have made it so easy and attractive to volunteer to serve Krishna. Thank you so much Gurudeva for making Krishna Consciousness so fun, dynamic, attractive and readily available to all of us. You are a rockstar within ISKCON!
P.s. I know this isn’t totally your department, but I also heard that you personally picked out my courting partner for me. She is a total ray of sunshine, and is helping me to become quite steady and happy in my spiritual life. So I thought it would be nice to say thank you very much for helping me with this area of my life also. Now that I have made all the bramacaris cringe, I will conclude this offering.
Aspiring to become your faithful servant for years to come,
Baladeva Nitai das.
I offer my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
I am now writing my third attempt at my offering to you this year. Each time I wrote an offering so far, I looked at it a few days later and I realised that this is not really an honest offering to you.
The fact of the matter is that you have done so much for me Gurudeva. So much more than I can ever repay. And my depth of realisation of that is so small.
I feel like you saved me again this year. I was having some difficulty transitioning ashrama. After being under the shelter of your safe and secure bramacari ashrama I had forgotten what the big bad world is like. It’s no pretty picnic. But the real obstacle that was causing me so much trouble was this massive ocean of material desires that I have locked away in my dark dirty heart and my stubborn unwillingness to serve Krishna. And then out of the blue you started messaging me. You were asking if everything was going appropriately and safely. You also asked if I had enough money and had a place to stay. The care was always there on your part. I was reminded of my debt to you. Despite which ever ashrama I am in and whether or not the ashrama is seemingly more “independent” than others, I am still your disciple, so I need to act as such. I began to listen to your lectures every day once again. And from hearing from you each day, I feel like I had a total revolution in my consciousness.
Your lectures are incredible Gurudeva, they always keep me afloat.
I was just looking at my small collection of your lectures on my computer and I was thinking to myself “how many hours of constant glorification of Krishna is in here?”. I’m amazed at your taste for hearing and chanting about Krishna. You always take the subject matter to such depths and reveal so much more of the pastimes than what I can conceive of when reading Prabhupada’s books. And then when I read the same pastime or section of Bhagavatam or Chaitanya Charitamrta that I have heard you speak about in a lecture, then it all comes to life so much more. Thank you for always bringing Krishna Consciousness to life for us all!
Sometimes, in my brief moments of somewhat steadier consciousness I have the realisation that all the nectar is already on the table for me to get. You have made it so easy to come to Krishna Consciousness, practice Krishna Consciousness and grow in Krishna Consciousness. All I have to do is accept and take part in the nectar that is already there.
I am reminded of a time where Prabhupada was telling some of his disciples of the relationship of the spiritual master with his disciples. Apparently he made a shoving motion and exclaimed that the spiritual master is simply giving Krishna Consciousness profusely to his disciples. All the nectar is there, but it is up to the individual disciple how much they can or want to receive of that mercy.
And so during these moments of clarity, I wonder what it will take for me to become a more eager recipient of the mercy that you are so openhandedly giving. You often give the example of the classroom. There are the “teachers pet” students who sit at the front of the class. There are the sometimes good, sometimes naughty students in the middle. And finally, at the back there are the slackers who simply goof off all day and don’t actually learn anything. I really want to start making my way up to the front of the classroom. I’m sick of goofing off at the back. Thank you for always being patient with me as I go through my rocky adolescent years in Bhakti.
So I guess here is my glorification of you in a nutshell Gurudeva. You have left me with absolutely no excuses of why I can’t personally become Krishna Conscious. You have made everything so readily available. We have stable ashramas that you have built up so carefully. We have a constant supply of your lectures and even your personal sanga throughout the year. We have the mentor system. We have Bhakti Lounge, a dedicated hub of service to Krishna, so that we can plug in at any time. All the nectar and mercy is there if we want it. So as you spoke of recently to the Bhakti Lounge community, our service to Krishna is completely voluntary. And you have made it so easy and attractive to volunteer to serve Krishna. Thank you so much Gurudeva for making Krishna Consciousness so fun, dynamic, attractive and readily available to all of us. You are a rockstar within ISKCON!
P.s. I know this isn’t totally your department, but I also heard that you personally picked out my courting partner for me. She is a total ray of sunshine, and is helping me to become quite steady and happy in my spiritual life. So I thought it would be nice to say thank you very much for helping me with this area of my life also. Now that I have made all the bramacaris cringe, I will conclude this offering.
Aspiring to become your faithful servant for years to come,
Baladeva Nitai das.
Bali Daityaraja das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhuapda.
How can I properly glorify such a venerable spiritual master without taking up his instructions, worshipping and nourishing them within my heart.
Our Srila Prabhupada took the words of his Guru Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja to heart and meditated on how to execute them even when such instructions seemed unobtainable and out of reach. Despite all the odds of material circumstances he was determined to fulfil those instructions one way or another. By his love and dedication the lotus of the International Society for Krsna consciousnesses has blossomed giving shelter to so many fortunate jivas in Kali-Yuga.
Following in the footsteps of our previous Acaryas, you have held the instructions of your spiritual master as your life and soul. Im in awe how despite your age you have so much vitality. Just like your spiritual father you set the pace, performing service on multiple continents simultaneously. Certainly you are not from this world. You show us all how Krsna consciousness is not bound by any material circumstance but can increase more and more.
Guru Maharaja, you are one of Srila Prabhupadas special sons, sent by his own Guru Maharaja to help with this important service of delivering Lord Caitanya's mercy into this darkened age of Kali.
I aspire to become worthy of being in such an exalted Parampara and to take your instructions as my life and soul. Though dull headed and clumsy I have faith that as an empowered son of Srila Prabhupada by your merciful glance you can free me from my shackles that inhibit me from completely giving everything in Krsna’s service as the real Bali Daityaraja did.
I pray for your mercy so that I may never leave your service and that my capacity for devotional service increases more and more.
Your insignificant servant,
Bali Daityaraja das
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhuapda.
How can I properly glorify such a venerable spiritual master without taking up his instructions, worshipping and nourishing them within my heart.
Our Srila Prabhupada took the words of his Guru Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja to heart and meditated on how to execute them even when such instructions seemed unobtainable and out of reach. Despite all the odds of material circumstances he was determined to fulfil those instructions one way or another. By his love and dedication the lotus of the International Society for Krsna consciousnesses has blossomed giving shelter to so many fortunate jivas in Kali-Yuga.
Following in the footsteps of our previous Acaryas, you have held the instructions of your spiritual master as your life and soul. Im in awe how despite your age you have so much vitality. Just like your spiritual father you set the pace, performing service on multiple continents simultaneously. Certainly you are not from this world. You show us all how Krsna consciousness is not bound by any material circumstance but can increase more and more.
Guru Maharaja, you are one of Srila Prabhupadas special sons, sent by his own Guru Maharaja to help with this important service of delivering Lord Caitanya's mercy into this darkened age of Kali.
I aspire to become worthy of being in such an exalted Parampara and to take your instructions as my life and soul. Though dull headed and clumsy I have faith that as an empowered son of Srila Prabhupada by your merciful glance you can free me from my shackles that inhibit me from completely giving everything in Krsna’s service as the real Bali Daityaraja did.
I pray for your mercy so that I may never leave your service and that my capacity for devotional service increases more and more.
Your insignificant servant,
Bali Daityaraja das
Bhagavat Katha dasa
My dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhuapada
As an eternal servant of Srila Prabhupada, assisting him in his service of spreading Krsna consciousness, it is our good fortune to have “You” as our spiritual father and leader. It is incomprehensible for me how you manage to lead us all in the path of Bhakti - not just look after our wellbeing spiritually but also for some you care about their physical wellbeing.
Your guidance, loving interactions , corrections along with insights on practical application of Krsna Consciousness brings transformation in many of us. It would have been difficult to surrender without your leadership.
When you are around, you impact the atmosphere so that we feel safe and get connected to Krsna through you.
With your unique ways of presenting the realities of this material world, you help people to see old things in new ways. You gain a following because of who you are.
This year 2020 marks your 70th year on this planet and your ever-increasing love for Srila Prabhupada make you to continue travelling around the world and spread Krsna consciousness. Well, Krsna had some other plan for 2020 to reduce your travelling.
I pray to you to be connected to you, being under the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your servant,
Bhagavat Katha Das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhuapada
As an eternal servant of Srila Prabhupada, assisting him in his service of spreading Krsna consciousness, it is our good fortune to have “You” as our spiritual father and leader. It is incomprehensible for me how you manage to lead us all in the path of Bhakti - not just look after our wellbeing spiritually but also for some you care about their physical wellbeing.
Your guidance, loving interactions , corrections along with insights on practical application of Krsna Consciousness brings transformation in many of us. It would have been difficult to surrender without your leadership.
When you are around, you impact the atmosphere so that we feel safe and get connected to Krsna through you.
With your unique ways of presenting the realities of this material world, you help people to see old things in new ways. You gain a following because of who you are.
This year 2020 marks your 70th year on this planet and your ever-increasing love for Srila Prabhupada make you to continue travelling around the world and spread Krsna consciousness. Well, Krsna had some other plan for 2020 to reduce your travelling.
I pray to you to be connected to you, being under the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your servant,
Bhagavat Katha Das
Bhakta Alex
Dear Devamrita Maharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisance’s at your lotus feet.
When I first had the great chance of meeting you in 2017, I asked “how can we put a stop to the environmental problems of the world?”. Your answer was “first you must understand yourself, and clean up your consciousness”
3 years since having gotten such a brilliant answer to my most urgent question in life, I am in the fortunate position in being a part of the solution the environmental, economic and human existential problems to all beings on the planet.
In your genius you have created a community in Auckland, and wider New Zealand which makes the greatest gift of bhakti yoga and devotional service easy and attractive for all.
Your enlivening classes bring life to my Bhakti experience, making Bhagavatam class so sweet and easy to relish.
Please give me your blessings to go deeper in my personal Bhagavatam study and finish it the by the end of the year, so I can be better qualified to help others who are searching for answers.
Your aspiring servant,
Alex
Please accept my most humble obeisance’s at your lotus feet.
When I first had the great chance of meeting you in 2017, I asked “how can we put a stop to the environmental problems of the world?”. Your answer was “first you must understand yourself, and clean up your consciousness”
3 years since having gotten such a brilliant answer to my most urgent question in life, I am in the fortunate position in being a part of the solution the environmental, economic and human existential problems to all beings on the planet.
In your genius you have created a community in Auckland, and wider New Zealand which makes the greatest gift of bhakti yoga and devotional service easy and attractive for all.
Your enlivening classes bring life to my Bhakti experience, making Bhagavatam class so sweet and easy to relish.
Please give me your blessings to go deeper in my personal Bhagavatam study and finish it the by the end of the year, so I can be better qualified to help others who are searching for answers.
Your aspiring servant,
Alex
Bhakta Andy Skippins (Ty Krishna, Wales)
Dearest Gurudev,
When I first met You (spring 2018), I asked you about chanting japa, and you patted my shoulder and told me I "only have [my] toe in the door", and that I "should chant 16 rounds a day", because at this time, I was barely chanting 1. Now, I realise you were just being kind, and I actually just had a strand of hair on the end of my toe in the door. Having later heard that you began with just 1 bead per day, and seeing how much you have advanced since then gave me hope.
However, being an arrogant engineer, I was reluctant to give up my work commitments, at the university, as I still felt this was an opportunity too good to dismiss. Later that night, I had a dream, in which I was imprisoned (in an abandoned leisure centre), and despite knowing how to get out, I made no effort to do so. After waking up, I realised that the prison represents material life, and chanting Hare Krishna was my means to escape. This very instruction is quoted from the Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa, by Sri Chaitanya Mahāprabhu:
harer nāma harer nāma...
"For spiritual progress in this Age of Kali, there is no alternative, there is no alternative, there is no alternative to the holy name, the holy name, the holy name of the Lord."
In your Srimad Bhagavatam class, the following morning, you talked about the prison of material life, thus confirming the significance of my dream, and of yourself as my guiding light.
I promised myself that by the next time you visited us, in autumn of that year, I would take the prescribed medicine of chanting 16 rounds per day. Sure enough, 5 months later, having fulfilled this vow for only a weekend, I realised that my job at the university, and my life in general was actually going nowhere, so I decided to make Krishna the centre of my life, and move into the asram.
After spending 3 months at Bhaktivedanta Manor, to study the Bhakta course, I felt ready to commit to asram life in Wales. Lord Caitanya, being the most magnanimous incarnation, arranged for the CVA to open it's doors to its first batch of young bhaktas, myself included. Having modelled it, after your Contemporary Vedic Asram in New Zealand, the devotees at ISKCON Wales have done a great job of establishing a nurturing home for neophyte devotees like me to establish spiritual foundations.
1 year later, I find myself living with some of your disciples in the brahmacari asram. In both asrams, I have developed friendships that I will cherish for many years to come.
In another of your visits, I asked you how to tell when Krishna is pleased with me, and you quoted the final verse from Gurvastakam:
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo...
"By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master."
You have also specifically instructed me to participate in mangal arati each day, so this song and this verse is especially close to my heart. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura vows to offer obeisances unto his spiritual master three times a day, so following in his footsteps, I endeavour to do the same. However, I am not qualified to chant the Gayatri mantra, so have taken some initiative: 1. When I chant your pranam mantra, upon waking up/taking rest, I offer you my respectful obeisances. 2. When I sing Gurvastakam each morning, I offer you my respectful obeisances. 3. Before chanting japa, I offer you my respectful obeisances.
Last time you were here, I was telling you about my involvement with Food For Life, and the lack of demand for the service in Cardiff. Less than a month later, the whole world went into lockdown, and one of my services (which Tarakanatha says is my eternal swarup) is driving around, to maintain stock levels (for Ty Krishna and FFL). I propose that it is not just a coincidence that I have been doing this on behalf of Gaura Kishore Prabhu during your most recent visits.
I have described some of the ways that you have changed my life, for which I cannot repay the debt I owe you. I cannot even assimilate the words show my appreciation for you. All I have is this meager offering on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, and an aspiration to one day become your dog.
Your insignificant servant,
Bhakta Andy Skippins
(Ty Krishna, Wales)
When I first met You (spring 2018), I asked you about chanting japa, and you patted my shoulder and told me I "only have [my] toe in the door", and that I "should chant 16 rounds a day", because at this time, I was barely chanting 1. Now, I realise you were just being kind, and I actually just had a strand of hair on the end of my toe in the door. Having later heard that you began with just 1 bead per day, and seeing how much you have advanced since then gave me hope.
However, being an arrogant engineer, I was reluctant to give up my work commitments, at the university, as I still felt this was an opportunity too good to dismiss. Later that night, I had a dream, in which I was imprisoned (in an abandoned leisure centre), and despite knowing how to get out, I made no effort to do so. After waking up, I realised that the prison represents material life, and chanting Hare Krishna was my means to escape. This very instruction is quoted from the Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa, by Sri Chaitanya Mahāprabhu:
harer nāma harer nāma...
"For spiritual progress in this Age of Kali, there is no alternative, there is no alternative, there is no alternative to the holy name, the holy name, the holy name of the Lord."
In your Srimad Bhagavatam class, the following morning, you talked about the prison of material life, thus confirming the significance of my dream, and of yourself as my guiding light.
I promised myself that by the next time you visited us, in autumn of that year, I would take the prescribed medicine of chanting 16 rounds per day. Sure enough, 5 months later, having fulfilled this vow for only a weekend, I realised that my job at the university, and my life in general was actually going nowhere, so I decided to make Krishna the centre of my life, and move into the asram.
After spending 3 months at Bhaktivedanta Manor, to study the Bhakta course, I felt ready to commit to asram life in Wales. Lord Caitanya, being the most magnanimous incarnation, arranged for the CVA to open it's doors to its first batch of young bhaktas, myself included. Having modelled it, after your Contemporary Vedic Asram in New Zealand, the devotees at ISKCON Wales have done a great job of establishing a nurturing home for neophyte devotees like me to establish spiritual foundations.
1 year later, I find myself living with some of your disciples in the brahmacari asram. In both asrams, I have developed friendships that I will cherish for many years to come.
In another of your visits, I asked you how to tell when Krishna is pleased with me, and you quoted the final verse from Gurvastakam:
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo...
"By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master."
You have also specifically instructed me to participate in mangal arati each day, so this song and this verse is especially close to my heart. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura vows to offer obeisances unto his spiritual master three times a day, so following in his footsteps, I endeavour to do the same. However, I am not qualified to chant the Gayatri mantra, so have taken some initiative: 1. When I chant your pranam mantra, upon waking up/taking rest, I offer you my respectful obeisances. 2. When I sing Gurvastakam each morning, I offer you my respectful obeisances. 3. Before chanting japa, I offer you my respectful obeisances.
Last time you were here, I was telling you about my involvement with Food For Life, and the lack of demand for the service in Cardiff. Less than a month later, the whole world went into lockdown, and one of my services (which Tarakanatha says is my eternal swarup) is driving around, to maintain stock levels (for Ty Krishna and FFL). I propose that it is not just a coincidence that I have been doing this on behalf of Gaura Kishore Prabhu during your most recent visits.
I have described some of the ways that you have changed my life, for which I cannot repay the debt I owe you. I cannot even assimilate the words show my appreciation for you. All I have is this meager offering on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja, and an aspiration to one day become your dog.
Your insignificant servant,
Bhakta Andy Skippins
(Ty Krishna, Wales)
Bhakta Harry, Wellington
My Dear Spiritual Father,
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances. All glories to your auspicious appearance. All glories to your relentless preaching work all over the world, rescuing the conditioned souls from the material ocean of existence. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
My intelligence and realisation are similar to a little frog in a well, insufficient to describe the breadth and depth of the glories of your dedicated devotional service. I ask you to please kindly allow me to make this infinitesimal attempt:
The steps that you deliberately stride;
The morsels of prasadam that you carefully honour;
The drops of health tonic that you precisely measure and ingest;
The syllables that your lotus lips sweetly vibrate;
Each thought that you absorbingly ponder;
Each prayer that you attentively offer; and
Each and every heartbeat and breath that take place in your effulgent body,
are gracefully connected to a divine purpose – to distribute the supreme love of God to all the forgetful souls who are so dear to Krishna.
Your whole existence is unreservedly and unconditionally dedicated to serving your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, the parampara and the Supreme couple, Radha-Krishna.
By your pleasantly contagious purity and devotional mood, you set the most perfect example for me to follow. I am a lost, disconnected and minute part and parcel of Krishna. But by following your footsteps that you have expertly laid down before me, I get the rare fortune to embark on this most wonderful journey home, back to Godhead.
“Purity is the force”, you once solemnly told me.
How can this poor and ignorant conditioned soul become pure, or at least, purer in this life? You have given me this timeless Bhakti process - it is now up to me to embrace your mercy and assimilate the knowledge that you carefully pass down from the parampara.
My dear spiritual father, I beg you with all the humility and earnestness that I have, to please grant me the spiritual strength that is so essentially required to conquer my conditionings, my weaknesses and my uncontrolled mind, so I can faithfully keep your instructions in my heart, always remember, adhere to and apply them whenever and wherever I am. I pray to you to please allow me to increase my attachment to serving your instructions with humility, intelligence and sensitivity. My prayers to you to please allow me to transform my desires from serving my pitiful, self-centred interests to serving your glorious, Krishna-centred interests. Please engage me in serving Lord Caitanya’s mission to distribute the holy names wherever I go. If you are willing, please kindly allow me to always stay close to your lotus feet.
I sincerely pray to you that in the years to come that I may learn to fully surrender my body, mind and soul to serve you and your transcendental desires. I am not grateful enough for the magnitude of sacrifices that you have done for us. I therefore submissively offer my prayers to you my dear spiritual father to please allow me to increase my minute gratitude, allow it to expand in my heart so much so that it overtakes all unwanted qualities of mine.
Please accept my little service to you.
My most humble and respectful obeisances unto you, again and again, on this auspicious day.
Your servant of your servants of your servants, your aspiring disciple who is indebted to you forever,
Bhakta Harry
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances. All glories to your auspicious appearance. All glories to your relentless preaching work all over the world, rescuing the conditioned souls from the material ocean of existence. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
My intelligence and realisation are similar to a little frog in a well, insufficient to describe the breadth and depth of the glories of your dedicated devotional service. I ask you to please kindly allow me to make this infinitesimal attempt:
The steps that you deliberately stride;
The morsels of prasadam that you carefully honour;
The drops of health tonic that you precisely measure and ingest;
The syllables that your lotus lips sweetly vibrate;
Each thought that you absorbingly ponder;
Each prayer that you attentively offer; and
Each and every heartbeat and breath that take place in your effulgent body,
are gracefully connected to a divine purpose – to distribute the supreme love of God to all the forgetful souls who are so dear to Krishna.
Your whole existence is unreservedly and unconditionally dedicated to serving your spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, the parampara and the Supreme couple, Radha-Krishna.
By your pleasantly contagious purity and devotional mood, you set the most perfect example for me to follow. I am a lost, disconnected and minute part and parcel of Krishna. But by following your footsteps that you have expertly laid down before me, I get the rare fortune to embark on this most wonderful journey home, back to Godhead.
“Purity is the force”, you once solemnly told me.
How can this poor and ignorant conditioned soul become pure, or at least, purer in this life? You have given me this timeless Bhakti process - it is now up to me to embrace your mercy and assimilate the knowledge that you carefully pass down from the parampara.
My dear spiritual father, I beg you with all the humility and earnestness that I have, to please grant me the spiritual strength that is so essentially required to conquer my conditionings, my weaknesses and my uncontrolled mind, so I can faithfully keep your instructions in my heart, always remember, adhere to and apply them whenever and wherever I am. I pray to you to please allow me to increase my attachment to serving your instructions with humility, intelligence and sensitivity. My prayers to you to please allow me to transform my desires from serving my pitiful, self-centred interests to serving your glorious, Krishna-centred interests. Please engage me in serving Lord Caitanya’s mission to distribute the holy names wherever I go. If you are willing, please kindly allow me to always stay close to your lotus feet.
I sincerely pray to you that in the years to come that I may learn to fully surrender my body, mind and soul to serve you and your transcendental desires. I am not grateful enough for the magnitude of sacrifices that you have done for us. I therefore submissively offer my prayers to you my dear spiritual father to please allow me to increase my minute gratitude, allow it to expand in my heart so much so that it overtakes all unwanted qualities of mine.
Please accept my little service to you.
My most humble and respectful obeisances unto you, again and again, on this auspicious day.
Your servant of your servants of your servants, your aspiring disciple who is indebted to you forever,
Bhakta Harry
Bhakta Michael McMahon
Dearest Guru Maharaja, please accpet my obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearence.
This year has been tough for everyone and somehow you are still touching the hearts of conditioned souls like us all around the world. I often reflect back and think how if it wasn’t for your mercy there’s no way I would be where I am now, which is relatively safe, secure, and stable, compared to my past life. Despite the rampant ignorance, fear, hatred, and various other deplorable effects of Kali yuga I somehow or other hanker after the shade of your lotus feet. It hurts to imagine where I would be now without your mercy. And I sincerely thank you from the core of my heart for your mercy. I just hope that I can serve you and humbly follow in your lotus footsteps as you spread the mercy of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to all the world. I desire to one day be qualified to offer all of my heart, mind, body, and words in the service of your lotus feet. I know this is the goal of my life, because you mercifully pulled me out of the mire of darkness that I was rotting within, which was so intense that I cannot describe or even understand its full extent. I am so much indebted to you for your mercy and the mercy of Lord Caitanya that I don’t think I can repay this debt by offering everything possible, but I will try the best I can to offer everything in service to you even if it takes many lifetimes.
I cannot fathom the amazing taste of the fruit of love of Godhead from the Caitanya tree, and the fact that I may one day be able to relish this taste, by following in your footsteps, is utterly mind-blowing. I thank you so much for everything that you do for me, for the devotees, for the innocent souls, and for all of the living entities. I thank you for distributing Lord Caitanya’s mercy and I only hope that I can assist you in distributing Mahaprabhu’s mercy to others, and distributing the fruit of the Caitanya tree to other fallen souls like myself.
Your Aspiring Servant,
Bhakta Michael McMahon
This year has been tough for everyone and somehow you are still touching the hearts of conditioned souls like us all around the world. I often reflect back and think how if it wasn’t for your mercy there’s no way I would be where I am now, which is relatively safe, secure, and stable, compared to my past life. Despite the rampant ignorance, fear, hatred, and various other deplorable effects of Kali yuga I somehow or other hanker after the shade of your lotus feet. It hurts to imagine where I would be now without your mercy. And I sincerely thank you from the core of my heart for your mercy. I just hope that I can serve you and humbly follow in your lotus footsteps as you spread the mercy of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to all the world. I desire to one day be qualified to offer all of my heart, mind, body, and words in the service of your lotus feet. I know this is the goal of my life, because you mercifully pulled me out of the mire of darkness that I was rotting within, which was so intense that I cannot describe or even understand its full extent. I am so much indebted to you for your mercy and the mercy of Lord Caitanya that I don’t think I can repay this debt by offering everything possible, but I will try the best I can to offer everything in service to you even if it takes many lifetimes.
I cannot fathom the amazing taste of the fruit of love of Godhead from the Caitanya tree, and the fact that I may one day be able to relish this taste, by following in your footsteps, is utterly mind-blowing. I thank you so much for everything that you do for me, for the devotees, for the innocent souls, and for all of the living entities. I thank you for distributing Lord Caitanya’s mercy and I only hope that I can assist you in distributing Mahaprabhu’s mercy to others, and distributing the fruit of the Caitanya tree to other fallen souls like myself.
Your Aspiring Servant,
Bhakta Michael McMahon
Bhakti Sara Dasa
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
Ignorance of the constitutional position leads a conditioned soul into a perpetually repeating cycle of samsara. The solution to this problem is to get the real knowledge. It sounds so simple but we make it complicated due to our unfortunate situation. The complications arising from the dual conceptions of ‘I’ness and ‘My’ness are endless. Spiritual master is constantly showering the rain of true knowledge and we have an opportunity to take advantage by the simple process of hearing.
In a recent lecture you mentioned that our being duped by maya proves that our knowledge is limited. Your lectures are super charged with the deepest tattvas from authorised sastras. At the same time your presentation is so brilliant that topmost truths are delivered in a way everyone can digest them easily.
“mitaṁ ca sāraṁ ca vaco hi vāgmitā” iti
“Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence.” (Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi Lila 1.106)
You seem to have a quiver of limitless arrows which are laced with love & compassion. Just as a Brahmastra is meant for a localised attack, you unleash the weapon of knowledge through your tailor made lectures suitable for particular audience. Concluding the chapter on transcendental knowledge in Bhagavad Gita 4.42, Krsna says:
tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ hṛt-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ
chittvainaṁ saṁśayaṁ yogam ātiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhārata
“Therefore the doubts which have arisen in your heart out of ignorance should be slashed by the weapon of knowledge. Armed with yoga, O Bhārata, stand and fight.”
In 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam Sri Prabuddha says to Maharaja Nimi that humans are constantly making material endeavours to eliminating their unhappiness and unlimitedly increase their pleasure but they inevitably achieve the opposite result. Here is the solution that Sri Prabuddha gives:
tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam
śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam
Therefore any person who seriously desires real happiness must seek a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. Such great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations, should be understood to be bona fide spiritual masters.
tatra bhāgavatān dharmān śikṣed gurv-ātma-daivataḥ
amāyayānuvṛttyā yais tuṣyed ātmātma-do hariḥ
Accepting the bona fide spiritual master as one's life and soul and worshipable deity, the disciple should learn from him the process of pure devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, the soul of all souls, is inclined to give Himself to His pure devotees. Therefore, the disciple should learn from the spiritual master to serve the Lord without duplicity and in such a faithful and favorable way that the Supreme Lord, being satisfied, will offer Himself to the faithful disciple.
(Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.21-22)
In this dark Iron Age we tend to succumb to self-absorption even in the realm of devotional service. You suggest full saturation with Krsna consciousness as the solution. Without wasting any time a devotee should constantly engage in spiritual activities otherwise Kali Yuga will drag us down. Almost no one is inclined to practice pious activities according to Vedic standard what to speak of bhakti. Seeing this situation Advaita Acarya called for the appearance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In Caitanya Caritamrita ADI Lila 3.98, Srila Prabhupada explains beautifully:
loka-gati dekhi’ ācārya karuṇa-hṛdaya
vicāra karena, lokera kaiche hita haya
TRANSLATION
Seeing the activities of the world, the Ācārya felt compassion and began to ponder how He could act for the people’s benefit.
PURPORT
“This sort of serious interest in the welfare of the public makes one a bona fide ācārya. Since the spiritual master is a confidential servitor of the Lord, his heart is always full of compassion for humanity in its suffering. He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the Lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change people’s activities, making them favorable for the attainment of devotion. That is the qualification of an ācārya. Although Śrī Advaita Prabhu Himself was powerful enough to do the work, as a submissive servitor He thought that without the personal appearance of the Lord, no one could improve the fallen condition of society.
In the grim clutches of māyā, the first-class prisoners of this material world wrongly think themselves happy because they are rich, powerful, resourceful and so on. These foolish creatures do not know that they are nothing but play dolls in the hands of material nature and that at any moment material nature’s pitiless intrigues can crush to dust all their plans for godless activities.“
Following in the footsteps of previous teachers you expose the contemporary false gurus who exist in the garb of not only saints & Swamis but also as economists, politicians, philosophers, scientists, professors, activists & so on. They intentionally or innocently promote bodily conception of life. With love and care you approach them and those who they try to guide.
In the talk you gave at a University with co-speaker Sam Richards, while answering a question on racism you said: “It’s our fault not to have a higher conception of ourselves and tapping into that higher conception. It’s our responsibility to understand our non-material self and that will make us immune to being demolished by some bias aimed at what people perceive as our designation”.
On this auspicious day I beg your mercy to realise the ever fresh nectar of the Holy Name of Krishna and how attentive chanting leads to dynamic devotional service.
jay śacīnandana sura-muni-vandana, bhava-bhaya-khaṇḍana jaya he
jay hari-kīrtana nartanāvartana, kalimala-kartana jaya he
“All glories to Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the son of Sacidevi. Great sages and demigods always sing His praise, for by doing so, the fear of repeated birth and death is cut to pieces. All glories to the kirtana of the holy name of Krsna, for when one chants the holy name of Krsna and dances in ecstasy, the filth of this iron age of Kali disappears.”
I also seek your mercy so I can give up all impersonal tendencies and learn how to treat all Krsna’s parts and parcels appropriately. A disciple cannot survive what to speak of progress without protection, support and encouragement of the spiritual master, and you are providing all of that amply.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Bhakti Sara Dasa
Bhakti-lata Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day!
Thank you for all your valuable help, time & guidance year after year.
While I try to reach out to others and see people struggling, tossed around in the material energy looking for happiness, I am constantly reminded of where I would be if I had not met you. Without the wealth and joy of Bhakti, this crude world of repeated birth, death, old age, and disease, is indeed very hopeless. One time you gave the example to understand what it means to struggle with the 6 senses. It’s like a fly which has landed in a pot of jam. It struggles to get out of it, that struggle makes sense to him, but while trying to get free, his condition only gets worse. Without your mercy, I would be like that fly, struggling, trying to find some enjoyment in the struggle and just get more seriously entangled and far away from any actual solutions to the problems of material life.
Following in the footsteps of your dear spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, you take philosophical points and makes them so easy to understand. You once mentioned, lust is always accompanied by the other 5 enemies. Then you gave the example that, it’s like going to the store to get one single black marker. But the store only sells packs of 6 markers of different colors. Similarly, lust comes in packs of 6 and it’s not possible to accept one without the others. When we set ourselves on the path to fulfil material hankerings, we automatically have to accept anger, greed or envy as well.
Describing Advaita Acharya, Prabhupada explains the qualities of an acharya “He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the Lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change people’s activities, making them favorable for the attainment of devotion.” (CC 1.3.98 purport). By following your expert guidance, I have an opportunity to make ordinary daily activities into something amazing by connecting it to Krishna.
You said once “the effect of one small service, we cannot conceive of it.” Thank you for giving this ordinary person the opportunity to be engaged in the highest welfare work and for making my small service attempts have an inconceivable effect by linking it to the guru parampara.
Your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day!
Thank you for all your valuable help, time & guidance year after year.
While I try to reach out to others and see people struggling, tossed around in the material energy looking for happiness, I am constantly reminded of where I would be if I had not met you. Without the wealth and joy of Bhakti, this crude world of repeated birth, death, old age, and disease, is indeed very hopeless. One time you gave the example to understand what it means to struggle with the 6 senses. It’s like a fly which has landed in a pot of jam. It struggles to get out of it, that struggle makes sense to him, but while trying to get free, his condition only gets worse. Without your mercy, I would be like that fly, struggling, trying to find some enjoyment in the struggle and just get more seriously entangled and far away from any actual solutions to the problems of material life.
Following in the footsteps of your dear spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, you take philosophical points and makes them so easy to understand. You once mentioned, lust is always accompanied by the other 5 enemies. Then you gave the example that, it’s like going to the store to get one single black marker. But the store only sells packs of 6 markers of different colors. Similarly, lust comes in packs of 6 and it’s not possible to accept one without the others. When we set ourselves on the path to fulfil material hankerings, we automatically have to accept anger, greed or envy as well.
Describing Advaita Acharya, Prabhupada explains the qualities of an acharya “He knows that all suffering is due to the absence of devotional service to the Lord, and therefore he always tries to find ways to change people’s activities, making them favorable for the attainment of devotion.” (CC 1.3.98 purport). By following your expert guidance, I have an opportunity to make ordinary daily activities into something amazing by connecting it to Krishna.
You said once “the effect of one small service, we cannot conceive of it.” Thank you for giving this ordinary person the opportunity to be engaged in the highest welfare work and for making my small service attempts have an inconceivable effect by linking it to the guru parampara.
Your servant,
Bhakti-lata dd
Bhaktin Fiona Murphy
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
In the purport to the Eleventh Canto, Chapter Two, Text Nine, the disciples of Srila Prabhupada state, “Kṛṣṇa is always in the heart of His pure devotee, and the pure devotee is always in the heart of Kṛṣṇa. Although Śrī Kṛṣṇa is eternally the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one without a second, the Lord is more pleased to see His pure devotee worshiped. Therefore the Lord says, ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyāt. One must offer the same respect to the Vaiṣṇava spiritual master as one would offer to the Lord. Therefore as soon as one pleases the Vaiṣṇava spiritual master, one immediately pleases Kṛṣṇa and makes spiritual advancement.” For countless lifetimes I’ve been searching for some way to satisfy my heart and to experience some reciprocation, yet for countless lifetimes I’ve been looking in all the wrong places. Now I have come in contact with you, the pure devotee who is in the heart of Krishna. You have told me that, “I have your heart, so I can give it to Krishna.” I feel as though I do nothing, but still you give me everything: the ultimate reciprocation.
Dear Gurudeva, I do not fully understand what the mercy of Lord Caitanya is, but by taking shelter of you, I have nevertheless gained a taste of that mercy. I feel completely unqualified to be in touch with this chain of disciplic succession coming straight from Krishna Himself, but somehow you have connected me to the Ultimate Source. I am often stubborn, selfish, and feel overwhelmed in my service; but despite all the ways in which I may put up a fight and engage in a futile attempt to find happiness separate from Krishna, you still engage me in service and, in that way, you teach me to swim in the endless ocean of mercy and love of Krishna.
Earlier this year, you told me to “get realistic” about the material world and that to do this, I should read Srila Prabhupada’s books. This guidance has shown me how the instructions of the spiritual master come tied with the empowerment necessary for the disciple to fulfill the instruction. As I have attempted to read with more attention, I have become increasingly less optimistic about prospects for material happiness and it has led me to meditate on what true stability in this world is. True stability is not in material plans, but in the instructions of the spiritual master. You have given me many instructions that I hope to cling to for the rest of my life; the most recent guidance has been that “if you put some youthful energy into sankirtana, it will carry you throughout your whole life.” I pray for your mercy to be able to execute my sankirtana service with an emphasis on safety, creativity, and intelligence as you have said.
You are constantly glorifying me for my determination, but here in Philadelphia I think that I am the least sincere and determined devotee in the Mantra Lounge team. Many young adults my age say that they just want to “be understood” or for their family and parents to “just accept me for who I am.” You are the best father because you know who I truly am better than even I do. You have said multiple times that you are pleased to see my progress in bhakti, like a parent watching the child crawl then begin to walk. Although I have many insecurities, I am secure in the fact that you can see my identity as Krishna’s servant and will guide me to shed my material coverings to reveal that true identity. You can see in me the potential for greatness in service that I am unable to see. You show me that I have a worth beyond this body and mind.
This world is temporary and constantly changing; therefore, I fear that if I do not cling to your instruction, I will be lost in an ocean of uncertainty and forgetfulness. I hope that somehow or other if I tether myself to your instructions, I will not be lost at sea. Many times I think, “whatever Gurudeva asks of me, I will do,” without realizing that you have already given me many instructions and placed me in an atmosphere that, if I fully appreciated and took advantage of, would ensure my success in bhakti. Because I am caught in the endless mental trap of feeling a need to change my circumstances and always asking, “what next? What next?”, on this auspicious day of your appearance I am humbly praying for three things. First, I pray for the eyes with which to see how you have already given me many of the tools and instructions necessary for the highest success. Second, I pray for the determination to take full advantage of the circumstances you have given me of living in the ashram and to be able to perfectly follow those who are perfectly following you. Above all, I pray to become your humble servant, because that is the only identity I want to leave this material world with.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Fiona
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
In the purport to the Eleventh Canto, Chapter Two, Text Nine, the disciples of Srila Prabhupada state, “Kṛṣṇa is always in the heart of His pure devotee, and the pure devotee is always in the heart of Kṛṣṇa. Although Śrī Kṛṣṇa is eternally the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one without a second, the Lord is more pleased to see His pure devotee worshiped. Therefore the Lord says, ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyāt. One must offer the same respect to the Vaiṣṇava spiritual master as one would offer to the Lord. Therefore as soon as one pleases the Vaiṣṇava spiritual master, one immediately pleases Kṛṣṇa and makes spiritual advancement.” For countless lifetimes I’ve been searching for some way to satisfy my heart and to experience some reciprocation, yet for countless lifetimes I’ve been looking in all the wrong places. Now I have come in contact with you, the pure devotee who is in the heart of Krishna. You have told me that, “I have your heart, so I can give it to Krishna.” I feel as though I do nothing, but still you give me everything: the ultimate reciprocation.
Dear Gurudeva, I do not fully understand what the mercy of Lord Caitanya is, but by taking shelter of you, I have nevertheless gained a taste of that mercy. I feel completely unqualified to be in touch with this chain of disciplic succession coming straight from Krishna Himself, but somehow you have connected me to the Ultimate Source. I am often stubborn, selfish, and feel overwhelmed in my service; but despite all the ways in which I may put up a fight and engage in a futile attempt to find happiness separate from Krishna, you still engage me in service and, in that way, you teach me to swim in the endless ocean of mercy and love of Krishna.
Earlier this year, you told me to “get realistic” about the material world and that to do this, I should read Srila Prabhupada’s books. This guidance has shown me how the instructions of the spiritual master come tied with the empowerment necessary for the disciple to fulfill the instruction. As I have attempted to read with more attention, I have become increasingly less optimistic about prospects for material happiness and it has led me to meditate on what true stability in this world is. True stability is not in material plans, but in the instructions of the spiritual master. You have given me many instructions that I hope to cling to for the rest of my life; the most recent guidance has been that “if you put some youthful energy into sankirtana, it will carry you throughout your whole life.” I pray for your mercy to be able to execute my sankirtana service with an emphasis on safety, creativity, and intelligence as you have said.
You are constantly glorifying me for my determination, but here in Philadelphia I think that I am the least sincere and determined devotee in the Mantra Lounge team. Many young adults my age say that they just want to “be understood” or for their family and parents to “just accept me for who I am.” You are the best father because you know who I truly am better than even I do. You have said multiple times that you are pleased to see my progress in bhakti, like a parent watching the child crawl then begin to walk. Although I have many insecurities, I am secure in the fact that you can see my identity as Krishna’s servant and will guide me to shed my material coverings to reveal that true identity. You can see in me the potential for greatness in service that I am unable to see. You show me that I have a worth beyond this body and mind.
This world is temporary and constantly changing; therefore, I fear that if I do not cling to your instruction, I will be lost in an ocean of uncertainty and forgetfulness. I hope that somehow or other if I tether myself to your instructions, I will not be lost at sea. Many times I think, “whatever Gurudeva asks of me, I will do,” without realizing that you have already given me many instructions and placed me in an atmosphere that, if I fully appreciated and took advantage of, would ensure my success in bhakti. Because I am caught in the endless mental trap of feeling a need to change my circumstances and always asking, “what next? What next?”, on this auspicious day of your appearance I am humbly praying for three things. First, I pray for the eyes with which to see how you have already given me many of the tools and instructions necessary for the highest success. Second, I pray for the determination to take full advantage of the circumstances you have given me of living in the ashram and to be able to perfectly follow those who are perfectly following you. Above all, I pray to become your humble servant, because that is the only identity I want to leave this material world with.
Your aspiring servant,
Bhaktin Fiona
Bhaktin Itu
Dearest Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As this chapter in our relationship is approaching its natural conclusion, I feel so deeply both tear-jerking gratitude and tear-jerking regret.
You oft speak of the five prime regrets of the imminently dying at their final moments. I shed tears at my own precarious position.
Why didn’t you appear sooner, Krishna knew my heart burned, all my youthful years longing and searching for you?
Why didn’t I come to you as soon as I had met you?
Why didn’t I express my sincere intentions and commitments?
Why did I re-introduce fears into my heart?
Why didn’t I live truer to myself rather than to others’ expectations?
Most of all, why didn’t I plan better to surrender to your service?!
You ask: “how many mothers and father can you speak of this life?”
I say: “surely it doesn’t matter if I don’t remember”
You ask: “what about me?”
I say: “you remain always in my heart”
Gurudeva, now that I’m older, please, ask me again.
In your 2013 Vyasa Puja offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada you express to him:
“During your days with us in the seventies, you once commented that physical association with the guru was for neophytes. I thought at that time. Well, all glories to the sublime theology of vani sanga, but so that the physical association with your divine presence will always be mine, let me always remain a neophyte.”
Jaya Gurudeva! My heart longingly cheers, for the moments in your presence are the centre pieces of my entire brief existence. I urge you forget my age! I long to be loved liked a child.
Forgive me Gurudeva, for its only because –
Since the moment we met,
You have lost your breathe dying to save me
Having me dance till my heart woke up
Having me dance out of my grave clothes
For the first time in my life, I feel real joy
When I am overly miserly, confused by my real self-interest
As decisively as Lord Balarama kills demons in Vrindavan
So too and without hesitation do you fight for me reclaim
When my heart is weak, you give me your strength
For the first time in my life, I feel real love
When I am afraid, holding tight to my own strength.
Your instructions shine a light, the darkness cannot comprehend
For the first time in my life, I feel safe
Still, my sentiments though sincere, are smashed by the biggest truth bomb you could have ever mined from scripture. As you continue to express to Srila Prabhupada in your Vyasa Puja offering:
“ better we hold to what you write in a purport (Cc. Madhya 18.99): ‘Unless one is enlightened by the knowledge given by the spiritual master, he cannot see things as they are, even though he remains with the spiritual master’.”
I say: “curse my independence”
You say: “Solve your ignorance”
You lose your breathe dying to teach me
Selfless devotional service with benefits to Krishna!
For what is the use of a daughter
who chooses not to assist her father?
Oh Gurudeva, my heart burns to assist you, as sensitively as you desire. So again, I turn to you to guide me in my focus and prayers. You write to Srila Prabhupada with reference to [Bhagavad-Gita purport 12:14] that “a devotee is a completely perfect mystic because he is fixed in the instructions received from the spiritual master. The aspiration for this pinnacle of bhakti mysticism I hold high on my head.”
I say: but the Holy Spirit in Christianity is present to Guide
You say: It cannot be cheap. One should live a spiritual lifestyle to be guided by the Spirit
Gurudeva, please shelter me in my vows and your every instruction, for without taking the medicine, I can be of no use to you.
Aspiring for a life of ever maturing bhakti, I turn to you, who with glories inconceivable and impossible to describe by me, as the perfect example of a life perfected through steadfast dedication to the instructions and service to the desires of the parampara.
I sincerely pray to attentively follow step by step by step in your most exalted footsteps - in your intentional chanting of the Holy Name, in your study and significantly application of Srila Prabhupada’s books and service thereof, in your appreciation of devotees and service thereof, and in your faithfulness to a life premised on selfless devotional service. Please grant me this prayer dearest Gurudeva if you please.
Gurudeva, I cannot thank you enough for your patience, that never runs out. For showing me a love so inconceivably supreme. You remain my only hope and firm foundation.
Aspiring to be a genuine discipline
Bhaktin Itu
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As this chapter in our relationship is approaching its natural conclusion, I feel so deeply both tear-jerking gratitude and tear-jerking regret.
You oft speak of the five prime regrets of the imminently dying at their final moments. I shed tears at my own precarious position.
Why didn’t you appear sooner, Krishna knew my heart burned, all my youthful years longing and searching for you?
Why didn’t I come to you as soon as I had met you?
Why didn’t I express my sincere intentions and commitments?
Why did I re-introduce fears into my heart?
Why didn’t I live truer to myself rather than to others’ expectations?
Most of all, why didn’t I plan better to surrender to your service?!
You ask: “how many mothers and father can you speak of this life?”
I say: “surely it doesn’t matter if I don’t remember”
You ask: “what about me?”
I say: “you remain always in my heart”
Gurudeva, now that I’m older, please, ask me again.
In your 2013 Vyasa Puja offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada you express to him:
“During your days with us in the seventies, you once commented that physical association with the guru was for neophytes. I thought at that time. Well, all glories to the sublime theology of vani sanga, but so that the physical association with your divine presence will always be mine, let me always remain a neophyte.”
Jaya Gurudeva! My heart longingly cheers, for the moments in your presence are the centre pieces of my entire brief existence. I urge you forget my age! I long to be loved liked a child.
Forgive me Gurudeva, for its only because –
Since the moment we met,
You have lost your breathe dying to save me
Having me dance till my heart woke up
Having me dance out of my grave clothes
For the first time in my life, I feel real joy
When I am overly miserly, confused by my real self-interest
As decisively as Lord Balarama kills demons in Vrindavan
So too and without hesitation do you fight for me reclaim
When my heart is weak, you give me your strength
For the first time in my life, I feel real love
When I am afraid, holding tight to my own strength.
Your instructions shine a light, the darkness cannot comprehend
For the first time in my life, I feel safe
Still, my sentiments though sincere, are smashed by the biggest truth bomb you could have ever mined from scripture. As you continue to express to Srila Prabhupada in your Vyasa Puja offering:
“ better we hold to what you write in a purport (Cc. Madhya 18.99): ‘Unless one is enlightened by the knowledge given by the spiritual master, he cannot see things as they are, even though he remains with the spiritual master’.”
I say: “curse my independence”
You say: “Solve your ignorance”
You lose your breathe dying to teach me
Selfless devotional service with benefits to Krishna!
For what is the use of a daughter
who chooses not to assist her father?
Oh Gurudeva, my heart burns to assist you, as sensitively as you desire. So again, I turn to you to guide me in my focus and prayers. You write to Srila Prabhupada with reference to [Bhagavad-Gita purport 12:14] that “a devotee is a completely perfect mystic because he is fixed in the instructions received from the spiritual master. The aspiration for this pinnacle of bhakti mysticism I hold high on my head.”
I say: but the Holy Spirit in Christianity is present to Guide
You say: It cannot be cheap. One should live a spiritual lifestyle to be guided by the Spirit
Gurudeva, please shelter me in my vows and your every instruction, for without taking the medicine, I can be of no use to you.
Aspiring for a life of ever maturing bhakti, I turn to you, who with glories inconceivable and impossible to describe by me, as the perfect example of a life perfected through steadfast dedication to the instructions and service to the desires of the parampara.
I sincerely pray to attentively follow step by step by step in your most exalted footsteps - in your intentional chanting of the Holy Name, in your study and significantly application of Srila Prabhupada’s books and service thereof, in your appreciation of devotees and service thereof, and in your faithfulness to a life premised on selfless devotional service. Please grant me this prayer dearest Gurudeva if you please.
Gurudeva, I cannot thank you enough for your patience, that never runs out. For showing me a love so inconceivably supreme. You remain my only hope and firm foundation.
Aspiring to be a genuine discipline
Bhaktin Itu
Bhaktin Itumeleng
Dearest Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As this chapter in our relationship approaches its natural conclusion, I feel so deeply both, tear-jerking gratitude and tear-jerking regret.
You often speak of the five prime regrets of the imminently dying at their final moments. I shed tears at my own precarious position.
Why didn’t you appear sooner, Krishna knew my heart burned, all my youthful years longing and searching for you?
Why didn’t I come to you as soon as I had met you?
Why didn’t I express my sincere intentions and commitments?
Why did I re-introduce fears into my heart?
Why didn’t I live truer to myself rather than to others’ expectations?
Most of all, why didn’t I plan better to surrender to your service?!
You ask: “how many mothers and father can you speak of this life?”
I say: “surely it doesn’t matter if I don’t remember”
You ask: “what about me?”
I say: “you remain always in my heart”
Gurudeva, now that I’m older, please, please, ask me again.
In your 2013 Vyasa Puja offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada you express to him:
“During your days with us in the seventies, you once commented that physical association with the guru was for neophytes. I thought at that time. Well, all glories to the sublime theology of vani sanga, but so that the physical association with your divine presence will always be mine, let me always remain a neophyte.”
Jaya Gurudeva! My heart longingly cheers, for the moments in your presence are the centre pieces of my entire brief existence. I urge you forget my age! I long to be loved liked a child.
Forgive me Gurudeva, for its only because –
Since the moment we met,
You have lost your breathe dying to save me
Having me dance till my heart woke up
Having me dance out of my grave clothes
For the first time in my life, I feel real joy
When I am overly miserly, confused by my real self-interest
As decisively as Lord Balarama kills demons in Vrindavan
So too and without hesitation do you fight for me reclaim
For the first time in my life, I feel real love
When I am afraid, holding tight to my own strength.
Your instructions shine a light, the darkness cannot comprehend
For the first time in my life, I feel safe
Still, my sentiments though sincere, are smashed by the biggest truth bomb you could have ever mined from scripture. As you continue to express to Srila Prabhupada in your Vyasa Puja offering:
“ better we hold to what you write in a purport (Cc. Madhya 18.99): ‘Unless one is enlightened by the knowledge given by the spiritual master, he cannot see things as they are, even though he remains with the spiritual master’.”
I say: “curse my independence”
You say: “Solve your ignorance”
You lose your breathe dying to teach me
Selfless devotional service with benefits to Krishna!
For what is the use of a daughter
who chooses not to assist her father?
Oh Gurudeva, my heart burns to assist you, as sensitively as you desire. So again, I turn to you to guide me in my focus and prayers. You write to Srila Prabhupada with reference to [Bhagavad-Gita purport 12:14] that “a devotee is a completely perfect mystic because he is fixed in the instructions received from the spiritual master. The aspiration for this pinnacle of bhakti mysticism I hold high on my head.”
I say: but the Holy Spirit in Christianity is present to Guide
You say: It cannot be cheap. One should live a spiritual lifestyle to be guided by the Spirit
Gurudeva, please shelter me in my vows and your every instruction, for without taking the medicine, I can be of no use to you.
Aspiring for a life of ever maturing bhakti and dedication, I turn to you, who with glories are impossible to describe by me, as the perfect example of a life perfected through steadfast dedication to the instructions and service to the desires of the parampara.
I sincerely pray to attentively follow step by step by step in your most exalted footsteps - in your intentional chanting of the Holy Name, in your study and significantly application of Srila Prabhupada’s books and service thereof, in your appreciation of devotees and service thereof, and in your faithfulness to a life premised on selfless devotional service. Please grant me this prayer dearest Gurudeva if you please.
Gurudeva, I cannot thank you enough for your patience; for showing me a love so inconceivably supreme. This is more than religion, glad I’ve made my decision.
Aspiring to be a genuine discipline
Bhaktin Itu
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As this chapter in our relationship approaches its natural conclusion, I feel so deeply both, tear-jerking gratitude and tear-jerking regret.
You often speak of the five prime regrets of the imminently dying at their final moments. I shed tears at my own precarious position.
Why didn’t you appear sooner, Krishna knew my heart burned, all my youthful years longing and searching for you?
Why didn’t I come to you as soon as I had met you?
Why didn’t I express my sincere intentions and commitments?
Why did I re-introduce fears into my heart?
Why didn’t I live truer to myself rather than to others’ expectations?
Most of all, why didn’t I plan better to surrender to your service?!
You ask: “how many mothers and father can you speak of this life?”
I say: “surely it doesn’t matter if I don’t remember”
You ask: “what about me?”
I say: “you remain always in my heart”
Gurudeva, now that I’m older, please, please, ask me again.
In your 2013 Vyasa Puja offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada you express to him:
“During your days with us in the seventies, you once commented that physical association with the guru was for neophytes. I thought at that time. Well, all glories to the sublime theology of vani sanga, but so that the physical association with your divine presence will always be mine, let me always remain a neophyte.”
Jaya Gurudeva! My heart longingly cheers, for the moments in your presence are the centre pieces of my entire brief existence. I urge you forget my age! I long to be loved liked a child.
Forgive me Gurudeva, for its only because –
Since the moment we met,
You have lost your breathe dying to save me
Having me dance till my heart woke up
Having me dance out of my grave clothes
For the first time in my life, I feel real joy
When I am overly miserly, confused by my real self-interest
As decisively as Lord Balarama kills demons in Vrindavan
So too and without hesitation do you fight for me reclaim
For the first time in my life, I feel real love
When I am afraid, holding tight to my own strength.
Your instructions shine a light, the darkness cannot comprehend
For the first time in my life, I feel safe
Still, my sentiments though sincere, are smashed by the biggest truth bomb you could have ever mined from scripture. As you continue to express to Srila Prabhupada in your Vyasa Puja offering:
“ better we hold to what you write in a purport (Cc. Madhya 18.99): ‘Unless one is enlightened by the knowledge given by the spiritual master, he cannot see things as they are, even though he remains with the spiritual master’.”
I say: “curse my independence”
You say: “Solve your ignorance”
You lose your breathe dying to teach me
Selfless devotional service with benefits to Krishna!
For what is the use of a daughter
who chooses not to assist her father?
Oh Gurudeva, my heart burns to assist you, as sensitively as you desire. So again, I turn to you to guide me in my focus and prayers. You write to Srila Prabhupada with reference to [Bhagavad-Gita purport 12:14] that “a devotee is a completely perfect mystic because he is fixed in the instructions received from the spiritual master. The aspiration for this pinnacle of bhakti mysticism I hold high on my head.”
I say: but the Holy Spirit in Christianity is present to Guide
You say: It cannot be cheap. One should live a spiritual lifestyle to be guided by the Spirit
Gurudeva, please shelter me in my vows and your every instruction, for without taking the medicine, I can be of no use to you.
Aspiring for a life of ever maturing bhakti and dedication, I turn to you, who with glories are impossible to describe by me, as the perfect example of a life perfected through steadfast dedication to the instructions and service to the desires of the parampara.
I sincerely pray to attentively follow step by step by step in your most exalted footsteps - in your intentional chanting of the Holy Name, in your study and significantly application of Srila Prabhupada’s books and service thereof, in your appreciation of devotees and service thereof, and in your faithfulness to a life premised on selfless devotional service. Please grant me this prayer dearest Gurudeva if you please.
Gurudeva, I cannot thank you enough for your patience; for showing me a love so inconceivably supreme. This is more than religion, glad I’ve made my decision.
Aspiring to be a genuine discipline
Bhaktin Itu
Bhata Caleb
Dear Devamrita Swami
This offering took me a long time to start as my heart is hard and cold as a rock stuck in the himalayas.
But after many dreams, just dreams! of serving you, the warmth of Krishna has imploded within me. So i cant imagine what it would be like to actually serve you.
People find it hard to imagine how we will stop covid, but what is more unstoppable is how the infection of your love of Krishna and Prabhupada spreads throughout your amazing devotees and by some miracle,my insignificant self, somehow caught just a drop from your hard pushed enthusiastic devotee Bhata Steve who sees and showed me his love and faith in you. So only by your mercy could this ever have been accomplished.
I am privileged and yet bewildered to have such amazing association only due to your amazing life long efforts of sharing Prabhupada's infectious love of Krishna with such amazing souls.
Without your mercy i would be in a torturous state, being kicked from here to there trying to chase material satisfaction, the dreams of being a great chef in soul destroying material kitchens that will crumble those who serve there into crumbs on the floor of the kitchen with little to no payoff. Now i have the opportunity to cook for Krishna! Which is unbelievable! Fulfilling above and beyond my imagination. All because of your mercy.
So for that i am forever in your debt.
I had a dream that HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja and yourself were taking prasadam and by some miracle i was serving you. He pointed at me and talking to you he said "you should give this boy initiation",You looked very grave and said nothing and the dream ended there. Your look in that dream gave me so much inspiration to work on all my faults and become a better devotee. The interesting thing about this dream is that i have never seen or heard any content from HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja until after the dream, i google searched and the resemblance was uncanning, voice and all.
Now i dont know what to make of this dream but either way i feel i must ask you if you think you would consider a fallen worthless soul like me to be able aspire to be your diciple if not, then allow me to serve your diciples, so that i may render my useless self in your service so that i can, one day, stop serving the illusory energy and attempt to put my full faith in Krishna.
Hare Krishna,
Servent of the servents of your servents,
Bhakta Caleb
This offering took me a long time to start as my heart is hard and cold as a rock stuck in the himalayas.
But after many dreams, just dreams! of serving you, the warmth of Krishna has imploded within me. So i cant imagine what it would be like to actually serve you.
People find it hard to imagine how we will stop covid, but what is more unstoppable is how the infection of your love of Krishna and Prabhupada spreads throughout your amazing devotees and by some miracle,my insignificant self, somehow caught just a drop from your hard pushed enthusiastic devotee Bhata Steve who sees and showed me his love and faith in you. So only by your mercy could this ever have been accomplished.
I am privileged and yet bewildered to have such amazing association only due to your amazing life long efforts of sharing Prabhupada's infectious love of Krishna with such amazing souls.
Without your mercy i would be in a torturous state, being kicked from here to there trying to chase material satisfaction, the dreams of being a great chef in soul destroying material kitchens that will crumble those who serve there into crumbs on the floor of the kitchen with little to no payoff. Now i have the opportunity to cook for Krishna! Which is unbelievable! Fulfilling above and beyond my imagination. All because of your mercy.
So for that i am forever in your debt.
I had a dream that HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja and yourself were taking prasadam and by some miracle i was serving you. He pointed at me and talking to you he said "you should give this boy initiation",You looked very grave and said nothing and the dream ended there. Your look in that dream gave me so much inspiration to work on all my faults and become a better devotee. The interesting thing about this dream is that i have never seen or heard any content from HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja until after the dream, i google searched and the resemblance was uncanning, voice and all.
Now i dont know what to make of this dream but either way i feel i must ask you if you think you would consider a fallen worthless soul like me to be able aspire to be your diciple if not, then allow me to serve your diciples, so that i may render my useless self in your service so that i can, one day, stop serving the illusory energy and attempt to put my full faith in Krishna.
Hare Krishna,
Servent of the servents of your servents,
Bhakta Caleb
Bhauma Vrndavana Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
What do I truly know? What do I truly understand? The reality is not much.
Recently I have come to accept some truths about my reality within Krishna Consciousness. I had created some distorted vision of my importance, my pride and ego is once again my trip wire. A distorted vision that I thought I knew best in my direction, even within Krishna Consciousness. Like a 5 year old child thinks they can be independent of their parents, only to weep and howl when they loose their grip in a crowded place. The fear and panic that overwhelms them.
You are the parent that never lets us loose our grip. You make the path smooth and trouble free. Yet I seem to make it purposefully difficult for myself.
You provide me with all the guidance i need, you provide me with everything. I hope my ear starts to become more attentive. I hope to find the true elegance and meaning in your advice and message. Instead of just seeing the hands tick on a watch, I hope to see, feel and visualise the mechanism that makes it tick.
Forever be my teacher, my source of comfort and salvation.
A humble aspiring servant, lying at your lotus feet,
Bhauma Vrndavana Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
What do I truly know? What do I truly understand? The reality is not much.
Recently I have come to accept some truths about my reality within Krishna Consciousness. I had created some distorted vision of my importance, my pride and ego is once again my trip wire. A distorted vision that I thought I knew best in my direction, even within Krishna Consciousness. Like a 5 year old child thinks they can be independent of their parents, only to weep and howl when they loose their grip in a crowded place. The fear and panic that overwhelms them.
You are the parent that never lets us loose our grip. You make the path smooth and trouble free. Yet I seem to make it purposefully difficult for myself.
You provide me with all the guidance i need, you provide me with everything. I hope my ear starts to become more attentive. I hope to find the true elegance and meaning in your advice and message. Instead of just seeing the hands tick on a watch, I hope to see, feel and visualise the mechanism that makes it tick.
Forever be my teacher, my source of comfort and salvation.
A humble aspiring servant, lying at your lotus feet,
Bhauma Vrndavana Das
Bhava Sandhi dd
Hare Krishna Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As I listen to you give Srimad Bhagavatam class I see how personal you are, noting devotees by name, inquiring from them and their children about their thoughts on various matters. How personal you are. I have read your book Bhakti Bhava time and time again, in particular, the chapter of insufficiency and insecurity, there you explain how one aspect of the work of a spiritual master does is to reassure their disciple that they are getting proper reciprocation from the Krishna and the spiritual master. Although you personally got the briefest of personal association with your beloved Srila Prabhupada, you sacrificed your who life for him. And now what an array of services you do to care for his ISKCON. Part of this service is to care for so many aspiring and initiated disciples, through all phases of their spiritual lives, from taking their hands to get them to take baby steps in reading and chanting, to tolerating teenage tantrums and waiting for prodigal sons and daughters to return. From e-mails, darsanas, now the all to familiar zoom meetings, the face to face counselling, engaging in services, discussing with mentors, personally arranging tailor-made situations for devotees, naming babies, feeding babies, the list goes on with how you connect to care and reciprocate with devotees. Such is your care, all for the service of the Lord. I am feeling so grateful to be with you today.
Praying to be able to make use of this good fortune of your association and to be able to serve you properly.
Your servant, Bhava Sandhi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As I listen to you give Srimad Bhagavatam class I see how personal you are, noting devotees by name, inquiring from them and their children about their thoughts on various matters. How personal you are. I have read your book Bhakti Bhava time and time again, in particular, the chapter of insufficiency and insecurity, there you explain how one aspect of the work of a spiritual master does is to reassure their disciple that they are getting proper reciprocation from the Krishna and the spiritual master. Although you personally got the briefest of personal association with your beloved Srila Prabhupada, you sacrificed your who life for him. And now what an array of services you do to care for his ISKCON. Part of this service is to care for so many aspiring and initiated disciples, through all phases of their spiritual lives, from taking their hands to get them to take baby steps in reading and chanting, to tolerating teenage tantrums and waiting for prodigal sons and daughters to return. From e-mails, darsanas, now the all to familiar zoom meetings, the face to face counselling, engaging in services, discussing with mentors, personally arranging tailor-made situations for devotees, naming babies, feeding babies, the list goes on with how you connect to care and reciprocate with devotees. Such is your care, all for the service of the Lord. I am feeling so grateful to be with you today.
Praying to be able to make use of this good fortune of your association and to be able to serve you properly.
Your servant, Bhava Sandhi dd
Bhava-vibhusana das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this auspicious day of your divine appearance, I would like to express my deep gratitude for blessing me with the spiritual desire & inspiration to go out on sankirtan.
Many times you quote the incident of a senior Prabupada disciple having the realisation that the verse nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai, refers to the sankirtan devotees and how Srila Prabhupada confirmed that yes, that’s correct. The sankirtan devotees are engaged in making tasteful arrangements for the pleasure of Radha & Krishna. Who am I, to engage in such confidential service? What is my qualification?
You often mention how for anyone who takes a book, their present life and their next life will never be the same. Who am I to engage in such a potent service?
Just 8 years ago I was engaging in all sinful activities and now here I am distributing sastras to the Australians. How did this happen? How am I able to continue day after day? It is simply by your blessings, empowerment and inspiration gathered from your divine association that I am distributing books.
As Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur sings:
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of.”
Thank you, Gurudev, for inspiring us to take shelter of Srila Prabhupada's books and to go out on Sankirtan. You have picked up the most fallen conditioned souls of Kali yuga and brought us up to the highest platform of engaging in Lord Caitanya's sankirtan movement.
Recently in one of your old sankirtan lectures, I heard you say that "we should eat, drink and sleep books!" I pray that one day I can become so absorbed in Srila Prabhupada's books.
your servant,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this auspicious day of your divine appearance, I would like to express my deep gratitude for blessing me with the spiritual desire & inspiration to go out on sankirtan.
Many times you quote the incident of a senior Prabupada disciple having the realisation that the verse nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai, refers to the sankirtan devotees and how Srila Prabhupada confirmed that yes, that’s correct. The sankirtan devotees are engaged in making tasteful arrangements for the pleasure of Radha & Krishna. Who am I, to engage in such confidential service? What is my qualification?
You often mention how for anyone who takes a book, their present life and their next life will never be the same. Who am I to engage in such a potent service?
Just 8 years ago I was engaging in all sinful activities and now here I am distributing sastras to the Australians. How did this happen? How am I able to continue day after day? It is simply by your blessings, empowerment and inspiration gathered from your divine association that I am distributing books.
As Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur sings:
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of.”
Thank you, Gurudev, for inspiring us to take shelter of Srila Prabhupada's books and to go out on Sankirtan. You have picked up the most fallen conditioned souls of Kali yuga and brought us up to the highest platform of engaging in Lord Caitanya's sankirtan movement.
Recently in one of your old sankirtan lectures, I heard you say that "we should eat, drink and sleep books!" I pray that one day I can become so absorbed in Srila Prabhupada's books.
your servant,
Bhava-vibhusana das
Bhuribhoja dasa
Dear GuruMaharaj,
Please accept my Most Respectful obeisances ,
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada ,
All Glories to you on this most magnanimous and Auspicious Day !
The Sun shines so luminous ,similarly Krishna shines through his pure Devotees to preach the Glories of lord Caitanya .
Year after year ,decade after decade GuruMaharaj your exemplary characteristics of Urban and global preaching carry on steadfast in order to reastablish real dharma .
Bhagavad Gita 4.9 from which you quote explains , Janma karma ca me divyam , Krishna speaks of his birth , and his Transcendental activities , Krishna is already liberated from Material bondage.The impersonalists and yogis attain liberation only after much trouble and many , many births. To know him in truth will help the Sincere and faithfull Devotee.
As you have mentioned in your classes recently , “Our being dooped by Material energy Material energy is symptomatic having not enough knowledge”. The root cause of all problems in the world is contact with the body ,and it’s contents , so go beyond and enter into the Bhakti laboratory .
Why taste the outer bottle of honey ?
When you can open the lid and experience the full flavour within .
There are ever increasing problems in the world , due to pandemic , water shortages , pollution , the list goes on . We can never get to the bottom of these plagues unless he or she accepts transformation of ones heart through sonic sound , and regular hearing of authorised , ancient books of wisdom . This one point I hear you mention repeatedly is the Material energies characteristic is forgetfulness .
So today i thank you for your Bhaktiselflessness ,in picking this insignificant and unqualified speck in exsistence , and giving me the opportunity to regain my real Being to become a proper human being connected to Krishnas supreme will. You are very compassionate to all living entities , and very expert in preaching Krishna consciousness throughout the entire world .
Myself and my family are very grateful to unto ,and aspire to assist you and your Devotees in becoming proper instruments in lord Caitanyas Sankirtan mission .
Here’s a recent Sankirtan story in the work place. While on a break at work , I was approached by the electrical cabling tradesman he introduced himself as Vijaya .He asked me “You Are follower of Hare Krishna?” I replied with a smile yes , he mentioned to me very emphatically , that after my reading of Bhagavad Gita 3 times now my conclusion is that he or she can give there results to Krishna and become happy , he had understood the Bhagavad Gita , so I mentioned that i had your book hiding in unnatural happiness in my van so I went and showed him your book , he accepted it and gave a friendly donation , I also invited Vijaya to the loft .
Thank you for always reminding me the opposite of selfishness , which is your most unique quality you hold within your heart GuruMaharaj Bhaktiselflessness , All Glories unto your lotus feet.
Your aspiring and insignificant servant
Bhuribhoja dasa
Please accept my Most Respectful obeisances ,
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada ,
All Glories to you on this most magnanimous and Auspicious Day !
The Sun shines so luminous ,similarly Krishna shines through his pure Devotees to preach the Glories of lord Caitanya .
Year after year ,decade after decade GuruMaharaj your exemplary characteristics of Urban and global preaching carry on steadfast in order to reastablish real dharma .
Bhagavad Gita 4.9 from which you quote explains , Janma karma ca me divyam , Krishna speaks of his birth , and his Transcendental activities , Krishna is already liberated from Material bondage.The impersonalists and yogis attain liberation only after much trouble and many , many births. To know him in truth will help the Sincere and faithfull Devotee.
As you have mentioned in your classes recently , “Our being dooped by Material energy Material energy is symptomatic having not enough knowledge”. The root cause of all problems in the world is contact with the body ,and it’s contents , so go beyond and enter into the Bhakti laboratory .
Why taste the outer bottle of honey ?
When you can open the lid and experience the full flavour within .
There are ever increasing problems in the world , due to pandemic , water shortages , pollution , the list goes on . We can never get to the bottom of these plagues unless he or she accepts transformation of ones heart through sonic sound , and regular hearing of authorised , ancient books of wisdom . This one point I hear you mention repeatedly is the Material energies characteristic is forgetfulness .
So today i thank you for your Bhaktiselflessness ,in picking this insignificant and unqualified speck in exsistence , and giving me the opportunity to regain my real Being to become a proper human being connected to Krishnas supreme will. You are very compassionate to all living entities , and very expert in preaching Krishna consciousness throughout the entire world .
Myself and my family are very grateful to unto ,and aspire to assist you and your Devotees in becoming proper instruments in lord Caitanyas Sankirtan mission .
Here’s a recent Sankirtan story in the work place. While on a break at work , I was approached by the electrical cabling tradesman he introduced himself as Vijaya .He asked me “You Are follower of Hare Krishna?” I replied with a smile yes , he mentioned to me very emphatically , that after my reading of Bhagavad Gita 3 times now my conclusion is that he or she can give there results to Krishna and become happy , he had understood the Bhagavad Gita , so I mentioned that i had your book hiding in unnatural happiness in my van so I went and showed him your book , he accepted it and gave a friendly donation , I also invited Vijaya to the loft .
Thank you for always reminding me the opposite of selfishness , which is your most unique quality you hold within your heart GuruMaharaj Bhaktiselflessness , All Glories unto your lotus feet.
Your aspiring and insignificant servant
Bhuribhoja dasa
Bimala Prasād Dāsa and Family
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupāda.
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to You on this auspicious day.
This year, due to our great misfortune, the coronavirus pandemic has prevented us from serving your glorious self personally. As per the śāstras, however, though vapu association is sometimes appreciable and sometimes not, vāṇī association exists eternally and is more important. Therefore, even though we are unable to take advantage of your direct association, we are fortunate to be able to listen to your nectarean lectures. This is by virtue of your causeless mercy as you have employed your extensive knowledge of modern technology to transfer your preaching efforts to an online setting. Indeed, on this most auspicious day, you have graced us with your presence online to deliver the Vyāsa-pūjā lecture. You are hence teaching us through example how we can flourish in Kṛṣṇa consciousness even in such trying times. We pray that by your mercy that we too can cultivate your presence of mind and learn to advance our sādhana regardless of time, place or circumstance.
A further result of the pandemic is that we have been unable to personally go to the temple and perform services there. However, some years ago, you magnanimously agreed to come and personally welcome the deities of Śrī Śrī Nitāi Gauracandra to our home. We have thus been able, by virtue of your incessant mercy, to increase our deity worship at home and achieve the same satisfaction as if we were able to directly perform our temple services. Indeed, every time we serve our deities, we are reminded of that wonderful welcoming ceremony day and your dynamism in performing abhiṣeka for the deities, giving an inspiring lecture and leading an uproarious Gaura-ārati kirtana. In this way we are constantly inspired by your enthusiasm in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and pray that by your mercy we can follow in your footsteps and develop a similar zeal in our devotional service.
On this auspicious day of your appearance we pray to Kṛṣṇa to grant you a long life so that you can continue to preach and deliver the countless conditioned souls like us. We also pray for your blessings so we can continue to serve your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas, for it is only through your and their mercy that we may even dream of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your most fallen of servants,
Bimala Prasād Dāsa, Lalitā Prasād Devī Dāsī,
Bhakta Charan and Bhaktin Kṛṣṇa Priya
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupāda.
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to You on this auspicious day.
This year, due to our great misfortune, the coronavirus pandemic has prevented us from serving your glorious self personally. As per the śāstras, however, though vapu association is sometimes appreciable and sometimes not, vāṇī association exists eternally and is more important. Therefore, even though we are unable to take advantage of your direct association, we are fortunate to be able to listen to your nectarean lectures. This is by virtue of your causeless mercy as you have employed your extensive knowledge of modern technology to transfer your preaching efforts to an online setting. Indeed, on this most auspicious day, you have graced us with your presence online to deliver the Vyāsa-pūjā lecture. You are hence teaching us through example how we can flourish in Kṛṣṇa consciousness even in such trying times. We pray that by your mercy that we too can cultivate your presence of mind and learn to advance our sādhana regardless of time, place or circumstance.
A further result of the pandemic is that we have been unable to personally go to the temple and perform services there. However, some years ago, you magnanimously agreed to come and personally welcome the deities of Śrī Śrī Nitāi Gauracandra to our home. We have thus been able, by virtue of your incessant mercy, to increase our deity worship at home and achieve the same satisfaction as if we were able to directly perform our temple services. Indeed, every time we serve our deities, we are reminded of that wonderful welcoming ceremony day and your dynamism in performing abhiṣeka for the deities, giving an inspiring lecture and leading an uproarious Gaura-ārati kirtana. In this way we are constantly inspired by your enthusiasm in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and pray that by your mercy we can follow in your footsteps and develop a similar zeal in our devotional service.
On this auspicious day of your appearance we pray to Kṛṣṇa to grant you a long life so that you can continue to preach and deliver the countless conditioned souls like us. We also pray for your blessings so we can continue to serve your lotus feet and the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas, for it is only through your and their mercy that we may even dream of approaching Kṛṣṇa.
Your most fallen of servants,
Bimala Prasād Dāsa, Lalitā Prasād Devī Dāsī,
Bhakta Charan and Bhaktin Kṛṣṇa Priya
Brahmakund Dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
In the purport to Bhagavad Gita 13.8-12, Srila Prabhupada explains the 19 items that helps one to develop knowledge.
In my offering, I would like to humbly present some of these 19 items, that you so naturally have.
Prabhupada explains humility means not to hanker for any honor. Despite almost 50 years of selfless, dedicated service and achieving so many things for Prabhupada, you do not look for any honor but rather you enthusiastically go on rendering more and more service, taking on more responsibilities and thanking, encouraging and being grateful to anyone who assists you in your service to Prabhupada.
You are so determined to please Prabhupada that no matter what challenges, obstacles or difficulties come in your service, you patiently tolerate them and fully depend on Krishna. I have tested your tolerance many times - by being lazy to not fix the servant bell because I thought it was not so important, or giving you double amount of vitamin C than what you asked me to give – and all you said was “thank you for being honest, I think Krishna is telling me to do it myself” or not remembering what water I put in your kettle (from which you drank) – whether it was filtered water or tap water. As a servant, I am meant to serve you nicely but in reality, you have to tolerate my mistakes and shortcomings.
You are so expert in giving the real information and truth to the Kali-yuga people. You do it in such a way that you first make us laugh at our foolish attempts to enjoy the material energy and then with your genuine affection and care you attract us towards Krishna’s service.
Prabhupada also explains in the purport that nonviolence means to distribute real knowledge and elevate people to spiritual knowledge so that they may become enlightened and leave this material entanglement – This is your life mission to increase your attraction and others attraction to Krishna.
In the purport to CC Madhya-lila 16.74 Prabhupada mentions “One cannot understand the value of touchstone until it turns iron into gold. A maha-bhagavata can turn a living entity from abominable material life to the Lord’s service. This is the test of a maha-bhagavata.” By your simplicity, purity and depth of realizations you make the bhakti process easily accessible and practical for everyone to be part of. Thereby, freeing the condition souls from the madness of illusion and turning them into vaisnavas in Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s service.
In a lecture on September 2, 1976 in Delhi Prabhupada said “Spiritual master’s qualification is he’s trying his best to deliver the soul from these clutches of maya. That is great. Therefore, he is very dear. One who is chanting or executing devotional service for his personal benefit and one who is trying to deliver others for others benefit, there is a difference.”
When I read it, you are the first person that came to my mind and how you are always thinking and acting in a way to serve and help others for their own benefit. And you often say, this is a thankless task. Yet you have been doing it for the last 50 years, continuously.
It is said, by serving a pure devotee, you gradually develop the qualities of the pure devotee. I pray to you, to keep me engaged in your service so that I can develop some of your qualities.
Seeking your blessings
Brahmakund dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
In the purport to Bhagavad Gita 13.8-12, Srila Prabhupada explains the 19 items that helps one to develop knowledge.
In my offering, I would like to humbly present some of these 19 items, that you so naturally have.
Prabhupada explains humility means not to hanker for any honor. Despite almost 50 years of selfless, dedicated service and achieving so many things for Prabhupada, you do not look for any honor but rather you enthusiastically go on rendering more and more service, taking on more responsibilities and thanking, encouraging and being grateful to anyone who assists you in your service to Prabhupada.
You are so determined to please Prabhupada that no matter what challenges, obstacles or difficulties come in your service, you patiently tolerate them and fully depend on Krishna. I have tested your tolerance many times - by being lazy to not fix the servant bell because I thought it was not so important, or giving you double amount of vitamin C than what you asked me to give – and all you said was “thank you for being honest, I think Krishna is telling me to do it myself” or not remembering what water I put in your kettle (from which you drank) – whether it was filtered water or tap water. As a servant, I am meant to serve you nicely but in reality, you have to tolerate my mistakes and shortcomings.
You are so expert in giving the real information and truth to the Kali-yuga people. You do it in such a way that you first make us laugh at our foolish attempts to enjoy the material energy and then with your genuine affection and care you attract us towards Krishna’s service.
Prabhupada also explains in the purport that nonviolence means to distribute real knowledge and elevate people to spiritual knowledge so that they may become enlightened and leave this material entanglement – This is your life mission to increase your attraction and others attraction to Krishna.
In the purport to CC Madhya-lila 16.74 Prabhupada mentions “One cannot understand the value of touchstone until it turns iron into gold. A maha-bhagavata can turn a living entity from abominable material life to the Lord’s service. This is the test of a maha-bhagavata.” By your simplicity, purity and depth of realizations you make the bhakti process easily accessible and practical for everyone to be part of. Thereby, freeing the condition souls from the madness of illusion and turning them into vaisnavas in Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s service.
In a lecture on September 2, 1976 in Delhi Prabhupada said “Spiritual master’s qualification is he’s trying his best to deliver the soul from these clutches of maya. That is great. Therefore, he is very dear. One who is chanting or executing devotional service for his personal benefit and one who is trying to deliver others for others benefit, there is a difference.”
When I read it, you are the first person that came to my mind and how you are always thinking and acting in a way to serve and help others for their own benefit. And you often say, this is a thankless task. Yet you have been doing it for the last 50 years, continuously.
It is said, by serving a pure devotee, you gradually develop the qualities of the pure devotee. I pray to you, to keep me engaged in your service so that I can develop some of your qualities.
Seeking your blessings
Brahmakund dasa
Buddhimanta Dasa
Nama Om Vishnu padaya Krsna-presthaya bhutale, Srimate Devamrita Swami iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta, pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja 2020.
Guru Maharaj, in spite of many challenges in life due to my own karmas and the effect of Kaliyuga, I consider myself very fortunate to be in your divine shelter. Your compassionate and forgiving nature keeps me going in my devotional life. Guru Maharaj, your personal instructions to me given last year about reducing my management involvement and increasing my preaching and teaching activities have created magic in my life. This year by your blessings Guru Maharaj, I became an instrument as an authorised administrator to conduct and teach Bhakti Sastri course consequently Bhaktivedanta Academy NOIDA became vibrant by running three batches of Bhakti Sastri simultaneously. Guru Maharaj as you rightly mentioned in your enlivening book ‘Hiding in Unnatural Happiness’ that ‘a crisis is a terrible thing to waste’. Learning from your teachings, along with Bhakti Sastri courses, we could also conduct many short courses in this pandemic situation. This could not only facilitate spiritual nourishment to the aspirants but could also generate substantial funds for the temple in the situation where no other source of income was working. Guru Maharaj, I can reflect back and see the empowerment, sakti and blessings hidden in your instructions. I have no good quality to handle higher and responsible services. But somehow Guru Maharaj your blessings, guidance and desire to see this tiny servant well situated in Krishna consciousness turning out to be miraculous. I honestly admit that I have no qualification other than being your disciple to survive in Krishna consciousness for that long.
Guru Maharaj, you have artfully honed my skills with your timely chastisement. This shows your intent to up bring each and every disciple to a decent level of Krishna consciousness. In your first program at my place you showered your mercy at me by putting the things straight in my life by boldly saying that, “every civilized man must have Srimad Bhagavatam at home”. Your first instruction still creates echo effect in my mind. Thank you guru maharaj for mercifully tolerating my short comings and correcting me then and there without losing a moment. Guru maharaj, you are an ocean of exemplary rare qualities of the highest standard like time keeping, discipline, unique way of dealing with intellectuals, sense of humour with unmatched timing, transmitting the message in the hearts of listeners, being updated of the spiritual progress of each and every disciple and many more.
Today on this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I pray for your long and healthy life so you can transform many more lives. I fully understand philosophically the supremacy of vani seva Guru Maharaj, however your vapu seva has its own charm. This year we are missing your arrival badly Guru Maharaj.
Guru Maharaj, please keep me engaged at your lotus feet in spite of my countless faults.
Thank you Guru Maharaj.
Happy Vyasa Puja day Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant,
Buddhimanta Dasa
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinta, pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your Vyasa Puja 2020.
Guru Maharaj, in spite of many challenges in life due to my own karmas and the effect of Kaliyuga, I consider myself very fortunate to be in your divine shelter. Your compassionate and forgiving nature keeps me going in my devotional life. Guru Maharaj, your personal instructions to me given last year about reducing my management involvement and increasing my preaching and teaching activities have created magic in my life. This year by your blessings Guru Maharaj, I became an instrument as an authorised administrator to conduct and teach Bhakti Sastri course consequently Bhaktivedanta Academy NOIDA became vibrant by running three batches of Bhakti Sastri simultaneously. Guru Maharaj as you rightly mentioned in your enlivening book ‘Hiding in Unnatural Happiness’ that ‘a crisis is a terrible thing to waste’. Learning from your teachings, along with Bhakti Sastri courses, we could also conduct many short courses in this pandemic situation. This could not only facilitate spiritual nourishment to the aspirants but could also generate substantial funds for the temple in the situation where no other source of income was working. Guru Maharaj, I can reflect back and see the empowerment, sakti and blessings hidden in your instructions. I have no good quality to handle higher and responsible services. But somehow Guru Maharaj your blessings, guidance and desire to see this tiny servant well situated in Krishna consciousness turning out to be miraculous. I honestly admit that I have no qualification other than being your disciple to survive in Krishna consciousness for that long.
Guru Maharaj, you have artfully honed my skills with your timely chastisement. This shows your intent to up bring each and every disciple to a decent level of Krishna consciousness. In your first program at my place you showered your mercy at me by putting the things straight in my life by boldly saying that, “every civilized man must have Srimad Bhagavatam at home”. Your first instruction still creates echo effect in my mind. Thank you guru maharaj for mercifully tolerating my short comings and correcting me then and there without losing a moment. Guru maharaj, you are an ocean of exemplary rare qualities of the highest standard like time keeping, discipline, unique way of dealing with intellectuals, sense of humour with unmatched timing, transmitting the message in the hearts of listeners, being updated of the spiritual progress of each and every disciple and many more.
Today on this auspicious day of your Vyasa puja, I pray for your long and healthy life so you can transform many more lives. I fully understand philosophically the supremacy of vani seva Guru Maharaj, however your vapu seva has its own charm. This year we are missing your arrival badly Guru Maharaj.
Guru Maharaj, please keep me engaged at your lotus feet in spite of my countless faults.
Thank you Guru Maharaj.
Happy Vyasa Puja day Guru Maharaj.
Your humble servant,
Buddhimanta Dasa
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, Gurudeva, on the day of your appearance.
Many years ago, before I asked for shelter of your lotus feet, I had a dream about you. In the dream I was cooking at the Bhakti Lounge kitchen. I was intensely focused on the pot I was stirring, surrounded by a thick curtain of steam. In the distance I could hear the Bhakti Lounge phone ringing. No one answered it. It went on ringing and ringing. Being stubborn, I didn’t go to answer it.
Finally, a devotee answered the call and brought the phone into the kitchen saying to me, “It’s for you.” I snapped back, “I’m busy. Tell them I’ll call them back later.” The devotee moved towards me and held the phone to my ear. From the other end of the phone I heard your voice, loud and clear, “I need to talk to you about our guru-disciple relationship.” <i>Click.</i>
This dream has always stayed with me. Reminding me that even when I refuse to answer your calls to go deeper, to become more serious about my hearing and chanting, you’re still there on the other end without fail. Please let me never take the care you give to me for granted, Gurudeva.
Your words are simultaneously the soothing balm and sharp sword for my knot-filled heart. You expertly know how to clear the cobwebs from my dazed head, urging me into action. Thank you for not giving up on this thick headed, unqualified and fair-weather disciple of yours.
Srila Prabhupada wrote in a purport, “We should know that material suffering due to the material body will come and go. Therefore we must tolerate the suffering and proceed with discharging our duty as ordained by our spiritual master.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.41)
On this day, I humbly beg for a drop of the unwavering dedication you have for your beloved spiritual master, despite all circumstances.
Your aspiring servant,
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you, Gurudeva, on the day of your appearance.
Many years ago, before I asked for shelter of your lotus feet, I had a dream about you. In the dream I was cooking at the Bhakti Lounge kitchen. I was intensely focused on the pot I was stirring, surrounded by a thick curtain of steam. In the distance I could hear the Bhakti Lounge phone ringing. No one answered it. It went on ringing and ringing. Being stubborn, I didn’t go to answer it.
Finally, a devotee answered the call and brought the phone into the kitchen saying to me, “It’s for you.” I snapped back, “I’m busy. Tell them I’ll call them back later.” The devotee moved towards me and held the phone to my ear. From the other end of the phone I heard your voice, loud and clear, “I need to talk to you about our guru-disciple relationship.” <i>Click.</i>
This dream has always stayed with me. Reminding me that even when I refuse to answer your calls to go deeper, to become more serious about my hearing and chanting, you’re still there on the other end without fail. Please let me never take the care you give to me for granted, Gurudeva.
Your words are simultaneously the soothing balm and sharp sword for my knot-filled heart. You expertly know how to clear the cobwebs from my dazed head, urging me into action. Thank you for not giving up on this thick headed, unqualified and fair-weather disciple of yours.
Srila Prabhupada wrote in a purport, “We should know that material suffering due to the material body will come and go. Therefore we must tolerate the suffering and proceed with discharging our duty as ordained by our spiritual master.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.41)
On this day, I humbly beg for a drop of the unwavering dedication you have for your beloved spiritual master, despite all circumstances.
Your aspiring servant,
Cancala-Laksmi devi dasi
Candanesvara Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your auspicious Appearance Day!
Another year has passed since we last celebrated your Vyasa Puja. But this year’s ceremony will be like no other year due to pandemic. The entire year has been quite lonely and without much of your presence in Melbourne. At the same time, I rejoice myself in knowing how much mercy you have showered to conditioned souls like us.
Srila Prabhupada writes in one of his purports in CC Adi 8.5 purport
"In Vaishnava philosophy there are three ways for perfection – namely, sadhana-siddha, perfection attained by executing devotional service according to the rules and regulations; nitya-siddha, eternal perfection attained by never forgetting Krishna at any time; and krpa-siddha, perfection attained by the mercy of the spiritual master or another Vaishnava. Kaviraja Gosvami here stresses krpa-siddha, perfection by the mercy of superior authorities. This mercy does not depend on the qualifications of a devotee. By such mercy, even if a devotee is dumb he can speak or write to glorify the Lord splendidly, even if lame he can cross mountains, and even if blind he can see the stars in the sky."
You have been tirelessly giving talks online, whether it is an interview or to a new audience or to devotees. You continue to spread the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu through your classes to various parts of the world. It really amazes me knowing how much energy and enthusiasm you have to preach and discuss Krishna katha. I feel so fortunate to have you as my spiritual master.
This year has been special in many ways especially in terms of mercy that we have received. But the biggest highlight for me was you spending time with us at our home just a day before the Vyasa Puja of H.H. Radhanath Swami. This was quite unexpected to us but somehow it happened due to Krishna’s special arrangement.
The whole house was in chaos in preparation for the celebrations the next day. When we came to know about your intentions to visit our home we became very anxious. Somehow, we were able to get done 3 hrs worth of organising in 1 hour and managed to prepare the house for your arrival.
When you arrived, you showered us with so much love and affection we were quite overwhelmed. You were very enthusiastic about the Vyasa Pujas celebration, asked many questions and appreciated the decorations done by devotees. You sat and spoke to us just as a father would enquire about the well-being of his son or daughter. You showered us with mercy that day and discussed so many topics with us from material to spiritual.
I can never forget that day. As disciples, we say that we are part of H.H. Devamrita Swami’s family. But that day was so special that I felt you were part of my family.
I would like to thank you for always keeping me in your service somehow or the other. I lack sincerity in executing devotional service and always find myself getting easily affected by this material nature. Today I would like to deeply take shelter of you and your instructions to be able to overcome this weakness. Personally, I am incapable of doing any devotional service but it is by your kind grace that I have been able to do a little contribution in service of Srila Prabhupada’s movement. I can’t thank you enough for accepting me as a disciple.
My only prayer at the lotus of Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna is that they keep you in good health and that you may be able to fulfil the desires of your dear spiritual master.
Aspiring to be your servants,
Candanesvara Das
Suvarna Radhika Dasi
Narottam & Sudama
Please accept my humble obeisance!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your auspicious Appearance Day!
Another year has passed since we last celebrated your Vyasa Puja. But this year’s ceremony will be like no other year due to pandemic. The entire year has been quite lonely and without much of your presence in Melbourne. At the same time, I rejoice myself in knowing how much mercy you have showered to conditioned souls like us.
Srila Prabhupada writes in one of his purports in CC Adi 8.5 purport
"In Vaishnava philosophy there are three ways for perfection – namely, sadhana-siddha, perfection attained by executing devotional service according to the rules and regulations; nitya-siddha, eternal perfection attained by never forgetting Krishna at any time; and krpa-siddha, perfection attained by the mercy of the spiritual master or another Vaishnava. Kaviraja Gosvami here stresses krpa-siddha, perfection by the mercy of superior authorities. This mercy does not depend on the qualifications of a devotee. By such mercy, even if a devotee is dumb he can speak or write to glorify the Lord splendidly, even if lame he can cross mountains, and even if blind he can see the stars in the sky."
You have been tirelessly giving talks online, whether it is an interview or to a new audience or to devotees. You continue to spread the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu through your classes to various parts of the world. It really amazes me knowing how much energy and enthusiasm you have to preach and discuss Krishna katha. I feel so fortunate to have you as my spiritual master.
This year has been special in many ways especially in terms of mercy that we have received. But the biggest highlight for me was you spending time with us at our home just a day before the Vyasa Puja of H.H. Radhanath Swami. This was quite unexpected to us but somehow it happened due to Krishna’s special arrangement.
The whole house was in chaos in preparation for the celebrations the next day. When we came to know about your intentions to visit our home we became very anxious. Somehow, we were able to get done 3 hrs worth of organising in 1 hour and managed to prepare the house for your arrival.
When you arrived, you showered us with so much love and affection we were quite overwhelmed. You were very enthusiastic about the Vyasa Pujas celebration, asked many questions and appreciated the decorations done by devotees. You sat and spoke to us just as a father would enquire about the well-being of his son or daughter. You showered us with mercy that day and discussed so many topics with us from material to spiritual.
I can never forget that day. As disciples, we say that we are part of H.H. Devamrita Swami’s family. But that day was so special that I felt you were part of my family.
I would like to thank you for always keeping me in your service somehow or the other. I lack sincerity in executing devotional service and always find myself getting easily affected by this material nature. Today I would like to deeply take shelter of you and your instructions to be able to overcome this weakness. Personally, I am incapable of doing any devotional service but it is by your kind grace that I have been able to do a little contribution in service of Srila Prabhupada’s movement. I can’t thank you enough for accepting me as a disciple.
My only prayer at the lotus of Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna is that they keep you in good health and that you may be able to fulfil the desires of your dear spiritual master.
Aspiring to be your servants,
Candanesvara Das
Suvarna Radhika Dasi
Narottam & Sudama
Candidasa dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This year I would like to offer you a gift of all audio recordings of Srila Prabhupada in a Podcast format. You, and anyone else, can subscribe to this podcast by following the instructions here:
<strong><a href="http://deltaflow.com/sp/">http://deltaflow.com/sp/</a></strong>
The advantage of having this audio as a podcast is that it is very easy to subscribe to one or more years' worth of Prabhupada audio and gradually work one's way through it, marking things off as one listens. A podcast is a very easy way to get the audio onto a modern smartphone and have it available in every situation. Podcast players are also very reliable in remembering one's playback position, so that makes it easy to always continue where one has left off.
I hope this offering may increase our collective absorption in Prabhupada's words and thereby benefit the devotee community.
your servant,
Candidasa dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This year I would like to offer you a gift of all audio recordings of Srila Prabhupada in a Podcast format. You, and anyone else, can subscribe to this podcast by following the instructions here:
<strong><a href="http://deltaflow.com/sp/">http://deltaflow.com/sp/</a></strong>
The advantage of having this audio as a podcast is that it is very easy to subscribe to one or more years' worth of Prabhupada audio and gradually work one's way through it, marking things off as one listens. A podcast is a very easy way to get the audio onto a modern smartphone and have it available in every situation. Podcast players are also very reliable in remembering one's playback position, so that makes it easy to always continue where one has left off.
I hope this offering may increase our collective absorption in Prabhupada's words and thereby benefit the devotee community.
your servant,
Candidasa dasa
Charumukhi devi dasi
Dear Srila Gurudev, please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
All Glories to you!
All Glories to Srila Praphupada!
Dear Gurudev thank you for always helping me to get through difficult times of my life and helping me to see the other side of the problems.
Your priceless instructions and advice get reviled and unfold more and more for me with years pass by.
I can understand them dippy now and eternally grateful for them!
Dear Gurudev thank you for accepting me as your disciple and giving me shelter and protection from Maya at your lotus feet.
Thank you for being so kind and merciful to me!
I also witnessed how kind and merciful you are to others and it makes my heart melt and I understand and see how the mercy of Lord Nityananda is pouring through you to this material world.
I am so happy and grateful to Srila Praphupada to allow me to have you as my spiritual master and I will try to do everything I can from my site to be a good deciple, worthy of such a spiritual master like you.
Thank you very much for everything!
Your servant Charumukhi devi dasi
All Glories to you!
All Glories to Srila Praphupada!
Dear Gurudev thank you for always helping me to get through difficult times of my life and helping me to see the other side of the problems.
Your priceless instructions and advice get reviled and unfold more and more for me with years pass by.
I can understand them dippy now and eternally grateful for them!
Dear Gurudev thank you for accepting me as your disciple and giving me shelter and protection from Maya at your lotus feet.
Thank you for being so kind and merciful to me!
I also witnessed how kind and merciful you are to others and it makes my heart melt and I understand and see how the mercy of Lord Nityananda is pouring through you to this material world.
I am so happy and grateful to Srila Praphupada to allow me to have you as my spiritual master and I will try to do everything I can from my site to be a good deciple, worthy of such a spiritual master like you.
Thank you very much for everything!
Your servant Charumukhi devi dasi
Chintamani Dham devi dasi
Hare Krsna Dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Guru Maharaj, we do wait for this day whole year. The day your Vyasa Puja is celebrated is very special for us. This year, due to Covid we are lacking association of devotees. Though we are meeting one another through online modes, but I am missing personal association of devotees. We are very fortunate that we have got our spiritual master like you. Guru Maharaj my life is full of many imperfections and shortcomings. I have committed lots of offences at your lotus feet. I beg Guru Maharaj for your forgiveness and for the spiritual strength to work on elemanating the balance of anarthas in my heart. Guru Maharaj many many thanks for everything you have done for me.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your unworthy servant
Chintamani Dham Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Guru Maharaj, we do wait for this day whole year. The day your Vyasa Puja is celebrated is very special for us. This year, due to Covid we are lacking association of devotees. Though we are meeting one another through online modes, but I am missing personal association of devotees. We are very fortunate that we have got our spiritual master like you. Guru Maharaj my life is full of many imperfections and shortcomings. I have committed lots of offences at your lotus feet. I beg Guru Maharaj for your forgiveness and for the spiritual strength to work on elemanating the balance of anarthas in my heart. Guru Maharaj many many thanks for everything you have done for me.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your unworthy servant
Chintamani Dham Devi Dasi
Citta Mohini
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories at your lotus feet.
On this very auspicious day of your appearance, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for everything you have given me. You are teaching me who am I and how can I make my life successful. You are always thinking how to help each and every one of us. Gurudeva, I can never repay you. As Prthu Maharaj describes in 4.22.47
"How can such persons, who have rendered unlimited service by explaining the path of self-realization in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and whose explanations are given for our enlightenment with complete conviction and Vedic evidence, be repaid except by folded palms containing water for their satisfaction? Such great personalities can be satisfied only by their own activities, which are distributed amongst human society out of their unlimited mercy."
Gurudeva you are so advanced, at the same time so merciful, that you come down to our level, just so that we can connect with you.
Gurudeva you are so charitable, you are always giving out mercy, in form of your valuable time and opportunities of devotional service. And you also train devotees how to give guidance to the newer devotees. You train them very expertly in the culture of devotee care.
Thankyou Gurudeva for giving me transcendental knowledge. As Srila Prabhupada describes in the purport of the same verse (4.22.47)
"Great personalities of the material world are very eager to render welfare service to human society, but actually no one can render better service than one who distributes the knowledge of spiritual realization in relation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead".
You always say how knowledge is so important. You are always thinking of different examples to make the knowledge relevant to us.
Gurudeva, I would like to make your instructions my life force. I have always been so caught up in my mind, that I am not able to serve you properly. I beg you for a drop of mercy so that I can make the most of the opportunity that you are giving me.
On this special day of your appearance, I pray to Krsna for your good health, so that you can continue serving Srila Prabhupada.
Your aspiring servant
Citta Mohini
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories at your lotus feet.
On this very auspicious day of your appearance, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for everything you have given me. You are teaching me who am I and how can I make my life successful. You are always thinking how to help each and every one of us. Gurudeva, I can never repay you. As Prthu Maharaj describes in 4.22.47
"How can such persons, who have rendered unlimited service by explaining the path of self-realization in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and whose explanations are given for our enlightenment with complete conviction and Vedic evidence, be repaid except by folded palms containing water for their satisfaction? Such great personalities can be satisfied only by their own activities, which are distributed amongst human society out of their unlimited mercy."
Gurudeva you are so advanced, at the same time so merciful, that you come down to our level, just so that we can connect with you.
Gurudeva you are so charitable, you are always giving out mercy, in form of your valuable time and opportunities of devotional service. And you also train devotees how to give guidance to the newer devotees. You train them very expertly in the culture of devotee care.
Thankyou Gurudeva for giving me transcendental knowledge. As Srila Prabhupada describes in the purport of the same verse (4.22.47)
"Great personalities of the material world are very eager to render welfare service to human society, but actually no one can render better service than one who distributes the knowledge of spiritual realization in relation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead".
You always say how knowledge is so important. You are always thinking of different examples to make the knowledge relevant to us.
Gurudeva, I would like to make your instructions my life force. I have always been so caught up in my mind, that I am not able to serve you properly. I beg you for a drop of mercy so that I can make the most of the opportunity that you are giving me.
On this special day of your appearance, I pray to Krsna for your good health, so that you can continue serving Srila Prabhupada.
Your aspiring servant
Citta Mohini
Dainyarnava Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Your lotus feet!
On the occasion of your appearance day, I hope that this day comes again till eternity. At least, till I am alive. Not just me, but the vast number of jivas you meet, preach and those you guide have been granted immense benefit from your presence.
On this year’s occasion, I would like to recall how I met you the first time.
I had first met you in August 2007. I had just arrived in Wellington from Fiji two months prior. I was staying at a nearby hostel in Dixon Street. Rudra-Ram Pandit Prabhu (previously `Ryo’) had placed some Krsna consciousness books on the shelf of the hostel. He used to work there at that time and placed the books to help backpackers if someone was interested. Having had a very problematic life, I was looking for some knowledge to improve my material situation. Thus, I started reading “The science of self-realization”. It was so amazing and gave me immense insights into spirituality. The book reads like a novel and I relished reading it. I guess I was not ready for the verse by verse philosophy yet. I remember, some days I could not wait to go back to the hostel from work to continue reading the book.
I was three quarters into reading the book that one day I came back to find it missing from the shelf. I remember reading the address of the Gaurayoga center (now Bhakti Lounge) and I came to the center one Sunday (during midday) to get the book. I met a devotee (later known as Nitya-Nutana) and while giving me the book she invited me to the evening program. That day I just wanted to read more.
After reading the book, I later met Bal Gopal Prabhu one afternoon in front of New World and he sold me Srimad Bhagawatam (1.1) with a 2-dollar discount and invited me to Gaurayoga. I came to Gaurayoga one Sunday feast. I met Sachi Dulal Prabhu who later helped, guided, and also tolerated my slow progress a lot. I started doing some service at the center also. I met Radha Prasad Mataji and also Nitai Naam Prabhu, both of whom filled me with motherly and brotherly care. Then came your visit. After giving one Sunday feast discourse (in the main hall) you were now sitting in the other room (the one near the prasadam distribution table) meeting with guests. As I was passing on my way to get prasadam, I looked inside at you. At that same moment you looked at me and said come. I looked surprised and then you again said come.
You asked, when I came to NZ, where I was working.
It’s hard to recall the questions I asked that day, but it must be regarding how to progress in bhakti as I clearly remember your answer “Intense greed”.
You later also said to me “Don’t waste your life”.
Among the first interaction, you allowed me to touch your feet, which I found out later is not a good practice.
It was not known to me that soon after my material life would be turning upside down and since, then, on countless occasions you have guided me and assisted me. Whether it was in New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and back in Fiji and now in New Zealand.
Thank you Maharaj for tolerating and guiding me.
Before coming to Gaurayoga, I was a Lord Shiva devotee and I remember back in Fiji few months back, praying to Lord Shiva many times to show me the way of what he wanted me to do with my life. I remember asking him, just show me the way, whether or not I will take it up would be with me.
If I remember and act on the two instructions you gave me on our first meeting (mentioned above), I am sure I, Lord Shiva, and you, would be pleased.
Your servant,
Dainyarnava Das
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All Glories to Your lotus feet!
On the occasion of your appearance day, I hope that this day comes again till eternity. At least, till I am alive. Not just me, but the vast number of jivas you meet, preach and those you guide have been granted immense benefit from your presence.
On this year’s occasion, I would like to recall how I met you the first time.
I had first met you in August 2007. I had just arrived in Wellington from Fiji two months prior. I was staying at a nearby hostel in Dixon Street. Rudra-Ram Pandit Prabhu (previously `Ryo’) had placed some Krsna consciousness books on the shelf of the hostel. He used to work there at that time and placed the books to help backpackers if someone was interested. Having had a very problematic life, I was looking for some knowledge to improve my material situation. Thus, I started reading “The science of self-realization”. It was so amazing and gave me immense insights into spirituality. The book reads like a novel and I relished reading it. I guess I was not ready for the verse by verse philosophy yet. I remember, some days I could not wait to go back to the hostel from work to continue reading the book.
I was three quarters into reading the book that one day I came back to find it missing from the shelf. I remember reading the address of the Gaurayoga center (now Bhakti Lounge) and I came to the center one Sunday (during midday) to get the book. I met a devotee (later known as Nitya-Nutana) and while giving me the book she invited me to the evening program. That day I just wanted to read more.
After reading the book, I later met Bal Gopal Prabhu one afternoon in front of New World and he sold me Srimad Bhagawatam (1.1) with a 2-dollar discount and invited me to Gaurayoga. I came to Gaurayoga one Sunday feast. I met Sachi Dulal Prabhu who later helped, guided, and also tolerated my slow progress a lot. I started doing some service at the center also. I met Radha Prasad Mataji and also Nitai Naam Prabhu, both of whom filled me with motherly and brotherly care. Then came your visit. After giving one Sunday feast discourse (in the main hall) you were now sitting in the other room (the one near the prasadam distribution table) meeting with guests. As I was passing on my way to get prasadam, I looked inside at you. At that same moment you looked at me and said come. I looked surprised and then you again said come.
You asked, when I came to NZ, where I was working.
It’s hard to recall the questions I asked that day, but it must be regarding how to progress in bhakti as I clearly remember your answer “Intense greed”.
You later also said to me “Don’t waste your life”.
Among the first interaction, you allowed me to touch your feet, which I found out later is not a good practice.
It was not known to me that soon after my material life would be turning upside down and since, then, on countless occasions you have guided me and assisted me. Whether it was in New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and back in Fiji and now in New Zealand.
Thank you Maharaj for tolerating and guiding me.
Before coming to Gaurayoga, I was a Lord Shiva devotee and I remember back in Fiji few months back, praying to Lord Shiva many times to show me the way of what he wanted me to do with my life. I remember asking him, just show me the way, whether or not I will take it up would be with me.
If I remember and act on the two instructions you gave me on our first meeting (mentioned above), I am sure I, Lord Shiva, and you, would be pleased.
Your servant,
Dainyarnava Das
Daityari-hari dasa
Hare Krsna Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeicencies.
I wrote an offering for your Vyasa Puja that I read out the other evening for what the UK devotees organized over Zoom. In the offering I read out I praised how you give the pure unadulterated message of Love of Krsna in all your talks to all audiences but convey that message in a way that demonstrates the holistic and practical nature and deals with all the common misgivings we all have. I also tried to commit myself to not finding fault in others but to instead dedicate myself to the upliftment of others. However, in spite of putting effort into it and trying to speak honestly, it was hackneyed and still seemed superficial. So I decided to take advantage of the delay, because of crashed system for submissions and write something that might be more appropriate.
I was hearing reflections from the devotees, and it seemed that even those, not in such strong standing (in terms of regulative principals, relationships with spiritual authority etc) were atleast able to speak something from their hearts for how they felt about you and even if there were misgivings or not, still the sentiment of love and appreciation for you, seemed to be there. There were others in better standing in terms of their dedication to your mission to Srila Prabhupada, they also expressed appreciation and love for you as a person, with a what seemed to be a more precise understanding... but everyone there had a very strong sense of affection for you, your compassionate nature and determination to reach out to everyone in such a personal way.
In my own experience, I can't say I feel a genuine connection of the calibre that should be there. However, what I can say, is that in experiencing the mercy of devotees like Hriman-krsna when he came to Wales a few years ago, how impressive a human being he was, how unconditionally kind, uplifting and encouraging he was in his dealings with absolutely everyone. Also devotees like Gaura-kisora seem to have this same genuinely compassionate and caring nature, the likes of which I haven't seen from anyone in the society I've grown up in... It seems to suggest that those who take shelter of you are empowered mediums of Lord Caitanya's mercy and that you yourself are an empowered Acarya in outreach, dedicated wholy and solely to saving the suffering wretched and undeserving, solely on the basis that you carry the mission of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada in your heart and are in fact a representative of their will and have been empowered in a unique way to spread their mercy.
I feel wretched, not out of the genuine humility that real devotees have, but because I'm an envious self absorbed, rat like person, who despises life itself. Krsna Consciousness has helped aleiviate this diseased condition to a significant degree but still my life seems very much out of alignment with any real connection to parampara and I'm not actually convinced, even after sufficiently seeing the self evident miracles Krsna Consciousness reveals, that I have any real purpose here. It doesn't seem like I'm doing anything and shamefully, I envy those who are, therefore, I'm still in a bewildered distorted state of existence. I take shelter of this state of existence (which brings along with it a sense of distorted pride and self rightiousness) because I'm afraid of being humble and patient in the face of those clearly excelling me, I see hypocrisy and hatred everywhere, even to the point of resenting devotees who seem (to my conditioned senses) to advertise their own greatness in order to be officially recognised as great devotees and put themselves forward as self proclaimed chosen ones.. Clearly that's because these tendencies are still in my heart. The truth of the matter, is that such devotees are just more sincere than me and are the great devotees of the future who will inspire the coming generations to take up Krsna Consciousness.
I know what I need in life is the genuine understanding that is not about me but Krsna and His representatives, to become absorbed and satisfied in that service, in hearing Krsnas message, and to be inspired to give that to others in a way that would please you and Srila Prabhupada. In spite of my great fortune in getting this incredible opportunity I still feel spiritualy lost and uncertain as to where my life is going or what I should actually do, nothing apparent seems to be manifesting. I'm impotent and have no clear indication as to how to be an effective instrument. I need help, please, somehow help me understand your mission on a deeper level and what you would like me to do. Please show me how I should progress from my current condition of life, there appear to be certain tests I'm unable to face at the moment, but of course, I'm not the controller, so whatever plans for purification Krsna has in store for me, I guess I can only pray for the spiritual maturity to reciprocate with that program properly. Please forgive any offenses.
Your aspiring servant
Daityari-hari dasa.
Please accept my humble obeicencies.
I wrote an offering for your Vyasa Puja that I read out the other evening for what the UK devotees organized over Zoom. In the offering I read out I praised how you give the pure unadulterated message of Love of Krsna in all your talks to all audiences but convey that message in a way that demonstrates the holistic and practical nature and deals with all the common misgivings we all have. I also tried to commit myself to not finding fault in others but to instead dedicate myself to the upliftment of others. However, in spite of putting effort into it and trying to speak honestly, it was hackneyed and still seemed superficial. So I decided to take advantage of the delay, because of crashed system for submissions and write something that might be more appropriate.
I was hearing reflections from the devotees, and it seemed that even those, not in such strong standing (in terms of regulative principals, relationships with spiritual authority etc) were atleast able to speak something from their hearts for how they felt about you and even if there were misgivings or not, still the sentiment of love and appreciation for you, seemed to be there. There were others in better standing in terms of their dedication to your mission to Srila Prabhupada, they also expressed appreciation and love for you as a person, with a what seemed to be a more precise understanding... but everyone there had a very strong sense of affection for you, your compassionate nature and determination to reach out to everyone in such a personal way.
In my own experience, I can't say I feel a genuine connection of the calibre that should be there. However, what I can say, is that in experiencing the mercy of devotees like Hriman-krsna when he came to Wales a few years ago, how impressive a human being he was, how unconditionally kind, uplifting and encouraging he was in his dealings with absolutely everyone. Also devotees like Gaura-kisora seem to have this same genuinely compassionate and caring nature, the likes of which I haven't seen from anyone in the society I've grown up in... It seems to suggest that those who take shelter of you are empowered mediums of Lord Caitanya's mercy and that you yourself are an empowered Acarya in outreach, dedicated wholy and solely to saving the suffering wretched and undeserving, solely on the basis that you carry the mission of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada in your heart and are in fact a representative of their will and have been empowered in a unique way to spread their mercy.
I feel wretched, not out of the genuine humility that real devotees have, but because I'm an envious self absorbed, rat like person, who despises life itself. Krsna Consciousness has helped aleiviate this diseased condition to a significant degree but still my life seems very much out of alignment with any real connection to parampara and I'm not actually convinced, even after sufficiently seeing the self evident miracles Krsna Consciousness reveals, that I have any real purpose here. It doesn't seem like I'm doing anything and shamefully, I envy those who are, therefore, I'm still in a bewildered distorted state of existence. I take shelter of this state of existence (which brings along with it a sense of distorted pride and self rightiousness) because I'm afraid of being humble and patient in the face of those clearly excelling me, I see hypocrisy and hatred everywhere, even to the point of resenting devotees who seem (to my conditioned senses) to advertise their own greatness in order to be officially recognised as great devotees and put themselves forward as self proclaimed chosen ones.. Clearly that's because these tendencies are still in my heart. The truth of the matter, is that such devotees are just more sincere than me and are the great devotees of the future who will inspire the coming generations to take up Krsna Consciousness.
I know what I need in life is the genuine understanding that is not about me but Krsna and His representatives, to become absorbed and satisfied in that service, in hearing Krsnas message, and to be inspired to give that to others in a way that would please you and Srila Prabhupada. In spite of my great fortune in getting this incredible opportunity I still feel spiritualy lost and uncertain as to where my life is going or what I should actually do, nothing apparent seems to be manifesting. I'm impotent and have no clear indication as to how to be an effective instrument. I need help, please, somehow help me understand your mission on a deeper level and what you would like me to do. Please show me how I should progress from my current condition of life, there appear to be certain tests I'm unable to face at the moment, but of course, I'm not the controller, so whatever plans for purification Krsna has in store for me, I guess I can only pray for the spiritual maturity to reciprocate with that program properly. Please forgive any offenses.
Your aspiring servant
Daityari-hari dasa.
Daksh
Hare Krsna Dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obeisance
All Glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It’s a very auspicious and wonderful day that we can celebrate this day together in material world in such a pandemic situation… virtually. Will be missing your association this year in NOIDA. I would like to highlight one of your quotes that really loved “instead of living in our natural spiritual glory we absorb ourselves in an illusory identity a material selfhood that is a mere reflection into the temporary realm of material nature” this quote really made me know the illusion we are living in.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your little servant
Daksh
Please accept my humble obeisance
All Glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
It’s a very auspicious and wonderful day that we can celebrate this day together in material world in such a pandemic situation… virtually. Will be missing your association this year in NOIDA. I would like to highlight one of your quotes that really loved “instead of living in our natural spiritual glory we absorb ourselves in an illusory identity a material selfhood that is a mere reflection into the temporary realm of material nature” this quote really made me know the illusion we are living in.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your little servant
Daksh
Damodara Katha Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
The truth is in the practice of austerities, compassion, instructions, loyalty, devotion, and sadhana. When perfected your whole existence radiates perfect consciousness. I never thought I will be happy just meeting anyone in person. I have always been happy doing what my nature dictates. I have meet many personalities but I have never had the excitement when around them. But all seams to change when you show your presence and speak, It is almost as if all the troubles of life has been burned away.
Your servant,
Damodara Katha Das
Please accept my humble obeisance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
The truth is in the practice of austerities, compassion, instructions, loyalty, devotion, and sadhana. When perfected your whole existence radiates perfect consciousness. I never thought I will be happy just meeting anyone in person. I have always been happy doing what my nature dictates. I have meet many personalities but I have never had the excitement when around them. But all seams to change when you show your presence and speak, It is almost as if all the troubles of life has been burned away.
Your servant,
Damodara Katha Das
Damodara Krsna dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
Gurudeva, what a risk you have taken by accepting a disciple like me. Certainly you live up to your pranam mantra which explains you have the qualities of ". . . selflessness & compassion."
<i>pararthatapi karunyam</i>
". . . Sometimes a spiritual master takes the risk of being overwhelmed by the sinful reactions of the disciples and undergoes a sort of tribulation due to their acceptance. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore advised that one not accept many disciples." SB 4.21.31 Purport
It is risky business being a spiritual master in the Age of Kali. This risk you have taken is on behalf of Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada.
". . . According to Srila Jiva Gosvami, a preacher has to accept many disciples to expand the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This is risky because when a spiritual master accepts a disciple, he naturally accepts the disciple’s sinful activities and their reactions. Unless he is very powerful, he cannot assimilate all the sinful reactions of his disciples and has to suffer the consequences. Therefore one is generally forbidden to accept many disciples. . . ." Cc Madhya-lila 22.118 Purport
It is a given that not all of one's disciples will make it in this lifetime. Some will fall victim to the illusory energy.
What will the spiritual master do then?
". . . In the bhakti-yoga process, the role of the spiritual master is most important and essential. Although the spiritual master will always come back until his devotees have achieved God realization, one should not try to take advantage of this. We should not trouble our spiritual master but should complete the bhakti-yoga process in this life. . . ."
Srila Prabhupada then tells briefly the story of Bilvamangala Thakura, how he was almost at prema when he fell down. Then the Thakura took birth in a rich brahmana family and became a prostitute hunter. Then mystically his guru instructed him through the mouth of a prostitute.
Srila Prabhupada finishes his point saying, ". . . Although the spiritual master assumes responsibility for his disciple, we should not take advantage of this. Rather, we should try to please the spiritual master (yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah **). We should not put our spiritual master in such a position that he has to reclaim us from a house of prostitution. But even if he has to do so, he will do it, because he assumes this responsibility when he accepts his disciple. . . ." The Path of Perfection 8 Failure and Success in Yoga
What can I say? Only true saints can walk in your wake. Obeisance to you.
Truly, no one has shown such kindness to me. Such kindness is not of this world.
I am convinced you are an authentic Vaisnava guru, ornamented with all the qualities of the mahatmas. You directly represent Hari.
With this in mind I offer you the following prayers.
It is described that when the jiva falls into the clutches of the illusory energy, Visnu accompanies that jiva, no matter where they may go. As the Paramatma never leaves me, kindly never leave me.
When Brahma appears from the lotus sprouted from Visnu's navel, at that time Brahma is in complete darkness; literally & also in terms of knowledge. By the grace of Visnu Brahma is enlightened. Similarly, I was also born into darkness. May I also be enlightened by your grace.
During the Svayambhuva Manu the Earth had fallen down to the bottom of the Garbha Ocean. At that time Visnu appeared as Varaha (Lord Boar) and diving into the Garbha Ocean He ". . . found the limits of the ocean, although it was unlimited. . . ." (SB 3.13.30). Varaha expertly discovered the Earth by smell, rescuing it from the Ocean's dark depths. If by misfortune I once again fall down into the dark depths of the material ocean please rescue me.
During the Caksusa Manu Visnu appeared as Nrsimha, the half-man & half-lion incarnation. He rescued Prahlada by tearing apart Hiranyakasipu, the personification of material desire. May your instructions act like the sharp nails of Nrsimha and tear apart my material desires.
At the end of the Caksusa Manu Visnu appeared as Matsya (Lord Fish) to benefit His devotee, King Satyavrata, with knowledge & direction during a universal devastation. As the universe filled with the waters of devastation a boat appeared. After boarding the boat the King tied it to the horn of Matsya Who then guided the boat safely through the devastation waters. As this material world is also compared to an ocean (bhava-sindhu) please steer my ship (the human body) through this watery devastation.
During the current Vaivasvata Manu Visnu has appeared as Parasurama, the warrior incarnation, empowered to cut down rogues & demons. He killed the ksatriya dynasties twenty one times because they became proud & irreligious. May the pride and irreligion within me be killed by your mercy acting like a chopper on the necks of these anarthas.
Also during the current Vaivasvata Manu Visnu has appeared as Ramacandra. His astra pierced the heart of Ravana, who represents insatiable lust, thus slaying the Raksasa. By your mercy may the narayanastra of the maha-mantra pierce the raksasa of insatiable lust within my heart.
Five thousand years ago, towards the end of the twenty eighth Dvapara-yuga of the Vaivasvata Manu, svayam bhagavan Sri Krsna decended from Goloka Vrndavana. Srila Prabhupada described how Krsna gives the sword of knowledge.
Krsna wasn't alone, Balarama also descended from that topmost region of the spiritual sky. Srila Prabhupada described that Balarama gives the strength required to wield the sword of knowledge.
By serving the spiritual master the sincere disciple is equipped with both these spiritual assets. Please continue to bestow your service on me. And by your mercy may the sword of knowledge remain in my hands with the strength to utilize it.
The Kali-yuga preceeding the appearance of Krsna & Balarama sees the divine advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the most merciful incarnation. Once while Mahaprabhu was visiting various holy places His servant, Kala Krsnadasa, was allured by the women of the Bhattatharis. At that time Mahaprabhu personally went to the camp of the Bhattatharis to rescue His servant Krsnadasa.
Kaviraja Gosvami has written,
Cc Antya-lila 4 Sanatana Gosvami Visits the Lord at Jagannatha Puri
.46 “Glorious is that devotee who does not give up the shelter of his Lord, and glorious is that Lord who does not abandon His servant.
.47 “If by chance a servant falls down and goes somewhere else, glorious is that master who captures him and brings him back by the hair.
If by my own stupidity and weak intelligence I am allured by women away from your service, at that time please grab me by the hair and drag me back.
Also appearing during this Kali-yuga is the mercy incarnation, Sri Nityananda. He is empowered to deliver the most fallen people of this age. As Narottama dasa Thakura sings,
<i>brajendra-nandana jei, saci-suta hoilo sei,
balarama hoilo nitai
dina-hina jata chilo, hari-name uddharilo,
tara saksi jagai madhai</i>
Lord Krsna, the son of the king of Vraja, became the son of Saci, and Balarama became Nitai. The holy name delivered all those souls who were lowly and wretched. The two sinners Jagai and Madhai are evidence of this.
Jagai and Madhai, two very sinful people, were delivered by the mercy of Nitai. Gurudeva, you are Nitai's representative. You are empowered to deliver the most fallen. Please kindly deliver me.
Lastly, at the end of Kali-yuga, when things couldn't get any worse, the Lord appears as Kalki. He rides on His white horse slaying all the rogues on the surface of the Earth. By Kalki's mercy the Kali-yuga ends and Satya-yuga begins. In a similar way, I pray that by your mercy the Kali-yuga raging in my heart ends and the Satya-yuga of suddha-bhakti begins.
Your servant,
Damodara Krsna dasa.
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you!
Gurudeva, what a risk you have taken by accepting a disciple like me. Certainly you live up to your pranam mantra which explains you have the qualities of ". . . selflessness & compassion."
<i>pararthatapi karunyam</i>
". . . Sometimes a spiritual master takes the risk of being overwhelmed by the sinful reactions of the disciples and undergoes a sort of tribulation due to their acceptance. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore advised that one not accept many disciples." SB 4.21.31 Purport
It is risky business being a spiritual master in the Age of Kali. This risk you have taken is on behalf of Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada.
". . . According to Srila Jiva Gosvami, a preacher has to accept many disciples to expand the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This is risky because when a spiritual master accepts a disciple, he naturally accepts the disciple’s sinful activities and their reactions. Unless he is very powerful, he cannot assimilate all the sinful reactions of his disciples and has to suffer the consequences. Therefore one is generally forbidden to accept many disciples. . . ." Cc Madhya-lila 22.118 Purport
It is a given that not all of one's disciples will make it in this lifetime. Some will fall victim to the illusory energy.
What will the spiritual master do then?
". . . In the bhakti-yoga process, the role of the spiritual master is most important and essential. Although the spiritual master will always come back until his devotees have achieved God realization, one should not try to take advantage of this. We should not trouble our spiritual master but should complete the bhakti-yoga process in this life. . . ."
Srila Prabhupada then tells briefly the story of Bilvamangala Thakura, how he was almost at prema when he fell down. Then the Thakura took birth in a rich brahmana family and became a prostitute hunter. Then mystically his guru instructed him through the mouth of a prostitute.
Srila Prabhupada finishes his point saying, ". . . Although the spiritual master assumes responsibility for his disciple, we should not take advantage of this. Rather, we should try to please the spiritual master (yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah **). We should not put our spiritual master in such a position that he has to reclaim us from a house of prostitution. But even if he has to do so, he will do it, because he assumes this responsibility when he accepts his disciple. . . ." The Path of Perfection 8 Failure and Success in Yoga
What can I say? Only true saints can walk in your wake. Obeisance to you.
Truly, no one has shown such kindness to me. Such kindness is not of this world.
I am convinced you are an authentic Vaisnava guru, ornamented with all the qualities of the mahatmas. You directly represent Hari.
With this in mind I offer you the following prayers.
It is described that when the jiva falls into the clutches of the illusory energy, Visnu accompanies that jiva, no matter where they may go. As the Paramatma never leaves me, kindly never leave me.
When Brahma appears from the lotus sprouted from Visnu's navel, at that time Brahma is in complete darkness; literally & also in terms of knowledge. By the grace of Visnu Brahma is enlightened. Similarly, I was also born into darkness. May I also be enlightened by your grace.
During the Svayambhuva Manu the Earth had fallen down to the bottom of the Garbha Ocean. At that time Visnu appeared as Varaha (Lord Boar) and diving into the Garbha Ocean He ". . . found the limits of the ocean, although it was unlimited. . . ." (SB 3.13.30). Varaha expertly discovered the Earth by smell, rescuing it from the Ocean's dark depths. If by misfortune I once again fall down into the dark depths of the material ocean please rescue me.
During the Caksusa Manu Visnu appeared as Nrsimha, the half-man & half-lion incarnation. He rescued Prahlada by tearing apart Hiranyakasipu, the personification of material desire. May your instructions act like the sharp nails of Nrsimha and tear apart my material desires.
At the end of the Caksusa Manu Visnu appeared as Matsya (Lord Fish) to benefit His devotee, King Satyavrata, with knowledge & direction during a universal devastation. As the universe filled with the waters of devastation a boat appeared. After boarding the boat the King tied it to the horn of Matsya Who then guided the boat safely through the devastation waters. As this material world is also compared to an ocean (bhava-sindhu) please steer my ship (the human body) through this watery devastation.
During the current Vaivasvata Manu Visnu has appeared as Parasurama, the warrior incarnation, empowered to cut down rogues & demons. He killed the ksatriya dynasties twenty one times because they became proud & irreligious. May the pride and irreligion within me be killed by your mercy acting like a chopper on the necks of these anarthas.
Also during the current Vaivasvata Manu Visnu has appeared as Ramacandra. His astra pierced the heart of Ravana, who represents insatiable lust, thus slaying the Raksasa. By your mercy may the narayanastra of the maha-mantra pierce the raksasa of insatiable lust within my heart.
Five thousand years ago, towards the end of the twenty eighth Dvapara-yuga of the Vaivasvata Manu, svayam bhagavan Sri Krsna decended from Goloka Vrndavana. Srila Prabhupada described how Krsna gives the sword of knowledge.
Krsna wasn't alone, Balarama also descended from that topmost region of the spiritual sky. Srila Prabhupada described that Balarama gives the strength required to wield the sword of knowledge.
By serving the spiritual master the sincere disciple is equipped with both these spiritual assets. Please continue to bestow your service on me. And by your mercy may the sword of knowledge remain in my hands with the strength to utilize it.
The Kali-yuga preceeding the appearance of Krsna & Balarama sees the divine advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the most merciful incarnation. Once while Mahaprabhu was visiting various holy places His servant, Kala Krsnadasa, was allured by the women of the Bhattatharis. At that time Mahaprabhu personally went to the camp of the Bhattatharis to rescue His servant Krsnadasa.
Kaviraja Gosvami has written,
Cc Antya-lila 4 Sanatana Gosvami Visits the Lord at Jagannatha Puri
.46 “Glorious is that devotee who does not give up the shelter of his Lord, and glorious is that Lord who does not abandon His servant.
.47 “If by chance a servant falls down and goes somewhere else, glorious is that master who captures him and brings him back by the hair.
If by my own stupidity and weak intelligence I am allured by women away from your service, at that time please grab me by the hair and drag me back.
Also appearing during this Kali-yuga is the mercy incarnation, Sri Nityananda. He is empowered to deliver the most fallen people of this age. As Narottama dasa Thakura sings,
<i>brajendra-nandana jei, saci-suta hoilo sei,
balarama hoilo nitai
dina-hina jata chilo, hari-name uddharilo,
tara saksi jagai madhai</i>
Lord Krsna, the son of the king of Vraja, became the son of Saci, and Balarama became Nitai. The holy name delivered all those souls who were lowly and wretched. The two sinners Jagai and Madhai are evidence of this.
Jagai and Madhai, two very sinful people, were delivered by the mercy of Nitai. Gurudeva, you are Nitai's representative. You are empowered to deliver the most fallen. Please kindly deliver me.
Lastly, at the end of Kali-yuga, when things couldn't get any worse, the Lord appears as Kalki. He rides on His white horse slaying all the rogues on the surface of the Earth. By Kalki's mercy the Kali-yuga ends and Satya-yuga begins. In a similar way, I pray that by your mercy the Kali-yuga raging in my heart ends and the Satya-yuga of suddha-bhakti begins.
Your servant,
Damodara Krsna dasa.
Dandakaranya das
Nama Om Visnu Padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutala
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devamrta Swami who is very dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurumaharaja,
We read in the Mahabharata that Yamaraja, in disguise, once asked Maharaja Yudhisthira, "What is the most amazing thing within this world?"
Maharaja Yudhisthira replied:
ahany ahani bhutani
gacchantiha yamalayam
shishah sthavaram icchanti
kim ashcaryam atah param
“Hundreds and thousands of living entities meet death at every moment, but a foolish living being nonetheless thinks himself deathless and does not prepare for death. This is the most amazing thing in this world.”
Mahabharata, Vana-parva 313.116
The year 2020 has certainly been an opportunity for many people to contemplate the closeness of the inevitability of death and dying. In my own personal life my biological father passed away in May this year from lingering comorbidities and chronic health issues. When we last saw him in March he even quipped that “it was time to get a new body.”
Of course on a global scale the planets social engineers, politicians and media whipped the population into a panicked frenzy over an alleged killer cold virus that was supposedly going to cause hundreds and thousands if not millions of fatalities. Under the infallible guidance of ‘expert scientific and medical advice’ the only way to lower the impending body count and for everyones ‘safety’ was for people to stay locked inside their houses, watch (and believe) the tv set and wait for a vaccine…….problem solved! (I’m sure sometime in the future people will look back at this time in history and wonder “what were they thinking??”)
I’m no expert, but I'm pretty certain that even if these emergency ‘safety’ measures actually did any good (strangely enough the latest evidence from the World Health Organisation says the worldwide governmental response caused more harm than good economically and socially), people are still going to die at some point anyway. More than anything it exposes the fact that most people are living their lives in fear.
As Srila Prabhupada points out in the purport to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10.4-5:
“Fear is due to worrying about the future. A person in Krsna consciousness has no fear because by his activities he is sure to go back to the spiritual sky, back home, back to Godhead. Therefore his future is very bright. Others, however, do not know what their future holds; they have no knowledge of what the next life holds. So they are therefore in constant anxiety. If we want to get free from anxiety, then the best course is to understand Krsna and be situated always in Krsna consciousness. In that way we will be free from all fear. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.37) it is stated, bhayam dvitiyabhiniyesatah syad: fear is caused by our absorption in the illusory energy. But those who are free from the illusory energy, those who are confident that they are not the material body, that they are spiritual parts of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and who are therefore engaged in the transcendental service of the Supreme Godhead, have nothing to fear. Their future is very bright. This fear is a condition of persons who are not in Krsna consciousness. Abhayam, fearlessness, is possible only for one in Krsna consciousness.”
So we all have the choice to live our lives in a state of fear and anxiety of death and dying, or live in a state of love and trust, Krsna consciousness….. ‘Hakuna Matata’ as a song goes in the Lion King movie. Or, as more succinctly expressed by Bhaktivinoda Thakur in his poem ‘Saragrahi Vaisnava:’
“Forget the past that sleeps and ne'er the future dream at all, but act in times that are with thee and progress thee shall call.”
Of course to be in Krsna consciousness we need the association and blessings of the Spiritual Master and the Vaisnava’s. On this auspicious day of your appearance in this world we meditate on your spiritual qualities and the wonderful example of a saintly Vaisnava you show the world.
To quote again from Bhaktivinoda Thakurs Saragrahi Vaisnava poem:
“O Saragrahi Vaisnava soul, thou art an angel fair; lead, lead me on to Vrindavan and spirit's power declare. There rests my soul from matter free upon my Lover's arms -- Eternal peace and spirit's love are all my chanting charms.”
May you always remain as a remover of fear and a living example of the real meaning of love.
Aspiring to be a useful servant,
Dandakaranya das
Krsna-presthaya Bhutala
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devamrta Swami who is very dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Gurumaharaja,
We read in the Mahabharata that Yamaraja, in disguise, once asked Maharaja Yudhisthira, "What is the most amazing thing within this world?"
Maharaja Yudhisthira replied:
ahany ahani bhutani
gacchantiha yamalayam
shishah sthavaram icchanti
kim ashcaryam atah param
“Hundreds and thousands of living entities meet death at every moment, but a foolish living being nonetheless thinks himself deathless and does not prepare for death. This is the most amazing thing in this world.”
Mahabharata, Vana-parva 313.116
The year 2020 has certainly been an opportunity for many people to contemplate the closeness of the inevitability of death and dying. In my own personal life my biological father passed away in May this year from lingering comorbidities and chronic health issues. When we last saw him in March he even quipped that “it was time to get a new body.”
Of course on a global scale the planets social engineers, politicians and media whipped the population into a panicked frenzy over an alleged killer cold virus that was supposedly going to cause hundreds and thousands if not millions of fatalities. Under the infallible guidance of ‘expert scientific and medical advice’ the only way to lower the impending body count and for everyones ‘safety’ was for people to stay locked inside their houses, watch (and believe) the tv set and wait for a vaccine…….problem solved! (I’m sure sometime in the future people will look back at this time in history and wonder “what were they thinking??”)
I’m no expert, but I'm pretty certain that even if these emergency ‘safety’ measures actually did any good (strangely enough the latest evidence from the World Health Organisation says the worldwide governmental response caused more harm than good economically and socially), people are still going to die at some point anyway. More than anything it exposes the fact that most people are living their lives in fear.
As Srila Prabhupada points out in the purport to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10.4-5:
“Fear is due to worrying about the future. A person in Krsna consciousness has no fear because by his activities he is sure to go back to the spiritual sky, back home, back to Godhead. Therefore his future is very bright. Others, however, do not know what their future holds; they have no knowledge of what the next life holds. So they are therefore in constant anxiety. If we want to get free from anxiety, then the best course is to understand Krsna and be situated always in Krsna consciousness. In that way we will be free from all fear. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.37) it is stated, bhayam dvitiyabhiniyesatah syad: fear is caused by our absorption in the illusory energy. But those who are free from the illusory energy, those who are confident that they are not the material body, that they are spiritual parts of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and who are therefore engaged in the transcendental service of the Supreme Godhead, have nothing to fear. Their future is very bright. This fear is a condition of persons who are not in Krsna consciousness. Abhayam, fearlessness, is possible only for one in Krsna consciousness.”
So we all have the choice to live our lives in a state of fear and anxiety of death and dying, or live in a state of love and trust, Krsna consciousness….. ‘Hakuna Matata’ as a song goes in the Lion King movie. Or, as more succinctly expressed by Bhaktivinoda Thakur in his poem ‘Saragrahi Vaisnava:’
“Forget the past that sleeps and ne'er the future dream at all, but act in times that are with thee and progress thee shall call.”
Of course to be in Krsna consciousness we need the association and blessings of the Spiritual Master and the Vaisnava’s. On this auspicious day of your appearance in this world we meditate on your spiritual qualities and the wonderful example of a saintly Vaisnava you show the world.
To quote again from Bhaktivinoda Thakurs Saragrahi Vaisnava poem:
“O Saragrahi Vaisnava soul, thou art an angel fair; lead, lead me on to Vrindavan and spirit's power declare. There rests my soul from matter free upon my Lover's arms -- Eternal peace and spirit's love are all my chanting charms.”
May you always remain as a remover of fear and a living example of the real meaning of love.
Aspiring to be a useful servant,
Dandakaranya das
Daria, wife of Atma-Dharma Das
Your Holiness Devamrita Swami,
please accept my obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am not capable to find suitable words or construct befitting sentences - your glory and mercy are beyond my limit of perception.
You have no fear, you don't know distress.
You are always attentive, releasing from mass.
You've travelled the world uncounted times,
You preached to the public that is not easy to find.
I admire your qualities, knowledge and speech,
From which I am trying to capture the essence, reality glimpse.
I want to remember and never forget
The wisdom and mood you share and teach.
Being bound by last, desires and greed,
After so many lifetimes collecting misdeeds,
This soul has been tortured in the whirlpool of matter,
The heart is been buried in the pile of dust.
I long for surrender, your shelter, and lead
I wish to become your disciple, to submit.
It is by your mercy that I chant His Name.
It is by your grace that I've got some faith.
I pray for your health and long years to live.
With hope and respect, unqualified.
please accept my obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am not capable to find suitable words or construct befitting sentences - your glory and mercy are beyond my limit of perception.
You have no fear, you don't know distress.
You are always attentive, releasing from mass.
You've travelled the world uncounted times,
You preached to the public that is not easy to find.
I admire your qualities, knowledge and speech,
From which I am trying to capture the essence, reality glimpse.
I want to remember and never forget
The wisdom and mood you share and teach.
Being bound by last, desires and greed,
After so many lifetimes collecting misdeeds,
This soul has been tortured in the whirlpool of matter,
The heart is been buried in the pile of dust.
I long for surrender, your shelter, and lead
I wish to become your disciple, to submit.
It is by your mercy that I chant His Name.
It is by your grace that I've got some faith.
I pray for your health and long years to live.
With hope and respect, unqualified.
Dasya-prema das
Dear Guru Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
A devotee and I were speaking recently about how Srila Prabhupada completely dismantled any arguments that pure devotees cannot be made from less cultured countries by himself making so many pure devotees. Srila Prabhupada has taken people who came from very "unvedic"upbringings and led them to achieving the culmination of all vedic knowledge- becoming analloyed Krishna bhaktas. What a monumental achievment of cosmic magnitude! And you Guru Maharaja, are a living testimony of this achievment. You are one of the amazingly beautiful arati items which Srila Prabhupada has prepared with the tools of his pure love and offered to his Guru and Krishna. And now, as the arati paraphernalia is passed around as Maha Prasad in order to purify those who recieve it, you are traveling the world and purifying it by your association.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Guru Maharaja for being persistently compassionate to me, a very troubled jiva. Pushing a few letter keys to make this offering is certainly not a proper reciprocation for how you have given me hope in life, so I am praying to you and Krishna that I can give my full heart, whatever I have to give and even more to pleasing you.
Begging to be your eternal servant,
Dasya-prema das
A devotee and I were speaking recently about how Srila Prabhupada completely dismantled any arguments that pure devotees cannot be made from less cultured countries by himself making so many pure devotees. Srila Prabhupada has taken people who came from very "unvedic"upbringings and led them to achieving the culmination of all vedic knowledge- becoming analloyed Krishna bhaktas. What a monumental achievment of cosmic magnitude! And you Guru Maharaja, are a living testimony of this achievment. You are one of the amazingly beautiful arati items which Srila Prabhupada has prepared with the tools of his pure love and offered to his Guru and Krishna. And now, as the arati paraphernalia is passed around as Maha Prasad in order to purify those who recieve it, you are traveling the world and purifying it by your association.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Guru Maharaja for being persistently compassionate to me, a very troubled jiva. Pushing a few letter keys to make this offering is certainly not a proper reciprocation for how you have given me hope in life, so I am praying to you and Krishna that I can give my full heart, whatever I have to give and even more to pleasing you.
Begging to be your eternal servant,
Dasya-prema das
Dave Woods
Dear Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to srila Prabhupadad and your divine holiness.
I am unlimitedly and eternally indebted and grateful to you, for showering your causeless mercy and your earnest love for Krishna upon me and so many other conditioned souls.
Unfortunately I am only just beginning to realise the insurmountable task and amazing feat you have completed in setting up western preaching centres.
I recall you saying how hard it is when you speak to travelling guests and they ask you where the preaching centres are in their local countries. Often you have to break it to them that there really isn’t anywhere quite like these magical places that you have setup.
So fortunate by your mercy, all these guests get to experience Krishna and have the opportunity to become a devotee.
This got me thinking, how lucky I am. That your expert insight and preaching to spread love for Krishna in such an easy and relevant way to persons with a western upbringing.
I know that had I not come into contact with Krishna consciousness in this way, there is no chance that I would be trying to become a devotee. In fact, such is the poor condition of my life, I often think I have no other willingness to serve and surrender to Krishna through any other means and it is only by serving at the loft, which keeps me maintained and going in Krishna consciousness.
I pray and beg that you give me some strength to help serve you in the slightest of ways and one day, I may actually be qualified to take the shelter of your divine lotus feet, Even though you already provide this shelter.
Thank you for taking the knife to cut open these sleeping eyes.
Your devotee in the making,
Bhakta Dave
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to srila Prabhupadad and your divine holiness.
I am unlimitedly and eternally indebted and grateful to you, for showering your causeless mercy and your earnest love for Krishna upon me and so many other conditioned souls.
Unfortunately I am only just beginning to realise the insurmountable task and amazing feat you have completed in setting up western preaching centres.
I recall you saying how hard it is when you speak to travelling guests and they ask you where the preaching centres are in their local countries. Often you have to break it to them that there really isn’t anywhere quite like these magical places that you have setup.
So fortunate by your mercy, all these guests get to experience Krishna and have the opportunity to become a devotee.
This got me thinking, how lucky I am. That your expert insight and preaching to spread love for Krishna in such an easy and relevant way to persons with a western upbringing.
I know that had I not come into contact with Krishna consciousness in this way, there is no chance that I would be trying to become a devotee. In fact, such is the poor condition of my life, I often think I have no other willingness to serve and surrender to Krishna through any other means and it is only by serving at the loft, which keeps me maintained and going in Krishna consciousness.
I pray and beg that you give me some strength to help serve you in the slightest of ways and one day, I may actually be qualified to take the shelter of your divine lotus feet, Even though you already provide this shelter.
Thank you for taking the knife to cut open these sleeping eyes.
Your devotee in the making,
Bhakta Dave
David Costello
Dear Gurudeva,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
Canto One, Chapter eight, text 28.
"My respectful obeisances are unto You, O Lord, whose abdomen is marked with a depression like a lotus flower, who are always decorated with garlands of lotus flowers, whose glance is as cool as the lotus and whose feet are engraved with lotuses."
The Lord's glance is, akin to being struck by a hammer as swung by a Titan. Yet it does not hurt, not at all. The combination of sensations is beyond my comprehension. It fascinates me. It holds me and robs me of the ability to move, think and talk. I know, as much as the Lord allows me to, that I will be purified to an extraordinary extent. How fortunate I am and, to what extent am I undeserving?
Joy and wonder cascades through me as, I contemplate the flowers. Expertly applied to the garland by, super excellent Devotee's whose service demands gratitude. Their shape and form is a never ending preoccupation. The odour is intoxicating and overwhelming. A delightful madness descends on me. Eternity passes and, at no time is my appetite satisfied.
Is the Lord's skin blue or black? Blue merging into black. Or vice versa? Which is it? Actually it's all of the above ... no that's not the answer. Consider every shade of blue in all of the material Universes. All that has and will be. Somehow or other combine it, in that each shade is part of a parcel. How does this compare to the Lord's skin? Rhetorical question as, it's like comparing an atom to all atoms in each and every universe. My mind plays tricks on me and, I see myself swimming through an ocean of transcendental water. Hot it is, like sitting in a spa. Elsewhere it is like being submerged in ice water. Delightfully cool. What dwells in the ocean? I hear Whale song and the Maha mantra. Overwhelmed is, my mind bursts and splits. It falls into a well which is quiet. As I descend, I retreat into my minds deepest self. I observe myself being warned by the Lord. I do not listen and I am cast in to the material world. I cry as I gradually come to my senses. I smile as I realize that I have been given a chance to redeem myself.
I could and want to continue .............. An Ant does not realize that it is on a Mountain. Nor does it know the Mountain. Yet it, in a dim and limited way realize, as much as it can.
Regards
David
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
Canto One, Chapter eight, text 28.
"My respectful obeisances are unto You, O Lord, whose abdomen is marked with a depression like a lotus flower, who are always decorated with garlands of lotus flowers, whose glance is as cool as the lotus and whose feet are engraved with lotuses."
The Lord's glance is, akin to being struck by a hammer as swung by a Titan. Yet it does not hurt, not at all. The combination of sensations is beyond my comprehension. It fascinates me. It holds me and robs me of the ability to move, think and talk. I know, as much as the Lord allows me to, that I will be purified to an extraordinary extent. How fortunate I am and, to what extent am I undeserving?
Joy and wonder cascades through me as, I contemplate the flowers. Expertly applied to the garland by, super excellent Devotee's whose service demands gratitude. Their shape and form is a never ending preoccupation. The odour is intoxicating and overwhelming. A delightful madness descends on me. Eternity passes and, at no time is my appetite satisfied.
Is the Lord's skin blue or black? Blue merging into black. Or vice versa? Which is it? Actually it's all of the above ... no that's not the answer. Consider every shade of blue in all of the material Universes. All that has and will be. Somehow or other combine it, in that each shade is part of a parcel. How does this compare to the Lord's skin? Rhetorical question as, it's like comparing an atom to all atoms in each and every universe. My mind plays tricks on me and, I see myself swimming through an ocean of transcendental water. Hot it is, like sitting in a spa. Elsewhere it is like being submerged in ice water. Delightfully cool. What dwells in the ocean? I hear Whale song and the Maha mantra. Overwhelmed is, my mind bursts and splits. It falls into a well which is quiet. As I descend, I retreat into my minds deepest self. I observe myself being warned by the Lord. I do not listen and I am cast in to the material world. I cry as I gradually come to my senses. I smile as I realize that I have been given a chance to redeem myself.
I could and want to continue .............. An Ant does not realize that it is on a Mountain. Nor does it know the Mountain. Yet it, in a dim and limited way realize, as much as it can.
Regards
David
Dayal Nitai Dasa
Nama om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you.
You illuminate the path back to Godhead by your infallible instruction and shining example. You make it possible for someone like me to be engaged in devotional service and you make real spiritual life accessible for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity. You are the acarya in who’s footsteps we should all be following, by investing our hearts and vital energy in bhakti yoga, we should seek to please guru and Krishna in the best possible way.
om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitan yena
tasmai sri-gurave namaha
“I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.”
Gurudeva, without your guidance I would be completely lost, drowning in the material ocean of miseries. Although I may still have a long way to go, at least now I have the opportunity to reawaken the natural propensity for serving Krishna which has been dormant in the heart for such a long time.
O’ Gurudeva! Please bless me and empower me to follow your instruction and become a humble servant of the Vaisnavas. Please allow me to serve your lotus feet and please accept my insignificant service as being worthy of such a dear servant of Srila Prabhupada as yourself.
Please forgive my offences.
Your servant,
Dayal Nitai Dasa.
Srimate devamrita svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namaha
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you.
You illuminate the path back to Godhead by your infallible instruction and shining example. You make it possible for someone like me to be engaged in devotional service and you make real spiritual life accessible for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity. You are the acarya in who’s footsteps we should all be following, by investing our hearts and vital energy in bhakti yoga, we should seek to please guru and Krishna in the best possible way.
om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitan yena
tasmai sri-gurave namaha
“I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.”
Gurudeva, without your guidance I would be completely lost, drowning in the material ocean of miseries. Although I may still have a long way to go, at least now I have the opportunity to reawaken the natural propensity for serving Krishna which has been dormant in the heart for such a long time.
O’ Gurudeva! Please bless me and empower me to follow your instruction and become a humble servant of the Vaisnavas. Please allow me to serve your lotus feet and please accept my insignificant service as being worthy of such a dear servant of Srila Prabhupada as yourself.
Please forgive my offences.
Your servant,
Dayal Nitai Dasa.
Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja
Today marks another year signifying your commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
In Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Chapter 12 Sastvarupa Dasa Goswami describes how Srila Prabhupada
Saw Boston, from the view point of a pure devotee:
“ he was in a major American city, rich with billions, populated with millions, and determined to stay the way it was”.
“ he saw the hellish City Life people dedicated to the illusion of material happiness”
Srīla Prabhupada also wrote in his famous pray on 18th Sept 1965 at Boston, Common wealth pier.
“ oh spiritual master of all the world’s I can simply repeat your message. So if you like you can make my power of speaking suitable for their understanding”.
In the same way as Srila Prabhupada gained this empowerment to explain Krsna Consciousness.
You have also been empowered by Srila Prabhupada’s realised purports which you have made even more easily available by your assimilating them and sharing them in relevant and novel ways, giving those without qualification or desire for the topmost fruit of life the wisdom lifestyle to attain it.
Instilling in them a desire to hear and chant the empowered purports of His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada the Founder Acarya of Iskcon.
You have personally tasted the fruit of Srila Prabhupada's empowerment that he prayed for on that day and by tasting that fruit you have also become empowered and are doing the same for others.
Just as when Lord Caitanya would embrace someone and empower them and they would then return to their village and transform their village into devotees. Srila Prabhupada has fully embraced your life reciprocating with your full dedication to his mission. And you have become empowered to give everyone Srila Prabhupada’s most cherished embrace in the form of his books and the Holy Name.
By embracing your instructions to read Srila Prabhupada's books everyday to know the sastra to love the sastra and to give it to others I am receiving your loving embrace in the form of your instructions therefore I pray that I may also be empowered in the same way.
All glories to you guru maharaja for being a living example of someone who by their every moment glorifies Srila Prabhupada by showing the successful result of a life of devotional practice showing all who meet you that its possible for them to relinquish their material amnesia and come alive in the ocean of Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan mission.
Always aspiring to improve my dedication to your instructions.
Your aspiring servant of your servants Dayalu Gaura Dasa
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja
Today marks another year signifying your commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
In Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Chapter 12 Sastvarupa Dasa Goswami describes how Srila Prabhupada
Saw Boston, from the view point of a pure devotee:
“ he was in a major American city, rich with billions, populated with millions, and determined to stay the way it was”.
“ he saw the hellish City Life people dedicated to the illusion of material happiness”
Srīla Prabhupada also wrote in his famous pray on 18th Sept 1965 at Boston, Common wealth pier.
“ oh spiritual master of all the world’s I can simply repeat your message. So if you like you can make my power of speaking suitable for their understanding”.
In the same way as Srila Prabhupada gained this empowerment to explain Krsna Consciousness.
You have also been empowered by Srila Prabhupada’s realised purports which you have made even more easily available by your assimilating them and sharing them in relevant and novel ways, giving those without qualification or desire for the topmost fruit of life the wisdom lifestyle to attain it.
Instilling in them a desire to hear and chant the empowered purports of His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada the Founder Acarya of Iskcon.
You have personally tasted the fruit of Srila Prabhupada's empowerment that he prayed for on that day and by tasting that fruit you have also become empowered and are doing the same for others.
Just as when Lord Caitanya would embrace someone and empower them and they would then return to their village and transform their village into devotees. Srila Prabhupada has fully embraced your life reciprocating with your full dedication to his mission. And you have become empowered to give everyone Srila Prabhupada’s most cherished embrace in the form of his books and the Holy Name.
By embracing your instructions to read Srila Prabhupada's books everyday to know the sastra to love the sastra and to give it to others I am receiving your loving embrace in the form of your instructions therefore I pray that I may also be empowered in the same way.
All glories to you guru maharaja for being a living example of someone who by their every moment glorifies Srila Prabhupada by showing the successful result of a life of devotional practice showing all who meet you that its possible for them to relinquish their material amnesia and come alive in the ocean of Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan mission.
Always aspiring to improve my dedication to your instructions.
Your aspiring servant of your servants Dayalu Gaura Dasa
Dayamaya devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I'm very grateful to you for accepting me as your disciple. Both materially and spiritually, I don't deserve this privilege.
As the years go by I continue to be awestruck by your expertise in areas of giving Krsna to others, your classes, your gbc webinar interviews. You are highly qualified both materially and spiritually yet with no tinge of pride, humbly serving Srila Prabhupada decade after decade.
I had the great fortune of witnessing your Humility.
Recently when I was locked down in India, you were so determined to have me back. When I wrote to you ' please forgive me Gurudeva for taking so much service from you', you replied "pls forgive us for not realizing earlier that you needed help to get out of your situation". I was both grateful and embarrassed by your humble response.
Im eternally indebted for your cause less mercy Gurudeva. My life is your property. I only pray that I can engrave your instructions on my stone like heart and never take leave from serving you.
Just as a child is unaware of the value of the diamond in its hand, I don't know the full extent of your mercy and compassion you have showered upon me all these years.
Where would I be without you Gurudeva, oh my father, my saviour, my guide, my best well wisher, my master. I can't feel grateful enough to you, for accepting me. The only fortunate event in my whole sojourn of material existence is coming under the shelter of your lotus feet.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I only beg to be an instrument of your mercy and compassion, reaching out to the conditioned souls and bringing them to your lotus feet.
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya,
āra nā kariha mane āśā
Aspiring to be your servant and disciple
Dayamaya devi dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I'm very grateful to you for accepting me as your disciple. Both materially and spiritually, I don't deserve this privilege.
As the years go by I continue to be awestruck by your expertise in areas of giving Krsna to others, your classes, your gbc webinar interviews. You are highly qualified both materially and spiritually yet with no tinge of pride, humbly serving Srila Prabhupada decade after decade.
I had the great fortune of witnessing your Humility.
Recently when I was locked down in India, you were so determined to have me back. When I wrote to you ' please forgive me Gurudeva for taking so much service from you', you replied "pls forgive us for not realizing earlier that you needed help to get out of your situation". I was both grateful and embarrassed by your humble response.
Im eternally indebted for your cause less mercy Gurudeva. My life is your property. I only pray that I can engrave your instructions on my stone like heart and never take leave from serving you.
Just as a child is unaware of the value of the diamond in its hand, I don't know the full extent of your mercy and compassion you have showered upon me all these years.
Where would I be without you Gurudeva, oh my father, my saviour, my guide, my best well wisher, my master. I can't feel grateful enough to you, for accepting me. The only fortunate event in my whole sojourn of material existence is coming under the shelter of your lotus feet.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I only beg to be an instrument of your mercy and compassion, reaching out to the conditioned souls and bringing them to your lotus feet.
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya,
āra nā kariha mane āśā
Aspiring to be your servant and disciple
Dayamaya devi dasi.
Dayavira das
Happy birthday Guru Maharaja!
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Congratulations on your 47 years of dedicated global outreach for which we are all very indebted to you for. Looking out the window here in sub-tropical north-west Auckland I'm admiring the abundant scented spring flowers beckoning to be offered up for Krsna`s pleasure. How fortunate I have been to be living on the land bearing so many organic fruit and veg during these covid times with its imminent lockdowns. To be able to perform shaligram seva on your behalf unimpeded by virus restrictions is very satisfying to the heart. I may only play an extremely small and insignificant part in your bullet train preaching masterpiece, still, I feel blessed and humbled today to have received the opportunity to walk in the dust of your merciful lotus feet. Thank you for your great sacrifice to give us undeserving a taste of the spiritual realm.
Your servant,Dayavira das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Congratulations on your 47 years of dedicated global outreach for which we are all very indebted to you for. Looking out the window here in sub-tropical north-west Auckland I'm admiring the abundant scented spring flowers beckoning to be offered up for Krsna`s pleasure. How fortunate I have been to be living on the land bearing so many organic fruit and veg during these covid times with its imminent lockdowns. To be able to perform shaligram seva on your behalf unimpeded by virus restrictions is very satisfying to the heart. I may only play an extremely small and insignificant part in your bullet train preaching masterpiece, still, I feel blessed and humbled today to have received the opportunity to walk in the dust of your merciful lotus feet. Thank you for your great sacrifice to give us undeserving a taste of the spiritual realm.
Your servant,Dayavira das
Deva Darshana Das
Haribol Gurudeva,
Dandavats. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my humble obeisances on your Vyasa Puja. 2020 has been quite the whirlwind, personally and globally. And as I reflect, I’ve had many troubling times in the past that just seemed like reversal after reversal, but never like this, where I was able to stay centered with a constant stream of hope and purpose - never forgetting my values and what is most important, Krsna. I deeply credit that to you and the moments I’ve had the blessings of your association. More than ever, I’m appreciating the presence of you and your instructions in my life. And while I can’t possibly fathom the true eternal spiritual benefit of our interactions, from what I can perceive, this lifetime wouldn’t be the same without your guidance.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
Jñānāñjana-śalākayā
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
I truly appreciate how you’ve always taken the time to care, to see me, and my potential, in ways I couldn’t even see myself. My greatest hope is to spend my life trying to do something that might please you in return.
Thank you so much for your selfless service. Your example humbles and inspires me every day.
Your servant,
Deva Darshana Das
Dandavats. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my humble obeisances on your Vyasa Puja. 2020 has been quite the whirlwind, personally and globally. And as I reflect, I’ve had many troubling times in the past that just seemed like reversal after reversal, but never like this, where I was able to stay centered with a constant stream of hope and purpose - never forgetting my values and what is most important, Krsna. I deeply credit that to you and the moments I’ve had the blessings of your association. More than ever, I’m appreciating the presence of you and your instructions in my life. And while I can’t possibly fathom the true eternal spiritual benefit of our interactions, from what I can perceive, this lifetime wouldn’t be the same without your guidance.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
Jñānāñjana-śalākayā
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge.
I truly appreciate how you’ve always taken the time to care, to see me, and my potential, in ways I couldn’t even see myself. My greatest hope is to spend my life trying to do something that might please you in return.
Thank you so much for your selfless service. Your example humbles and inspires me every day.
Your servant,
Deva Darshana Das
Deval Joshi
All glories to HH Devamrita swami maharaj,
My prostrated obeisances unto your lotus feet!
I wish you all good health and wellness on the auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
Your aspiring servant,
Deval joshi
My prostrated obeisances unto your lotus feet!
I wish you all good health and wellness on the auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
Your aspiring servant,
Deval joshi
Dhira Siromani Dasa
nama om vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swami iti namine.
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
While offering my prostrated obeisances to you, I wanted to wish you a happy vyasa puja day. It is said that a disciple should always look for an opportunity to glorify his Spiritual master. Alas, I possess neither the attitude nor aptitude to glorify you. The more I try to meditate on your qualities, the more I find myself short of words. For my own purification, and since it is the duty of a disciple to glorify his Spiritual master on his vyasa puja day, I beg for forgiveness for such a childish attempt.
Moving from wombs to tombs, I cannot recollect how many lifetimes I must have wasted pursuing insignificant pleasures. It is by great fortune and by your mercy, I must have come in contact with you. Although I possess no qualification, you have mercifully accepted me as your son. I cringe to think what my life would have been without your guidance. Yet every now and then I find myself struggling with my own mind and senses. Struggle is the intrinsic element of desire. While you are bent on mending my ways and making sure to give me the ocean of eternal happiness, I find myself being obstinate to quench my thirst by running after oasis.
I remember during our last encounter just before the pandemic started, I came to pick you up from the airport. After a brief conversation, I childishly asked whether your travel plans will be affected. You instantly replied that you were supposed to fly to China the next month and that it seemed the journey would be cancelled. I could see at that point how much you felt disheartened that you were missing the chance to extend Srila Prabhupada’s mercy. I stood there for a while in the lift thinking despite spending 24 hours a day in serving rigorously, you still felt it was a missed opportunity to bring Krsna to others. I was struck by your level of compassion you possess and how much you voluntarily accept various kind of austerities just to please Srila Prabhupada. Immediately, in the car, I recollect how you started changing the plans to not waste the time in dwelling on setbacks. I scorn the sight of myself when I think how I have covered myself with the blanket of lethargy thinking I am doing so much.
During our farm retreat last year, we had a different cottage from our usual one where our bedroom being on first floor whilst Yours was on ground level. Access to our bedroom was through a ladder only. You were so caring that despite having pain in your leg, you climbed the ladder just to check whether we would be comfortable. This affectionate nature of yours caught my attention and when I think about it I sometimes wonder how much do I fail in serving you miserably, Gurudeva. . I can only shamelessly ask for forgiveness.
On this days of yours I will like to share a small encounter that took place last month. While rushing to attend to a cardiac arrest, I overheard a boy from the opposite bed cheerfully shouting Hare Krsna. Thinking that my shikha or kunti mala might have triggered such a response, I continued pounding on the chest of the elderly who required immediate attention. After a while, the patient recovered and I turned to the boy next door to inquire about what prompted him to recognise me. He started telling me how during his journey to find out about yoga practices, he happened to meet a few devotees in New Zealand and UK. All of a sudden, he pointed to the elderly saying he must have been “hiding in unnatural happiness”. Instantaneously, I asked him: Does this mean you have read the book?
James replied: “Yes and I have met the American swami once in UK and once at the LOFT”. I was taken aback. He then asked whether I know whom he was referring to. I showed him your picture and his eyes grew big with excitement stating yes it was indeed Your Holiness. Making the link why I must have your picture in my phone, he asked whether I was your student. Still shocked at the whole situation, I uttered: He is my teacher but I have no qualities of being his student. He immediately chuckled “perfect escape”. Struggling through the stages of cancer, he mentioned how your books have been his solace for the past 2 years. Our conversation was cut short by another announcement where I had to rush to another emergency. It was quite late at night and by the time I finished it was home time. I was determined to go and meet him the next day with some maha sweets, only to find out that he was discharged early morning. After a few attempts to contact his disconnected phone, I am still waiting on the chance to meet him again.
When I look back at the situation, I can only dwell on how the spiritual master is forever present and always watching us and our actions. It is mentioned since one cannot visually experience the presence of the Supersoul, He appears before is as a liberated devotee. Such a spiritual master is none other than Krsna Himself.
On this auspicious day of yours, I approach you with a straw between my teeth. Please empower me so I am able to dance on your plan. Please guide me so I can accept reversals without rehearsals. Please bless me so I can approach devotees with an attitude of gratitude. I know for certain the antidote of chanting you have bestowed will indeed pave the way. It is only my obstinance in clinging to material happiness mistaking this to be the pulse of life that prevent me from making the most of your instructions. It is said that ignorance is bliss until the jolt of reality hits you like a thunderbolt. I pray for the day when I can finally wake up and become a worthy son instead of learning the hard way. Thank you Gurudeva.
Your insignificant son,
Dhira Siromani Dasa
srimate devamrita swami iti namine.
pracare purva daksyam ca
bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
While offering my prostrated obeisances to you, I wanted to wish you a happy vyasa puja day. It is said that a disciple should always look for an opportunity to glorify his Spiritual master. Alas, I possess neither the attitude nor aptitude to glorify you. The more I try to meditate on your qualities, the more I find myself short of words. For my own purification, and since it is the duty of a disciple to glorify his Spiritual master on his vyasa puja day, I beg for forgiveness for such a childish attempt.
Moving from wombs to tombs, I cannot recollect how many lifetimes I must have wasted pursuing insignificant pleasures. It is by great fortune and by your mercy, I must have come in contact with you. Although I possess no qualification, you have mercifully accepted me as your son. I cringe to think what my life would have been without your guidance. Yet every now and then I find myself struggling with my own mind and senses. Struggle is the intrinsic element of desire. While you are bent on mending my ways and making sure to give me the ocean of eternal happiness, I find myself being obstinate to quench my thirst by running after oasis.
I remember during our last encounter just before the pandemic started, I came to pick you up from the airport. After a brief conversation, I childishly asked whether your travel plans will be affected. You instantly replied that you were supposed to fly to China the next month and that it seemed the journey would be cancelled. I could see at that point how much you felt disheartened that you were missing the chance to extend Srila Prabhupada’s mercy. I stood there for a while in the lift thinking despite spending 24 hours a day in serving rigorously, you still felt it was a missed opportunity to bring Krsna to others. I was struck by your level of compassion you possess and how much you voluntarily accept various kind of austerities just to please Srila Prabhupada. Immediately, in the car, I recollect how you started changing the plans to not waste the time in dwelling on setbacks. I scorn the sight of myself when I think how I have covered myself with the blanket of lethargy thinking I am doing so much.
During our farm retreat last year, we had a different cottage from our usual one where our bedroom being on first floor whilst Yours was on ground level. Access to our bedroom was through a ladder only. You were so caring that despite having pain in your leg, you climbed the ladder just to check whether we would be comfortable. This affectionate nature of yours caught my attention and when I think about it I sometimes wonder how much do I fail in serving you miserably, Gurudeva. . I can only shamelessly ask for forgiveness.
On this days of yours I will like to share a small encounter that took place last month. While rushing to attend to a cardiac arrest, I overheard a boy from the opposite bed cheerfully shouting Hare Krsna. Thinking that my shikha or kunti mala might have triggered such a response, I continued pounding on the chest of the elderly who required immediate attention. After a while, the patient recovered and I turned to the boy next door to inquire about what prompted him to recognise me. He started telling me how during his journey to find out about yoga practices, he happened to meet a few devotees in New Zealand and UK. All of a sudden, he pointed to the elderly saying he must have been “hiding in unnatural happiness”. Instantaneously, I asked him: Does this mean you have read the book?
James replied: “Yes and I have met the American swami once in UK and once at the LOFT”. I was taken aback. He then asked whether I know whom he was referring to. I showed him your picture and his eyes grew big with excitement stating yes it was indeed Your Holiness. Making the link why I must have your picture in my phone, he asked whether I was your student. Still shocked at the whole situation, I uttered: He is my teacher but I have no qualities of being his student. He immediately chuckled “perfect escape”. Struggling through the stages of cancer, he mentioned how your books have been his solace for the past 2 years. Our conversation was cut short by another announcement where I had to rush to another emergency. It was quite late at night and by the time I finished it was home time. I was determined to go and meet him the next day with some maha sweets, only to find out that he was discharged early morning. After a few attempts to contact his disconnected phone, I am still waiting on the chance to meet him again.
When I look back at the situation, I can only dwell on how the spiritual master is forever present and always watching us and our actions. It is mentioned since one cannot visually experience the presence of the Supersoul, He appears before is as a liberated devotee. Such a spiritual master is none other than Krsna Himself.
On this auspicious day of yours, I approach you with a straw between my teeth. Please empower me so I am able to dance on your plan. Please guide me so I can accept reversals without rehearsals. Please bless me so I can approach devotees with an attitude of gratitude. I know for certain the antidote of chanting you have bestowed will indeed pave the way. It is only my obstinance in clinging to material happiness mistaking this to be the pulse of life that prevent me from making the most of your instructions. It is said that ignorance is bliss until the jolt of reality hits you like a thunderbolt. I pray for the day when I can finally wake up and become a worthy son instead of learning the hard way. Thank you Gurudeva.
Your insignificant son,
Dhira Siromani Dasa
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your auspicious appearance day
I have been thinking about how you give inspiration to so many people from different kinds of backgrounds all over the world to take to Krsna consciousness/ Bhakti yoga lifestyle. Your expertise in this art is well accepted in Iskcon all over the world.
The Loft/ Bhakti Yoga Lounge centers have become great examples for introducing Krsna consciousness to all kinds of people especially the students in various universities and colleges. I heard you say in one of the talks that The Loft was originally started by Srila Prabhupada. You have certainly expanded this programme following in footsteps of Srila Prabhupada in a great style Guru Maharaj.
Most young people these days are not so attracted to traditional religious settings and organisations. But they happily take part in attractive Loft/ Bhakti Lounge programmes and start to consider bhakti lifestyle as a great way of life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you on this special day of your appearance for such an attractive programme for people to take to Bhakti Yoga/ Krsna consciousness. I also had the great fortune to meet you at the Loft in Auckland. Thank you for reminding me about Bhagavad Gita, the wisdom jewel of India there.
It has become a wonderful pleasure activity for me now to share Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam with students in colleges and universities and other people also. Thank you for giving me such an inspiration and opportunity to assist you and your servants in this most charitable task.
I would like to share one nice exchange with two young boys on my traveling Sankirtan recently in Colorado for your pleasure.
Keith and Drew two cousins were walking around for leisure in Manitou Springs, a small mountain town in Colorado Springs area. It is popular tourist destination here for hikes, caves, waterfalls etc. I called them over to check out the books I had on my table there.
Seeing transcendental treasures of wisdom Keith mentioned he has read the Bhagavad Gita. He wanted to know where the Vedanta society in Denver area is? He lives not too far from Denver. I had a small talk with them to see what they do for study or work. It turned out in our conversation that Keith likes to read a lot and Drew is just starting to read spiritual books and they both work jobs. They both took a stack of books and gave nice donations. Then I told Keith about Srimad Bhagavatam set and the Vedas and Srila Vyasadeva. Keith agreed to take the full set on the spot and happily contributed for the full set. He got the set on Friday, Oct 11th and on Sunday he invited me to his place and we cooked dinner together. His friends were so happy to have simple prasad of rice, moong dal and pancakes and hear about Krsna and share their spiritual practices. It was such an enlivening experience.
On this special day I thank you again and again for your kindness on me. I beg you that you may eternally be my inspiration for continuing this wonderful Prem sankirtan service at your lotus feet just like you are inspiring so many Bhakti practitioners around the world.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on your auspicious appearance day
I have been thinking about how you give inspiration to so many people from different kinds of backgrounds all over the world to take to Krsna consciousness/ Bhakti yoga lifestyle. Your expertise in this art is well accepted in Iskcon all over the world.
The Loft/ Bhakti Yoga Lounge centers have become great examples for introducing Krsna consciousness to all kinds of people especially the students in various universities and colleges. I heard you say in one of the talks that The Loft was originally started by Srila Prabhupada. You have certainly expanded this programme following in footsteps of Srila Prabhupada in a great style Guru Maharaj.
Most young people these days are not so attracted to traditional religious settings and organisations. But they happily take part in attractive Loft/ Bhakti Lounge programmes and start to consider bhakti lifestyle as a great way of life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you on this special day of your appearance for such an attractive programme for people to take to Bhakti Yoga/ Krsna consciousness. I also had the great fortune to meet you at the Loft in Auckland. Thank you for reminding me about Bhagavad Gita, the wisdom jewel of India there.
It has become a wonderful pleasure activity for me now to share Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam with students in colleges and universities and other people also. Thank you for giving me such an inspiration and opportunity to assist you and your servants in this most charitable task.
I would like to share one nice exchange with two young boys on my traveling Sankirtan recently in Colorado for your pleasure.
Keith and Drew two cousins were walking around for leisure in Manitou Springs, a small mountain town in Colorado Springs area. It is popular tourist destination here for hikes, caves, waterfalls etc. I called them over to check out the books I had on my table there.
Seeing transcendental treasures of wisdom Keith mentioned he has read the Bhagavad Gita. He wanted to know where the Vedanta society in Denver area is? He lives not too far from Denver. I had a small talk with them to see what they do for study or work. It turned out in our conversation that Keith likes to read a lot and Drew is just starting to read spiritual books and they both work jobs. They both took a stack of books and gave nice donations. Then I told Keith about Srimad Bhagavatam set and the Vedas and Srila Vyasadeva. Keith agreed to take the full set on the spot and happily contributed for the full set. He got the set on Friday, Oct 11th and on Sunday he invited me to his place and we cooked dinner together. His friends were so happy to have simple prasad of rice, moong dal and pancakes and hear about Krsna and share their spiritual practices. It was such an enlivening experience.
On this special day I thank you again and again for your kindness on me. I beg you that you may eternally be my inspiration for continuing this wonderful Prem sankirtan service at your lotus feet just like you are inspiring so many Bhakti practitioners around the world.
Your servant
Dhira-Lalita Dasa
Dina Dayala dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories unto you.
In this thoroughly unstable world, it is not to be taken for granted that you are always there for us. I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for your infallible shelter throughout my spiritual life.
I feel you’ve raised me, an orphan, in your spiritual family with all the sensitivity & love of a true father. And never, since I first met you, have you ever been too busy to give me time. Apart from the many hours of your time you have given me in darshan through the years, I also remember you being there for me in distinctly inconvenient times, like when you once called me in the middle of your night from the other side of the world or gave some support desperately elicited in the last moments before you caught a train. You know us better than anyone & have always given me exactly the right kind of help. Without this, I would have no hope of performing consistent sadhana bhakti in a world I find so difficult sometimes to function in.
When I first met you in 1997 with the question which sliced to the core, “What are you doing with your life Di?” I felt I had found someone who was fixed, anchored in reality with a deep knowledge. You tried everything to get me to stop wandering & stabilise in Krishna consciousness. Then, two weeks after I ignored those compassionate pleas, I was on a boat from Dover to Calais—literally & metaphorically ‘at sea’. Two street boys from Liverpool asked me for the duty-free chit off my ferry ticket. Then, caught off guard, I found myself purchasing their alcohol and cigarettes against my will. After this, feeling disoriented, powerless & alone, I went up to the top deck & saw the vast expanse of frightful waters. I cried out for you & for Krishna, longing but unable to return & take shelter.
I did not know if Krishna would take me back two years later. But that fear came from within me &, as I was soon to find out, showed I knew nothing about the compassion of the Lord’s devotees. For, upon returning, you allowed me to call you & your voice at the other end of the phone made me feel like you had been there for me all that time.
Although I still struggle with fully taking shelter, I see that throughout the last 21 (plus 2) years you have been there 100% for me. I don’t know how to express what this means to me. And because of your support & your guidance I can understand that real stability & true love is in devotional service.
Thank you so much Guru Maharaja. You are my shelter & I want to serve you lifetime after lifetime. If I can’t get it together in this lifetime, please give me another chance in the next one.
Your servant,
Dina Dayala dd.
Divya Jnana dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this day of your Vyasa Puja I was reflecting on how merciful you are, tirelessly preaching to help conditioned souls come to Krsna Consciousness. Your classes are always exciting to hear, and nourishing to the soul.
The older I get the more I see how little the material world has to offer. The true purpose of life is to purify the senses through devotional service. Spiritual enjoyment means purifying the senses. Sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam [Cc. Madhya 19.170].
We take precautions to prevent all kinds of disease and illness but have failed to address the biggest disease and that is material existence. Seeing the struggling souls in Perth, I am hoping to start distributing books again with your blessings.
your servant
Divya Jnana dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On this day of your Vyasa Puja I was reflecting on how merciful you are, tirelessly preaching to help conditioned souls come to Krsna Consciousness. Your classes are always exciting to hear, and nourishing to the soul.
The older I get the more I see how little the material world has to offer. The true purpose of life is to purify the senses through devotional service. Spiritual enjoyment means purifying the senses. Sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam [Cc. Madhya 19.170].
We take precautions to prevent all kinds of disease and illness but have failed to address the biggest disease and that is material existence. Seeing the struggling souls in Perth, I am hoping to start distributing books again with your blessings.
your servant
Divya Jnana dasa
Duranta Sakti Dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your Vyasa puja.
A few years ago, at your Vyasa Puja ceremony, you spoke about two activities for your disciples, that would please you very much, one was to chant attentively and the other was to give Krishna to others. These instructions have stuck with me over the years, but to be honest I haven’t been very successful at it. When I feel overwhelmed by the pushings of the material world, I remember these simple instructions and they give me the strength to carry on. I pray at your lotus feet that one day I’m able to chant attentively and give Krishna to others.
Gurudev, when I read Srila Prabhupada’s purports, and the innumerable mentions that Prabhupada makes about the need to surrender to a bonafide spiritual master with humility and a service attitude, I consider myself very fortunate that you have accepted me as your disciple out of your mercy. In this material world, where there is danger at every step, I feel safe in the shelter that you have provided me. It is very rare that one gets to take up this sublime path of Bhakti, and out of your mercy, you have given me this topmost opportunity.
Gurudev, when I hear your lectures full of wisdom, where like an artist you intertwine the problems of the modern world with solutions from the Bhagavatam, my foggy vision becomes clear and I’m able to avoid getting caught up in the numerous controversies that plague the present world.
I shudder at the thought of what my life would have been like, if I had not received your mercy. I pray that I always remain on the path of Bhakti, despite the many obstacles that maya puts in the way.
Your servant,
Duranta-sakti Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on the auspicious day of your Vyasa puja.
A few years ago, at your Vyasa Puja ceremony, you spoke about two activities for your disciples, that would please you very much, one was to chant attentively and the other was to give Krishna to others. These instructions have stuck with me over the years, but to be honest I haven’t been very successful at it. When I feel overwhelmed by the pushings of the material world, I remember these simple instructions and they give me the strength to carry on. I pray at your lotus feet that one day I’m able to chant attentively and give Krishna to others.
Gurudev, when I read Srila Prabhupada’s purports, and the innumerable mentions that Prabhupada makes about the need to surrender to a bonafide spiritual master with humility and a service attitude, I consider myself very fortunate that you have accepted me as your disciple out of your mercy. In this material world, where there is danger at every step, I feel safe in the shelter that you have provided me. It is very rare that one gets to take up this sublime path of Bhakti, and out of your mercy, you have given me this topmost opportunity.
Gurudev, when I hear your lectures full of wisdom, where like an artist you intertwine the problems of the modern world with solutions from the Bhagavatam, my foggy vision becomes clear and I’m able to avoid getting caught up in the numerous controversies that plague the present world.
I shudder at the thought of what my life would have been like, if I had not received your mercy. I pray that I always remain on the path of Bhakti, despite the many obstacles that maya puts in the way.
Your servant,
Duranta-sakti Dasa
Dvija Pitambar dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your divine appearance day.
On this auspicious day, I meditate on your divine qualities and reflect on my meager attempts to please you and how far do I have to go.
The lockdown has been certainly one of the most interesting times that we have lived in in our life so far. Among many good things that it has brought, one of the best has been to hear you live every week! Your going through the theme of bhava and bhāva and your nectarean descriptions of the pastimes from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam has been a great source of inspiration. In the times of physical or mental fatigue, my recreation is to listen to your classes for couple of hours and I feel completely rejuvenated. These transcendental lectures certainly reflect your absorption in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books.
You show your love for these books by expertly organizing its distribution and reading. In last Recharge Festival in NZ, you described what led to a 25 years of successful book distribution in New Zealand, leading to what we have now: an incredibly successful outreach movement! As a first step, you encouraged book distribution. The core team of devotees went out everyday, day after day, for long hours. Then the question was, “is anyone even reading them?” So as a next step, step two, to encourage the reading of the books that had been distributed you opened the outreach centers. The motto for the outreach centers and devotees engaged was (and still is): love to read books and love to distribute books. To encourage the visitors to keep coming, what followed was sumptuous prasadam and nice kirtans (to later become kirtan school and kirtan training centre). You called the love for reading and distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books as the “company culture” and encouraged everyone to contribute to make a big impact.
Your love and encouragement for reading and distributing the transcendental literature is my inspiration and meditation. Outreach and Sankirtan certainly please you. Couple of years ago you visited Melbourne briefly and when I dropped you at the airport, referring to my marathon book distribution, you said, “very pleased!”
I am happy to do what it takes to please you and your representatives. I humbly seek your blessings to never lose sight of what is most important and to have the necessary strength and courage to do it.
Aspiring to be your worthy servant,
Dvija Pītāmbar dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your divine appearance day.
On this auspicious day, I meditate on your divine qualities and reflect on my meager attempts to please you and how far do I have to go.
The lockdown has been certainly one of the most interesting times that we have lived in in our life so far. Among many good things that it has brought, one of the best has been to hear you live every week! Your going through the theme of bhava and bhāva and your nectarean descriptions of the pastimes from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam has been a great source of inspiration. In the times of physical or mental fatigue, my recreation is to listen to your classes for couple of hours and I feel completely rejuvenated. These transcendental lectures certainly reflect your absorption in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books.
You show your love for these books by expertly organizing its distribution and reading. In last Recharge Festival in NZ, you described what led to a 25 years of successful book distribution in New Zealand, leading to what we have now: an incredibly successful outreach movement! As a first step, you encouraged book distribution. The core team of devotees went out everyday, day after day, for long hours. Then the question was, “is anyone even reading them?” So as a next step, step two, to encourage the reading of the books that had been distributed you opened the outreach centers. The motto for the outreach centers and devotees engaged was (and still is): love to read books and love to distribute books. To encourage the visitors to keep coming, what followed was sumptuous prasadam and nice kirtans (to later become kirtan school and kirtan training centre). You called the love for reading and distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books as the “company culture” and encouraged everyone to contribute to make a big impact.
Your love and encouragement for reading and distributing the transcendental literature is my inspiration and meditation. Outreach and Sankirtan certainly please you. Couple of years ago you visited Melbourne briefly and when I dropped you at the airport, referring to my marathon book distribution, you said, “very pleased!”
I am happy to do what it takes to please you and your representatives. I humbly seek your blessings to never lose sight of what is most important and to have the necessary strength and courage to do it.
Aspiring to be your worthy servant,
Dvija Pītāmbar dāsa
Dyuti-mandala Das
Dear Guru-mahārāja
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrila Prabhupāda!
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-puja and holy appearance day!
Om ajñāna-timirāndasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā
Caksur unmīlitam yena tasmai śrī-gurave namah
On this auspicious occasion I would like to thank you for your mercy and compassion towards me and so many others around the world.
You have so kindly been sharing the teachings of Krishna consciousness(bhakti yoga) for more than 4 decades. You have traveled extensively around the world and enlightened many. By my good fortune you came to South Africa and I was able to meet you and hear from you. This has been my greatest blessing in life.
This year we have had challenging times because of the Covid-19 lockdowns. Kindly though you have been giving online classes and we have had the opportunity to watch and hear from you vIa Zoom, YouTube and Facebook. You have been giving us valuable spiritual knowledge and wisdom on how to handle these times of crisis and even take advantage of them by going deeper into our spiritual practises. This has helped me and given me a lot to think about as I try to be KrIshna conscious in times that are difficult.
Your wise words, guidance and instructions have always been for my eternal spiritual welfare. You are a spiritual doctor prescribing the best medicine of chanting the Hare Krishna Māha mantra, the reading of Śrila Prabhupāda's books and performance of devotional service. Unfortunately, like a stubborn patient I have not taken enough advantage of this miraculous medicine, which can cure me of my material disease(material consciousness). I pray that I can be a good patient and take your prescribed medicine sufficiently.
Thank you dear Guru-mahārāja for your mercy and compassion. Thank you for the spiritual wisdom that you share.
Your insignificant servant,
Dyuti-mandala Das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrila Prabhupāda!
All glories to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-puja and holy appearance day!
Om ajñāna-timirāndasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā
Caksur unmīlitam yena tasmai śrī-gurave namah
On this auspicious occasion I would like to thank you for your mercy and compassion towards me and so many others around the world.
You have so kindly been sharing the teachings of Krishna consciousness(bhakti yoga) for more than 4 decades. You have traveled extensively around the world and enlightened many. By my good fortune you came to South Africa and I was able to meet you and hear from you. This has been my greatest blessing in life.
This year we have had challenging times because of the Covid-19 lockdowns. Kindly though you have been giving online classes and we have had the opportunity to watch and hear from you vIa Zoom, YouTube and Facebook. You have been giving us valuable spiritual knowledge and wisdom on how to handle these times of crisis and even take advantage of them by going deeper into our spiritual practises. This has helped me and given me a lot to think about as I try to be KrIshna conscious in times that are difficult.
Your wise words, guidance and instructions have always been for my eternal spiritual welfare. You are a spiritual doctor prescribing the best medicine of chanting the Hare Krishna Māha mantra, the reading of Śrila Prabhupāda's books and performance of devotional service. Unfortunately, like a stubborn patient I have not taken enough advantage of this miraculous medicine, which can cure me of my material disease(material consciousness). I pray that I can be a good patient and take your prescribed medicine sufficiently.
Thank you dear Guru-mahārāja for your mercy and compassion. Thank you for the spiritual wisdom that you share.
Your insignificant servant,
Dyuti-mandala Das
Ekant Dham das
Hare Krsna Dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Though this year was not so pleasant, however it gave me immense pleasure, when I got chance to write Vyasa Puja offering for you. This day is very special for all of us. Guru Maharaj, this year, we have started Bhaktivedanta Academy here at ISKCON Noida. Though academy was there for many years, now we are teaching Bhakti Sastri here. I have been assigned with few services here in academy. I am helping in administrative services here. It gives me a kind of pleasure, when I feel that I am helping to fulfill the dream of Srila Prabhupada that every ISKCON Devotee should must do Bhakti Sastri at least. For last few months we have accomplished many different courses for upliftment of devotees in their spiritual life. It could have been possible because of your blessings and guidance. Dealing with students, communicating with them, convincing them, encouraging them, motivating them was possible just because of you. Whenever I spoke to someone on spiritual subjects, I use to think that how would have speak on the matter or does it really need to speak on the subject.
Recently I got chance to read Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita in one week. I would like to share my experience of reading about amazing personality of Srila Prabhupada. It shivers my body when I read that how many sacrifices Srila Prabhupada have done to establish and run this movement. Anyone who will read Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita would attain Krishna Consciousness. I have lived that one week with Srila Prabhupada. I was there with him at Haight Ashbury, at Boston, at Butler, at Bowry with hippies. And it shivers my body more when I realizes that you have met and have taken shelter of such a pure soul. My respect for you increases more and more when I see that the qualities which were there in Srila Prabhupada are also there in you. The same firmness, the power to speak, the power to preach, establishing truth amongst the populace, the same compassion and the care you gave to each of your disciple. Srila Prabhupada have empowered you.
My sincere prayers at the Lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev to keep you healthy and protect you. I wish to serve you and Srila Prabhupada forever.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your unworthy servant
Ekant Dham Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories to your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Though this year was not so pleasant, however it gave me immense pleasure, when I got chance to write Vyasa Puja offering for you. This day is very special for all of us. Guru Maharaj, this year, we have started Bhaktivedanta Academy here at ISKCON Noida. Though academy was there for many years, now we are teaching Bhakti Sastri here. I have been assigned with few services here in academy. I am helping in administrative services here. It gives me a kind of pleasure, when I feel that I am helping to fulfill the dream of Srila Prabhupada that every ISKCON Devotee should must do Bhakti Sastri at least. For last few months we have accomplished many different courses for upliftment of devotees in their spiritual life. It could have been possible because of your blessings and guidance. Dealing with students, communicating with them, convincing them, encouraging them, motivating them was possible just because of you. Whenever I spoke to someone on spiritual subjects, I use to think that how would have speak on the matter or does it really need to speak on the subject.
Recently I got chance to read Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita in one week. I would like to share my experience of reading about amazing personality of Srila Prabhupada. It shivers my body when I read that how many sacrifices Srila Prabhupada have done to establish and run this movement. Anyone who will read Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita would attain Krishna Consciousness. I have lived that one week with Srila Prabhupada. I was there with him at Haight Ashbury, at Boston, at Butler, at Bowry with hippies. And it shivers my body more when I realizes that you have met and have taken shelter of such a pure soul. My respect for you increases more and more when I see that the qualities which were there in Srila Prabhupada are also there in you. The same firmness, the power to speak, the power to preach, establishing truth amongst the populace, the same compassion and the care you gave to each of your disciple. Srila Prabhupada have empowered you.
My sincere prayers at the Lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev to keep you healthy and protect you. I wish to serve you and Srila Prabhupada forever.
Wish you a very happy Vyasa Puja Guru Maharaj
Your unworthy servant
Ekant Dham Das
Ekatma Gaur Das
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I feel grateful to you to guide all the devotees in Melbourne community for spiritual advancement.
I sincerely pray that I should always realise and appreciate what you have given us, not only on your appearance day but every day of my life by trying to follow your instructions.
In one your offerings to Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja, you wrote, "In Kali-yuga the ravages of time spare no one: anything not spiritually tied down—fixed in maturing bhakti—will deteriorate".
I can just hope to tied down to your lotus feet and pray for your continued guidance in helping me progress on my spiritual journey.
Please give me your guidance and blessings so I may keep my family in Krishna consciousness. I hope to be a good husband and a good father to my daughters.
Thank you, Gurudev, for all the guidance and instructions through your lectures.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, Gurudev, I beg for your ongoing guidance and blessings to improve my intelligence to manage my time to read Prabhupada's books properly.
Gurudev, today I pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Ballabha to grant you a healthy life and maintain the glowing aura you carry, so that you can keep giving Srila Prabhupada’s instructions to others as always.
Begging to become an useful servant.
Ekatma Gaur Das
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I feel grateful to you to guide all the devotees in Melbourne community for spiritual advancement.
I sincerely pray that I should always realise and appreciate what you have given us, not only on your appearance day but every day of my life by trying to follow your instructions.
In one your offerings to Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja, you wrote, "In Kali-yuga the ravages of time spare no one: anything not spiritually tied down—fixed in maturing bhakti—will deteriorate".
I can just hope to tied down to your lotus feet and pray for your continued guidance in helping me progress on my spiritual journey.
Please give me your guidance and blessings so I may keep my family in Krishna consciousness. I hope to be a good husband and a good father to my daughters.
Thank you, Gurudev, for all the guidance and instructions through your lectures.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, Gurudev, I beg for your ongoing guidance and blessings to improve my intelligence to manage my time to read Prabhupada's books properly.
Gurudev, today I pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Ballabha to grant you a healthy life and maintain the glowing aura you carry, so that you can keep giving Srila Prabhupada’s instructions to others as always.
Begging to become an useful servant.
Ekatma Gaur Das
Esther Denness
Dearest Gurudeva
All glories to Srila Prabupada and all the assembled devotees.
All glories to this most auspicious and wonderful day for you Gurudeva!
My deepest thank you and gratitude can never again be expressed - I aspire to one day make you very proud and deeply hope I fulfil this life long desire. Your personal, detailed unfathomable knowledge guidance and intelligence continues to astound me.
You continue to be my deepest shelter to myself and my husband.
In a recent class you referred to Krsna often likened to a lotus flower. Yet the lotus flower is material - we should never confuse Krsna with a material form of any kind.
My mind and heart has been drawn to this analogy- I see you are my lotus flower Gurudeva, I see this, yet me such a minute form. How have I warranted this ? I cannot fathom the words.
I pray, deeply pray to the core of my being I can disregard this ridiculous material skin, and remain abreast of this lotus flower, savour your beauty and surrender to you wholeheartedly- I pray. I pray earnestly with eagerness and enthusiasm.
Thank you for being our guiding light in this material world which is ever temporary, entangling and enmeshed in Maya. I pray to you and thank you deeply.
Desiring to serve you eternally
Your humble servant
Esther
All glories to Srila Prabupada and all the assembled devotees.
All glories to this most auspicious and wonderful day for you Gurudeva!
My deepest thank you and gratitude can never again be expressed - I aspire to one day make you very proud and deeply hope I fulfil this life long desire. Your personal, detailed unfathomable knowledge guidance and intelligence continues to astound me.
You continue to be my deepest shelter to myself and my husband.
In a recent class you referred to Krsna often likened to a lotus flower. Yet the lotus flower is material - we should never confuse Krsna with a material form of any kind.
My mind and heart has been drawn to this analogy- I see you are my lotus flower Gurudeva, I see this, yet me such a minute form. How have I warranted this ? I cannot fathom the words.
I pray, deeply pray to the core of my being I can disregard this ridiculous material skin, and remain abreast of this lotus flower, savour your beauty and surrender to you wholeheartedly- I pray. I pray earnestly with eagerness and enthusiasm.
Thank you for being our guiding light in this material world which is ever temporary, entangling and enmeshed in Maya. I pray to you and thank you deeply.
Desiring to serve you eternally
Your humble servant
Esther
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
Thank you for being instrumental in giving us Caitanya Caritamrta, the Crest jewel of all scriptures. It's such an enlivening book to read. It has the power to instill one with the conviction that “I need to give this bhakti knowledge to others”.
Countless sleepless nights you spent assisting in producing this literary masterpiece. What a way to perfect your youthful energies!
Thank you for your dedication to Western friendly outreach.
How many of us would be here without it?
How many of us would be here, if we didn’t meet a devotee from the Loft or Bhakti Lounge?
Varnashrama dharma is designed to cater for a person's material conditioning, thereby allowing them to make gradual spiritual progress.
Let's Fast Forward to today. With innovation, you introduced a new system.
What is that system?
The “urban outreach” centre and the “contemporary vedic” Ashram.
It's a system designed to help the people of today become devotees of Krishna. Most people either can’t plug straight into the traditional varnashrama framework, or they won’t be attracted to a temple outreach environment.
It's amazing how degraded modern culture is. We don’t realise the damage we are doing to ourselves. The emotionally and physically abusive lifestyles, in pursuit of a moment's gratification, destroy us.
Srila prabhupada’s pranam mantra says
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
He is delivering the Western countries. It's part of His mission.
How did Srila Prabhupada save the modern people? Specifically, how did he get so many non-indian, non-religious people to become devotees?
Divine empowerment. The mercy of guru and Krishna.
For those born in recent times, many of us don't want to know about God. Apatheism is fast on the rise. In other words, We don’t directly blaspheme God, we just don't want to think about him. How is one born with such a mentality, supposed to be serious about spiritual life?
Then, Gurudeva, you come in.
You succeed in helping many of these people, with this apatheistic mentality, become Krishna conscious. To do so, one must be divinely empowered.
How are you becoming empowered? How are you attracting the mercy of guru and Krishna?
Hard Work. Sacrifice.
And that's exactly what Srila Prabhupada did to start Krishna consciousness in the west. He worked damn hard. Anyone who has read Srila Prabhupada lilamrita can get a glimpse into How inconceivable hard Srila Prabhupada worked to start and expand ISKCON. It's actually impossible for us to fully appreciate how hard he worked. How much sacrifice he made.
You revealed at the Loft this year, in a devotee only gathering, that to do western friendly outreach, with all its concomitant responsibilities and traumas, is, simply put, Hard work.
So thank you for continuing Srila Prabhupada's legacy of
1) Working hard for Krishna
2) Preaching Lord Caitanya's message
3) in the western countries
Outreach in the west, introduces what I have heard you call the “attrition factor”.
It's hard and it wears you down. You have to really be spiritually very strong to do it. The atmosphere is so debased. To combat this, strong sadhu sanga and regular visits to the holy dhama are required to help one recharge.
Fortunately, by your determined efforts, you have helped establish fortresses in the West. Two such places are the New Zealand communities in Auckland and Wellington, centered around the Loft and Bhakti Lounge.
So thank you Gurudeva for your endeavors to please Srila Prabhupada by
1) working hard for Krishna
2) preaching Lord Caitanya's message
3) in the western countries.
Thank you for setting the example, so we can see what needs to be done, and what we need to do.
Please bless us with your infallible spiritual strength to maintain and expand what you have started.
Attempting to be your Servant,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances.
Thank you for being instrumental in giving us Caitanya Caritamrta, the Crest jewel of all scriptures. It's such an enlivening book to read. It has the power to instill one with the conviction that “I need to give this bhakti knowledge to others”.
Countless sleepless nights you spent assisting in producing this literary masterpiece. What a way to perfect your youthful energies!
Thank you for your dedication to Western friendly outreach.
How many of us would be here without it?
How many of us would be here, if we didn’t meet a devotee from the Loft or Bhakti Lounge?
Varnashrama dharma is designed to cater for a person's material conditioning, thereby allowing them to make gradual spiritual progress.
Let's Fast Forward to today. With innovation, you introduced a new system.
What is that system?
The “urban outreach” centre and the “contemporary vedic” Ashram.
It's a system designed to help the people of today become devotees of Krishna. Most people either can’t plug straight into the traditional varnashrama framework, or they won’t be attracted to a temple outreach environment.
It's amazing how degraded modern culture is. We don’t realise the damage we are doing to ourselves. The emotionally and physically abusive lifestyles, in pursuit of a moment's gratification, destroy us.
Srila prabhupada’s pranam mantra says
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
He is delivering the Western countries. It's part of His mission.
How did Srila Prabhupada save the modern people? Specifically, how did he get so many non-indian, non-religious people to become devotees?
Divine empowerment. The mercy of guru and Krishna.
For those born in recent times, many of us don't want to know about God. Apatheism is fast on the rise. In other words, We don’t directly blaspheme God, we just don't want to think about him. How is one born with such a mentality, supposed to be serious about spiritual life?
Then, Gurudeva, you come in.
You succeed in helping many of these people, with this apatheistic mentality, become Krishna conscious. To do so, one must be divinely empowered.
How are you becoming empowered? How are you attracting the mercy of guru and Krishna?
Hard Work. Sacrifice.
And that's exactly what Srila Prabhupada did to start Krishna consciousness in the west. He worked damn hard. Anyone who has read Srila Prabhupada lilamrita can get a glimpse into How inconceivable hard Srila Prabhupada worked to start and expand ISKCON. It's actually impossible for us to fully appreciate how hard he worked. How much sacrifice he made.
You revealed at the Loft this year, in a devotee only gathering, that to do western friendly outreach, with all its concomitant responsibilities and traumas, is, simply put, Hard work.
So thank you for continuing Srila Prabhupada's legacy of
1) Working hard for Krishna
2) Preaching Lord Caitanya's message
3) in the western countries
Outreach in the west, introduces what I have heard you call the “attrition factor”.
It's hard and it wears you down. You have to really be spiritually very strong to do it. The atmosphere is so debased. To combat this, strong sadhu sanga and regular visits to the holy dhama are required to help one recharge.
Fortunately, by your determined efforts, you have helped establish fortresses in the West. Two such places are the New Zealand communities in Auckland and Wellington, centered around the Loft and Bhakti Lounge.
So thank you Gurudeva for your endeavors to please Srila Prabhupada by
1) working hard for Krishna
2) preaching Lord Caitanya's message
3) in the western countries.
Thank you for setting the example, so we can see what needs to be done, and what we need to do.
Please bless us with your infallible spiritual strength to maintain and expand what you have started.
Attempting to be your Servant,
Gadai Gauranga dasa
Gaura Bhumi Devi Dasi
Weighty Miracles
Blessings cascade down from clouds above like tiny dewdrops of rain.
Barely felt but perfectly tangible.
Weighty miracles of love rain down from up above. Weighty miracles that cannot compare to the staleness of fresh rain.
A voice echos deep within my soul - the gentlest lilt of love that my reality strives to block out. "Look up, spirit soul! Look deep!" But I brush off the dewdrops as insignificant coincidence.
But a weighty miracle comes my way - as undeserving as I am. A cocoon of grace and truth that shakes and stirs my reality to its' highest ideal. Weighty miracles from a love-laden heart. One which drives me to serve and please the Love Supreme.
Weighty miracles are not my own - I owe them all to you, my spiritual master.
A blue-skinned Cowherd Boy echos my good fortune to me -
"My child, it was not really your screaming, your crying or even your change of consciousness that turned the key to the door. It was the prayers of your spiritual master. For decades, your spiritual master has been begging, screaming and crying to the Supreme Lord on your behalf - even more loudly and more feelingly than you have cried. Your spiritual master's pitiful begging for your deliverance is what sent Me here to free you. You see, you were a beggar who did not know how to beg. But fortunately for you, the cries of your spiritual master pierced the many thick layers of the material universe and summoned My intervention. Ultimately, it was these cries of your spiritual master that actually saved you, for although he is a fully realized soul, his softened heart knows the humble art of begging." (The Beggar Volume 2)
Let me rejoice in humble gratitude for I have found what all the world seeks - a true and selfless guide.
Your unfathomable love and kindness is the anchoring weighty miracle of my life.
May I forever more live a lifetime of obeisances.
Aspiring to be a servant
your daughter
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
Blessings cascade down from clouds above like tiny dewdrops of rain.
Barely felt but perfectly tangible.
Weighty miracles of love rain down from up above. Weighty miracles that cannot compare to the staleness of fresh rain.
A voice echos deep within my soul - the gentlest lilt of love that my reality strives to block out. "Look up, spirit soul! Look deep!" But I brush off the dewdrops as insignificant coincidence.
But a weighty miracle comes my way - as undeserving as I am. A cocoon of grace and truth that shakes and stirs my reality to its' highest ideal. Weighty miracles from a love-laden heart. One which drives me to serve and please the Love Supreme.
Weighty miracles are not my own - I owe them all to you, my spiritual master.
A blue-skinned Cowherd Boy echos my good fortune to me -
"My child, it was not really your screaming, your crying or even your change of consciousness that turned the key to the door. It was the prayers of your spiritual master. For decades, your spiritual master has been begging, screaming and crying to the Supreme Lord on your behalf - even more loudly and more feelingly than you have cried. Your spiritual master's pitiful begging for your deliverance is what sent Me here to free you. You see, you were a beggar who did not know how to beg. But fortunately for you, the cries of your spiritual master pierced the many thick layers of the material universe and summoned My intervention. Ultimately, it was these cries of your spiritual master that actually saved you, for although he is a fully realized soul, his softened heart knows the humble art of begging." (The Beggar Volume 2)
Let me rejoice in humble gratitude for I have found what all the world seeks - a true and selfless guide.
Your unfathomable love and kindness is the anchoring weighty miracle of my life.
May I forever more live a lifetime of obeisances.
Aspiring to be a servant
your daughter
Gaura Bhumi devi dasi
Gaura Nataraj das
Dear Guru Maharaj, please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On the glorious day of your appearance, I would like to thank you for all the time and energy you have invested in your disciples. From your lectures I have come to realize everything belongs to Krishna, and therefore all energies should ultimately be used for Krishna's pleasure. This year in particular I keep on remembering many lectures I heard from you in the past, all so sobering about the dynamics of the material world. You were right in the past, you are right in the present and you will be right eternally into the future. This place is not a good place to stay around, and yet somehow regardless of all the bad news here and there I still somehow desire material enjoyment. I am aware of my sick condition and I am trying not to be allured by the mirages of this world. Fortunately for my conditioned soul, I have taken shelter at your lotus feet. You are the most expert in the science of Bhakti yoga in this world and you have invested countless hours trying to satisfy the desire of your dear spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. All that effort has made it possible for me to remain hopeful about a future back to Krishna. Meanwhile we are doing ok dear Guru Maharaj. Nitai is now 5 years old and this year Gokulesvari and I would be married for 7 years already. Things this year were peaceful for us. I was able to work from home and fortunately Mexico wasn't as restrictive as other parts of the world. Staying home and reducing the influx of stimulus, has helped me make improvements in areas I needed to work on. I sincerely thank you for being there for us, your energy and blessings can be felt all the way into our apartment home in Guadalajara. Miss you very much, and I pray to Krishna I may be able to see your effulgence again, in order to get a glimpse of the spiritual world and make sure I aim in that direction along the company of Nitai, Gokulesvari and all of my godbrothers and godsisters.
Hare Krishna
Your servant Gaura Nataraj das
On the glorious day of your appearance, I would like to thank you for all the time and energy you have invested in your disciples. From your lectures I have come to realize everything belongs to Krishna, and therefore all energies should ultimately be used for Krishna's pleasure. This year in particular I keep on remembering many lectures I heard from you in the past, all so sobering about the dynamics of the material world. You were right in the past, you are right in the present and you will be right eternally into the future. This place is not a good place to stay around, and yet somehow regardless of all the bad news here and there I still somehow desire material enjoyment. I am aware of my sick condition and I am trying not to be allured by the mirages of this world. Fortunately for my conditioned soul, I have taken shelter at your lotus feet. You are the most expert in the science of Bhakti yoga in this world and you have invested countless hours trying to satisfy the desire of your dear spiritual master Srila Prabhupada. All that effort has made it possible for me to remain hopeful about a future back to Krishna. Meanwhile we are doing ok dear Guru Maharaj. Nitai is now 5 years old and this year Gokulesvari and I would be married for 7 years already. Things this year were peaceful for us. I was able to work from home and fortunately Mexico wasn't as restrictive as other parts of the world. Staying home and reducing the influx of stimulus, has helped me make improvements in areas I needed to work on. I sincerely thank you for being there for us, your energy and blessings can be felt all the way into our apartment home in Guadalajara. Miss you very much, and I pray to Krishna I may be able to see your effulgence again, in order to get a glimpse of the spiritual world and make sure I aim in that direction along the company of Nitai, Gokulesvari and all of my godbrothers and godsisters.
Hare Krishna
Your servant Gaura Nataraj das
Gaura-arati dd
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most divine day of your 70th Vyasapuja!
Today I feel a great lacking. One at my ability to glorify you in a way that lives up to even the slightest degree of your worthiness. And two, in my ability to reciprocate with you for the all-auspicious opportunity you’ve given me. When deeply meditated upon, it’s overwhelming and my fortune unbelievable. As you said yourself to me, I am just a mercy case. It’s astonishing to get a glimpse of how much mercy you are raining down on me, one insignificant disciple of yours. You are giving me the precious opportunity to perfect my purpose in material existence. After millions of wasted lifetimes the chance has come, by your kindness and sacrifice, to attain life’s ultimate goal, loving service unto the lotus feet of Sri Krishna and His devotees. Yet in day to day life I remain like a child playing with a diamond, with very little understanding of the value of this great gift.
I can only begin to imagine how grateful Srila Prabhupada must be to you Gurudeva, even though you feel completely dependent on his mercy. For nearly 50 years now you’ve solidly served his mission with selflessness, dedication, erudition and what strikes me most at the moment is the foresight and humility that underpins your service choices. For decades you’ve seen the need to train new leaders, allowing young devotees to use their youthful energy, enthusiasm and initiative to take responsibility for Lord Caitanya’s mission. As Srila Prabhupada said, “ownership turns sand into gold.” Just as he gave his disciples responsibility and training, you have done and continue to do. That coupled with the stress you put on the foundations of Bhakti - attentive chanting of the holy names, free from indifference, and the need to fortify our intelligence by DAILY hearing Srimad Bhagavatam, not only makes for happy inspired devotees but makes a recipe of success for ISKCON to flourish and sustain. This is as Srila Prabhupada did, and you have done and continue to do. Recently there has been a ‘rise of the women’s voices in ISKCON.’ We hear how Srila Prabhupada encouraged, engaged and respected his female disciples on an equal level with his male disciples. Now many of these senior devotees are giving more classes confidently and sharing their invaluable realisations. Unfortunately this has not been the case for many women in ISKCON. I find it amazing that a mood that has affected most of the ISKCON world for so long, is so (in a personal sense) irrelevant to those of us in women’s bodies who have been fortunate enough to take shelter of you. I remember in my first year of devotional service, a devotee visited from another city. She asked a question in class that prodded on women’s liberation and equal rights, quoting the 1st chapter of Bhagavad Gita. You answered by asking me, what service there was that I wasn’t able to do because I am in a women’s body. To which I answered there was nothing, and that you had always told me to ‘become a one stop shop, to learn everything for Krishna’s service.’ You truly are an equal opportunity employer and whoever is wanting to sacrifice for Lord Gauranga under your care will be blessed. As Srila Prabhupada did, you have done and continue to do. You simply are an example of the perfect disciple, living only to serve the desires of your Guru Maharaja, precisely following in his lotus footsteps. One other testimony to this fact is the way you’ve revolutionised urban outreach by attuning to the needs of the individuals, showing the relevance of Krishna consciousness in any situation to any type of person, just as Srila Prabhupada did. You’ve made facilities that attract those who would ordinarily not be attracted to Krishna begin to engage in devotional service. From wet wood you create blazing fire. Now even India, as it becomes westernised, is benefitting from your years of experience raising devotees, how to adapt with the times whilst keeping true to the essence. Just as Srila Prabhupada did.
A few months ago you were interviewed by Gopal Bhatta prabhu. Of all the incredible lectures you gave over lockdown, this one I found to be most interesting. It really shouted out how extraordinary you are and how all encompassing your vision is. It was a ‘people behind the policies’ discussion. You were asked if the restrictions that Covid-19 has imposed upon the world might affect ISKCON. After having a laugh about how us ‘Hare Krishna’s’ are transcendental and not affected by what’s going on in the world, you revealed an ongoing deep concern. You mentioned the danger of the polarisation in ISKCON between devotees who take extremely conservative or extremely liberal approaches to Bhakti, and stress their way as best way to fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s mission. You exclaimed - “Is Krishna North South East or West? I would like to think Krishna is for all!” You said that unless we work very hard to connect, and to appreciate each others unique offerings ISKCON will fracture. How is that going to please our dear Srila Prabhupada? In a few recent classes you tapped on the same drum. Friends and enemies, a necessity? You spoke of the cure to our dual mentality. Instead of seeing devotees with different ideas, ideals and different material personalities as annoyances and a botheration we would rather not have around, we should seek to see what we can learn from each devotee. We should study other devotees and see what special gems they have that we can learn from. You said that just this one concept alone can revolutionise our association with devotees. You’re giving practical methods to transform our fly-like consciousness into that of the honeybee, and in this way enriching our relations with the most special people on the planet, Krishna’s dear devotees. By focusing on us as individuals and inspiring transformation, you are bringing about progress on a greater scale.
All we need to do is look around the room today, not to mention the many other corners of the world, to see enlivened and fixed up devotees gathering together to honour the most precious transformation you’ve inspired in their lives.
Your intelligence, super-empowered by your surrender and dedication is so razor sharp. With it, in your enthralling classes you unearth and excavate our illusions. You help us to see Maya doing her alluring dance, in a way to help us realise we don’t want to be dancing with her. Rather let us dance and chant together for the pleasure of the Panca tattva. It seems that no matter what waves are brewing in the ocean of material existence, both within ISKCON and the wider field of earthlings, you have the clarity of vision to always bring us back to the eternal reality, back on track, following in the lotus footsteps, back to Godhead. What greater master, father and well wishing friend could one possibly have?
I can only hope that by living true to my vows to you, and striving to keep devotional service alive as the centrepiece through this phase of my life, that you will be pleased with me for that. And that the self development and lessons this current phase of life offer, give me the realisations and strength of purpose to positively affect the lives of others in the most profound way for years and decades to come. I hope and pray that I too can make you a proud father. For this I am completely dependent on your mercy so I humbly ask Gurudeva that you continue to rain your compassion down on this insignificant servant of yours. Please keep lighting up my life with the desire to perform and progress in devotional service.
I know you know my heart, after all you stole it when I was 19 years old. Therefore I humbly ask that you accept this imperfect, incomplete offering, but ultimately that you accept my life as the real offering, and guide me to develop in Bhakti so I may be of more use to you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Your ever grateful servant,
Gaura-arati dd
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this most divine day of your 70th Vyasapuja!
Today I feel a great lacking. One at my ability to glorify you in a way that lives up to even the slightest degree of your worthiness. And two, in my ability to reciprocate with you for the all-auspicious opportunity you’ve given me. When deeply meditated upon, it’s overwhelming and my fortune unbelievable. As you said yourself to me, I am just a mercy case. It’s astonishing to get a glimpse of how much mercy you are raining down on me, one insignificant disciple of yours. You are giving me the precious opportunity to perfect my purpose in material existence. After millions of wasted lifetimes the chance has come, by your kindness and sacrifice, to attain life’s ultimate goal, loving service unto the lotus feet of Sri Krishna and His devotees. Yet in day to day life I remain like a child playing with a diamond, with very little understanding of the value of this great gift.
I can only begin to imagine how grateful Srila Prabhupada must be to you Gurudeva, even though you feel completely dependent on his mercy. For nearly 50 years now you’ve solidly served his mission with selflessness, dedication, erudition and what strikes me most at the moment is the foresight and humility that underpins your service choices. For decades you’ve seen the need to train new leaders, allowing young devotees to use their youthful energy, enthusiasm and initiative to take responsibility for Lord Caitanya’s mission. As Srila Prabhupada said, “ownership turns sand into gold.” Just as he gave his disciples responsibility and training, you have done and continue to do. That coupled with the stress you put on the foundations of Bhakti - attentive chanting of the holy names, free from indifference, and the need to fortify our intelligence by DAILY hearing Srimad Bhagavatam, not only makes for happy inspired devotees but makes a recipe of success for ISKCON to flourish and sustain. This is as Srila Prabhupada did, and you have done and continue to do. Recently there has been a ‘rise of the women’s voices in ISKCON.’ We hear how Srila Prabhupada encouraged, engaged and respected his female disciples on an equal level with his male disciples. Now many of these senior devotees are giving more classes confidently and sharing their invaluable realisations. Unfortunately this has not been the case for many women in ISKCON. I find it amazing that a mood that has affected most of the ISKCON world for so long, is so (in a personal sense) irrelevant to those of us in women’s bodies who have been fortunate enough to take shelter of you. I remember in my first year of devotional service, a devotee visited from another city. She asked a question in class that prodded on women’s liberation and equal rights, quoting the 1st chapter of Bhagavad Gita. You answered by asking me, what service there was that I wasn’t able to do because I am in a women’s body. To which I answered there was nothing, and that you had always told me to ‘become a one stop shop, to learn everything for Krishna’s service.’ You truly are an equal opportunity employer and whoever is wanting to sacrifice for Lord Gauranga under your care will be blessed. As Srila Prabhupada did, you have done and continue to do. You simply are an example of the perfect disciple, living only to serve the desires of your Guru Maharaja, precisely following in his lotus footsteps. One other testimony to this fact is the way you’ve revolutionised urban outreach by attuning to the needs of the individuals, showing the relevance of Krishna consciousness in any situation to any type of person, just as Srila Prabhupada did. You’ve made facilities that attract those who would ordinarily not be attracted to Krishna begin to engage in devotional service. From wet wood you create blazing fire. Now even India, as it becomes westernised, is benefitting from your years of experience raising devotees, how to adapt with the times whilst keeping true to the essence. Just as Srila Prabhupada did.
A few months ago you were interviewed by Gopal Bhatta prabhu. Of all the incredible lectures you gave over lockdown, this one I found to be most interesting. It really shouted out how extraordinary you are and how all encompassing your vision is. It was a ‘people behind the policies’ discussion. You were asked if the restrictions that Covid-19 has imposed upon the world might affect ISKCON. After having a laugh about how us ‘Hare Krishna’s’ are transcendental and not affected by what’s going on in the world, you revealed an ongoing deep concern. You mentioned the danger of the polarisation in ISKCON between devotees who take extremely conservative or extremely liberal approaches to Bhakti, and stress their way as best way to fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s mission. You exclaimed - “Is Krishna North South East or West? I would like to think Krishna is for all!” You said that unless we work very hard to connect, and to appreciate each others unique offerings ISKCON will fracture. How is that going to please our dear Srila Prabhupada? In a few recent classes you tapped on the same drum. Friends and enemies, a necessity? You spoke of the cure to our dual mentality. Instead of seeing devotees with different ideas, ideals and different material personalities as annoyances and a botheration we would rather not have around, we should seek to see what we can learn from each devotee. We should study other devotees and see what special gems they have that we can learn from. You said that just this one concept alone can revolutionise our association with devotees. You’re giving practical methods to transform our fly-like consciousness into that of the honeybee, and in this way enriching our relations with the most special people on the planet, Krishna’s dear devotees. By focusing on us as individuals and inspiring transformation, you are bringing about progress on a greater scale.
All we need to do is look around the room today, not to mention the many other corners of the world, to see enlivened and fixed up devotees gathering together to honour the most precious transformation you’ve inspired in their lives.
Your intelligence, super-empowered by your surrender and dedication is so razor sharp. With it, in your enthralling classes you unearth and excavate our illusions. You help us to see Maya doing her alluring dance, in a way to help us realise we don’t want to be dancing with her. Rather let us dance and chant together for the pleasure of the Panca tattva. It seems that no matter what waves are brewing in the ocean of material existence, both within ISKCON and the wider field of earthlings, you have the clarity of vision to always bring us back to the eternal reality, back on track, following in the lotus footsteps, back to Godhead. What greater master, father and well wishing friend could one possibly have?
I can only hope that by living true to my vows to you, and striving to keep devotional service alive as the centrepiece through this phase of my life, that you will be pleased with me for that. And that the self development and lessons this current phase of life offer, give me the realisations and strength of purpose to positively affect the lives of others in the most profound way for years and decades to come. I hope and pray that I too can make you a proud father. For this I am completely dependent on your mercy so I humbly ask Gurudeva that you continue to rain your compassion down on this insignificant servant of yours. Please keep lighting up my life with the desire to perform and progress in devotional service.
I know you know my heart, after all you stole it when I was 19 years old. Therefore I humbly ask that you accept this imperfect, incomplete offering, but ultimately that you accept my life as the real offering, and guide me to develop in Bhakti so I may be of more use to you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Your ever grateful servant,
Gaura-arati dd
Gauramandala das and family
nama om vishnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
Please accept our humble obeisance at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja day.
I had the good fortune of serving you personally at Tirupathi in 2019. I had the opportunity to see you walking, talking, acting, behaving perfect representative of Srila Prabhupada. Somehow I got the realization that when I see you and when trying to fathom your personality and I happen to stumble upon precise instruction Srila Prabhupada gave that you follow absolutely in line. You have made the words of the Srila Prabhupada as your life and soul.
I had the good fortune of visiting Mayapur first time in March 2020 and attend the parikrama with South India group and render some service. I heard the name Chaitanya first time in my life when I was young about 12 years when I had been to my grandma village for vacation and my initial thought was it is sounding quite foreign. I was puzzled even more when that young friend mentioned he is from Vaishnava family. I could not see any connection. For such an ignorant fool you gave the most wonderful name Gaura mandala das. I hope one day I truly live up to this name understanding a tiny drop of most merciful incarnation Lord Gauranga and serve the Lord following His dear servant as yourself.
I had challenges in following the plans I set forth on studying the Prabhupada books. But you simply said “you must do it”. The response was very simple and direct. I realize it is my mind playing all the tricks cheating me. I wish to overcome and dedicate my energy more tuning into the words of Srila Prabhupada and yourself than finding excuses anymore.
This year I am happy to report that I had the fortune of learning/teaching over 50 slokas across Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrta to my younger daughter Shruti. She although in first grade inspiring me by her interest in learning and repeating without knowing or feeling the usual burden of learning something at that age she is learning in a natural way. I realize hidden innate potential gets unlocked when connected with Krishna. I feel responsible to set the right example for my family/Krishna’s family.
We pray and beg on this auspicious day to you to shower your causeless mercy so that we don’t lose sight of priceless devotional service and nurture at every step of life and share the fruits to others lovingly.
Your aspiring servants
Gauramandal das and Vraja mandal devi dasi, Sanjitha and Shruti.
srimate devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva dakshyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarva ca te namah
Dear Gurudev
Please accept our humble obeisance at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja day.
I had the good fortune of serving you personally at Tirupathi in 2019. I had the opportunity to see you walking, talking, acting, behaving perfect representative of Srila Prabhupada. Somehow I got the realization that when I see you and when trying to fathom your personality and I happen to stumble upon precise instruction Srila Prabhupada gave that you follow absolutely in line. You have made the words of the Srila Prabhupada as your life and soul.
I had the good fortune of visiting Mayapur first time in March 2020 and attend the parikrama with South India group and render some service. I heard the name Chaitanya first time in my life when I was young about 12 years when I had been to my grandma village for vacation and my initial thought was it is sounding quite foreign. I was puzzled even more when that young friend mentioned he is from Vaishnava family. I could not see any connection. For such an ignorant fool you gave the most wonderful name Gaura mandala das. I hope one day I truly live up to this name understanding a tiny drop of most merciful incarnation Lord Gauranga and serve the Lord following His dear servant as yourself.
I had challenges in following the plans I set forth on studying the Prabhupada books. But you simply said “you must do it”. The response was very simple and direct. I realize it is my mind playing all the tricks cheating me. I wish to overcome and dedicate my energy more tuning into the words of Srila Prabhupada and yourself than finding excuses anymore.
This year I am happy to report that I had the fortune of learning/teaching over 50 slokas across Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrta to my younger daughter Shruti. She although in first grade inspiring me by her interest in learning and repeating without knowing or feeling the usual burden of learning something at that age she is learning in a natural way. I realize hidden innate potential gets unlocked when connected with Krishna. I feel responsible to set the right example for my family/Krishna’s family.
We pray and beg on this auspicious day to you to shower your causeless mercy so that we don’t lose sight of priceless devotional service and nurture at every step of life and share the fruits to others lovingly.
Your aspiring servants
Gauramandal das and Vraja mandal devi dasi, Sanjitha and Shruti.
Gauranga Chandra Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your Vyasa puja.
On this very special day of your Vyasa Puja, I sincerely pray to Lord Krishna with my family that you live a very long life in good health and guide this humanity in the path of Krishna consciousness.
Guru Maharaj, I have always admired the way you plan, organize, and manage your busy schedules in Krishna Consciousness. Your instructions always keep lingering in my mind and I still remember how much you emphasized reading Prabhupada books and how important it is in one's life regardless of whatever we do.
I am really experiencing that personally in my life, whenever I get busy or occupied with other material activities and lose track in reading Prabhupada books, I could clearly see that the peaceful quality of my life deteriorates and suddenly will realize that it is due to me slacking off in reading Prabhupada books and immediately will try to get back on track and after few days, somehow things will become normal. It is only by your causeless mercy this is happening. Although I try to read regularly at least a bit, I see that there is a long way to go, and only with your blessings that I can improve and become a part of your mission in spreading Krishna Consciousness.
Your humble servant,
Gauranga Chandra Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your Vyasa puja.
On this very special day of your Vyasa Puja, I sincerely pray to Lord Krishna with my family that you live a very long life in good health and guide this humanity in the path of Krishna consciousness.
Guru Maharaj, I have always admired the way you plan, organize, and manage your busy schedules in Krishna Consciousness. Your instructions always keep lingering in my mind and I still remember how much you emphasized reading Prabhupada books and how important it is in one's life regardless of whatever we do.
I am really experiencing that personally in my life, whenever I get busy or occupied with other material activities and lose track in reading Prabhupada books, I could clearly see that the peaceful quality of my life deteriorates and suddenly will realize that it is due to me slacking off in reading Prabhupada books and immediately will try to get back on track and after few days, somehow things will become normal. It is only by your causeless mercy this is happening. Although I try to read regularly at least a bit, I see that there is a long way to go, and only with your blessings that I can improve and become a part of your mission in spreading Krishna Consciousness.
Your humble servant,
Gauranga Chandra Das
Gauranga Gopal dasa
My dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to follow in your footsteps, I learn by your example, how one should act in Krsna consciousness. Your character is absolutely transcendental and your divine qualities seem to show no limits. Your expertise to deal with devotees is perfect, as you can see every soul for who they are and not for who they pretend to be.
I was first introduced to you after a program in Bhakti Lounge, Wellington, by my mentor at the time, Dayamaya devi dasi. I heard you praised by many, which made me curious to meet you for real, and who knows, maybe have the course of my life changed. In the large room where you just gave a talk, I sat before you, not knowing what to say or do. After briefly talking about how I first came to know Bhakti Lounge, I became very self conscious, thinking that I should be doing something to start your magic off. My only shelter being my own material prowess which I foolishly considered vast, so I tried to score by demonstrating all these frivolous opulences of mine. Not being impressed in the least, you redirected our conversation on what I thought at the time to be a more impersonal topic : France. Our conversation went on and lasted for more than thirty minutes. As I came out of it, I felt as if I wasted someone’s time and was left with a dry taste in the mouth. My expectations were high, and I felt cheated that, externally, you didn’t meet them. Even though you gave me time and attention, I was left with a bitter feeling that something was missing from the scene. Yet, I couldn’t quite figure out what it was, being submerged by the modes of passion and ignorance...
My first experience of meeting with a guru was with the hugging mother Amma, somewhere near Paris. That was something ! Feeling the buzz and tickles from the tense atmosphere that filled the pandal as I was queuing up for the grand cuddle, I was bewitched while hearing names like “Krsna”, “Siva”, “Gopinatha”, “Ganapati” or “Durga” for the first time. Then, going for a dive in the unknown, she whispered in my right ear “Mon chéri, mon chéri, mon chéri”, which translates from french as “my dear”, times three. Like this, I felt very special and unique. Still I also was disappointed when I realized that she didn’t reveal my mantra as she sometimes does for her devotees. Later, I was told by a disciple that I probably wasn’t ready to receive it for some mysterious reason. I then decided to start my travels, from New Zealand, land of the one Ring, and culminating with a visit to India, in order to get my mantra by fair means or foul...
About one year later, by your mercy, I actually got Srila Prabhupada’s books in Wellington from Dayamaya’s empowered hand, and with them the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, ending my formidable and epic quest sooner than expected. My impersonal trip with the loving mother Amma was now long gone from my memory, but still left an imprint that would cover my judgment for our first meeting, just a few weeks later.
In Bhagavad Gita (BG 4.34), Krishna instructs Arjuna that depending on the quality of one’s approaching the bona fide guru (submissive inquiries, desire to serve), the latter will reciprocate by imparting transcendental knowledge unto him. None of these qualities were really present in me when I entered the darshan room on this day. Thus, you reciprocated with me in the most personal way, proportionately with my lack of desire to surrender at the time but still giving me the attention that I thought I deserved. In such a way, you awarded me a most basic realization of how unsatisfying talking about oneself actually is.
Fast forward a few more months, I went through a very difficult period, associating with wrong people trying to deviate me from the path you led me on, and struggling a lot with trust issues within the movement. I was totally bewildered as I grew convinced that Krsna consciousness was my truthful path, but kept being swayed between two different standards of practice (one very loose and the other, proper). Then, I finally met you in the darshan that I thought was to determine my future within ISKCON. You showed me such great kindness and compassion, now reciprocating with my sincere desire to serve Krsna. You delivered me from my own mental condition and gave me a renewed opportunity to chant Hare Krsna with more determination and enthusiasm, forgiving all my offenses at your and your disciples’ feet. You also gave me hope about a future within ISKCON outside New Zealand, closing my anxiety of the unavoidable ending visa and leading me to the shelter of the welsh devotees.
As I left the room, I was beaming and could not do anything to stop it. Like the iron rod when in contact with fire takes on its qualities, by being in your association, you gave me a taste of the ever expanding bliss that you are always relishing. This was the great mercy you causelessly bestowed upon me and up to this day, I cling on to this memory as one of my dearmost.
While trying to follow in your footsteps, I notice your reciprocation with everyone you meet, always desiring to uplift them from whichever conditions they are under, up to the highest goal. Your expertise of dealing so personally with devotees is enough to make you the topmost spiritual master. I aspire to eternally remain at the service of your lotus-feet so I may one day become very dear to you and to Krsna.
Your servant,
Gauranga-gopala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to follow in your footsteps, I learn by your example, how one should act in Krsna consciousness. Your character is absolutely transcendental and your divine qualities seem to show no limits. Your expertise to deal with devotees is perfect, as you can see every soul for who they are and not for who they pretend to be.
I was first introduced to you after a program in Bhakti Lounge, Wellington, by my mentor at the time, Dayamaya devi dasi. I heard you praised by many, which made me curious to meet you for real, and who knows, maybe have the course of my life changed. In the large room where you just gave a talk, I sat before you, not knowing what to say or do. After briefly talking about how I first came to know Bhakti Lounge, I became very self conscious, thinking that I should be doing something to start your magic off. My only shelter being my own material prowess which I foolishly considered vast, so I tried to score by demonstrating all these frivolous opulences of mine. Not being impressed in the least, you redirected our conversation on what I thought at the time to be a more impersonal topic : France. Our conversation went on and lasted for more than thirty minutes. As I came out of it, I felt as if I wasted someone’s time and was left with a dry taste in the mouth. My expectations were high, and I felt cheated that, externally, you didn’t meet them. Even though you gave me time and attention, I was left with a bitter feeling that something was missing from the scene. Yet, I couldn’t quite figure out what it was, being submerged by the modes of passion and ignorance...
My first experience of meeting with a guru was with the hugging mother Amma, somewhere near Paris. That was something ! Feeling the buzz and tickles from the tense atmosphere that filled the pandal as I was queuing up for the grand cuddle, I was bewitched while hearing names like “Krsna”, “Siva”, “Gopinatha”, “Ganapati” or “Durga” for the first time. Then, going for a dive in the unknown, she whispered in my right ear “Mon chéri, mon chéri, mon chéri”, which translates from french as “my dear”, times three. Like this, I felt very special and unique. Still I also was disappointed when I realized that she didn’t reveal my mantra as she sometimes does for her devotees. Later, I was told by a disciple that I probably wasn’t ready to receive it for some mysterious reason. I then decided to start my travels, from New Zealand, land of the one Ring, and culminating with a visit to India, in order to get my mantra by fair means or foul...
About one year later, by your mercy, I actually got Srila Prabhupada’s books in Wellington from Dayamaya’s empowered hand, and with them the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, ending my formidable and epic quest sooner than expected. My impersonal trip with the loving mother Amma was now long gone from my memory, but still left an imprint that would cover my judgment for our first meeting, just a few weeks later.
In Bhagavad Gita (BG 4.34), Krishna instructs Arjuna that depending on the quality of one’s approaching the bona fide guru (submissive inquiries, desire to serve), the latter will reciprocate by imparting transcendental knowledge unto him. None of these qualities were really present in me when I entered the darshan room on this day. Thus, you reciprocated with me in the most personal way, proportionately with my lack of desire to surrender at the time but still giving me the attention that I thought I deserved. In such a way, you awarded me a most basic realization of how unsatisfying talking about oneself actually is.
Fast forward a few more months, I went through a very difficult period, associating with wrong people trying to deviate me from the path you led me on, and struggling a lot with trust issues within the movement. I was totally bewildered as I grew convinced that Krsna consciousness was my truthful path, but kept being swayed between two different standards of practice (one very loose and the other, proper). Then, I finally met you in the darshan that I thought was to determine my future within ISKCON. You showed me such great kindness and compassion, now reciprocating with my sincere desire to serve Krsna. You delivered me from my own mental condition and gave me a renewed opportunity to chant Hare Krsna with more determination and enthusiasm, forgiving all my offenses at your and your disciples’ feet. You also gave me hope about a future within ISKCON outside New Zealand, closing my anxiety of the unavoidable ending visa and leading me to the shelter of the welsh devotees.
As I left the room, I was beaming and could not do anything to stop it. Like the iron rod when in contact with fire takes on its qualities, by being in your association, you gave me a taste of the ever expanding bliss that you are always relishing. This was the great mercy you causelessly bestowed upon me and up to this day, I cling on to this memory as one of my dearmost.
While trying to follow in your footsteps, I notice your reciprocation with everyone you meet, always desiring to uplift them from whichever conditions they are under, up to the highest goal. Your expertise of dealing so personally with devotees is enough to make you the topmost spiritual master. I aspire to eternally remain at the service of your lotus-feet so I may one day become very dear to you and to Krsna.
Your servant,
Gauranga-gopala dasa
Girish Dixit
Shri Guru Charan Kamalebhyo Namah
Nama om vishnu padaya Krishna preshthaya bhu tale
srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
prachare purvadakshancha bhaktachare pravinata
parartha tapi karunyam yasa sarva chate namaha
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
Srimate Bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine
namaste Saraswati deve gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi pashchatya-desha-tarine
Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjan- salakaya
Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
Dhyana Moolam Guru Murti
Puja Moolam Gurur Padam,
Mantra Moolam Gurur Vakyam,
Moksha Moolam Guru Kripa
Guru Gita - Skanda Purana Dialogue between Shiva and Uma (Shakti)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, Gauranga and unto you.
Everyday when I offer my obeisance at the altar and take your darshan it helps me increase my faith in Guru and Gaura and boosts up my confidence levels to meet the daily challenges. Inspite of being very busy with your preaching and travelling schedules you still take out time to clarify my doubts and reply with personal instructions.
On this auspicious day of your appearance I seek your blessings so I can become a humble instrument in spreading the revolutionary message passed to you by your Spiritual Master His Devine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada.
I always had a desire to read Bhagvad Gita, but never did so. But when we met, I received personal instruction to read and study Srimad Bhagvad Gita. I followed your instructions and have joined the Bhakti Sastri Course at the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. I consider myself very fortunate, making a progress in Krishna Consciousness under your guidance. I have started to wake up early in the morning just to practice chanting in the early hours of the day. And last but not the least we are expecting an addition to the family, due in April next year by your mercy and Krishna’s will, please bless us so we can lead a Krishna centred life.
Your humble servant,
Girish
Nama om vishnu padaya Krishna preshthaya bhu tale
srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
prachare purvadakshancha bhaktachare pravinata
parartha tapi karunyam yasa sarva chate namaha
Nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
Srimate Bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine
namaste Saraswati deve gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi pashchatya-desha-tarine
Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjan- salakaya
Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam
Dhyana Moolam Guru Murti
Puja Moolam Gurur Padam,
Mantra Moolam Gurur Vakyam,
Moksha Moolam Guru Kripa
Guru Gita - Skanda Purana Dialogue between Shiva and Uma (Shakti)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, Gauranga and unto you.
Everyday when I offer my obeisance at the altar and take your darshan it helps me increase my faith in Guru and Gaura and boosts up my confidence levels to meet the daily challenges. Inspite of being very busy with your preaching and travelling schedules you still take out time to clarify my doubts and reply with personal instructions.
On this auspicious day of your appearance I seek your blessings so I can become a humble instrument in spreading the revolutionary message passed to you by your Spiritual Master His Devine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada.
I always had a desire to read Bhagvad Gita, but never did so. But when we met, I received personal instruction to read and study Srimad Bhagvad Gita. I followed your instructions and have joined the Bhakti Sastri Course at the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. I consider myself very fortunate, making a progress in Krishna Consciousness under your guidance. I have started to wake up early in the morning just to practice chanting in the early hours of the day. And last but not the least we are expecting an addition to the family, due in April next year by your mercy and Krishna’s will, please bless us so we can lead a Krishna centred life.
Your humble servant,
Girish
Gita Govinda Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudev, Please Accept My Most Humble Obesiences. All Glories To Srila Prabhupada, And All Glories To You on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
In the Srimad Bhagavatam it says, ‘Since the spiritual master gives birth to the disciple by awakening him to spiritual life, a bona fide disciple understands that his spiritual master is the very basis of his life.’ (SB 11.3.22). I am only aspiring to be your bonafide disciple, but I can see how you and your instructions are the only basis of my life. That I am only made up of your mercy and nothing else is very evident to me. Without your causeless mercy I would be completely swept away by the modes of material nature that I clutch onto so tightly.
Gurudev, you are extremely tolerant and magnanimous. You have tolerated so many outbursts and conditioned responses that are difficult to bear. I am sorry for my instability and lack of care or respect in dealing with devotees; I am sorry for the pain and problems this has caused. Through your unconditional love coming from complete surrender to Krishna, you never give up on me though and always encourage me. You never give up on any of your disciples, no matter what they go through in life, you show unconditional love and are just like a loving father that never wants to see his son or daughter suffer. You risk so much inconvenience and trouble to take such personal care in our lives, seeing us through all the ups and downs, and teaching us to fly our own plane. Gurudev, you recognize the tiniest most insignificant positive thing and amplify it, and you ignore my ocean of faults. You are so supremely kind, tolerant, forgiving, and an ocean of causeless mercy.
Gurudev, while you were leading a kirtan recently I had the realization that you are like a strong and formidable ship, and through your strength, unwavering determination, and complete surrender to the Holy Name you are carrying us all over the ocean of material existence together. Gurudev you are fighting off maya by your spiritual strength and keeping us safe under your shelter, it is just up to us to take that shelter under you. This reminded me of the Srimad Bhagavatam where Prabhupada explains that “This human form of body is a most valuable boat, and the spiritual master is the captain to guide the boat in plying across the ocean of nescience…Since the spiritual master is the captain, one must serve the spiritual master very sincerely so that by his mercy one will be able to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord” (SB 7.15.45). I pray that I can actually serve you Gurudev, as I progress and stabilize myself in bhakti, that I can come to the proper standard.
Gurudev you teach us that the only thing we can depend on is the Holy Name and that we must take shelter of Krishna’s names and the knowledge in Srimad Bhagavatam. Gurudev you urge us to think: “Where would we be without the knowledge in Srimad Bhagavatam?” and to relish reading about Krishna and Krishna’s pasttimes. You are constantly preparing us for the future, shaking us and waking us up to what’s going on, to the reality. You teach us that bhakti is our lifetime career and that our life’s mission is cultivating our attachment to Krishna. I pray that by your mercy I can become focused in cultivating my attachment and surrender to Krishna’s lotus feet.
The relationship between the disciple and the spiritual master is unfathomably deep, deeper than I am consciously aware of or able to experience or articulate. But I do know that the power of hearing your lectures takes away all fear, and is like hanging on to a life raft while being tossed around in a raging ocean – hearing the transcendental sound vibrations you emit is the only true solace for the heart and soul. Just as it is said in Srimad Bhagavatam: “Just as a radio broadcasts mundane news, the bona fide guru broadcasts the news from Vaikuṇṭha. This is confirmed by Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura: golokera prema-dhana, hari-nāma-saṅkīrtana” (SB 11.3.21 purport). Just by hearing you, Gurudev, the mind finds some place to rest. And just by seeing you the clouds of ignorance are dispersed from in front of my eyes. It is only by your causeless mercy that this takes place.
Gurudev, it is inconceivable how you always know our heart. You see who we really are beyond the temporary workings of the body and mind, you see our capacity to serve Krishna beyond any obstacles, and you lift us up way above those obstacles to give us a chance to taste Krishna consciousness – the highest nectar of life. I know that when I pray to Krishna from my heart you can hear those prayers, and it is amazing that bhakti is a collaboration between us, the individual soul, Krishna the Supersoul in our heart, and the external representative of the Supersoul, Gurudev, our spiritual master. You said once to my godsister: ‘I have your heart and I can give your heart to Krishna’ and so I humbly beg to have the opportunity to qualify myself and come to my real position of being a servant of the servant of the servant of the servant of the Supreme Lord (gopī-bhartuḥ pāda-kamalayor dāsa-dāsānudāsaḥ) by your mercy. As the secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and thereby getting his sincere blessings (SB 1.1.8) I only aspire to please you by becoming Krishna conscious and serving the devotees. Thank you for the unbelievable fortune of allowing me to live in the association of devotees. Thank you for teaching us through your classes to use all experiences, even suffering, as an opportunity to go deeper into our bhakti.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Gita Govinda devi dasi
In the Srimad Bhagavatam it says, ‘Since the spiritual master gives birth to the disciple by awakening him to spiritual life, a bona fide disciple understands that his spiritual master is the very basis of his life.’ (SB 11.3.22). I am only aspiring to be your bonafide disciple, but I can see how you and your instructions are the only basis of my life. That I am only made up of your mercy and nothing else is very evident to me. Without your causeless mercy I would be completely swept away by the modes of material nature that I clutch onto so tightly.
Gurudev, you are extremely tolerant and magnanimous. You have tolerated so many outbursts and conditioned responses that are difficult to bear. I am sorry for my instability and lack of care or respect in dealing with devotees; I am sorry for the pain and problems this has caused. Through your unconditional love coming from complete surrender to Krishna, you never give up on me though and always encourage me. You never give up on any of your disciples, no matter what they go through in life, you show unconditional love and are just like a loving father that never wants to see his son or daughter suffer. You risk so much inconvenience and trouble to take such personal care in our lives, seeing us through all the ups and downs, and teaching us to fly our own plane. Gurudev, you recognize the tiniest most insignificant positive thing and amplify it, and you ignore my ocean of faults. You are so supremely kind, tolerant, forgiving, and an ocean of causeless mercy.
Gurudev, while you were leading a kirtan recently I had the realization that you are like a strong and formidable ship, and through your strength, unwavering determination, and complete surrender to the Holy Name you are carrying us all over the ocean of material existence together. Gurudev you are fighting off maya by your spiritual strength and keeping us safe under your shelter, it is just up to us to take that shelter under you. This reminded me of the Srimad Bhagavatam where Prabhupada explains that “This human form of body is a most valuable boat, and the spiritual master is the captain to guide the boat in plying across the ocean of nescience…Since the spiritual master is the captain, one must serve the spiritual master very sincerely so that by his mercy one will be able to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord” (SB 7.15.45). I pray that I can actually serve you Gurudev, as I progress and stabilize myself in bhakti, that I can come to the proper standard.
Gurudev you teach us that the only thing we can depend on is the Holy Name and that we must take shelter of Krishna’s names and the knowledge in Srimad Bhagavatam. Gurudev you urge us to think: “Where would we be without the knowledge in Srimad Bhagavatam?” and to relish reading about Krishna and Krishna’s pasttimes. You are constantly preparing us for the future, shaking us and waking us up to what’s going on, to the reality. You teach us that bhakti is our lifetime career and that our life’s mission is cultivating our attachment to Krishna. I pray that by your mercy I can become focused in cultivating my attachment and surrender to Krishna’s lotus feet.
The relationship between the disciple and the spiritual master is unfathomably deep, deeper than I am consciously aware of or able to experience or articulate. But I do know that the power of hearing your lectures takes away all fear, and is like hanging on to a life raft while being tossed around in a raging ocean – hearing the transcendental sound vibrations you emit is the only true solace for the heart and soul. Just as it is said in Srimad Bhagavatam: “Just as a radio broadcasts mundane news, the bona fide guru broadcasts the news from Vaikuṇṭha. This is confirmed by Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura: golokera prema-dhana, hari-nāma-saṅkīrtana” (SB 11.3.21 purport). Just by hearing you, Gurudev, the mind finds some place to rest. And just by seeing you the clouds of ignorance are dispersed from in front of my eyes. It is only by your causeless mercy that this takes place.
Gurudev, it is inconceivable how you always know our heart. You see who we really are beyond the temporary workings of the body and mind, you see our capacity to serve Krishna beyond any obstacles, and you lift us up way above those obstacles to give us a chance to taste Krishna consciousness – the highest nectar of life. I know that when I pray to Krishna from my heart you can hear those prayers, and it is amazing that bhakti is a collaboration between us, the individual soul, Krishna the Supersoul in our heart, and the external representative of the Supersoul, Gurudev, our spiritual master. You said once to my godsister: ‘I have your heart and I can give your heart to Krishna’ and so I humbly beg to have the opportunity to qualify myself and come to my real position of being a servant of the servant of the servant of the servant of the Supreme Lord (gopī-bhartuḥ pāda-kamalayor dāsa-dāsānudāsaḥ) by your mercy. As the secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and thereby getting his sincere blessings (SB 1.1.8) I only aspire to please you by becoming Krishna conscious and serving the devotees. Thank you for the unbelievable fortune of allowing me to live in the association of devotees. Thank you for teaching us through your classes to use all experiences, even suffering, as an opportunity to go deeper into our bhakti.
Your servant and spiritual daughter,
Gita Govinda devi dasi
Gokul lila dd
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most prostrated obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet on this most auspicious occasion of your 70th Vyasa puja celebration.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Seven months of unprecedented fear, confusion, frustration, disappointment and despair across the globe. Citizens fighting against authorities, authorities fighting against citizens and, what is worse, leaders are fighting against each other. Economic hardships, job losses and, most challenging for many, is having to stay at home. Any little trust people may have had in leadership has been severely questioned. (BC) Before Covid19 you were warning us; the world is up against the apocalypse twins, on one side global warming and on the other side nuclear devastation. Now tearing through the middle is Covid19.
“So much agitation and strife in the world right now, people are all stirred up, and we haven’t seen the worst of it yet, we are going to see people’s anger upscale.”
“For young people right now it’s like a lotus trying to blossom amidst a storm.”
(From some our your recent lectures)
In spite of all this, I have the most incredible fortune of the soothing shelter of your lotus feet. I am grateful to you for being such a competent, fearless leader! I have full faith and confidence in your guidance. I can be steady and sane amidst any trying circumstance if I can just let your words enter my heart and intelligence, and guide my existence. Your clear Krishna conscious vision of how to solve any problem both material or spiritual gives me great reassurance. You are undoubtedly a perfect leader.
A testimony to your glory is on October 17th when 95 devotees all took to the streets of NZ to distribute books in reciprocation for all you have done for us. You are someone truly worthy of people’s cheering and applause as you enter stage. The only big question I should be protesting about is: why can’t I be more useful to you and bring more people to sit at your lotus feet and get comfort from the confusion and chaos?
Narottama Dasa Thakura’s song~ Sri Guru Carana Padma perfectly summaries my sentiments.
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace, one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna. My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfils all desires.
You expertly and painstakingly train our intelligence, urging us to lift our vision and see the bigger picture. You inspire us to see everything in relation to sastra. You reveal the illusions, radical ideas and current issues, all intertwined within extraordinary classes on the Aila gita, Bhikṣu gita, Pingala gita and Krishna Kaliyah pastimes. All the while being completely down to earth sending out videos on how we should wash our hands properly, the purpose of face masks and ensuring devotees have an adequate supply of sanitisation. You are quick to adjust your settings, always carefully considering time, place and circumstance and what is best for Krishna’s service. As the agitation increases around the world, your focus on strengthening devotees has intensified - even if that means giving classes into a computer screen, sometimes at inconvenient hours and where you may not see the faces of those listening. You are strictly chaste to guru, sadhu and sastra while being the most pragmatic and in-tune with what’s happening in the world. You are qualified materially and spiritually to guide others and do so with utmost humility.
The NZ Labour party's motto is “let’s keep moving.” You don’t need to do any campaigning or rallies, just by observing your sacrifices year after year and hearing from you, loud and clear the message is there - "let’s keep on moving towards the ultimate goal of life". No time to waste. Make Krishna’s service your life’s goal. Finish up your business in this one short life.
Thank you for being the best leader and for sheltering me from the storms of Kali Yuga. Thank you for all our kindness and mercy upon Ananta naga and I. Life under your divine governance is dynamic, exhilarating, challenging and transformative. My wish is to lock down all my misgivings that prevent me from hearing your instructions and become of assistance to you.
Your grateful spiritual daughter and servant, Gokul lila dd
Please accept my most prostrated obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet on this most auspicious occasion of your 70th Vyasa puja celebration.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Seven months of unprecedented fear, confusion, frustration, disappointment and despair across the globe. Citizens fighting against authorities, authorities fighting against citizens and, what is worse, leaders are fighting against each other. Economic hardships, job losses and, most challenging for many, is having to stay at home. Any little trust people may have had in leadership has been severely questioned. (BC) Before Covid19 you were warning us; the world is up against the apocalypse twins, on one side global warming and on the other side nuclear devastation. Now tearing through the middle is Covid19.
“So much agitation and strife in the world right now, people are all stirred up, and we haven’t seen the worst of it yet, we are going to see people’s anger upscale.”
“For young people right now it’s like a lotus trying to blossom amidst a storm.”
(From some our your recent lectures)
In spite of all this, I have the most incredible fortune of the soothing shelter of your lotus feet. I am grateful to you for being such a competent, fearless leader! I have full faith and confidence in your guidance. I can be steady and sane amidst any trying circumstance if I can just let your words enter my heart and intelligence, and guide my existence. Your clear Krishna conscious vision of how to solve any problem both material or spiritual gives me great reassurance. You are undoubtedly a perfect leader.
A testimony to your glory is on October 17th when 95 devotees all took to the streets of NZ to distribute books in reciprocation for all you have done for us. You are someone truly worthy of people’s cheering and applause as you enter stage. The only big question I should be protesting about is: why can’t I be more useful to you and bring more people to sit at your lotus feet and get comfort from the confusion and chaos?
Narottama Dasa Thakura’s song~ Sri Guru Carana Padma perfectly summaries my sentiments.
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace, one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna. My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfils all desires.
You expertly and painstakingly train our intelligence, urging us to lift our vision and see the bigger picture. You inspire us to see everything in relation to sastra. You reveal the illusions, radical ideas and current issues, all intertwined within extraordinary classes on the Aila gita, Bhikṣu gita, Pingala gita and Krishna Kaliyah pastimes. All the while being completely down to earth sending out videos on how we should wash our hands properly, the purpose of face masks and ensuring devotees have an adequate supply of sanitisation. You are quick to adjust your settings, always carefully considering time, place and circumstance and what is best for Krishna’s service. As the agitation increases around the world, your focus on strengthening devotees has intensified - even if that means giving classes into a computer screen, sometimes at inconvenient hours and where you may not see the faces of those listening. You are strictly chaste to guru, sadhu and sastra while being the most pragmatic and in-tune with what’s happening in the world. You are qualified materially and spiritually to guide others and do so with utmost humility.
The NZ Labour party's motto is “let’s keep moving.” You don’t need to do any campaigning or rallies, just by observing your sacrifices year after year and hearing from you, loud and clear the message is there - "let’s keep on moving towards the ultimate goal of life". No time to waste. Make Krishna’s service your life’s goal. Finish up your business in this one short life.
Thank you for being the best leader and for sheltering me from the storms of Kali Yuga. Thank you for all our kindness and mercy upon Ananta naga and I. Life under your divine governance is dynamic, exhilarating, challenging and transformative. My wish is to lock down all my misgivings that prevent me from hearing your instructions and become of assistance to you.
Your grateful spiritual daughter and servant, Gokul lila dd
Gokula-rañjana dāsa
Seven years I suffered alone in this house, Gurudeva, while my health dragged me through the hellish planets.
Yet Krsna hadn't forgotten about me; His service was still there waiting for me after all that time.
How about that...
Thank you for what you've done for us all.
Your servant,
Gokula-rañjana dāsa
Yet Krsna hadn't forgotten about me; His service was still there waiting for me after all that time.
How about that...
Thank you for what you've done for us all.
Your servant,
Gokula-rañjana dāsa
Gopa Bhav Das,Shakhi Bhav DD,Bhakta Jisnu,Bhakta Sudama
Dearest Guru Maharaj,
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
How can we glorify you ? Whatever we say is never going to be enough for your service to srila prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada Says in SB 3.21.17 Purport -Saṁsāra, or the repetition of birth and death, is compared to a forest fire. A forest fire takes place automatically, without anyone’s endeavor, by the friction of dried wood, and no fire department or sympathetic person can extinguish it. The raging forest fire can be extinguished only when there is a constant downpour of water from a cloud. The cloud is compared to the mercy of the spiritual master. By the grace of the spiritual master the cloud of the mercy of the Personality of Godhead is brought in, and then only, when the rains of Kṛṣṇa consciousness fall, can the fire of material existence be extinguished.
Thanks for being so merciful this fallon soul and making us wet in Krsna consciousness rain fall,Without your mercy not possible to get krishna prema !
On this a very very special day of your vyasa Puja,I pray to Lord Narsimha dev to always protect you,Bless you with a long and healthy life so that you can carry Srila Prabhpada and Lord Gauranga mission to spread Krishna consciousness movement to all country,City and village.
Your humble servants
Gopa Bhav Das,Shakhi Bhav DD,Bhakta Jisnu,Bhakta Sudama
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
How can we glorify you ? Whatever we say is never going to be enough for your service to srila prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada Says in SB 3.21.17 Purport -Saṁsāra, or the repetition of birth and death, is compared to a forest fire. A forest fire takes place automatically, without anyone’s endeavor, by the friction of dried wood, and no fire department or sympathetic person can extinguish it. The raging forest fire can be extinguished only when there is a constant downpour of water from a cloud. The cloud is compared to the mercy of the spiritual master. By the grace of the spiritual master the cloud of the mercy of the Personality of Godhead is brought in, and then only, when the rains of Kṛṣṇa consciousness fall, can the fire of material existence be extinguished.
Thanks for being so merciful this fallon soul and making us wet in Krsna consciousness rain fall,Without your mercy not possible to get krishna prema !
On this a very very special day of your vyasa Puja,I pray to Lord Narsimha dev to always protect you,Bless you with a long and healthy life so that you can carry Srila Prabhpada and Lord Gauranga mission to spread Krishna consciousness movement to all country,City and village.
Your humble servants
Gopa Bhav Das,Shakhi Bhav DD,Bhakta Jisnu,Bhakta Sudama
Gopa Vrndesa Dasa
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine appearance day
Vyasapuja day is an offical opportunity to glorify the spiritual master, express our gratitude and offer some sincere prayers, even though for a disciple prayers to the spiritual master and his glorification are part of daily life.
You are an exemplar of dynamic preaching beyond cultural barriers, a visionary leader who has under your wings many core managemental responsibilities, a prolific author, a guru and a mentor for many. You epitomise care and sensitivity to all of your followers in many levels. You give meticulously measured personal instructions according to the advancement of a disciple. As you have mentioned in a few lectures that as a guru you are careful and sensitive in imparting instructions so a disciple can follow the instructions and advance, otherwise disobeying the instructions cause a downfall of a disciple. In your Srimad Bhagavatam lectures, as an advanced devotee you can speak solely on any exalted or esoteric topics; however, you speak for the audience and highlight the core issues a bhakti practitioners may face even after a couple of decades of practice. Meanwhile you also share the attractiveness of Krsna and sweetness of bhakti rasa, inspiring all to practice and distribute bhakti seriously and selflessly. Whenever I hear your lectures I always feel that your words are imbued with Srila Prabhupada’s mood.
When you present Krsna consciousness to newbies, you are in tune with their subtle bodies and thus you are sensitive about the fineness and subtleties of your message, choice of words and even jokes. Your sensitivity is the manifestation of your compassion to inspire conditioned souls to embark their journey for the ultimate good. When you deal with your disciples you always want to give the right message even in your daily actions. Many years back, I remember I was with you in Vrindavana and you were mentioning that you have to go online at 4 AM in the morning and then you were explaining to me that you have to do this because of slow internet connection during the day time. You wanted to give me the right message and not let me take any wrong practices. Your life is an example to show that a vaisnava always preaches and sometimes uses words.
As time flows, I realise my limitations more than ever before; I see a bit more clearly the entanglement of this world and worthlessness of one sided material endeavours; however, I can also see the amazing potential of bhakti. I feel it’s the time to deepen my connection with you; it’s the time to be more internal than be external; it’s the time to beg to experience wonders of bhakti mysticism; it’s the time to internalise sastra not just to know, and it’s the time to be in tune with the internal purpose and not the external success.
I miss your personal association and it’s an opportunity to reflect on the power of seeing you face to face as Sri Krsna Himself says in Srimad Bhagavatam.
sādhūnāṁ sama-cittānāṁ
sutarāṁ mat-kṛtātmanām
darśanān no bhaved bandhaḥ
puṁso 'kṣṇoḥ savitur yathā
When one is face to face with the sun, there is no longer darkness for one's eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu, a devotee, who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one will no longer be subject to material bondage.
SB 10.10.41
I have composed a verse in your glorification.
prabhupāda-padābja-sudhā-madhupaṁ
madhu-sevita-sevaka-pūjya-tanuṁ
patitādhika-pāvana-bhāva-dharaṁ
praṇamāmi mama āśraya-deva-varaṁ
Like a bumblebee you are always attracted to the lotus like feet of Srila Prabhupada, which are the source of the nectar of bhakti rasa and you always drink that nectar. You are worshipable as a servant of Lord Krsna who is served by the residents of Vrndavana. You are endowed with Lord Caitanya’s compassionate mood of delivering the most fallen souls in the age of Kali. I offer my respectful obeisances unto my glorious master who is my only shelter.
Your servant,
Gopa Vrndesa Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your divine appearance day
Vyasapuja day is an offical opportunity to glorify the spiritual master, express our gratitude and offer some sincere prayers, even though for a disciple prayers to the spiritual master and his glorification are part of daily life.
You are an exemplar of dynamic preaching beyond cultural barriers, a visionary leader who has under your wings many core managemental responsibilities, a prolific author, a guru and a mentor for many. You epitomise care and sensitivity to all of your followers in many levels. You give meticulously measured personal instructions according to the advancement of a disciple. As you have mentioned in a few lectures that as a guru you are careful and sensitive in imparting instructions so a disciple can follow the instructions and advance, otherwise disobeying the instructions cause a downfall of a disciple. In your Srimad Bhagavatam lectures, as an advanced devotee you can speak solely on any exalted or esoteric topics; however, you speak for the audience and highlight the core issues a bhakti practitioners may face even after a couple of decades of practice. Meanwhile you also share the attractiveness of Krsna and sweetness of bhakti rasa, inspiring all to practice and distribute bhakti seriously and selflessly. Whenever I hear your lectures I always feel that your words are imbued with Srila Prabhupada’s mood.
When you present Krsna consciousness to newbies, you are in tune with their subtle bodies and thus you are sensitive about the fineness and subtleties of your message, choice of words and even jokes. Your sensitivity is the manifestation of your compassion to inspire conditioned souls to embark their journey for the ultimate good. When you deal with your disciples you always want to give the right message even in your daily actions. Many years back, I remember I was with you in Vrindavana and you were mentioning that you have to go online at 4 AM in the morning and then you were explaining to me that you have to do this because of slow internet connection during the day time. You wanted to give me the right message and not let me take any wrong practices. Your life is an example to show that a vaisnava always preaches and sometimes uses words.
As time flows, I realise my limitations more than ever before; I see a bit more clearly the entanglement of this world and worthlessness of one sided material endeavours; however, I can also see the amazing potential of bhakti. I feel it’s the time to deepen my connection with you; it’s the time to be more internal than be external; it’s the time to beg to experience wonders of bhakti mysticism; it’s the time to internalise sastra not just to know, and it’s the time to be in tune with the internal purpose and not the external success.
I miss your personal association and it’s an opportunity to reflect on the power of seeing you face to face as Sri Krsna Himself says in Srimad Bhagavatam.
sādhūnāṁ sama-cittānāṁ
sutarāṁ mat-kṛtātmanām
darśanān no bhaved bandhaḥ
puṁso 'kṣṇoḥ savitur yathā
When one is face to face with the sun, there is no longer darkness for one's eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu, a devotee, who is fully determined and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one will no longer be subject to material bondage.
SB 10.10.41
I have composed a verse in your glorification.
prabhupāda-padābja-sudhā-madhupaṁ
madhu-sevita-sevaka-pūjya-tanuṁ
patitādhika-pāvana-bhāva-dharaṁ
praṇamāmi mama āśraya-deva-varaṁ
Like a bumblebee you are always attracted to the lotus like feet of Srila Prabhupada, which are the source of the nectar of bhakti rasa and you always drink that nectar. You are worshipable as a servant of Lord Krsna who is served by the residents of Vrndavana. You are endowed with Lord Caitanya’s compassionate mood of delivering the most fallen souls in the age of Kali. I offer my respectful obeisances unto my glorious master who is my only shelter.
Your servant,
Gopa Vrndesa Dasa
Gopi-Ramana
Dear Gurumaharaja, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srilla Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja.
Please forgive me for not maintaining any kind of contact or emailing you since your last visit here.
I am in good association here in Wales.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple.
I pray that you are in good health.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Every time you visit you lead the most extatic kirtans. Thank you for your lectures. Thank you for the instructions that you gave me during your last visit. They have saved me from many calamities.
Please stay safe and healthy as you continue to inspire myself and many others with your exemplary devotional activities and genuine vaishnava qualities.
Your humble servant,
Gopi Ramana
Please forgive me for not maintaining any kind of contact or emailing you since your last visit here.
I am in good association here in Wales.
Thank you for accepting me as your disciple.
I pray that you are in good health.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Every time you visit you lead the most extatic kirtans. Thank you for your lectures. Thank you for the instructions that you gave me during your last visit. They have saved me from many calamities.
Please stay safe and healthy as you continue to inspire myself and many others with your exemplary devotional activities and genuine vaishnava qualities.
Your humble servant,
Gopi Ramana
Gopi-gitamrita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
ŚB 3.6.37
"The highest perfectional gain of humanity is to engage in discussions of the activities and glories of the Pious Actor. Such activities are so nicely arranged in writing by the greatly learned sages that the actual purpose of the ear is served just by being near them. "
Dear Gurudeva, I am very thankful to you that in these times of uncertainty, difficulties and lockdowns you made it possible so we can listen the magic of Krishna Katha from you !
Even though it was through online platforms this didn't change neither the content nor the power of the transcendental knowledge!
As you told me that these circumstances actually push us to deepen our bhakti practices.
Dear Gurudeva, thank you for being my greatest inspiration and teacher! Thank you for your sheltering instructions and encouragement!
I am looking forward meeting you soon either on the Ukrainian festival or in Bulgaria!
Praying for your good health!
Your servant,
Gopi-gitamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
ŚB 3.6.37
"The highest perfectional gain of humanity is to engage in discussions of the activities and glories of the Pious Actor. Such activities are so nicely arranged in writing by the greatly learned sages that the actual purpose of the ear is served just by being near them. "
Dear Gurudeva, I am very thankful to you that in these times of uncertainty, difficulties and lockdowns you made it possible so we can listen the magic of Krishna Katha from you !
Even though it was through online platforms this didn't change neither the content nor the power of the transcendental knowledge!
As you told me that these circumstances actually push us to deepen our bhakti practices.
Dear Gurudeva, thank you for being my greatest inspiration and teacher! Thank you for your sheltering instructions and encouragement!
I am looking forward meeting you soon either on the Ukrainian festival or in Bulgaria!
Praying for your good health!
Your servant,
Gopi-gitamrita devi dasi
Gopipremamrita dd & Dhanishta
Hare Krsna GuruMaharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
In Bhgavatham 11.3.22 it is said
tatra bhāgavatān dharmān
śikṣed gurv-ātma-daivataḥ
amāyayānuvṛttyā yais
tuṣyed ātmātma-do hariḥ
Translation
Accepting the bona fide spiritual master as one’s life and soul and worshipable deity, the disciple should learn from him the process of pure devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, the soul of all souls, is inclined to give Himself to His pure devotees. Therefore, the disciple should learn from the spiritual master to serve the Lord without duplicity and in such a faithful and favorable way that the Supreme Lord, being satisfied, will offer Himself to the faithful disciple.
In the purport its mentioned,
"Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī comments that the spiritual master is to be considered the ātmā, or the very life, of the disciple, since real life begins when one is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master. Although one may experience many seemingly wonderful or important events in a dream, one’s real life begins when he wakes up. Similarly, since the spiritual master gives birth to the disciple by awakening him to spiritual life, a bona fide disciple understands that his spiritual master is the very basis of his life."
Given the current situation of the world, I often wonder what would have happened to me if i was not Krishna Conscious, and if you had not accepted me as your disciple. I just cant imagine what mental problems i would have been through if i wasn't a devotee. I have been reflecting on the point about how Spiritual Master is the life and soul of a disciple and he is the one who gives birth to a disciple by awakening him to spiritual life.
GuruMaharj you have not only given me life,but a extremely favourable family,wonderful God family and good devotee association to make my life perfect by following the path of Bhakthi. I'm really blessed by the best.
In this age of kali finding a genuine Spiritual Master who can guide the disciple on the path back home back to Godhead is very rare, but i have been given an opportunity to serve such a rare spiritual master who is an ocean of wonderful qualities. Thank you GururMaharaj for accepting me as your disciple.
You mentioned in one of your lectures " If you make a policy to show gratitude to anyone who helped you, you will see that such a difference it makes. Never let that person forget". GuruMaharaj you have constantly been guiding me through your lectures, Personal association and through all the wonderful devotee association. Please accept this Vyasa Pooja offering as an expression of my gratitude.
One quality of yours that i have started admiring very much recently and would like to imbibe the quality as your spiritual daughter is your "Humility". Because of the Coronavirus, we were blessed with the opportunity to see a lot of your online classes and discussions with other devotees. Be it a discussion with your God Brothers or other devotees who are much much younger to you or you glorifying your God Brother like HH Bhakthi Charu Swami Maharaj you are extremely humble in all of your dealings. The way you put your views across or the way you speak about your experience behind the iron curtain or the way you talk about how you take your chanting very seriously is extremely humble. Your humility touches our heart and makes me realise what a wonderful devotee you are. I pray that by following your footsteps I can also imbibe this beautiful quality and engage in the service of the Lord that would please you the most.
The way you handle the problems of the world in the most Transcendental way is amazing. From the beginning of the CoronaVirus you have been insisting that the material world will always throw problems at us, if not CoronaVirus it's going to be something else, but what about the big problem of Birth, Death, Old age and Disease. The first time I heard this , I was amazed to see how you truly belong to Goloka Vrindavana as you are completely composed, compassionate and transcendental even amidst the most difficult situations on this material world
The very first instruction you gave us was "Qualify yourself so you can guide others". On this Auspicious day I beg you to help me develop the qualification to guide others so I can follow your instruction and help a lot of other souls turn towards the Lord and thereby make you happy.
On this most Auspicious day I pray to Lord Narashima dev to bless you with good health, so you can continue to preach around the world and touch the lives of many other fallen souls and help them turn towards the Supreme Lord.
Eagerly looking forward to seeing and serving you in Sydney.
yours aspiring servant
Gopipremamrita dd
-----------
Dhanishta's offering:
Dear Guru Maharaja,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Happy Vyasa Puja! I pray to Lord Krishna that very soon you can come to Sydney. The New Zealand devotees are certainly very lucky and blessed to have you with them.
Also I have started chanting 2 rounds and for Purushotama month I tried to chant 4 rounds. I remember that I have mentioned this in my previous offering but still I want to thank you for giving me a beautiful garland in New Govardhan farm. I also enjoy listening to your nectarian classes with my parents.
Once again Happy Vyasa Puja! Jaya Prabhupada!
Your spiritual granddaughter,
Dhanishta
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
In Bhgavatham 11.3.22 it is said
tatra bhāgavatān dharmān
śikṣed gurv-ātma-daivataḥ
amāyayānuvṛttyā yais
tuṣyed ātmātma-do hariḥ
Translation
Accepting the bona fide spiritual master as one’s life and soul and worshipable deity, the disciple should learn from him the process of pure devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, the soul of all souls, is inclined to give Himself to His pure devotees. Therefore, the disciple should learn from the spiritual master to serve the Lord without duplicity and in such a faithful and favorable way that the Supreme Lord, being satisfied, will offer Himself to the faithful disciple.
In the purport its mentioned,
"Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī comments that the spiritual master is to be considered the ātmā, or the very life, of the disciple, since real life begins when one is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master. Although one may experience many seemingly wonderful or important events in a dream, one’s real life begins when he wakes up. Similarly, since the spiritual master gives birth to the disciple by awakening him to spiritual life, a bona fide disciple understands that his spiritual master is the very basis of his life."
Given the current situation of the world, I often wonder what would have happened to me if i was not Krishna Conscious, and if you had not accepted me as your disciple. I just cant imagine what mental problems i would have been through if i wasn't a devotee. I have been reflecting on the point about how Spiritual Master is the life and soul of a disciple and he is the one who gives birth to a disciple by awakening him to spiritual life.
GuruMaharj you have not only given me life,but a extremely favourable family,wonderful God family and good devotee association to make my life perfect by following the path of Bhakthi. I'm really blessed by the best.
In this age of kali finding a genuine Spiritual Master who can guide the disciple on the path back home back to Godhead is very rare, but i have been given an opportunity to serve such a rare spiritual master who is an ocean of wonderful qualities. Thank you GururMaharaj for accepting me as your disciple.
You mentioned in one of your lectures " If you make a policy to show gratitude to anyone who helped you, you will see that such a difference it makes. Never let that person forget". GuruMaharaj you have constantly been guiding me through your lectures, Personal association and through all the wonderful devotee association. Please accept this Vyasa Pooja offering as an expression of my gratitude.
One quality of yours that i have started admiring very much recently and would like to imbibe the quality as your spiritual daughter is your "Humility". Because of the Coronavirus, we were blessed with the opportunity to see a lot of your online classes and discussions with other devotees. Be it a discussion with your God Brothers or other devotees who are much much younger to you or you glorifying your God Brother like HH Bhakthi Charu Swami Maharaj you are extremely humble in all of your dealings. The way you put your views across or the way you speak about your experience behind the iron curtain or the way you talk about how you take your chanting very seriously is extremely humble. Your humility touches our heart and makes me realise what a wonderful devotee you are. I pray that by following your footsteps I can also imbibe this beautiful quality and engage in the service of the Lord that would please you the most.
The way you handle the problems of the world in the most Transcendental way is amazing. From the beginning of the CoronaVirus you have been insisting that the material world will always throw problems at us, if not CoronaVirus it's going to be something else, but what about the big problem of Birth, Death, Old age and Disease. The first time I heard this , I was amazed to see how you truly belong to Goloka Vrindavana as you are completely composed, compassionate and transcendental even amidst the most difficult situations on this material world
The very first instruction you gave us was "Qualify yourself so you can guide others". On this Auspicious day I beg you to help me develop the qualification to guide others so I can follow your instruction and help a lot of other souls turn towards the Lord and thereby make you happy.
On this most Auspicious day I pray to Lord Narashima dev to bless you with good health, so you can continue to preach around the world and touch the lives of many other fallen souls and help them turn towards the Supreme Lord.
Eagerly looking forward to seeing and serving you in Sydney.
yours aspiring servant
Gopipremamrita dd
-----------
Dhanishta's offering:
Dear Guru Maharaja,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Happy Vyasa Puja! I pray to Lord Krishna that very soon you can come to Sydney. The New Zealand devotees are certainly very lucky and blessed to have you with them.
Also I have started chanting 2 rounds and for Purushotama month I tried to chant 4 rounds. I remember that I have mentioned this in my previous offering but still I want to thank you for giving me a beautiful garland in New Govardhan farm. I also enjoy listening to your nectarian classes with my parents.
Once again Happy Vyasa Puja! Jaya Prabhupada!
Your spiritual granddaughter,
Dhanishta
Govinda Darsana dasa
nama om vishnu padaya krishna presthaya bhutale
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a happy Vyasa Puja.
Your glories are unlimited and ever growing; I have no qualification to write them in words, as they are. Nonetheless I will write few for my purification.
Gurudev, your quality of personal care for your disciples is heart touching. You make sure that your disciples grow and get all the guidance they can have from you. This is very unique quality of yours. Your quick reciprocation is a blessing. I am thankful to you for your best guidance.
You have a strong desire for your disciples to learn and preach. This mood of helping others (in similar way Parampara did) by passing Sri Parampara's will is very glorious. I am thankful for your perpetual instructions to me to preach. I have been trying to increase my preaching dimensions; I will inform you of my tiny efforts when I have your Darshans next.
I pray to the Lord for your long and healthy life, which will direct many lost souls on the right path. I seek your blessings and beg forgiveness for all of my foolish acts.
Your humble servant
Govinda Darsana dasa
srimate devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Hare Krishna dear Gurudev
Please accept my most humble and respectful obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a happy Vyasa Puja.
Your glories are unlimited and ever growing; I have no qualification to write them in words, as they are. Nonetheless I will write few for my purification.
Gurudev, your quality of personal care for your disciples is heart touching. You make sure that your disciples grow and get all the guidance they can have from you. This is very unique quality of yours. Your quick reciprocation is a blessing. I am thankful to you for your best guidance.
You have a strong desire for your disciples to learn and preach. This mood of helping others (in similar way Parampara did) by passing Sri Parampara's will is very glorious. I am thankful for your perpetual instructions to me to preach. I have been trying to increase my preaching dimensions; I will inform you of my tiny efforts when I have your Darshans next.
I pray to the Lord for your long and healthy life, which will direct many lost souls on the right path. I seek your blessings and beg forgiveness for all of my foolish acts.
Your humble servant
Govinda Darsana dasa
Govinda-Kund Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila prabhupada
All glories to you.
On your Vyasapuja day, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for rescuing me from illusion and giving me a chance to be engaged in devotional service.
Had you not given me shelter, I wonder what my life would have been as I was running very fast on the path away from Krishna. I often think and wonder what I was doing before I met you and you have transformed me into having Krishna in the center of my life. It’s only your kindness and causeless mercy that I am now able to step away from the grasp of the illusion of material happiness.
I am an insignificant person to glorify you, but it is a proven fact that you are embedded with Vaishnava qualities. Your mercy and kindness have no limits. You always remain selfless and do everything for the betterment of fallen souls. Your tireless preaching has saved many souls like mine and brought us to the path of enlightenment.
Under your care, I feel safe, protected and inspired to do devotional service. I am really awed at your ability to have a personal connection with each of your disciples, and as years pass by, I feel more and more connected to you
We are deprived of your presence this year due to pandemic. Your presence revives us and allow us to carry on with dedication to serve you and your teachings.
Once again on your Vyasapuja day I would like to recommit myself to you to improve my chanting, reading and hearing. I will try to follow your instructions to be fully Krishna Conscious.
Always seeking your blessings,
Your servant,
Govindakund devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila prabhupada
All glories to you.
On your Vyasapuja day, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for rescuing me from illusion and giving me a chance to be engaged in devotional service.
Had you not given me shelter, I wonder what my life would have been as I was running very fast on the path away from Krishna. I often think and wonder what I was doing before I met you and you have transformed me into having Krishna in the center of my life. It’s only your kindness and causeless mercy that I am now able to step away from the grasp of the illusion of material happiness.
I am an insignificant person to glorify you, but it is a proven fact that you are embedded with Vaishnava qualities. Your mercy and kindness have no limits. You always remain selfless and do everything for the betterment of fallen souls. Your tireless preaching has saved many souls like mine and brought us to the path of enlightenment.
Under your care, I feel safe, protected and inspired to do devotional service. I am really awed at your ability to have a personal connection with each of your disciples, and as years pass by, I feel more and more connected to you
We are deprived of your presence this year due to pandemic. Your presence revives us and allow us to carry on with dedication to serve you and your teachings.
Once again on your Vyasapuja day I would like to recommit myself to you to improve my chanting, reading and hearing. I will try to follow your instructions to be fully Krishna Conscious.
Always seeking your blessings,
Your servant,
Govindakund devi dasi
Hari loka das
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I'm glad I got opportunity to glorify you
As I know material things don't last longer. The eagerness to fullfill desire in material world drag the person into the ocean of sufferings
The negative thoughts comes.
When the person is keep working or doing things or maintaining the family without knowing the goal And now like these days person don't know all the sudden when not much earnings gives fear. But only By your mercy you have given us a great knowledge of life. Great example you have given how to manage material and spiritual things.
By listening your lectures gives so much confidence that it always push me to keep going and progressing in spiritual path.
You always have help us in every situation of our life. Earlier today as in vyaspuja you was saying give a higher goal to life. Do something extra or more for krishna. Anirudha Prabhu was also mentioning in bahgwatam class its a struggle to manage in this material world and keep proggresing in krishna consciousness . But only by mercy of krishna and guru its possible.
I'm fortunate to have you my spiritual master.
On this most auspicious day kindly bless me so that I can progress little more on spiritual path which has been made easily accessible to all of us by Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Hari loka das
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I'm glad I got opportunity to glorify you
As I know material things don't last longer. The eagerness to fullfill desire in material world drag the person into the ocean of sufferings
The negative thoughts comes.
When the person is keep working or doing things or maintaining the family without knowing the goal And now like these days person don't know all the sudden when not much earnings gives fear. But only By your mercy you have given us a great knowledge of life. Great example you have given how to manage material and spiritual things.
By listening your lectures gives so much confidence that it always push me to keep going and progressing in spiritual path.
You always have help us in every situation of our life. Earlier today as in vyaspuja you was saying give a higher goal to life. Do something extra or more for krishna. Anirudha Prabhu was also mentioning in bahgwatam class its a struggle to manage in this material world and keep proggresing in krishna consciousness . But only by mercy of krishna and guru its possible.
I'm fortunate to have you my spiritual master.
On this most auspicious day kindly bless me so that I can progress little more on spiritual path which has been made easily accessible to all of us by Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Hari loka das
Hari-Bhakta das
Dear, Gurudev
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on your Divine appearance day!
In this historical time frame of human history, you have expertly taught us how to maneuver and capitalize on this unique opportunity. With style and grace, amidst this global confusion, you have made Srila Prabhupada’s teachings accessible to thousands through your books, your talks, and your outreach expansions.
Gurudev, in essence, you embody outreach perfection. Like a masterful symphony, by your way with words, approach, and demeanor, you reach the hearts of the genuine seekers of truth. Such potency…You radiate Prabhupada’s perfect message, in accordance to place, time, & circumstance, thus brilliantly presenting the goal of the human form of life.
Like it was yesterday, I can still recall my first encounter with you in the year 2012 at the Bhakti House in Los Angeles. I was 20 years old, eager, and hungry for knowledge, yet afflicted by the stereotypical LA youth culture of women, wine, and weed. Fortunately for me, my life was already infiltrated by the likings of Yasodeva, Anandini & Shastra Krit. I must admit as soon as you walked into the room that night, I was gravitated by your regalness, and captivated by your mysterious presence, I remember telling a friend that same night, “its like he’s there, but also not there at the same time”. In the world but not of the world.
I hung to your every word, as my false ego confidently agreed with you, thinking that I too was experienced in the field of “metaphysical experiences“. As soon as your talk ended, Shastra Krit Prabhu, eagerly invited me to come speak to you, as nervous as I was with my brand new quality Tulasi beads sported around my neck, I saw others bow down to you before they spoke with you, following them I did the same, and then simply spoke my mind.
I told you that I had recently encountered a ghostly contact while on sleep paralysis. As I sat there and described my whole experience, you patiently listened with this compassionate deep-rooted look in your face. I continued, telling you that amidst this whole experience, I would find a sense of solace and clarity in my “third eye” while chanting Hare Krishna. With gravity and deep concern, you told me “Yes Krishna is in the 4th dimension, but you must be careful in these subtle dealings, without guidance you may encounter some dangerous roads”.
With my beads around my neck, you then grasped them and told me “These aren’t just to wear around your neck, with these just chant Hare Krishna, the highest of all metaphysical dealings, no need of anything else…alright!” Right then and there, you planted something in me; little did I know that I was going to give my whole life to you.
8 years have gone by since that day, and although still an infant in spiritual life, there’s not a doubt in my mind that whatever it is you planted in me that night, it’s what drives me, what keeps me going, what inspires me to go to war and share this beacon of light with others. I am simply an instrument of your essence, a tool in the Master’s hand.
Aspiring to make my life an offering for you.
Your insignificant servant,
Hari-Bhakta das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on your Divine appearance day!
In this historical time frame of human history, you have expertly taught us how to maneuver and capitalize on this unique opportunity. With style and grace, amidst this global confusion, you have made Srila Prabhupada’s teachings accessible to thousands through your books, your talks, and your outreach expansions.
Gurudev, in essence, you embody outreach perfection. Like a masterful symphony, by your way with words, approach, and demeanor, you reach the hearts of the genuine seekers of truth. Such potency…You radiate Prabhupada’s perfect message, in accordance to place, time, & circumstance, thus brilliantly presenting the goal of the human form of life.
Like it was yesterday, I can still recall my first encounter with you in the year 2012 at the Bhakti House in Los Angeles. I was 20 years old, eager, and hungry for knowledge, yet afflicted by the stereotypical LA youth culture of women, wine, and weed. Fortunately for me, my life was already infiltrated by the likings of Yasodeva, Anandini & Shastra Krit. I must admit as soon as you walked into the room that night, I was gravitated by your regalness, and captivated by your mysterious presence, I remember telling a friend that same night, “its like he’s there, but also not there at the same time”. In the world but not of the world.
I hung to your every word, as my false ego confidently agreed with you, thinking that I too was experienced in the field of “metaphysical experiences“. As soon as your talk ended, Shastra Krit Prabhu, eagerly invited me to come speak to you, as nervous as I was with my brand new quality Tulasi beads sported around my neck, I saw others bow down to you before they spoke with you, following them I did the same, and then simply spoke my mind.
I told you that I had recently encountered a ghostly contact while on sleep paralysis. As I sat there and described my whole experience, you patiently listened with this compassionate deep-rooted look in your face. I continued, telling you that amidst this whole experience, I would find a sense of solace and clarity in my “third eye” while chanting Hare Krishna. With gravity and deep concern, you told me “Yes Krishna is in the 4th dimension, but you must be careful in these subtle dealings, without guidance you may encounter some dangerous roads”.
With my beads around my neck, you then grasped them and told me “These aren’t just to wear around your neck, with these just chant Hare Krishna, the highest of all metaphysical dealings, no need of anything else…alright!” Right then and there, you planted something in me; little did I know that I was going to give my whole life to you.
8 years have gone by since that day, and although still an infant in spiritual life, there’s not a doubt in my mind that whatever it is you planted in me that night, it’s what drives me, what keeps me going, what inspires me to go to war and share this beacon of light with others. I am simply an instrument of your essence, a tool in the Master’s hand.
Aspiring to make my life an offering for you.
Your insignificant servant,
Hari-Bhakta das
Harinamamrita das
Hare Krishna dear Guru maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet.
All glories to you.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I would like to offer some of my insignificant thoughts with you on this special, auspicious day of your appearance.
This year has been so challenging, painful and disturbing in so many ways due to Covid-19 and its havoc to the world. Earlier this year, I used to call Corona as Karuna of mother nature so all of the conditioned souls in material world could realise this place as dukhalayam and asasvatam. Later, after seeing the departure of HH Bhakti Charu Swami, I could never ever say Corona as Karuna. But, later with your lectures and other senior vaishnavas realisations, I've reconciled myself to the fact that his departure was the response to a higher calling to serve Srila Prabhupada somewhere it is more essential than this world. I witnessed the cry of few disciples of HH Bhakti Charu Swami with feeling of separation and not having served enough of their Guru! Honestly speaking, that moment was a wakeup call to me in so many ways!!!
That moment instilled grief, anxiety and mainly PAIN - asking myself the same questions - what service have I rendered to you? Have I ever pleased you with anything? Ironically, all my memory reminds are the disturbances I caused to you, pain I have given you, creating worry in you thinking of our future, whimsical nature of my mind and my irresponsible behaviors and so on...
In addition to the above, this year I have been constantly thinking of one verse in SB which you quoted during last year's vyasa puja occasion. That is SB 3.25.21
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
You mentioned how a devotee - especially a preacher should develop all these qualities.
Combining both the above thoughts, I have concluded that you have demonstrated all the listed qualities towards me and in return I'm way too far behind to repaying even an iota of the interest component and what to speak of the actual principal value of your love. It just 'shocks' to even imagine which gutter would I have been if not under your lotus feet, Sri RadhaGopinath, loving god family and all these wonderful devotees.
So, this thought process only let me to fill myself with 'inferiority complex' and 'low self-esteem'. I realised that it added no positive value to my spiritual life. At that point, it reminded me of your very dear friend's comment on what is real humility.
HH Bhati Tirta Swami says - Humility means not to think less of oneself but think oneself less - meaning not only always thinking about us but take up services which makes us think of other's welfare more than ourselves.
Again, reminding myself of your instruction to me to 'Give Krishna to others' and what qualities to develop while performing that preaching devotional service from your lecture on SB, what real Humility means; I decided to stop worrying about my impossible repayment of debt to you, and just push forward positively with ray of hope that one day I can please you a tiny little - which is my only aspiration.
To do any of the above said, I again only need your blessings and mercy. As Ganga water is the only best offering to Ganga, similarly I do not have anything with me to offer you valuably expect your own mercy offered back you in the form of some sincere efforts to please you through our preaching services. I hope you would accept that!
On this day, I pray to Lord Narasimha Dev to protect you, give you more physical strength so you can continue performing your services unto your loving spiritual father Srila Prabhupada.
With love and gratitude,
Harinamamrita das
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet.
All glories to you.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I would like to offer some of my insignificant thoughts with you on this special, auspicious day of your appearance.
This year has been so challenging, painful and disturbing in so many ways due to Covid-19 and its havoc to the world. Earlier this year, I used to call Corona as Karuna of mother nature so all of the conditioned souls in material world could realise this place as dukhalayam and asasvatam. Later, after seeing the departure of HH Bhakti Charu Swami, I could never ever say Corona as Karuna. But, later with your lectures and other senior vaishnavas realisations, I've reconciled myself to the fact that his departure was the response to a higher calling to serve Srila Prabhupada somewhere it is more essential than this world. I witnessed the cry of few disciples of HH Bhakti Charu Swami with feeling of separation and not having served enough of their Guru! Honestly speaking, that moment was a wakeup call to me in so many ways!!!
That moment instilled grief, anxiety and mainly PAIN - asking myself the same questions - what service have I rendered to you? Have I ever pleased you with anything? Ironically, all my memory reminds are the disturbances I caused to you, pain I have given you, creating worry in you thinking of our future, whimsical nature of my mind and my irresponsible behaviors and so on...
In addition to the above, this year I have been constantly thinking of one verse in SB which you quoted during last year's vyasa puja occasion. That is SB 3.25.21
titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
You mentioned how a devotee - especially a preacher should develop all these qualities.
Combining both the above thoughts, I have concluded that you have demonstrated all the listed qualities towards me and in return I'm way too far behind to repaying even an iota of the interest component and what to speak of the actual principal value of your love. It just 'shocks' to even imagine which gutter would I have been if not under your lotus feet, Sri RadhaGopinath, loving god family and all these wonderful devotees.
So, this thought process only let me to fill myself with 'inferiority complex' and 'low self-esteem'. I realised that it added no positive value to my spiritual life. At that point, it reminded me of your very dear friend's comment on what is real humility.
HH Bhati Tirta Swami says - Humility means not to think less of oneself but think oneself less - meaning not only always thinking about us but take up services which makes us think of other's welfare more than ourselves.
Again, reminding myself of your instruction to me to 'Give Krishna to others' and what qualities to develop while performing that preaching devotional service from your lecture on SB, what real Humility means; I decided to stop worrying about my impossible repayment of debt to you, and just push forward positively with ray of hope that one day I can please you a tiny little - which is my only aspiration.
To do any of the above said, I again only need your blessings and mercy. As Ganga water is the only best offering to Ganga, similarly I do not have anything with me to offer you valuably expect your own mercy offered back you in the form of some sincere efforts to please you through our preaching services. I hope you would accept that!
On this day, I pray to Lord Narasimha Dev to protect you, give you more physical strength so you can continue performing your services unto your loving spiritual father Srila Prabhupada.
With love and gratitude,
Harinamamrita das
Howard
Dear Devamrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja Day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Maharaj, I wish you continued good health and thank you for your classes. I thank you for meeting with me at the past retreats in New Zealand.
Through your classes and books, you have helped me to take the first steps in learning more about Krishna Consciousness. With your help I hope to continue to grow in this knowledge so that I may be able to provide better service to you and the devotees.
Your aspiring servant,
Howard Lucas.
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on your Vyasa Puja Day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Maharaj, I wish you continued good health and thank you for your classes. I thank you for meeting with me at the past retreats in New Zealand.
Through your classes and books, you have helped me to take the first steps in learning more about Krishna Consciousness. With your help I hope to continue to grow in this knowledge so that I may be able to provide better service to you and the devotees.
Your aspiring servant,
Howard Lucas.
Hriman Krishna das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my prostated obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada explained to several devotees that they should travel and preach while they’re still young. And when they got old they should retire to the holy dhama to chant Hare Krishna. “Of course, for myself,” Prabhupada added, “I’m not so mature.” One devotee asked, “If you say your not so mature, then how can we ever think of retirement?” Prabhupada smiled and said that they would have to decide that for themselves. Tamala Krishna Goswami replied, “Then we also will never become so mature that we can retire.” (Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta, vol 5 page 205)
Srila Prabhupada’s mission is so clearly embodied in his actions, that to the day he left this world he was always pushing us all to spread Krishna consciousness. He summarized his determination with the following words: “I want the benediction to go on fighting (preaching) for Krishna, just like Arjuna.” (Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta, vol 6 page 209)
Similarly your credo as you marched into the Soviet block was, “I may live or die, but Bhagavad Gita is eternal.” You gurudeva are following in Prabhupada’s trailblazing steps and are increasing the fire of Sankirtan. This is inspiring because your example shows us how to have full faith in the orders of the spiritual master in trying to please him. In spite of all difficulties and risks you have come out victorious and have first hand experience of the power and potency of Srila Prabhupada’s books and instructions.
Srila Prabhupada said that if you distribute his books behind the iron curtain it will fall. You didn’t know how this was going to happen, but you witnessed it and became a pioneer of this historical act.
These days the danger isn’t coming from the communist regime. Five years ago you said the greatest threat for ISKCON is non-cooperation and to cooperate with devotees can be harder than conquering lust. Your caution echoes to this day in your revelation to the GBC strategic planning committee: Institutional non-cooperation amongst plurality of the individual proves to be a titan alarming fractures in our society.
Even our wild-life-brahmacari sanctuary for endangered species thrives a medley crew: there are those into details, more details and the most details – artists, reclusive mendicants, eccentric non-verbal types, administrators, bureaucrats, and independent trailblazers. It’s mystical how Krsna keeps this smorgasbord of well-seasoned individuals from completely polarizing.
Amongst our ISKCON interpersonal dynamics you expressed concern where new leaders will come from and be inspired to push on despite the apparent difficulties. Although you see potential in Prabhupada’s grand disciples there needs to be much more to step-up and take responsibility.
You fear the first generation of Prabhupada’s followers has made it seem too hard for new persons to take up the reigns. All the while I see you’re investing time to train some of these leaders and your clarion call to increase is heard from a far.
Srila Prabhupada told Tamala Krishna Maharaja that the qualities he looks for in choosing his leaders are those who sacrifice the most for preaching and he told Syamasundar Prabhu that he looks for those who have energy and spirit.
Although you pointed out these pioneering qualities to be essential in all circumstances, at the same time persons are also needed to maintain an institution. The transcendental bureaucrats who systemize ISKCON are pioneers in there own right for their organizational prowess, yet harmony needs to manifest between them and the front-runners or innovators.
Owing to your firm faith in chanting Hare Krsna, your gratitude to Srila Prabhupada and experiences of overcoming the impossible in the Soviet block, you remain confident that we will push on Srila Prabhuapda’s ISKCON. In the face of all troubles that come with leadership and management you maintain such a blissful and optimistic enthusiasm to persist.
You are one of Srila Prabhupada’s generals aligned with his vision and mission. Like Maharaja Yudhisthira who went through so much tribulation for the Lord, you’re a devotee who has been tried-and-tested in many inconceivable ways in pushing on the Sankirtan movement.
Lord Kṛṣṇa said to King Yudhiṣṭhira, “My devotee is not deterred by any adverse conditions of life; he always remains firm and steady. Therefore I give Myself to him, and I favor him so that he can achieve the highest success of life.” The mercy bestowed upon the tried devotee by the Supreme Personality is described as brahma, which indicates that the greatness of that mercy can be compared only to the all-pervasive greatness of Brahman. Brahma means unlimitedly great and unlimitedly expanding. That mercy is also described as paramam, for it has no comparison within this material world and it is also called sūkṣmam, very fine. Not only is the Lord’s mercy upon the tried devotee great and unlimitedly expansive, but it is of the finest quality of transcendental love between the devotee and the Lord. Such mercy is further described as cin-mātram, completely spiritual. The use of the word mātram indicates absolute spirituality, with no tinge of material qualities. That mercy is also called sat (eternal) and anantakam (unlimited).” (Krsna book vol 2 chapter 33)
I have no doubt that you’ve attained Krsna’s greatest mercy because of all your sacrifice and gusto to keep on going. You’ve become empowered to see through this jungle of interpersonal complexity and are always ecstatic. Any mundane CEO of a company would have long resigned from trauma. Not only are you here to stay dedicated to Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON, by your association and innovation you’re also inspiring everyone else to keep on going.
I have aspirations to push on your company culture. Thank you as always for being a father, friend, teacher and guide.
Your determined and hopeful servant
Hriman Krishna dasa
Please accept my prostated obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada explained to several devotees that they should travel and preach while they’re still young. And when they got old they should retire to the holy dhama to chant Hare Krishna. “Of course, for myself,” Prabhupada added, “I’m not so mature.” One devotee asked, “If you say your not so mature, then how can we ever think of retirement?” Prabhupada smiled and said that they would have to decide that for themselves. Tamala Krishna Goswami replied, “Then we also will never become so mature that we can retire.” (Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta, vol 5 page 205)
Srila Prabhupada’s mission is so clearly embodied in his actions, that to the day he left this world he was always pushing us all to spread Krishna consciousness. He summarized his determination with the following words: “I want the benediction to go on fighting (preaching) for Krishna, just like Arjuna.” (Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta, vol 6 page 209)
Similarly your credo as you marched into the Soviet block was, “I may live or die, but Bhagavad Gita is eternal.” You gurudeva are following in Prabhupada’s trailblazing steps and are increasing the fire of Sankirtan. This is inspiring because your example shows us how to have full faith in the orders of the spiritual master in trying to please him. In spite of all difficulties and risks you have come out victorious and have first hand experience of the power and potency of Srila Prabhupada’s books and instructions.
Srila Prabhupada said that if you distribute his books behind the iron curtain it will fall. You didn’t know how this was going to happen, but you witnessed it and became a pioneer of this historical act.
These days the danger isn’t coming from the communist regime. Five years ago you said the greatest threat for ISKCON is non-cooperation and to cooperate with devotees can be harder than conquering lust. Your caution echoes to this day in your revelation to the GBC strategic planning committee: Institutional non-cooperation amongst plurality of the individual proves to be a titan alarming fractures in our society.
Even our wild-life-brahmacari sanctuary for endangered species thrives a medley crew: there are those into details, more details and the most details – artists, reclusive mendicants, eccentric non-verbal types, administrators, bureaucrats, and independent trailblazers. It’s mystical how Krsna keeps this smorgasbord of well-seasoned individuals from completely polarizing.
Amongst our ISKCON interpersonal dynamics you expressed concern where new leaders will come from and be inspired to push on despite the apparent difficulties. Although you see potential in Prabhupada’s grand disciples there needs to be much more to step-up and take responsibility.
You fear the first generation of Prabhupada’s followers has made it seem too hard for new persons to take up the reigns. All the while I see you’re investing time to train some of these leaders and your clarion call to increase is heard from a far.
Srila Prabhupada told Tamala Krishna Maharaja that the qualities he looks for in choosing his leaders are those who sacrifice the most for preaching and he told Syamasundar Prabhu that he looks for those who have energy and spirit.
Although you pointed out these pioneering qualities to be essential in all circumstances, at the same time persons are also needed to maintain an institution. The transcendental bureaucrats who systemize ISKCON are pioneers in there own right for their organizational prowess, yet harmony needs to manifest between them and the front-runners or innovators.
Owing to your firm faith in chanting Hare Krsna, your gratitude to Srila Prabhupada and experiences of overcoming the impossible in the Soviet block, you remain confident that we will push on Srila Prabhuapda’s ISKCON. In the face of all troubles that come with leadership and management you maintain such a blissful and optimistic enthusiasm to persist.
You are one of Srila Prabhupada’s generals aligned with his vision and mission. Like Maharaja Yudhisthira who went through so much tribulation for the Lord, you’re a devotee who has been tried-and-tested in many inconceivable ways in pushing on the Sankirtan movement.
Lord Kṛṣṇa said to King Yudhiṣṭhira, “My devotee is not deterred by any adverse conditions of life; he always remains firm and steady. Therefore I give Myself to him, and I favor him so that he can achieve the highest success of life.” The mercy bestowed upon the tried devotee by the Supreme Personality is described as brahma, which indicates that the greatness of that mercy can be compared only to the all-pervasive greatness of Brahman. Brahma means unlimitedly great and unlimitedly expanding. That mercy is also described as paramam, for it has no comparison within this material world and it is also called sūkṣmam, very fine. Not only is the Lord’s mercy upon the tried devotee great and unlimitedly expansive, but it is of the finest quality of transcendental love between the devotee and the Lord. Such mercy is further described as cin-mātram, completely spiritual. The use of the word mātram indicates absolute spirituality, with no tinge of material qualities. That mercy is also called sat (eternal) and anantakam (unlimited).” (Krsna book vol 2 chapter 33)
I have no doubt that you’ve attained Krsna’s greatest mercy because of all your sacrifice and gusto to keep on going. You’ve become empowered to see through this jungle of interpersonal complexity and are always ecstatic. Any mundane CEO of a company would have long resigned from trauma. Not only are you here to stay dedicated to Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON, by your association and innovation you’re also inspiring everyone else to keep on going.
I have aspirations to push on your company culture. Thank you as always for being a father, friend, teacher and guide.
Your determined and hopeful servant
Hriman Krishna dasa
Ian Munene Kanini
Dear Guru Maharaj,
nama om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
This year has been a transformation, to bring me closer to your service as you continue to please your Spiritual Master, His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. My useless, insignificant self has been to the most part, allowed to join in this mission by your mercy and so here are my efforts to try and please you this past year.
I was given the service at the Bhaktivedanta Manor of running the social media platforms of our new brand ‘The School of Bhakti’. This has been a good start for getting people to dive a little deeper into the philosophy. I have been creating video content, contributing to design and marketing ideas, in an effort to see how we can package Krsna Consciousness for the ‘modern man of Kali Yuga’.
From listening to your talks and lectures, I became more attracted to try helping new people experience Mahaprabhu’s mission and so I was involved in doing tours and connecting to western audiences. By your mercy, we have one boy – who I studied with at University, chanting a few rounds daily, offering his food and coming to the temple for darshan and volunteering with the cow protection scheme at the Manor. He has even fully stopped eating animal flesh and has encouraged his family to adopt the same culture. Despite a few challenges he is having, with your mercy, he shall soon be sailing deep in the ocean of devotional service. We also have a senior western lady, who came to the temple for a random visit and I have been in contact with her ever since. She is chanting a round a day, adopting a vegetarian diet and trying her best to be engaged by joining our online courses and reading Bhagavad Gita. She is soon to join one of our sangas and become a part of the Manor’s Western outreach (Krsna Wisdom) audience.
Your encouragement for me to try preaching got me involved with having a sanga which has about 25 people, who are trying to adopt Bhakti in their life regularly. Around 3 of them are western and 15 of them are Indian bodied raised in the UK and have almost no clue about Krsna Consciousness whilst the rest are still novice when it comes to the philosophy. Their enthusiasm is strong and by your mercy, they shall continue with the same spirit as you do! We begin going through the Nectar of Instruction verses, chanting japa together (virtually for now) and continue with the Bhakti Life syllabus available.
University preaching has also been instigated. I am facilitating talks with students from UCL’s KCSoc (University College London) which officially begin next week. They have committee members in their society who are new to the philosophy and so by your blessings, I know they will make Krsna Conscious activities their second nature.
I plan on diving into more western preaching and specifically, talks on the Bhagavad Gita. The course ‘Seeing my Life Through the Gita’ for the western audience is almost complete and shall begin reaching people in a few weeks. We are also working with your glorious disciple Keli Kanana prabhu to create video content for the western audiences that would eventually turn out to being an online reading sanga so that they can all be engaged in understanding the literary works of His Divine Grace.
After hearing your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year, the motivation to meditate on him as our founder Acarya became more apparent, as it is thanks to him that you have given me a chance to serve in his mission. With help from our temple president, we began reaching out to your godbrothers and sisters who are sharing ways by which they still are maintaining having a close relationship with Srila Prabhupada even after his physical departure, in a bid to encourage as well to have him closer to us, and not on the category of a distant Acarya. We have received a few entries and keep on receiving one each week. It would be amazing to have you share a thing or two as well seeing that, just like Srila Prabhupada and his spiritual master, your physical interactions were minimal yet the intimate connection was out of this world. This would be very much beneficial for future generations of ISKCON to understand also.
All these things are happening by nothing else other than the mercy, good will and love that you have shown me. You have picked me up from the trash that was my life, and immersed me into the world of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and for this, I am forever indebted to you. I cannot repay you for all that you do for me and can never reciprocate. I kindly ask that, even though I am this useless, that you can spare me by casting your merciful glance upon me so I can be fully engaged in serving you.
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā,
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life.
Your insignificant servant,
Ian Munene Kanini
nama om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
This year has been a transformation, to bring me closer to your service as you continue to please your Spiritual Master, His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. My useless, insignificant self has been to the most part, allowed to join in this mission by your mercy and so here are my efforts to try and please you this past year.
I was given the service at the Bhaktivedanta Manor of running the social media platforms of our new brand ‘The School of Bhakti’. This has been a good start for getting people to dive a little deeper into the philosophy. I have been creating video content, contributing to design and marketing ideas, in an effort to see how we can package Krsna Consciousness for the ‘modern man of Kali Yuga’.
From listening to your talks and lectures, I became more attracted to try helping new people experience Mahaprabhu’s mission and so I was involved in doing tours and connecting to western audiences. By your mercy, we have one boy – who I studied with at University, chanting a few rounds daily, offering his food and coming to the temple for darshan and volunteering with the cow protection scheme at the Manor. He has even fully stopped eating animal flesh and has encouraged his family to adopt the same culture. Despite a few challenges he is having, with your mercy, he shall soon be sailing deep in the ocean of devotional service. We also have a senior western lady, who came to the temple for a random visit and I have been in contact with her ever since. She is chanting a round a day, adopting a vegetarian diet and trying her best to be engaged by joining our online courses and reading Bhagavad Gita. She is soon to join one of our sangas and become a part of the Manor’s Western outreach (Krsna Wisdom) audience.
Your encouragement for me to try preaching got me involved with having a sanga which has about 25 people, who are trying to adopt Bhakti in their life regularly. Around 3 of them are western and 15 of them are Indian bodied raised in the UK and have almost no clue about Krsna Consciousness whilst the rest are still novice when it comes to the philosophy. Their enthusiasm is strong and by your mercy, they shall continue with the same spirit as you do! We begin going through the Nectar of Instruction verses, chanting japa together (virtually for now) and continue with the Bhakti Life syllabus available.
University preaching has also been instigated. I am facilitating talks with students from UCL’s KCSoc (University College London) which officially begin next week. They have committee members in their society who are new to the philosophy and so by your blessings, I know they will make Krsna Conscious activities their second nature.
I plan on diving into more western preaching and specifically, talks on the Bhagavad Gita. The course ‘Seeing my Life Through the Gita’ for the western audience is almost complete and shall begin reaching people in a few weeks. We are also working with your glorious disciple Keli Kanana prabhu to create video content for the western audiences that would eventually turn out to being an online reading sanga so that they can all be engaged in understanding the literary works of His Divine Grace.
After hearing your offering to Srila Prabhupada this year, the motivation to meditate on him as our founder Acarya became more apparent, as it is thanks to him that you have given me a chance to serve in his mission. With help from our temple president, we began reaching out to your godbrothers and sisters who are sharing ways by which they still are maintaining having a close relationship with Srila Prabhupada even after his physical departure, in a bid to encourage as well to have him closer to us, and not on the category of a distant Acarya. We have received a few entries and keep on receiving one each week. It would be amazing to have you share a thing or two as well seeing that, just like Srila Prabhupada and his spiritual master, your physical interactions were minimal yet the intimate connection was out of this world. This would be very much beneficial for future generations of ISKCON to understand also.
All these things are happening by nothing else other than the mercy, good will and love that you have shown me. You have picked me up from the trash that was my life, and immersed me into the world of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and for this, I am forever indebted to you. I cannot repay you for all that you do for me and can never reciprocate. I kindly ask that, even though I am this useless, that you can spare me by casting your merciful glance upon me so I can be fully engaged in serving you.
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā,
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life.
Your insignificant servant,
Ian Munene Kanini
Indranila devi dasi
Dear Gurumaharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotusfeet.
I'm so thankful to have met you in this lifetime.
I remember with much bliss the first time I saw you 1999, in Chile, sitting on the vyasasana giving Bhagavad Gita class.
Of many interactions with you I have forgotten ( shame on this useless mind) I have managed to hold on to that beautiful vision.
You were so powerful, happy, loud and convincing. Everyone was in awe. We all wondered who this special personality was. We sat in complete silence and soaked in every single word.
I had no idea though that you had come to shake my world. Within a couple of weeks all my future plans ( same plan I'd had since a very young child) went straight out the window.
In my first ever conversation with you, you crushed my ego and had a blast doing so. I've never heard you laugh so much again.
I told you about my plans but you gave new plans then and there.
How did i accept such a proposal ?
Because your presence is so inspiring and purifying I couldn't think about anything other than surrendering in extatic bliss to our sweet Lord.
You listened to me like no one else had ever done before. You understood my mind and miseries product of the identification with this body.
You didn't hesitate for one second and clear of doubts
extended your hand to release me from the captivity of this bodily concept of life which is so futile.
You were so excited, loving and kind.
You told me you would come back and you did.
You told me you would offer your guidance and you have still kept your promise.
You told me you were pleased with me and that I was using all your favourite words.
I said I would stay to help Lila Shakti mataji preach in Valaparaiso but you said: "No! I'm giving you new resposabilties!"
You told me to use this life for the Lord.
When you left that week as everytime you leave I felt hope and void simultaneously.
We miss you terribly when you're gone.
Thank you infinitely for always taking your time and effort to come and visit us.
We know the real relationship with the Guru is through service and vani but your presence is always treasured.
We love you and all of Srila Prabhupada's sons and daughters.
Your indebted servant,
Indranila devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your lotusfeet.
I'm so thankful to have met you in this lifetime.
I remember with much bliss the first time I saw you 1999, in Chile, sitting on the vyasasana giving Bhagavad Gita class.
Of many interactions with you I have forgotten ( shame on this useless mind) I have managed to hold on to that beautiful vision.
You were so powerful, happy, loud and convincing. Everyone was in awe. We all wondered who this special personality was. We sat in complete silence and soaked in every single word.
I had no idea though that you had come to shake my world. Within a couple of weeks all my future plans ( same plan I'd had since a very young child) went straight out the window.
In my first ever conversation with you, you crushed my ego and had a blast doing so. I've never heard you laugh so much again.
I told you about my plans but you gave new plans then and there.
How did i accept such a proposal ?
Because your presence is so inspiring and purifying I couldn't think about anything other than surrendering in extatic bliss to our sweet Lord.
You listened to me like no one else had ever done before. You understood my mind and miseries product of the identification with this body.
You didn't hesitate for one second and clear of doubts
extended your hand to release me from the captivity of this bodily concept of life which is so futile.
You were so excited, loving and kind.
You told me you would come back and you did.
You told me you would offer your guidance and you have still kept your promise.
You told me you were pleased with me and that I was using all your favourite words.
I said I would stay to help Lila Shakti mataji preach in Valaparaiso but you said: "No! I'm giving you new resposabilties!"
You told me to use this life for the Lord.
When you left that week as everytime you leave I felt hope and void simultaneously.
We miss you terribly when you're gone.
Thank you infinitely for always taking your time and effort to come and visit us.
We know the real relationship with the Guru is through service and vani but your presence is always treasured.
We love you and all of Srila Prabhupada's sons and daughters.
Your indebted servant,
Indranila devi dasi
Isvar Candra das and Candrika devi dasi
Hare Krishna, dear Gurudeva. Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
Dear Guru Maharaj we feel extremely lucky and blessed that despite we being stupid, arrogant, full of defects and “stalwart” descendants of Kali-yuga mlechas and yavanas, you have accepted us as your disciples.
There is no end to your devotion and service to Srila Prabhupada.
There is no end to your efforts and desire to preach Krishna consciousness and bring more and more conditioned souls back to the lotus feet of Krishna.
There is no end to the guidance and inspiration that you are giving us.
There is no end and there will never be.
For your auspicious vyasa-puja we wrote a poem for you. We hope you like it.
.................................................................
A General conquering the world
fulfilling Lord Caitanya’s scheme.
Sent forth a soldier - brave and bold
to free the souls in Communist regime.
"Go and give my books to them!
Bring them into Lord Caitanya's movement.
Deliver them this Krishna conscious gem
and let their lives for Krishna's will be spent."
The soldier happy to receive this order
placed it in his heart and on his head.
Not looking back he crossed the border
and fought with the nescience that was spread.
Amazing is this soldier, amazing is his feat
for he embodies the highest truth sublime
- through the shelter of the Guru's lotus feet
one attracts Krishna's mercy in a split of time.
Possessing purity, devotion and benevolence
victory and glory is always on his side.
Breaking down the Mayavada prevalence
he smashed the nonsense rascal’s pride.
For his followers he's a guiding star,
and for his peers he's a noble friend.
Spreading Krishna's glory wide and far
making everyone he meets on Krishna to depend.
Never he looked back, never held a grudge, never had a selfish plan.
Determined to fulfill his Guru's wish he is known as "Prabhupada's man".
.................................................................
trying to be your servants and begging for your mercy,
isvar candra das and candrika devi dasi
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
Dear Guru Maharaj we feel extremely lucky and blessed that despite we being stupid, arrogant, full of defects and “stalwart” descendants of Kali-yuga mlechas and yavanas, you have accepted us as your disciples.
There is no end to your devotion and service to Srila Prabhupada.
There is no end to your efforts and desire to preach Krishna consciousness and bring more and more conditioned souls back to the lotus feet of Krishna.
There is no end to the guidance and inspiration that you are giving us.
There is no end and there will never be.
For your auspicious vyasa-puja we wrote a poem for you. We hope you like it.
.................................................................
A General conquering the world
fulfilling Lord Caitanya’s scheme.
Sent forth a soldier - brave and bold
to free the souls in Communist regime.
"Go and give my books to them!
Bring them into Lord Caitanya's movement.
Deliver them this Krishna conscious gem
and let their lives for Krishna's will be spent."
The soldier happy to receive this order
placed it in his heart and on his head.
Not looking back he crossed the border
and fought with the nescience that was spread.
Amazing is this soldier, amazing is his feat
for he embodies the highest truth sublime
- through the shelter of the Guru's lotus feet
one attracts Krishna's mercy in a split of time.
Possessing purity, devotion and benevolence
victory and glory is always on his side.
Breaking down the Mayavada prevalence
he smashed the nonsense rascal’s pride.
For his followers he's a guiding star,
and for his peers he's a noble friend.
Spreading Krishna's glory wide and far
making everyone he meets on Krishna to depend.
Never he looked back, never held a grudge, never had a selfish plan.
Determined to fulfill his Guru's wish he is known as "Prabhupada's man".
.................................................................
trying to be your servants and begging for your mercy,
isvar candra das and candrika devi dasi
Isvaresvara Das
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my prostrate obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We are most fortunate to be able to celebrate that the earth has been graced for 70 years now by your divine presence, witnessing your pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s movement tirelessly.
As Srila Prabhupada’s faithful servant, you so expertly have been lifting up the fallen souls in this most degraded iron-age from the ocean of nescience and pushed them into Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s ocean of mercy and ecstatic love of Godhead.
Guru Maharaja, in everything you do, such as speaking or leading kirtan, we can see and feel that you are really relishing love of Svayam Bhagavan, Sri Krsna. This automatically also lifts our consciousness from worrying about our temporary existence towards simply surrendering to Krsna’s lotus feet.
Your conduct and preaching, acar and pracar, resonates with how the Panca tattva flooded the world with Krsna prema.
“The characteristics of Kṛṣṇa are understood to be a storehouse of transcendental love. Although that storehouse of love certainly came with Kṛṣṇa when He was present, it was sealed. But when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came with His associates of the Pañca-tattva, they broke the seal and plundered the storehouse to taste transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa. The more they tasted it, the more their thirst for it grew”. (CC Adi 7.20-21)
Recently I was fortunate to see your ever-increasing enthusiasm for spreading this mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in some zoom sessions where you encouraged book distributors worldwide and expressed your overwhelming appreciation for their efforts in beating Srila Prabhupada’s Brhad Mrdanga.
Srila Prabhupada literally kept his life in the last portion of his pastimes simply on the strength of hearing encouraging reports of book distribution. Similarly, we could witness how your energy swells up when hearing and speaking about it.
This also shows what it means to take the spiritual master’s mission as one’s life and soul, namely that what’s most pleasing to the guru is also what pleases the disciple the most.
Guru Maharaja, I am not at all qualified to call myself your disciple. Continually illusioned, having my vision blinded by selfishness I can simply beg for your mercy to somehow or other become so. I pray to Lord Narasimhadeva to protect your health for many more years.
Your insignificant, aspiring servant,
Isvaresvara Das
Please accept my prostrate obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to your appearance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We are most fortunate to be able to celebrate that the earth has been graced for 70 years now by your divine presence, witnessing your pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s movement tirelessly.
As Srila Prabhupada’s faithful servant, you so expertly have been lifting up the fallen souls in this most degraded iron-age from the ocean of nescience and pushed them into Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s ocean of mercy and ecstatic love of Godhead.
Guru Maharaja, in everything you do, such as speaking or leading kirtan, we can see and feel that you are really relishing love of Svayam Bhagavan, Sri Krsna. This automatically also lifts our consciousness from worrying about our temporary existence towards simply surrendering to Krsna’s lotus feet.
Your conduct and preaching, acar and pracar, resonates with how the Panca tattva flooded the world with Krsna prema.
“The characteristics of Kṛṣṇa are understood to be a storehouse of transcendental love. Although that storehouse of love certainly came with Kṛṣṇa when He was present, it was sealed. But when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came with His associates of the Pañca-tattva, they broke the seal and plundered the storehouse to taste transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa. The more they tasted it, the more their thirst for it grew”. (CC Adi 7.20-21)
Recently I was fortunate to see your ever-increasing enthusiasm for spreading this mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in some zoom sessions where you encouraged book distributors worldwide and expressed your overwhelming appreciation for their efforts in beating Srila Prabhupada’s Brhad Mrdanga.
Srila Prabhupada literally kept his life in the last portion of his pastimes simply on the strength of hearing encouraging reports of book distribution. Similarly, we could witness how your energy swells up when hearing and speaking about it.
This also shows what it means to take the spiritual master’s mission as one’s life and soul, namely that what’s most pleasing to the guru is also what pleases the disciple the most.
Guru Maharaja, I am not at all qualified to call myself your disciple. Continually illusioned, having my vision blinded by selfishness I can simply beg for your mercy to somehow or other become so. I pray to Lord Narasimhadeva to protect your health for many more years.
Your insignificant, aspiring servant,
Isvaresvara Das
Isvari Kesavi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you.
All glories to this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
I've been thinking a lot about the meaning of connection as it is something people are starving for.
This time around, writing these words to you, in these very strange and surreal worldly circumstances cause me to reflect about my connection to you.
Ultimately my connection to you is my connection to Krishna, my Source and my Lord. You are invaluable because the role that you play in my life as a guide is everything.
I've realized that since you came into my life, all things auspicious arrived.
Through my connection to you I became connected with my non-material self.
Through my connection to you I became connected to transcendental literature and a process of unparalleled self discovery.
Through my connection to you I became connected to a community of conscious souls who are some of the most interesting and truly inspiring personalities, who I am now lucky to have in my life as friends, sisters and family.
Through my connection to you my life has changed for the better.
I was given the book 'A Bond of Love - Srila Prabhupada and His Daughters.'
In one recalling from Karana Karana Devi Dasi she said,
"Sometimes when I get off track and the Deities and the spiritual world seem far-fetched, I look at Prabhupada's picture and know he's a real person. He's caught me by a rope and holds me steady. When I read his books I know he's talking to me and I'm still with him."
This really spoke to me.
It also reminded me that you are never far from reach.
Through your words and through the words of your disciples I feel connected to you and for this I am truly grateful.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Isvari Kesavi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you.
All glories to this most auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
I've been thinking a lot about the meaning of connection as it is something people are starving for.
This time around, writing these words to you, in these very strange and surreal worldly circumstances cause me to reflect about my connection to you.
Ultimately my connection to you is my connection to Krishna, my Source and my Lord. You are invaluable because the role that you play in my life as a guide is everything.
I've realized that since you came into my life, all things auspicious arrived.
Through my connection to you I became connected with my non-material self.
Through my connection to you I became connected to transcendental literature and a process of unparalleled self discovery.
Through my connection to you I became connected to a community of conscious souls who are some of the most interesting and truly inspiring personalities, who I am now lucky to have in my life as friends, sisters and family.
Through my connection to you my life has changed for the better.
I was given the book 'A Bond of Love - Srila Prabhupada and His Daughters.'
In one recalling from Karana Karana Devi Dasi she said,
"Sometimes when I get off track and the Deities and the spiritual world seem far-fetched, I look at Prabhupada's picture and know he's a real person. He's caught me by a rope and holds me steady. When I read his books I know he's talking to me and I'm still with him."
This really spoke to me.
It also reminded me that you are never far from reach.
Through your words and through the words of your disciples I feel connected to you and for this I am truly grateful.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Isvari Kesavi dasi
Jack (Bhakti Lounge)
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my respectful obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
For most people this Covid 19 crisis has been a great burden, for me however it has proved to be a blessing in disguise as I have had great fortune of more association with you.
Your kirtans at the Bhkati Lounge have been the boost of enthusiasm I need to enliven me in devotional service and your classes are like a bath that cleanses away the dirt from my contaminated mind.
I remember when we were reading Krishna book you said that material benidictions are like tidily winks and that devotional service is the real benidiction.
I'm amazed when I see how you have made devotional service so easily accessible to the people in general. I have met so many people at the Bhakti Lounge that are so blow away by the experience that they decide to help out without even being asked.
Recently two boys who came for the first time were so ecstatic from the soul feast that they decided to stay back, after everyone else had left, and help me pack down the sound equipment.
I realised then how easy you have made it for people to engage in devotional service.
These places you have created such as the loft and the Bhakti Lounge provide people an atmosphere where they can take shelter from the onslaught of maya and offer them the opourtunity to engage in their constitutional position.
Without these places, these boys as well as myself and so many others would have no chance to engage in devotional service, the ultimate benidiction, and therefore we would have no chance to remember our love for Krishna.
I'm so grateful that you made these organisims for pleasing the previous acharyas, and I am eternally indebted to you for allowing me to participate in serving in them.
Upon reflection I can see that my life before you gave me devotional service was a useless waste of time that benifited no one. Now by your mercy I am able to live a meaningful life by helping you in your mission to bring people back to Krishna.
I pray that I may renounce my desires for the tidly winks of the material word and engage whole heartedly in your service so that I can make the most of this priceless benidiction.
Your aspiring servant Bhakta Jack
Please accept my respectful obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
For most people this Covid 19 crisis has been a great burden, for me however it has proved to be a blessing in disguise as I have had great fortune of more association with you.
Your kirtans at the Bhkati Lounge have been the boost of enthusiasm I need to enliven me in devotional service and your classes are like a bath that cleanses away the dirt from my contaminated mind.
I remember when we were reading Krishna book you said that material benidictions are like tidily winks and that devotional service is the real benidiction.
I'm amazed when I see how you have made devotional service so easily accessible to the people in general. I have met so many people at the Bhakti Lounge that are so blow away by the experience that they decide to help out without even being asked.
Recently two boys who came for the first time were so ecstatic from the soul feast that they decided to stay back, after everyone else had left, and help me pack down the sound equipment.
I realised then how easy you have made it for people to engage in devotional service.
These places you have created such as the loft and the Bhakti Lounge provide people an atmosphere where they can take shelter from the onslaught of maya and offer them the opourtunity to engage in their constitutional position.
Without these places, these boys as well as myself and so many others would have no chance to engage in devotional service, the ultimate benidiction, and therefore we would have no chance to remember our love for Krishna.
I'm so grateful that you made these organisims for pleasing the previous acharyas, and I am eternally indebted to you for allowing me to participate in serving in them.
Upon reflection I can see that my life before you gave me devotional service was a useless waste of time that benifited no one. Now by your mercy I am able to live a meaningful life by helping you in your mission to bring people back to Krishna.
I pray that I may renounce my desires for the tidly winks of the material word and engage whole heartedly in your service so that I can make the most of this priceless benidiction.
Your aspiring servant Bhakta Jack
Jade Smit
Dearest Devamrita Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I don’t have the realisation nor the vision to see my lack of qualifications to glorify you on this day. I’m still struggling to process how I’ve managed to receive your mercy.
Recently in a conversation with a devotee I’ve began to reflect on the mysticism of Krishna Consciousness; as they captured taking up the process so vividly. This devotee explained that taking the first steps in Bhakti felt like being shaken awake, prodded from a sluggish sleep. The most striking moment is the point at which you’ve been woken up, taken a few steps and found yourself in a different room. At this point you’re starting to feel conscious that you’re no longer lingering in an old dream but just beginning to process that you’re standing straight, in a new space, with an even stranger awareness. Only very slowly recognising where you are, your newer identity and what you are doing.
It was such a tangible comparison. All my engagement in chanting, service and association has felt like a very confounding shift in consciousness. I’m only processing now that I have been shaken from a nightmarish state, walked into a room with devotees, picked up my beads and engaged in the perfection of life. The most profound confusion of my existence.
Your service is clearly so completely shaking and devastating to Maya’s tricks of sleep.
As I am uneducated in the true potential of my life, I am also unknowing of all the ways you’ve endeavoured to part the clouds of my ignorance and bring me closer to the reality of loving Krsna. Gurudev, I haven’t grasped the depth of your character and I really don’t understand your devotion. I really do hope to understand how completely reliant I am on your guidance. But at this point in time, I am attempting to appreciate this community of devotees that have wholeheartedly supported my spiritual life. Behind all these special souls is your profound association and instructions. Everyone is endeavouring so sincerely to please you. And I have received the benefits of your labor of love. I thank you so dearly.
My recent meditation leading up to your Vyasa Puja has been your kirtan. I heard recently in a lecture by His Grace Kadamba Kanana Maharaj;
“Don’t trust a Guru that doesn’t dance”
In that case, I have full faith in you. Recently, a guest that was attending the community programme for the first time, commented on his surprise to see you absolutely rocking a whole room of devotees. It’s amazing to see how you dance for the pleasure of the deities and inspire us to join in your endeavour. Your kirtans ground my all my unfortunate doubts and have opened up the concept that the process of Krishna Consciousness contains a higher taste. This has given me a growing faith that there is opportunity to invest my heart in Bhakti.
I am still working on my unconsciousness so I apologise that I am not able to appreciate the oceanic range of your character. I am only hoping against hope that I keep engaged in this process to fix my drowsy existence so that I am able to engage in the immeasurable service at your lotus feet.
On this auspicious day, I am desperate for your mercy to see the reality that I will only ever be happy in serving the servant of the servant. Thank you for your tolerance, your gentle guidance and all the ways in which you are pulling my true potential to the surface.
Your aspiring servant,
Jade
Please accept my humble obeisances on this auspicious day of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I don’t have the realisation nor the vision to see my lack of qualifications to glorify you on this day. I’m still struggling to process how I’ve managed to receive your mercy.
Recently in a conversation with a devotee I’ve began to reflect on the mysticism of Krishna Consciousness; as they captured taking up the process so vividly. This devotee explained that taking the first steps in Bhakti felt like being shaken awake, prodded from a sluggish sleep. The most striking moment is the point at which you’ve been woken up, taken a few steps and found yourself in a different room. At this point you’re starting to feel conscious that you’re no longer lingering in an old dream but just beginning to process that you’re standing straight, in a new space, with an even stranger awareness. Only very slowly recognising where you are, your newer identity and what you are doing.
It was such a tangible comparison. All my engagement in chanting, service and association has felt like a very confounding shift in consciousness. I’m only processing now that I have been shaken from a nightmarish state, walked into a room with devotees, picked up my beads and engaged in the perfection of life. The most profound confusion of my existence.
Your service is clearly so completely shaking and devastating to Maya’s tricks of sleep.
As I am uneducated in the true potential of my life, I am also unknowing of all the ways you’ve endeavoured to part the clouds of my ignorance and bring me closer to the reality of loving Krsna. Gurudev, I haven’t grasped the depth of your character and I really don’t understand your devotion. I really do hope to understand how completely reliant I am on your guidance. But at this point in time, I am attempting to appreciate this community of devotees that have wholeheartedly supported my spiritual life. Behind all these special souls is your profound association and instructions. Everyone is endeavouring so sincerely to please you. And I have received the benefits of your labor of love. I thank you so dearly.
My recent meditation leading up to your Vyasa Puja has been your kirtan. I heard recently in a lecture by His Grace Kadamba Kanana Maharaj;
“Don’t trust a Guru that doesn’t dance”
In that case, I have full faith in you. Recently, a guest that was attending the community programme for the first time, commented on his surprise to see you absolutely rocking a whole room of devotees. It’s amazing to see how you dance for the pleasure of the deities and inspire us to join in your endeavour. Your kirtans ground my all my unfortunate doubts and have opened up the concept that the process of Krishna Consciousness contains a higher taste. This has given me a growing faith that there is opportunity to invest my heart in Bhakti.
I am still working on my unconsciousness so I apologise that I am not able to appreciate the oceanic range of your character. I am only hoping against hope that I keep engaged in this process to fix my drowsy existence so that I am able to engage in the immeasurable service at your lotus feet.
On this auspicious day, I am desperate for your mercy to see the reality that I will only ever be happy in serving the servant of the servant. Thank you for your tolerance, your gentle guidance and all the ways in which you are pulling my true potential to the surface.
Your aspiring servant,
Jade
Jahnavi Jivan Devi Dase
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble and respectable obeisance’s at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja celebrations.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you.
This year is been a unique experience of celebrating your Vyasa puja using technology which is never heard, seen or imagined. During March, this year I felt very happy with your schedule to visit Melbourne, but the Lord has different plans. And at that moment, when you could return to New Zealand due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I felt that Supreme Lord has kindly made the special arrangement for you and placed you in the best part of the globe. The whole world is going topsy turvy but except the place you are residing left unaffected by COVID-19. This incident made me to open my eyes to see from shastra that how Lord protects a pure devotee from all the dangers of this contaminated material world. A pure and self-realised soul like you can uplift many fallen souls like me and with your personal example you are showing us how to learn and practice Krishna consciousness so we can be able to train our mind to purify our heart from all the contaminations residing in my heart so I look up the paramatma sitting in our heart and understand the Supreme Lord’s hand in all walks of our life.
I am missing your valuable association here in Melbourne this year. Your virtual classes are helping me to breathe through the difficult times of this year. I feel so fortunate to be your disciple and be an instrument in serving the mission of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Only by your mercy I could be able to do our regular sadhana and devotional services and managing to read Srila Prabhupada books. Earlier I was trying to read Srila Prabhupada books all by myself however but failing to remember what I have heard are read. This pandemic situation opened a window of opportunity with a new path to try to study Srila Prabhupada books with a sincere mood through online sessions. With the enthusiasm of few Mataji’s we could form a small group to do early morning japa session, afternoon two hours reading Srila Prabhupada books. This situation has turned as a blessing in disguise so that I could sit and think of using precious time in hearing attentively and scrutinizing studying Srila Prabhupada books. By trying to study Srila Prabhupada books regularly, my desire to share this sublime knowledge with others is increasing. Many mataij’s in our group do not know each other and are new to Krishna consciousness are becoming favourable to accept the process. They started appreciating Srila Prabhupada sacrifice and his special mercy through the books, devotee’s association, and the Krishna Consciousness path and showing their enthusiasm to participate in studying and eagerly awaiting to visit temple when the restrictions ease. During this lockdown, we could together successfully read Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and currently reading Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita and Nectar of Instruction. On Sunday evening, I am teaching Srimad Bhagavatam to young children of age group 5-10 years through stories, poems, slokas, art and craft etc. Kids eagerness to learn is inspiring me to study Srimad Bhagavatam with rapt attention so I can make kids friendly lesson plans for them. This process of reading books is helping me to purify my consciousness and follow the path with more focus and dedication.
mukam karoti vachalam pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande sri-gurum dina-taranam
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains.”
I know nothing but sincerely desire to be a worthy disciple of you. Without your mercy, I can’t imagine where would I be and how would I handle any situation in my life. I am indebted to you for showering your special blessings that invoke transformation of my heart. As always, I be greedy to beg you to continue to give your causeless mercy to my family so I would be an instrument to serve the mission of Srila Prabhupada in way that most pleases you.
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yashas tri-sandhyam vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
"By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I should, therefore, meditate and pray for his mercy three times a day, and offer my respectful obeisance’s unto him, my spiritual master."
Seeking your blessings and guidance,
Jahnavi Jivan dd
Jahnavi Jivan Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble and respectable obeisance’s at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja celebrations.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you.
This year is been a unique experience of celebrating your Vyasa puja using technology which is never heard, seen or imagined. During March, this year I felt very happy with your schedule to visit Melbourne, but the Lord has different plans. And at that moment, when you could return to New Zealand due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I felt that Supreme Lord has kindly made the special arrangement for you and placed you in the best part of the globe. The whole world is going topsy turvy but except the place you are residing left unaffected by COVID-19. This incident made me to open my eyes to see from shastra that how Lord protects a pure devotee from all the dangers of this contaminated material world. A pure and self-realised soul like you can uplift many fallen souls like me and with your personal example you are showing us how to learn and practice Krishna consciousness so we can be able to train our mind to purify our heart from all the contaminations residing in my heart so I look up the paramatma sitting in our heart and understand the Supreme Lord’s hand in all walks of our life.
I am missing your association here in Melbourne this year. Your virtual classes are helping me to breathe through the difficult times of this year. I feel so fortunate to be your disciple and be an instrument in serving the mission of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Only by your mercy I could be able to do our regular sadhana and devotional services and managing to read Srila Prabhupada books. Earlier I was trying to read Srila Prabhupada books all by myself however but failing to remember what I have heard are read. This pandemic situation opened a window of opportunity with a new path to try to study Srila Prabhupada books with a sincere mood through online sessions. With the enthusiasm of few Mataji’s we could form a small group to do early morning japa session, afternoon two hours reading Srila Prabhupada books. This situation has turned as a blessing in disguise so that I could sit and think of using precious time in hearing attentively and scrutinizing studying Srila Prabhupada books. By trying to study Srila Prabhupada books regularly, my desire to share this sublime knowledge with others is increasing. Many mataij’s in our group do not know each other and are new to Krishna consciousness are becoming favourable to accept the process. They started appreciating Srila Prabhupada sacrifice and his special mercy through the books, devotee’s association, and the Krishna Consciousness path and showing their enthusiasm to participate in studying and eagerly awaiting to visit temple when the restrictions ease. During this lockdown, we could together successfully read Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and currently reading Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita and Nectar of Instruction. On Sunday evening, I am teaching Srimad Bhagavatam to young children of age group 5-10 years through stories, poems, slokas, art and craft etc. Kids eagerness to learn is inspiring me to study Srimad Bhagavatam with rapt attention so I can make kids friendly lesson plans for them. This process of reading books is helping me to purify my consciousness and follow the path with more focus and dedication.
mukam karoti vachalam pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande sri-gurum dina-taranam
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains.”
I know nothing but sincerely desire to be a worthy disciple of you. Without your mercy, I can’t imagine where would I be and how would I handle any situation in my life. I am indebted to you for showering your special blessings that invoke transformation of my heart. As always, I be greedy to beg you to continue to give your causeless mercy to my family so I would be an instrument to serve the mission of Srila Prabhupada in way that most pleases you.
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yashas tri-sandhyam vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
"By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I should, therefore, meditate and pray for his mercy three times a day, and offer my respectful obeisance’s unto him, my spiritual master."
On this special day, I tightly hold the lotus feet of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radhavallabha, Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subadhramayi and pray for your good health so you uplift many more fallen conditioned souls like me by speading the Sri Sri Caintanya Mahaprabhu sankirtana movement.
Seeking your blessings and guidance,
Jahnavi Jivan dd
Jai Advaita Das
Dear Gurudeva
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet.
You are a person who makes life easier and better for everyone around you and even far away from you through your kind words of compassion love and glorification of Guru and Krishna. Your continual acts of thoughtfulness and kindness brighten each day.
Meditating on your lotus feet and being accepted by you in the parampara has been a saving grace in this crazy year. It revives Pleasant feelings every time I think about it.
Your lectures have been very helpful through these rough times specially Pingala Geeta and Bhikshu Gita. These two presentations clarified a lot of things that occur in my heart on a day-to-day basis.
I appreciate and thank you for taking the pains of putting together such wonderful presentations to inspire us and shower your Mercy.
Thank you.
Your aspiring servant.
Jai Advaita Das
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to your lotus feet.
You are a person who makes life easier and better for everyone around you and even far away from you through your kind words of compassion love and glorification of Guru and Krishna. Your continual acts of thoughtfulness and kindness brighten each day.
Meditating on your lotus feet and being accepted by you in the parampara has been a saving grace in this crazy year. It revives Pleasant feelings every time I think about it.
Your lectures have been very helpful through these rough times specially Pingala Geeta and Bhikshu Gita. These two presentations clarified a lot of things that occur in my heart on a day-to-day basis.
I appreciate and thank you for taking the pains of putting together such wonderful presentations to inspire us and shower your Mercy.
Thank you.
Your aspiring servant.
Jai Advaita Das
Jaisacinandana Das
Dear Gurudev,
Its our incredible fortune that we have your association with us today. Thank you for gracing us with your presence and giving us your association.
The current pandemic has caused enormous disruption to mankind and Melbourne has seen one of the harshest lock downs in the world.
Behind the facade of government support so called financial or non financial, society is going through a very fragile and difficult time.
I remember during in an initiation lecture in 2010 you mentioned the only real hope we have is to surrender to the holy name and take refuge in the holy name as the ultimate saviour and protector.
You have on numerous occasions alerted us to take the only real shelter available in form of the holy name. Thank you Gurudeva for being there for all of us we are enormously fortunate to have you leading us and also showering your mercy upon us.
On a personal note, during the peak of the COVID crisis and living in one of the most hotspot locations in Melbourne, I got an opportunity to organise and deliver Prasadam to people infected by COVID in the Western Suburbs. This was truly a unique experience and initially well outside my comfort zone but extremely satisfying when I competed my service each time.
Thank you Gurudev
Please continue to give me shelter under your lotus feet and bless us.
Your Servant
Jaisacinandana
Arjuna
Gudakesa
Its our incredible fortune that we have your association with us today. Thank you for gracing us with your presence and giving us your association.
The current pandemic has caused enormous disruption to mankind and Melbourne has seen one of the harshest lock downs in the world.
Behind the facade of government support so called financial or non financial, society is going through a very fragile and difficult time.
I remember during in an initiation lecture in 2010 you mentioned the only real hope we have is to surrender to the holy name and take refuge in the holy name as the ultimate saviour and protector.
You have on numerous occasions alerted us to take the only real shelter available in form of the holy name. Thank you Gurudeva for being there for all of us we are enormously fortunate to have you leading us and also showering your mercy upon us.
On a personal note, during the peak of the COVID crisis and living in one of the most hotspot locations in Melbourne, I got an opportunity to organise and deliver Prasadam to people infected by COVID in the Western Suburbs. This was truly a unique experience and initially well outside my comfort zone but extremely satisfying when I competed my service each time.
Thank you Gurudev
Please continue to give me shelter under your lotus feet and bless us.
Your Servant
Jaisacinandana
Arjuna
Gudakesa
Janesvari Devi Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to You!!
I recently came across a small book, written by HDG Sridhar Swami Maharaja, called " Sri Guru and His Grace".
The following profound words caught my attention.
"Sri Guru is not exclusively the Same as the Supreme Lord Himself, but he fully represents the essence of the whole normal potency and embodies the most comprehensive and excellent service and favour of the Lord.
As he is the fittest servitor of the Lord, he is empowered by the Lord to reinstate all misguided souls to their best interest.
So Guru is the Divine messenger of immortal hope and joy in this mortal and miserable world.
His advent is the most auspicious and happy event to the suffering animation and can be compared to the rising of the morning star that can guide the traveller lost in the desert.
A gentle touch of Sri Guru's merciful hand can wipe away the incessant tears from all weeping eyes."
( from Srila B.R. Sridhar Swami , the Harmonist 1934)
"Sri Guru manifests himself mainly in a twofold way --- as the director from within and the preceptor from without.
Both functions of the Absolute help an individual soul --- a disciple --- to reach the absolute goal.
In our fallen state we cannot catch the proper direction to the inner guide, so the merciful manifestation of the preceptor without is our sole help and hope.
But at the same time it is only by the grace of the Guru within that we can recognize the real preceptor without and submit to his holy feet."
"A bona fides disciple must always remain fully awake to the fact that his highest spiritual fortune is but a gracious grant from the Absolute Lord, and not a matter of right to be demanded or fought out."
"To err is human. To err is inevitable for all, being not perfect.
Still, no one wants to remain imperfect.
There is an element within all that is animate that tends towards perfection.
If it were not so, we would feel no want at all. Our tendency towards perfection is certainly very weak and limited; otherwise we could attain the goal at once.
Our limited capacity and tendency for perfection makes room for the guide or Guru."
BG 4.34 explains
"To understand transcendental knowledge, you must approach a self-realized soul, accept him as your Spiritual Master, and take initiation from him.
Enquire submissively and render service unto him.
Self-realised souls can impart knowledge unto you, for they have seen the truth."
Dear Gurudeva, I pray on this auspicious day of Your appearance in this world that I may develop all the necessary qualities that are needed to become a worthy recipient of Your Grace and mercy.
Without this, my life is simply a useless waste of time.
Praying at Your Lotus Feet,
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Janesvari Devi dasi
Janma Leela Devi dasi
Hare Krishna
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesciences unto your lotus feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for your mercy & compassion to trust in me & accept me as your disciple.
I have many faults but I am trying to be a good devotee.
GuruMaharaj during the recent times I have in many instances felt really down, but listening to your lectures from NZ has been a great inspiration to gather courage & keep going.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for being with us & guiding us.
May Krishna bless you with good health & long life so that we could celebrate many more vyasa pujas & purify our selves.
I am so impure that I cannot even understand how elevated you are, your purity & your Krishna Bakthi.
Please forgive me
Always your lectures seem to have The precise answers to the questions or problem I am facing at any given time.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for giving hope to this fallen soul
Hare Krishna
Your humble servant
Janma Leela Devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obesciences unto your lotus feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Thank you for your mercy & compassion to trust in me & accept me as your disciple.
I have many faults but I am trying to be a good devotee.
GuruMaharaj during the recent times I have in many instances felt really down, but listening to your lectures from NZ has been a great inspiration to gather courage & keep going.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for being with us & guiding us.
May Krishna bless you with good health & long life so that we could celebrate many more vyasa pujas & purify our selves.
I am so impure that I cannot even understand how elevated you are, your purity & your Krishna Bakthi.
Please forgive me
Always your lectures seem to have The precise answers to the questions or problem I am facing at any given time.
Thank you Guru Maharaj for giving hope to this fallen soul
Hare Krishna
Your humble servant
Janma Leela Devi dasi
Jayadeva Kavi das
Dear Guru maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you for your guidance and care over the years. In particular I want to appreciate your emphasis and persistence regarding outreach in New Zealand.
I recently read this purport in the Fourth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and was reminded of you:
The word hari means "one who takes away all miserable conditions," and hari-medhase means that the Lord is always planning ways to deliver the conditioned soul from the clutches of māyā. The Lord is so kind that He personally incarnates to deliver the conditioned souls, and whenever He comes, He makes His plans.
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge
"To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I advent Myself millennium after millennium." (Bg. 4.8)
Since the Lord delivers all conditioned souls from the clutches of māyā, He is known as hari-medhas. (SB 4.30.24 purport)
The basis of Krishna consciousness means pleasing Krishna. Krishna wants His rebellious parts and parcels to reconnect with Him in loving devotion. And you have taken this burdensome task as your mission.
Just as “the Lord is always planning ways to deliver the conditioned soul from the clutches of māyā,” and even comes to this world to do so, you are always thinking of newer and newer ways to attract people to Bhakti and nurture them in their growth towards perfection.
In householder life there is certainly the facility to live a selfish life centred around one’s own desires. It takes a constant and conscious effort to think of others. At least for myself, habitually acting for my own self-interest is the norm. But I want to change that. I want to have that real desire to please you and Krishna.
I pray that I may develop selflessness and reach out to others while taking my own spiritual practice seriously.
As you often point out, “selfish life is a miserable life”. Evinced by your own example, you have shown that a life dedicated to service makes one blissful and let’s the soul really shine, despite the disturbances and troubles along the way.
Thank you Gurudeva for not giving up on me.
Your struggling & aspiring servant,
Jayadeva Kavi das
Jitamitra das
Hare Krishna Your Holiness Devamrita Swami Maharaj.
Please Accept my humble obeisances. Аll glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You are the perfect tool in the hands of Srila Prabhupada. On the day of Your appearance, I want to try to glorify You and tell You about my achievements this year. You are very much inspired by Your ability to be happy. Your personal example in the sermon is for me a clear example of what to strive for. I will never be able to thank you properly or even understand how much I owe you. I can only try to live in a way that makes you happy with the way I spend my life.
It was a very strange year, because of all this world situation, but by the grace of Krsna it was very successful for me.
In our yatra, I was entrusted with the task of scheduling the morning lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam. I really appreciate this service and try to do it as well as I can.
When asked, I prepare breakfast in the temple (2-3 times a month).
Recently, I have been helping to organize a weekend book distribution program. This program is called Sankirtana of weekend.
Once a week, I invite devotees home.
By the grace of Krsna in this year I have read the following books:
1.finished reading the third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and started reading the fourth. I'm reading a story about Dhruva Maharaj.
2.have read my first 3 books in English:
Spiritual culture – Krishna's divine system (Devaki dd),
Robinson Crusoe,
Krishna – reservoir of pleasure (A.C.Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada) 3.thanks to the Bhagavad Gita exams, I made a breakthrough in studying it. I studied and answered questions on 12 chapters. I plan to pass the exam for the last 6 chapters before the end of the year. Also, by the grace of Krsna, I have studied the first four verses of the Nectar of instructions. I realized that this is a very important book and I intend to continue studying it.
4.I have Finished the last volume of Prabhupada lilamrita. This was my evening reading. I started reading the Krishna book. Unfortunately, when I read the book of Krishna, I don't feel the same sweetness as when I read Prabhupada lilamrita.
It seems to me that everything I have written looks like bragging, but I do not know what else I could offer as an offering.
I've worked very little this year. But the cash balance remained positive. Plus, I learned to be a driver, which was not easy for me.
Guru Maharaj, I ask Your blessings to be the same as You in the strength of the desire to serve Krishna. I also ask for Your blessings for purity and maturity in Krsna consciousness.
Guru Maharaj I want to wish you the deepest connection with Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krsna.
Your disciple Jitamitra das
Please Accept my humble obeisances. Аll glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You are the perfect tool in the hands of Srila Prabhupada. On the day of Your appearance, I want to try to glorify You and tell You about my achievements this year. You are very much inspired by Your ability to be happy. Your personal example in the sermon is for me a clear example of what to strive for. I will never be able to thank you properly or even understand how much I owe you. I can only try to live in a way that makes you happy with the way I spend my life.
It was a very strange year, because of all this world situation, but by the grace of Krsna it was very successful for me.
In our yatra, I was entrusted with the task of scheduling the morning lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam. I really appreciate this service and try to do it as well as I can.
When asked, I prepare breakfast in the temple (2-3 times a month).
Recently, I have been helping to organize a weekend book distribution program. This program is called Sankirtana of weekend.
Once a week, I invite devotees home.
By the grace of Krsna in this year I have read the following books:
1.finished reading the third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and started reading the fourth. I'm reading a story about Dhruva Maharaj.
2.have read my first 3 books in English:
Spiritual culture – Krishna's divine system (Devaki dd),
Robinson Crusoe,
Krishna – reservoir of pleasure (A.C.Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada) 3.thanks to the Bhagavad Gita exams, I made a breakthrough in studying it. I studied and answered questions on 12 chapters. I plan to pass the exam for the last 6 chapters before the end of the year. Also, by the grace of Krsna, I have studied the first four verses of the Nectar of instructions. I realized that this is a very important book and I intend to continue studying it.
4.I have Finished the last volume of Prabhupada lilamrita. This was my evening reading. I started reading the Krishna book. Unfortunately, when I read the book of Krishna, I don't feel the same sweetness as when I read Prabhupada lilamrita.
It seems to me that everything I have written looks like bragging, but I do not know what else I could offer as an offering.
I've worked very little this year. But the cash balance remained positive. Plus, I learned to be a driver, which was not easy for me.
Guru Maharaj, I ask Your blessings to be the same as You in the strength of the desire to serve Krishna. I also ask for Your blessings for purity and maturity in Krsna consciousness.
Guru Maharaj I want to wish you the deepest connection with Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krsna.
Your disciple Jitamitra das
Jīva-māyā Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances and these meagre words, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and your ever awe-inspiring life in his service.
The source of the
supremely gentle
joyful
cajoles.
Stirring
guiding
carrying souls,
never complacent
in so many roles.
Refusal to settle
or let us try,
the deepest love
outpoured
to the Highest High.
Perfecting the formula
to spread truth far
and wide
All glories to you
forever merciful
Eternal guide.
Your insignificant servant,
Jīva-māyā Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances and these meagre words, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and your ever awe-inspiring life in his service.
The source of the
supremely gentle
joyful
cajoles.
Stirring
guiding
carrying souls,
never complacent
in so many roles.
Refusal to settle
or let us try,
the deepest love
outpoured
to the Highest High.
Perfecting the formula
to spread truth far
and wide
All glories to you
forever merciful
Eternal guide.
Your insignificant servant,
Jīva-māyā Devi Dasi
Jose
Hare Krishna Gurudeva
Please accept my most humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I have now been living in the titiksava karunika asram for 1 year and 8 months. Such a short amount of time, but it feels like I have done more with my life in this short time than in the whole 26 years I have been in this body. I never thought that being a book distributor would give me so much satisfaction and happiness. Thanks to your mercy Gurudeva I am engaged in such a way that I can truly benefit myself as well as others with Srila Prabhupadas books. I struggled very much in the beginning with book distribution; my mind always made me feel like I wasnt good enough or that I actually didn't want to distribute these books. But over time I am noticing an attachment begin to develop in regards to this service. I feel so grateful to be able to serve the mission of Srila Prabhupada in this way and to have such an inspiring father and role model as you Gurudeva. I want to make book distribution my life and soul. I want to be able to make the sacrifices neccessary to shower all of Philadelphia with Srila Prabhupadas books. When I remember the sacrifices and risks you took in communist Russia in order to preach and spread Krishna Consciousness, I feel so proud to have such an amazing and expert spiritual master as you. Mangal Aarti has once told me that in regard to your time in communist Russia, you once said "I may live or die, but the Bhagavad Gita is eternal." I pray that one day I can also take this realization into my heart and truly give my all to distributing these books. Thank you for giving us all such a simple process for making advancement in spiritual life. No one can ask for a more perfect arrangement than what we have here in Philadelphia. Simply attending morning program and going on sankirtan everyday, I am realizing that gradually I am becoming more attached to the process of devotional service and the devotees here. In the 10th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, chapter 2 verse 31, the demigods offer prayers to Lord Krishna in the womb of Devaki. They say "O Lord, who resemble the shing sun, You are always ready to fulfill the desire of Your devotee, and therefore You are known as a desire tree. When acaryas completely take shelter under Your lotus feet in order to cross the fierce ocean of nescience, they leave behind on earth the method by which they cross, and because You are very merciful to your devotees, You accept this method to help them." Srila Prabhupada says in the purport that the duty of the guru is to find the means, according to the time, the circumstances and the candidate, by which one can be induced to render devotional service, which Kṛṣṇa accepts from a candidate who wants to be successful in going back home, back to Godhead. You realized the truth in Srila Prabhupadas instructions. "If we want to become dear to Krishna, we must simply distribute these books and preach Krishna consciousness." Now you have engaged me here in the same way. I wonder sometimes if I am doing everything I can be possibly doing, sometimes I feel like I dont do enough here. However, everytime I ask you if theres anything I can do to please you, you always say the same thing. "Just keep doing what you are doing." I use to question the simplicity of this instruction but im beginning to realize that what im doing now is going to give me a stronger foundation for the service and responsibility I will take on in the future. Thank you for being a real father to me Gurudeva. I have yet to fully realize how much love and mercy you have bestowed upon me but I can see that it is more than my own biological father ever has. During our past few darshans, you have been making the same comment to me. "Your life has gone from rags to riches; keep going and make your life a success." I have been reflecting on this lately Gurudeva and it is so true. I was able to somehow or other crawl out of the sewers of Kali Yuga and take shelter of your lotus feet. We have been dealing with this pandemic now for about 7 months, and I take it for granted sometimes how fortunate I am to be living in the asram today. The circumstances have been a bit agitating for the mind, but compared to the suffering that people are currently experiencing outside of the asram, we have it so easy. 3 meals a day, a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and a full time roster of devotional service. In fact, the intensity of the current situation is acting as an extremely powerful purifying agent in terms of my bhakti and consciousness. Krishna is pushing me to become more self aware in order to keep myself and other devotees safe, and to be more creative and focused in terms of our preaching efforts. I am truly blessed and it is all simply due your causeless mercy and the mercy of your devotees. I truly dont deserve to be in this position Gurudeva. I am very miserly and I have very wicked desires for sense gratification. Despite all this, there has to be some sincerity in my heart, because if there wasn't than there is no way that I could have ever come in contact with such a pure devotee of Lord Caitanya. Gurudeva, I humbly beg you for the strength to hang on to the shelther you have given to me. Please give me your blessing so that I may continue to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada. Thank you for everything.
Yas Jose.
Please accept my most humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I have now been living in the titiksava karunika asram for 1 year and 8 months. Such a short amount of time, but it feels like I have done more with my life in this short time than in the whole 26 years I have been in this body. I never thought that being a book distributor would give me so much satisfaction and happiness. Thanks to your mercy Gurudeva I am engaged in such a way that I can truly benefit myself as well as others with Srila Prabhupadas books. I struggled very much in the beginning with book distribution; my mind always made me feel like I wasnt good enough or that I actually didn't want to distribute these books. But over time I am noticing an attachment begin to develop in regards to this service. I feel so grateful to be able to serve the mission of Srila Prabhupada in this way and to have such an inspiring father and role model as you Gurudeva. I want to make book distribution my life and soul. I want to be able to make the sacrifices neccessary to shower all of Philadelphia with Srila Prabhupadas books. When I remember the sacrifices and risks you took in communist Russia in order to preach and spread Krishna Consciousness, I feel so proud to have such an amazing and expert spiritual master as you. Mangal Aarti has once told me that in regard to your time in communist Russia, you once said "I may live or die, but the Bhagavad Gita is eternal." I pray that one day I can also take this realization into my heart and truly give my all to distributing these books. Thank you for giving us all such a simple process for making advancement in spiritual life. No one can ask for a more perfect arrangement than what we have here in Philadelphia. Simply attending morning program and going on sankirtan everyday, I am realizing that gradually I am becoming more attached to the process of devotional service and the devotees here. In the 10th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, chapter 2 verse 31, the demigods offer prayers to Lord Krishna in the womb of Devaki. They say "O Lord, who resemble the shing sun, You are always ready to fulfill the desire of Your devotee, and therefore You are known as a desire tree. When acaryas completely take shelter under Your lotus feet in order to cross the fierce ocean of nescience, they leave behind on earth the method by which they cross, and because You are very merciful to your devotees, You accept this method to help them." Srila Prabhupada says in the purport that the duty of the guru is to find the means, according to the time, the circumstances and the candidate, by which one can be induced to render devotional service, which Kṛṣṇa accepts from a candidate who wants to be successful in going back home, back to Godhead. You realized the truth in Srila Prabhupadas instructions. "If we want to become dear to Krishna, we must simply distribute these books and preach Krishna consciousness." Now you have engaged me here in the same way. I wonder sometimes if I am doing everything I can be possibly doing, sometimes I feel like I dont do enough here. However, everytime I ask you if theres anything I can do to please you, you always say the same thing. "Just keep doing what you are doing." I use to question the simplicity of this instruction but im beginning to realize that what im doing now is going to give me a stronger foundation for the service and responsibility I will take on in the future. Thank you for being a real father to me Gurudeva. I have yet to fully realize how much love and mercy you have bestowed upon me but I can see that it is more than my own biological father ever has. During our past few darshans, you have been making the same comment to me. "Your life has gone from rags to riches; keep going and make your life a success." I have been reflecting on this lately Gurudeva and it is so true. I was able to somehow or other crawl out of the sewers of Kali Yuga and take shelter of your lotus feet. We have been dealing with this pandemic now for about 7 months, and I take it for granted sometimes how fortunate I am to be living in the asram today. The circumstances have been a bit agitating for the mind, but compared to the suffering that people are currently experiencing outside of the asram, we have it so easy. 3 meals a day, a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and a full time roster of devotional service. In fact, the intensity of the current situation is acting as an extremely powerful purifying agent in terms of my bhakti and consciousness. Krishna is pushing me to become more self aware in order to keep myself and other devotees safe, and to be more creative and focused in terms of our preaching efforts. I am truly blessed and it is all simply due your causeless mercy and the mercy of your devotees. I truly dont deserve to be in this position Gurudeva. I am very miserly and I have very wicked desires for sense gratification. Despite all this, there has to be some sincerity in my heart, because if there wasn't than there is no way that I could have ever come in contact with such a pure devotee of Lord Caitanya. Gurudeva, I humbly beg you for the strength to hang on to the shelther you have given to me. Please give me your blessing so that I may continue to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada. Thank you for everything.
Yas Jose.
Joshua M. Jacobson
Hare Krisna, Gurudev!
Please accept my humble obeisances 1000 x's on this most auspicious day.
Thank you so much for spreading love for Krisna. One year ago you came to Atlanta and gave me the opportunity to serve you. Once the dust from your lotus feet touched my head my life has completely changed. Hiranyadaddypu kicked me out and I’ve left behind many of the encumbrances to devotional services (and my family specializes in the over-indulgence of the four regulative principles!). You had compassion on this conditioned soul and were so kind that though you could have chastised me you did not. Thank you so much for sending your humble servant to Atlanta to rescue us. We do not deserve your kindness. Thank you, we will forever be in debt to you. Kindly grant us the boon of bhakti so that we may render loving devotional service to you for all of our days.
Thank you Gurudev!
Please accept my humble obeisances 1000 x's on this most auspicious day.
Thank you so much for spreading love for Krisna. One year ago you came to Atlanta and gave me the opportunity to serve you. Once the dust from your lotus feet touched my head my life has completely changed. Hiranyadaddypu kicked me out and I’ve left behind many of the encumbrances to devotional services (and my family specializes in the over-indulgence of the four regulative principles!). You had compassion on this conditioned soul and were so kind that though you could have chastised me you did not. Thank you so much for sending your humble servant to Atlanta to rescue us. We do not deserve your kindness. Thank you, we will forever be in debt to you. Kindly grant us the boon of bhakti so that we may render loving devotional service to you for all of our days.
Thank you Gurudev!
Kala-Svarupa Das
Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeseances
all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In the Vedic analysis of epistomology, there are three methods of gaining knowledge. Pratyakṣa, direct perception, and anumāna, logical inference, are both considered to be proper forms of evidence. But the strongest is the śabda-pramāṇa: sound spoken by an authorized source. In the laboratory of one's life, it can be seen that śabda-pramāṇa is the supermost form of evidence. For pratyakṣa and anumāna may change the mind, but only potency in the form of spiritual sound can change the heart.
In my own life, I can attest to the potency of the trancendental words spoken by you. It is considered an offense to think of the spiritual master as an ordinary person. There is repleate evidence that you are not an ordinary man, for you are the one that saved me. Before coming to Krishna Consciousness, I was a serial follower. I followed person after person, soon finding some flaw in their philosophy and rejecting them. And none could deliver me from the hell of material life that I was living. But you, by your trancendental vibration of Hari-Katha, saved me from the ocean of sorrow in which I was drowning. This evidence conclusively proves the hypothesis that you are no ordinary person.
I have spent most of my life gaining mastery in the domains of pratyakṣa and anumāna. Material knowledge was my forte and my fort, for I felt it provided me strength and shelter. But you have shown me the truth, and that so called knowledge has transformed into ignorance. In his song Vidyara Vilase, Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings:
poḍite poḍite, bharasā bārilo,
jñāne gati habe māni'
se āśā biphala, se jñāna durbala,
se jñāna ajñāna jāni
jaḍa-vidyā jata, māyāra vaibhava,
tomāra bhajane bādhā
moha janamiyā, anitya saḿsāre,
jīvake koraye gādhā
"Reading on and on, my hopes grew and grew, for I considered the acquisition of material knowledge to be life's true goal. How fruitless those hopes turned out to be, for all my knowledge proved feeble. Now I know that all such erudition is actually pure ignorance.
All the so-called knowledge of this world is born of the flickering potency of Your illusory energy (maya). It is an impediment to the execution of devotional service to You. Indulgence in mundane knowledge verily makes an ass of the eternal soul by encouraging his infatuation with this temporary world."
Somehow or other, you have shown me that knowledge of the Supreme Absolute Truth, Lord Krishna, is the only knowledge worth having; any material knowledge not serving that perennial purpose is no better than ignorance.
Due to my extreamly fallen nature, I may spend unlimited more lifetimes within the material world. If that is the case, so be it. I humbly beg for the opprotunity, for however many times I return to this world of birth and death, to hear the trancendental evidence spoken by you, and to be allowed to associate with any person who has at any time taken shelter of your lotus feet.
Your Servant,
Kala-Svarupa Das
Please accept my humble obeseances
all glories to Srila Prabhupada!
In the Vedic analysis of epistomology, there are three methods of gaining knowledge. Pratyakṣa, direct perception, and anumāna, logical inference, are both considered to be proper forms of evidence. But the strongest is the śabda-pramāṇa: sound spoken by an authorized source. In the laboratory of one's life, it can be seen that śabda-pramāṇa is the supermost form of evidence. For pratyakṣa and anumāna may change the mind, but only potency in the form of spiritual sound can change the heart.
In my own life, I can attest to the potency of the trancendental words spoken by you. It is considered an offense to think of the spiritual master as an ordinary person. There is repleate evidence that you are not an ordinary man, for you are the one that saved me. Before coming to Krishna Consciousness, I was a serial follower. I followed person after person, soon finding some flaw in their philosophy and rejecting them. And none could deliver me from the hell of material life that I was living. But you, by your trancendental vibration of Hari-Katha, saved me from the ocean of sorrow in which I was drowning. This evidence conclusively proves the hypothesis that you are no ordinary person.
I have spent most of my life gaining mastery in the domains of pratyakṣa and anumāna. Material knowledge was my forte and my fort, for I felt it provided me strength and shelter. But you have shown me the truth, and that so called knowledge has transformed into ignorance. In his song Vidyara Vilase, Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings:
poḍite poḍite, bharasā bārilo,
jñāne gati habe māni'
se āśā biphala, se jñāna durbala,
se jñāna ajñāna jāni
jaḍa-vidyā jata, māyāra vaibhava,
tomāra bhajane bādhā
moha janamiyā, anitya saḿsāre,
jīvake koraye gādhā
"Reading on and on, my hopes grew and grew, for I considered the acquisition of material knowledge to be life's true goal. How fruitless those hopes turned out to be, for all my knowledge proved feeble. Now I know that all such erudition is actually pure ignorance.
All the so-called knowledge of this world is born of the flickering potency of Your illusory energy (maya). It is an impediment to the execution of devotional service to You. Indulgence in mundane knowledge verily makes an ass of the eternal soul by encouraging his infatuation with this temporary world."
Somehow or other, you have shown me that knowledge of the Supreme Absolute Truth, Lord Krishna, is the only knowledge worth having; any material knowledge not serving that perennial purpose is no better than ignorance.
Due to my extreamly fallen nature, I may spend unlimited more lifetimes within the material world. If that is the case, so be it. I humbly beg for the opprotunity, for however many times I return to this world of birth and death, to hear the trancendental evidence spoken by you, and to be allowed to associate with any person who has at any time taken shelter of your lotus feet.
Your Servant,
Kala-Svarupa Das
Kalyani Radha devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, a shining light.
Opening eyes in the dark of Kali Yuga night
Books, classes, and articles give illumination
Deepest knowledge leading towards ultimate destination
Ancient wisdom in a modern age, your finger on the pulse
Guiding, teaching, changing lives, sieving true from false
You create oases in a concrete forest
A place of solace for the poorest
Your preaching centres are the location
To attract wanderers from across the nations
A systematic approach to fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s mission
Your spiritual masters word and goal the focus of your mission
Thank you Gurudeva for your divine protection
With your instruction my life points in the right direction
A debt that can’t be cleared in a million lives
I pray that in this life I can try
To show gratitude for the wealth I am given
Serve you, give Krishna to others and be servant of the servant
Aspiring to be your servant
Kalyani Radha devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this divine day of your appearance.
Gurudeva, a shining light.
Opening eyes in the dark of Kali Yuga night
Books, classes, and articles give illumination
Deepest knowledge leading towards ultimate destination
Ancient wisdom in a modern age, your finger on the pulse
Guiding, teaching, changing lives, sieving true from false
You create oases in a concrete forest
A place of solace for the poorest
Your preaching centres are the location
To attract wanderers from across the nations
A systematic approach to fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s mission
Your spiritual masters word and goal the focus of your mission
Thank you Gurudeva for your divine protection
With your instruction my life points in the right direction
A debt that can’t be cleared in a million lives
I pray that in this life I can try
To show gratitude for the wealth I am given
Serve you, give Krishna to others and be servant of the servant
Aspiring to be your servant
Kalyani Radha devi dasi
Kamsari Sena dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you!!
Thank you for saving me from drowning in the ocean of material existence.
From such a degraded aimless condition of life dedicated to gratifying my own senses, you have given me your causeless mercy. The opportunity to serve Srila Prabhupada's sankirtan mission which is dedicated to pleasing Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu; a position greater than just liberation from material miseries. The most confidential service of reaching out to other fallen souls and being an instrument in helping them re-establish their relationship with Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai ya yalibhir yuktir apeksaniya
tatrati-daksyad ati-vallabhasya vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
Being the representative of Krishna, following in the footsteps of the Guru Parampara, you are completely qualified to bestow upon the fallen condition souls the opportunity to do devotional service. The highest available perfection is available to the most degraded if one simply takes your darshan and follows your instructions.
“But as far as pure devotees of the Lord are concerned, they can purify a degraded soul even by being seen by the low born, and what to speak of association.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.18.19 purport)
To have your association is the most valuable treasure. The sastra informs that there are two ways to associate with the spiritual master; through sound and physically. You very kindly give us opportunities to get both types of association very easily.
“The bona fide representative of God is as good as God Himself. Or, in other words, the loving representative of the Lord is more kind and more easy to approach. A sinful soul cannot approach the Lord directly, but such a sinful man can very easily approach a pure devotee of the Lord.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.7.46 purport)
Yet even though you allow such opportunities I pray that I may never fall prey to familiarity. Gurudeva you are always absorbed in Krsna Consciousness and being always in contact with Krsna you are situated on the spiritual platform. You are no ordinary person. Unfortunately considering myself very intelligent I fail to give you my full surrender and proper respect.
“The spiritual master should be considered to be directly the Supreme Lord because he gives transcendental knowledge for enlightenment. Consequently, for one who maintains the material conception that the spiritual master is an ordinary human being, everything is frustrated. His enlightenment and his Vedic studies and knowledge are like the bathing of an elephant.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.26)
Kindly forgive me for my offences and accept me. I take this glorious Vyasa Puja day to recommit to my vows and once again offer my lowly self at your fragrant lotus feet.
I wish to reciprocate with your endeavours in saving me from rotting in the dark well of material misery. Being grateful to you I desire to be a source of pleasure. Please continue to engage me in assisting the Vaisnavas in spreading Srila Prabhuapda's movement for the pleasure of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
your insignificant servant,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you!!
Thank you for saving me from drowning in the ocean of material existence.
From such a degraded aimless condition of life dedicated to gratifying my own senses, you have given me your causeless mercy. The opportunity to serve Srila Prabhupada's sankirtan mission which is dedicated to pleasing Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu; a position greater than just liberation from material miseries. The most confidential service of reaching out to other fallen souls and being an instrument in helping them re-establish their relationship with Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai ya yalibhir yuktir apeksaniya
tatrati-daksyad ati-vallabhasya vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
Being the representative of Krishna, following in the footsteps of the Guru Parampara, you are completely qualified to bestow upon the fallen condition souls the opportunity to do devotional service. The highest available perfection is available to the most degraded if one simply takes your darshan and follows your instructions.
“But as far as pure devotees of the Lord are concerned, they can purify a degraded soul even by being seen by the low born, and what to speak of association.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.18.19 purport)
To have your association is the most valuable treasure. The sastra informs that there are two ways to associate with the spiritual master; through sound and physically. You very kindly give us opportunities to get both types of association very easily.
“The bona fide representative of God is as good as God Himself. Or, in other words, the loving representative of the Lord is more kind and more easy to approach. A sinful soul cannot approach the Lord directly, but such a sinful man can very easily approach a pure devotee of the Lord.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.7.46 purport)
Yet even though you allow such opportunities I pray that I may never fall prey to familiarity. Gurudeva you are always absorbed in Krsna Consciousness and being always in contact with Krsna you are situated on the spiritual platform. You are no ordinary person. Unfortunately considering myself very intelligent I fail to give you my full surrender and proper respect.
“The spiritual master should be considered to be directly the Supreme Lord because he gives transcendental knowledge for enlightenment. Consequently, for one who maintains the material conception that the spiritual master is an ordinary human being, everything is frustrated. His enlightenment and his Vedic studies and knowledge are like the bathing of an elephant.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.26)
Kindly forgive me for my offences and accept me. I take this glorious Vyasa Puja day to recommit to my vows and once again offer my lowly self at your fragrant lotus feet.
I wish to reciprocate with your endeavours in saving me from rotting in the dark well of material misery. Being grateful to you I desire to be a source of pleasure. Please continue to engage me in assisting the Vaisnavas in spreading Srila Prabhuapda's movement for the pleasure of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
your insignificant servant,
Kamsari Sena dasa
Karuna-purna dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
You are wholeheartedly dedicating your life and energy to creating auspiciosness in the lives of others. Without your mercy so many of us would not have the good fortune of being where we are, on the path of bhakti, today. Even during this challenging year you have kept sharing Krishna-katha with all your followers via online classes, and we have all gained so much strenght from this.
Indeed your mercy is crucial for our devotional service to continue and to grow, as stated in shastra:
“By the mercy of the spiritual master, who is a pure devotee, and by the mercy of Krishna, one can achieve the platform of devotional service. There is no other way.” CC Mad 19.151
“And aspiring by oneself alone to achieve devotional service is also not very hopeful, because Kṛṣṇa does not agree to award devotional service to merely anyone. Kṛṣṇa can easily offer a person material happiness or even liberation, but He does not agree very easily to award a person engagement in His devotional service.” NOD ch.1 (The rareness of pure devotional service)
With this meditation in mind I pray that I will always stay fit to be able to receive your guidance and mercy, and that I may always continue to be engaged in devotional service.
With gratitude,
Your servant Karuna-purna dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
You are wholeheartedly dedicating your life and energy to creating auspiciosness in the lives of others. Without your mercy so many of us would not have the good fortune of being where we are, on the path of bhakti, today. Even during this challenging year you have kept sharing Krishna-katha with all your followers via online classes, and we have all gained so much strenght from this.
Indeed your mercy is crucial for our devotional service to continue and to grow, as stated in shastra:
“By the mercy of the spiritual master, who is a pure devotee, and by the mercy of Krishna, one can achieve the platform of devotional service. There is no other way.” CC Mad 19.151
“And aspiring by oneself alone to achieve devotional service is also not very hopeful, because Kṛṣṇa does not agree to award devotional service to merely anyone. Kṛṣṇa can easily offer a person material happiness or even liberation, but He does not agree very easily to award a person engagement in His devotional service.” NOD ch.1 (The rareness of pure devotional service)
With this meditation in mind I pray that I will always stay fit to be able to receive your guidance and mercy, and that I may always continue to be engaged in devotional service.
With gratitude,
Your servant Karuna-purna dasi
Kasinatha Das
Jaya Gurudev !
Please accept my humble obeisances .
Namo om Vishnu-padaya ,Krishna-prestaya
Bhu-tale srimate Devamrita Svamin Iti namine
Namo om Vishnu-padaya ,Krishna-prestaya
Bhu-tale srimate Bhaktivedanta Svamin Iti namine
What can I say that hasn’t already been said by your disciples with far better articulation than myself .I am red faced for being out of touch with you and my god brothers and god sisters ,although I feel in touch with you through your pranam mantra and lectures which I hear daily .”To be in the world,but not of the world “ in a world gone mad with Geo-political covid 19 politics ,racial and gender false identity oppressing society ,and a convenience lifestyle based on the abuse and the genocide of innocent animals ,is no easy thing ,but hearing your lectures has been the proper understanding that I need for safety and shelter of a mind ravaged by a world addicted too voidism inpersonalism nihilism and atheism .I am in awe of and thank you for your service to Srila Prabhupada and can only pray that I can one day offer you some mission or service ,Your foolish disciple
Kasinatha Das
Please accept my humble obeisances .
Namo om Vishnu-padaya ,Krishna-prestaya
Bhu-tale srimate Devamrita Svamin Iti namine
Namo om Vishnu-padaya ,Krishna-prestaya
Bhu-tale srimate Bhaktivedanta Svamin Iti namine
What can I say that hasn’t already been said by your disciples with far better articulation than myself .I am red faced for being out of touch with you and my god brothers and god sisters ,although I feel in touch with you through your pranam mantra and lectures which I hear daily .”To be in the world,but not of the world “ in a world gone mad with Geo-political covid 19 politics ,racial and gender false identity oppressing society ,and a convenience lifestyle based on the abuse and the genocide of innocent animals ,is no easy thing ,but hearing your lectures has been the proper understanding that I need for safety and shelter of a mind ravaged by a world addicted too voidism inpersonalism nihilism and atheism .I am in awe of and thank you for your service to Srila Prabhupada and can only pray that I can one day offer you some mission or service ,Your foolish disciple
Kasinatha Das
Kasturika devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances...
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada..
All Glories unto You...
Happy 70th Appearance day Gurudeva... Although I am most unqualified to offer you any proper glorification yet I make this humble attempt.... It is like a drop in the ocean of mercy...
In the beginning of this year 2020, in your SB class( Jan) you mentioned goal is to become aspirants to cross over this material world and go to the spiritual world... I never understood the depth of this statement until that statement of yours laid as a seedling and fructified into lockdown lectures. Such an intensive preparations and presentations you made to make us understand where we are at and where we actually belong. You brought several pastimes and thematic presentations from SB and CC and sheltered under one roof called Bhava ( cycle of repeated birth and death) to Bhaava( ecstatic love of Godhead).
Prahlad maharaj, is requesting to Lord Narasimha deva that his heart goes with them for those who are on other side of vaitarini river and engrossed in making eloborate plans for material happiness...( SB 7.9.43). I thought your first encounter with teachings of Prahlad maharaj book helped you to accept krsna consciousness but silly me, I never understood you imbibed the mood of Prahlad and making his teachings so adaptable for the contemporary world audience, who are lost and forgotten in their so called material advancement.
It was like standing on shore of milk ocean, where witnessing each wave brings about emeralds and rubies on to the shore bed when hearing to your presentations, each class was filled in so many valuable instructions, qualities that you put into your personal practise and teaching us how to apply... Like eg's: how to be grateful, create an app, write down a list, and start appreciating.. or how to be more vigilant or how to learn every moment being a student or encouraging us bathe our intellect in SB and CC , how the umbrella of fame gets heavier to hold, stressing on hearing and chanting,or how to take inspiration from others or how to uproot the envy, or how to make best career plans or what causes conflict of interest or how to solve the so called distinctions between friends and enemies or how does love possessed persons behave or what does material mind do to us... And list goes unending... On one side you made us hear about the intricate nature of material world and how to protect our bhakti life and other hand you extensively described about spiritual world how seasons greet or what does krsna wear or describing Krsnas various qualities or journey of gopa kumar or taking lessons from devotees of Lord or explaining 16 different meanings of mahamantra. Woh! I am overwhelmed by your deep genuine love to help us cross this material world... It's beyond words of appreciation but I simply pray if I can atleast apply one of the above jewels that you offered through your lectures.
Your enthusiasm to associate with your godbrothers and your heartfelt lamention for your godbrothers and godsisters who left this planet, was revealing your soft tender heart and it was really heart touching. Not only that, recently you mentioned when you hear about younger devotees stories or their experiences you actually feel inspired, made me think how much humility one must have to be always so accepting and learning. Woh... Thank you Gurudeva.
One of your disciple, told you her dream how Srila Prabhupada said " You say exactly what I say but in your way"... That immediately striked me to recall my 2nd bhakti yoga retreat, in 2010 when you presented Human foot print and you left the audience asking what is the need of human foot print? Same thing Srila Prabhupada mentioned in canto 5 in teachings of Rsabhadeva, where soul wasn't supposed to take up material body yet out of sheer maddness it acquired a material body.
And also you often pointed out what is the value of life if it's only breathing, bleeding and breeding...
Srila Prabhupada says simple living and high thinking and you suggest us to become sustainable happiness champions. Srila Prabhuapada writes in BG 16.9 purport how demoniac are engaged in activities that will lead the world to destruction. You make us think where is world really investing like nuclear arsenal and how cow slaughter goes on or effects of zoonotic diseases or globalisation or climatic changes. Such substantial information is put forward before audience and make them think about real purpose of life.
Demigods are praying to Lord Shiva to accept the challenge to drink the poison that spreading all over material universe while churning the milk ocean and offering prayers: Great personalities always accept voluntary suffering to mitigate the sufferings of people who are in ignorance, this they consider as highest method of worship to Supreme Lord. Sufferings of ignorant people are due to karmic reactions while sufferings of great personalities are voluntary.
Lord Shiva drank only once the poison, while you tirelessly travelling for last 50 years to severe heavy knotted material desires. How do you do that? By making panchatattva dance and sing, you mentioned how when panchatattva danced and sang in streets of Nadia, people gave up envy and greed and more they danced and sang the more selfless and joyful people became. I wonder will such a day come that I can appreciate your valuable gift of bringing panchatattva into my tiny existence.
You mentioned in early lockdown session, what is exotic for you- being in one place for more than 3 weeks and resting. And recently, you mentioned how after 6 months, you actually feel rested a bit. Thank you Gurudeva for all sacrifices you are making for us.
You always mentioned how material existence is lived in mind, and forgetfulness is crucial part of material world, and although heard when will i leave my complacency?
Today I sincerely beg and pray for your mercy to bless me with discernment and strength to go deeper in my kc. Your shelter is only my hope. Praying for your wellbeing.
Aspiring to be a servant of the servant,
Kasturika.dd.
Please accept my humble obeisances...
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada..
All Glories unto You...
Happy 70th Appearance day Gurudeva... Although I am most unqualified to offer you any proper glorification yet I make this humble attempt.... It is like a drop in the ocean of mercy...
In the beginning of this year 2020, in your SB class( Jan) you mentioned goal is to become aspirants to cross over this material world and go to the spiritual world... I never understood the depth of this statement until that statement of yours laid as a seedling and fructified into lockdown lectures. Such an intensive preparations and presentations you made to make us understand where we are at and where we actually belong. You brought several pastimes and thematic presentations from SB and CC and sheltered under one roof called Bhava ( cycle of repeated birth and death) to Bhaava( ecstatic love of Godhead).
Prahlad maharaj, is requesting to Lord Narasimha deva that his heart goes with them for those who are on other side of vaitarini river and engrossed in making eloborate plans for material happiness...( SB 7.9.43). I thought your first encounter with teachings of Prahlad maharaj book helped you to accept krsna consciousness but silly me, I never understood you imbibed the mood of Prahlad and making his teachings so adaptable for the contemporary world audience, who are lost and forgotten in their so called material advancement.
It was like standing on shore of milk ocean, where witnessing each wave brings about emeralds and rubies on to the shore bed when hearing to your presentations, each class was filled in so many valuable instructions, qualities that you put into your personal practise and teaching us how to apply... Like eg's: how to be grateful, create an app, write down a list, and start appreciating.. or how to be more vigilant or how to learn every moment being a student or encouraging us bathe our intellect in SB and CC , how the umbrella of fame gets heavier to hold, stressing on hearing and chanting,or how to take inspiration from others or how to uproot the envy, or how to make best career plans or what causes conflict of interest or how to solve the so called distinctions between friends and enemies or how does love possessed persons behave or what does material mind do to us... And list goes unending... On one side you made us hear about the intricate nature of material world and how to protect our bhakti life and other hand you extensively described about spiritual world how seasons greet or what does krsna wear or describing Krsnas various qualities or journey of gopa kumar or taking lessons from devotees of Lord or explaining 16 different meanings of mahamantra. Woh! I am overwhelmed by your deep genuine love to help us cross this material world... It's beyond words of appreciation but I simply pray if I can atleast apply one of the above jewels that you offered through your lectures.
Your enthusiasm to associate with your godbrothers and your heartfelt lamention for your godbrothers and godsisters who left this planet, was revealing your soft tender heart and it was really heart touching. Not only that, recently you mentioned when you hear about younger devotees stories or their experiences you actually feel inspired, made me think how much humility one must have to be always so accepting and learning. Woh... Thank you Gurudeva.
One of your disciple, told you her dream how Srila Prabhupada said " You say exactly what I say but in your way"... That immediately striked me to recall my 2nd bhakti yoga retreat, in 2010 when you presented Human foot print and you left the audience asking what is the need of human foot print? Same thing Srila Prabhupada mentioned in canto 5 in teachings of Rsabhadeva, where soul wasn't supposed to take up material body yet out of sheer maddness it acquired a material body.
And also you often pointed out what is the value of life if it's only breathing, bleeding and breeding...
Srila Prabhupada says simple living and high thinking and you suggest us to become sustainable happiness champions. Srila Prabhuapada writes in BG 16.9 purport how demoniac are engaged in activities that will lead the world to destruction. You make us think where is world really investing like nuclear arsenal and how cow slaughter goes on or effects of zoonotic diseases or globalisation or climatic changes. Such substantial information is put forward before audience and make them think about real purpose of life.
Demigods are praying to Lord Shiva to accept the challenge to drink the poison that spreading all over material universe while churning the milk ocean and offering prayers: Great personalities always accept voluntary suffering to mitigate the sufferings of people who are in ignorance, this they consider as highest method of worship to Supreme Lord. Sufferings of ignorant people are due to karmic reactions while sufferings of great personalities are voluntary.
Lord Shiva drank only once the poison, while you tirelessly travelling for last 50 years to severe heavy knotted material desires. How do you do that? By making panchatattva dance and sing, you mentioned how when panchatattva danced and sang in streets of Nadia, people gave up envy and greed and more they danced and sang the more selfless and joyful people became. I wonder will such a day come that I can appreciate your valuable gift of bringing panchatattva into my tiny existence.
You mentioned in early lockdown session, what is exotic for you- being in one place for more than 3 weeks and resting. And recently, you mentioned how after 6 months, you actually feel rested a bit. Thank you Gurudeva for all sacrifices you are making for us.
You always mentioned how material existence is lived in mind, and forgetfulness is crucial part of material world, and although heard when will i leave my complacency?
Today I sincerely beg and pray for your mercy to bless me with discernment and strength to go deeper in my kc. Your shelter is only my hope. Praying for your wellbeing.
Aspiring to be a servant of the servant,
Kasturika.dd.
Kathamrta Devi Dasi & Sankarsana Rama Das
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva
Please accept our respectful obeisances.
All glories unto Srila Prabhupada.
All glories unto this auspicious day wherein your Vyasapuja offerings may now be submitted! Please accept our attempt to humbly offer a few words that may signify our gratitude for the way you have lead us on the path of engaging in loving devotional service unto Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu.
Begging for your blessings that we may all be eternally engaged in service unto you, Sri Guru, the mercy incarnation of the Lord.
Your dear disciple, our mother Mukhara devi dasi also sends her humble obeisances, along with us. She is now relishing the Srimad Bhagavatam and reading with great enthusiasm, putting us all to shame!
As a family, we are truly honored by your presence at our wedding. Thank you for being apart of our ceremony, meeting some special guests and cutting our cake! Akarshini devi dasi took a dessert course, following your instructions, and she lovingly baked our wedding cake to which you said, "That's good cake!" A testament to the power of your instructions. The disciple benefits from becoming expert, and then offers their expertise back to you for Krishna's pleasure.
Speaking of instructions...
For this year's Vyasapuja we took inspiration from a lecture that you spoke at Wellington's Bhakti Lounge and dramatized it with the help of Sivananda Sena, Sruti Cari, Bhakta Dave and Bhakta Alex. In your lecture, you described the well-known analogy that the ocean of Kali is compared to an ocean of fault, but elaborated on the analogy by detailing how each wave is like a different material problem. You then chuckled in amusement at how the conditioned soul can become so proud by their efforts to demonstrate against these various waves, as if their attempts are significant.
“But… I’m fighting one wave. I got it! I got that one wave… JUST SEE! I’M FIGHTING THIS WAVE!”
Bhakti is for the intelligent. For those who want to see the whole ocean, and the means for crossing over it all. A deep point, indeed.
You then instructed, “go down to Oriental Bay, and count the waves. Try to find the end.” Imposing upon us the magnitude of the mess in Kali Yuga, you expertly know how to help us in developing broadmindedness, and rescue our minds from being caught up in trying to figure out how to tackle this mess foolishly thinking we need to take it one wave at a time….
As an offering to you, here is our play’s script, which was written at Oriental Bay following your instructions.
Waves of Compassion
Saint: Sivananda Sena
Souls:
Sruti Cari devi dasi
Sankarsana Rama das
Bhakta Alex
Bhakta Dave
Kathamrta devi dasi
Saint stands centre stage in front of many souls. He points his finger out indicating something in the distance. Looking out he instructs the souls…
Saint:
Go ye on tither
Down to the sea
Number the waves
Yes! Count them for me
And to each name a fault
Attributed to this age
“O quarrel”, “Hypocrisy”
“O Madness, O rage.”
(Many souls rush toward the sea to count the waves, each taking turns in this section counting the faults attributed to each wave).
Alex:
There! Plunderers, rogues and thieves
Garbed government men
Playing musical chairs
“Elections again!”
Rotating in and out
Each holding the pen
Saying, “When I am in, then you’ll see!
Then! Then! Then! Then!”
Sruti:
There! Passionate plans
For radical reformation
Not founded on principles
for personal transformation?
(Gasp!)
There! Conspiracy theorists
Who’s cheating who?
An endless brainstorm
Of misguided views
Dave:
There! Dogmatic belief
The blind leading the blind
Thou shall not kill
Unless you change your mind…
Sankarsana Rama:
There! Promises broken
No honour in speech
There! Families broken
No example to teach.
Alex:
There! Depression, anxiety
Riddling youth
Drug abuse, suicide
Washed away with vermouth
Dave:
There! Half naked women
Attending universities
Which promote safe sex
Alongside promiscuity
Kathamrta:
There! Spineless men
With no hope and no clue
Disconnected from dharma
Left chewing the chewed
Sruti:
Narrow-minded, short-sighted
And in constant distress
I see people drowning
In these waves of aggress
Sankarsana Rama:
There! Elderly persons
Left in retirement homes
Dying like vegetables
On memory foams
Dave:
There! An idiot box
With a hypnotic glare
Captivating the mind
While we sit and we stare
Kathamrta:
There! Time wasted
Time lost, now time to regret
Spent sick on the deathbed
Wishing we could forget
Alex:
Now the sun is setting
and waves I still see
Endlessly, endlessly
They crash towards me
Sankarsana Rama:
It is an ocean of fault
I cannot comprehend
To count the number of waves
To this: I see no end!
Kathamrta:
Pained by the suffering
O compassionate heart
Jump into the ocean
With one wave I will start.
O if I could ride one wave
If I could master its terror
If I could sooth the people
They’ll call me a saviour.
So I’ll rise and I’ll fall
And I’ll sink and I’ll swim
Fighting this wave
Pulling me limb to limb
Cos’ I’d rather die fighting
This unconquerable beast
Then give up my pride
And admit my defeat
So, I rush the shoreline
But (beat) … being tripped by a cane
A saint stood saying,
Saint:
Would you use your brain?
Souls (collectively)
There amid this scene
Of horrible sight
I feel drops from above me
Golden in light…
Saint:
“It’s the age of Kali
It is an ocean of fault
Why be surprised?
Expect the tumult!”
“You cannot cross this ocean
By courage alone
It trashes, and crashes
And within it you’re thrown
Once tossed out to sea
Your bravery dies
And no one will hear you
To answer your cries
There, stuck in the middle
It will swallow you whole
Only then will you think
And remember your soul.”
So, don’t waste your life
Caught up in the waves
You’ve got limited time
Numbering your days.
This knowledge a suitable boat
upon which you can traverse
The troubles of birth and death
In which you are immersed
For the soul is eternal
Untouched and unscathed
It is your mind and false conception
Of self that is strained”
Souls:
O my family!
O my nation! My people!
O land of my birth
Succumming to evil!
My money, my home,
My position among social order,
Must be protected
By a re-enforced border.
Saint:
Heavy is the illusion
of self you upkeep
Heavy the consequence
Of following like sheep.
Swept up in ignorance
Your attachment binds you
Anchors you to the ocean
You’re trying to get through
Stand back now!
Look out, see the whole view.
You’re fighting one wave
In this hullabaloo!
And what is it?
A phantom, a shadow projected
Reality distorted
then palely reflected
So powerful is this projection
You feel so much concern
For this fleeting existence
You’re bond to return
Forced by desires to control
And enjoy the dream
To conquer this ocean
Is the typical theme
Crazed by this notion
to reign supreme
You compete with the Lord
And form your regime
But even when your plans
Come into fruition
Still you have to make
Just one admission…
Souls as a Chorus (collectively to create suspense)
OOooOOoooOoooOOoo
Saint:
You’re not satisfied
Living in temporary place
With temporary people
That time will erase
You long for continuous
Conscious connection
Your heart burns for love
Ever-increasing affection
Souls collectively:
Then there amid this scene
Of horrible sight
I feel drops from above me
Golden in light.
Saint:
Take this mantra
Composed of the holiest name
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Say it just the same
Saint and Souls Collectively:
Krishna Krishna
Hare Hare now a new part
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Sing it out with your heart!
Rama Rama you’ve got it
Sing it every day
O energy of the Lord
Hare Hare!
Now put it together
All the way through
32 syllables
It’s not hard to do.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Soul:
So, I sat down
I cried out- nothing to lose…
I’m in an ocean of fault
Singing the blues
Then the waters abated
They shrank before my eyes
To a small shallow pool
A calf’s hoof print in size!
Light cascaded down
And flowed through me completely
As I leaped over the ocean
Quietly and discreetly.
What was that sound
Who are these names of?
Hare Krishna? Rama?
The essence of love?
And who was that person;
Such a great teacher
Who stopped me from fighting
Those waves like a preacher?
Where was he from?
How did he become great?
Does any of you know
Of his life and his state?
(Saumya Mayi devi dasi then sang your life's story! A memorable performance).
Recently you mentioned that cooperating with other devotees is harder than conquering lust. We experienced difficulty in trying to cooperate to put together this performance, but we tried to tolerate that difficulty because we thought it may please you.
Your servants
Kathamrta dd, Sankarsana Rama das, and Mukhara dd :)
Please accept our respectful obeisances.
All glories unto Srila Prabhupada.
All glories unto this auspicious day wherein your Vyasapuja offerings may now be submitted! Please accept our attempt to humbly offer a few words that may signify our gratitude for the way you have lead us on the path of engaging in loving devotional service unto Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu.
Begging for your blessings that we may all be eternally engaged in service unto you, Sri Guru, the mercy incarnation of the Lord.
Your dear disciple, our mother Mukhara devi dasi also sends her humble obeisances, along with us. She is now relishing the Srimad Bhagavatam and reading with great enthusiasm, putting us all to shame!
As a family, we are truly honored by your presence at our wedding. Thank you for being apart of our ceremony, meeting some special guests and cutting our cake! Akarshini devi dasi took a dessert course, following your instructions, and she lovingly baked our wedding cake to which you said, "That's good cake!" A testament to the power of your instructions. The disciple benefits from becoming expert, and then offers their expertise back to you for Krishna's pleasure.
Speaking of instructions...
For this year's Vyasapuja we took inspiration from a lecture that you spoke at Wellington's Bhakti Lounge and dramatized it with the help of Sivananda Sena, Sruti Cari, Bhakta Dave and Bhakta Alex. In your lecture, you described the well-known analogy that the ocean of Kali is compared to an ocean of fault, but elaborated on the analogy by detailing how each wave is like a different material problem. You then chuckled in amusement at how the conditioned soul can become so proud by their efforts to demonstrate against these various waves, as if their attempts are significant.
“But… I’m fighting one wave. I got it! I got that one wave… JUST SEE! I’M FIGHTING THIS WAVE!”
Bhakti is for the intelligent. For those who want to see the whole ocean, and the means for crossing over it all. A deep point, indeed.
You then instructed, “go down to Oriental Bay, and count the waves. Try to find the end.” Imposing upon us the magnitude of the mess in Kali Yuga, you expertly know how to help us in developing broadmindedness, and rescue our minds from being caught up in trying to figure out how to tackle this mess foolishly thinking we need to take it one wave at a time….
As an offering to you, here is our play’s script, which was written at Oriental Bay following your instructions.
Waves of Compassion
Saint: Sivananda Sena
Souls:
Sruti Cari devi dasi
Sankarsana Rama das
Bhakta Alex
Bhakta Dave
Kathamrta devi dasi
Saint stands centre stage in front of many souls. He points his finger out indicating something in the distance. Looking out he instructs the souls…
Saint:
Go ye on tither
Down to the sea
Number the waves
Yes! Count them for me
And to each name a fault
Attributed to this age
“O quarrel”, “Hypocrisy”
“O Madness, O rage.”
(Many souls rush toward the sea to count the waves, each taking turns in this section counting the faults attributed to each wave).
Alex:
There! Plunderers, rogues and thieves
Garbed government men
Playing musical chairs
“Elections again!”
Rotating in and out
Each holding the pen
Saying, “When I am in, then you’ll see!
Then! Then! Then! Then!”
Sruti:
There! Passionate plans
For radical reformation
Not founded on principles
for personal transformation?
(Gasp!)
There! Conspiracy theorists
Who’s cheating who?
An endless brainstorm
Of misguided views
Dave:
There! Dogmatic belief
The blind leading the blind
Thou shall not kill
Unless you change your mind…
Sankarsana Rama:
There! Promises broken
No honour in speech
There! Families broken
No example to teach.
Alex:
There! Depression, anxiety
Riddling youth
Drug abuse, suicide
Washed away with vermouth
Dave:
There! Half naked women
Attending universities
Which promote safe sex
Alongside promiscuity
Kathamrta:
There! Spineless men
With no hope and no clue
Disconnected from dharma
Left chewing the chewed
Sruti:
Narrow-minded, short-sighted
And in constant distress
I see people drowning
In these waves of aggress
Sankarsana Rama:
There! Elderly persons
Left in retirement homes
Dying like vegetables
On memory foams
Dave:
There! An idiot box
With a hypnotic glare
Captivating the mind
While we sit and we stare
Kathamrta:
There! Time wasted
Time lost, now time to regret
Spent sick on the deathbed
Wishing we could forget
Alex:
Now the sun is setting
and waves I still see
Endlessly, endlessly
They crash towards me
Sankarsana Rama:
It is an ocean of fault
I cannot comprehend
To count the number of waves
To this: I see no end!
Kathamrta:
Pained by the suffering
O compassionate heart
Jump into the ocean
With one wave I will start.
O if I could ride one wave
If I could master its terror
If I could sooth the people
They’ll call me a saviour.
So I’ll rise and I’ll fall
And I’ll sink and I’ll swim
Fighting this wave
Pulling me limb to limb
Cos’ I’d rather die fighting
This unconquerable beast
Then give up my pride
And admit my defeat
So, I rush the shoreline
But (beat) … being tripped by a cane
A saint stood saying,
Saint:
Would you use your brain?
Souls (collectively)
There amid this scene
Of horrible sight
I feel drops from above me
Golden in light…
Saint:
“It’s the age of Kali
It is an ocean of fault
Why be surprised?
Expect the tumult!”
“You cannot cross this ocean
By courage alone
It trashes, and crashes
And within it you’re thrown
Once tossed out to sea
Your bravery dies
And no one will hear you
To answer your cries
There, stuck in the middle
It will swallow you whole
Only then will you think
And remember your soul.”
So, don’t waste your life
Caught up in the waves
You’ve got limited time
Numbering your days.
This knowledge a suitable boat
upon which you can traverse
The troubles of birth and death
In which you are immersed
For the soul is eternal
Untouched and unscathed
It is your mind and false conception
Of self that is strained”
Souls:
O my family!
O my nation! My people!
O land of my birth
Succumming to evil!
My money, my home,
My position among social order,
Must be protected
By a re-enforced border.
Saint:
Heavy is the illusion
of self you upkeep
Heavy the consequence
Of following like sheep.
Swept up in ignorance
Your attachment binds you
Anchors you to the ocean
You’re trying to get through
Stand back now!
Look out, see the whole view.
You’re fighting one wave
In this hullabaloo!
And what is it?
A phantom, a shadow projected
Reality distorted
then palely reflected
So powerful is this projection
You feel so much concern
For this fleeting existence
You’re bond to return
Forced by desires to control
And enjoy the dream
To conquer this ocean
Is the typical theme
Crazed by this notion
to reign supreme
You compete with the Lord
And form your regime
But even when your plans
Come into fruition
Still you have to make
Just one admission…
Souls as a Chorus (collectively to create suspense)
OOooOOoooOoooOOoo
Saint:
You’re not satisfied
Living in temporary place
With temporary people
That time will erase
You long for continuous
Conscious connection
Your heart burns for love
Ever-increasing affection
Souls collectively:
Then there amid this scene
Of horrible sight
I feel drops from above me
Golden in light.
Saint:
Take this mantra
Composed of the holiest name
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Say it just the same
Saint and Souls Collectively:
Krishna Krishna
Hare Hare now a new part
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Sing it out with your heart!
Rama Rama you’ve got it
Sing it every day
O energy of the Lord
Hare Hare!
Now put it together
All the way through
32 syllables
It’s not hard to do.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Soul:
So, I sat down
I cried out- nothing to lose…
I’m in an ocean of fault
Singing the blues
Then the waters abated
They shrank before my eyes
To a small shallow pool
A calf’s hoof print in size!
Light cascaded down
And flowed through me completely
As I leaped over the ocean
Quietly and discreetly.
What was that sound
Who are these names of?
Hare Krishna? Rama?
The essence of love?
And who was that person;
Such a great teacher
Who stopped me from fighting
Those waves like a preacher?
Where was he from?
How did he become great?
Does any of you know
Of his life and his state?
(Saumya Mayi devi dasi then sang your life's story! A memorable performance).
Recently you mentioned that cooperating with other devotees is harder than conquering lust. We experienced difficulty in trying to cooperate to put together this performance, but we tried to tolerate that difficulty because we thought it may please you.
Your servants
Kathamrta dd, Sankarsana Rama das, and Mukhara dd :)
Keli Kanana dasa
Dear Devamrita Swami Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to You!
On this glorious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja, I wanted to share a short sentiment in the hope that it will bring you some joy.
As I sit here in the solitude of my room, I’m looking over at a silver picture frame that sits beside the sacred objects on my altar. Within the frame is a small advertisement: “Devamrita Swami. Tuesday, 15th March, 6pm-8pm. Come and hear a world-renowned monk, author and spiritual teacher of over 40 years, share his realised wisdom.” The talk was to take place in Govinda's, Swansea on a chilly spring evening. The advertisement was made by my God brother, Kavi-karnapura Dasa.
The talk was entitled ‘Feeling Alone Together’. From what I remember, you were sharing some thoughts about getting a higher taste in life; how material pleasure was like chewing gum that somebody else had already chewed, thus exhausting the flavour; how some people might ridicule you for “going against the norm” and not “following the trend” of exploiting matter for your personal sense gratification.
But, contrasting that, the spiritual pursuit, you explained, becomes easier in the association of other aspirants. Although you may be a minority group in society and perhaps feel like an outcast because of your decision to step away from the mainstream ideals, it is a path of integrity and substance.
It was this single event - just hearing you speak. Suddenly I could think with such clarity. I had never heard the penny drop so loud! I had never felt such solace and hope. I could never have imagined what was to come,
sitting on the tiny, tiled floor of that quaint, colourful temple.
My best buddy, Sam (now Vaṁśī-vilāsi Dāsa), by my side, both consumed within an audience of attentively listening locals - the tracks that the trains of our lives were running on were abruptly shifted. Nothing would ever be the same. I couldn’t understand how just by hearing a man speak, something could change within me in such a deep existential way. This single event brought me unlimited good fortune. This single event opened so many unexpected doors. This single event nourished and encouraged me. And this single event was just an ordinary day in your life!
Greeted downstairs in conversation by such saints as Gopala-Raya and Radha-Ramana Prabhus, the evening was bound to be life changing. Your every word was like an elixir for my thirsty soul. A thirst I had suffered for lifetimes was quenched by this single event. How could one repay such a debt?
I often look at the picture within this silver frame, at the peaceful face of the radiant personality pictured within, and wonder: what might I have done previously to receive the special gift of this single event?
Gurudeva, your ability to speak words that can alter the trajectory of a person's future is astounding. I understand that you have many disciples, most of whom are far more qualified and enthusiastic than myself. But I do pray for the opportunity to make you feel that your visit to Swansea on that chilly evening in March was not made in vain. I pray for a life dedicated to the service of God in the way that you have exemplified; always reaching out to share Prabhupada's message with the world in such a relatable and confident way.
I pray for your good health and well-being in these uncertain times, so that many other unfortunate souls, such as myself, can be made fortunate by the moons of your vapu and your vani.
All glories to you Gurudeva.
Aspiring to remain in your service,
Keli-Kanana Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to You!
On this glorious occasion of your Vyasa-Puja, I wanted to share a short sentiment in the hope that it will bring you some joy.
As I sit here in the solitude of my room, I’m looking over at a silver picture frame that sits beside the sacred objects on my altar. Within the frame is a small advertisement: “Devamrita Swami. Tuesday, 15th March, 6pm-8pm. Come and hear a world-renowned monk, author and spiritual teacher of over 40 years, share his realised wisdom.” The talk was to take place in Govinda's, Swansea on a chilly spring evening. The advertisement was made by my God brother, Kavi-karnapura Dasa.
The talk was entitled ‘Feeling Alone Together’. From what I remember, you were sharing some thoughts about getting a higher taste in life; how material pleasure was like chewing gum that somebody else had already chewed, thus exhausting the flavour; how some people might ridicule you for “going against the norm” and not “following the trend” of exploiting matter for your personal sense gratification.
But, contrasting that, the spiritual pursuit, you explained, becomes easier in the association of other aspirants. Although you may be a minority group in society and perhaps feel like an outcast because of your decision to step away from the mainstream ideals, it is a path of integrity and substance.
It was this single event - just hearing you speak. Suddenly I could think with such clarity. I had never heard the penny drop so loud! I had never felt such solace and hope. I could never have imagined what was to come,
sitting on the tiny, tiled floor of that quaint, colourful temple.
My best buddy, Sam (now Vaṁśī-vilāsi Dāsa), by my side, both consumed within an audience of attentively listening locals - the tracks that the trains of our lives were running on were abruptly shifted. Nothing would ever be the same. I couldn’t understand how just by hearing a man speak, something could change within me in such a deep existential way. This single event brought me unlimited good fortune. This single event opened so many unexpected doors. This single event nourished and encouraged me. And this single event was just an ordinary day in your life!
Greeted downstairs in conversation by such saints as Gopala-Raya and Radha-Ramana Prabhus, the evening was bound to be life changing. Your every word was like an elixir for my thirsty soul. A thirst I had suffered for lifetimes was quenched by this single event. How could one repay such a debt?
I often look at the picture within this silver frame, at the peaceful face of the radiant personality pictured within, and wonder: what might I have done previously to receive the special gift of this single event?
Gurudeva, your ability to speak words that can alter the trajectory of a person's future is astounding. I understand that you have many disciples, most of whom are far more qualified and enthusiastic than myself. But I do pray for the opportunity to make you feel that your visit to Swansea on that chilly evening in March was not made in vain. I pray for a life dedicated to the service of God in the way that you have exemplified; always reaching out to share Prabhupada's message with the world in such a relatable and confident way.
I pray for your good health and well-being in these uncertain times, so that many other unfortunate souls, such as myself, can be made fortunate by the moons of your vapu and your vani.
All glories to you Gurudeva.
Aspiring to remain in your service,
Keli-Kanana Dasa
Kesi-mardana dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble, repeated obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you, his cent-percent devoted disciple.
An often cited verse in Caitanya Caritamrta describes:
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
On this joyous occasion of your appearance, I feel grateful to have the opportunity to meditate on how you are so happily engaged in distributing this most wonderful fortune to everyone you meet. Truly, in this current age of chaos and confusion, the fact of the matter could not be more clear: the world is in need of spiritual solutions for its desperate situation. You have taken on the mission of providing these spiritual solutions, perfectly translated into contemporary language as to be assimilated by those sojourning through our modern day mess. Your expertise is evident in the publications which you have authored and which have been received by a wide audience. The last I had heard, your most recent book sold close to 400,000 copies! This is certainly an amazing feat and testament to the spiritual potency of your works.
Your devotion to the mission of your spiritual master and your ever-increasing desire to help others access it is a constant source of inspiration for me. The world is hungering for genuine models of character and nothing can compare to the jewel-like qualities which decorate a Vaisnava like yourself. This is confirmed in Bhagavad gita, and you have personally accepted and perfected the mission of becoming a true leader, an acharya. Certainly, the wandering souls suffering in the material world become fortunate when they follow your instructions and example. My prayer is that I can properly hear your loving words of guidance, apply them to my life, and become a source of inspiration and love for others, as you have for me.
Thank you Gurudeva for the shelter of devotional service, for your guidance and direction. From the very beginning of my spiritual life, through your dedicated disciples, through your lectures and by yourself personally, I have had the greatest fortune of associating with you. Through this contact I have experienced a life more sublime, adventurous and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. Not only this, but I have had, only by your mercy, a taste for genuine spiritual experience, free from ego and personal desire. I simply pray at your lotus feet, that you will please allow me to always always stay in contact with you, closely engaged in your service and the service of Sri Sri Radha Damodara.
Your aspiring servant,
Kesi-mardana dasa
Please accept my most humble, repeated obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you, his cent-percent devoted disciple.
An often cited verse in Caitanya Caritamrta describes:
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
On this joyous occasion of your appearance, I feel grateful to have the opportunity to meditate on how you are so happily engaged in distributing this most wonderful fortune to everyone you meet. Truly, in this current age of chaos and confusion, the fact of the matter could not be more clear: the world is in need of spiritual solutions for its desperate situation. You have taken on the mission of providing these spiritual solutions, perfectly translated into contemporary language as to be assimilated by those sojourning through our modern day mess. Your expertise is evident in the publications which you have authored and which have been received by a wide audience. The last I had heard, your most recent book sold close to 400,000 copies! This is certainly an amazing feat and testament to the spiritual potency of your works.
Your devotion to the mission of your spiritual master and your ever-increasing desire to help others access it is a constant source of inspiration for me. The world is hungering for genuine models of character and nothing can compare to the jewel-like qualities which decorate a Vaisnava like yourself. This is confirmed in Bhagavad gita, and you have personally accepted and perfected the mission of becoming a true leader, an acharya. Certainly, the wandering souls suffering in the material world become fortunate when they follow your instructions and example. My prayer is that I can properly hear your loving words of guidance, apply them to my life, and become a source of inspiration and love for others, as you have for me.
Thank you Gurudeva for the shelter of devotional service, for your guidance and direction. From the very beginning of my spiritual life, through your dedicated disciples, through your lectures and by yourself personally, I have had the greatest fortune of associating with you. Through this contact I have experienced a life more sublime, adventurous and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. Not only this, but I have had, only by your mercy, a taste for genuine spiritual experience, free from ego and personal desire. I simply pray at your lotus feet, that you will please allow me to always always stay in contact with you, closely engaged in your service and the service of Sri Sri Radha Damodara.
Your aspiring servant,
Kesi-mardana dasa
Khadiravan devi dasi
Dearest Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this wonderful day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you and your divine service!
I have been reflecting on points you have made in the last year about gratitude and respect, their lack in the West, and how for India, these are still the “currency” by which people interact.
I see the need and value in building a culture of gratitude and respect as you are trying to teach us and exemplify in your own dealings, especially as the material atmosphere now and in the recent past in general is turbulent and on edge, and dealings are full of argument and lashing out without restraint, and turning a favourable mentality into an unfavourable one on a dime when something changes, or things don’t go our way. This atmosphere is also affecting devotees.
I pray I never forget the real standard of human life and devotional attitude we are aspiring for, as given by Srimad Bhagavatam, may it never become the “old way” of doing things, may I never just take it as another opinion amidst the millions yelling at us already from screens left right and centre - not realising it is above and beyond any mental concoction of the material plane - that it is singularly the path back home to Krishna and out of the suffering state of material consciousness. As you repeat frequently, without daily hearing and chanting that actual reality is the spiritual perspective, not the myriad of material angles given by maya, we will have no immunity to survive the onslaught of the material energy. Things can be simple if we keep focused on the best attitude, action and resulting benediction to aspire for:
vettha tvaṁ saumya tat sarvaṁ
tattvatas tad-anugrahāt
brūyuḥ snigdhasya śiṣyasya
guravo guhyam apy uta
Translation
And because you are submissive, your spiritual masters have endowed you with all the favors bestowed upon a gentle disciple. Therefore you can tell us all that you have scientifically learned from them.
Purport
The secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and thereby getting his sincere blessings. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has sung in his famous eight stanzas on the spiritual master as follows: “I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master. Only by his satisfaction can one please the Personality of Godhead, and when he is dissatisfied there is only havoc on the path of spiritual realization.” It is essential, therefore, that a disciple be very much obedient and submissive to the bona fide spiritual master. Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī fulfilled all these qualifications as a disciple, and therefore he was endowed with all favors by his learned and self-realized spiritual masters such as Śrīla Vyāsadeva and others. The sages of Naimiṣāraṇya were confident that Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī was bona fide. Therefore they were anxious to hear from him.
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.8
Clear doubts and concerns we must, communicate openly and honestly but respect and gratitude must be the ever-present foundational mood and attitude with which it is done, never letting it fall apart for all to descend into chaos or worse, criticism and offense.
Here is a compilation of my inadequate gratitude and respect for you that barely scratches the surface of your glories:
I’m grateful for how you look for and act for Krishna’s pleasure always and so we can completely trust you. You see our heart and how we are trying to serve through so much imperfection, and you protect, sustain and encourage our small attempts to serve regardless whether the external results are big or small, whether anyone else sees what we try to do or not. You know what is best for Krishna and therefore you act perfectly in every situation. In this way you lift things out of the quagmire of material energy to the real spiritual perspective, encouraging all souls to come closer to Krishna, never writing off the service of an aspiring devotee, instead training us how to improve and increase our offerings. As a result an enlivened, hopeful and cooperative atmosphere is generated in the association of devotees. The challenge is to learn to do that for each other.
I’m grateful for your enduring personal concern and care for myself and everyone, the whole world, even though you have many important services to render and are so decorated with exalted spiritual qualities. Of course It is because you are so decorated that you care so thoroughly for all. You take the time to tend attentively to each tiny living entity trying to come out of maya and return to Krishna’s service, from new guest while outreaching through to long-established practitioners. You steadfastly inspire Srila Prabhupada’s book distribution to reach every town and village. You write books to try and appeal to current mindsets, to introduce them to Srila Prabhupada’s books. And the way you love to read Prabhupada’s books is a whole topic in of itself! How much you must have pleased Srila Prabhupada to have such a taste for hearing.
I’m grateful that you are always trying to wake us up from illusion. For example recently you pointed how in NZ we are conditioned to think it is normal to have earthquakes all the time, as if a huge one couldn’t come at any time. You concluded with the medical diagnosis, “That means asleep”. Before you started talking regularly about the danger of 16,000 powerful nuclear weapons currently held by the unstable leaders of multiple rival countries, I hadn’t even thought of the threat of nuclear weapons since I was a kid and the Prime Minister told the US they couldn’t park their nuclear ships in NZ harbours. You highlight the reactions of climate change manifesting more and more - yes here and now in 2020 - and now the unforeseen global covid pandemic. All just to shake us out of our dream that material happiness is worth investing in - and that we should awaken and invest more and more in Krishna’s transcendental service. You have lavished us with at least weekly classes and often more, and thrilling series from the Bhagavatam. During total lockdown it was three times week to invite us to the transcendental perspective and steady the ship as we travelled through unfamiliar circumstances
I’m grateful for your design, development and maintenance of healthy bhakti community structures - founded on daily hearing and chanting, affectionate devotee care, and access to plentiful devotional service and outreach opportunities for the best for ourselves and everyone else. So much training, effort, time and thought you have invested to give us the best opportunity to make progress. Thank you for suggesting my wonderful husband, and for initiating my dear father also.
I’m grateful you chose to even come to NZ in the first place and tried out your dynamic outreach ideas of which I have received the benefits. You live and endeavour so purely for Srila Prabhupada and Krishna’s pleasure, laying down every inch of your life.
I’m grateful for your full example of bhakti - as your pranam mantra exclaims: obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
I’m aspiring to one day become a useful servant to you. Thank you so much for your patience and please forgive me for when I have not been easy to teach or care for. I am dull brained but I hope against hope I can mature one day in your service, because you have always been so kind, encouraging and invested in my progress.
Your always indebted servant and spiritual daughter,
Khadiravan devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this wonderful day of your appearance,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you and your divine service!
I have been reflecting on points you have made in the last year about gratitude and respect, their lack in the West, and how for India, these are still the “currency” by which people interact.
I see the need and value in building a culture of gratitude and respect as you are trying to teach us and exemplify in your own dealings, especially as the material atmosphere now and in the recent past in general is turbulent and on edge, and dealings are full of argument and lashing out without restraint, and turning a favourable mentality into an unfavourable one on a dime when something changes, or things don’t go our way. This atmosphere is also affecting devotees.
I pray I never forget the real standard of human life and devotional attitude we are aspiring for, as given by Srimad Bhagavatam, may it never become the “old way” of doing things, may I never just take it as another opinion amidst the millions yelling at us already from screens left right and centre - not realising it is above and beyond any mental concoction of the material plane - that it is singularly the path back home to Krishna and out of the suffering state of material consciousness. As you repeat frequently, without daily hearing and chanting that actual reality is the spiritual perspective, not the myriad of material angles given by maya, we will have no immunity to survive the onslaught of the material energy. Things can be simple if we keep focused on the best attitude, action and resulting benediction to aspire for:
vettha tvaṁ saumya tat sarvaṁ
tattvatas tad-anugrahāt
brūyuḥ snigdhasya śiṣyasya
guravo guhyam apy uta
Translation
And because you are submissive, your spiritual masters have endowed you with all the favors bestowed upon a gentle disciple. Therefore you can tell us all that you have scientifically learned from them.
Purport
The secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and thereby getting his sincere blessings. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has sung in his famous eight stanzas on the spiritual master as follows: “I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master. Only by his satisfaction can one please the Personality of Godhead, and when he is dissatisfied there is only havoc on the path of spiritual realization.” It is essential, therefore, that a disciple be very much obedient and submissive to the bona fide spiritual master. Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī fulfilled all these qualifications as a disciple, and therefore he was endowed with all favors by his learned and self-realized spiritual masters such as Śrīla Vyāsadeva and others. The sages of Naimiṣāraṇya were confident that Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī was bona fide. Therefore they were anxious to hear from him.
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.8
Clear doubts and concerns we must, communicate openly and honestly but respect and gratitude must be the ever-present foundational mood and attitude with which it is done, never letting it fall apart for all to descend into chaos or worse, criticism and offense.
Here is a compilation of my inadequate gratitude and respect for you that barely scratches the surface of your glories:
I’m grateful for how you look for and act for Krishna’s pleasure always and so we can completely trust you. You see our heart and how we are trying to serve through so much imperfection, and you protect, sustain and encourage our small attempts to serve regardless whether the external results are big or small, whether anyone else sees what we try to do or not. You know what is best for Krishna and therefore you act perfectly in every situation. In this way you lift things out of the quagmire of material energy to the real spiritual perspective, encouraging all souls to come closer to Krishna, never writing off the service of an aspiring devotee, instead training us how to improve and increase our offerings. As a result an enlivened, hopeful and cooperative atmosphere is generated in the association of devotees. The challenge is to learn to do that for each other.
I’m grateful for your enduring personal concern and care for myself and everyone, the whole world, even though you have many important services to render and are so decorated with exalted spiritual qualities. Of course It is because you are so decorated that you care so thoroughly for all. You take the time to tend attentively to each tiny living entity trying to come out of maya and return to Krishna’s service, from new guest while outreaching through to long-established practitioners. You steadfastly inspire Srila Prabhupada’s book distribution to reach every town and village. You write books to try and appeal to current mindsets, to introduce them to Srila Prabhupada’s books. And the way you love to read Prabhupada’s books is a whole topic in of itself! How much you must have pleased Srila Prabhupada to have such a taste for hearing.
I’m grateful that you are always trying to wake us up from illusion. For example recently you pointed how in NZ we are conditioned to think it is normal to have earthquakes all the time, as if a huge one couldn’t come at any time. You concluded with the medical diagnosis, “That means asleep”. Before you started talking regularly about the danger of 16,000 powerful nuclear weapons currently held by the unstable leaders of multiple rival countries, I hadn’t even thought of the threat of nuclear weapons since I was a kid and the Prime Minister told the US they couldn’t park their nuclear ships in NZ harbours. You highlight the reactions of climate change manifesting more and more - yes here and now in 2020 - and now the unforeseen global covid pandemic. All just to shake us out of our dream that material happiness is worth investing in - and that we should awaken and invest more and more in Krishna’s transcendental service. You have lavished us with at least weekly classes and often more, and thrilling series from the Bhagavatam. During total lockdown it was three times week to invite us to the transcendental perspective and steady the ship as we travelled through unfamiliar circumstances
I’m grateful for your design, development and maintenance of healthy bhakti community structures - founded on daily hearing and chanting, affectionate devotee care, and access to plentiful devotional service and outreach opportunities for the best for ourselves and everyone else. So much training, effort, time and thought you have invested to give us the best opportunity to make progress. Thank you for suggesting my wonderful husband, and for initiating my dear father also.
I’m grateful you chose to even come to NZ in the first place and tried out your dynamic outreach ideas of which I have received the benefits. You live and endeavour so purely for Srila Prabhupada and Krishna’s pleasure, laying down every inch of your life.
I’m grateful for your full example of bhakti - as your pranam mantra exclaims: obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
I’m aspiring to one day become a useful servant to you. Thank you so much for your patience and please forgive me for when I have not been easy to teach or care for. I am dull brained but I hope against hope I can mature one day in your service, because you have always been so kind, encouraging and invested in my progress.
Your always indebted servant and spiritual daughter,
Khadiravan devi dasi
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Khela Tirtha dasa
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet on this most auspicious occasion of your appearance in this temporary world of names.
For those of us on the standard sojourn through material existence ,taking birth in this human body ,on this planet,the worldly name we received ,as a familial participatory designation ,stamped this body as a unique individual ( despite the likely possibility that a percentage of the worlds population will share this same,”unique” title with us)
Becoming enthusiastic to chant our own names ,aware of the significance of our worldly identity ,we diligently and confidently advertised our fame and ability to the world.
First ,second and surnames ,in an attractive font,decoratively gracing our curriculum vitaes
,we contended with so many other names and found the competition fierce.
We dreamt ,vividly ,that our name in lights on that blockbuster movie billboard in bold letters along with other great actors and actresses,would surely become a reality in our future career.
Our name on everybody’s lips after being catapulted to overnight stardom in some sport,political manoeuvre or musical career,( fuelled and facilitated by social media;technology’s greatest contribution)was definitely a possibility since it was ingrained in us that each of us is the centre of the universe and deserve such attention.
The idea of the worlds populace chanting our names had a significant ring to it....quite a tumultuous one!
Of course,maturation broadened our perspective of the world and added prestige and respectable comprehension to our individualistic,self stylised existence.
We learnt that in order to be both subjective and objective we needed to delineate who was who and what was what.
The identification of objects,both animate and inanimate ,became the underpinning for our sane analysis and sense of perception.
Every conceivable object being stamped with a descriptive name defined both the differences and similarities.
The absolute normality of this utter self absorption couldn’t be shifted ,even slightly,despite our wildest epiphanies .
What we least expected was to have our worldview dismantled and re set as you appeared as an effulgent sun on the horizon of our inconceivably fortunate future.
Your unprecedented appearance,compassionate influence and driving force pried us free from our deep rooted attachment to our own names and stealthily filled our mouths with the transcendental Holy names of the Lord
“Nam nam akhari bahudha nija sarva saktis “
All potencies of Krsna’s unlimited sakti are found in His transcendental names.
“Here ,Eat this !!”
You encouraged your followers.
“Taste the nectar for which you are always anxious”
You give daily demonstration of how to do this.
When you chant ,Gurudev,it looks as though you are eating a delicious morsel of tasty prasadam.
At the sacrificial fire you officially change our previously cherished names to names of Krsna.
Giving us the Holy names to chant at least 16 rounds daily,our reposed loyalty to our own names now supplanted to glorifying the original Supreme living being.
Your mercy,Gurudev ,is such that we can potentially experience Krsna ,in His name,with our transcendentalised senses.
Same tongue,same mind,same body
But you’ve taken the consciousness and bathed it in the waters of the sankirtan yajna,under the rays of the benediction moon of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s congregational glorification of the Supreme Lord ,who’s name is the only name worth chanting ,for all spiritual and material reasons and all practical purposes.
Gurudev,everyday I offer you the deepest gratitude and a heartfelt thank you for allowing me to continue removing this body and mind from the self absorbed ,egocentric namesake of my previous birth.
Your aspiring servant of your servants
Khela Tirtha dasa
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet on this most auspicious occasion of your appearance in this temporary world of names.
For those of us on the standard sojourn through material existence ,taking birth in this human body ,on this planet,the worldly name we received ,as a familial participatory designation ,stamped this body as a unique individual ( despite the likely possibility that a percentage of the worlds population will share this same,”unique” title with us)
Becoming enthusiastic to chant our own names ,aware of the significance of our worldly identity ,we diligently and confidently advertised our fame and ability to the world.
First ,second and surnames ,in an attractive font,decoratively gracing our curriculum vitaes
,we contended with so many other names and found the competition fierce.
We dreamt ,vividly ,that our name in lights on that blockbuster movie billboard in bold letters along with other great actors and actresses,would surely become a reality in our future career.
Our name on everybody’s lips after being catapulted to overnight stardom in some sport,political manoeuvre or musical career,( fuelled and facilitated by social media;technology’s greatest contribution)was definitely a possibility since it was ingrained in us that each of us is the centre of the universe and deserve such attention.
The idea of the worlds populace chanting our names had a significant ring to it....quite a tumultuous one!
Of course,maturation broadened our perspective of the world and added prestige and respectable comprehension to our individualistic,self stylised existence.
We learnt that in order to be both subjective and objective we needed to delineate who was who and what was what.
The identification of objects,both animate and inanimate ,became the underpinning for our sane analysis and sense of perception.
Every conceivable object being stamped with a descriptive name defined both the differences and similarities.
The absolute normality of this utter self absorption couldn’t be shifted ,even slightly,despite our wildest epiphanies .
What we least expected was to have our worldview dismantled and re set as you appeared as an effulgent sun on the horizon of our inconceivably fortunate future.
Your unprecedented appearance,compassionate influence and driving force pried us free from our deep rooted attachment to our own names and stealthily filled our mouths with the transcendental Holy names of the Lord
“Nam nam akhari bahudha nija sarva saktis “
All potencies of Krsna’s unlimited sakti are found in His transcendental names.
“Here ,Eat this !!”
You encouraged your followers.
“Taste the nectar for which you are always anxious”
You give daily demonstration of how to do this.
When you chant ,Gurudev,it looks as though you are eating a delicious morsel of tasty prasadam.
At the sacrificial fire you officially change our previously cherished names to names of Krsna.
Giving us the Holy names to chant at least 16 rounds daily,our reposed loyalty to our own names now supplanted to glorifying the original Supreme living being.
Your mercy,Gurudev ,is such that we can potentially experience Krsna ,in His name,with our transcendentalised senses.
Same tongue,same mind,same body
But you’ve taken the consciousness and bathed it in the waters of the sankirtan yajna,under the rays of the benediction moon of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s congregational glorification of the Supreme Lord ,who’s name is the only name worth chanting ,for all spiritual and material reasons and all practical purposes.
Gurudev,everyday I offer you the deepest gratitude and a heartfelt thank you for allowing me to continue removing this body and mind from the self absorbed ,egocentric namesake of my previous birth.
Your aspiring servant of your servants
Khela Tirtha dasa
Kirtiman Krishna Dasa
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudev
I offer my humble obeisances to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja. Each year I feel blessed to have another opportunity to glorify you and, in the process, gain more realizations of your limitless glories.
Gurudev, for the past few days I have been thinking of how personal you are in all your activities.You show such compassion to the unfortunate living entities who are in a state of forgetfulness of their real identity, by constantly preaching and giving so much of your time, guidance and care. The way you develop and maintain such personal relationships with everyone surely testifies your realisation of your eternal relationship with Krishna. In the purport to CC Madhya 22.14-15,Srila Prabhupada writes,<i> “Although working for the liberation of conditioned souls, the messenger of the Supreme Lord remains untouched by the material energy…The ever-liberated person who works on Krishna’s behalf enjoys Lord Krishna’s company through his engagement.”</i> Your constant engagement for serving the Lord is the evidence of your being in the constant company of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Your miracles are visible in the transformation you bring about in the lives of your followers.
Gurudev, you have made so many arrangements not only for your disciples but for humanity at large to get your association through your books, lectures, podcasts and many other innovative ways of sharing snippets of spiritual wisdom via social media.Whilst not being able to travel as usual this year, you’ve used online mediums to reach out and enlighten devotees around the world. It reminded me of something I’ve heard you mention a few times in different classes - “a crisis is too good an opportunity to be wasted.” An advanced devotee finds an opportunity to glorify Krishna in every situation. The classes you gave during this lockdown period were so filled with nectar and a true reflection of your mercy and compassion for all of us.
For us here in Melbourne, it’s been a strange year in many ways without having your personal association that we are used to. We had to cancel the boat cruise at the last moment and there were no retreats or preaching events to keep us engaged through the year. I sometimes wonder what else we’ll get to experience with the progress of kaliyuga. Such situations serve as a reminder that this certainly is not the place to be –symbolised by quarrel and hypocrisy, many a time life seems tough. Without continuous association of devotees, it gets lonely at times and a battle much more difficult to be fought alone. A strong sadhana, as you always recommend, becomes the only means to remain positive and hopeful irrespective of how gloomy the situation may appear to be.
Gurudev, your mercy incessantly flows to those who are sincere and therefore please bless me to be sincere in my sadhana and seva. On this very auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I beg at your lotus feet to make me an instrument in your service,and thus I may remain fully engaged in following your instructions forever.
Your insignificant servants
KirtimanKrishna Dasa, Priyamvada Madhavi Devi Dasi and Priti
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Dear Gurudev
I offer my humble obeisances to you on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja. Each year I feel blessed to have another opportunity to glorify you and, in the process, gain more realizations of your limitless glories.
Gurudev, for the past few days I have been thinking of how personal you are in all your activities.You show such compassion to the unfortunate living entities who are in a state of forgetfulness of their real identity, by constantly preaching and giving so much of your time, guidance and care. The way you develop and maintain such personal relationships with everyone surely testifies your realisation of your eternal relationship with Krishna. In the purport to CC Madhya 22.14-15,Srila Prabhupada writes,<i> “Although working for the liberation of conditioned souls, the messenger of the Supreme Lord remains untouched by the material energy…The ever-liberated person who works on Krishna’s behalf enjoys Lord Krishna’s company through his engagement.”</i> Your constant engagement for serving the Lord is the evidence of your being in the constant company of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Your miracles are visible in the transformation you bring about in the lives of your followers.
Gurudev, you have made so many arrangements not only for your disciples but for humanity at large to get your association through your books, lectures, podcasts and many other innovative ways of sharing snippets of spiritual wisdom via social media.Whilst not being able to travel as usual this year, you’ve used online mediums to reach out and enlighten devotees around the world. It reminded me of something I’ve heard you mention a few times in different classes - “a crisis is too good an opportunity to be wasted.” An advanced devotee finds an opportunity to glorify Krishna in every situation. The classes you gave during this lockdown period were so filled with nectar and a true reflection of your mercy and compassion for all of us.
For us here in Melbourne, it’s been a strange year in many ways without having your personal association that we are used to. We had to cancel the boat cruise at the last moment and there were no retreats or preaching events to keep us engaged through the year. I sometimes wonder what else we’ll get to experience with the progress of kaliyuga. Such situations serve as a reminder that this certainly is not the place to be –symbolised by quarrel and hypocrisy, many a time life seems tough. Without continuous association of devotees, it gets lonely at times and a battle much more difficult to be fought alone. A strong sadhana, as you always recommend, becomes the only means to remain positive and hopeful irrespective of how gloomy the situation may appear to be.
Gurudev, your mercy incessantly flows to those who are sincere and therefore please bless me to be sincere in my sadhana and seva. On this very auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I beg at your lotus feet to make me an instrument in your service,and thus I may remain fully engaged in following your instructions forever.
Your insignificant servants
KirtimanKrishna Dasa, Priyamvada Madhavi Devi Dasi and Priti
Kishore Backory
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisance in the sacred dust of your lotus feet.
All glories and praise to your dear most master Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you and your uncommon devotional service to Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, I feel greatly honoured & fulfilled to have this opportunity to submit my humble offerings & prayers for the upcoming auspicious ceremony of your Vyas-puja.
During this year, I have hardly rendered any direct or indirect service & even lost all the connections with your esteemed disciples which I previously had, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I am feeling empty, sad and even sorrowful as the Melbourne Temple has been closed for the last 6 months and my association with devotees has suffered tremendously.
Luckily, the Zoom software is my only friend nowadays and has become my leader in audio, video and chat solution to keep my spiritual lifestyle alive and active. In this unprecedented time my only wish is to serve you but my service is limited only to the point of visiting your official website periodically, gaining updates about your preaching, seeing your picture daily on my altar and always remembering you as my spiritual master to be.
When I reflect upon the last encounter we had last November, I did promise you that I will complete my daily 16 jappa rounds, attend Manjal Aarti once a week and observe strictly the 4 regulative principles. Having quit my fulltime job last December, I have now more time to embark on my spiritual journey and have successfully achieved the desired outcomes for the challenges set, despite the fact that the temple was closed. Dhira Siromani Dasa has been my siksha guru for this lockdown.
So, Gurudeva, I now humbly request your invaluable and merciful guidance for the next step in my spiritual life. Am I ready to take shelter at your lotus feet?
Your Servant
Kishore Backory, Melbourne.
Please accept my humble obeisance in the sacred dust of your lotus feet.
All glories and praise to your dear most master Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you and your uncommon devotional service to Srila Prabhupada.
Gurudeva, I feel greatly honoured & fulfilled to have this opportunity to submit my humble offerings & prayers for the upcoming auspicious ceremony of your Vyas-puja.
During this year, I have hardly rendered any direct or indirect service & even lost all the connections with your esteemed disciples which I previously had, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I am feeling empty, sad and even sorrowful as the Melbourne Temple has been closed for the last 6 months and my association with devotees has suffered tremendously.
Luckily, the Zoom software is my only friend nowadays and has become my leader in audio, video and chat solution to keep my spiritual lifestyle alive and active. In this unprecedented time my only wish is to serve you but my service is limited only to the point of visiting your official website periodically, gaining updates about your preaching, seeing your picture daily on my altar and always remembering you as my spiritual master to be.
When I reflect upon the last encounter we had last November, I did promise you that I will complete my daily 16 jappa rounds, attend Manjal Aarti once a week and observe strictly the 4 regulative principles. Having quit my fulltime job last December, I have now more time to embark on my spiritual journey and have successfully achieved the desired outcomes for the challenges set, despite the fact that the temple was closed. Dhira Siromani Dasa has been my siksha guru for this lockdown.
So, Gurudeva, I now humbly request your invaluable and merciful guidance for the next step in my spiritual life. Am I ready to take shelter at your lotus feet?
Your Servant
Kishore Backory, Melbourne.
Krishna-mayi dd
My dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your dedicated service!
On this wonderful day of your appearance in the world, I would like to thank you very much from the core of my heart for being such a staunch representative of Srila Prabhupada and a guardian of ISKCON and the spiritual culture of Krishna consciousness.
Just months back this world has been shaken by an invisible virus, the virus that not only affected physical well-being but spread in a much larger form, affecting people’s hope, stability, and trust. It caused global and individual overwhelm, affecting even devotees. Yet, you remained calm, just like a lotus flower shakes off the drops of rain, leading with a vision that is far greater than any happenings of this material world. Nothing is able to side-track you from your laser-focused dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Your inexhaustible enthusiasm to spread Krishna’s glories to the suffering, conditioned souls, is a powerful force behind your every step.
You know how to navigate through material storms, maintaining unflinching faith in Krishna’s holy names. Your attractive, eloquent, and thought-provoking presentation of Krishna consciousness stirs young people’s brains and helps them come to life’s topmost conclusions. You bring real hope for this world.
I remember one time having the privilege to be in a car with you when you were returning from a preaching engagement. I asked: “Gurudeva, were you pleased with the program?” You looked at me somewhat surprised and replied: “It has nothing to do with me being pleased. The most important is if Krishna was pleased.” That was a great lesson for me.
As a perfect teacher, you indicated to me that pleasing Krishna is the ultimate goal and Krishna's pleasure and not us feeling good is an indicator of success. Of course, I don't know Krishna but I know you, Krishna's perfect servant and His representative, and your satisfaction is my measure to see if what I do is also satisfying to Him.
I also understood how our true consciousness will show sooner or later. One may try to pretend to be so qualified, but it won’t last and someone’s true identity will come out. In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna describes the characteristics of a pure devotee, how his whole being is saturated with the love of God. He doesn’t have to think to be Krishna conscious. He is Krishna conscious. His words, his action, and his thoughts are fully absorbed in Him. And this exactly what your answer so beautifully indicated to me. Krishna is your Lord day and night, no second passes with you not thinking how to please Him. Krishna's wish is your command, there is no obstacle, no excuse. You exemplify what a true lover of God is!
There are many blessings we receive in life, but for me, the greatest one was having you accepted me. The material skills and talents, regardless of how great they may be, will prove to be of no value at the times of greatest needs.
Gurudeva, I am just a baby in this science of God, taking my very first steps, yet falling back. Despite my insignificant and clumsy attempts to serve, you always find sweet words to encourage me and you graciously accept the offerings of service I make.
Dearest Gurudeva, please be kind upon me! Please bless me, so my heart never ceases to long for the full engagement in your service! Please allow me to be a meaningful contributor to your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories! May my only ambition be service unto you!
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your dedicated service!
On this wonderful day of your appearance in the world, I would like to thank you very much from the core of my heart for being such a staunch representative of Srila Prabhupada and a guardian of ISKCON and the spiritual culture of Krishna consciousness.
Just months back this world has been shaken by an invisible virus, the virus that not only affected physical well-being but spread in a much larger form, affecting people’s hope, stability, and trust. It caused global and individual overwhelm, affecting even devotees. Yet, you remained calm, just like a lotus flower shakes off the drops of rain, leading with a vision that is far greater than any happenings of this material world. Nothing is able to side-track you from your laser-focused dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Your inexhaustible enthusiasm to spread Krishna’s glories to the suffering, conditioned souls, is a powerful force behind your every step.
You know how to navigate through material storms, maintaining unflinching faith in Krishna’s holy names. Your attractive, eloquent, and thought-provoking presentation of Krishna consciousness stirs young people’s brains and helps them come to life’s topmost conclusions. You bring real hope for this world.
I remember one time having the privilege to be in a car with you when you were returning from a preaching engagement. I asked: “Gurudeva, were you pleased with the program?” You looked at me somewhat surprised and replied: “It has nothing to do with me being pleased. The most important is if Krishna was pleased.” That was a great lesson for me.
As a perfect teacher, you indicated to me that pleasing Krishna is the ultimate goal and Krishna's pleasure and not us feeling good is an indicator of success. Of course, I don't know Krishna but I know you, Krishna's perfect servant and His representative, and your satisfaction is my measure to see if what I do is also satisfying to Him.
I also understood how our true consciousness will show sooner or later. One may try to pretend to be so qualified, but it won’t last and someone’s true identity will come out. In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna describes the characteristics of a pure devotee, how his whole being is saturated with the love of God. He doesn’t have to think to be Krishna conscious. He is Krishna conscious. His words, his action, and his thoughts are fully absorbed in Him. And this exactly what your answer so beautifully indicated to me. Krishna is your Lord day and night, no second passes with you not thinking how to please Him. Krishna's wish is your command, there is no obstacle, no excuse. You exemplify what a true lover of God is!
There are many blessings we receive in life, but for me, the greatest one was having you accepted me. The material skills and talents, regardless of how great they may be, will prove to be of no value at the times of greatest needs.
Gurudeva, I am just a baby in this science of God, taking my very first steps, yet falling back. Despite my insignificant and clumsy attempts to serve, you always find sweet words to encourage me and you graciously accept the offerings of service I make.
Dearest Gurudeva, please be kind upon me! Please bless me, so my heart never ceases to long for the full engagement in your service! Please allow me to be a meaningful contributor to your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories! May my only ambition be service unto you!
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Krishna-mayi devi dasi
My dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your dedicated service!
On this wonderful day of your appearance in the world, I would like to thank you from the core of my heart for being such a staunch representative of Srila Prabhupada and a guardian of ISKCON and the spiritual culture of Krishna consciousness.
Just months back this world has been shaken by an invisible virus, the virus that not only affected physical well-being but spread in a much larger form, affecting people’s hope, stability, and trust. It caused global and individual overwhelm, affecting even devotees. Yet, you remained calm, just like a lotus flower shakes off the drops of rain, leading with a vision that is far greater than any happenings of this material world. Nothing is able to side-track you from your laser-focused dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Your inexhaustible enthusiasm to spread Krishna’s glories to the suffering, conditioned souls, is a powerful force behind your every step.
You know how to navigate through material storms, maintaining unflinching faith in Krishna’s holy names. Your attractive, eloquent, and thought-provoking presentation of Krishna consciousness, stirs young people’s brains and helped them come to life’s topmost conclusions. You bring real hope for this world.
I remember one time having the privilege to be in a car with you when you were returning from a preaching engagement. I asked: “Gurudeva, were you pleased with the program?” You looked at me somewhat surprised and replied: “It has nothing to do with me being pleased. The most important is if Krishna was pleased.” That was a great lesson for me.
As a perfect teacher, you indicated to me that pleasing Krishna is the ultimate goal and Krishna's pleasure and not us feeling good is an indicator of success. Of course, I don't know Krishna but I know you, Krishna's perfect servant and His representative, and your satisfaction is my measure to see if what I do is also satisfying to Him.
I also understood how our true consciousness will show sooner or later. One may try to pretend to be so qualified, but it won’t last and someone’s true identity will come out. In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna describes the characteristic of a pure devotee, how his whole being is saturated with the love of God. He doesn’t have to think to be Krishna conscious. He is Krishna conscious. His words, his action, and his thoughts are fully absorbed in Him. And this exactly what your answer so beautifully indicated to me. Krishna is your Lord day and night, no second is passed with you not thinking how to please Him. Krishna's wish is your command, there is no obstacle, no excuse. You exemplify what a true lover of God is!
There are many blessings we receive in life, but for me, the greatest one was having you accepted me. The material skills and talents, regardless of how great they may be, will prove to be of no value at the times of greatest needs.
Gurudeva, I am just a baby in this science of God, taking my very first steps, yet falling back. Despite my insignificant and clumsy attempts to serve, you always find sweet words to encourage me and you graciously accept the offerings of service I make.
Dearest Gurudeva, please be kind upon me! Please bless me, so my heart never ceases to long for the full engagement in your service! Please allow me to be a meaningful contributor to your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories! May my only ambition be service unto you!
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your dedicated service!
On this wonderful day of your appearance in the world, I would like to thank you from the core of my heart for being such a staunch representative of Srila Prabhupada and a guardian of ISKCON and the spiritual culture of Krishna consciousness.
Just months back this world has been shaken by an invisible virus, the virus that not only affected physical well-being but spread in a much larger form, affecting people’s hope, stability, and trust. It caused global and individual overwhelm, affecting even devotees. Yet, you remained calm, just like a lotus flower shakes off the drops of rain, leading with a vision that is far greater than any happenings of this material world. Nothing is able to side-track you from your laser-focused dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Your inexhaustible enthusiasm to spread Krishna’s glories to the suffering, conditioned souls, is a powerful force behind your every step.
You know how to navigate through material storms, maintaining unflinching faith in Krishna’s holy names. Your attractive, eloquent, and thought-provoking presentation of Krishna consciousness, stirs young people’s brains and helped them come to life’s topmost conclusions. You bring real hope for this world.
I remember one time having the privilege to be in a car with you when you were returning from a preaching engagement. I asked: “Gurudeva, were you pleased with the program?” You looked at me somewhat surprised and replied: “It has nothing to do with me being pleased. The most important is if Krishna was pleased.” That was a great lesson for me.
As a perfect teacher, you indicated to me that pleasing Krishna is the ultimate goal and Krishna's pleasure and not us feeling good is an indicator of success. Of course, I don't know Krishna but I know you, Krishna's perfect servant and His representative, and your satisfaction is my measure to see if what I do is also satisfying to Him.
I also understood how our true consciousness will show sooner or later. One may try to pretend to be so qualified, but it won’t last and someone’s true identity will come out. In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna describes the characteristic of a pure devotee, how his whole being is saturated with the love of God. He doesn’t have to think to be Krishna conscious. He is Krishna conscious. His words, his action, and his thoughts are fully absorbed in Him. And this exactly what your answer so beautifully indicated to me. Krishna is your Lord day and night, no second is passed with you not thinking how to please Him. Krishna's wish is your command, there is no obstacle, no excuse. You exemplify what a true lover of God is!
There are many blessings we receive in life, but for me, the greatest one was having you accepted me. The material skills and talents, regardless of how great they may be, will prove to be of no value at the times of greatest needs.
Gurudeva, I am just a baby in this science of God, taking my very first steps, yet falling back. Despite my insignificant and clumsy attempts to serve, you always find sweet words to encourage me and you graciously accept the offerings of service I make.
Dearest Gurudeva, please be kind upon me! Please bless me, so my heart never ceases to long for the full engagement in your service! Please allow me to be a meaningful contributor to your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories! May my only ambition be service unto you!
Your humble servant,
Krishna-mayi dd
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your glories are apparent because of your remarkable, first class devotional service. All glories to you!
For this offering I decided to focus more on where I am at in relation to my service to you, with the hope of gaining more depth of gratitude and with the hope of being able to increase my dedication for going deeper into sadhana and service.
I have a special folder, thick with notes; some typed, some written, as well as photocopied fax and emails . The folder is a treasure chest! It is the most valuable thing in my possession. It is filled with your instructions - managemental instructions, mentoring instructions, health instructions, service instructions, time management instructions, personal instructions, self care instructions, outreach instructions, chastisements, articles you have sent for up-skilling and one letter that you wrote me in 1994 when you were in America. Pretty much most interactions I’ve had with you I have noted. Through your magnanimous instructions you have given me everything!
Now as I read through the folder in contemplation of my service to you - I consider; how conscientiously and to what depth have I imbibed and followed those instructions? I see I have a long way to go!
I notice I have many self limiting excuses - that's not my nature, I’m not intelligent enough, not conscious enough, not confident enough, I’m in a woman's body, I wasn’t born in Bharata varsa, too old, I can’t possibly do more than what I am doing now. Seemingly good reasons for not increasing, for not giving my all. But now I see that these excuses are empty, keeping me in my comfort zone and if I really had faith in guru I could do so much more.
mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ
paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande
śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam
SB 4.28.50pp
A devoted disciple of the spiritual master would rather die with the spiritual master than fail to execute the spiritual masters mission…..it is the duty of the disciple to take charge of the mission of the spiritual master and execute it properly….in other words, to execute the will of the spiritual master, the disciple should be prepared to lay down his life and abandon all personal considerations.
That’s really high/deep - what kind of devotee is that! What kind of allegiance would one have to their master? What kind of faith would one need? What type of gratitude does that take to be prepared to lay down one's life for another? What type of love does that take?
Srila Prabhupada was that kind of disciple, you are that kind of disciple. Because of my debt; I aspire and pray to become that kind of disciple which is a long way off, next life or more. It's incredible how much you have put in to help me in my spiritual life. Please help me to abandon my personal considerations and become that kind of disciple for your pleasure, for Krishna’s pleasure.
Unfortunately because of impersonal tinges I haven’t been able to gain the greatest benefit of your association or vani but despite that, my life is dedicated to your mission, Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
In one darshan you said “to increase makes one very dear to Krishna. Especially as devotees get older, they can’t allow themselves to stagnate and that increase makes them dearer to Krishna” So how to increase, to become that kind of disciple? Through attentive hearing, chanting, prayer, dedicated service but ultimately it is due to the mercy of the spiritual master.
ohe! vaiṣṇaba ṭhākura, doyāra sāgara, e dāse koruṇā kori'
diyā pada-chāyā, śodho he āmāya, tomāra caraṇa dhori
O venerable Vaisnava Thakura, O ocean of mercy, be merciful to this servant of yours and purify me by the shade of your lotus feet, your feet I humbly hold.
kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇa dīte pāro, tomāra śakati āche
āmi to' kāńgāla, 'kṛṣṇa' 'kṛṣṇa' boli', dhāi tava pāche pāche
“Alone I find no strength to chant the holy name of Lord hari. I therefore beg you! Please be merciful unto me and with a particle of faith, give me the great treasure of the holy name of Krishna. Krishna is yours, you are able to give him to me for such is your power. I am indeed wretched and simply run after you crying Krishna! Krishna!
your servant and daughter,
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Your glories are apparent because of your remarkable, first class devotional service. All glories to you!
For this offering I decided to focus more on where I am at in relation to my service to you, with the hope of gaining more depth of gratitude and with the hope of being able to increase my dedication for going deeper into sadhana and service.
I have a special folder, thick with notes; some typed, some written, as well as photocopied fax and emails . The folder is a treasure chest! It is the most valuable thing in my possession. It is filled with your instructions - managemental instructions, mentoring instructions, health instructions, service instructions, time management instructions, personal instructions, self care instructions, outreach instructions, chastisements, articles you have sent for up-skilling and one letter that you wrote me in 1994 when you were in America. Pretty much most interactions I’ve had with you I have noted. Through your magnanimous instructions you have given me everything!
Now as I read through the folder in contemplation of my service to you - I consider; how conscientiously and to what depth have I imbibed and followed those instructions? I see I have a long way to go!
I notice I have many self limiting excuses - that's not my nature, I’m not intelligent enough, not conscious enough, not confident enough, I’m in a woman's body, I wasn’t born in Bharata varsa, too old, I can’t possibly do more than what I am doing now. Seemingly good reasons for not increasing, for not giving my all. But now I see that these excuses are empty, keeping me in my comfort zone and if I really had faith in guru I could do so much more.
mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ
paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande
śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam
SB 4.28.50pp
A devoted disciple of the spiritual master would rather die with the spiritual master than fail to execute the spiritual masters mission…..it is the duty of the disciple to take charge of the mission of the spiritual master and execute it properly….in other words, to execute the will of the spiritual master, the disciple should be prepared to lay down his life and abandon all personal considerations.
That’s really high/deep - what kind of devotee is that! What kind of allegiance would one have to their master? What kind of faith would one need? What type of gratitude does that take to be prepared to lay down one's life for another? What type of love does that take?
Srila Prabhupada was that kind of disciple, you are that kind of disciple. Because of my debt; I aspire and pray to become that kind of disciple which is a long way off, next life or more. It's incredible how much you have put in to help me in my spiritual life. Please help me to abandon my personal considerations and become that kind of disciple for your pleasure, for Krishna’s pleasure.
Unfortunately because of impersonal tinges I haven’t been able to gain the greatest benefit of your association or vani but despite that, my life is dedicated to your mission, Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
In one darshan you said “to increase makes one very dear to Krishna. Especially as devotees get older, they can’t allow themselves to stagnate and that increase makes them dearer to Krishna” So how to increase, to become that kind of disciple? Through attentive hearing, chanting, prayer, dedicated service but ultimately it is due to the mercy of the spiritual master.
ohe! vaiṣṇaba ṭhākura, doyāra sāgara, e dāse koruṇā kori'
diyā pada-chāyā, śodho he āmāya, tomāra caraṇa dhori
O venerable Vaisnava Thakura, O ocean of mercy, be merciful to this servant of yours and purify me by the shade of your lotus feet, your feet I humbly hold.
kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇa dīte pāro, tomāra śakati āche
āmi to' kāńgāla, 'kṛṣṇa' 'kṛṣṇa' boli', dhāi tava pāche pāche
“Alone I find no strength to chant the holy name of Lord hari. I therefore beg you! Please be merciful unto me and with a particle of faith, give me the great treasure of the holy name of Krishna. Krishna is yours, you are able to give him to me for such is your power. I am indeed wretched and simply run after you crying Krishna! Krishna!
your servant and daughter,
Krishnaloka devi dasi
Krishnamrita Das and Rasamrita Devi Dasi
namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your appearance day!
What a whirlwind of a year 2020 has been! We have been deprived of your physical association, when we would have actually most benefitted from it.
Thanks to the internet we have at least been able to listen to your live classes from New Zealand.
As you know, we have been blessed with a baby boy few months ago. Life has been chaotic and exciting at the same time. Juggling a new baby, household, work life and spiritual life is certainly not an easy feat. We have certainly learned to appreciate all the hard work involved in raising a family.
Since becoming parents, we are in the mindset to provide what’s best for our child and pray and hope that he becomes a nice devotee. We can now relate to the responsibility that you, as a spiritual father, have of looking after all your disciples and sparing time for each and every one of them.
You are always so patient when we approach you for guidance.
We have been missing the association of Radha-Vallabha, all the devotees, kirtan and prasadam.
We are looking forward to when these unprecedented times are over and we can see the Lord and his devotees.
In the mean times, we pray for your good health and safety.
Aspiring to be your servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your appearance day!
What a whirlwind of a year 2020 has been! We have been deprived of your physical association, when we would have actually most benefitted from it.
Thanks to the internet we have at least been able to listen to your live classes from New Zealand.
As you know, we have been blessed with a baby boy few months ago. Life has been chaotic and exciting at the same time. Juggling a new baby, household, work life and spiritual life is certainly not an easy feat. We have certainly learned to appreciate all the hard work involved in raising a family.
Since becoming parents, we are in the mindset to provide what’s best for our child and pray and hope that he becomes a nice devotee. We can now relate to the responsibility that you, as a spiritual father, have of looking after all your disciples and sparing time for each and every one of them.
You are always so patient when we approach you for guidance.
We have been missing the association of Radha-Vallabha, all the devotees, kirtan and prasadam.
We are looking forward to when these unprecedented times are over and we can see the Lord and his devotees.
In the mean times, we pray for your good health and safety.
Aspiring to be your servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
Krsna Gopinatha das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
3 years ago I got the most precious opportunity to meet you in Wellington. Just by that meeting my life took a complete turn towards the highest opportunity in all existence.
After so many innumerable births in so many different species, Krishna was so merciful to give me the opportunity for your association, by which it is possible to understand our actual position beyond this material world and the reason for our continued suffering and frustration.
You are changing the lives of so many people everyday. So many of your books have been sold all over the world and you’re opening the eyes of so many living entities lost in complete darkness.
Especially your book Hiding in unnatural happiness is so attractive that just by handing it into someone’s hand they immediately become curious and attracted when holding it and going through the pages that there is no big need to say much until they willingly give a donation and take the book.
Even my biological father read your book and your messages still influence his consciousness that he feels quite odd in his current situation which always seemed comfortable for him. Whenever I send him one of your classes or lofttalks he eagerly listens to them, so that he even considers getting a German Bhagavatam set.
Nowhere on the planet are there places like Bhakti lounge and the Loft and such a big Brahmaccari ashram in the west.
Even for people like myself without any good qualities, trying to practise Bhakti was made so easy and accessible right from the start.
In my second or third darshan you told me “the more you give Krishna to others, the quicker you’ll be recognised by Lord Caitanya.”
Even though going out on the street and talking to people and giving them books about God was the last thing I would have ordinarily done, and for most of the time I didn’t want to do it, I did because you told me to do it. The results would be very small most of the time and just by the inspiring association of the devotees I would continue to try without much success in terms of results.
Since the time I started and now, I haven’t changed much of what I am saying or how I am acting and Most of the time I’m feeling quite useless in doing the service, but by your mercy and the association of your empowered representatives so many more people are taking books than in the first couple years that I know that there is no way that I am the doer, but that all results are actually yours.
So many times where it seems impossible to distribute books, no people are stopping or reacting, when letting go of my pride and praying for your mercy from one moment to the other people come from all corners to take books. Without your shelter there is nothing I can do.
Recently I went out with your dear devotee Hriman Krishna Prabhu, who is always giving me inspiration. After I started approaching a couple people I thought, there is no way anyone would take books that day, but after seeking your mercy a few minutes later one guy came who got Hiding in unnatural happiness a few years before in Auckland which changed his life even materially in a very significant way. He had such a big appreciation for your book and some of Prabhupadas books which also were given to him that he was willing to take the whole Bhagavatam set on the spot and pay the full amount right away.
You are always giving me hope Gurudeva, and encouraging this insignificant living entity with such kind affection which I am feeling not worthy of. Without your instructions I would still be hunting other temporary bodies and dwell in the most abominable existence trying to gratify my selfish desires.
You have given me everything Gurudeva.
I have the best association, devotee sangha, the best shelter, the best music, Krishna Kirtan, the best food, Krishnaprasadam, the best books, Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita and the best engagement for my purification, Sankirtan. I don’t deserve any of that and I am feeling ashamed that I am not greatful enough for everything you have done for me.
Even though the disciple is unable to repay the debt towards the spiritual master, I will try my best to spend my life’s energy in Krishnas service for your pleasure and continually offer my obeisances unto your lotus feet, so that one day by your mercy I may know you correctly.
On this most auspicious day I’m begging you that I can be of some tiny assistance for you and distribute many many more books for your pleasure for the rest of my life and that your instructions may always be in the forefront of my consciousness, so that all the useless thoughts may vanish from my mind and I can be fixed in serving you and your servants in a way that one day you may be pleased with me.
Trying to make the best use of a bad bargin, I offer this insignificant life at your service and beg for your protection until it's completion.
Your aspiring servant
Krishna Gopinatha das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
3 years ago I got the most precious opportunity to meet you in Wellington. Just by that meeting my life took a complete turn towards the highest opportunity in all existence.
After so many innumerable births in so many different species, Krishna was so merciful to give me the opportunity for your association, by which it is possible to understand our actual position beyond this material world and the reason for our continued suffering and frustration.
You are changing the lives of so many people everyday. So many of your books have been sold all over the world and you’re opening the eyes of so many living entities lost in complete darkness.
Especially your book Hiding in unnatural happiness is so attractive that just by handing it into someone’s hand they immediately become curious and attracted when holding it and going through the pages that there is no big need to say much until they willingly give a donation and take the book.
Even my biological father read your book and your messages still influence his consciousness that he feels quite odd in his current situation which always seemed comfortable for him. Whenever I send him one of your classes or lofttalks he eagerly listens to them, so that he even considers getting a German Bhagavatam set.
Nowhere on the planet are there places like Bhakti lounge and the Loft and such a big Brahmaccari ashram in the west.
Even for people like myself without any good qualities, trying to practise Bhakti was made so easy and accessible right from the start.
In my second or third darshan you told me “the more you give Krishna to others, the quicker you’ll be recognised by Lord Caitanya.”
Even though going out on the street and talking to people and giving them books about God was the last thing I would have ordinarily done, and for most of the time I didn’t want to do it, I did because you told me to do it. The results would be very small most of the time and just by the inspiring association of the devotees I would continue to try without much success in terms of results.
Since the time I started and now, I haven’t changed much of what I am saying or how I am acting and Most of the time I’m feeling quite useless in doing the service, but by your mercy and the association of your empowered representatives so many more people are taking books than in the first couple years that I know that there is no way that I am the doer, but that all results are actually yours.
So many times where it seems impossible to distribute books, no people are stopping or reacting, when letting go of my pride and praying for your mercy from one moment to the other people come from all corners to take books. Without your shelter there is nothing I can do.
Recently I went out with your dear devotee Hriman Krishna Prabhu, who is always giving me inspiration. After I started approaching a couple people I thought, there is no way anyone would take books that day, but after seeking your mercy a few minutes later one guy came who got Hiding in unnatural happiness a few years before in Auckland which changed his life even materially in a very significant way. He had such a big appreciation for your book and some of Prabhupadas books which also were given to him that he was willing to take the whole Bhagavatam set on the spot and pay the full amount right away.
You are always giving me hope Gurudeva, and encouraging this insignificant living entity with such kind affection which I am feeling not worthy of. Without your instructions I would still be hunting other temporary bodies and dwell in the most abominable existence trying to gratify my selfish desires.
You have given me everything Gurudeva.
I have the best association, devotee sangha, the best shelter, the best music, Krishna Kirtan, the best food, Krishnaprasadam, the best books, Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita and the best engagement for my purification, Sankirtan. I don’t deserve any of that and I am feeling ashamed that I am not greatful enough for everything you have done for me.
Even though the disciple is unable to repay the debt towards the spiritual master, I will try my best to spend my life’s energy in Krishnas service for your pleasure and continually offer my obeisances unto your lotus feet, so that one day by your mercy I may know you correctly.
On this most auspicious day I’m begging you that I can be of some tiny assistance for you and distribute many many more books for your pleasure for the rest of my life and that your instructions may always be in the forefront of my consciousness, so that all the useless thoughts may vanish from my mind and I can be fixed in serving you and your servants in a way that one day you may be pleased with me.
Trying to make the best use of a bad bargin, I offer this insignificant life at your service and beg for your protection until it's completion.
Your aspiring servant
Krishna Gopinatha das
Krsna Prasada das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A few months ago I reached my 40th year. It made me ponder, approximately 20 years earlier I was fully immersed in many of Kali Yuga’s delights - Rock-bands, beer, fast cars and everything in between. What I believed to be a 19 year olds dream. But deep down inside there was always this feeling of discontent, there must be more to life than this ongoing struggle to enjoy.
Working a super low paid labouring job in a small rural town. My workmates were all the same - beer drinking, dope smoking, dull heads with no ambition or drive and I was not much better. But there was one guy though, who had started a few months earlier, our interactions were very minimal, nothing more than Hi and Bye. He was different, he was a Hare Krishna, whatever that meant. In contrast to my full head of dreadlocks, he had a weird haircut, he didn’t drink or smoke and he was a vegetarian. Although I wondered how anyone could live like that, I was intrigued to know more.
One day to my good fortune things were arranged that we would have to work together, unbeknown to me that day would be the day my life changed forever. Having no prior contact or even hearing the word Hare Krishna, I had a deep urge to discover what it was he was actually following. That day became filled with questions that I didn’t even know I had and at the same time there was an answer to all them and so much more. This was completely blowing my mind. The majority of our discussions were based around the Bhagavad Gita. I was not much of a reader but I insisted, “Ive got to read this book”, in which he happily bought me a copy the next day.
From that day my vision of the world started to change and my life began to take a different course. Lord Caitanya’s mercy is flowing far and wide, literally in every town and village. If someone is ripe for the picking, he will make all arrangements.
Gurudeva, this is all due to your mercy, where would I be if you didn’t do what you do. Your consistent love, care and compassion for so many fallen souls, what to speak of the devotees. Where there is a spark you fan it and encourage us to go deeper, always finding ways to engage each and every one of us.
Thank you for keeping on my case, consistently pushing us towards Krishna and transforming us through devotional service and allowing us to use what little skills we have been given, to give back and perfect our lives.
You may recall in my homage to you last year. I made a request to ‘please allow me to paint like I’ve never painted before, to dive into devotional service’.
I really have to be careful what I wish for!
At the moment it never rains but it pours, an inundation of service, I really am having to learn how to swim through the flood.
Again, all due to your Mercy. I really have to ask - Why me, how am I so fortunate to have such a loving Spiritual Father and be in this situation? But what a wonderful way to spend these few short years we call life, trying to repay a debt that is impossible to repay.
Your grateful servant,
Krsna Prasada das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A few months ago I reached my 40th year. It made me ponder, approximately 20 years earlier I was fully immersed in many of Kali Yuga’s delights - Rock-bands, beer, fast cars and everything in between. What I believed to be a 19 year olds dream. But deep down inside there was always this feeling of discontent, there must be more to life than this ongoing struggle to enjoy.
Working a super low paid labouring job in a small rural town. My workmates were all the same - beer drinking, dope smoking, dull heads with no ambition or drive and I was not much better. But there was one guy though, who had started a few months earlier, our interactions were very minimal, nothing more than Hi and Bye. He was different, he was a Hare Krishna, whatever that meant. In contrast to my full head of dreadlocks, he had a weird haircut, he didn’t drink or smoke and he was a vegetarian. Although I wondered how anyone could live like that, I was intrigued to know more.
One day to my good fortune things were arranged that we would have to work together, unbeknown to me that day would be the day my life changed forever. Having no prior contact or even hearing the word Hare Krishna, I had a deep urge to discover what it was he was actually following. That day became filled with questions that I didn’t even know I had and at the same time there was an answer to all them and so much more. This was completely blowing my mind. The majority of our discussions were based around the Bhagavad Gita. I was not much of a reader but I insisted, “Ive got to read this book”, in which he happily bought me a copy the next day.
From that day my vision of the world started to change and my life began to take a different course. Lord Caitanya’s mercy is flowing far and wide, literally in every town and village. If someone is ripe for the picking, he will make all arrangements.
Gurudeva, this is all due to your mercy, where would I be if you didn’t do what you do. Your consistent love, care and compassion for so many fallen souls, what to speak of the devotees. Where there is a spark you fan it and encourage us to go deeper, always finding ways to engage each and every one of us.
Thank you for keeping on my case, consistently pushing us towards Krishna and transforming us through devotional service and allowing us to use what little skills we have been given, to give back and perfect our lives.
You may recall in my homage to you last year. I made a request to ‘please allow me to paint like I’ve never painted before, to dive into devotional service’.
I really have to be careful what I wish for!
At the moment it never rains but it pours, an inundation of service, I really am having to learn how to swim through the flood.
Again, all due to your Mercy. I really have to ask - Why me, how am I so fortunate to have such a loving Spiritual Father and be in this situation? But what a wonderful way to spend these few short years we call life, trying to repay a debt that is impossible to repay.
Your grateful servant,
Krsna Prasada das
Krsnamrita Das and Rasamrita Devi Dasi
namo om visnu padaya krsna prestaya bhutale
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your appearance day!
What a whirlwind of a year 2020 has been! We have been deprived of your physical association, when we would have actually most benefitted from it.
Thanks to the internet we have at least been able to listen to your live classes from New Zealand.
As you know, we have been blessed with a baby boy few months ago. Life has been chaotic and exciting at the same time. Juggling a new baby, household, work life and spiritual life is certainly not an easy feat. We have certainly learned to appreciate all the hard work involved in raising a family.
Since becoming parents, we are in the mindset to provide what’s best for our child and pray and hope that he becomes a nice devotee. We can now relate to the responsibility that you, as a spiritual father, have of looking after all your disciples and sparing time for each and every one of them.
You are always so patient when we approach you for guidance.
We have been missing the association of Radha-Vallabha, all the devotees, kirtan and prasadam.
We are looking forward to when these unprecedented times are over and we can see the Lord and his devotees.
In the mean times, we pray for your good health and safety.
Aspiring to be your servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
srimati devamrita swami iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept our respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to your appearance day!
What a whirlwind of a year 2020 has been! We have been deprived of your physical association, when we would have actually most benefitted from it.
Thanks to the internet we have at least been able to listen to your live classes from New Zealand.
As you know, we have been blessed with a baby boy few months ago. Life has been chaotic and exciting at the same time. Juggling a new baby, household, work life and spiritual life is certainly not an easy feat. We have certainly learned to appreciate all the hard work involved in raising a family.
Since becoming parents, we are in the mindset to provide what’s best for our child and pray and hope that he becomes a nice devotee. We can now relate to the responsibility that you, as a spiritual father, have of looking after all your disciples and sparing time for each and every one of them.
You are always so patient when we approach you for guidance.
We have been missing the association of Radha-Vallabha, all the devotees, kirtan and prasadam.
We are looking forward to when these unprecedented times are over and we can see the Lord and his devotees.
In the mean times, we pray for your good health and safety.
Aspiring to be your servants,
Krsnamrita das & Rasamrita devi dasi
Krsnananda dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
By your mercy Gurudeva, you have saved me from certain ruin, and plugged me into something very powerful – a connection to Krsna. A mission that has the potential to set humanity on the right course – one that is simultaneously exciting but puzzling. How to get there from here? Covid 19 is wreaking havoc in humanity’s plans to dominate and control the planet. Something of this magnitude was bound to happen. However, as devotees of Krsna we must stay the course. What does this mean? For me, it means my lifelong goal to one day please you. In doing so, my life is energised, not dead or dying.
By your mercy Gurudeva, on occasion I catch a glimpse of the sheer potency of Sri Guru parampara. To elaborate, I wish to quote from Visakha’s excellent book Five Years, Eleven months, capturing an incredible exchange between Srila Prabhupada and his godbrother Sridhar Maharaja in the early 1970’s:
“Once he was comfortably seated, Sridhar Maharaja who referred to Prabhupada as Swami Maharaja, said: ““So our Swami Maharaja has done a miracle. He has done a miracle. What Bhaktivinoda conceived and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada tried according to his conception, to translate into action, we find, that through Swami Maharaja in his last days, these revelations have been fulfilled. We are happy, we are glad, we are proud of Swami Maharaja. And of all of you [referring to Prabhupada’s disciples] too.””
In response to the incredible exchange between these two great souls – godbrothers in arms – Visakha reflected: “I felt a surge of fortitude. I was part of a lofty lineage. As a child feels secure in her mother’s arms, so I felt sheltered as a member of that lineage. I felt I could relax and trust and blossom and alight as nowhere else”.
When I meditate on your life Gurudeva, I feel similar emotions, because I can see how your enormous contribution to this great mission has carried on the mood and flavour of the disciplic succession, that is, in a nutshell; miracle work. Bona fide, authorised miracle work. For Krsna’s pleasure.
Facilitating the transformation of the conditioned soul to turn towards Krsna for the first time in millions of births is not easy, what to speak of the challenges posed by the current diaspora in New Zealand in this dark age of Kali. Generally speaking, we “Westerners” are definitely not the low hanging fruit. All too often we are hard work! Your intelligence and dedication has carried on Prabhupada’s foundational achievements of reviving the dormant Krsna consciousness in sleeping souls against all odds. Something like bulldozing a path of enlightenment right through the middle of hedonistic, impersonal Westerners engaged in all sorts of base behaviour.
Many of us hail from uprooted, alienated social/familial backgrounds, deeply cynical and impersonal, we are brainwashed into a culture of self-centred consumerism and aimlessness. A culture spearheaded by large corporations set to destroy the planet in pursuit of larger and larger profits, driven by economic elitists with enormous ego’s and sharp elbows. In summary, a society full of barbarians.
To turn a socially discombobulated, cynical, self-centred, ego maniac barbarian into a refined, cultured, sensitive, pure-hearted Vaisnava is nothing short of a miracle. Gurudeva you have perfected this art. You have pioneered sustainable, ingenious Western outreach. It seems you have extracted the essence of the early Prabhupada preaching efforts in the loft spaces of the Bowery and planted this strategy in NZ and achieved superb results.
Many Westerners – barbarians such as myself, have made the miraculous journey to Krsna consciousness. Now, twelve years later, I feel like the squirrel making his tiny contribution in building Rama’s bridge to Lanka amongst the devotional giants around me, yet still I feel uninhibited in my efforts to participate. When I meditate on the incredible qualities of my godbrothers and godsisters I feel deep gratitude for your devotional service Gurudeva. Srila Prabhupada must be so pleased with you.
There are undoubtedly challenges ahead. As you said to me, the other day, “what’s going to happen when all the money runs out” - referring to the likely future of New Zealand’s financial situation. Periodically over the years, you have mentioned Prabhupada’s first visit to New Zealand in which he envisioned the utilisation of its ideal landscape to establish farming. This is a desire many of us are conscious of, but perhaps unsure how to get there from here. One thing is certain. Nothing can be achieved without the descending mercy coming down through disciplic succession. Sri Guru parampara. Our conduit into this divine electrical current is your instructions. Micro or macro as it may be. This is our lifeblood. Your words. May our collective efforts to please you be met with unimaginable success. This is my prayer today. Begging for your unrelenting mercy.
Your insignificant servant,
Krsnananda dasa
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
By your mercy Gurudeva, you have saved me from certain ruin, and plugged me into something very powerful – a connection to Krsna. A mission that has the potential to set humanity on the right course – one that is simultaneously exciting but puzzling. How to get there from here? Covid 19 is wreaking havoc in humanity’s plans to dominate and control the planet. Something of this magnitude was bound to happen. However, as devotees of Krsna we must stay the course. What does this mean? For me, it means my lifelong goal to one day please you. In doing so, my life is energised, not dead or dying.
By your mercy Gurudeva, on occasion I catch a glimpse of the sheer potency of Sri Guru parampara. To elaborate, I wish to quote from Visakha’s excellent book Five Years, Eleven months, capturing an incredible exchange between Srila Prabhupada and his godbrother Sridhar Maharaja in the early 1970’s:
“Once he was comfortably seated, Sridhar Maharaja who referred to Prabhupada as Swami Maharaja, said: ““So our Swami Maharaja has done a miracle. He has done a miracle. What Bhaktivinoda conceived and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada tried according to his conception, to translate into action, we find, that through Swami Maharaja in his last days, these revelations have been fulfilled. We are happy, we are glad, we are proud of Swami Maharaja. And of all of you [referring to Prabhupada’s disciples] too.””
In response to the incredible exchange between these two great souls – godbrothers in arms – Visakha reflected: “I felt a surge of fortitude. I was part of a lofty lineage. As a child feels secure in her mother’s arms, so I felt sheltered as a member of that lineage. I felt I could relax and trust and blossom and alight as nowhere else”.
When I meditate on your life Gurudeva, I feel similar emotions, because I can see how your enormous contribution to this great mission has carried on the mood and flavour of the disciplic succession, that is, in a nutshell; miracle work. Bona fide, authorised miracle work. For Krsna’s pleasure.
Facilitating the transformation of the conditioned soul to turn towards Krsna for the first time in millions of births is not easy, what to speak of the challenges posed by the current diaspora in New Zealand in this dark age of Kali. Generally speaking, we “Westerners” are definitely not the low hanging fruit. All too often we are hard work! Your intelligence and dedication has carried on Prabhupada’s foundational achievements of reviving the dormant Krsna consciousness in sleeping souls against all odds. Something like bulldozing a path of enlightenment right through the middle of hedonistic, impersonal Westerners engaged in all sorts of base behaviour.
Many of us hail from uprooted, alienated social/familial backgrounds, deeply cynical and impersonal, we are brainwashed into a culture of self-centred consumerism and aimlessness. A culture spearheaded by large corporations set to destroy the planet in pursuit of larger and larger profits, driven by economic elitists with enormous ego’s and sharp elbows. In summary, a society full of barbarians.
To turn a socially discombobulated, cynical, self-centred, ego maniac barbarian into a refined, cultured, sensitive, pure-hearted Vaisnava is nothing short of a miracle. Gurudeva you have perfected this art. You have pioneered sustainable, ingenious Western outreach. It seems you have extracted the essence of the early Prabhupada preaching efforts in the loft spaces of the Bowery and planted this strategy in NZ and achieved superb results.
Many Westerners – barbarians such as myself, have made the miraculous journey to Krsna consciousness. Now, twelve years later, I feel like the squirrel making his tiny contribution in building Rama’s bridge to Lanka amongst the devotional giants around me, yet still I feel uninhibited in my efforts to participate. When I meditate on the incredible qualities of my godbrothers and godsisters I feel deep gratitude for your devotional service Gurudeva. Srila Prabhupada must be so pleased with you.
There are undoubtedly challenges ahead. As you said to me, the other day, “what’s going to happen when all the money runs out” - referring to the likely future of New Zealand’s financial situation. Periodically over the years, you have mentioned Prabhupada’s first visit to New Zealand in which he envisioned the utilisation of its ideal landscape to establish farming. This is a desire many of us are conscious of, but perhaps unsure how to get there from here. One thing is certain. Nothing can be achieved without the descending mercy coming down through disciplic succession. Sri Guru parampara. Our conduit into this divine electrical current is your instructions. Micro or macro as it may be. This is our lifeblood. Your words. May our collective efforts to please you be met with unimaginable success. This is my prayer today. Begging for your unrelenting mercy.
Your insignificant servant,
Krsnananda dasa
Kula Pavana Das
Nama Om Vishnu padaya
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s to the dust of your lotus feet.
All Glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a very happy appearance day. We feel totally disqualified to write this offering. Seeking blessings from Their Lordships to inspire us to glorify you properly.
It can be easy to take for granted, but it is remarkable how fortunate we are to have someone like you that we can approach and take shelter at any time. Thank you for taking your precious time out to guide us.
Every Vyasapuja, we wish to share some significant spiritual growth to show how you guide us. But this time due to the pandemic and us changing our careers to start a fresh new career made a huge difference in our lifestyle.
At first everyone around us worried that we took wrong decision at the wrong time. We have been planning this for more than 2 years and when we took this decision of changing career the unseen enemy in the world, turned everyone’s dreams upside down. Me being overly optimistic has a high hope that if I took this decision that means it is you who is guiding us and walking us through this path.
Yes, this time as well I am correct that you who is leading us in our life guiding equally in both material and spiritual life so that we will not be deviated. I don’t know how much we surrendered ourselves to you, but you always guide us and put us in right direction. We are able to spend enough time to understand and care for our future Krishna Conscious Generation (Yamuna & Sachit).
Also, we are here at your lotus feet begging for your mercy. With this lockdown, initially it was all good in progressing in our sadhana but as time passes the new career demands more time and efforts on it so that we can sustain this led us to stick to our basic sadhana.
When we sought your blessings towards the idea of changing career, you mentioned “Don’t become so busy that you neglect your spiritual nourishment “which is keep ringing in our ears all the time. As per your guidance we are trying to balance.
Gurudeva please shower your kindness on these poor fallen souls. Without your mercy we can’t cross these hurdles of our life. We require your constant prayers and blessings to surpass this time without any issues.
Our sincere aim is to come to a stage that we serve you unconditionally. Without your blessings we cannot come to that stage.
Sincerely praying for your good health and hope to become your more useful instruments in our beloved Srila Prabhupada vision and mission.
Aspiring to be your Humble Servants,
Kula Pavana Das
Bhavana Pavana Devi Dasi
Yamuna
Sachit
Krsna-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s to the dust of your lotus feet.
All Glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Wishing you a very happy appearance day. We feel totally disqualified to write this offering. Seeking blessings from Their Lordships to inspire us to glorify you properly.
It can be easy to take for granted, but it is remarkable how fortunate we are to have someone like you that we can approach and take shelter at any time. Thank you for taking your precious time out to guide us.
Every Vyasapuja, we wish to share some significant spiritual growth to show how you guide us. But this time due to the pandemic and us changing our careers to start a fresh new career made a huge difference in our lifestyle.
At first everyone around us worried that we took wrong decision at the wrong time. We have been planning this for more than 2 years and when we took this decision of changing career the unseen enemy in the world, turned everyone’s dreams upside down. Me being overly optimistic has a high hope that if I took this decision that means it is you who is guiding us and walking us through this path.
Yes, this time as well I am correct that you who is leading us in our life guiding equally in both material and spiritual life so that we will not be deviated. I don’t know how much we surrendered ourselves to you, but you always guide us and put us in right direction. We are able to spend enough time to understand and care for our future Krishna Conscious Generation (Yamuna & Sachit).
Also, we are here at your lotus feet begging for your mercy. With this lockdown, initially it was all good in progressing in our sadhana but as time passes the new career demands more time and efforts on it so that we can sustain this led us to stick to our basic sadhana.
When we sought your blessings towards the idea of changing career, you mentioned “Don’t become so busy that you neglect your spiritual nourishment “which is keep ringing in our ears all the time. As per your guidance we are trying to balance.
Gurudeva please shower your kindness on these poor fallen souls. Without your mercy we can’t cross these hurdles of our life. We require your constant prayers and blessings to surpass this time without any issues.
Our sincere aim is to come to a stage that we serve you unconditionally. Without your blessings we cannot come to that stage.
Sincerely praying for your good health and hope to become your more useful instruments in our beloved Srila Prabhupada vision and mission.
Aspiring to be your Humble Servants,
Kula Pavana Das
Bhavana Pavana Devi Dasi
Yamuna
Sachit
Kumar Bhaskar
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
This is my first offering to you! I am an aspiring disciple of yours!
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I recall the first day (about 8 years ago) when I came to Iskcon temple in Melbourne – it was your sincere and disciplined disciples who inspired me and my wife to attend our first lecture in Bhakta Bhavan. They also helped us a lot in our initial months.
I recall that when about 7 years ago, you agreed to give your personal association to us during a retreat at Hare Krishna Valley. At that time, we used to do Network Marketing and we wanted to leave that business because it was too hectic for us. And I distinctly remember that you instructed us that if we dedicate the same amount of time and energy that we were spending in Business, into Krishan Consciousness, then we will tremendously progress in our spiritual life.
Then Gurudev, when me and my wife and our daughter, met you about 2 years ago at a devotee’s home near Melbourne Temple, you had instructed us to work as a team in order to progress in Krishna Consciousness life. Since that day we are trying to work as team instead of challenges. We have recently moved to a home near Melbourne Iskcon temple and we are experiencing the benefits of devotee association.
Since my childhood, I used to think many times about how I will survive without my parents as they are growing older with every passing day. But now I feel confident that I have you as a mentor who is there to show me the right path in difficult times.
Guru Maharaj, today, our sincere request to you is to take us in the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your insignificant servants,
Bhaskar, Sweta and little Srisa
Please accept my humble obeisance! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
This is my first offering to you! I am an aspiring disciple of yours!
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I recall the first day (about 8 years ago) when I came to Iskcon temple in Melbourne – it was your sincere and disciplined disciples who inspired me and my wife to attend our first lecture in Bhakta Bhavan. They also helped us a lot in our initial months.
I recall that when about 7 years ago, you agreed to give your personal association to us during a retreat at Hare Krishna Valley. At that time, we used to do Network Marketing and we wanted to leave that business because it was too hectic for us. And I distinctly remember that you instructed us that if we dedicate the same amount of time and energy that we were spending in Business, into Krishan Consciousness, then we will tremendously progress in our spiritual life.
Then Gurudev, when me and my wife and our daughter, met you about 2 years ago at a devotee’s home near Melbourne Temple, you had instructed us to work as a team in order to progress in Krishna Consciousness life. Since that day we are trying to work as team instead of challenges. We have recently moved to a home near Melbourne Iskcon temple and we are experiencing the benefits of devotee association.
Since my childhood, I used to think many times about how I will survive without my parents as they are growing older with every passing day. But now I feel confident that I have you as a mentor who is there to show me the right path in difficult times.
Guru Maharaj, today, our sincere request to you is to take us in the shelter of your lotus feet.
Your insignificant servants,
Bhaskar, Sweta and little Srisa
Kumara Sanandana Das
Dear Srila Gurudev
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrita-svamin iti namine
I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Holiness Devamrita Swami, who is dear to Lord Krsna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
I take this opportunity to thank and allowing me to write a few words on your Vysa Puja.
Recent times with COVID has been very challenging on many fronts but against all the odds we had a great time to relish your virtual, online streaming lectures. To name a few, one of the classes where you describe the discrimination we apply towards friends and enemies with the reference from Srimard Bhagavatham on the pastimes of how Prahlad maharaj treated his counterparts. Also the Bikshu gita classes were really exemplary and provided the understanding how to treat the problems of this material world.
Being said, my personal realisation of recent times subjugated on few points. I have been born tired of the unrealistic and not having clear goal in life. Nor could I place my faith in the supreme person, Krishna and His teachings. I sadly, but inevitably, with no true guidance, I too became submerged in materialism, hypocrisy, cynicism, and sadness.
But then after coming to Australia you appeared, apparently from faraway, exotic India, with a true and positive alternative, Krsna Consciousness. Though my initial acquaintance with Krsna Consciousness did not have much impact on me (apart from me looking for friends, association and food, prasdham).
It is your retreat program and participation along with some association of great devotees gave a strong reasoning inside me. I still remember in one of the retreats you described the old age process by showing us a video from old age home. This class (retreat) till date has a strong impact in my consciousness and in a positive way influenced in my thought process.
There are days being high and low and not having clear definition of life, aim or goal was always keeping occupied with unnecessary things with real no value stuff. These things continued with no real apprehension for me to grab Krsna Consciousness. It is then my meetings with you gave me the hope and courage to take this proven process of Bhakti, Krsna Consciousness.
Though I think and believed taking initiation is the end of this process. But as always you kindly corrected my thought process in a such way describing this is just the beginning and you need to put efforts for it to be maintained. Contemplating this point I always find excuses and difficulties to follow my sandhana. Again it is your classes / lectures are the true cutting edge technology to cut my procrastination. I should confess still i am learning to break this cycle of procrastination but i believe with help of your thoughtful classes and instructions i can overcome.
Gurudev, with your blessing and mercy I was able to provide some small service towards pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and Their Lordship Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, this includes providing support and assistance with the ISKCON Sydney, communication team in broadcasting monthly Newsletter, “Rising Moon”, establishing some audio podcast support, helping in deity department to arrange Their Lordships’ praphernalias. In the following year with your help and blessing I am in the process to continue above service along with few Deity department specific services.
Once again gurudev, I take this opportunity to pray to Their lordship Sri Sri Radha Gopinath to give good health to you and help us to follow the process given by our founder acharya Srila Prabhupada.
Hare Krsna
Your Sincerely
Kumara Sanandana Das.
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
The first time I heard you speak at a Tuesday night workshop at Bhakti Lounge, I remember thinking how you looked so satisfied and happy. You were sitting on a chair at the front of the room, waiting as the guests came in and took their seats. You had your eyes closed with a beaming smile on your face, occasionally opening them to observe the guests in the room.You definitely fit my expectations of a jolly looking monk, but when you spoke it was so much more penetrating. The topic of your talk slips from my mind but the centre-point was happiness. Is there an activity we can do, over and over again, that will completely satisfy the heart and never get dry, boring or hackneyed? To illustrate your point you showed a short documentary about Slomo, an old guy that retired from a high-rolling medical career and decided to rollerblade all day along San Diego waterfront. Was he really satisfied just rollerblading all day? You asked us to think of one activity we like to do that makes us happy, and ask ourselves the question, could we do that activity forever?
You so much understand the mentality and desires of current culture. Your outreach talks always strike me as flawless in logic and not afraid to “go there”. You pick up the highly prized material happiness by the tail and say look at it - that’s all there is!
You raised the bar on my expectations of happiness. Yes, there is an eternal engagement for every living being that will bring no cessation, no come down, no high peak or drop off. You lift the dark ceilings off from over our heads and try to engage us in the highest highways of happiness.
I am so inspired, indebted and grateful to have you as my spiritual master. I am starting to think of myself more and more as a sick person in your hospital. How am I going to give up the false shelter of the body and mind without your help? Please help me to take real shelter of you and the bhakti process. Help me to give up my plans for false happiness and help me to do some sacrifice for you, who sacrifice everything for others.
“A spiritual master’s qualification is that he is brahmanistham, which means that he has given up all other activities and dedicated his life to working only for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.” (From Prayers of the Personified Vedas in Krsna Book).
Thank you so much for the medicine of devotional service, enlivening devotee association, chanting the holy name, an amazing mentor and the culture of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Your servant,
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on the auspicious day of your appearance.
The first time I heard you speak at a Tuesday night workshop at Bhakti Lounge, I remember thinking how you looked so satisfied and happy. You were sitting on a chair at the front of the room, waiting as the guests came in and took their seats. You had your eyes closed with a beaming smile on your face, occasionally opening them to observe the guests in the room.You definitely fit my expectations of a jolly looking monk, but when you spoke it was so much more penetrating. The topic of your talk slips from my mind but the centre-point was happiness. Is there an activity we can do, over and over again, that will completely satisfy the heart and never get dry, boring or hackneyed? To illustrate your point you showed a short documentary about Slomo, an old guy that retired from a high-rolling medical career and decided to rollerblade all day along San Diego waterfront. Was he really satisfied just rollerblading all day? You asked us to think of one activity we like to do that makes us happy, and ask ourselves the question, could we do that activity forever?
You so much understand the mentality and desires of current culture. Your outreach talks always strike me as flawless in logic and not afraid to “go there”. You pick up the highly prized material happiness by the tail and say look at it - that’s all there is!
You raised the bar on my expectations of happiness. Yes, there is an eternal engagement for every living being that will bring no cessation, no come down, no high peak or drop off. You lift the dark ceilings off from over our heads and try to engage us in the highest highways of happiness.
I am so inspired, indebted and grateful to have you as my spiritual master. I am starting to think of myself more and more as a sick person in your hospital. How am I going to give up the false shelter of the body and mind without your help? Please help me to take real shelter of you and the bhakti process. Help me to give up my plans for false happiness and help me to do some sacrifice for you, who sacrifice everything for others.
“A spiritual master’s qualification is that he is brahmanistham, which means that he has given up all other activities and dedicated his life to working only for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.” (From Prayers of the Personified Vedas in Krsna Book).
Thank you so much for the medicine of devotional service, enlivening devotee association, chanting the holy name, an amazing mentor and the culture of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Your servant,
Kunja-mandana devi dasi
Larissa (Wellington)
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I started writing this simple offering when I was at New Gupta Vraja. There I was reflecting how amazing and pure you are. I started thinking about it when I arrived there and I thought "Woow this is such a special place" and that's just because by your purity you transform every ordinary place in a sacred place. I remember reading something similar to that in one of the books - which at that time, I couldn't quite get it, but later I could realize that not only that is a sacred place, but by your purity, you were empowered to create and maintain so many sacred places that allow us to reconnect ourselves to Krishna.
Not only places/ centres but by your hard and selfless work you instructed so many disciples, you gave so many inspiring classes, you wrote different books, you run so many different projects, you gave Krishna to so many people and transformed so many lives. That's incredible and really inspiring. By your example I can see how Krishna Consciousness can be always fresh.
It is unbelievable how expert you are in "translating" the Vedic knowledge into a modern language making Krishna consciousness easy and accessible for everyone - It is really clear at your outreach centres, books and prasada distribution projects. They are so special and unique.
I was thinking about how selfless you are and how you sacrificed your life just for our benefit. Following the footsteps of your spiritual master, you held tightly on his instructions and made miracles. I can see your urge to wake up everyone from their illusory dream of the bodily conception of life! You are always helping everyone to WAKE UP from this dream that some of us (including my self) still think it is real life.
Even though I'm so stubborn and selfish you still give me the chance to be engaged in devotional service, chant Hare Krishna and be in association with devotees. I'm still far away to fully realize that what I’m living and experiencing now is the real-life. I sadly still think that there is happiness and enjoyment in the material world - and that there is no problem that they are temporary! My strong material desires still buzzes in my mind trying to convince me that material enjoyment is the big deal. But I know I can't deal with these thoughts and desires by my self - I know they will drive me crazy. So I feel really lucky to have you and this beautiful spiritual family that selflessly inspire me day after day and show me by their example that spiritual life and a life devoted to Krishna is the REAL way toward eternal happiness and satisfaction.
Thank you for being so patient and merciful to me. Thank you for giving me the chance to do devotional service and purify my heart and consciousness of so many lifetimes of disgusting memories and desires. I know I will never be able to pay back everything you've been doing for me. Thank you for engaging my body and mind in the highest job that I could ever have and giving me a higher purpose in life. If it wasn't by your mercy I would be definitely wasting my time and energy, working hard and being exploited by the material energy.
On this special day, I once more, pray for your mercy. I have no qualifications to be part of your spiritual family, but I beg you to please help me - I'm so helpless! Please give me the strength to develop faith in the process and empower me to be used in your service. I know that without your help and mercy I will be miserable and useless. I will be wasting my precious human life and committing spiritual suicide day after day. Please help me to deal with my emotions and material desires, and make your desires be my desires, being completely surrendered to your instructions. I beg for your shelter and guidance so by trying to follow your example and instructions I might be able to do some small contribution to your mission.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Larissa
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I started writing this simple offering when I was at New Gupta Vraja. There I was reflecting how amazing and pure you are. I started thinking about it when I arrived there and I thought "Woow this is such a special place" and that's just because by your purity you transform every ordinary place in a sacred place. I remember reading something similar to that in one of the books - which at that time, I couldn't quite get it, but later I could realize that not only that is a sacred place, but by your purity, you were empowered to create and maintain so many sacred places that allow us to reconnect ourselves to Krishna.
Not only places/ centres but by your hard and selfless work you instructed so many disciples, you gave so many inspiring classes, you wrote different books, you run so many different projects, you gave Krishna to so many people and transformed so many lives. That's incredible and really inspiring. By your example I can see how Krishna Consciousness can be always fresh.
It is unbelievable how expert you are in "translating" the Vedic knowledge into a modern language making Krishna consciousness easy and accessible for everyone - It is really clear at your outreach centres, books and prasada distribution projects. They are so special and unique.
I was thinking about how selfless you are and how you sacrificed your life just for our benefit. Following the footsteps of your spiritual master, you held tightly on his instructions and made miracles. I can see your urge to wake up everyone from their illusory dream of the bodily conception of life! You are always helping everyone to WAKE UP from this dream that some of us (including my self) still think it is real life.
Even though I'm so stubborn and selfish you still give me the chance to be engaged in devotional service, chant Hare Krishna and be in association with devotees. I'm still far away to fully realize that what I’m living and experiencing now is the real-life. I sadly still think that there is happiness and enjoyment in the material world - and that there is no problem that they are temporary! My strong material desires still buzzes in my mind trying to convince me that material enjoyment is the big deal. But I know I can't deal with these thoughts and desires by my self - I know they will drive me crazy. So I feel really lucky to have you and this beautiful spiritual family that selflessly inspire me day after day and show me by their example that spiritual life and a life devoted to Krishna is the REAL way toward eternal happiness and satisfaction.
Thank you for being so patient and merciful to me. Thank you for giving me the chance to do devotional service and purify my heart and consciousness of so many lifetimes of disgusting memories and desires. I know I will never be able to pay back everything you've been doing for me. Thank you for engaging my body and mind in the highest job that I could ever have and giving me a higher purpose in life. If it wasn't by your mercy I would be definitely wasting my time and energy, working hard and being exploited by the material energy.
On this special day, I once more, pray for your mercy. I have no qualifications to be part of your spiritual family, but I beg you to please help me - I'm so helpless! Please give me the strength to develop faith in the process and empower me to be used in your service. I know that without your help and mercy I will be miserable and useless. I will be wasting my precious human life and committing spiritual suicide day after day. Please help me to deal with my emotions and material desires, and make your desires be my desires, being completely surrendered to your instructions. I beg for your shelter and guidance so by trying to follow your example and instructions I might be able to do some small contribution to your mission.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Larissa
Lavangi dasi
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj! Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Congratulations to You on Your appearance day!
I want to always glorify Your Grace, but where in this material world I can find the words, which could express my homage, attitude, and all my affection to You?
You are for me - personification of Mercy of Krishna. You are for me - personification of paternal care. Thank You for everything, that is why I again and again offer my obeisances unto Your lotus feet!
Your eternal servant Lavangi dasi. Russia, city Severodvinsk.
Congratulations to You on Your appearance day!
I want to always glorify Your Grace, but where in this material world I can find the words, which could express my homage, attitude, and all my affection to You?
You are for me - personification of Mercy of Krishna. You are for me - personification of paternal care. Thank You for everything, that is why I again and again offer my obeisances unto Your lotus feet!
Your eternal servant Lavangi dasi. Russia, city Severodvinsk.
Leela rasa dasi
Hare krsna gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisance
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I feel very fortunate to have you my spiritual father. Thank you so much to blessed my children with names. Whenever i feel difficulty in my life my heart always reminds me do not worry gurudev is with you.On that day i got shelter
I never missed my parents.your are always taking care of me like father .Some times i got your darsan in my dreams. In dreams you are guiding us how to preach kc to new people.one day i got dream your are singing gurupuja and iam playingmridanga. Please gurudev bless us so we can do some preaching.
Gurudev please bless me and my family we can do our sadhana more sincerely. Please keep us under your shelter.
I will pray to krsna and Prabhupada so we can serve you more and more.
Your daughter
Leela rasa dasi
Please accept my humble obeisance
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I feel very fortunate to have you my spiritual father. Thank you so much to blessed my children with names. Whenever i feel difficulty in my life my heart always reminds me do not worry gurudev is with you.On that day i got shelter
I never missed my parents.your are always taking care of me like father .Some times i got your darsan in my dreams. In dreams you are guiding us how to preach kc to new people.one day i got dream your are singing gurupuja and iam playingmridanga. Please gurudev bless us so we can do some preaching.
Gurudev please bless me and my family we can do our sadhana more sincerely. Please keep us under your shelter.
I will pray to krsna and Prabhupada so we can serve you more and more.
Your daughter
Leela rasa dasi
Lila Katha devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this day
When I saw you in Vrndavana after a long time, I was so happy to see you and get to serve you. I felt touched when you talked to me asking how I was.
Thank you for looking after my family, guiding both Krsna-Katha and Bhagavat-Katha.
Please give me blessings to increase my service. Thank you.
Your servant,
Lila Katha Devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this day
When I saw you in Vrndavana after a long time, I was so happy to see you and get to serve you. I felt touched when you talked to me asking how I was.
Thank you for looking after my family, guiding both Krsna-Katha and Bhagavat-Katha.
Please give me blessings to increase my service. Thank you.
Your servant,
Lila Katha Devi dasi
Lila-madhurya dasi
Dearest Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to You!
At this most auspicious occasion of Your appearance I would like to express my gratitude for Your patience, tolerance and care. Thank You for Your life of austerity. Moving from one place to another, from one plain to another for over four decades for now. Thank You for risking Your life, while spreading Krishna consciousness, aiming to please Your Divine Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. Those austerities could be externally perceived and appreciated and what about inner dynamic? When You know how to help to Your disciple, but disciple is not qualified and not able to listen. It might be very painful when You want to help, but help is not accepted. Or someone just turn his or her back to Krishna. So painful. But it does not stop Your service to Srila Prabhupada. Thank You for life dedicated, sacrificed for Your Spiritual Master.
And it is so inconceivable for me, how You can do both: Your service as GBC with global tasks and at the same time to find time to care very personally about ordinary jivas, including my tiny self.
From the bottom of my heart I would like to express my gratitude for Your guidance, unlimited patience and support. Thank You for sharing Your heart via Your classes. Your lectures are my real asset, source of inspiration and hearing them give me sense that I am drinking the sweetest nectar.
Thank You dear Gurudeva for engaging me in Krishna’s service and giving me opportunity to purify my heart.
Simply by following Your divine instructions anyone can attain perfection of life. Though, ability to follow them do not come from material intelligence, but only from the mercy of the Lord.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings:
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi
tomāra karuṇā sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāṇḍiyā kāṇḍiyā
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life”.
By the means of Krishna Consciousness philosophy, we can justify whatever we do and, in that sense, it is very dangerous, if we practise bhakti without sincerely taking shelter and guidance of a pure devotee. For example, Kamsa justified even killing children of Devaki, saying that it was actually her karma. If we do not accept humble and submissive position under the guidance of a pure devotee, then we can use Krishna Consciousness as a cover for our material ambitions. At that most auspicious day of Your Vyasa-puja I pray: let all material ambitions leave my heart and let desire to serve the devotees enter there.
Narada Muni told Mrigari, “I have one thing to beg of you”, and the hunter replied, “You may take whatever animals of anything else you would like. I have many skins, if you would like thеm. I have either a deerskin or tiger skin”. In other words, we are eager to give to our Spiritual Master what we consider valuable. Finally, Narada Muni asked him to break his bow and obviously the bow represents means of his maintenance. When I think about this more deeply, I see that bow actually was the source of his enjoyment also, and he considered himself to be a hunter, so Narada Muni asked him to leave false identification behind. Narada Muni says: “First of all break your bow. Then I shall tell you what is to be done”. In other words, first we should leave behind our false identifications and only then we can really become servants, otherwise there will be а tendency to serve to our ahankara and not to the Spiritual Master. And I have a hope and I beg that one day by the mercy of the Lord I will be able to leave behind all false identifications and become a servant.
We pray to the Spiritual Master: “janme janme prabhu sei” – “Life after life You are my Master”, and I try to consider this deeply. Sounds very poetic and nice: Life after life, and then I ask myself what about at list this life time?
Unqualified servant of Your servants, Lila-madhurya dasi
At this most auspicious occasion of Your appearance I would like to express my gratitude for Your patience, tolerance and care. Thank You for Your life of austerity. Moving from one place to another, from one plain to another for over four decades for now. Thank You for risking Your life, while spreading Krishna consciousness, aiming to please Your Divine Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. Those austerities could be externally perceived and appreciated and what about inner dynamic? When You know how to help to Your disciple, but disciple is not qualified and not able to listen. It might be very painful when You want to help, but help is not accepted. Or someone just turn his or her back to Krishna. So painful. But it does not stop Your service to Srila Prabhupada. Thank You for life dedicated, sacrificed for Your Spiritual Master.
And it is so inconceivable for me, how You can do both: Your service as GBC with global tasks and at the same time to find time to care very personally about ordinary jivas, including my tiny self.
From the bottom of my heart I would like to express my gratitude for Your guidance, unlimited patience and support. Thank You for sharing Your heart via Your classes. Your lectures are my real asset, source of inspiration and hearing them give me sense that I am drinking the sweetest nectar.
Thank You dear Gurudeva for engaging me in Krishna’s service and giving me opportunity to purify my heart.
Simply by following Your divine instructions anyone can attain perfection of life. Though, ability to follow them do not come from material intelligence, but only from the mercy of the Lord.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings:
jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi
tomāra karuṇā sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāṇḍiyā kāṇḍiyā
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra
“If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life”.
By the means of Krishna Consciousness philosophy, we can justify whatever we do and, in that sense, it is very dangerous, if we practise bhakti without sincerely taking shelter and guidance of a pure devotee. For example, Kamsa justified even killing children of Devaki, saying that it was actually her karma. If we do not accept humble and submissive position under the guidance of a pure devotee, then we can use Krishna Consciousness as a cover for our material ambitions. At that most auspicious day of Your Vyasa-puja I pray: let all material ambitions leave my heart and let desire to serve the devotees enter there.
Narada Muni told Mrigari, “I have one thing to beg of you”, and the hunter replied, “You may take whatever animals of anything else you would like. I have many skins, if you would like thеm. I have either a deerskin or tiger skin”. In other words, we are eager to give to our Spiritual Master what we consider valuable. Finally, Narada Muni asked him to break his bow and obviously the bow represents means of his maintenance. When I think about this more deeply, I see that bow actually was the source of his enjoyment also, and he considered himself to be a hunter, so Narada Muni asked him to leave false identification behind. Narada Muni says: “First of all break your bow. Then I shall tell you what is to be done”. In other words, first we should leave behind our false identifications and only then we can really become servants, otherwise there will be а tendency to serve to our ahankara and not to the Spiritual Master. And I have a hope and I beg that one day by the mercy of the Lord I will be able to leave behind all false identifications and become a servant.
We pray to the Spiritual Master: “janme janme prabhu sei” – “Life after life You are my Master”, and I try to consider this deeply. Sounds very poetic and nice: Life after life, and then I ask myself what about at list this life time?
Unqualified servant of Your servants, Lila-madhurya dasi
Madhava Seva Das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to Your Divine services.
On this auspicious and glorious day of Your Divine appearance day, please accept sincere offerings of gratitude and thankfulness from my family. Your guidance and leadership has been a shining light for our devotional life. This year has been challenging, but I see that Your determination to serve Srila Prabhupada only increased as you took new avenues for preaching to followers all over the world. We seek your blessing to give us the ability to serve Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON in a humble mood and avoid offences to Vaishnavas. May Lord Krishna give you a long and healthy life to keep on guiding and counseling my godbrothers and sisters along with their families.
Hare Krishna,
Your servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
All Glories to Your Divine services.
On this auspicious and glorious day of Your Divine appearance day, please accept sincere offerings of gratitude and thankfulness from my family. Your guidance and leadership has been a shining light for our devotional life. This year has been challenging, but I see that Your determination to serve Srila Prabhupada only increased as you took new avenues for preaching to followers all over the world. We seek your blessing to give us the ability to serve Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON in a humble mood and avoid offences to Vaishnavas. May Lord Krishna give you a long and healthy life to keep on guiding and counseling my godbrothers and sisters along with their families.
Hare Krishna,
Your servants,
Madhava Seva, Tulasi Seva and Saandhni.
Madhupāna-līlā devi dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
sri-gurum dina-taranam
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains.” CC Madhya.17.80
Gurudeva, I feel most unfit to serve you and most unfit to offer words of praise for you. In Srimad Bhagavatam 6.7.23 in the purport Srila Prabhupada quotes:
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyā prasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi
"By the mercy of the spiritual master one is benedict by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement.” Later on, he mentions how even though the demons are insignificant in comparison to Lord Brahma, because of the strength of their guru they could overtake Brahmaloka from Lord Brahma.
Srila Prabhupada says in Bhagavad Gita 10.10 - If a devotee is not intelligent enough to make progress on the path of self-realization, but is sincere and devoted to the activities of devotional service the Lord gives him a chance to make progress and ultimately attain to him.
I am certainly a demon in disguise and not intelligent enough to make progress on my own. But you are so kind that you have given me a chance. A chance to take the association of such amazing devotees who I can take shelter of. A chance to engage in devotional service which flows as though it’s “on tap”. And a chance to follow the continuously encouraging instructions, that inspires me to not only attempt to please you and Krishna but also forces me to be patient, tolerant, and humble. Qualities that don’t come naturally to me.
In Bhagavad Gita 9.14 Srila Prabhupada writes referring to a mahātmās strict attachment to the Lord’s devotional service: “To achieve that success, he engages all activities – mental, bodily and vocal, everything – in the service of the Supreme Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. That is called full Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
I admire how you engage everything in Krishna’s service. From local preaching programs, international skype classes, writing transcendental literature, honoring prasadam, and making sure every devotee feels encouraged in their service.
In Bhagavad Gita 10.11 Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “The pure devotee does not have to worry about the material necessities of life; he need not be anxious, because when he removes the darkness from his heart, everything is provided automatically by the Supreme Lord, who is pleased by the loving devotional service of the devotee.” You’re a living example of this, and it gives me hope and strength knowing that by engaging in the simple process of Krishna consciousness one can achieve the desired result.
Once after cooking a soul feast at Bhakti lounge, A devotee and I were standing in the kitchen scraping the remnants from your plate… you walked in and we quickly tried to hide what we were doing. You mentioned to us how you had tried all the preps, and some of them, you said were “fantastic”. Before we could say anything you held up your finger and said, “Now DON'T become proud”. I hope that one day I can follow that instruction. I remember thinking at the time, ‘how could I be proud, I didn’t do anything’. I’ve been reflecting on how everything that I have achieved, everything and anything that I’m capable of doing is just due to your mercy alone. You inspire me in my service, and you inspire me with your own example to give everything to Krishna.
Looking back, I would have never been able to imagine myself now.
I’m so grateful for your continued efforts to make Krishna conscious easy, how you bring it right down to a level where I can understand it. Like a caring parent who feeds a sick child medicine you tirelessly feed me the medicine of Krishna consciousness, with reminders of how important it is to always read and chant attentively. Reminding me that māyā never takes a holiday.
You once instructed me in a class how in the material world it’s trample or be trampled. The illusionary energy has a gun pointed at your head and there is no escape. You then said, smiling, just stay in the association of devotees.
In Bhagavad Gita 10.10 Srila Prabhupada also says, Buddhi yoga is the process by which one gets out of the entanglement of this material world, the ultimate goal of progress is Krishna; people do not know this, therefore the association of devotees and the bonafide spiritual master are important.
Gurudeva you are so important to me, and your instructions, guidance, and encouragement are the only reason I’m still alive spiritually and physically. I feel so fortunate that I’ve been given the chance to perfect my human form of life by rendering some small service to you. On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray to you for enthusiasm, patience, and determination to carry out your mission and the mission of your spiritual master as though they are my life and soul.
Wishing I could serve you better,
Your servant and daughter
Madhupana-lila devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
sri-gurum dina-taranam
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains.” CC Madhya.17.80
Gurudeva, I feel most unfit to serve you and most unfit to offer words of praise for you. In Srimad Bhagavatam 6.7.23 in the purport Srila Prabhupada quotes:
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyā prasādān na gatiḥ kuto 'pi
"By the mercy of the spiritual master one is benedict by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement.” Later on, he mentions how even though the demons are insignificant in comparison to Lord Brahma, because of the strength of their guru they could overtake Brahmaloka from Lord Brahma.
Srila Prabhupada says in Bhagavad Gita 10.10 - If a devotee is not intelligent enough to make progress on the path of self-realization, but is sincere and devoted to the activities of devotional service the Lord gives him a chance to make progress and ultimately attain to him.
I am certainly a demon in disguise and not intelligent enough to make progress on my own. But you are so kind that you have given me a chance. A chance to take the association of such amazing devotees who I can take shelter of. A chance to engage in devotional service which flows as though it’s “on tap”. And a chance to follow the continuously encouraging instructions, that inspires me to not only attempt to please you and Krishna but also forces me to be patient, tolerant, and humble. Qualities that don’t come naturally to me.
In Bhagavad Gita 9.14 Srila Prabhupada writes referring to a mahātmās strict attachment to the Lord’s devotional service: “To achieve that success, he engages all activities – mental, bodily and vocal, everything – in the service of the Supreme Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. That is called full Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
I admire how you engage everything in Krishna’s service. From local preaching programs, international skype classes, writing transcendental literature, honoring prasadam, and making sure every devotee feels encouraged in their service.
In Bhagavad Gita 10.11 Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “The pure devotee does not have to worry about the material necessities of life; he need not be anxious, because when he removes the darkness from his heart, everything is provided automatically by the Supreme Lord, who is pleased by the loving devotional service of the devotee.” You’re a living example of this, and it gives me hope and strength knowing that by engaging in the simple process of Krishna consciousness one can achieve the desired result.
Once after cooking a soul feast at Bhakti lounge, A devotee and I were standing in the kitchen scraping the remnants from your plate… you walked in and we quickly tried to hide what we were doing. You mentioned to us how you had tried all the preps, and some of them, you said were “fantastic”. Before we could say anything you held up your finger and said, “Now DON'T become proud”. I hope that one day I can follow that instruction. I remember thinking at the time, ‘how could I be proud, I didn’t do anything’. I’ve been reflecting on how everything that I have achieved, everything and anything that I’m capable of doing is just due to your mercy alone. You inspire me in my service, and you inspire me with your own example to give everything to Krishna.
Looking back, I would have never been able to imagine myself now.
I’m so grateful for your continued efforts to make Krishna conscious easy, how you bring it right down to a level where I can understand it. Like a caring parent who feeds a sick child medicine you tirelessly feed me the medicine of Krishna consciousness, with reminders of how important it is to always read and chant attentively. Reminding me that māyā never takes a holiday.
You once instructed me in a class how in the material world it’s trample or be trampled. The illusionary energy has a gun pointed at your head and there is no escape. You then said, smiling, just stay in the association of devotees.
In Bhagavad Gita 10.10 Srila Prabhupada also says, Buddhi yoga is the process by which one gets out of the entanglement of this material world, the ultimate goal of progress is Krishna; people do not know this, therefore the association of devotees and the bonafide spiritual master are important.
Gurudeva you are so important to me, and your instructions, guidance, and encouragement are the only reason I’m still alive spiritually and physically. I feel so fortunate that I’ve been given the chance to perfect my human form of life by rendering some small service to you. On this most auspicious day of your appearance, I pray to you for enthusiasm, patience, and determination to carry out your mission and the mission of your spiritual master as though they are my life and soul.
Wishing I could serve you better,
Your servant and daughter
Madhupana-lila devi dasi
Madhurananda das
Jai Srila Gurudev
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus Feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Once again, we are reminded that we are not in control. The world is thrown into disarray and our conception of normal has been shattered.
Throughout the Srimad Bhagavatam, we are constantly reminded about the temporary nature of this world. As Yudhisthira Maharaj points out, we act as though we will live forever even though we know death is a certainty. The Supreme Lord reminds us that this world is full of miseries and suffering. Yet, we still look in shock as our illusion is destroyed and we finally see the material world in all its volatile glory.
What is a budding spiritual soul to do? Is our connection to the Lord at risk and will the world ever be the same again?
However, where we see loss, you see gain. How amazing must your dedication be that your divine vision sees opportunities to serve amidst the chaos. You skillfully use the same technology that has robbed us of our time and focus and use it to reach more devotees, engage more of us in hearing and chanting and helping us to remember that only Krsna is in complete control.
You once instructed me that the more difficult the circumstance, the greater the opportunity for advancement. We however, need to capitalize on the opportunity.
Thank you as always for leading from the front, setting the practical and ideal example for us to try and follow. Showing us that reading Srila Prabhupada's books can transform our consciousness to see opportunities to serve everywhere.
your servant,
Madhurananda das
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya Krishna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca, Bhaktacara-pravinta
Pararthatapi Karunyam, Yasya sarve ca te namah
Please accept my humble obeisances at your Lotus Feet
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
Once again, we are reminded that we are not in control. The world is thrown into disarray and our conception of normal has been shattered.
Throughout the Srimad Bhagavatam, we are constantly reminded about the temporary nature of this world. As Yudhisthira Maharaj points out, we act as though we will live forever even though we know death is a certainty. The Supreme Lord reminds us that this world is full of miseries and suffering. Yet, we still look in shock as our illusion is destroyed and we finally see the material world in all its volatile glory.
What is a budding spiritual soul to do? Is our connection to the Lord at risk and will the world ever be the same again?
However, where we see loss, you see gain. How amazing must your dedication be that your divine vision sees opportunities to serve amidst the chaos. You skillfully use the same technology that has robbed us of our time and focus and use it to reach more devotees, engage more of us in hearing and chanting and helping us to remember that only Krsna is in complete control.
You once instructed me that the more difficult the circumstance, the greater the opportunity for advancement. We however, need to capitalize on the opportunity.
Thank you as always for leading from the front, setting the practical and ideal example for us to try and follow. Showing us that reading Srila Prabhupada's books can transform our consciousness to see opportunities to serve everywhere.
your servant,
Madhurananda das
Madhurya Sakti Devi Dasi
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja,
All glories to you and Srila Prabhupada
And all the devotees,
Remember me?? Your disciple from Wellington that went to Gita Nagari to farm vegetables many moons ago :)
I am alive and well in Vancouver Canada, working in healthcare as an osteopath and ever deepening my ability to contribute to restoring humanity to resemble something of unconditional love, compassion, ethical values and moral character in our world.
I miss you and hope you are Blessed with Love of Krsna now and always.
I want to share a story that happened A few weeks ago around the auspicious month of August, on a lesser of the auspicious days... but auspicious nonetheless....
For your enjoyment...
I was going to donate my Srimad Bhagavatam set to the devotees in Vancouver as sometimes I feel it is a burden to me to hold onto.
I contacted a beautiful devotee months ago and she was thrilled to hear from me and willing to receive the set to gift to another devotee. I said I would be in touch before coming to the temple with the books.
It was a Tuesday at the end of August, in fact September 1, and I had been thinking about all the August festivals, and appearances, as I always do at that time of year... Radhastami, Srila Prabhupada, Bhaktivinoda Thakur..etc (Janamastami, of course that’s obvious)
So, on a whim that Tuesday, after over 2 years of not visiting the temple, I decided to go to the temple to see Radha Madana Mohan and let my heart be filled with Krsna’s love. Thinking it would be a quiet night at the temple, I left my Bhagavatam set at home with the intention to donate it back to the devotees another day soon.
Likely you have already calculated what day it was!! That’s a pop quiz… I am chuckling...
When I arrived at the beautiful temple all was quiet. I sat for darshan getting to see the deities briefly before the curtain closed for dinner offering.
I sat and listened to the environment and enjoyed the peace and comfort swelling in me, looking at Prabhupada, looking at Lord Ram and Sita represented in the room... Then slowly one or two more people were sitting on the floor near me waiting for arti. Then another handful of devotees started buzzing about doing service, setting two large tables at the front of the temple, very near to me. Then like a kirtan procession many devotees carried at least 10 large boxes of books and piled them on and below the tables. Then out came several beautiful gold stands and several individual Srimad Bhagavatam Cantos were placed on the stands. By now Krsna had my attention and I was very curious about what was going to unfold. I found myself in a dreamlike state knowing Krsna had deliberately brought me here. Krnsa had specifically placed me at the foot of these invaluable treasures and something magical was unfolding before me. But why?
Transfixed by the sheer number of Bhagavatam sets that sat before me I was almost oblivious to the fact that by now the temple had filled with devotees, the curtain was opening, and a festive evening Arti was beginning. I fell into the chanting and dancing feeling overwhelmed with mercy and connection to Krsna and his devotees both on and off the altar. As the festivities progressed into the class portion of the night it was now spelled out to me that the day was in fact Bhadra Purnima. There was a meaningful class given on the significance of this day in relation to the giving of Srimad Bhagavatam sets. See verse 12.13.13. (nice numbers)
Then for at least two hours devotees proceeded to venerate the books and distribute them to several predetermined families in attendance.
I simply sat in awe taking in the depth to which Krsna was communicating his love to me and the mercy contained in these books.
What grips me most is that here I was, a confused devotee feeling burdened by having these heavy books in my possession and I wanted to be rid of them, but instead of Krsna allowing me to push Him and the books away He decides to play a clever game with me and pull me in even closer. Showing me once again this personal affection, unconditional love and vast understanding of my individual perception. He lovingly brought me to the temple that night to let me experience the true meaning of the living Bhagavatam through the devotees' pure joy to gift these treasures..
I smiled at the families receiving the sets of books, knowing fully of their good fortune and the blessings, far beyond the words on the pages, that they were truly receiving.
The night was long and capped with the most incredible feast like extravagant prasadam. It was such an unexpected, treat, seemingly out of nowhere. A surprise festival on a tuesday night, when I thought I had missed all the “big parties” in August. For me it had been more than 2 years since I last had prasadam so you can only imagine how tasty it was!
The significance of this occasion will stay with me always and I will continue to hold onto my Srimad Bagavatam set with a much greater appreciation and joy. I hope you enjoyed this story.
Also, I wanted to add that I just retyped this story to submit it again, as my entry got cut off on my first submission online… and as I looked up the verse about Badra Purnima, I happened to read that also Bhadra Purnima is the day that Srila Prabhupada took Sannyasa!! Total amazing right! Krishna makes me speechless…. Sending you love Gurudev.
Bhadra-purnima is also the date on which Srila Prabhupada took sannyasa. When asked, “Are you going to America?” he replied, “No, Srimad-Bhagavatam is going to America—I am going with it.” Giriraj Swami.
All glories to you and Srila Prabhupada
And all the devotees,
Remember me?? Your disciple from Wellington that went to Gita Nagari to farm vegetables many moons ago :)
I am alive and well in Vancouver Canada, working in healthcare as an osteopath and ever deepening my ability to contribute to restoring humanity to resemble something of unconditional love, compassion, ethical values and moral character in our world.
I miss you and hope you are Blessed with Love of Krsna now and always.
I want to share a story that happened A few weeks ago around the auspicious month of August, on a lesser of the auspicious days... but auspicious nonetheless....
For your enjoyment...
I was going to donate my Srimad Bhagavatam set to the devotees in Vancouver as sometimes I feel it is a burden to me to hold onto.
I contacted a beautiful devotee months ago and she was thrilled to hear from me and willing to receive the set to gift to another devotee. I said I would be in touch before coming to the temple with the books.
It was a Tuesday at the end of August, in fact September 1, and I had been thinking about all the August festivals, and appearances, as I always do at that time of year... Radhastami, Srila Prabhupada, Bhaktivinoda Thakur..etc (Janamastami, of course that’s obvious)
So, on a whim that Tuesday, after over 2 years of not visiting the temple, I decided to go to the temple to see Radha Madana Mohan and let my heart be filled with Krsna’s love. Thinking it would be a quiet night at the temple, I left my Bhagavatam set at home with the intention to donate it back to the devotees another day soon.
Likely you have already calculated what day it was!! That’s a pop quiz… I am chuckling...
When I arrived at the beautiful temple all was quiet. I sat for darshan getting to see the deities briefly before the curtain closed for dinner offering.
I sat and listened to the environment and enjoyed the peace and comfort swelling in me, looking at Prabhupada, looking at Lord Ram and Sita represented in the room... Then slowly one or two more people were sitting on the floor near me waiting for arti. Then another handful of devotees started buzzing about doing service, setting two large tables at the front of the temple, very near to me. Then like a kirtan procession many devotees carried at least 10 large boxes of books and piled them on and below the tables. Then out came several beautiful gold stands and several individual Srimad Bhagavatam Cantos were placed on the stands. By now Krsna had my attention and I was very curious about what was going to unfold. I found myself in a dreamlike state knowing Krsna had deliberately brought me here. Krnsa had specifically placed me at the foot of these invaluable treasures and something magical was unfolding before me. But why?
Transfixed by the sheer number of Bhagavatam sets that sat before me I was almost oblivious to the fact that by now the temple had filled with devotees, the curtain was opening, and a festive evening Arti was beginning. I fell into the chanting and dancing feeling overwhelmed with mercy and connection to Krsna and his devotees both on and off the altar. As the festivities progressed into the class portion of the night it was now spelled out to me that the day was in fact Bhadra Purnima. There was a meaningful class given on the significance of this day in relation to the giving of Srimad Bhagavatam sets. See verse 12.13.13. (nice numbers)
Then for at least two hours devotees proceeded to venerate the books and distribute them to several predetermined families in attendance.
I simply sat in awe taking in the depth to which Krsna was communicating his love to me and the mercy contained in these books.
What grips me most is that here I was, a confused devotee feeling burdened by having these heavy books in my possession and I wanted to be rid of them, but instead of Krsna allowing me to push Him and the books away He decides to play a clever game with me and pull me in even closer. Showing me once again this personal affection, unconditional love and vast understanding of my individual perception. He lovingly brought me to the temple that night to let me experience the true meaning of the living Bhagavatam through the devotees' pure joy to gift these treasures..
I smiled at the families receiving the sets of books, knowing fully of their good fortune and the blessings, far beyond the words on the pages, that they were truly receiving.
The night was long and capped with the most incredible feast like extravagant prasadam. It was such an unexpected, treat, seemingly out of nowhere. A surprise festival on a tuesday night, when I thought I had missed all the “big parties” in August. For me it had been more than 2 years since I last had prasadam so you can only imagine how tasty it was!
The significance of this occasion will stay with me always and I will continue to hold onto my Srimad Bagavatam set with a much greater appreciation and joy. I hope you enjoyed this story.
Also, I wanted to add that I just retyped this story to submit it again, as my entry got cut off on my first submission online… and as I looked up the verse about Badra Purnima, I happened to read that also Bhadra Purnima is the day that Srila Prabhupada took Sannyasa!! Total amazing right! Krishna makes me speechless…. Sending you love Gurudev.
Bhadra-purnima is also the date on which Srila Prabhupada took sannyasa. When asked, “Are you going to America?” he replied, “No, Srimad-Bhagavatam is going to America—I am going with it.” Giriraj Swami.
Madhurya dham devi dasi
Hare Krishna
Guru Maharaj.
I would like to humbly request the supreme person to give all good health and Krishna Prem.
Our last year as for all was filled with lot of ups and downs challenges of health the financial strains.
By your grace and the blessings of all the Vaishnav around we could keep our guest in small service as we can.
We are the part of Friday Bhagwat Geeta program that is conducted by the disciples of his holiness they were Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
I am regularly engaged in teaching programs to youth programs the journey of self-discovery in different Engineering and Management colleges.
We also took the possession of our office space which we will be using for corporate trainings and if possible on sub renting model. But unfortunately because of the covid lockdown we could not get it up and running. Now with your blessings things will start better post Diwali.
Last year, Madhurya Dham was engrossed in completion of Bhakti Shastri course and completed number of open and closed book exam, spend lots of time in understanding reading and listening to the lecture.
Her favourite service is stitching diety dresses of Jagannath Baldev & Subhadra Mai.
Ananya is a change girls now she spend a lot of time in studying and trying to discipline herself in various part of her studies and extracurricular activities. She has developed a lot of self confidence and self discipline she studies and practically all by herself.
Ananya for last 3 months regularly, without fail is chanting one round and now from day before yesterday she started doing two rounds
Vrajdham is very naughty in so many different activities occasionally he gents he Chand he also decides Hanuman Chalisa he is small troublemaker in the family close supervision very happy go lucky person.
Once again on this auspicious occasion convey our heartfelt gratitude for Mercy and love that you been showing on this useless souls may Krishna bless you with good health
Prem Dham Das
Madhurya Dham Devi Dasi
Ananya
Vraj dham
Guru Maharaj.
I would like to humbly request the supreme person to give all good health and Krishna Prem.
Our last year as for all was filled with lot of ups and downs challenges of health the financial strains.
By your grace and the blessings of all the Vaishnav around we could keep our guest in small service as we can.
We are the part of Friday Bhagwat Geeta program that is conducted by the disciples of his holiness they were Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
I am regularly engaged in teaching programs to youth programs the journey of self-discovery in different Engineering and Management colleges.
We also took the possession of our office space which we will be using for corporate trainings and if possible on sub renting model. But unfortunately because of the covid lockdown we could not get it up and running. Now with your blessings things will start better post Diwali.
Last year, Madhurya Dham was engrossed in completion of Bhakti Shastri course and completed number of open and closed book exam, spend lots of time in understanding reading and listening to the lecture.
Her favourite service is stitching diety dresses of Jagannath Baldev & Subhadra Mai.
Ananya is a change girls now she spend a lot of time in studying and trying to discipline herself in various part of her studies and extracurricular activities. She has developed a lot of self confidence and self discipline she studies and practically all by herself.
Ananya for last 3 months regularly, without fail is chanting one round and now from day before yesterday she started doing two rounds
Vrajdham is very naughty in so many different activities occasionally he gents he Chand he also decides Hanuman Chalisa he is small troublemaker in the family close supervision very happy go lucky person.
Once again on this auspicious occasion convey our heartfelt gratitude for Mercy and love that you been showing on this useless souls may Krishna bless you with good health
Prem Dham Das
Madhurya Dham Devi Dasi
Ananya
Vraj dham
Madhurya-sindhu dd
My dearest Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet.
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. On this important day, I pray for your good health and many more years of loving service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so very thankful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual pure hearted Guru to come into my life. I feel so fortunate and blessed when you caringly accepted me and my husband as your disciples. Thank you so much Gurudev for your love, kindness, and inspiration you bring to my life.
Your loving glance represents a ray of hope for me. In the constant turmoil of this world, whenever my mind thinks of you, it immediately becomes full of joy even in the midst of all kind of stress, frustration and disappointment.
You are truly a very sincere soldier to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya's mission, inspiring any soul that has the good fortune to get your sweet loving association.
It is the purity of your service that makes you so attractive and radiant, charged with your divine power to attract wandering souls to their rightful place at Lord Krishna's lotus feet.
Your instructions are your real loving mercy. I have no place more secure than your lotus feet. I pray that I have the fortune to eternally remain there.
Praying to get your personal association. Please bless me and my family to nicely serve You and the Vaishnavas.
I beg for your forgiveness for any offences I have committed during this offering.
Sincerely your humble servant and disciple,
Madhurya-sindhu devi dasi
Dallas, Texas.
Oct 25, 2020
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to his Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and unto your divine feet.
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. On this important day, I pray for your good health and many more years of loving service to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so very thankful to Lord Krishna for allowing such a wonderful spiritual pure hearted Guru to come into my life. I feel so fortunate and blessed when you caringly accepted me and my husband as your disciples. Thank you so much Gurudev for your love, kindness, and inspiration you bring to my life.
Your loving glance represents a ray of hope for me. In the constant turmoil of this world, whenever my mind thinks of you, it immediately becomes full of joy even in the midst of all kind of stress, frustration and disappointment.
You are truly a very sincere soldier to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya's mission, inspiring any soul that has the good fortune to get your sweet loving association.
It is the purity of your service that makes you so attractive and radiant, charged with your divine power to attract wandering souls to their rightful place at Lord Krishna's lotus feet.
Your instructions are your real loving mercy. I have no place more secure than your lotus feet. I pray that I have the fortune to eternally remain there.
Praying to get your personal association. Please bless me and my family to nicely serve You and the Vaishnavas.
I beg for your forgiveness for any offences I have committed during this offering.
Sincerely your humble servant and disciple,
Madhurya-sindhu devi dasi
Dallas, Texas.
Oct 25, 2020
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this auspicious day of your saintly appearance!
You are an ocean of exalted Vaisnava qualities, how fortunate are we to have your association! I’m deeply inspired by your ever-increasing compassion. You are helping countless souls to wake up from our illusion and come to reality. Your example inspires me to come out of my comfort zone of self-absorption and try to reach out to others, give them the chance to know Krishna, our dearest friend.
Two Sundays ago, at The Loft, my friend Danielle came over to me during dinner with her old high school pal and she shared how a person she knew had taken their life recently. Her companion started also describing to me how they knew so many people that had done the same. I was devastated. I have heard about the suicide statistics in New Zealand from your talks for years, but wasn’t confronted with the reality of the situation till that moment. I seem to forget in my little devotee bubble that people in the world are actually suffering so much that they resort to such a horrible end.
A few days later, you reminded us of our purpose in life. To give shelter to others. And of course, that will only be effective if we ourselves are taking shelter of Krishna. What a priceless jewel you have given us: to sacrifice our lives for Lord Chaitanya’s mission! How indebted I feel. So much compassion you have showered me with all these years, I can only reciprocate by trying to do the same for others for the rest of my life.
Your Srimad Bhagavatam class yesterday was revolutionary. How can I expect to develop love for Krishna if I am acting with such indifference towards Him during japa? It hurts to see my lack of love. But as you clearly reminded us:
naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu
nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā
bhagavaty uttama-śloke
bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī
By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.
(SB 1.2.18)
I depend on daily hearing about Krishna to dispel the fog of maya that covers me every morning. Like you so accurately pointed out: in Kali Yuga, we are greedy to enjoy the moment, “I should be happy right now”. When will I learn that the only way to be satisfied is by pleasing Krishna, not my senses? My only hope is to follow your instructions: to live for others, not for myself, with the intention to please Krishna by doing so.
Thank you for impressing upon us the importance of reading Srimad Bhagavatam, I’m on my fourth time around and it never stops amazing me. The effect it has on my consciousness is instant, I feel my connection with Krishna switches on. And verses like these, do give me hope:
Persons who hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam regularly and are always taking the matter very seriously will have the Personality of Godhead Śrī Kṛṣṇa manifested in their hearts within a short time.
(SB 2.8.4)
And in the purport prior to this verse, Srila Prabhupada confirms my experience:
“To be fully engaged in hearing the transcendental narration described in the text of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam means to constantly associate with the Supreme Soul, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.”
Thank you for not giving up on me, even though it’s taking me many years to come to that point of developing a “repentant heart”. I depend on your mercy and compassion. I promise to try harder to reach that dormant potential we all have for becoming truly Krishna conscious.
Your eternal servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this auspicious day of your saintly appearance!
You are an ocean of exalted Vaisnava qualities, how fortunate are we to have your association! I’m deeply inspired by your ever-increasing compassion. You are helping countless souls to wake up from our illusion and come to reality. Your example inspires me to come out of my comfort zone of self-absorption and try to reach out to others, give them the chance to know Krishna, our dearest friend.
Two Sundays ago, at The Loft, my friend Danielle came over to me during dinner with her old high school pal and she shared how a person she knew had taken their life recently. Her companion started also describing to me how they knew so many people that had done the same. I was devastated. I have heard about the suicide statistics in New Zealand from your talks for years, but wasn’t confronted with the reality of the situation till that moment. I seem to forget in my little devotee bubble that people in the world are actually suffering so much that they resort to such a horrible end.
A few days later, you reminded us of our purpose in life. To give shelter to others. And of course, that will only be effective if we ourselves are taking shelter of Krishna. What a priceless jewel you have given us: to sacrifice our lives for Lord Chaitanya’s mission! How indebted I feel. So much compassion you have showered me with all these years, I can only reciprocate by trying to do the same for others for the rest of my life.
Your Srimad Bhagavatam class yesterday was revolutionary. How can I expect to develop love for Krishna if I am acting with such indifference towards Him during japa? It hurts to see my lack of love. But as you clearly reminded us:
naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu
nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā
bhagavaty uttama-śloke
bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī
By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.
(SB 1.2.18)
I depend on daily hearing about Krishna to dispel the fog of maya that covers me every morning. Like you so accurately pointed out: in Kali Yuga, we are greedy to enjoy the moment, “I should be happy right now”. When will I learn that the only way to be satisfied is by pleasing Krishna, not my senses? My only hope is to follow your instructions: to live for others, not for myself, with the intention to please Krishna by doing so.
Thank you for impressing upon us the importance of reading Srimad Bhagavatam, I’m on my fourth time around and it never stops amazing me. The effect it has on my consciousness is instant, I feel my connection with Krishna switches on. And verses like these, do give me hope:
Persons who hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam regularly and are always taking the matter very seriously will have the Personality of Godhead Śrī Kṛṣṇa manifested in their hearts within a short time.
(SB 2.8.4)
And in the purport prior to this verse, Srila Prabhupada confirms my experience:
“To be fully engaged in hearing the transcendental narration described in the text of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam means to constantly associate with the Supreme Soul, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.”
Thank you for not giving up on me, even though it’s taking me many years to come to that point of developing a “repentant heart”. I depend on your mercy and compassion. I promise to try harder to reach that dormant potential we all have for becoming truly Krishna conscious.
Your eternal servant,
Madhuryamrita devi dasi
Mahabhagavat Das SDA
Dear Srila Devamrita Swami Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories unto your divine grace.
Thank you for your kindness in vibrating Srila Prabhupada's timeless message in your own pure way. I am very grateful to you.
I am able to go out regularly for Harinam Sankirtan, Book Distribution, and spend a lot of my time and energy trying to encourage souls to follow in your footsteps. I quote you often and distribute your book "Hiding in Unnatural Happiness" regularly. For all this, I feel fortunate, thank you for inspiring me and answering many of my questions.
Please bless me that in this lifetime I may distribute 100,000 Bhagavad Gita As It is or equivalent, encourage at least 1008 souls to commit their lives to Srila Prabhupada's movement, and support at least 16 ISKCON centres on this planet.
I pray for your long life and good health and all success in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.
your servant,
Mahabhagavat Das, Toronto
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories unto your divine grace.
Thank you for your kindness in vibrating Srila Prabhupada's timeless message in your own pure way. I am very grateful to you.
I am able to go out regularly for Harinam Sankirtan, Book Distribution, and spend a lot of my time and energy trying to encourage souls to follow in your footsteps. I quote you often and distribute your book "Hiding in Unnatural Happiness" regularly. For all this, I feel fortunate, thank you for inspiring me and answering many of my questions.
Please bless me that in this lifetime I may distribute 100,000 Bhagavad Gita As It is or equivalent, encourage at least 1008 souls to commit their lives to Srila Prabhupada's movement, and support at least 16 ISKCON centres on this planet.
I pray for your long life and good health and all success in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupada.
your servant,
Mahabhagavat Das, Toronto
Mahavan Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
Unlike Vaikuntha, problem-solving is a hot topic in this world because its very nature is contradictory to that of the eternal soul. Thus surrounded by a myriad of self-created anxieties we dedicate huge portions of our lives to problem-solving, but due to the four defects, these attempts are not only ineffective but actually generate greater issues than those they are intended to remedy. If we are fortunate, however, Krishna appears before us as the bona fide spiritual master, who offers a permanent solution to our frustration and embarrassment. Srila Prabhupada explains how we should accept Krishna’s kindness coming through the transparent medium of His pure devotee:
“Arjuna was talking with Kṛṣṇa as friend, but he has accepted. Although he is friend, he has accepted Him as spiritual master. The significance is that as soon as you accept somebody as spiritual master, you cannot argue. You have to accept. You have to accept. Therefore the selection of spiritual (master) must be very scrutinizing. You cannot accept anyone as spiritual master. You must be very much satisfied that here is a person who can solve the problems of my life. Just like Arjuna thought. He plainly said that ‘The problem which is before me, I know, beyond You, besides You, nobody can make solution.’ That is the way of accepting spiritual master. When one is fully convinced that ‘Here is a person who can actually solve the problems of my life,’ then one should accept spiritual master...This is the process.” Bhagavad Gita Lecture, 1968
Thank you for accepting me as your student and for your decades of perfect guidance, which has always provided perfect solutions to my problems.
I beg forgiveness for my offences and shortcomings, for the strength to chant the maha-mantra sincerely, and to take your example of discipleship into my heart so I can fully dedicate whatever remaining time and energy I have left in this body to Krishna’s service, according to your vision of pure bhakti.
Aspiring for your service,
Mahavan das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful lotus feet.
Unlike Vaikuntha, problem-solving is a hot topic in this world because its very nature is contradictory to that of the eternal soul. Thus surrounded by a myriad of self-created anxieties we dedicate huge portions of our lives to problem-solving, but due to the four defects, these attempts are not only ineffective but actually generate greater issues than those they are intended to remedy. If we are fortunate, however, Krishna appears before us as the bona fide spiritual master, who offers a permanent solution to our frustration and embarrassment. Srila Prabhupada explains how we should accept Krishna’s kindness coming through the transparent medium of His pure devotee:
“Arjuna was talking with Kṛṣṇa as friend, but he has accepted. Although he is friend, he has accepted Him as spiritual master. The significance is that as soon as you accept somebody as spiritual master, you cannot argue. You have to accept. You have to accept. Therefore the selection of spiritual (master) must be very scrutinizing. You cannot accept anyone as spiritual master. You must be very much satisfied that here is a person who can solve the problems of my life. Just like Arjuna thought. He plainly said that ‘The problem which is before me, I know, beyond You, besides You, nobody can make solution.’ That is the way of accepting spiritual master. When one is fully convinced that ‘Here is a person who can actually solve the problems of my life,’ then one should accept spiritual master...This is the process.” Bhagavad Gita Lecture, 1968
Thank you for accepting me as your student and for your decades of perfect guidance, which has always provided perfect solutions to my problems.
I beg forgiveness for my offences and shortcomings, for the strength to chant the maha-mantra sincerely, and to take your example of discipleship into my heart so I can fully dedicate whatever remaining time and energy I have left in this body to Krishna’s service, according to your vision of pure bhakti.
Aspiring for your service,
Mahavan das
Mahimarnava das
Dear Guru maharaja, please accept my obeisances in the dust of Your lotus feet as well as my greetings on Your Vasa-puja day.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Sri Caitanya Caritamrita. Adi-lila 17.21:
harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā
‘In this Age of Kali there is no other means, no other means, no other means for self-realization than chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of Lord Hari.’
Your disciple, Mahimarnava das.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Sri Caitanya Caritamrita. Adi-lila 17.21:
harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā
‘In this Age of Kali there is no other means, no other means, no other means for self-realization than chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of Lord Hari.’
Your disciple, Mahimarnava das.
Manada devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your appearance.
In the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, chapter 9, Bhismadeva, before he passes away, despite his unfit physical condition, with proper words and warm expression, welcomes all the great rsis who had gathered there. Srila Prabhupada in his purport explains that because Bhismadeva was an expert in preaching devotional service he was fully able to adjust according to the time and place. “There are different climates and situations in different parts of the world, and if one has to discharge his duties to preach the message of the Lord, he must be expert in adjusting things in terms of time and place.” This immediately brings to mind your expertise Gurudeva, in preaching according to shifts of time, place, and circumstance; following in Srila Prabhupada’s footsteps, you tune-in to current needs, interests, and concerns and find new, dynamic ways to reach out and share Krsna consciousness with others whether through your urban outreach centres, university outreach programmes, publications or book distribution. This sensitivity reflects your profound level of personalism Gurudeva—founded on your deep and genuine compassion. The trademark of all your outreach efforts, this personal care touches the hearts of many, makes bhakti-yoga accessible in our current times, and attracts so many persons to Krsna.
Your expert ability to interpret the ever-changing political, social and economic tides in any part of the world and use this to preach was also evident when New Zealand went into lockdown in March. At this time there was much confusion and shock, even amongst devotees. I remember feeling confused and not sure how to understand the coronavirus pandemic, its effect and why this was happening. At that challenging time during lockdown, I took shelter of your illuminating and stabilizing, spiritually grounding video classes – which emphasized that we’re already infected with the greatest disease, the inherent pandemic: the materialistic mindset, and we should not forget this; our main business is to free ourselves and others of this malady.
But at the same time you do not ignore the impending material situation, the threat of the virus, and you encourage that we use our intelligence while focussing on the real goal: “…we recognise the pain of material existence – those of the body and the mind, but we see the real cause of all the other problems which is forgetfulness of Krsna…” you said in one Zoom class. Appreciating the potency of your words, especially during that time, I meditated on your plea: “Just by remembering Krsna, we’ll be free from the lamentation and anxiety of material existence.” And you point out that as a result of this uncertain and therefore fearful global situation we will see more persons seek spiritual shelter and knowledge, and we need to be ready for that; we need to be spiritually fit and “sound in mind,” as Srila Prabhupada mentions in the above Srimad Bhagavatam verse. But despite the many opportunities you give us to make it easy to become Krsna conscious and give this to others, I flounder.
When I reflect on all the personal care you have given me and what you have done—and continue to do— to disentangle me spiritually from my material attachments and simply make me happy in service to Krsna, I cannot comprehend this great fortune and unfathomable mercy. I’m extremely grateful for all your strong guidance and support over the years, especially during really difficult times.
In this unfortunate and diseased condition in material existence, and despite my many faults and inhibitions, I pray to reconnect with Krsna through your instructions, to think of Him constantly, and increase my attraction and love for Him. I’m praying on this auspicious day of your appearance to be able to take full advantage of your guidance and personal, fatherly care so that the expression of my gratitude to you can go beyond mere words to real acts.
Your aspiring servant and eternally grateful spiritual daughter
Manada dd
Please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your appearance.
In the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, chapter 9, Bhismadeva, before he passes away, despite his unfit physical condition, with proper words and warm expression, welcomes all the great rsis who had gathered there. Srila Prabhupada in his purport explains that because Bhismadeva was an expert in preaching devotional service he was fully able to adjust according to the time and place. “There are different climates and situations in different parts of the world, and if one has to discharge his duties to preach the message of the Lord, he must be expert in adjusting things in terms of time and place.” This immediately brings to mind your expertise Gurudeva, in preaching according to shifts of time, place, and circumstance; following in Srila Prabhupada’s footsteps, you tune-in to current needs, interests, and concerns and find new, dynamic ways to reach out and share Krsna consciousness with others whether through your urban outreach centres, university outreach programmes, publications or book distribution. This sensitivity reflects your profound level of personalism Gurudeva—founded on your deep and genuine compassion. The trademark of all your outreach efforts, this personal care touches the hearts of many, makes bhakti-yoga accessible in our current times, and attracts so many persons to Krsna.
Your expert ability to interpret the ever-changing political, social and economic tides in any part of the world and use this to preach was also evident when New Zealand went into lockdown in March. At this time there was much confusion and shock, even amongst devotees. I remember feeling confused and not sure how to understand the coronavirus pandemic, its effect and why this was happening. At that challenging time during lockdown, I took shelter of your illuminating and stabilizing, spiritually grounding video classes – which emphasized that we’re already infected with the greatest disease, the inherent pandemic: the materialistic mindset, and we should not forget this; our main business is to free ourselves and others of this malady.
But at the same time you do not ignore the impending material situation, the threat of the virus, and you encourage that we use our intelligence while focussing on the real goal: “…we recognise the pain of material existence – those of the body and the mind, but we see the real cause of all the other problems which is forgetfulness of Krsna…” you said in one Zoom class. Appreciating the potency of your words, especially during that time, I meditated on your plea: “Just by remembering Krsna, we’ll be free from the lamentation and anxiety of material existence.” And you point out that as a result of this uncertain and therefore fearful global situation we will see more persons seek spiritual shelter and knowledge, and we need to be ready for that; we need to be spiritually fit and “sound in mind,” as Srila Prabhupada mentions in the above Srimad Bhagavatam verse. But despite the many opportunities you give us to make it easy to become Krsna conscious and give this to others, I flounder.
When I reflect on all the personal care you have given me and what you have done—and continue to do— to disentangle me spiritually from my material attachments and simply make me happy in service to Krsna, I cannot comprehend this great fortune and unfathomable mercy. I’m extremely grateful for all your strong guidance and support over the years, especially during really difficult times.
In this unfortunate and diseased condition in material existence, and despite my many faults and inhibitions, I pray to reconnect with Krsna through your instructions, to think of Him constantly, and increase my attraction and love for Him. I’m praying on this auspicious day of your appearance to be able to take full advantage of your guidance and personal, fatherly care so that the expression of my gratitude to you can go beyond mere words to real acts.
Your aspiring servant and eternally grateful spiritual daughter
Manada dd
Mandraghosh Das
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Dear Gurudev,
All glories to you on this wonderful occasion of your appearance.
Sometimes I wonder what exactly was it that attracted me to join your urban outreach centre in Wellington. Was it Ramadas’s Sunday talks? Was it Khadiravan, Ananda Chandra and Krishna Prasad’s ecstatic Kirtans? Was it Vanamali Gopal and Vrindavan Madurya’s care and friendship? Maybe it was Muni Chari’s sense of humor or maybe it was Vraja Nari’s prasadam feasts. Hmm. I am not sure. Maybe it was all of it.
Gurudev, when I look at all these examples, I see one thing in common, the sincere desire of your disciples to serve you. I quite like that. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to serve your outreach projects with that much sincerity. We all know the success you have been having with these urban centres. They are not just any ordinary yoga/meditation studios; they are devotee making machines! So many people are joining from all over the world. I wonder how that is possible. But when I connect the dots it all makes sense.
Gurudev, you often say “If the fruit is good then the tree must be good.” It’s a very deep statement. When we taste the nice, ripe, juicy fruits of a tree we automatically think “Oh! These fruits are so nice, so juicy! They are so wonderful.” We hardly think about or show our gratitude for the gardener who has spent years of sweat, hard-work and dedication to make sure this fruit-giving tree becomes what it is. For years you have nurtured, watered and nourished this wonderful tree of Bhakti in the heart of many devotees with patience, love, care and so much sincerity. You have made sure this tree gets what it needs and remain connected to its root Krishna.
Gurudev, I often hear, discuss and ponder about the things you have been through, difficulties you have faced and sacrifices you have made for Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan movement. You have preached in some of the roughest places in the toughest times and still you took it all and stood right there with your unflinching devotion and faith in Krishna and your Spiritual Master.
Gurudev, thank you for constantly inspiring and giving me an opportunity take shelter of this wonderful Sankirtan movement. I seek your blessings, and pray to Krishna that someday I’ll be able to develop that sincere desire in serving you in the association of sincere and pious devotees.
Your aspiring Sankirtan Warrior,
Mandraghosh Das
jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena
tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
Dear Gurudev,
All glories to you on this wonderful occasion of your appearance.
Sometimes I wonder what exactly was it that attracted me to join your urban outreach centre in Wellington. Was it Ramadas’s Sunday talks? Was it Khadiravan, Ananda Chandra and Krishna Prasad’s ecstatic Kirtans? Was it Vanamali Gopal and Vrindavan Madurya’s care and friendship? Maybe it was Muni Chari’s sense of humor or maybe it was Vraja Nari’s prasadam feasts. Hmm. I am not sure. Maybe it was all of it.
Gurudev, when I look at all these examples, I see one thing in common, the sincere desire of your disciples to serve you. I quite like that. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to serve your outreach projects with that much sincerity. We all know the success you have been having with these urban centres. They are not just any ordinary yoga/meditation studios; they are devotee making machines! So many people are joining from all over the world. I wonder how that is possible. But when I connect the dots it all makes sense.
Gurudev, you often say “If the fruit is good then the tree must be good.” It’s a very deep statement. When we taste the nice, ripe, juicy fruits of a tree we automatically think “Oh! These fruits are so nice, so juicy! They are so wonderful.” We hardly think about or show our gratitude for the gardener who has spent years of sweat, hard-work and dedication to make sure this fruit-giving tree becomes what it is. For years you have nurtured, watered and nourished this wonderful tree of Bhakti in the heart of many devotees with patience, love, care and so much sincerity. You have made sure this tree gets what it needs and remain connected to its root Krishna.
Gurudev, I often hear, discuss and ponder about the things you have been through, difficulties you have faced and sacrifices you have made for Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan movement. You have preached in some of the roughest places in the toughest times and still you took it all and stood right there with your unflinching devotion and faith in Krishna and your Spiritual Master.
Gurudev, thank you for constantly inspiring and giving me an opportunity take shelter of this wonderful Sankirtan movement. I seek your blessings, and pray to Krishna that someday I’ll be able to develop that sincere desire in serving you in the association of sincere and pious devotees.
Your aspiring Sankirtan Warrior,
Mandraghosh Das
Mangal vaisnava dasa
Dear Gurudev,P.A.M.H.O,agtSP& you.
On this most auspicious day ,the word auspicious outlines your very being for success in this most fluctuating place of duality.
From your very birth,being born into a loving,caring opulent family.
In one of the most famous cities in the world,which would later on in your life be your auspicious meeting of the Super Hero of the bhakti cult H.H Srila Prabhupada.
Your patience is another auspicious quality,waiting to read every new release of books by Srila Prabhupada,only chanting 1 bead of the maha mantra until you felt it's full potency.
Your courage is another quality that is so auspicious,going behind the Iron curtain(USSR)saving other devotee's lives from persecution ,distributing books,organizing programs,fearless of getting caught & going to jail.
The auspiciousness of your care for all of us is amazing,who ever you meet their lives also become auspicious.
Your inauspicious servant,
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
On this most auspicious day ,the word auspicious outlines your very being for success in this most fluctuating place of duality.
From your very birth,being born into a loving,caring opulent family.
In one of the most famous cities in the world,which would later on in your life be your auspicious meeting of the Super Hero of the bhakti cult H.H Srila Prabhupada.
Your patience is another auspicious quality,waiting to read every new release of books by Srila Prabhupada,only chanting 1 bead of the maha mantra until you felt it's full potency.
Your courage is another quality that is so auspicious,going behind the Iron curtain(USSR)saving other devotee's lives from persecution ,distributing books,organizing programs,fearless of getting caught & going to jail.
The auspiciousness of your care for all of us is amazing,who ever you meet their lives also become auspicious.
Your inauspicious servant,
Mangal Vaisnava dasa
Mangal-arti
Dearest Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your most auspicious appearance day
Thank you so much Guru Maharaj for being my most merciful father, mother and the reason to open my eyes every morning. Thank you so much for allowing me to see such an example of pure Krishna consciousness in action that make Srila Prabhupada’s purports come alive for me. Watching you speak to guests and to devotees, I wonder how you infuse the whole atmosphere and everyone with 1000W smiles. Men and women alike, seem to smile ear to ear after you talk to them because even brief contact with you helps them see how their life is of value. Thank you so much for showing me every time never to give up on a devotee, and to see the sincerity of a soul beyond their external behaviors.
While teaching us how to use the latest tools and technologies in Krishna’s service you constantly reiterate through your various instructions and actions, how Purity is the force. Last year when I was thinking maybe branding and marketing is the solution to Mantra Lounge’s issues, you reminded me of how one has to become purified so people who come will actually stay because they are attracted to that purity. Thank you Guru Maharaj for constantly pointing out my anarthas even though I adamantly and blindly refuse to accept them but somehow you make me see what I often don’t want to see. While we are constantly developing dynamic service opportunities and contemporary events to attract guests, you constantly remind us how devotee care is of prime importance, more than any other project. We are amazed at how Guru Maharaj has made time to speak with everyone, every month since this pandemic started. No one can understand how we got so much mercy.
It is very hard to write this letter because that means I have to let myself feel how much I miss you Guru Maharaj. One day in Toronto when Guru Maharaj was going away for a few months, I was crying and said I dont want to be separated from Guru Maharaj. You had said, “ You don’t want to be separated and I also don’t want to be separated. The Vapu is sometimes there, sometimes not but the Vani is yours eternally”. My immediate and long term thought was I don’t want to learn this because I want to have your Vapu. This is the first time going from one VyāsaPuja to another without Gurudev’s physical presence and now I am learning the hard way what I was adamant not to learn. I long to see your Lotus feet and organize your study table, your water and serve you prashad...but somehow you have kept this emotional fool engaged in your service even after the numerous mistakes I make. Unknown to me, somehow you have put me on Bhakti life support that is carrying me through this horrible separation.
You said if I want to please you, you want people coming to Gita Nagari. Please give me the intelligence and attitude required to make that happen.
Dearest Guru Maharaj, I humbly pray at your lotus feet for the benediction that I may always remain a humble servant of all your servants, so somehow I can remain close to your lotus feet. Physically unfortunately I am separated but please may my mind never be separated from your lotus feet and service to your lotus feet for even a moment. Whatever I have in terms of body, mind and words, I humbly beg you to please use it for Srila Prabhupada’s service. I don’t know what I am doing, I beg that you please empower me to do something productive for your pleasure and for Lord Caitanya’s mission. Just like you taught me how to chant, just like you taught me to read Prabhupada’s books, just like you inspired me to go on the streets and distribute them, just like you instructed me how to cook, just like you instructed me how to wash hands to stay safe during the pandemic, please show this foolish daughter of yours where to keep her next step, so I can please you.
Your humble servant
Mangal-Arti dd
Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your most auspicious appearance day
Thank you so much Guru Maharaj for being my most merciful father, mother and the reason to open my eyes every morning. Thank you so much for allowing me to see such an example of pure Krishna consciousness in action that make Srila Prabhupada’s purports come alive for me. Watching you speak to guests and to devotees, I wonder how you infuse the whole atmosphere and everyone with 1000W smiles. Men and women alike, seem to smile ear to ear after you talk to them because even brief contact with you helps them see how their life is of value. Thank you so much for showing me every time never to give up on a devotee, and to see the sincerity of a soul beyond their external behaviors.
While teaching us how to use the latest tools and technologies in Krishna’s service you constantly reiterate through your various instructions and actions, how Purity is the force. Last year when I was thinking maybe branding and marketing is the solution to Mantra Lounge’s issues, you reminded me of how one has to become purified so people who come will actually stay because they are attracted to that purity. Thank you Guru Maharaj for constantly pointing out my anarthas even though I adamantly and blindly refuse to accept them but somehow you make me see what I often don’t want to see. While we are constantly developing dynamic service opportunities and contemporary events to attract guests, you constantly remind us how devotee care is of prime importance, more than any other project. We are amazed at how Guru Maharaj has made time to speak with everyone, every month since this pandemic started. No one can understand how we got so much mercy.
It is very hard to write this letter because that means I have to let myself feel how much I miss you Guru Maharaj. One day in Toronto when Guru Maharaj was going away for a few months, I was crying and said I dont want to be separated from Guru Maharaj. You had said, “ You don’t want to be separated and I also don’t want to be separated. The Vapu is sometimes there, sometimes not but the Vani is yours eternally”. My immediate and long term thought was I don’t want to learn this because I want to have your Vapu. This is the first time going from one VyāsaPuja to another without Gurudev’s physical presence and now I am learning the hard way what I was adamant not to learn. I long to see your Lotus feet and organize your study table, your water and serve you prashad...but somehow you have kept this emotional fool engaged in your service even after the numerous mistakes I make. Unknown to me, somehow you have put me on Bhakti life support that is carrying me through this horrible separation.
You said if I want to please you, you want people coming to Gita Nagari. Please give me the intelligence and attitude required to make that happen.
Dearest Guru Maharaj, I humbly pray at your lotus feet for the benediction that I may always remain a humble servant of all your servants, so somehow I can remain close to your lotus feet. Physically unfortunately I am separated but please may my mind never be separated from your lotus feet and service to your lotus feet for even a moment. Whatever I have in terms of body, mind and words, I humbly beg you to please use it for Srila Prabhupada’s service. I don’t know what I am doing, I beg that you please empower me to do something productive for your pleasure and for Lord Caitanya’s mission. Just like you taught me how to chant, just like you taught me to read Prabhupada’s books, just like you inspired me to go on the streets and distribute them, just like you instructed me how to cook, just like you instructed me how to wash hands to stay safe during the pandemic, please show this foolish daughter of yours where to keep her next step, so I can please you.
Your humble servant
Mangal-Arti dd
Manobhirama Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I would firstly like to thank you for you allowing me to serve in the Brahmachari ashram so far. Thank you for creating a facility by which I am afforded the time to work on myself, have complete engagement for my intelligence, mind & senses and to contribute to the only worthy cause in all existence.
Prior to being saved by your grace I lived a so-called “self-defined life”, considering my destiny to be controlled according to my own whims. My desire for the future was to be a significant personality of some sort. To become influential to the masses. To become a hero. How being an engineering student, street-dancer and outright sense gratifier would have amounted to such a position - who knows.
We learn however from Srila Prabhupada’s books that a real hero can be considered one who becomes a master of their mind and senses rather than a victim. As stated in NOI 1:
A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified to make disciples all over the world.
And how very heroic it would be to accomplish such a feat!
The unfortunate reality we face is that almost no-one comes to such a standard (nor does anyone really have any inclination to do so). What we see instead is rather a world victimized by evil - being left with no option but to squeeze fleeting happiness out of their own physiology & psychology. Some may feel oppressed or depressed by such a condition but the majority of humans today relish it! Indeed, we can see any obstruction to such pursuits are deemed an inconvenience.
In my short stints throughout the year outreaching at the UoA I have encountered two young men in need of saving:
The first - of taiwanese origin but raised in NZ, only 18 yrs old & studying biomed. I have found him to be very introspective & reflective. He recently revealed to me however that he has been struggling with a porn addiction since the age of 11 and experienced "existential crises" clinically labelled as anxiety & depression throughout his mid to now late teens
The second - kiwi-mexican, 21 years old, psychology student & a hippie/pseudo-spiritual type. He is very keen to help serve at the lunch stall and wherever needed. Unfortunately however his youth is being spent on parties, psychedelics, quick & nasty hook-ups with a bit of study on the side. He revealed to me that he sometimes experiences deep bouts of anxiety & depression
The unfortunate reality is that most young millennials & generation Z-ers that I've met through outreach share some similarity with the individuals mentioned. The article you kindly sent me affirms this is the case.
It is safe to say therefore that the world is in need of more heroes as per the definition given prior.
But the heroism doesn't end there. On saving oneself and attaining hero status through mind and sense control - one with compassion towards others should and would go out of their way to save the masses.
A perfect example of this is Pralhada Maharaj who states in his prayers to Nrsinghadeva:
prāyeṇa deva munayaḥ sva-vimukti-kāmā
maunaṁ caranti vijane na parārtha-niṣṭhāḥ
naitān vihāya kṛpaṇān vimumukṣa eko
nānyaṁ tvad asya śaraṇaṁ bhramato ’nupaśye
My dear Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, I see that there are many saintly persons indeed, but they are interested only in their own deliverance. Not caring for the big cities and towns, they go to the Himālayas or the forest to meditate with vows of silence [mauna-vrata]. They are not interested in delivering others. As for me, however, I do not wish to be liberated alone, leaving aside all these poor fools and rascals. I know that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, without taking shelter of Your lotus feet, one cannot be happy. Therefore I wish to bring them back to shelter at Your lotus feet.
Srila Prabupada goes on to state in the purport of this verse:
"A devotee is not interested in so-called meditation in the Himālayas or the forest. Rather, his interest is in the busiest part of the world, where he teaches people Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was started for this purpose. We do not teach one to meditate in a secluded place just so that one may show that he has become very much advanced and may be proud of his so-called transcendental meditation, although he engages in all sorts of foolish materialistic activity. A Vaiṣṇava like Prahlāda Mahārāja is not interested in such a bluff of spiritual advancement. Rather, he is interested in enlightening people in Kṛṣṇa consciousness because that is the only way for them to become happy."
So as your disciples we celebrate the Vyasa-Puja of a real hero much like Pralhada. Through the mercy of Srila Prabhupada you have attained such an exalted position and out of compassion are now acting to save those lost souls who are simply suffering in the wild-wild west.
I have faith that such individuals as the ones I have mentioned previously can be saved if I can somehow connect them to your association. Why? Because I was once a position no better than theirs and you have saved me and transformed my life completely.
I hope to continue to assist you in fulfilling the mission of Srila Prabhupada in whatever capacity I can. And if I may so humbly ask, could you please give me the ability to also help others be happy in Krishna Consciousness in the same way you have. In this way my life would be perfected.
Your aspiring servant,
Manobhirama Das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I would firstly like to thank you for you allowing me to serve in the Brahmachari ashram so far. Thank you for creating a facility by which I am afforded the time to work on myself, have complete engagement for my intelligence, mind & senses and to contribute to the only worthy cause in all existence.
Prior to being saved by your grace I lived a so-called “self-defined life”, considering my destiny to be controlled according to my own whims. My desire for the future was to be a significant personality of some sort. To become influential to the masses. To become a hero. How being an engineering student, street-dancer and outright sense gratifier would have amounted to such a position - who knows.
We learn however from Srila Prabhupada’s books that a real hero can be considered one who becomes a master of their mind and senses rather than a victim. As stated in NOI 1:
A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified to make disciples all over the world.
And how very heroic it would be to accomplish such a feat!
The unfortunate reality we face is that almost no-one comes to such a standard (nor does anyone really have any inclination to do so). What we see instead is rather a world victimized by evil - being left with no option but to squeeze fleeting happiness out of their own physiology & psychology. Some may feel oppressed or depressed by such a condition but the majority of humans today relish it! Indeed, we can see any obstruction to such pursuits are deemed an inconvenience.
In my short stints throughout the year outreaching at the UoA I have encountered two young men in need of saving:
The first - of taiwanese origin but raised in NZ, only 18 yrs old & studying biomed. I have found him to be very introspective & reflective. He recently revealed to me however that he has been struggling with a porn addiction since the age of 11 and experienced "existential crises" clinically labelled as anxiety & depression throughout his mid to now late teens
The second - kiwi-mexican, 21 years old, psychology student & a hippie/pseudo-spiritual type. He is very keen to help serve at the lunch stall and wherever needed. Unfortunately however his youth is being spent on parties, psychedelics, quick & nasty hook-ups with a bit of study on the side. He revealed to me that he sometimes experiences deep bouts of anxiety & depression
The unfortunate reality is that most young millennials & generation Z-ers that I've met through outreach share some similarity with the individuals mentioned. The article you kindly sent me affirms this is the case.
It is safe to say therefore that the world is in need of more heroes as per the definition given prior.
But the heroism doesn't end there. On saving oneself and attaining hero status through mind and sense control - one with compassion towards others should and would go out of their way to save the masses.
A perfect example of this is Pralhada Maharaj who states in his prayers to Nrsinghadeva:
prāyeṇa deva munayaḥ sva-vimukti-kāmā
maunaṁ caranti vijane na parārtha-niṣṭhāḥ
naitān vihāya kṛpaṇān vimumukṣa eko
nānyaṁ tvad asya śaraṇaṁ bhramato ’nupaśye
My dear Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, I see that there are many saintly persons indeed, but they are interested only in their own deliverance. Not caring for the big cities and towns, they go to the Himālayas or the forest to meditate with vows of silence [mauna-vrata]. They are not interested in delivering others. As for me, however, I do not wish to be liberated alone, leaving aside all these poor fools and rascals. I know that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, without taking shelter of Your lotus feet, one cannot be happy. Therefore I wish to bring them back to shelter at Your lotus feet.
Srila Prabupada goes on to state in the purport of this verse:
"A devotee is not interested in so-called meditation in the Himālayas or the forest. Rather, his interest is in the busiest part of the world, where he teaches people Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was started for this purpose. We do not teach one to meditate in a secluded place just so that one may show that he has become very much advanced and may be proud of his so-called transcendental meditation, although he engages in all sorts of foolish materialistic activity. A Vaiṣṇava like Prahlāda Mahārāja is not interested in such a bluff of spiritual advancement. Rather, he is interested in enlightening people in Kṛṣṇa consciousness because that is the only way for them to become happy."
So as your disciples we celebrate the Vyasa-Puja of a real hero much like Pralhada. Through the mercy of Srila Prabhupada you have attained such an exalted position and out of compassion are now acting to save those lost souls who are simply suffering in the wild-wild west.
I have faith that such individuals as the ones I have mentioned previously can be saved if I can somehow connect them to your association. Why? Because I was once a position no better than theirs and you have saved me and transformed my life completely.
I hope to continue to assist you in fulfilling the mission of Srila Prabhupada in whatever capacity I can. And if I may so humbly ask, could you please give me the ability to also help others be happy in Krishna Consciousness in the same way you have. In this way my life would be perfected.
Your aspiring servant,
Manobhirama Das
Mantriraja Dasa
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
On this day I like to reflect on your amazing qualities and what my life would have been like if you did not exist. Without your mercy, I would never have known Srila Prabhupada's and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy. I do not think I would have had the strength to continue living and as such I would now be in a condemned ghostly existence.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
I was lost, wandering around the material world following only the guidance of my material desires. You have saved me. I know this and still I am such a wretch that I continue to defy your mercy by taking it for granted and acting improperly. I pray for your forgiveness.
This brings me to your qualities. You have innumerable divine qualities but there are two which always continue to drive me forward in my endeavour to become a servant of the servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. They are your boundless compassion and your unrelenting patience.
By your example you teach what is real compassion. In any situation you appear to be completely absorbed in how to bring everyone around you closer to Krishna. Because of your constant efforts to present Krishna Consciousness in a way that is simple, blissful and logical, even the most dull, envious and lusty fallen Kali Yugaites have a chance to perform devotional service.
It is described in shastra that Krishna never leaves the fallen soul. He remains with us as the Supersoul at all times, even when we engage in the most degrading activities. In Brhad Bhagavatamrita we hear of how Sri Narayana was waiting for Gopa Kumar wondering when he would come home.
nā gaṇi āpana-duḥkha, sabe vāñchi tāṅra sukha,
tāṅra sukha — āmāra tātparya
more yadi diyā duḥkha, tāṅra haila mahā-sukha,
sei duḥkha — mora sukha-varya
"I do not mind My personal distress. I only wish for the happiness of Kṛṣṇa, for His happiness is the goal of My life. However, if He feels great happiness in giving Me distress, that distress is the best of My happiness." - CC Antya 20.52
That such love should exist is inconceivable and unbelievable to us jaded, weary, cynical residents of today's dog-eat-dog world. I am a spiritual baby and so I prattle and stumble and fall, but it is only because of you that I know this love exists and that it is meant for all of us to experience. You never give up on us and so I can never give up on myself.
Another year has gone by where I feel I have wasted the gifts you have given me. I continue to pray that I can serve you with more sincerity. I promise to eternally endeavour to serve you, Srila Prabhupada, the Vaishnavas and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Begging to eternally remain your insignificant servant,
Mantriraja dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance
On this day I like to reflect on your amazing qualities and what my life would have been like if you did not exist. Without your mercy, I would never have known Srila Prabhupada's and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy. I do not think I would have had the strength to continue living and as such I would now be in a condemned ghostly existence.
oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya
I was lost, wandering around the material world following only the guidance of my material desires. You have saved me. I know this and still I am such a wretch that I continue to defy your mercy by taking it for granted and acting improperly. I pray for your forgiveness.
This brings me to your qualities. You have innumerable divine qualities but there are two which always continue to drive me forward in my endeavour to become a servant of the servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. They are your boundless compassion and your unrelenting patience.
By your example you teach what is real compassion. In any situation you appear to be completely absorbed in how to bring everyone around you closer to Krishna. Because of your constant efforts to present Krishna Consciousness in a way that is simple, blissful and logical, even the most dull, envious and lusty fallen Kali Yugaites have a chance to perform devotional service.
It is described in shastra that Krishna never leaves the fallen soul. He remains with us as the Supersoul at all times, even when we engage in the most degrading activities. In Brhad Bhagavatamrita we hear of how Sri Narayana was waiting for Gopa Kumar wondering when he would come home.
nā gaṇi āpana-duḥkha, sabe vāñchi tāṅra sukha,
tāṅra sukha — āmāra tātparya
more yadi diyā duḥkha, tāṅra haila mahā-sukha,
sei duḥkha — mora sukha-varya
"I do not mind My personal distress. I only wish for the happiness of Kṛṣṇa, for His happiness is the goal of My life. However, if He feels great happiness in giving Me distress, that distress is the best of My happiness." - CC Antya 20.52
That such love should exist is inconceivable and unbelievable to us jaded, weary, cynical residents of today's dog-eat-dog world. I am a spiritual baby and so I prattle and stumble and fall, but it is only because of you that I know this love exists and that it is meant for all of us to experience. You never give up on us and so I can never give up on myself.
Another year has gone by where I feel I have wasted the gifts you have given me. I continue to pray that I can serve you with more sincerity. I promise to eternally endeavour to serve you, Srila Prabhupada, the Vaishnavas and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Begging to eternally remain your insignificant servant,
Mantriraja dasa
Meera Backory
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabupada.
Happy Krishna Conscious Birthday to You.
Krishna has blessed me with the inconceivable fortune of another year of opportunities to be engaged in your service, in the association of inspiring god-family, well-wishers, and friends. This is without doubt the most precious gift and the only wealth worth attaining. Being a recipient of this gift is undoubtedly only due to your love, kindness, and mercy - qualities which you purely embody and in fact, emanate.
The last few months I have been listening to your online classes/lectures
However, I continue to look for excuses for not improving my chanting and reading of Srila Prabhupada's books. Please bestow your mercy that my heart will simply become filled with all-encompassing lust for pleasing Krishna’s senses, as you exhibit perfectly.
I pray, please don’t give up on me, never allow me to take for granted this precious jewel of Bhakti and that I can take deep into my heart the instructions you have given me and to live by them always.
It is only through your guidance that I can get some knowledge of Krishna and on how to execute Krishna's service.
I would like to thank you for accepting me and for inspiring me to nurture my enthusiasm for my spiritual life as the only purpose and sole priority in life. Thank you for teaching me how to be happy.
Your eternally aspiring servant,
Meera
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabupada.
Happy Krishna Conscious Birthday to You.
Krishna has blessed me with the inconceivable fortune of another year of opportunities to be engaged in your service, in the association of inspiring god-family, well-wishers, and friends. This is without doubt the most precious gift and the only wealth worth attaining. Being a recipient of this gift is undoubtedly only due to your love, kindness, and mercy - qualities which you purely embody and in fact, emanate.
The last few months I have been listening to your online classes/lectures
However, I continue to look for excuses for not improving my chanting and reading of Srila Prabhupada's books. Please bestow your mercy that my heart will simply become filled with all-encompassing lust for pleasing Krishna’s senses, as you exhibit perfectly.
I pray, please don’t give up on me, never allow me to take for granted this precious jewel of Bhakti and that I can take deep into my heart the instructions you have given me and to live by them always.
It is only through your guidance that I can get some knowledge of Krishna and on how to execute Krishna's service.
I would like to thank you for accepting me and for inspiring me to nurture my enthusiasm for my spiritual life as the only purpose and sole priority in life. Thank you for teaching me how to be happy.
Your eternally aspiring servant,
Meera
Mula Karana DD
Nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve cate namah
Dear dear Gurudev,
Please accept my very most humble obeisances! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to you Gurudev on this very aspicious day!
In SB 1.5.16, Prabhupada said in the purport, “...The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. “
Dear Gurudev, you are the expert devotee who so expertly plants the seed of devotional service in the heart of many many forgetful souls like me!
You make it easy for people to come into KC, you make it easy for people to grow in KC, and you make it easy for people to give KC to others!
On Oct 16 friday, on your zoom outreach preaching talk here at Philadelphia, in one question asked, you responded “...what you see depends on who you are..”
In BG 6.29, Prabhupada says a true yogi observes Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. Indeed, the self-realized person sees Me, the same Supreme Lord, everywhere. And in BG 6.30, Prabhupada says for one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.
Dear gurudev, you truly see us all as part and parcel of Krsna and that Krsna is in the heart of all of us. You see only the good and the potential in all of us and you use and fan that potential for the service of Krsna!
You render the best and top notch service to humanity by giving everyone a chance to come in contact with Krsna with all your preaching outreach work and efforts!
Dear Gurudev, I desperately long for such visions, visions to see Krsna in my heart, in everyone's heart, and everything in Krsna.
I really desperately long to change myself... change my visions! And because of your unimaginable kindness, I have the opportunity to change and hopefully improve and be better !
Dear gurudev, thank you so much for all the instructions on how to try to use my body, mind, and words in Krsna's service.
Thank you for giving me the eyes to see Krsna by engaging me in devotional service.
Without your lotus feet, I wouldn't have any services, and I wouldn't have the opportunity to try to be the servant of the servant of the servant of Krsna!
I have long lost my qualifications to see the lotus feet of Krsna, but you train me to become qualified again.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity!
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura said,
Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the Lord and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Krishna. By distributing the holy name of the Lord, he cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people. Therefore he extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only that, he broadcasts the shining brightness of Krishna's effulgence throughout the world. Such an acarya, or spiritual master, should be considered nondifferent from Krishna-that is, he should be considered the incarnation of Lord Krishna's potency.
Dear gurudev, you are the direct representative and the most dear confidential devotee of Krsna. Your are the mercy incarnation of Krsna!
Your mercy is really all that I am made of actually!
Without the mercy of your lotus feet, what can I do?
I can and never will be able to repay your kindness and generosity for laying your eyes on a a very wretched fallen soul like me!
I pray and beg very hard to the lotus feet of Krsna everyday that He will not give up on me , and let me continue work on and purify myself and empower me so that I may be able to assist your lotus feet in some way or another in your mission and your guru maharaj Srila Prabhupada's mission to help others awaken their natural dormant Krsna bhakti - love for Krsna under the guidance of Mangal aarti DD in the titiksava karunika ashram here in Philadelphia PA.
Thank you so so so very much for your compassion and causeless mercy, gurudev!
Your aspiring servant and daughter, MKDD
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve cate namah
Dear dear Gurudev,
Please accept my very most humble obeisances! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to you Gurudev on this very aspicious day!
In SB 1.5.16, Prabhupada said in the purport, “...The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. Such transcendental activities of the devotees for the service of the Lord can bring a new order of life to the foolish society of materialistic men. “
Dear Gurudev, you are the expert devotee who so expertly plants the seed of devotional service in the heart of many many forgetful souls like me!
You make it easy for people to come into KC, you make it easy for people to grow in KC, and you make it easy for people to give KC to others!
On Oct 16 friday, on your zoom outreach preaching talk here at Philadelphia, in one question asked, you responded “...what you see depends on who you are..”
In BG 6.29, Prabhupada says a true yogi observes Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. Indeed, the self-realized person sees Me, the same Supreme Lord, everywhere. And in BG 6.30, Prabhupada says for one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.
Dear gurudev, you truly see us all as part and parcel of Krsna and that Krsna is in the heart of all of us. You see only the good and the potential in all of us and you use and fan that potential for the service of Krsna!
You render the best and top notch service to humanity by giving everyone a chance to come in contact with Krsna with all your preaching outreach work and efforts!
Dear Gurudev, I desperately long for such visions, visions to see Krsna in my heart, in everyone's heart, and everything in Krsna.
I really desperately long to change myself... change my visions! And because of your unimaginable kindness, I have the opportunity to change and hopefully improve and be better !
Dear gurudev, thank you so much for all the instructions on how to try to use my body, mind, and words in Krsna's service.
Thank you for giving me the eyes to see Krsna by engaging me in devotional service.
Without your lotus feet, I wouldn't have any services, and I wouldn't have the opportunity to try to be the servant of the servant of the servant of Krsna!
I have long lost my qualifications to see the lotus feet of Krsna, but you train me to become qualified again.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity!
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura said,
Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the Lord and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Krishna. By distributing the holy name of the Lord, he cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people. Therefore he extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only that, he broadcasts the shining brightness of Krishna's effulgence throughout the world. Such an acarya, or spiritual master, should be considered nondifferent from Krishna-that is, he should be considered the incarnation of Lord Krishna's potency.
Dear gurudev, you are the direct representative and the most dear confidential devotee of Krsna. Your are the mercy incarnation of Krsna!
Your mercy is really all that I am made of actually!
Without the mercy of your lotus feet, what can I do?
I can and never will be able to repay your kindness and generosity for laying your eyes on a a very wretched fallen soul like me!
I pray and beg very hard to the lotus feet of Krsna everyday that He will not give up on me , and let me continue work on and purify myself and empower me so that I may be able to assist your lotus feet in some way or another in your mission and your guru maharaj Srila Prabhupada's mission to help others awaken their natural dormant Krsna bhakti - love for Krsna under the guidance of Mangal aarti DD in the titiksava karunika ashram here in Philadelphia PA.
Thank you so so so very much for your compassion and causeless mercy, gurudev!
Your aspiring servant and daughter, MKDD
Muni-cari dasa
Nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja
Firstly, I am sorry for not being personally present at your Vyasa Puja celebration. Not that my presence there would be noticed or missed but I am very sad not being there. In order to continue teaching yoga teachers I need to steep up my yoga qualifications. Normally i would need to travel to India or Bali to do this, not an option these days. But by amazing good luck the course I needed is run in Lower Hutt, and by amazing bad luck it clashes with your Vyasa Puja. But in order to continue this service I had to do it. Anyway, enough of that.
Thank you, once again, for allowing me to stay in Krsna consciousness, for inspiring me and giving me the direction I need to stay on track.
Specifically I wanted to thank you in relation to Srila Prabhupada's books. You have taught me right from the beginning that everything I need for my spiritual life is in the pages of Prabhupada's books. And in fact Krsna is there also if I can qualify myself to see him.
You are always an inspiration for reading them; both by the example you set and the encouragement and instructions you give. Whenever I get a chance to be in your room I see one of Prabhupada's books on the table next to your chair. Sometimes I have been doing service outside your room and spied you through the window relishing a volume of the Caitanya Caritamrta, I could only imagine which past time you were reading.
Recently in a lecture here in Wellington you said “Always ask yourself the question, what's the best thing I can do for Krsnas service [right now]”. And that obviously opens the ‘can’ as to how we tell what's best, is this Krsnas arrangement or is it just my mind, is this devotee's suggestion a good thing for me to do or not? etc etc. But you made it clear in that lecture how we can tell right from wrong, so to speak. You said “Daily reading the books spiritualizes your intelligence”. So as usual you so simply brought it back to Srila Prabhupada’s books and the need to purify our intelligence through reading them daily.
I have often met other devotees who ask me who my Gurudeva is. When I tell them they say ‘Oh very nice, you are very lucky’, and then they often add that he is the Guru who makes his disciples read Prabhupadass books every day. Sometimes it sounds like a criticism but actually it's an amazing glorification! And the answer is..., No he doesn't make us, he inspires us by his example. Still I thought it was a good thing to be damned for anyway.
Guru Maharaja, I want to bring something to your attention. I have noticed there is a large piece of ISKCON history missing. We have many of your god brothers and sisters telling their experiences of their time back in the old days, when Srila Prabhupada was still physically present with us. The amazing endeavour they went through to serve their beloved spiritual master, building temples, secrete book distribution or chasing rhinos, it is so inspirational to read about! So what is missing? Guru Maharaja its the inconceivable (and largely unknown I think) things that you did. Every now and then you mention something and then pass over it like it was nothing. I am not qualified to ask you to do anything but is there someone I can ask to ask you to write books about your adventures? It would be truly amazing.
Begging to always get your direction and guidance, and the ability to serve you.
Your insignificant disciple and spiritual son,
Muni-cari DASA.
krishna-presthaya bhu tale
srimate devamrita
svamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
and all glories to you on this wonderful celebration of your vyasa puja!
Hare Krsna Guru Maharaja
Firstly, I am sorry for not being personally present at your Vyasa Puja celebration. Not that my presence there would be noticed or missed but I am very sad not being there. In order to continue teaching yoga teachers I need to steep up my yoga qualifications. Normally i would need to travel to India or Bali to do this, not an option these days. But by amazing good luck the course I needed is run in Lower Hutt, and by amazing bad luck it clashes with your Vyasa Puja. But in order to continue this service I had to do it. Anyway, enough of that.
Thank you, once again, for allowing me to stay in Krsna consciousness, for inspiring me and giving me the direction I need to stay on track.
Specifically I wanted to thank you in relation to Srila Prabhupada's books. You have taught me right from the beginning that everything I need for my spiritual life is in the pages of Prabhupada's books. And in fact Krsna is there also if I can qualify myself to see him.
You are always an inspiration for reading them; both by the example you set and the encouragement and instructions you give. Whenever I get a chance to be in your room I see one of Prabhupada's books on the table next to your chair. Sometimes I have been doing service outside your room and spied you through the window relishing a volume of the Caitanya Caritamrta, I could only imagine which past time you were reading.
Recently in a lecture here in Wellington you said “Always ask yourself the question, what's the best thing I can do for Krsnas service [right now]”. And that obviously opens the ‘can’ as to how we tell what's best, is this Krsnas arrangement or is it just my mind, is this devotee's suggestion a good thing for me to do or not? etc etc. But you made it clear in that lecture how we can tell right from wrong, so to speak. You said “Daily reading the books spiritualizes your intelligence”. So as usual you so simply brought it back to Srila Prabhupada’s books and the need to purify our intelligence through reading them daily.
I have often met other devotees who ask me who my Gurudeva is. When I tell them they say ‘Oh very nice, you are very lucky’, and then they often add that he is the Guru who makes his disciples read Prabhupadass books every day. Sometimes it sounds like a criticism but actually it's an amazing glorification! And the answer is..., No he doesn't make us, he inspires us by his example. Still I thought it was a good thing to be damned for anyway.
Guru Maharaja, I want to bring something to your attention. I have noticed there is a large piece of ISKCON history missing. We have many of your god brothers and sisters telling their experiences of their time back in the old days, when Srila Prabhupada was still physically present with us. The amazing endeavour they went through to serve their beloved spiritual master, building temples, secrete book distribution or chasing rhinos, it is so inspirational to read about! So what is missing? Guru Maharaja its the inconceivable (and largely unknown I think) things that you did. Every now and then you mention something and then pass over it like it was nothing. I am not qualified to ask you to do anything but is there someone I can ask to ask you to write books about your adventures? It would be truly amazing.
Begging to always get your direction and guidance, and the ability to serve you.
Your insignificant disciple and spiritual son,
Muni-cari DASA.
Munjaranya dd
Hare Krishna dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to this most auspicious occasion of your appearance.
When even the most learned person cannot understand the activities and value of a Vaiṣṇava, then how can an illusioned jiva like myself appreciate the life of pure Vaisnava like yourself. Yet, by your mercy, even I can attempt to offer some glorification to you on this most auspicious day.
Gurudeva you exemplify the characteristics of a perfect bhakti transcendentalist as described by Prabhupada “For the service of the Lord, he is always daring and active and is not influenced by attachment or aversion.” (BG 2.65) You are very enthusiastic in seizing every opportunity to push forward the mission of your spiritual master. You are very alert and vigilant as to how the current mix of maya is influencing this mission and tune your strategy to ensure that it pushes on ahead safely and effectively. You are an expert general and you have your soldiers at strategic points in maya’s battlefield. You constantly survey the battlefield yourself, and train and upskill your soldiers to be prepared for the various attacks of illusory energy. You constantly motivate your soldiers to stay on the field. The only shelter on this battlefield, you instruct is the hearing and chanting of Krishna and trying hard for the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
You are protecting and pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission by expertly cultivating the bhakti creeper in different levels of devotees. You take personal interest in their lives, show care for them, guide them and encourage their bhakti attempts with perfect sensitivity to their needs. You are enthusing us with your lectures, kirtans, instructions and personal example. You express sincere gratitude for even the tiniest bhakti attempt. Just like an expert ayurvedic doctor can understand what’s wrong with the patient by their pulse, you can understand where each person’s consciousness is at by your transcendental vision. You treat with selfless love and care, yet with perfect detachment. You are unfazed in your service; whether the patients’ take your medicine or not, you push on.
You are protecting and pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission by urging on the importance of transcendental literature. You are always encouraging devotees to seriously read, study and distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. The purpose of your outreach centres is also to give others the opportunity to read and understand transcendental literature in the association of devotees. Your own writings are inspiring many people in their journey to Krishna. We eagerly await your work on the Bhakti Rasamtra Sindhu.
You are protecting and pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission by creating outposts outreach centres in maya’s battlefield. As you said recently, that these centres are the only shelter for people suffering from the pangs of Kali Yuga. You are extremely alert and vigilant with regards to the optimal functioning of these outposts. You personally take care of everything – right from the health of your soldiers to the temperature of the prasad served. You are concerned about maintaining the purity of the preaching but you do not also neglect the stains on the loft couches and the flopping backjacks.
Given the attention you pay to the tiniest detail, I can only imagine the dexterity with which you must fulfil your numerous service responsibilities. There is no scope of neglect in your service to Krishna. You are all for the service of Srila Prabhupada and thus you are faultless. Even a first timer to the Loft can feel your extraordinary presence. Last Sunday at the Loft, after your talk, an Iranian boy, coming for the first time, said to me “He is faultless. There is no fault in his speech. The moment he came in to the room, I could tell, he has a special vibe. I listen to many gurus, but I never take notes. But when he was speaking, I had to take notes; the points were not to be missed.” And he continued to glorify you.
Fraught with an impure intelligence and conditioned mind, how can I aptly glorify you, who are completely transcendental to the material modes of nature. Gurudeva, although I have no qualification, but on this most auspicious occasion of your appearance, I dare to pray for your causeless mercy, so that I may develop the desire to chant attentively, to hear the Bhagavatam submissively and engage in the humble service of your servants with unfailing enthusiasm, determination and patience.
Aspiring for your humble service,
Munjaranya dd.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to this most auspicious occasion of your appearance.
When even the most learned person cannot understand the activities and value of a Vaiṣṇava, then how can an illusioned jiva like myself appreciate the life of pure Vaisnava like yourself. Yet, by your mercy, even I can attempt to offer some glorification to you on this most auspicious day.
Gurudeva you exemplify the characteristics of a perfect bhakti transcendentalist as described by Prabhupada “For the service of the Lord, he is always daring and active and is not influenced by attachment or aversion.” (BG 2.65) You are very enthusiastic in seizing every opportunity to push forward the mission of your spiritual master. You are very alert and vigilant as to how the current mix of maya is influencing this mission and tune your strategy to ensure that it pushes on ahead safely and effectively. You are an expert general and you have your soldiers at strategic points in maya’s battlefield. You constantly survey the battlefield yourself, and train and upskill your soldiers to be prepared for the various attacks of illusory energy. You constantly motivate your soldiers to stay on the field. The only shelter on this battlefield, you instruct is the hearing and chanting of Krishna and trying hard for the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
You are protecting and pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission by expertly cultivating the bhakti creeper in different levels of devotees. You take personal interest in their lives, show care for them, guide them and encourage their bhakti attempts with perfect sensitivity to their needs. You are enthusing us with your lectures, kirtans, instructions and personal example. You express sincere gratitude for even the tiniest bhakti attempt. Just like an expert ayurvedic doctor can understand what’s wrong with the patient by their pulse, you can understand where each person’s consciousness is at by your transcendental vision. You treat with selfless love and care, yet with perfect detachment. You are unfazed in your service; whether the patients’ take your medicine or not, you push on.
You are protecting and pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission by urging on the importance of transcendental literature. You are always encouraging devotees to seriously read, study and distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. The purpose of your outreach centres is also to give others the opportunity to read and understand transcendental literature in the association of devotees. Your own writings are inspiring many people in their journey to Krishna. We eagerly await your work on the Bhakti Rasamtra Sindhu.
You are protecting and pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission by creating outposts outreach centres in maya’s battlefield. As you said recently, that these centres are the only shelter for people suffering from the pangs of Kali Yuga. You are extremely alert and vigilant with regards to the optimal functioning of these outposts. You personally take care of everything – right from the health of your soldiers to the temperature of the prasad served. You are concerned about maintaining the purity of the preaching but you do not also neglect the stains on the loft couches and the flopping backjacks.
Given the attention you pay to the tiniest detail, I can only imagine the dexterity with which you must fulfil your numerous service responsibilities. There is no scope of neglect in your service to Krishna. You are all for the service of Srila Prabhupada and thus you are faultless. Even a first timer to the Loft can feel your extraordinary presence. Last Sunday at the Loft, after your talk, an Iranian boy, coming for the first time, said to me “He is faultless. There is no fault in his speech. The moment he came in to the room, I could tell, he has a special vibe. I listen to many gurus, but I never take notes. But when he was speaking, I had to take notes; the points were not to be missed.” And he continued to glorify you.
Fraught with an impure intelligence and conditioned mind, how can I aptly glorify you, who are completely transcendental to the material modes of nature. Gurudeva, although I have no qualification, but on this most auspicious occasion of your appearance, I dare to pray for your causeless mercy, so that I may develop the desire to chant attentively, to hear the Bhagavatam submissively and engage in the humble service of your servants with unfailing enthusiasm, determination and patience.
Aspiring for your humble service,
Munjaranya dd.
Nama Kirtana Das
Dear Srila Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I am prying to Krishna for your good health and seeking your shelter life after life. I still remember the Hare Krishna Valley Retreat which I attended 9 years beck. There, I came to know the real questions of life and felt the time most fortunate for me. In your lectures you revealed the answer of all those questions and increased my thrust to know more and desire to serve you and parampara.
It has been now 5 years you accepted me as your disciple and showered your mercy upon me and my family. Though, when I see my God Brothers and Sisters how nicely they are serving you and Lord Catanya’s Mission, I also feel I can do more. So, Srila Guru Dev on this auspicious day please blesse so I can serve parampara.
Your insignificant servant,
Nama Kirtana Das
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
On this auspicious day of your appearance, I am prying to Krishna for your good health and seeking your shelter life after life. I still remember the Hare Krishna Valley Retreat which I attended 9 years beck. There, I came to know the real questions of life and felt the time most fortunate for me. In your lectures you revealed the answer of all those questions and increased my thrust to know more and desire to serve you and parampara.
It has been now 5 years you accepted me as your disciple and showered your mercy upon me and my family. Though, when I see my God Brothers and Sisters how nicely they are serving you and Lord Catanya’s Mission, I also feel I can do more. So, Srila Guru Dev on this auspicious day please blesse so I can serve parampara.
Your insignificant servant,
Nama Kirtana Das
Nanda Mandir dasa
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Lately in your lectures you have been quoting Stanford economist Paul Romer quite often ‘A crisis is a terrible thing to waste’. I have also heard you say in your lectures “A devotee is a great opportunist”. You certainly have seized COVID-19 crisis by educating devotees to go deeper in Bhakti practice, recharging our spiritual batteries. In outreach you are seizing this opportunity to get people to reconsider their human project using innovative ways. Though you cannot travel like you used to, you are still very active in preaching/guiding devotees over the internet. In fact it has been hard to keep up your lectures.
I remember fifteen years ago when I was fixated in joining ranks at Chowpatty Brahmacari ashram, I came to you to get my plan rubber stamped. To my surprise you talked me out of it and asked me instead to join local Melbourne Brahmacari ashram/temple. I remember you telling me if I did so, it would be pleasing to Lord Caitanya and that you would take special care of me. You have kept promise over the years by offering me lots of service opportunities, guidance/encouragement at every step of my life and mercifully allowing me to render you some personal service whenever you visit Melbourne.
As a disciple I need to do my part too. The only way to please Krishna is by serving the desires of the spiritual master. Your desire has been to share Krishna consciousness. The current circumstances do make it challenging but not impossible. Praying for some intelligence and spiritual strength to do so.
Your aspiring servant
Nanda Mandir dasa
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
Lately in your lectures you have been quoting Stanford economist Paul Romer quite often ‘A crisis is a terrible thing to waste’. I have also heard you say in your lectures “A devotee is a great opportunist”. You certainly have seized COVID-19 crisis by educating devotees to go deeper in Bhakti practice, recharging our spiritual batteries. In outreach you are seizing this opportunity to get people to reconsider their human project using innovative ways. Though you cannot travel like you used to, you are still very active in preaching/guiding devotees over the internet. In fact it has been hard to keep up your lectures.
I remember fifteen years ago when I was fixated in joining ranks at Chowpatty Brahmacari ashram, I came to you to get my plan rubber stamped. To my surprise you talked me out of it and asked me instead to join local Melbourne Brahmacari ashram/temple. I remember you telling me if I did so, it would be pleasing to Lord Caitanya and that you would take special care of me. You have kept promise over the years by offering me lots of service opportunities, guidance/encouragement at every step of my life and mercifully allowing me to render you some personal service whenever you visit Melbourne.
As a disciple I need to do my part too. The only way to please Krishna is by serving the desires of the spiritual master. Your desire has been to share Krishna consciousness. The current circumstances do make it challenging but not impossible. Praying for some intelligence and spiritual strength to do so.
Your aspiring servant
Nanda Mandir dasa
Nanda gehini devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva Devamrita Swami,please,accept my humble obeisance.All glories to Srila Prabhupada!Let me express my gratitude to You on this most auspicious day for You.Thank You for the enthusiasm with which You bring most important knowledge to the fallen souls.You fearlessly and continually preach the Glory of Holy name.Your unconditional dedication to the Srila Prabhupada and His mission is a perfect example for all of us.Another amazing quality of Yours is simplicity.Even with my more than modest knowledge of English ,Your lectures are understandable for me.You once said:we have the best knowledge and the best lifestyle.Thank you very much.The hole meaning of life is in one sentence.We just have to follow it.I am immensely grateful to Lord Krishna for allowing me to be Your disciple.I also admire Your limitless patience and Your limitless kindness.On this special day i pray at Your feet to develop at least a part of these qualities myself and become a real disciple and only please You.I pray to follow Your example to dedicate my life to mission of Srila Prabhupada.
Trying to become your servant and disciple Nanda gehini devi dasi
Trying to become your servant and disciple Nanda gehini devi dasi
Nanda-Patni devi-dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
You are my spiritual father. You are my strength. You are beyond encouraging to this insignificant soul.
Another year on and I feel miles away from being your servant. I pray one day that my envy can transform into appreciation of devotees and an eagerness to serve them. I see so many of the devotees serving you so nicely, taking care in their services and your instructions seriously. It hasn’t yet dawned on me that I have no value in this world without sincerely following your instructions.
Tad viddhi praṇipātena/paripraśnena sevayā/upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ/ jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ. Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth. Srila Prabhupada says in the Bhagavad Gita: “Such a spiritual master should be accepted in full surrender, and one should serve the spiritual master like a menial servant, without false prestige.” I aspire to develop a devotional and selfless mood, so that I may please you and the devotees.
In your classes recently, I asked these questions; How can I accept criticism or feedback more willingly and how can I adopt a positive mood of competitiveness with devotees? Out of love, you replied; Ask yourself, where does my pride come from? (This is yet to be realised). In reply to the second question, you told me that it’s important to be inspired by devotees, to appreciate how nicely they render their service and aspire to do the same. To ‘endeavour’ means that I must try or aspire to render some service that will please you, so I pray at your lotus feet that I may be able to do that Gurudeva.
In the tenth chapter of Bhagavad Gita Srila Prabhupada writes: Only by devotional service is the Supreme Truth, Kṛishṇa, pleased, and by His inconceivable energy He can reveal Himself to the heart of the pure devotee. The pure devotee always has Kṛiṣhṇa within his heart; and with the presence of Kṛiṣhṇa, who is just like the sun, the darkness of ignorance is at once dissipated. Every opportunity I am gifted to engage in devotional service is another opportunity to cleanse my heart, ceto-darpana-marjanam. I hope that one day I can understand how much improvement I need to please you but because you are so kind and merciful, you are giving me all facility and support to do so. Thank you so much Gurudeva. I desire to increase my dependence on you.
In this short offering, I hope that by next year I can start to become: strict, serious and sincere by following your instructions, increasing my desire for sravanam kirtanam, increasing my desire to serve your devotees and share Krishna with others. My life has completely transformed being in the Nandini ashram for a couple years. I have learnt so much already and have barely begun my devotional life. I am an infant, in the hands of the most kind, loving, warm, gentle, courageous soul. You told me once that I am a survivor, this is something I will never forget. I hope that I can live up to this for you Gurudeva.
I beg at your lotus feet to become dependent on you and your devotees, to take shelter and inquire from you submissively. Thank you for accepting me as your disciple.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Nanda-Patni devi-dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet, all glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
You are my spiritual father. You are my strength. You are beyond encouraging to this insignificant soul.
Another year on and I feel miles away from being your servant. I pray one day that my envy can transform into appreciation of devotees and an eagerness to serve them. I see so many of the devotees serving you so nicely, taking care in their services and your instructions seriously. It hasn’t yet dawned on me that I have no value in this world without sincerely following your instructions.
Tad viddhi praṇipātena/paripraśnena sevayā/upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ/ jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ. Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth. Srila Prabhupada says in the Bhagavad Gita: “Such a spiritual master should be accepted in full surrender, and one should serve the spiritual master like a menial servant, without false prestige.” I aspire to develop a devotional and selfless mood, so that I may please you and the devotees.
In your classes recently, I asked these questions; How can I accept criticism or feedback more willingly and how can I adopt a positive mood of competitiveness with devotees? Out of love, you replied; Ask yourself, where does my pride come from? (This is yet to be realised). In reply to the second question, you told me that it’s important to be inspired by devotees, to appreciate how nicely they render their service and aspire to do the same. To ‘endeavour’ means that I must try or aspire to render some service that will please you, so I pray at your lotus feet that I may be able to do that Gurudeva.
In the tenth chapter of Bhagavad Gita Srila Prabhupada writes: Only by devotional service is the Supreme Truth, Kṛishṇa, pleased, and by His inconceivable energy He can reveal Himself to the heart of the pure devotee. The pure devotee always has Kṛiṣhṇa within his heart; and with the presence of Kṛiṣhṇa, who is just like the sun, the darkness of ignorance is at once dissipated. Every opportunity I am gifted to engage in devotional service is another opportunity to cleanse my heart, ceto-darpana-marjanam. I hope that one day I can understand how much improvement I need to please you but because you are so kind and merciful, you are giving me all facility and support to do so. Thank you so much Gurudeva. I desire to increase my dependence on you.
In this short offering, I hope that by next year I can start to become: strict, serious and sincere by following your instructions, increasing my desire for sravanam kirtanam, increasing my desire to serve your devotees and share Krishna with others. My life has completely transformed being in the Nandini ashram for a couple years. I have learnt so much already and have barely begun my devotional life. I am an infant, in the hands of the most kind, loving, warm, gentle, courageous soul. You told me once that I am a survivor, this is something I will never forget. I hope that I can live up to this for you Gurudeva.
I beg at your lotus feet to become dependent on you and your devotees, to take shelter and inquire from you submissively. Thank you for accepting me as your disciple.
Your aspiring servant and daughter,
Nanda-Patni devi-dasi
Nandan Subramaniam
Dear Devāmrita Swami,
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Far away from Your physical presence, I yearn to be at Your feet hearing from You about the most glorious of all practices, bhakti yoga – love of Kṛṣṇa. Despite the ocean that separates me from that reality, I meditate on that very ocean as a source of wisdom and strength for an insignificant speck like me.
In our Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya, there is a remarkable obsession with the ocean. Krishna says at BG 10.24 that, “…of bodies of water I am the ocean”. The ocean is the greatest of the bodies of water. The ocean is vast, expansive and all encompassing. To those who voyage on the high seas without knowledge of its intricacies, a terrifying reality is soon borne. On the other hand, a well-studied and learned sea man or woman enjoys the ocean and its turnings for they know how to avoid its perils. The latter reaches the desired destination, whereas the former only scrambles and screams before certain shipwreck. I am a diagnosed shipwreck and it appears that our acaryas have prescribed that I study the ocean. I am so unfortunate, Gurudeva, that there is no hope of for me in this endeavor without Your grace.
The Srimad Bhagavatam compares this material world to a great ocean, full of misery and despair. Sanat-kumāra gives Mahārāja Pṛthu an instruction in this regard:
<i>The ocean of nescience is very difficult to cross because it is infested with many dangerous sharks. Although those who are nondevotees undergo severe austerities and penances to cross that ocean, we recommend that you simply take shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord, which are like boats for crossing the ocean. Although the ocean is difficult to cross, by taking shelter of His lotus feet you will overcome all dangers.</i> (SB 4.22.40)
By comparing the lotus feet of the Lord to a boat for crossing an ocean full of sharks, Sanat-kumāra is giving wrecked prey like me no other option. The brahmana sage is not just concocting this metaphor, however, he takes from his devotee father Lord Brahmā, who prays to Lord Kṛṣṇa using the same imagery:
<i>For those who have accepted the boat of the lotus feet of the Lord, who is the shelter of the cosmic manifestation and is famous as Murāri, the enemy of the Mura demon, the ocean of the material world is like the water contained in a calf’s hoof-print. Their goal is paraṁ padam, Vaikuṇṭha, the place where there are no material miseries, not the place where there is danger at every step. </i> (SB 10.14.58)
Despite this, I am such a fool to think that, with my so-called prowess, I can keep swimming in these waters. You have seen that I did take this option in my sojourn away from a strong bhakti practice. I suppose that I should have drowned, however, I have no doubt that Your inquiries about me to my brother – like a father asking one son about the other – kept me afloat. In fact, it is only by Your grace that this is possible.
Your explanation of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, whereby the devotees are compared to sharks in the great ocean of nectar, transforms my meditation on the ocean. Where in the ocean of material nature the sharks are predators, the devotees are the sharks in the ocean of transcendental loving service to the Lord. Diving down into the depths of the ocean, where there are no external disturbances, the devotee sharks take great pleasure in the eternal service of the Lord. They are not bothered by the so-called rivulets branching out from the ocean. They are resolute, fixed and ever increasing in their love for Krsna. There cannot be any dispute that you are demonstrating the reality of that transcendental metaphor. It gives devotees great hope. However, how can a bumbling plankton like me be a shark, o Gurudeva? There appears to be no hope in my case.
Your offering to your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, nonetheless, gives me the strength to believe. You state that, although the intricacies of the material ocean may be understood, there is no comprehending the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. This extrapolation of the ocean metaphor stunned me with a prime realisation. Without guru, there is no crossing the ocean of material existence, lest anything be said about swimming in the transcendental ocean. Yes, Srila Prabhupada’s mercy is unfathomable, but I am certain that this description extends to you, Gurudeva. You are the ocean of mercy. By Your grace only, can I take to the ocean of mercy, to cross the ocean of material suffering, and thereby swim in the ocean of transcendental loving service.
<i>śrī-guru karuṇā-sindhu, adhama janāra bandhu</i> (Guru Vandana, Verse 4)
As I visited kirtan for the first time in years to hear a discourse given by you, I remembered all the loving moments I had felt in Kṛṣṇa consciousness earlier in my life… moments which I had left behind in pursuit of selfish and childish desires. Moments of sitting at your feet and feeling a deep-seated love in my heart for God, Srila Prabhupada and the devotees. Moments of feeling connected and without worry about the waves of life. With the greater freedom of adolescence, I thought I could survive in the treacherous ocean without Kṛṣṇa and without You. The evidence of pain and frustration was apparent to you. As I approached you, years apart from our previous meeting, you quipped: “So, you have come up to breathe?”
Yes Gurudeva, I have come up to breathe. Breathe in Your words, Your instructions and offer my outgoing breath to a lifetime in your service.
Thus concludes my meditation on the ocean.
Your aspiring servant,
Nandan
Please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Far away from Your physical presence, I yearn to be at Your feet hearing from You about the most glorious of all practices, bhakti yoga – love of Kṛṣṇa. Despite the ocean that separates me from that reality, I meditate on that very ocean as a source of wisdom and strength for an insignificant speck like me.
In our Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya, there is a remarkable obsession with the ocean. Krishna says at BG 10.24 that, “…of bodies of water I am the ocean”. The ocean is the greatest of the bodies of water. The ocean is vast, expansive and all encompassing. To those who voyage on the high seas without knowledge of its intricacies, a terrifying reality is soon borne. On the other hand, a well-studied and learned sea man or woman enjoys the ocean and its turnings for they know how to avoid its perils. The latter reaches the desired destination, whereas the former only scrambles and screams before certain shipwreck. I am a diagnosed shipwreck and it appears that our acaryas have prescribed that I study the ocean. I am so unfortunate, Gurudeva, that there is no hope of for me in this endeavor without Your grace.
The Srimad Bhagavatam compares this material world to a great ocean, full of misery and despair. Sanat-kumāra gives Mahārāja Pṛthu an instruction in this regard:
<i>The ocean of nescience is very difficult to cross because it is infested with many dangerous sharks. Although those who are nondevotees undergo severe austerities and penances to cross that ocean, we recommend that you simply take shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord, which are like boats for crossing the ocean. Although the ocean is difficult to cross, by taking shelter of His lotus feet you will overcome all dangers.</i> (SB 4.22.40)
By comparing the lotus feet of the Lord to a boat for crossing an ocean full of sharks, Sanat-kumāra is giving wrecked prey like me no other option. The brahmana sage is not just concocting this metaphor, however, he takes from his devotee father Lord Brahmā, who prays to Lord Kṛṣṇa using the same imagery:
<i>For those who have accepted the boat of the lotus feet of the Lord, who is the shelter of the cosmic manifestation and is famous as Murāri, the enemy of the Mura demon, the ocean of the material world is like the water contained in a calf’s hoof-print. Their goal is paraṁ padam, Vaikuṇṭha, the place where there are no material miseries, not the place where there is danger at every step. </i> (SB 10.14.58)
Despite this, I am such a fool to think that, with my so-called prowess, I can keep swimming in these waters. You have seen that I did take this option in my sojourn away from a strong bhakti practice. I suppose that I should have drowned, however, I have no doubt that Your inquiries about me to my brother – like a father asking one son about the other – kept me afloat. In fact, it is only by Your grace that this is possible.
Your explanation of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, whereby the devotees are compared to sharks in the great ocean of nectar, transforms my meditation on the ocean. Where in the ocean of material nature the sharks are predators, the devotees are the sharks in the ocean of transcendental loving service to the Lord. Diving down into the depths of the ocean, where there are no external disturbances, the devotee sharks take great pleasure in the eternal service of the Lord. They are not bothered by the so-called rivulets branching out from the ocean. They are resolute, fixed and ever increasing in their love for Krsna. There cannot be any dispute that you are demonstrating the reality of that transcendental metaphor. It gives devotees great hope. However, how can a bumbling plankton like me be a shark, o Gurudeva? There appears to be no hope in my case.
Your offering to your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, nonetheless, gives me the strength to believe. You state that, although the intricacies of the material ocean may be understood, there is no comprehending the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. This extrapolation of the ocean metaphor stunned me with a prime realisation. Without guru, there is no crossing the ocean of material existence, lest anything be said about swimming in the transcendental ocean. Yes, Srila Prabhupada’s mercy is unfathomable, but I am certain that this description extends to you, Gurudeva. You are the ocean of mercy. By Your grace only, can I take to the ocean of mercy, to cross the ocean of material suffering, and thereby swim in the ocean of transcendental loving service.
<i>śrī-guru karuṇā-sindhu, adhama janāra bandhu</i> (Guru Vandana, Verse 4)
As I visited kirtan for the first time in years to hear a discourse given by you, I remembered all the loving moments I had felt in Kṛṣṇa consciousness earlier in my life… moments which I had left behind in pursuit of selfish and childish desires. Moments of sitting at your feet and feeling a deep-seated love in my heart for God, Srila Prabhupada and the devotees. Moments of feeling connected and without worry about the waves of life. With the greater freedom of adolescence, I thought I could survive in the treacherous ocean without Kṛṣṇa and without You. The evidence of pain and frustration was apparent to you. As I approached you, years apart from our previous meeting, you quipped: “So, you have come up to breathe?”
Yes Gurudeva, I have come up to breathe. Breathe in Your words, Your instructions and offer my outgoing breath to a lifetime in your service.
Thus concludes my meditation on the ocean.
Your aspiring servant,
Nandan
Nandisvara Das
Dear Gurudev please accept my humble obeisances to your lotus feet on the most auspicious occasion of your appearance in this world.
Dear Gurudev on this day I would like to take the opportunity to share how the ways in which you conduct yourself enchants me and inspires the utmost respect.
During my work week when I receive the watsapp alert notifying me of you impending class. My first reaction is a self assessment mostly consisting of where is my hearing and chanting at, will I be shining with bhakti when I see him that evening.
The day comes and the moment arrives that you enter into the assembly of your glorious disciples with the gate of a swan and majesty of a successful king. My heart sings and my restless mind rightfully bows in your presence. During your class as I dutifully strive to focus my full attention to the symphony of brilliant anecdotes and analogies that capture the mind of your audience irrespective of whether they are advanced and enthusiastic or just interested in peering into the bhakti treasure chest which you so kindly hold open.
I periodically stop to take in the whole scene and appreciate the sublimity of it.
I notice your animation and I have to say it is truly second to none never failing to leave your sincere audience spellbound and reinspired in the pursuit of Krishna.
I also try to study the impressions on your face musing to myself I wonder, what do you see? and what have you had to indure... The real result of through thick and thin. Ecstacy!
I must admit this second part of my offering I've written post your vyasa puja.
I'm humbled and inspired by the surrender and dedication your disciples display devotees whom I hold in the highest esteem having seen the amount of service they do are sincerely praying in their offerings to do more praying to overcome material obstacles. It is truly inspiring and I also carried along by their sentiments wish to offer you more.
Thank you for encouraging me in the perfect way
Praying to be a humble servant
Nandisvara das
Dear Gurudev on this day I would like to take the opportunity to share how the ways in which you conduct yourself enchants me and inspires the utmost respect.
During my work week when I receive the watsapp alert notifying me of you impending class. My first reaction is a self assessment mostly consisting of where is my hearing and chanting at, will I be shining with bhakti when I see him that evening.
The day comes and the moment arrives that you enter into the assembly of your glorious disciples with the gate of a swan and majesty of a successful king. My heart sings and my restless mind rightfully bows in your presence. During your class as I dutifully strive to focus my full attention to the symphony of brilliant anecdotes and analogies that capture the mind of your audience irrespective of whether they are advanced and enthusiastic or just interested in peering into the bhakti treasure chest which you so kindly hold open.
I periodically stop to take in the whole scene and appreciate the sublimity of it.
I notice your animation and I have to say it is truly second to none never failing to leave your sincere audience spellbound and reinspired in the pursuit of Krishna.
I also try to study the impressions on your face musing to myself I wonder, what do you see? and what have you had to indure... The real result of through thick and thin. Ecstacy!
I must admit this second part of my offering I've written post your vyasa puja.
I'm humbled and inspired by the surrender and dedication your disciples display devotees whom I hold in the highest esteem having seen the amount of service they do are sincerely praying in their offerings to do more praying to overcome material obstacles. It is truly inspiring and I also carried along by their sentiments wish to offer you more.
Thank you for encouraging me in the perfect way
Praying to be a humble servant
Nandisvara das
Narasimha Nama das
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humblest of obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja!
You have always mentioned and given importance to cultivating depth in our spiritual practices to enable us to stay resilient against the waves of the material energy. Across the past year many challenges of all varieties have come my way from many fronts – spiritually and materially, but due to your guiding words of always encouraging depth I have somehow been able to navigate and survive various trials despite knowing how so far I have yet to go in my bhakti.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned how first we must learn to become conscious before becoming Krishna conscious; I have noticed how through hearing your words and seeing your example it has had a profound effect on me by stripping away and crushing my false ego and my own pre-conceptions of who I am. Allowing me to be a more authentic and genuine bhakta, serving honestly and with integrity. Through your example you constantly display what it really means to be a devotee, serving Krishna full of genuine desire of the heart void of false sentiments and ulterior motives. Thank you Gurudeva for always helping me to become a more authentic and real devotee, ensuring I perform my bhakti in a way I can fully relish the nectar. Thank you for sticking with me even though I have a very long arduous journey ahead. Thank you for being the example that constantly reminds me how important it is to fill myself up with Krishna before I can really give Krishna to others and stop me from becoming a blank bullet – otherwise what is the point?
Gurudeva, for all you have done and continue to do, I am eternally indebted to you. The least I can do to repay you is not to waste this life of mine. I am deeply grateful to you for tolerating my independent mind and allowing me to take your shelter. Only with your blessings and guidance will I be spiritually successful and serve you and Krishna with a pure loving heart.
Your servant forever,
Narasimha Nama das
Please accept my humblest of obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyasa Puja!
You have always mentioned and given importance to cultivating depth in our spiritual practices to enable us to stay resilient against the waves of the material energy. Across the past year many challenges of all varieties have come my way from many fronts – spiritually and materially, but due to your guiding words of always encouraging depth I have somehow been able to navigate and survive various trials despite knowing how so far I have yet to go in my bhakti.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned how first we must learn to become conscious before becoming Krishna conscious; I have noticed how through hearing your words and seeing your example it has had a profound effect on me by stripping away and crushing my false ego and my own pre-conceptions of who I am. Allowing me to be a more authentic and genuine bhakta, serving honestly and with integrity. Through your example you constantly display what it really means to be a devotee, serving Krishna full of genuine desire of the heart void of false sentiments and ulterior motives. Thank you Gurudeva for always helping me to become a more authentic and real devotee, ensuring I perform my bhakti in a way I can fully relish the nectar. Thank you for sticking with me even though I have a very long arduous journey ahead. Thank you for being the example that constantly reminds me how important it is to fill myself up with Krishna before I can really give Krishna to others and stop me from becoming a blank bullet – otherwise what is the point?
Gurudeva, for all you have done and continue to do, I am eternally indebted to you. The least I can do to repay you is not to waste this life of mine. I am deeply grateful to you for tolerating my independent mind and allowing me to take your shelter. Only with your blessings and guidance will I be spiritually successful and serve you and Krishna with a pure loving heart.
Your servant forever,
Narasimha Nama das
Nava-gaurī dd
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I remember in one of your lectures you were saying that even in the neophyte stage of Bhakti the devotee is actually liberated. He has all he needs to go back home, back to Godhead already, but he's not always able to see and appreciate this wealth. Just like a child cannot appreciate a diamond even though he has it in his hands. So because of a lack of realisation the child might sometimes throw away this wealth.
I am so grateful that you've given me this diamond of Bhakti and I pray at your lotus feet that I hold onto it tightly, even though I am not able to understand it's real value at this stage.
There's unlimited things that need to be said in your glorification and I probably don't know even a fragment of your glories. I hope to get some realisation of what I came across soon. The shelter of a bonafide spiritual master is the rarest opportunity a jiva can get in this material existence.
Please give me your blessings so I can follow your instructions and assist you in pushing on this Sankirtana movement so that more jivas can get the opportunity to meet a bonafide spiritual master like yourself and receive the same wealth I was allowed.
Your aspiring servant,
Nava-gaurī dd
Please accept my humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I remember in one of your lectures you were saying that even in the neophyte stage of Bhakti the devotee is actually liberated. He has all he needs to go back home, back to Godhead already, but he's not always able to see and appreciate this wealth. Just like a child cannot appreciate a diamond even though he has it in his hands. So because of a lack of realisation the child might sometimes throw away this wealth.
I am so grateful that you've given me this diamond of Bhakti and I pray at your lotus feet that I hold onto it tightly, even though I am not able to understand it's real value at this stage.
There's unlimited things that need to be said in your glorification and I probably don't know even a fragment of your glories. I hope to get some realisation of what I came across soon. The shelter of a bonafide spiritual master is the rarest opportunity a jiva can get in this material existence.
Please give me your blessings so I can follow your instructions and assist you in pushing on this Sankirtana movement so that more jivas can get the opportunity to meet a bonafide spiritual master like yourself and receive the same wealth I was allowed.
Your aspiring servant,
Nava-gaurī dd
Navadvipa Vasi Das
Nama Om Vishnu padaya
Kṛṣṇa-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa-puja day.
Dear gurudev,
2020 has been an eventful year, COVID-19 has affected everyone throughout the world including places of worship. But I would like to focus on two specific points; the travel industry and oil industries. These industries were considered as lucrative and risk-free as there would always be everlasting demand for them and so were considered infallible. But as COVID-19 came to be everybody realised just how fallible it is. Watching all of this unfold I realised nothing is truly safe in this material world, no matter how large or powerful, it will all finally crumble.
However, Krishna consciousness, even if a little endeavour, is truly infallible, as mentioned in BG 2.40 (nehäbhikrama-näço ’sti pratyaväyo na vidyate sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya träyate mahato bhayät) in this endeavour there is no loss or diminution and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear. So as spoken by Krsna in verse 9.33 (anityam asukhaà lokam imam präpya bhajasva mäm) therefore having come to this temporary, miserable world, engage in loving service unto me.
Gurudev on this Vyasa Puja today the best thing I can give you is my humble gratitude to you and Srila Prabhupada by whose mercy me and my family were able to stay in Krishna consciousness, and I simply ask that you bless us that we will stay in Krishna consciousness and be forever in the service of the lord. Haribol.
Navadvipa Vasi Das and family.
Kṛṣṇa-presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrta Swami
Iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Pararthatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Your Lotus Feet.
All glories to you on this auspicious Vyasa-puja day.
Dear gurudev,
2020 has been an eventful year, COVID-19 has affected everyone throughout the world including places of worship. But I would like to focus on two specific points; the travel industry and oil industries. These industries were considered as lucrative and risk-free as there would always be everlasting demand for them and so were considered infallible. But as COVID-19 came to be everybody realised just how fallible it is. Watching all of this unfold I realised nothing is truly safe in this material world, no matter how large or powerful, it will all finally crumble.
However, Krishna consciousness, even if a little endeavour, is truly infallible, as mentioned in BG 2.40 (nehäbhikrama-näço ’sti pratyaväyo na vidyate sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya träyate mahato bhayät) in this endeavour there is no loss or diminution and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear. So as spoken by Krsna in verse 9.33 (anityam asukhaà lokam imam präpya bhajasva mäm) therefore having come to this temporary, miserable world, engage in loving service unto me.
Gurudev on this Vyasa Puja today the best thing I can give you is my humble gratitude to you and Srila Prabhupada by whose mercy me and my family were able to stay in Krishna consciousness, and I simply ask that you bless us that we will stay in Krishna consciousness and be forever in the service of the lord. Haribol.
Navadvipa Vasi Das and family.
Nilacala Candra Das
All Glories To Srila Prabhupada
All Glories To Sri Sri Guru Gauranga And Gaura Nitai.
Dear Guru Dev
I offer my humble obeisances To Your Lotus Feet. After innumerable births and deaths in this material world, I am fortunate of being born as a human being. I am not sure how many times, I was born before as a human being. But in this present cycle, I am extremely Thankful To The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna for His Causeless Mercy for not only being born as a human being but much more for The Mercy, He has bestowed upon me by giving you as my Spiritual Master, and Guru. This is indeed the luckiest period of my life.
Guru Dev, I hardly communicate with you but you are in my heart and prayers ever since you gave me the shelter at your lotus feet. On this day I offer my prayers to Lord Sri Nrsingha Dev to shower His Mercy upon you with excellent health so that you can continue your Krishna consciousness service and carry on the legacy of Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada.
'Wishing You A Very Healthy Life Filled With Krishna Consciousness'.
Your's humble servant
Nilacala Candra Das
Honolulu, HI
All Glories To Sri Sri Guru Gauranga And Gaura Nitai.
Dear Guru Dev
I offer my humble obeisances To Your Lotus Feet. After innumerable births and deaths in this material world, I am fortunate of being born as a human being. I am not sure how many times, I was born before as a human being. But in this present cycle, I am extremely Thankful To The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna for His Causeless Mercy for not only being born as a human being but much more for The Mercy, He has bestowed upon me by giving you as my Spiritual Master, and Guru. This is indeed the luckiest period of my life.
Guru Dev, I hardly communicate with you but you are in my heart and prayers ever since you gave me the shelter at your lotus feet. On this day I offer my prayers to Lord Sri Nrsingha Dev to shower His Mercy upon you with excellent health so that you can continue your Krishna consciousness service and carry on the legacy of Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada.
'Wishing You A Very Healthy Life Filled With Krishna Consciousness'.
Your's humble servant
Nilacala Candra Das
Honolulu, HI
Nisha Abrol
nama om vishnu padaya Krishna prasthaya bhutale
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this special occasion of your Vyasa Puja, please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. My words won’t be sufficient to glorify you or to in any way a sufficient portrayal of your innumerable divine qualities. Even if I could be qualified or able to glorify you, I could not sufficiently extol you, for your glories are immeasurable. Gurudeva, you are kindly spreading the message of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and delivering so many fallen souls throughout the world including me.
Guru Maharaj, though I am missing your physical presence this year due to Covid but at the same time I am very grateful to you for your special mercy in the form of virtual association which you’ve been consistently poured upon all of us during this pandemic. It’s been my savage in this difficult time when I am unable to have yours and devotees association. This e-mercy was at least enough for me to feel connected to you and protected on the path of spirituality. This time has been a great blessing to have lots of realizations and I was able to read more of Srila Prabhupada’s books and chant more attentively. We have started a group of few matajis for reading Srila Prabhpada’s books and learning slokas and translations of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. It has been a wonderful experience so far.
Gurudeva, thank you so much for accepting this fallen soul as your daughter. I seek a small measure of your grace and blessings to become more determined in my sadhana and be a dedicated and responsible follower of Srila Prabhupada’s mission, with insatiable strength to overcome the challenges that Maya may place in the path of my spiritual journey.
I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to give you a long and healthy life. I am desperately waiting to have your darshan next year.
Hare Krishna!
Your fallen servant,
Nisha Abrol
srimate Devamrita swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinta
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this special occasion of your Vyasa Puja, please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. My words won’t be sufficient to glorify you or to in any way a sufficient portrayal of your innumerable divine qualities. Even if I could be qualified or able to glorify you, I could not sufficiently extol you, for your glories are immeasurable. Gurudeva, you are kindly spreading the message of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and delivering so many fallen souls throughout the world including me.
Guru Maharaj, though I am missing your physical presence this year due to Covid but at the same time I am very grateful to you for your special mercy in the form of virtual association which you’ve been consistently poured upon all of us during this pandemic. It’s been my savage in this difficult time when I am unable to have yours and devotees association. This e-mercy was at least enough for me to feel connected to you and protected on the path of spirituality. This time has been a great blessing to have lots of realizations and I was able to read more of Srila Prabhupada’s books and chant more attentively. We have started a group of few matajis for reading Srila Prabhpada’s books and learning slokas and translations of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. It has been a wonderful experience so far.
Gurudeva, thank you so much for accepting this fallen soul as your daughter. I seek a small measure of your grace and blessings to become more determined in my sadhana and be a dedicated and responsible follower of Srila Prabhupada’s mission, with insatiable strength to overcome the challenges that Maya may place in the path of my spiritual journey.
I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to give you a long and healthy life. I am desperately waiting to have your darshan next year.
Hare Krishna!
Your fallen servant,
Nisha Abrol
Nrikesari Das
<i> om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah </i>
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Dear Guru Maharaja, Please accept my respectful obeisances on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
I want to thank and express my indebtedness to you, for you are so very expert in presenting and preaching Krsna Consciousness according to the time, place and circumstances. And particular I consider you very expert in preaching Krsna Consciousness to a western Audience.
When you speak on Srimad-Bhagavatam or Bhagavad-Gita it becomes very easy to assimilate the transcendental message concealed in those highly spiritual text.
Especially during the present Covid-Crisis, I feel very grateful to have access to all of your weekly lectures, all your classes are very practical and relevant and I always think of some take-aways points. Your words are cutting through all my misconception, arising from the long association with the material energy and I can’t conceive of, how you are so expert in understanding my mind and it’s conditioning.
When I try to preach I often lack the sympathy or understanding of the other person, which makes it hard for me to build a bridge and connect them to our quite “exotic” Krsna Consciousness philosophy but it’s very astonishing to me to see how much you understand about your audience and where everyone is at, where they are coming from and what they are thinking, how Maya is acting on them and how Krsna Consciousness will benefit them. You must be constantly meditating how to deliver the fallen subjects of Kali Yuga.
The other I day I was reading in Srila Prabhupadas purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 2.4.12 <i> “the first-class devotee […] may play the voluntary part of a preacher of the Lord’s glory and dovetail all into devotional service, even mundane interest, just to give the neophytes a chance to transform mundane interest into transcendental bliss.” </i> Immediately I was thinking of your Event Happiness series here in Melbourne University or your lectures series about the “Python Man and his teaching about the behaviour of a perfect person”. You very systematically analysed the standard of mundane, contemporary, material happiness and its short coming, then lifting the audience to the spiritual platform.
I listen to your classes and remember your instructions but I am missing your physical association. We all know the point that Prabhupada makes about the two ways of associating with a saintly person, one way is by vapu, by enjoying the physical presence and the other is by vani, by assimilating the spiritual sound vibrations. Prabhupada always emphasises that of those two vapu is of lesser importance being sometimes available and sometimes not, but vani on the other side is always accessible being eternal instructions transmitted from guru to disciple.
Prabhupada revealed that he never felt separated from his spiritual master being constantly engaged in his service, yet I must frankly admit my deficiency in completely absorbing myself to your instructions, thus I long again for your physical association. I remember all of your darshans, encounters and especially your Bhagavatam classes here in Melbourne or in Sri Mayapur Dhama and I again and again cherish all of them. Either the apparently good moments when you appreciated me like a kind well wisher or the apparently bad times when you chastised me like a loving father.
I especially remember our last encounters, you visited our temple to hold another big preaching program at Melbourne Uni. I heard of your busy schedule and thus I didn’t enrol myself to visit you personally but you spotted me in the temple, mildly scolding me you said: “Nrikesari, why are you hiding yourself from me?”
Your comment really touched my heart, despite all your preaching programs, travels, disciples all over the world still you remembered me and cared for my spiritual well-being. I was touched and amazed how very personal you are.
Being personal in dealings with others, is the foremost quality of a preacher and you teach it by your own example. Your outreach, the university programs, your books, all of your online lectures, your personal dealings and your strict adherence to Vaisnava etiquette are all examples of your care and compassion. Because of compassion you are very eager to create more and more facilitates to allow a greater audience to start and take up the process of bhakti, having said this it appears to me that you are even more eager for all the sadhakas to mature and ripen in bhakti.
A few months, after this incident, Srila Prabhupadas book marathon started, this time I really did not expect to meet you being completely fixed in the sankirtan yajna. Yet, you told that you like to see all the full-time book distributors, so there I was again. We spoke briefly and you wished me well for the Marathon, expressing your care and appreciation for this topmost sacrifice. After this I knew the Marathon is going to be a success and it was indeed.
I was meditating a lot on those two last meetings and they always make me remember the pastime of Lord Caitanya dancing in front of the Rath Cart. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu divided four parties to sing and dance in front of the Lord of the Universe, our Lord Jagganatha, the first party was headed by Nityananda Prabhu, who was dancing to the singing of Svarup Damodar. The second party was headed by Advaita Acarya who was dancing to the sweet singing of Srivasa Thakur. The third and fourth were lead by Haridas Thakur and Vakresvara Pandit. Later three more groups joined, headed by Govinda Gosh, Acutyananda Prabhu, the villagers of Kulinda gram and the people of Khanda.
Every group had their own respective dancers, singers, kartal- and mrdanga players, but what was so astonishing was the fact that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was dancing in the centre of all of them. Mahaprabhu was dancing, chanting and jumping to the kirtan shouting: “Hari, Hari.” “All Glories to Lord Jagganatha.” And every group thought: “Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is present in my group. Indeed, He does not go anywhere else. He is bestowing His mercy upon us.” Indeed only a few devotees like King Prataparudra and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya could see what was really happening.
So in the same way like Sri Caitanya Prabhu was dancing in the middle of every sankirtan party, encouraging and inspiring all the assembled devotees so in the same way I am thinking that you Guru Maharaja are also inspiring and thriving all the devotees in their sankirtan performance all over the world.
On this note I am pleading you, please Guru Maharaja keep your merciful glance upon us.
Your indebted servant,
Nrikesari das
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Dear Guru Maharaja, Please accept my respectful obeisances on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyasa Puja.
I want to thank and express my indebtedness to you, for you are so very expert in presenting and preaching Krsna Consciousness according to the time, place and circumstances. And particular I consider you very expert in preaching Krsna Consciousness to a western Audience.
When you speak on Srimad-Bhagavatam or Bhagavad-Gita it becomes very easy to assimilate the transcendental message concealed in those highly spiritual text.
Especially during the present Covid-Crisis, I feel very grateful to have access to all of your weekly lectures, all your classes are very practical and relevant and I always think of some take-aways points. Your words are cutting through all my misconception, arising from the long association with the material energy and I can’t conceive of, how you are so expert in understanding my mind and it’s conditioning.
When I try to preach I often lack the sympathy or understanding of the other person, which makes it hard for me to build a bridge and connect them to our quite “exotic” Krsna Consciousness philosophy but it’s very astonishing to me to see how much you understand about your audience and where everyone is at, where they are coming from and what they are thinking, how Maya is acting on them and how Krsna Consciousness will benefit them. You must be constantly meditating how to deliver the fallen subjects of Kali Yuga.
The other I day I was reading in Srila Prabhupadas purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 2.4.12 <i> “the first-class devotee […] may play the voluntary part of a preacher of the Lord’s glory and dovetail all into devotional service, even mundane interest, just to give the neophytes a chance to transform mundane interest into transcendental bliss.” </i> Immediately I was thinking of your Event Happiness series here in Melbourne University or your lectures series about the “Python Man and his teaching about the behaviour of a perfect person”. You very systematically analysed the standard of mundane, contemporary, material happiness and its short coming, then lifting the audience to the spiritual platform.
I listen to your classes and remember your instructions but I am missing your physical association. We all know the point that Prabhupada makes about the two ways of associating with a saintly person, one way is by vapu, by enjoying the physical presence and the other is by vani, by assimilating the spiritual sound vibrations. Prabhupada always emphasises that of those two vapu is of lesser importance being sometimes available and sometimes not, but vani on the other side is always accessible being eternal instructions transmitted from guru to disciple.
Prabhupada revealed that he never felt separated from his spiritual master being constantly engaged in his service, yet I must frankly admit my deficiency in completely absorbing myself to your instructions, thus I long again for your physical association. I remember all of your darshans, encounters and especially your Bhagavatam classes here in Melbourne or in Sri Mayapur Dhama and I again and again cherish all of them. Either the apparently good moments when you appreciated me like a kind well wisher or the apparently bad times when you chastised me like a loving father.
I especially remember our last encounters, you visited our temple to hold another big preaching program at Melbourne Uni. I heard of your busy schedule and thus I didn’t enrol myself to visit you personally but you spotted me in the temple, mildly scolding me you said: “Nrikesari, why are you hiding yourself from me?”
Your comment really touched my heart, despite all your preaching programs, travels, disciples all over the world still you remembered me and cared for my spiritual well-being. I was touched and amazed how very personal you are.
Being personal in dealings with others, is the foremost quality of a preacher and you teach it by your own example. Your outreach, the university programs, your books, all of your online lectures, your personal dealings and your strict adherence to Vaisnava etiquette are all examples of your care and compassion. Because of compassion you are very eager to create more and more facilitates to allow a greater audience to start and take up the process of bhakti, having said this it appears to me that you are even more eager for all the sadhakas to mature and ripen in bhakti.
A few months, after this incident, Srila Prabhupadas book marathon started, this time I really did not expect to meet you being completely fixed in the sankirtan yajna. Yet, you told that you like to see all the full-time book distributors, so there I was again. We spoke briefly and you wished me well for the Marathon, expressing your care and appreciation for this topmost sacrifice. After this I knew the Marathon is going to be a success and it was indeed.
I was meditating a lot on those two last meetings and they always make me remember the pastime of Lord Caitanya dancing in front of the Rath Cart. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu divided four parties to sing and dance in front of the Lord of the Universe, our Lord Jagganatha, the first party was headed by Nityananda Prabhu, who was dancing to the singing of Svarup Damodar. The second party was headed by Advaita Acarya who was dancing to the sweet singing of Srivasa Thakur. The third and fourth were lead by Haridas Thakur and Vakresvara Pandit. Later three more groups joined, headed by Govinda Gosh, Acutyananda Prabhu, the villagers of Kulinda gram and the people of Khanda.
Every group had their own respective dancers, singers, kartal- and mrdanga players, but what was so astonishing was the fact that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was dancing in the centre of all of them. Mahaprabhu was dancing, chanting and jumping to the kirtan shouting: “Hari, Hari.” “All Glories to Lord Jagganatha.” And every group thought: “Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is present in my group. Indeed, He does not go anywhere else. He is bestowing His mercy upon us.” Indeed only a few devotees like King Prataparudra and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya could see what was really happening.
So in the same way like Sri Caitanya Prabhu was dancing in the middle of every sankirtan party, encouraging and inspiring all the assembled devotees so in the same way I am thinking that you Guru Maharaja are also inspiring and thriving all the devotees in their sankirtan performance all over the world.
On this note I am pleading you, please Guru Maharaja keep your merciful glance upon us.
Your indebted servant,
Nrikesari das
Pallavee Ramparsad
Dearest Maharaj,
I offer my most respectful and humble dandavat pranams at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your loving divine grace.
Dear maharaj, on this vyasa-puja of yours, I pray to Sri Radhavallabha for your well being and good health.
This lockdown has actually been a reality check for me. I realised that I might be taking your association for granted... I'm now looking forward to the day that i can have your physical association and serve you.
I also again pray for the day I can become your daughter and render menial service for your pleasure.
Aspiring to be your servant
Pallavee
I offer my most respectful and humble dandavat pranams at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your loving divine grace.
Dear maharaj, on this vyasa-puja of yours, I pray to Sri Radhavallabha for your well being and good health.
This lockdown has actually been a reality check for me. I realised that I might be taking your association for granted... I'm now looking forward to the day that i can have your physical association and serve you.
I also again pray for the day I can become your daughter and render menial service for your pleasure.
Aspiring to be your servant
Pallavee
Pandava bandhava dasa
Dear Guru-Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You are a great personality, and I lack the qualification to adequately glorify You. But still, I would take any opportunity to try to reciprocate with You.
You are one of those rare souls who took the fulfilment of Guru's instructions as the most important mission in life. Just as Srila Prabhupada did.
In his commentary to Bhagavad-Gita 2.41, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti writes:
“The best kind of intelligence I can have is intelligence used in the service of Krsna. That intelligence is defined as ‘fixed’ when it is intent upon my spiritual master’s instructions such as chanting the Name of Krsna, remembering His activities, and perform¬ing service to His lotus feet. These instructions are my sadhana and my life, both in the beginning stages of bhakti and in bhakti’s perfectional stage. I desire only to follow his instructions; I accept nothing else as my life’s work even in dreams. Whether I am happy or distressed, whether the material world is still there or is destroyed, I don’t care. There is no loss for me. I must simply carry the orders of my spiritual master. Fixedness upon his order is determined intelligence and devotional service, and only by being fixed on his orders can such determined intelli¬gence prosper.”
For me the stage of bhakti described in this commentary is a lofty ideal, a kind of a long-term goal. But You have actually achieved all that – You have sacrificed everything for the mission of Your Spiritual Master without considering Your own plans. I hope against hope that one day, by Your mercy, I would be able to do the same.
Dear Guru-Maharaja, You did not have to go to Bulgaria, Poland, and East Germany to preach, risking Your life; You could have stayed in sunny Southern California and enjoy Your Krsna conscious life. Nobody would have blamed You. Similarly, Srila Prabhupada did not have to come to the West to live with mlecchas and yavanas, he could have just stayed in blissful Vrindavana performing his bhajan. But both of You decided to take the mission of Guru as the most important thing. Srila Prabhupada started the movement in the West but he did not personally come to my country; he left that mission for You. You preached to the first preacher in Bulgaria, he preached to the first devotees, they became my shelter and inspiration in my spiritual life.
Often people who have gone through tough times and ordeals become hard-hearted as a result. But You, Guru-Maharaja, are just the opposite, Your heart overflows with compassion and kindness for ordinary souls like me. You see my weakness but instead of becoming impatient you always encourage me.
I especially appreciate that You always stress the utmost importance of the proper chanting of the Holy Name, warning me not to commit offences. In this way, You constantly remind me of the basic tenets of our philosophy and practice.
We are living in interesting times and they might become even more interesting in the near future. There are some controversies between devotees which, from an external point of view, seem to run very deeply. Once somebody asked you a question regarding one of these controversies. Your reply was very inspiring for me; it changed my perspective on this topic. You said that You prefer to focus on the unique contribution that each and every devotee is making to the sankirtana mission. Then You added, “Though I might have my opinion.”
I think that this answer and especially the mood behind it is very significant. We will have our opinions and they will sometimes differ from the opinions of other devotees; this is an intrinsic feature of individuality. Still, we should keep our relationships with devotees as our top priority; in order to attain that, we should appreciate all devotees, even those who have a different view.
Material relationships have one feature in common – they always come to an end. Spiritual relationships, however, are eternal. By Your example You show me, us, the whole of ISKCON – how we can stay together while simultaneously remaining unique individuals.
Dear Guru-Maharaja, I want to thank You for making it easy for me to like Your lectures, Your kirtans, Your books, Your personality. For a staunch materialist like me, with very deep material desires, this is a most special mercy. Whenever I am with You, I always feel very inspired to serve Krsna more, to become a serious devotee.
Please forgive me my mistakes and offencess and always keep me at Your lotus feet.
Your insignificant servant,
Pandava Bandhava dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
You are a great personality, and I lack the qualification to adequately glorify You. But still, I would take any opportunity to try to reciprocate with You.
You are one of those rare souls who took the fulfilment of Guru's instructions as the most important mission in life. Just as Srila Prabhupada did.
In his commentary to Bhagavad-Gita 2.41, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti writes:
“The best kind of intelligence I can have is intelligence used in the service of Krsna. That intelligence is defined as ‘fixed’ when it is intent upon my spiritual master’s instructions such as chanting the Name of Krsna, remembering His activities, and perform¬ing service to His lotus feet. These instructions are my sadhana and my life, both in the beginning stages of bhakti and in bhakti’s perfectional stage. I desire only to follow his instructions; I accept nothing else as my life’s work even in dreams. Whether I am happy or distressed, whether the material world is still there or is destroyed, I don’t care. There is no loss for me. I must simply carry the orders of my spiritual master. Fixedness upon his order is determined intelligence and devotional service, and only by being fixed on his orders can such determined intelli¬gence prosper.”
For me the stage of bhakti described in this commentary is a lofty ideal, a kind of a long-term goal. But You have actually achieved all that – You have sacrificed everything for the mission of Your Spiritual Master without considering Your own plans. I hope against hope that one day, by Your mercy, I would be able to do the same.
Dear Guru-Maharaja, You did not have to go to Bulgaria, Poland, and East Germany to preach, risking Your life; You could have stayed in sunny Southern California and enjoy Your Krsna conscious life. Nobody would have blamed You. Similarly, Srila Prabhupada did not have to come to the West to live with mlecchas and yavanas, he could have just stayed in blissful Vrindavana performing his bhajan. But both of You decided to take the mission of Guru as the most important thing. Srila Prabhupada started the movement in the West but he did not personally come to my country; he left that mission for You. You preached to the first preacher in Bulgaria, he preached to the first devotees, they became my shelter and inspiration in my spiritual life.
Often people who have gone through tough times and ordeals become hard-hearted as a result. But You, Guru-Maharaja, are just the opposite, Your heart overflows with compassion and kindness for ordinary souls like me. You see my weakness but instead of becoming impatient you always encourage me.
I especially appreciate that You always stress the utmost importance of the proper chanting of the Holy Name, warning me not to commit offences. In this way, You constantly remind me of the basic tenets of our philosophy and practice.
We are living in interesting times and they might become even more interesting in the near future. There are some controversies between devotees which, from an external point of view, seem to run very deeply. Once somebody asked you a question regarding one of these controversies. Your reply was very inspiring for me; it changed my perspective on this topic. You said that You prefer to focus on the unique contribution that each and every devotee is making to the sankirtana mission. Then You added, “Though I might have my opinion.”
I think that this answer and especially the mood behind it is very significant. We will have our opinions and they will sometimes differ from the opinions of other devotees; this is an intrinsic feature of individuality. Still, we should keep our relationships with devotees as our top priority; in order to attain that, we should appreciate all devotees, even those who have a different view.
Material relationships have one feature in common – they always come to an end. Spiritual relationships, however, are eternal. By Your example You show me, us, the whole of ISKCON – how we can stay together while simultaneously remaining unique individuals.
Dear Guru-Maharaja, I want to thank You for making it easy for me to like Your lectures, Your kirtans, Your books, Your personality. For a staunch materialist like me, with very deep material desires, this is a most special mercy. Whenever I am with You, I always feel very inspired to serve Krsna more, to become a serious devotee.
Please forgive me my mistakes and offencess and always keep me at Your lotus feet.
Your insignificant servant,
Pandava Bandhava dasa
Paul Pitts
PAMRO. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
We are always appreciative of your service to Srila Prabhupada and humanity. You agreed to give us shelter long before our subsequent initiation by JPS. Nevertheless your love-kindness has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I am always amazed by your love of God and your dedication to Srila Prabhupada, and other qualities you manifest such as your discipline and erudition in establishing Krishna as Supreme and the "Most Loving". You do this in various ways. Indeed it pours out of your very being like sunshine.
Anyway that is my small homage to you as a well-wisher. Of course I admire one of your disciples (Sastrakrit Prabhu from LosAngeles- now in Atlanta) because he reminds me of what dedication to one's spiritual master should be! Remembering the qualities of a Devotee reminds us of Krishna's qualities. That is what Krishna Consciousness is all about.
I have many many fond, nice memories of you which ultimately connects me to Krishna!
Again I pray your natural compassion and mercy keeps us in your heart and mind when visiting Lord Krishna directly....perhaps you can say at least one good thing about us.
All glories We applaud and thank you for being you---on this, your most auspicious appearance day.
Hare Krishna!
We are always appreciative of your service to Srila Prabhupada and humanity. You agreed to give us shelter long before our subsequent initiation by JPS. Nevertheless your love-kindness has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I am always amazed by your love of God and your dedication to Srila Prabhupada, and other qualities you manifest such as your discipline and erudition in establishing Krishna as Supreme and the "Most Loving". You do this in various ways. Indeed it pours out of your very being like sunshine.
Anyway that is my small homage to you as a well-wisher. Of course I admire one of your disciples (Sastrakrit Prabhu from LosAngeles- now in Atlanta) because he reminds me of what dedication to one's spiritual master should be! Remembering the qualities of a Devotee reminds us of Krishna's qualities. That is what Krishna Consciousness is all about.
I have many many fond, nice memories of you which ultimately connects me to Krishna!
Again I pray your natural compassion and mercy keeps us in your heart and mind when visiting Lord Krishna directly....perhaps you can say at least one good thing about us.
All glories We applaud and thank you for being you---on this, your most auspicious appearance day.
Hare Krishna!
Prabhuram Subramanian
Dear Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your divine self,
Gurudev,
I am eternally indebted to you for the causeless mercy that you are showering on me. I pray to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sr Sri Radha Ballabha, Sri Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra and srila Prabhupada that they may give you a good health and long life time in their service here on earth. Please bless me on the auspicious appearance day of yours.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your divine self,
Gurudev,
I am eternally indebted to you for the causeless mercy that you are showering on me. I pray to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sr Sri Radha Ballabha, Sri Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra and srila Prabhupada that they may give you a good health and long life time in their service here on earth. Please bless me on the auspicious appearance day of yours.
Aspiring to be your servant,
Prabhuram Subramanian
Prema Lahari devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my most humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you, always!
Thank you Gurudeva for your incredible care, encouragement, enthusiasm, and inspiration.
There is so much to thank you for, especially this past year. I selfishly hope New Zealand will keep its borders closed so you can stay here forever.
You kept us alive over the lockdown with incredible classes over zoom, taking us from bhava to bhāva, sharing highlights from bhakti rasamrta sindhu, and then you brought Lord Nrsimhadeva’s pastimes into the spotlight as Nrsimhadeva caturdasi approached. Something small I noticed, a few weeks before the actual day, you were explaining in one of your classes about fear, and how Lord Nrsimhadeva can protect the devotees from fear, then you questioned “why am I talking about Lord Nrsimhadeva so much… Ah his appearance day must be coming up.” It was very wonderful and mystical to see how in tune you are with the approach of the Lord's arrival! Instead of needing reminders from diaries, calendars, or the helpful community notices, it seems Lord Nrsimhadeva manifested Himself in your talks! He made his appearance known through your purity in speaking for His pleasure and our benefit.
As NZ has gradually come to normal, you’ve started giving real live Bhagavatam classes again, and they just get better and better and better! So often I know you’re talking right to me, I have had questions that I feel too foolish or embarrassed to ask but then in the next class you answer them, it’s amazing how you know what I need even when I’m too out of it to know how to ask or what to say.
Thank you Gurudeva for so gently and so so so patiently guiding me to grow into an aspiring Krsna conscious devotee. I’m sorry I’m such a slow learner, and that you have to teach me everything from scratch (not that others haven’t tried) including:
How to dress “We don’t want you looking like a ragamuffin.”
How to put up a letterbox, “make sure it’ll fit on our post” and “do you have numbers to put on it?”
That cleanliness is so important. “No one’s cleaned here?” “Keep the place looking tidy you know, don’t you see the sticks laying everywhere after storms?”
And in our little attempt to start an outreach program in Otaki you have us scratching our heads at why we didn’t choose a bigger town that’s also close by, like Levin or Paraparaumu...and you gently teased us, when you asked how many people came, you raised your hands and said “9 people, Haribol!” Your teasing makes me want to bring a million but even then it wouldn’t be enough, because you are dedicated to Srila Prabhupada’s mission to deliver the whole world with, in your words, perfectly packaged purity.
I have been so fortunate to have been living in New Gupta Vraja over the time you’ve been staying here. You so kindly invited us up to chant with you. There is no way in the 3 worlds that I qualify for such an opportunity but that’s the nature of causeless mercy, no qualification, it all comes from you. I got to hear first hand how you cry out to Krishna as you chant. The intensity of your chanting doesn’t come out in volume but in keen focus, you’re very still and very quietly and humbly chanting so softly I hardly hear you from only a few feet away, yet the atmosphere that your chanting invokes shows the power of your concentration on the Holy Name.
In the class you gave to the Bhakti Lounge community on Radhastami you spoke about chanting, how we may just be mumbling Hare Krishna and Rama, just tasting the shell of the maha mantra (but even the shell is so beneficial). Then you explained what’s really going on for advanced chanters. Krishna is non different from His Name and Radharani is non different from Her Name, so as we chant what’s really happening is the exchange of pure love, as the two come together. So I’m speculating now but the obvious conclusion for the question of how you can chant for soooo long every single morning, listening so carefully with such focussed attention is that you must have cracked the shell and are tasting the pure nectar of the exchange of love in the maha mantra.
Thank you for this chance, to see how a pure devotee chants, through the opportunity of chanting with you I got a tiny bit of insight into how my life depends on the quality of chanting, and how the quality of chanting is affected by offenses. Even though every day I was seeing how perfectly you serve Srila Prabhupada with every fibre of your being, I was shameless enough to become familiar, and I started seeing you, my spiritual master, as an ordinary person.
Maybe I didn't show it so much externally but I had lost the respect and reverence that should have been there. I’m sure you must have noticed this gurudeva, and I beg your forgiveness. when I asked senior devotees how to get over this they reminded me that you are saksat Hari, as good as the Supreme Lord because you are His most confidential servitor, and that not to worry, you wouldn’t let me become familiar. But still I harboured an offensive familiarity towards you, I am sorry Gurudeva.
I see how it affected my own chanting, I lost all taste and felt like sleeping instead of chanting. I somehow got the idea that just by being in your presence your purity would spread to me via osmosis, without me putting in the effort. I was happy to sit there with you facing your beautiful deities on their new alter for 3½-4 hours casually fingering my beads, mumbling Hare Krishna. as time went on I became miserable and dejected, with no enthusiasm for anything except eating and sleeping. I was sure the cause was my poor attitude towards you and my lack of effort in japa, but I couldn’t see what to do about it. Eventually I noticed I needed to sort myself out and stop wasting the opportunity of a lifetime! After taking advice from my seniors, incredible devotees trained by you, I promised myself that I would chant 32 rounds with you the next time, and endeavour with all my reserves of energy to be there with the mantra, forcibly, repeatedly bringing my mind back to the holy name, begging to be purified of my offensive mentality. I needed to give myself a specific numerical goal to match the increased amount of time I had to chant, I thought this would save me from spacing out and I can't believe it took me till your second last day with us to work it out.
I felt a change in myself, my dullness was reduced and my misery was gone. I was excited to serve you, my glorious spiritual master in whatever tiny way I am able. Later that day, when I brought you up some mail, you gave me one of your sidelong glances, that radiates both love and chastisement at the same time, somehow just from your look I understood that I was a naughty child in need of correction, but who you love very much. After thanking me for the mail you smiled and said “seeing you happy is very nourishing”. These words etched themselves into my consciousness, making me more and more grateful for everything you’ve done for me.
On this auspicious day I pray to you for the intelligence to mould my life around chanting Hare Krishna, for the strength to chant with attention and I humbly beg for forgiveness for my multitudes of known and unknown offenses. I pray that I can serve your mission of giving Krishna to everyone, starting with myself.
I am very lucky to have you for a spiritual master and father.
Thank you for everything Gurudeva,
your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Prema Lahari devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you, always!
Thank you Gurudeva for your incredible care, encouragement, enthusiasm, and inspiration.
There is so much to thank you for, especially this past year. I selfishly hope New Zealand will keep its borders closed so you can stay here forever.
You kept us alive over the lockdown with incredible classes over zoom, taking us from bhava to bhāva, sharing highlights from bhakti rasamrta sindhu, and then you brought Lord Nrsimhadeva’s pastimes into the spotlight as Nrsimhadeva caturdasi approached. Something small I noticed, a few weeks before the actual day, you were explaining in one of your classes about fear, and how Lord Nrsimhadeva can protect the devotees from fear, then you questioned “why am I talking about Lord Nrsimhadeva so much… Ah his appearance day must be coming up.” It was very wonderful and mystical to see how in tune you are with the approach of the Lord's arrival! Instead of needing reminders from diaries, calendars, or the helpful community notices, it seems Lord Nrsimhadeva manifested Himself in your talks! He made his appearance known through your purity in speaking for His pleasure and our benefit.
As NZ has gradually come to normal, you’ve started giving real live Bhagavatam classes again, and they just get better and better and better! So often I know you’re talking right to me, I have had questions that I feel too foolish or embarrassed to ask but then in the next class you answer them, it’s amazing how you know what I need even when I’m too out of it to know how to ask or what to say.
Thank you Gurudeva for so gently and so so so patiently guiding me to grow into an aspiring Krsna conscious devotee. I’m sorry I’m such a slow learner, and that you have to teach me everything from scratch (not that others haven’t tried) including:
How to dress “We don’t want you looking like a ragamuffin.”
How to put up a letterbox, “make sure it’ll fit on our post” and “do you have numbers to put on it?”
That cleanliness is so important. “No one’s cleaned here?” “Keep the place looking tidy you know, don’t you see the sticks laying everywhere after storms?”
And in our little attempt to start an outreach program in Otaki you have us scratching our heads at why we didn’t choose a bigger town that’s also close by, like Levin or Paraparaumu...and you gently teased us, when you asked how many people came, you raised your hands and said “9 people, Haribol!” Your teasing makes me want to bring a million but even then it wouldn’t be enough, because you are dedicated to Srila Prabhupada’s mission to deliver the whole world with, in your words, perfectly packaged purity.
I have been so fortunate to have been living in New Gupta Vraja over the time you’ve been staying here. You so kindly invited us up to chant with you. There is no way in the 3 worlds that I qualify for such an opportunity but that’s the nature of causeless mercy, no qualification, it all comes from you. I got to hear first hand how you cry out to Krishna as you chant. The intensity of your chanting doesn’t come out in volume but in keen focus, you’re very still and very quietly and humbly chanting so softly I hardly hear you from only a few feet away, yet the atmosphere that your chanting invokes shows the power of your concentration on the Holy Name.
In the class you gave to the Bhakti Lounge community on Radhastami you spoke about chanting, how we may just be mumbling Hare Krishna and Rama, just tasting the shell of the maha mantra (but even the shell is so beneficial). Then you explained what’s really going on for advanced chanters. Krishna is non different from His Name and Radharani is non different from Her Name, so as we chant what’s really happening is the exchange of pure love, as the two come together. So I’m speculating now but the obvious conclusion for the question of how you can chant for soooo long every single morning, listening so carefully with such focussed attention is that you must have cracked the shell and are tasting the pure nectar of the exchange of love in the maha mantra.
Thank you for this chance, to see how a pure devotee chants, through the opportunity of chanting with you I got a tiny bit of insight into how my life depends on the quality of chanting, and how the quality of chanting is affected by offenses. Even though every day I was seeing how perfectly you serve Srila Prabhupada with every fibre of your being, I was shameless enough to become familiar, and I started seeing you, my spiritual master, as an ordinary person.
Maybe I didn't show it so much externally but I had lost the respect and reverence that should have been there. I’m sure you must have noticed this gurudeva, and I beg your forgiveness. when I asked senior devotees how to get over this they reminded me that you are saksat Hari, as good as the Supreme Lord because you are His most confidential servitor, and that not to worry, you wouldn’t let me become familiar. But still I harboured an offensive familiarity towards you, I am sorry Gurudeva.
I see how it affected my own chanting, I lost all taste and felt like sleeping instead of chanting. I somehow got the idea that just by being in your presence your purity would spread to me via osmosis, without me putting in the effort. I was happy to sit there with you facing your beautiful deities on their new alter for 3½-4 hours casually fingering my beads, mumbling Hare Krishna. as time went on I became miserable and dejected, with no enthusiasm for anything except eating and sleeping. I was sure the cause was my poor attitude towards you and my lack of effort in japa, but I couldn’t see what to do about it. Eventually I noticed I needed to sort myself out and stop wasting the opportunity of a lifetime! After taking advice from my seniors, incredible devotees trained by you, I promised myself that I would chant 32 rounds with you the next time, and endeavour with all my reserves of energy to be there with the mantra, forcibly, repeatedly bringing my mind back to the holy name, begging to be purified of my offensive mentality. I needed to give myself a specific numerical goal to match the increased amount of time I had to chant, I thought this would save me from spacing out and I can't believe it took me till your second last day with us to work it out.
I felt a change in myself, my dullness was reduced and my misery was gone. I was excited to serve you, my glorious spiritual master in whatever tiny way I am able. Later that day, when I brought you up some mail, you gave me one of your sidelong glances, that radiates both love and chastisement at the same time, somehow just from your look I understood that I was a naughty child in need of correction, but who you love very much. After thanking me for the mail you smiled and said “seeing you happy is very nourishing”. These words etched themselves into my consciousness, making me more and more grateful for everything you’ve done for me.
On this auspicious day I pray to you for the intelligence to mould my life around chanting Hare Krishna, for the strength to chant with attention and I humbly beg for forgiveness for my multitudes of known and unknown offenses. I pray that I can serve your mission of giving Krishna to everyone, starting with myself.
I am very lucky to have you for a spiritual master and father.
Thank you for everything Gurudeva,
your aspiring servant and spiritual daughter,
Prema Lahari devi dasi
Prema-Lata Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna
Please accept my humble obeisances dear gurudev
All glories to Srila Prabupada
All glories to you on your glorious appearance day
I cannot Thank you enough for the immense wealth that I get to hold in my hands every single day, I.e Lord Krishna’s most merciful incarnation in the form of his holy name and the sringara seva of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
I do not know if I could ever seriously comprehend what you had to offer, if it had not been for the Veda Club at Auckland university, the loft on beach road and the end-of -year festivals. Ever since childhood I was made aware of the Bhakti yoga process in theory and practise but you were the one that made everything come to life. You were the missing link that officially connected me to Srila Prabhupada. I saw how you made sure everyone did not just finish their rounds but dedicated time to read Srila Prabhupada’s books on a daily basis. It is amazing how you have engaged souls from all walks of life to devote their lives to Lord Krishna and maintain such steady and dynamic services.
You have been able to successfully take the instructions of Srila Prabhupada and design a place where devotees of all levels are able to engage themselves in Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtana movement. By doing this you have acquired all the beauty and splendour of the great souls who are chosen to act as a transparent medium to help conditioned souls go back home.
I am definitely very far and do not processes even a fraction of any kind of pure devotion towards you or Lord Krishna but the following words are what I aspire for, “That is...the cooling shade of Your lotus feet as my only shelter which is the unfailing medicine for a suffering soul. It is said that only when the heart of a disciple is sincerely eager to attain devotion of Lord Krishna, Sri Guru manifests his mercy, just as the rising of the sun impel the lotus to open its petals. The lotus feet of Sri Guru are the abode of worship and the life and soul of his disciple, for whom the Guru is always manifest and will never leave. A true disciple cries in great anxiety, falling at the divine feet of Sri Guru, appealing with deep eagerness for his masters merciful glance upon his life, (Kandiya Kandiya, Tamara carane, padiyachi suvihvala). Sri Guru is Krishna’s kripa-shakti. Someone who develops devotion to Guru will surely achieve love for Lord Krishna.
These words give me hope that slowly but surely one day I might be able to get a glimpse of the treasure of Prema that resides in your heart. As in the hereditary process the children receive the wealth that the father possesses, so it is also the same with the spiritual father and his spiritual children. The verdict of all revealed scriptures state that even with a moment’s association of such a pure devotee, one can obtain all success.
Thank you so so much for taking up such a difficult service that demands so much for your time and energy to be able to authentically represent the guru parampara and deal with all types of conditioned souls. I truely appreciate all the efforts that you make to rescue and maintain all your disciples.
I am also very grateful and indebted for all the service opportunities that has come my way due to your mercy. It has definitely kept me safe from the illusory distractions of this world. It is indeed a great fortune to be able to say that no matter where I went in this world I have never been deprived of any kind of devotional service. Somehow even at a distance you have made sure I have the best engagements for every one of my senses.
I pray that I will be capable of doing more services for you in this life and beyond.
Your servant,
Prema-Lata Dēvī Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances dear gurudev
All glories to Srila Prabupada
All glories to you on your glorious appearance day
I cannot Thank you enough for the immense wealth that I get to hold in my hands every single day, I.e Lord Krishna’s most merciful incarnation in the form of his holy name and the sringara seva of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
I do not know if I could ever seriously comprehend what you had to offer, if it had not been for the Veda Club at Auckland university, the loft on beach road and the end-of -year festivals. Ever since childhood I was made aware of the Bhakti yoga process in theory and practise but you were the one that made everything come to life. You were the missing link that officially connected me to Srila Prabhupada. I saw how you made sure everyone did not just finish their rounds but dedicated time to read Srila Prabhupada’s books on a daily basis. It is amazing how you have engaged souls from all walks of life to devote their lives to Lord Krishna and maintain such steady and dynamic services.
You have been able to successfully take the instructions of Srila Prabhupada and design a place where devotees of all levels are able to engage themselves in Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtana movement. By doing this you have acquired all the beauty and splendour of the great souls who are chosen to act as a transparent medium to help conditioned souls go back home.
I am definitely very far and do not processes even a fraction of any kind of pure devotion towards you or Lord Krishna but the following words are what I aspire for, “That is...the cooling shade of Your lotus feet as my only shelter which is the unfailing medicine for a suffering soul. It is said that only when the heart of a disciple is sincerely eager to attain devotion of Lord Krishna, Sri Guru manifests his mercy, just as the rising of the sun impel the lotus to open its petals. The lotus feet of Sri Guru are the abode of worship and the life and soul of his disciple, for whom the Guru is always manifest and will never leave. A true disciple cries in great anxiety, falling at the divine feet of Sri Guru, appealing with deep eagerness for his masters merciful glance upon his life, (Kandiya Kandiya, Tamara carane, padiyachi suvihvala). Sri Guru is Krishna’s kripa-shakti. Someone who develops devotion to Guru will surely achieve love for Lord Krishna.
These words give me hope that slowly but surely one day I might be able to get a glimpse of the treasure of Prema that resides in your heart. As in the hereditary process the children receive the wealth that the father possesses, so it is also the same with the spiritual father and his spiritual children. The verdict of all revealed scriptures state that even with a moment’s association of such a pure devotee, one can obtain all success.
Thank you so so much for taking up such a difficult service that demands so much for your time and energy to be able to authentically represent the guru parampara and deal with all types of conditioned souls. I truely appreciate all the efforts that you make to rescue and maintain all your disciples.
I am also very grateful and indebted for all the service opportunities that has come my way due to your mercy. It has definitely kept me safe from the illusory distractions of this world. It is indeed a great fortune to be able to say that no matter where I went in this world I have never been deprived of any kind of devotional service. Somehow even at a distance you have made sure I have the best engagements for every one of my senses.
I pray that I will be capable of doing more services for you in this life and beyond.
Your servant,
Prema-Lata Dēvī Dasi
Premdham das
Hare Krishna
Guru Maharaj.
I would like to humbly request the supreme person to give all good health and Krishna Prem.
Our last year as for all was filled with lot of ups and downs challenges of health the financial strains.
By your grace and the blessings of all the Vaishnav around we could keep our guest in small service as we can.
We are the part of Friday Bhagwat Geeta program that is conducted by the disciples of his holiness they were Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
I am regularly engaged in teaching programs to youth programs the journey of self-discovery in different Engineering and Management colleges.
We also took the possession of our office space which we will be using for corporate trainings and if possible on sub renting model. But unfortunately because of the covid lockdown we could not get it up and running. Now with your blessings things will start better post Diwali.
Last year, Madhurya Dham was engrossed in completion of Bhakti Shastri course and completed number of open and closed book exam, spend lots of time in understanding reading and listening to the lecture.
Her favourite service is stitching diety dresses of Jagannath Baldev & Subhadra Mai.
Ananya is a change girls now she spend a lot of time in studying and trying to discipline herself in various part of her studies and extracurricular activities. She has developed a lot of self confidence and self discipline she studies and practically all by herself.
Ananya for last 3 months regularly, without fail is chanting one round and now from day before yesterday she started doing two rounds
Vrajdham is very naughty in so many different activities occasionally he gents he Chand he also decides Hanuman Chalisa he is small troublemaker in the family close supervision very happy go lucky person.
Once again on this auspicious occasion convey our heartfelt gratitude for Mercy and love that you been showing on this useless souls may Krishna bless you with good health
Prem Dham Das
Madhurya Dham Devi Dasi
Ananya
Vraj dham
Guru Maharaj.
I would like to humbly request the supreme person to give all good health and Krishna Prem.
Our last year as for all was filled with lot of ups and downs challenges of health the financial strains.
By your grace and the blessings of all the Vaishnav around we could keep our guest in small service as we can.
We are the part of Friday Bhagwat Geeta program that is conducted by the disciples of his holiness they were Radhanath Swami Maharaj.
I am regularly engaged in teaching programs to youth programs the journey of self-discovery in different Engineering and Management colleges.
We also took the possession of our office space which we will be using for corporate trainings and if possible on sub renting model. But unfortunately because of the covid lockdown we could not get it up and running. Now with your blessings things will start better post Diwali.
Last year, Madhurya Dham was engrossed in completion of Bhakti Shastri course and completed number of open and closed book exam, spend lots of time in understanding reading and listening to the lecture.
Her favourite service is stitching diety dresses of Jagannath Baldev & Subhadra Mai.
Ananya is a change girls now she spend a lot of time in studying and trying to discipline herself in various part of her studies and extracurricular activities. She has developed a lot of self confidence and self discipline she studies and practically all by herself.
Ananya for last 3 months regularly, without fail is chanting one round and now from day before yesterday she started doing two rounds
Vrajdham is very naughty in so many different activities occasionally he gents he Chand he also decides Hanuman Chalisa he is small troublemaker in the family close supervision very happy go lucky person.
Once again on this auspicious occasion convey our heartfelt gratitude for Mercy and love that you been showing on this useless souls may Krishna bless you with good health
Prem Dham Das
Madhurya Dham Devi Dasi
Ananya
Vraj dham
Priyanka Mittal
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
I pray to Krishna for your good health and that you continue to achieve great successes in your endeavours to spread Krishna consciousness around the world.
I am trying to hear your lectures every day and follow your instructions, especially regarding chanting the quantity and quality rounds.
Please continue to engage me in your service.
Only with your blessings can I always remain in the association of devotees, serve them and continue my journey to back home, back to Godhead.
Your aspiring servant
Priyanka Mittal
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you.
I pray to Krishna for your good health and that you continue to achieve great successes in your endeavours to spread Krishna consciousness around the world.
I am trying to hear your lectures every day and follow your instructions, especially regarding chanting the quantity and quality rounds.
Please continue to engage me in your service.
Only with your blessings can I always remain in the association of devotees, serve them and continue my journey to back home, back to Godhead.
Your aspiring servant
Priyanka Mittal
Purnananda Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
And all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
We are so fortunate to have such a magnanimous spiritual master as you, Gurudeva. You give so much of your precious time, knowledge and consideration to all. I often wonder what you must have been through, the sacrifices you must have made, and yet each time you so mercifully grace us with your presence, you emanate such an effulgence and reassuring composure that we all wonder how on Earth you do what you do. I am sure that we have no idea of even the half of it. You are so humble and I am so caught up in my own insignificant affairs that I ashamedly know very little about all the wonderful things you have done and continue to do.
Still, I wanted to at least try to say something meaningful to you at this most special time. And so feeling helpless and unqualified to offer anything heart-felt and sincere to you I picked up Canto 7 of Srimad Bhagavatam, which you have been speaking on recently in your classes and opened it to the following statement by Prahlada Maharaja:
S.B. 7.8.7
śrī-prahrāda uvāca
na kevalaṁ me bhavataś ca rājan
sa vai balaṁ balināṁ cāpareṣām
pare ’vare ’mī sthira-jaṅgamā ye
brahmādayo yena vaśaṁ praṇītāḥ
Prahlada Maharaja said: My dear King, the source of my strength, of which you are asking, is also the source of yours. Indeed, the original source of all kinds of strength is one. He is not only your strength or mine, but the only strength for everyone. Without Him noone can get any strength. Whether moving or not moving, superior or inferior, everyone, including Lord Brahma is controlled by the strength of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
This subject of spiritual strength, which emanates from the Supreme Lord reminded me of something that I have been reading over and over again recently, and is astounding beyond all belief. I have not actually understood for the last four years who you really are and what is your stature. Quite astonishingly in the Krishna Book, in Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krishna in the Womb, it is stated:
“…the spiritual master is the representative of Balarama, the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead who supplies spiritual strength.”
And here also it is stated:
“…in the Caitanya Caritamrita is confirmed that the spiritual master is the manifestation of the mercy of Krishna.”
How wonderful this is, and how great and merciful you are!
You are certainly the source of strength to all of us. Without you, we are bereft of anything, and it is only by your mercy that we can understand our position and become situated rightly. You are the power that sustains all of us. You are our source of gravity, which helps us to keep our feet on the bhakti path.
You only heard one sound from your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Not even a word, but a resounding “mmm” in your Bhaktivedanta Book Trust editing office. I think this is a testament to your sincerity, loyalty, humility and your golden heart. Which of us would so selflessly serve if we had never had the opportunity to speak with you, especially in our early years? That seems very mystical. I think this is also a testament to your strength, Gurudeva. Your strength is so great that you are able to sustain a worldwide community of disciples, and so many preaching operations. You are able to save so many persons’ lives and turn innumerable lives completely around forever. You are able to ignite the torchlight within our wretched hearts and help to shine through the dense darkness of ignorance within in the times that we are at our most covered over.
When you come to speak to all of us, it is exactly as described in the Krishna Book, also in the Prayers to the Demigods chapter, that you so mercifully bring with you the transcendental boat of the lotus feet of Krishna, and you make that same boat, by which you have traversed the great ocean, available to all. Just by hearing your talks about Krishna our collective oceans of material nescience, which are immeasurable, feel as though they are reduced to the size of the water in a calf’s hoofprint. And in your ecstatic kirtans it seems as though this nescience is obliterated all together - if only they didn’t have to end!!! Such is the effect of your spiritual strength. Through your strength alone, you are able to pull your disciples and many others out of the darkness of ignorance. And you are the best example of using everything in Krishna’s service. You have shared with us that in your pre-Krishna Conscious days you were renowned for knowing where all the best music venues were, the best gigs, and now you create and share the best music in all the three worlds! You put on the best kirtan gigs on Earth! As soon as you have departed we all feel helpless and weak again, and it is only through trying to follow your instructions in the interim that we can get any strength to try to keep our heads above the water.
Practicality is also a great strength of yours and it is very inspiring to see how you always take care of your health and show an illuminating example of a balanced, practical approach to Krishna Consciousness. In this way you are the star that is shooting eternally. Thank you for being so real Gurudeva.
Personalism is perhaps one of the most difficult qualities to possess in this age of Kali, but this is certainly your forte. You are so personal with every audience and are mystically able to scope out all the individuals in the room and speak with that in mind on a collective level. You do not discriminate and give personal time not only to your devotees, but also guests who come to Bhakti Lounge and you give them the opportunity to see you personally. And you do this so frequently at the Bhakti Lounge to speak of one preaching centre. I cannot imagine how much you actually do all around the world, how many persons you meet, how much you give personally, how much you take on, how much you sacrifice, the great risks that you take. You have sacrificed so much to come to this most secular of places and distribute your mercy, teaching us how to try to be real human beings. Even this year during this lockdown period, you still travel within your means to give Krishna to as many people as possible. You are selfless in that way, never considering your own conveniences, but simply following the order of your spiritual master.
In the final page of the wonderful jewel that is your book Bhakti-bhava, you perfectly surmise the solution to everything. In this one paragraph alone you so mercifully identify and share the secret that if we understood and actually took to heart could remove the blocks that prevent us from making any progress in life.
“We became envious of Krishna. That is, we wanted to do as He does. That’s no small innocent error; to accomplish that illusion, we had to enter the realm of illusion, we had to enter the realm of illusion. Envy of Krishna is the root of all our psychological problems. Why should Krishna be served? What about me and my senses? Why so much glory for Krishna? Everything is for and about Krishna Krishna Krishna! Who’s praising me, serving me, pampering me?”
Just reading your words seemed to stir up the deep-rooted envy in my heart and seeing all my selfishness come to the fore recently, I have begun to retort to my self-absorbed mind, What about Krishna???
And what about you, Gurudeva? What about you???
The person who has given so much, sacrificed so much, taken on so much. Oh I hope that I can become a devotee so that you can become free from worry. And so I pray that my heart be reformed and I can become concerned with your pleasure and your transcendental desires, because I do not know how to desire. Unfortunately, I take your presence and the service opportunities you provide to me very cheaply.
So I pray that I may always remember all these things about you. You are certainly no ordinary person, Gurudeva, but my actions show what’s really in my heart, and regrettably I’m not as sincere as I thought I was. I pray that I can become more personal with you and your devotees and develop some humility and enquire from you how I can serve you, what you would like, what would please you? And to stop take, take, taking from you and give, give, give everything back to you, because you have given everything. I pray for the strength to be able to become situated properly so that I can sacrifice more for you, and to be able to give more to others in the process of getting there.
Thank you so much Gurudeva for all of your care and personalism. You have the biggest heart I have ever seen and I hope that I can be more respectful towards you in the future and actually take care of others as you so desire. I pray that through seeing your shining example and the example of your devotees that I can become more personal with everyone, treating everyone as they should be treated, and therefore be a better servant unto your lotus feet, and living day by day simply following your instructions without duplicity.
Praying to be your humble servant,
Purnananda Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
And all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
We are so fortunate to have such a magnanimous spiritual master as you, Gurudeva. You give so much of your precious time, knowledge and consideration to all. I often wonder what you must have been through, the sacrifices you must have made, and yet each time you so mercifully grace us with your presence, you emanate such an effulgence and reassuring composure that we all wonder how on Earth you do what you do. I am sure that we have no idea of even the half of it. You are so humble and I am so caught up in my own insignificant affairs that I ashamedly know very little about all the wonderful things you have done and continue to do.
Still, I wanted to at least try to say something meaningful to you at this most special time. And so feeling helpless and unqualified to offer anything heart-felt and sincere to you I picked up Canto 7 of Srimad Bhagavatam, which you have been speaking on recently in your classes and opened it to the following statement by Prahlada Maharaja:
S.B. 7.8.7
śrī-prahrāda uvāca
na kevalaṁ me bhavataś ca rājan
sa vai balaṁ balināṁ cāpareṣām
pare ’vare ’mī sthira-jaṅgamā ye
brahmādayo yena vaśaṁ praṇītāḥ
Prahlada Maharaja said: My dear King, the source of my strength, of which you are asking, is also the source of yours. Indeed, the original source of all kinds of strength is one. He is not only your strength or mine, but the only strength for everyone. Without Him noone can get any strength. Whether moving or not moving, superior or inferior, everyone, including Lord Brahma is controlled by the strength of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
This subject of spiritual strength, which emanates from the Supreme Lord reminded me of something that I have been reading over and over again recently, and is astounding beyond all belief. I have not actually understood for the last four years who you really are and what is your stature. Quite astonishingly in the Krishna Book, in Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krishna in the Womb, it is stated:
“…the spiritual master is the representative of Balarama, the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead who supplies spiritual strength.”
And here also it is stated:
“…in the Caitanya Caritamrita is confirmed that the spiritual master is the manifestation of the mercy of Krishna.”
How wonderful this is, and how great and merciful you are!
You are certainly the source of strength to all of us. Without you, we are bereft of anything, and it is only by your mercy that we can understand our position and become situated rightly. You are the power that sustains all of us. You are our source of gravity, which helps us to keep our feet on the bhakti path.
You only heard one sound from your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Not even a word, but a resounding “mmm” in your Bhaktivedanta Book Trust editing office. I think this is a testament to your sincerity, loyalty, humility and your golden heart. Which of us would so selflessly serve if we had never had the opportunity to speak with you, especially in our early years? That seems very mystical. I think this is also a testament to your strength, Gurudeva. Your strength is so great that you are able to sustain a worldwide community of disciples, and so many preaching operations. You are able to save so many persons’ lives and turn innumerable lives completely around forever. You are able to ignite the torchlight within our wretched hearts and help to shine through the dense darkness of ignorance within in the times that we are at our most covered over.
When you come to speak to all of us, it is exactly as described in the Krishna Book, also in the Prayers to the Demigods chapter, that you so mercifully bring with you the transcendental boat of the lotus feet of Krishna, and you make that same boat, by which you have traversed the great ocean, available to all. Just by hearing your talks about Krishna our collective oceans of material nescience, which are immeasurable, feel as though they are reduced to the size of the water in a calf’s hoofprint. And in your ecstatic kirtans it seems as though this nescience is obliterated all together - if only they didn’t have to end!!! Such is the effect of your spiritual strength. Through your strength alone, you are able to pull your disciples and many others out of the darkness of ignorance. And you are the best example of using everything in Krishna’s service. You have shared with us that in your pre-Krishna Conscious days you were renowned for knowing where all the best music venues were, the best gigs, and now you create and share the best music in all the three worlds! You put on the best kirtan gigs on Earth! As soon as you have departed we all feel helpless and weak again, and it is only through trying to follow your instructions in the interim that we can get any strength to try to keep our heads above the water.
Practicality is also a great strength of yours and it is very inspiring to see how you always take care of your health and show an illuminating example of a balanced, practical approach to Krishna Consciousness. In this way you are the star that is shooting eternally. Thank you for being so real Gurudeva.
Personalism is perhaps one of the most difficult qualities to possess in this age of Kali, but this is certainly your forte. You are so personal with every audience and are mystically able to scope out all the individuals in the room and speak with that in mind on a collective level. You do not discriminate and give personal time not only to your devotees, but also guests who come to Bhakti Lounge and you give them the opportunity to see you personally. And you do this so frequently at the Bhakti Lounge to speak of one preaching centre. I cannot imagine how much you actually do all around the world, how many persons you meet, how much you give personally, how much you take on, how much you sacrifice, the great risks that you take. You have sacrificed so much to come to this most secular of places and distribute your mercy, teaching us how to try to be real human beings. Even this year during this lockdown period, you still travel within your means to give Krishna to as many people as possible. You are selfless in that way, never considering your own conveniences, but simply following the order of your spiritual master.
In the final page of the wonderful jewel that is your book Bhakti-bhava, you perfectly surmise the solution to everything. In this one paragraph alone you so mercifully identify and share the secret that if we understood and actually took to heart could remove the blocks that prevent us from making any progress in life.
“We became envious of Krishna. That is, we wanted to do as He does. That’s no small innocent error; to accomplish that illusion, we had to enter the realm of illusion, we had to enter the realm of illusion. Envy of Krishna is the root of all our psychological problems. Why should Krishna be served? What about me and my senses? Why so much glory for Krishna? Everything is for and about Krishna Krishna Krishna! Who’s praising me, serving me, pampering me?”
Just reading your words seemed to stir up the deep-rooted envy in my heart and seeing all my selfishness come to the fore recently, I have begun to retort to my self-absorbed mind, What about Krishna???
And what about you, Gurudeva? What about you???
The person who has given so much, sacrificed so much, taken on so much. Oh I hope that I can become a devotee so that you can become free from worry. And so I pray that my heart be reformed and I can become concerned with your pleasure and your transcendental desires, because I do not know how to desire. Unfortunately, I take your presence and the service opportunities you provide to me very cheaply.
So I pray that I may always remember all these things about you. You are certainly no ordinary person, Gurudeva, but my actions show what’s really in my heart, and regrettably I’m not as sincere as I thought I was. I pray that I can become more personal with you and your devotees and develop some humility and enquire from you how I can serve you, what you would like, what would please you? And to stop take, take, taking from you and give, give, give everything back to you, because you have given everything. I pray for the strength to be able to become situated properly so that I can sacrifice more for you, and to be able to give more to others in the process of getting there.
Thank you so much Gurudeva for all of your care and personalism. You have the biggest heart I have ever seen and I hope that I can be more respectful towards you in the future and actually take care of others as you so desire. I pray that through seeing your shining example and the example of your devotees that I can become more personal with everyone, treating everyone as they should be treated, and therefore be a better servant unto your lotus feet, and living day by day simply following your instructions without duplicity.
Praying to be your humble servant,
Purnananda Devi Dasi
Radha Ananda devi dasi
Hare Krishna dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologize to you for all that trouble that I may have caused you and your dear disciples due to me operating from the lowest modes of material nature. I know I wasn’t a good disciple and I have made many mistakes in these last couple of years. Unfortunately, I cannot bring time back. All I can do is beg you and your dear disciples for forgiveness.
Secondly, I would like to thank you for being such a loving, patient and tolerant spiritual father. You did not even verbally chastise me for my rebellious behavior. From your recent lectures I recall you saying that if a disciple does not want to be helped all you can do is to patiently wait until that person gets their senses back and asks for guidance again.
Gurudeva, you have been in my life since I was 22 years old, I am so grateful that you created the Bhakti lounge where I found Krishna’s devotees and bhakti yoga. I never ever want to be deprived of this blessing. I want to be forever grateful for what you have done for me.
Gurudeva please forgive me. I need your guidance and I miss your association. It may be hard to believe me, but all I want one day is to be a simple servant at your lotus feet. I hope that one day I will be able to please you again.
Thank you for all you have done to spread Krishna Consciousness around the world and for being such an amazing example to all of us.
Your servant,
Radha Ananda devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologize to you for all that trouble that I may have caused you and your dear disciples due to me operating from the lowest modes of material nature. I know I wasn’t a good disciple and I have made many mistakes in these last couple of years. Unfortunately, I cannot bring time back. All I can do is beg you and your dear disciples for forgiveness.
Secondly, I would like to thank you for being such a loving, patient and tolerant spiritual father. You did not even verbally chastise me for my rebellious behavior. From your recent lectures I recall you saying that if a disciple does not want to be helped all you can do is to patiently wait until that person gets their senses back and asks for guidance again.
Gurudeva, you have been in my life since I was 22 years old, I am so grateful that you created the Bhakti lounge where I found Krishna’s devotees and bhakti yoga. I never ever want to be deprived of this blessing. I want to be forever grateful for what you have done for me.
Gurudeva please forgive me. I need your guidance and I miss your association. It may be hard to believe me, but all I want one day is to be a simple servant at your lotus feet. I hope that one day I will be able to please you again.
Thank you for all you have done to spread Krishna Consciousness around the world and for being such an amazing example to all of us.
Your servant,
Radha Ananda devi dasi
Radha Madhupati Devi Dasi
Hare Krishna dear Guru Maharaj!
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja!
This year the pandemic has changed the World situation and we can not have your personal association; but I thank you for lifting our spirits through your beautiful lectures and giving us association through your vani. You guide us how to overcome difficult situations in the world and use our time wisely to focus on our sadhana, on chanting more rounds and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Last year in November during the time of my initiation, I had contracted the Shingles and my right hand was affected. I was in terrible pain and chanting 16 rounds became a great challenge. Even holding my chanting beads in my hand was very painful. When Sriman Nrsimha Prabhu told you about my situation, you said that this material body is the cause of suffering which is very true, Gurudeva. While going through this pain I have come more closer to Krishna by realising that He is teaching me to be more patient and tolerant towards my problem which will solve itself as time passes. Everything in this material world is temporary as it is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita (BG 2.14). I am feeling very fortunate being in Krishna Consciousness and possessing this transcendental knowledge is greatly helping me in my recovery. This experience has taught me how important it is to be Krishna Conscious and stay surrendered to Lord Krishna completely and follow the path of Bhakti Yoga at all times in life.
I want to please Krishna by serving you and following your personal instructions to me, Gurudeva. Due to my illness I could not do much seva earlier this year but now I have recently started my weekly cooking service at the Sydney Temple. I have also distributed nine books so far this year. I love this seva because giving books to non-devotees is like giving Krishna directly to them and you told me to give Krishna to everyone. Due to COVID-19, I could not invite many new people to my home this year and so I have been distributing prasadam along with doing book distribution.
I always remember when you say:
“Don’t just live for yourself, live for others.”
“The more you give Krishna to others, the more Krishna gives Himself to You.”
I thank you for your blessings, loving attention and guidance – not only to my son Sriman Nrsimha Prabhu and I, but also my husband and Rohan; all of us in the family.
I pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva to protect you always and I pray to Sri Radha-Gopinath to keep you in good health so that you can serve Srila Prabhupada for many more years. I pray that your empowered preaching all over the world continues and that you help the fallen souls to take to Krishna Consciousness and go back to home, back to Godhead.
Your humble servant,
Radha Madhupati Devi Dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja!
This year the pandemic has changed the World situation and we can not have your personal association; but I thank you for lifting our spirits through your beautiful lectures and giving us association through your vani. You guide us how to overcome difficult situations in the world and use our time wisely to focus on our sadhana, on chanting more rounds and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Last year in November during the time of my initiation, I had contracted the Shingles and my right hand was affected. I was in terrible pain and chanting 16 rounds became a great challenge. Even holding my chanting beads in my hand was very painful. When Sriman Nrsimha Prabhu told you about my situation, you said that this material body is the cause of suffering which is very true, Gurudeva. While going through this pain I have come more closer to Krishna by realising that He is teaching me to be more patient and tolerant towards my problem which will solve itself as time passes. Everything in this material world is temporary as it is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita (BG 2.14). I am feeling very fortunate being in Krishna Consciousness and possessing this transcendental knowledge is greatly helping me in my recovery. This experience has taught me how important it is to be Krishna Conscious and stay surrendered to Lord Krishna completely and follow the path of Bhakti Yoga at all times in life.
I want to please Krishna by serving you and following your personal instructions to me, Gurudeva. Due to my illness I could not do much seva earlier this year but now I have recently started my weekly cooking service at the Sydney Temple. I have also distributed nine books so far this year. I love this seva because giving books to non-devotees is like giving Krishna directly to them and you told me to give Krishna to everyone. Due to COVID-19, I could not invite many new people to my home this year and so I have been distributing prasadam along with doing book distribution.
I always remember when you say:
“Don’t just live for yourself, live for others.”
“The more you give Krishna to others, the more Krishna gives Himself to You.”
I thank you for your blessings, loving attention and guidance – not only to my son Sriman Nrsimha Prabhu and I, but also my husband and Rohan; all of us in the family.
I pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva to protect you always and I pray to Sri Radha-Gopinath to keep you in good health so that you can serve Srila Prabhupada for many more years. I pray that your empowered preaching all over the world continues and that you help the fallen souls to take to Krishna Consciousness and go back to home, back to Godhead.
Your humble servant,
Radha Madhupati Devi Dasi
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All gloires to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Life in this world has become like a train wreck. 2020 has been a year like no other. The true uncertainty of this world has really moved to the forefront of peoples minds. Although the uncertainty of this temporary and ever changing environment has always been there, material nature has really shined a light on it for all to see.
Experiencing lockdown at first, I could sense my rebellious spirit flare up. Feeling the weight of the restrictions imposed on us. During your first outreach event at Bhakti Lounge after the lockdown had ended you shared with guests how having a material body is actually a type of lockdown - it restricts us! I listened in admiration as you expertly explained to everyone the problems of having a material body and the restrictions it imposes. I love how you use every day current events to help people grasp deeper spiritual understandings. You make Bhakti accessible to all of us.
In another recent lecture you were explaining, if we really knew what surrender meant, we would jump at the opportunity. By attaching a materialistic understanding and outlook to surrender we limit ourselves and feel constricted. But really in reality, what true surrender actually brings is bliss, knowledge and eternality.
You are the perfect example of someone who is devoting their whole life to Krsna. Expert in so many areas. The love and care you extend to those trying to make Krsna the centre of their lives, to the new persons and inquisitive souls standing on the shores wondering if they should dip their toes into Bhakti waters or just dive right in.
Truth be told there is so much you do that is unseen to us. All the things you do in the background. In a recent meeting you were sharing with my husband and I tips and ways to combat the stress and challenge of juggling many different projects at the same time. It was so helpful for us and really lifted a weight off our minds.
It also gave me so much more appreciation for everything you do. We are just living in one tiny part of the world and you are dealing with so much all around the world!
Thank you Gurudeva, I am so grateful to you. You have steered my life in directions I’ve never even imagined possible. Encouraging me to revive my intelligence and to use my head and heart in Bhakti.
I see how devoted you are to your beloved spiritual master, it inspires me to try and do the same. Although I know I’ve got an extremely long way to go.
Recently you have been engaging me in renovation service at New Gupta Vraja. I’m also taking this opportunity to try to revamp my heart. I’m finding the longer one spends in Bhakti, the longer and farther one feels they have to go. Like with building and renovations there’s a lot of work involved. Dust flies everywhere and coats everything. Similarly the coating of dirt and dust on my heart and mind are equally as stubborn. Just because the dust may settle it doesn’t mean that its no longer there. Bhakti requires active participation.
I sincerely pray for your ongoing mercy so that I can renovate the inner core of my heart, to transform my inner terrain to one of love for Krsna. Cleansing my heart of unwanted things to make way for selfless devotional service so that perhaps maybe one day I won’t be a hindrance.
Praying to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet always.
Your spiritual daughter and trainee renovator of heart,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All gloires to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this most auspicious day.
Life in this world has become like a train wreck. 2020 has been a year like no other. The true uncertainty of this world has really moved to the forefront of peoples minds. Although the uncertainty of this temporary and ever changing environment has always been there, material nature has really shined a light on it for all to see.
Experiencing lockdown at first, I could sense my rebellious spirit flare up. Feeling the weight of the restrictions imposed on us. During your first outreach event at Bhakti Lounge after the lockdown had ended you shared with guests how having a material body is actually a type of lockdown - it restricts us! I listened in admiration as you expertly explained to everyone the problems of having a material body and the restrictions it imposes. I love how you use every day current events to help people grasp deeper spiritual understandings. You make Bhakti accessible to all of us.
In another recent lecture you were explaining, if we really knew what surrender meant, we would jump at the opportunity. By attaching a materialistic understanding and outlook to surrender we limit ourselves and feel constricted. But really in reality, what true surrender actually brings is bliss, knowledge and eternality.
You are the perfect example of someone who is devoting their whole life to Krsna. Expert in so many areas. The love and care you extend to those trying to make Krsna the centre of their lives, to the new persons and inquisitive souls standing on the shores wondering if they should dip their toes into Bhakti waters or just dive right in.
Truth be told there is so much you do that is unseen to us. All the things you do in the background. In a recent meeting you were sharing with my husband and I tips and ways to combat the stress and challenge of juggling many different projects at the same time. It was so helpful for us and really lifted a weight off our minds.
It also gave me so much more appreciation for everything you do. We are just living in one tiny part of the world and you are dealing with so much all around the world!
Thank you Gurudeva, I am so grateful to you. You have steered my life in directions I’ve never even imagined possible. Encouraging me to revive my intelligence and to use my head and heart in Bhakti.
I see how devoted you are to your beloved spiritual master, it inspires me to try and do the same. Although I know I’ve got an extremely long way to go.
Recently you have been engaging me in renovation service at New Gupta Vraja. I’m also taking this opportunity to try to revamp my heart. I’m finding the longer one spends in Bhakti, the longer and farther one feels they have to go. Like with building and renovations there’s a lot of work involved. Dust flies everywhere and coats everything. Similarly the coating of dirt and dust on my heart and mind are equally as stubborn. Just because the dust may settle it doesn’t mean that its no longer there. Bhakti requires active participation.
I sincerely pray for your ongoing mercy so that I can renovate the inner core of my heart, to transform my inner terrain to one of love for Krsna. Cleansing my heart of unwanted things to make way for selfless devotional service so that perhaps maybe one day I won’t be a hindrance.
Praying to remain at the shelter of your lotus feet always.
Your spiritual daughter and trainee renovator of heart,
Radha Prasada devi dasi
Radha-mohan Das
Dearest Gurumaharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your most auspicious Vyasapuja!
During these unprecedented times, when the world is shaken up by the pandemic, and the so-called "normal" is being questioned, I am feeling extremely fortunate to be allowed to remain associated with the most glorious Sankirtan movement of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as an insignificant participant in the army of Srila Prabhupada and his sincere followers. This is happening ONLY BECAUSE OF YOUR CAUSELESS MERCY upon me, an undeserving soul.
With each passing day, I am being made aware of my inadequacy and inability in fulfilling your instructions sincerely. Despite my disqualifications and fallen nature, your mercy is somehow keeping me afloat and allowing me to render insignificant service to the sincere warriors of the Sankirtan Army.
Please forgive me for all my offences, Gurudev. I am begging at your lotus feet to not give up on me. Your shelter and mercy is my ONLY HOPE in this life.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I am praying to Sri Sri Radha Damodar for your good health so that many more fallen souls like me can become Krishna Consciousness in this very lifetime.
Your useless and fallen servant,
Radha-mohan das
Toronto Canada
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your most auspicious Vyasapuja!
During these unprecedented times, when the world is shaken up by the pandemic, and the so-called "normal" is being questioned, I am feeling extremely fortunate to be allowed to remain associated with the most glorious Sankirtan movement of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as an insignificant participant in the army of Srila Prabhupada and his sincere followers. This is happening ONLY BECAUSE OF YOUR CAUSELESS MERCY upon me, an undeserving soul.
With each passing day, I am being made aware of my inadequacy and inability in fulfilling your instructions sincerely. Despite my disqualifications and fallen nature, your mercy is somehow keeping me afloat and allowing me to render insignificant service to the sincere warriors of the Sankirtan Army.
Please forgive me for all my offences, Gurudev. I am begging at your lotus feet to not give up on me. Your shelter and mercy is my ONLY HOPE in this life.
On this auspicious day of your Vyasapuja, I am praying to Sri Sri Radha Damodar for your good health so that many more fallen souls like me can become Krishna Consciousness in this very lifetime.
Your useless and fallen servant,
Radha-mohan das
Toronto Canada
Radhika Prasad Das (Sydney)
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obesiences , all glories to Srila Prabhupad
All glories to your 70th Vyasa puja, which means, in this current appearance, you have been spreading Mahaprabhu’s mission for 5 decades. Let me take a long breath to absorb this moment!
This year I had a chance to hear you more than any other year ever.
Therefore, in that sense COVID has been a blessing in disguise. This year has particularly forced me to find and explore new avenues for Sankeertan. I have been able to break some mental boundaries which I previously thought were impossible, so only in that sense again COVID has been a blessing.
During one of my sankreetan day out recently, a person in (a small town in the ozy outback) who accepted a Maha book requested me to explain the meaning of “Sannyasi”, which I briefly did. However, when I got back to the car, I continued to reflect on the literal meaning and realised, Sannyasi is someone who places the sum total activities of his mind, body and words at the feet of Supreme Lord, Krishna in a loving union. Then I said to myself “wow !!” my Gurudev is a complete personification of this word “Sannyasi” to its literal linguistic meaning.
The first day I met you, I was practically loitering aimlessly in a whirlpool of material ocean, like a boat without a rudder, Of course still a long journey of purification lies ahead of me. However, my enthusiasm has no bounds that in your able guidance and the shelter of memories of your nectarian instructions, I will be able to clarify all my misconceptions. “Guru mukha padma vaakya, chittete koriyo aikya”
One of the main lines of yours that I will remember this year is that : “even if it takes decades of hard trials, it’s better to persist in bhakti, just as a materialist would relentlessly pursue a material career and at the end feels comfortably worth it”, So you say “ Why shouldn’t we make it a career of bhakti, even if it takes several decades of trial and hard practice.” At the end the spiritual rewards are boundless.
This is your70th Vyasa puja and although I may sound like your spoilt brat, I wish to celebrate even your 90th and 100th Vyasa Puja with your presence on this planet. I can imagine how fortunate this planet could be to have you around to reduce the burden of contamination of kali and spread the mercy of Mahaprabhu in the form of his dear commander in chief, Srila Prabhupad’s books.
On your 70th Vyasapooja, I ardently pray to Bhagavan Nrsimha dev for your safe travels for more decades to come, and also to bless me the energy and the enthusiasm to become your stronger disciple trooper.
Please bless me, Gurudev on this occasion that my anarthas be removed from my eyes that form a thick black cloud of ignorance, and so I could become your dancing puppet in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupad !
Humbly,
Radhika Prasad Das
Please accept my humble obesiences , all glories to Srila Prabhupad
All glories to your 70th Vyasa puja, which means, in this current appearance, you have been spreading Mahaprabhu’s mission for 5 decades. Let me take a long breath to absorb this moment!
This year I had a chance to hear you more than any other year ever.
Therefore, in that sense COVID has been a blessing in disguise. This year has particularly forced me to find and explore new avenues for Sankeertan. I have been able to break some mental boundaries which I previously thought were impossible, so only in that sense again COVID has been a blessing.
During one of my sankreetan day out recently, a person in (a small town in the ozy outback) who accepted a Maha book requested me to explain the meaning of “Sannyasi”, which I briefly did. However, when I got back to the car, I continued to reflect on the literal meaning and realised, Sannyasi is someone who places the sum total activities of his mind, body and words at the feet of Supreme Lord, Krishna in a loving union. Then I said to myself “wow !!” my Gurudev is a complete personification of this word “Sannyasi” to its literal linguistic meaning.
The first day I met you, I was practically loitering aimlessly in a whirlpool of material ocean, like a boat without a rudder, Of course still a long journey of purification lies ahead of me. However, my enthusiasm has no bounds that in your able guidance and the shelter of memories of your nectarian instructions, I will be able to clarify all my misconceptions. “Guru mukha padma vaakya, chittete koriyo aikya”
One of the main lines of yours that I will remember this year is that : “even if it takes decades of hard trials, it’s better to persist in bhakti, just as a materialist would relentlessly pursue a material career and at the end feels comfortably worth it”, So you say “ Why shouldn’t we make it a career of bhakti, even if it takes several decades of trial and hard practice.” At the end the spiritual rewards are boundless.
This is your70th Vyasa puja and although I may sound like your spoilt brat, I wish to celebrate even your 90th and 100th Vyasa Puja with your presence on this planet. I can imagine how fortunate this planet could be to have you around to reduce the burden of contamination of kali and spread the mercy of Mahaprabhu in the form of his dear commander in chief, Srila Prabhupad’s books.
On your 70th Vyasapooja, I ardently pray to Bhagavan Nrsimha dev for your safe travels for more decades to come, and also to bless me the energy and the enthusiasm to become your stronger disciple trooper.
Please bless me, Gurudev on this occasion that my anarthas be removed from my eyes that form a thick black cloud of ignorance, and so I could become your dancing puppet in your mission to serve Srila Prabhupad !
Humbly,
Radhika Prasad Das
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja.
How can someone of your age have so much vitality? Materially it doesn't add up! You definitely are out of this world. Your intelligence, enthusiasm, humour and adaptability is so fresh and exuberant. You are so lively, sharp and dynamic! I can't fault your character and can only aspire to take after my father in developing these qualities you exude.
You wholeheartedly and painstakingly serve with such focus and intensity propagating the holy name in such an accessible way. Without you I would be "gripping onto relationships to get what I wanted" but now I have the greatest fortune of gripping on to devotional service. Sometimes I feel my greatest fortune, devotional service, to be hard. Feeling misunderstood, isolated or completely overwhelmed. You have never made me feel like this. In fact it is you that helps me transform these times into learning opportunities to grow in my service. You once told me that better efforts come from better hearing chanting and reading. The process is so clear and you are so encouraging. In a class you mentioned how we should have a service that challenges us so that we have to call out to Krishna, because we are so dependent on His mercy to do anything useful. I hold this dear to my heart just like I hold you so dear.
You are the world's greatest coach training your disciples in how to perfect our lives in selfless love and service to Krishna. You know the best strategy, put us in the proper position, cheer us on when we are on track and point out where we can lift our game. And ultimately you don't give up. You set us high training standards of reading and hearing with attention where if we actually follow then we are sure of success. You set the path by your example and now all we have to do is play the game under your guidance and follow you to victory.
In Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8 Devahuti says:
“Your Lordship is my only means of getting out of this darkest region of ignorance because You are my transcendental eye, which, by Your mercy only, I have attained after many, many births.”
In the purport Srila Prabhupada says:
“This verse is very instructive, since it indicates the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple. The disciple or conditioned soul is put into this darkest region of ignorance and therefore is entangled in the material existence of sense gratification. It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance. The spiritual master is therefore worshiped as one who delivers the disciple from the mire of ignorance with the light of the torch of knowledge.”
When will the day come where I can sufficiently pay back my debt to you? I see this as impossible so I will just have to commit to serving you for my whole life, which I'm ecstatic about! I pray that I never get veered from this and fall out of Krishna’s kind and sweet embrace. I know that when I have your instructions in my foreground everything will be ok, because you make everything ok.
It's with a very affectionate heart that I thank you for everything. Sometimes I wish I could thank you every day but I know that would get annoying so I just do it in my heart, hoping that Krishna passes on the message.
Your aspiring servant,
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja.
How can someone of your age have so much vitality? Materially it doesn't add up! You definitely are out of this world. Your intelligence, enthusiasm, humour and adaptability is so fresh and exuberant. You are so lively, sharp and dynamic! I can't fault your character and can only aspire to take after my father in developing these qualities you exude.
You wholeheartedly and painstakingly serve with such focus and intensity propagating the holy name in such an accessible way. Without you I would be "gripping onto relationships to get what I wanted" but now I have the greatest fortune of gripping on to devotional service. Sometimes I feel my greatest fortune, devotional service, to be hard. Feeling misunderstood, isolated or completely overwhelmed. You have never made me feel like this. In fact it is you that helps me transform these times into learning opportunities to grow in my service. You once told me that better efforts come from better hearing chanting and reading. The process is so clear and you are so encouraging. In a class you mentioned how we should have a service that challenges us so that we have to call out to Krishna, because we are so dependent on His mercy to do anything useful. I hold this dear to my heart just like I hold you so dear.
You are the world's greatest coach training your disciples in how to perfect our lives in selfless love and service to Krishna. You know the best strategy, put us in the proper position, cheer us on when we are on track and point out where we can lift our game. And ultimately you don't give up. You set us high training standards of reading and hearing with attention where if we actually follow then we are sure of success. You set the path by your example and now all we have to do is play the game under your guidance and follow you to victory.
In Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.8 Devahuti says:
“Your Lordship is my only means of getting out of this darkest region of ignorance because You are my transcendental eye, which, by Your mercy only, I have attained after many, many births.”
In the purport Srila Prabhupada says:
“This verse is very instructive, since it indicates the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple. The disciple or conditioned soul is put into this darkest region of ignorance and therefore is entangled in the material existence of sense gratification. It is very difficult to get out of this entanglement and attain freedom, but if one is fortunate enough to get the association of a spiritual master like Kapila Muni or His representative, then by his grace one can be delivered from the mire of ignorance. The spiritual master is therefore worshiped as one who delivers the disciple from the mire of ignorance with the light of the torch of knowledge.”
When will the day come where I can sufficiently pay back my debt to you? I see this as impossible so I will just have to commit to serving you for my whole life, which I'm ecstatic about! I pray that I never get veered from this and fall out of Krishna’s kind and sweet embrace. I know that when I have your instructions in my foreground everything will be ok, because you make everything ok.
It's with a very affectionate heart that I thank you for everything. Sometimes I wish I could thank you every day but I know that would get annoying so I just do it in my heart, hoping that Krishna passes on the message.
Your aspiring servant,
Radhika-bhava devi dasi
Radhikanath Das
Nama om visnu-padaya Krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s unto dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudev on your appearance day.
Gurudev, when I think of my old days without Krishna in my life, I realise how fortunate I'm now to be a part of Krishna consciousness and under your shelter and guidance. Gurudev you have guided me and my family to overcome obstacles and to remain focus on the true goal of life which is serving the lord, and how to create a deeper relationship with the supreme personality of godhead.
I am so thankful to you Gurudev, for our ever growing family in Sydney, and how much time and care you have for everyone.
It is said in Sastras, A minute association with divine souls can purify anyone,
Tesam satata-yuktanam
bhajatam priti-purvakam
dadami bhudi-yogam tam
yena mam upayanti te
To those who are constantly devoted to serving me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to me. (Bg 10.10)
I ask for your blessings Gurudev, so one day I can develop attachment to the Lord, and I can serve you with full conviction, love and devotion. Your aspiring servant,
Radhikanath Das
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s unto dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudev on your appearance day.
Gurudev, when I think of my old days without Krishna in my life, I realise how fortunate I'm now to be a part of Krishna consciousness and under your shelter and guidance. Gurudev you have guided me and my family to overcome obstacles and to remain focus on the true goal of life which is serving the lord, and how to create a deeper relationship with the supreme personality of godhead.
I am so thankful to you Gurudev, for our ever growing family in Sydney, and how much time and care you have for everyone.
It is said in Sastras, A minute association with divine souls can purify anyone,
Tesam satata-yuktanam
bhajatam priti-purvakam
dadami bhudi-yogam tam
yena mam upayanti te
To those who are constantly devoted to serving me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to me. (Bg 10.10)
I ask for your blessings Gurudev, so one day I can develop attachment to the Lord, and I can serve you with full conviction, love and devotion. Your aspiring servant,
Radhikanath Das
Rahul Ramchandani
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obesiances
It's rightly said that a pure devotee is extremely magnificent and generous. You have forgiven me for my past mistakes and given me a second chance.
During personal darshans you understand my nature so well that I just come in front of you and you give me an instruction. But along with the instruction I humbly beg you to give me the power to fulfill that instruction. How can I ever repay you, if I tried I would look like a fool. On this very auspicious day I have only one request, I am not very qualified but please never discard me.
Your insignificant servant
Rahul
Please accept my humble obesiances
It's rightly said that a pure devotee is extremely magnificent and generous. You have forgiven me for my past mistakes and given me a second chance.
During personal darshans you understand my nature so well that I just come in front of you and you give me an instruction. But along with the instruction I humbly beg you to give me the power to fulfill that instruction. How can I ever repay you, if I tried I would look like a fool. On this very auspicious day I have only one request, I am not very qualified but please never discard me.
Your insignificant servant
Rahul
Rajat Subhra Roy
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj.
Please accept my undeserving humble obeisances.
All glories to Jagatguru Srila Prabhupada!
I am eternally indebted to you for everything, most of which is still beyond inconceivable for me. I highly appreciate how things have been unfolding for me because of this. All this only because of Krishna's arrangement through you. Through petty syllables and highly inadequate phrases my fallen self is hereby expressing my gratitude towards you on the great occassion of your appearance day. Again, please accept my humble obeisances and forgive my mistakes.
Ill-clad in this little disgusting conglomeration of stool, puss, blood and urine I have always felt like an alien since birth, always seeking a sense of purpose and wandering in this endless darkness and gloom. Having wandered for over 24 years I finally came over to this 'Land of the Long White Cloud' to pursue ''higher study'', still directionless and distraught. Upon having landed here I felt like a fish out of water once again. But then the most miraculous thing happened. One fine evening as I was returning from a documentary screening I met one of your disciples (I recognized him through his neck-beads) and ran to him. I had no clue that ISKCON was a thing outside of India (I was so ignorant). He told me about Mantra Lounge and the same week was when I first saw you and I was fortunate enough to get to talk to you. When I was in my 8th standard in High School I had gone for a visit to Mayapur with my long departed grandma. And that was the only time I contemplated on Mayapur. But before leaving for New Zealand I had an 'internal calling' to visit Mayapur, perhaps to fulfil the deep desire to go to a gurukula. But I gave up the thought instantaneously, looking at the impracticality of my situation. However through Krishna's arrangement and your limitless mercy there I was at Mantra Lounge. I remember asking you some insignificant existential questions to which you replied 'Just Chant Hare Krishna'. Although I had no clue what you really meant (not that I know right now either), somehow or the other I humbly but hesitantly accepted your suggestion and took it up (half-heartedly) and started chanting. I didn't really know as much about Lord Chaitanya's Harinam Sankirtana Yatra back then (it's a shame since I hail from Bengal).
''dina-hina yata chilo Harinam e uddharilo,
tara saksi Jagai-Madhai.''
It was through your blessings that I received the association of your disciples (who are simply so merciful just like you) and in time I was fortunate enough to start chanting 16 rounds (very mechanically rather). Your disciples were so generous that they always took me to the Auckland Temple and the Loft every weekend. It was much like a weekend party scene I always looked forward to. I knew nothing (and I still know nothing) but the one thing I really loved was dancing to the Kirtan. I still remember saying to Manobhirama Das when I first met him that I was a very unsociable individual and I never ever danced, let alone having gone to a pub or bar. But due to Lord Chaitanya's mercy I now realize the true purpose of dancing i.e. to dance in eternal ecstacy (which is still unfathomable to my minute/insignificant fallen self). The most ecstatic of all Kirtans I had ever witnessed are the one's which are led by you. The energy is so explosive and out of this world (undoubtedly sourced from Goloka) that I felt amazinggggggggggggggggg. I wish I could dance to it forever and never have to do anything else. I am but such a rascal that I probably don't actually deserve your mercy. But again, Lord Chaitanya is so merciful that at least I could receive the Holy name through your utterance.
I am eternally grateful to you for bestowing upon me the invaluable opportunity (which I try to perform rather mechanically) of devotional service (of sorts) at our contemporary men's ashram and the lounges. Without a Mantra Lounge (the concept of a contemporary men's ashram) I would have been permanently lost in this ocean of nescience and ignorance (probably be busy toiling in all ass-work). By and by I am slowly realizing (not that I am even faintly qualified for any of it) the depth of all this Bhakti Science. It is because of you that I am coming to realize the great responsibility that comes from being born in the human form (although the Naradhama that I am) and possibly someday I will be able to do justice to it. Without you I would have definitely spiralled down into a deeper state of dogs and hogs. It's amazing how Krishna is so merciful that He has sent you to us all as His representative:
''Caksu -daan dilo jei, janme janme Prabhu sei
Divya gyaan Hride Prokashito.''
Although I am not initiated (and might never be until a million lifetimes later) I am eternally indebted to you for helping me see though clear vision (rather struggling to see). Maybe with your mercy someday I will be able to reach the qualification of becoming your bonafide disciple. Your lectures/classes are just so point on and relevant to everyone. You never cease to amaze my fallen self through your beautiful Bhagawatam classes. How can you be so merciful and compassionate? It's amazing to sometimes hear from your disciples your limitless ecstatic pursuits to propagate the mission of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu allover the Bhu-Mandala. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Thank you very very much for giving me the opportunity to combat the mother of all conspiracy theories. Someday hopefully, because of your blessings and your disciple's blessings I would be able to be fall in love with Krishna again.
Hare Krishna!
Eternally indebted to you.
Your underserving fanboy and aspiring disciple,
Rajat Subhra Roy.
Please accept my undeserving humble obeisances.
All glories to Jagatguru Srila Prabhupada!
I am eternally indebted to you for everything, most of which is still beyond inconceivable for me. I highly appreciate how things have been unfolding for me because of this. All this only because of Krishna's arrangement through you. Through petty syllables and highly inadequate phrases my fallen self is hereby expressing my gratitude towards you on the great occassion of your appearance day. Again, please accept my humble obeisances and forgive my mistakes.
Ill-clad in this little disgusting conglomeration of stool, puss, blood and urine I have always felt like an alien since birth, always seeking a sense of purpose and wandering in this endless darkness and gloom. Having wandered for over 24 years I finally came over to this 'Land of the Long White Cloud' to pursue ''higher study'', still directionless and distraught. Upon having landed here I felt like a fish out of water once again. But then the most miraculous thing happened. One fine evening as I was returning from a documentary screening I met one of your disciples (I recognized him through his neck-beads) and ran to him. I had no clue that ISKCON was a thing outside of India (I was so ignorant). He told me about Mantra Lounge and the same week was when I first saw you and I was fortunate enough to get to talk to you. When I was in my 8th standard in High School I had gone for a visit to Mayapur with my long departed grandma. And that was the only time I contemplated on Mayapur. But before leaving for New Zealand I had an 'internal calling' to visit Mayapur, perhaps to fulfil the deep desire to go to a gurukula. But I gave up the thought instantaneously, looking at the impracticality of my situation. However through Krishna's arrangement and your limitless mercy there I was at Mantra Lounge. I remember asking you some insignificant existential questions to which you replied 'Just Chant Hare Krishna'. Although I had no clue what you really meant (not that I know right now either), somehow or the other I humbly but hesitantly accepted your suggestion and took it up (half-heartedly) and started chanting. I didn't really know as much about Lord Chaitanya's Harinam Sankirtana Yatra back then (it's a shame since I hail from Bengal).
''dina-hina yata chilo Harinam e uddharilo,
tara saksi Jagai-Madhai.''
It was through your blessings that I received the association of your disciples (who are simply so merciful just like you) and in time I was fortunate enough to start chanting 16 rounds (very mechanically rather). Your disciples were so generous that they always took me to the Auckland Temple and the Loft every weekend. It was much like a weekend party scene I always looked forward to. I knew nothing (and I still know nothing) but the one thing I really loved was dancing to the Kirtan. I still remember saying to Manobhirama Das when I first met him that I was a very unsociable individual and I never ever danced, let alone having gone to a pub or bar. But due to Lord Chaitanya's mercy I now realize the true purpose of dancing i.e. to dance in eternal ecstacy (which is still unfathomable to my minute/insignificant fallen self). The most ecstatic of all Kirtans I had ever witnessed are the one's which are led by you. The energy is so explosive and out of this world (undoubtedly sourced from Goloka) that I felt amazinggggggggggggggggg. I wish I could dance to it forever and never have to do anything else. I am but such a rascal that I probably don't actually deserve your mercy. But again, Lord Chaitanya is so merciful that at least I could receive the Holy name through your utterance.
I am eternally grateful to you for bestowing upon me the invaluable opportunity (which I try to perform rather mechanically) of devotional service (of sorts) at our contemporary men's ashram and the lounges. Without a Mantra Lounge (the concept of a contemporary men's ashram) I would have been permanently lost in this ocean of nescience and ignorance (probably be busy toiling in all ass-work). By and by I am slowly realizing (not that I am even faintly qualified for any of it) the depth of all this Bhakti Science. It is because of you that I am coming to realize the great responsibility that comes from being born in the human form (although the Naradhama that I am) and possibly someday I will be able to do justice to it. Without you I would have definitely spiralled down into a deeper state of dogs and hogs. It's amazing how Krishna is so merciful that He has sent you to us all as His representative:
''Caksu -daan dilo jei, janme janme Prabhu sei
Divya gyaan Hride Prokashito.''
Although I am not initiated (and might never be until a million lifetimes later) I am eternally indebted to you for helping me see though clear vision (rather struggling to see). Maybe with your mercy someday I will be able to reach the qualification of becoming your bonafide disciple. Your lectures/classes are just so point on and relevant to everyone. You never cease to amaze my fallen self through your beautiful Bhagawatam classes. How can you be so merciful and compassionate? It's amazing to sometimes hear from your disciples your limitless ecstatic pursuits to propagate the mission of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu allover the Bhu-Mandala. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Thank you very very much for giving me the opportunity to combat the mother of all conspiracy theories. Someday hopefully, because of your blessings and your disciple's blessings I would be able to be fall in love with Krishna again.
Hare Krishna!
Eternally indebted to you.
Your underserving fanboy and aspiring disciple,
Rajat Subhra Roy.
Rama hari das
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories unto you on this most auspicious occasion of Vyasa puja,
I am very fortunate to be part of your holiness divine appearance day celebrations who have given every breath of your lifetime in sacrificial service to Srila Prabhupada's mission wholeheartedly decade after decade tirelessly. Today, I would like to meditate on few of your exemplary achievements and expertise in preaching the mission of Lord Gauranga.
1. Your holiness have successfully established organized preaching missions throughout the six continents of the globe covering the entire east and west by managing collective efforts following in the footsteps of previous acharyas in delivering Lord Nityananda's mission of rescuing the fallen conditioned souls throughout the material world.
2. Your unfathomable contribution in expanding Srila Prabhupada's mission and ISKCON GBC services is unparalleled in history and stands unique and witnessed by fortunate souls like my humble self and we are all eternally grateful for your lifetime of loving sacrifice.
3. Following in the line of our great disciplic succession, you have got razor sharp master of the focus in everything especially in delivering the vedic wisdom in a manner understandable to contemporary audience both in east and west in super efficient ways and means using all modern technological advancements and facilities which are inspiring examples for millions of followers and preachers in our ISKCON society.
4. You have tirelessly given your personal presence (vapu) and instructions (vani) moment after moment without wasting any time efficiently for the spiritual well being of all your followers and for general populace for all of future generations in all possible mediums and all possible topics.
5. Your holiness have shown by your lifetime example how to serve Guru and parampara - the real action is Vani (following the instructions) and in that way has been inspiration for so many disciples and followers from any part of the globe and can thereby undoubtedly get your divine spiritual association intimately throughout their spiritual lives.
6. You have been a super expert in giving personal guidance and customized instructions for followers from any part of the world guiding them in whichever ashram suitably to make tangible genuine spiritual progress in bhakti adopting the essence of Srila Prabhupada's teachings effectively in their day to day lives putting them on express freeway back home, back to godhead in this very lifetime.
7. I am trying my best focusing especially on Book distribution and Youth Preaching all these years whereever I am located either in Australia or India and hoping to continue serving your mission in this way and by your holiness causeless mercy and good personal guidance able to serve financially by offering the fruits of my job to Srila Prabhupada's mission by sponsoring partially and fully books and seving vaishnavas and vaishnava families and ISKCON projects.
In conclusion, I am eternally indebted to your holiness visit to Interim GBC Meetings 2019 in Tirupathi and later Chennai, India in which I had the fortunate divine association and opportunity to serve you and seek personal guidance in my life like every meeting or opportunity I have had all these years and it has been a tremendous spiritual rejuvenation by meeting your holiness after many years since I moved back to India from Australia in 2014.
Praying for your good health in all times, places and circumstances and thankful for all you have given to us in every possible way by super efficient dynamic preaching and understanding the movement of time and situations in every person's life in Kali yuga very effectively with super expert personal guidance.
Trying to be your loving servant eternally,
Rama hari das
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories unto you on this most auspicious occasion of Vyasa puja,
I am very fortunate to be part of your holiness divine appearance day celebrations who have given every breath of your lifetime in sacrificial service to Srila Prabhupada's mission wholeheartedly decade after decade tirelessly. Today, I would like to meditate on few of your exemplary achievements and expertise in preaching the mission of Lord Gauranga.
1. Your holiness have successfully established organized preaching missions throughout the six continents of the globe covering the entire east and west by managing collective efforts following in the footsteps of previous acharyas in delivering Lord Nityananda's mission of rescuing the fallen conditioned souls throughout the material world.
2. Your unfathomable contribution in expanding Srila Prabhupada's mission and ISKCON GBC services is unparalleled in history and stands unique and witnessed by fortunate souls like my humble self and we are all eternally grateful for your lifetime of loving sacrifice.
3. Following in the line of our great disciplic succession, you have got razor sharp master of the focus in everything especially in delivering the vedic wisdom in a manner understandable to contemporary audience both in east and west in super efficient ways and means using all modern technological advancements and facilities which are inspiring examples for millions of followers and preachers in our ISKCON society.
4. You have tirelessly given your personal presence (vapu) and instructions (vani) moment after moment without wasting any time efficiently for the spiritual well being of all your followers and for general populace for all of future generations in all possible mediums and all possible topics.
5. Your holiness have shown by your lifetime example how to serve Guru and parampara - the real action is Vani (following the instructions) and in that way has been inspiration for so many disciples and followers from any part of the globe and can thereby undoubtedly get your divine spiritual association intimately throughout their spiritual lives.
6. You have been a super expert in giving personal guidance and customized instructions for followers from any part of the world guiding them in whichever ashram suitably to make tangible genuine spiritual progress in bhakti adopting the essence of Srila Prabhupada's teachings effectively in their day to day lives putting them on express freeway back home, back to godhead in this very lifetime.
7. I am trying my best focusing especially on Book distribution and Youth Preaching all these years whereever I am located either in Australia or India and hoping to continue serving your mission in this way and by your holiness causeless mercy and good personal guidance able to serve financially by offering the fruits of my job to Srila Prabhupada's mission by sponsoring partially and fully books and seving vaishnavas and vaishnava families and ISKCON projects.
In conclusion, I am eternally indebted to your holiness visit to Interim GBC Meetings 2019 in Tirupathi and later Chennai, India in which I had the fortunate divine association and opportunity to serve you and seek personal guidance in my life like every meeting or opportunity I have had all these years and it has been a tremendous spiritual rejuvenation by meeting your holiness after many years since I moved back to India from Australia in 2014.
Praying for your good health in all times, places and circumstances and thankful for all you have given to us in every possible way by super efficient dynamic preaching and understanding the movement of time and situations in every person's life in Kali yuga very effectively with super expert personal guidance.
Trying to be your loving servant eternally,
Rama hari das
Ramadas das
Dear Gurudeva.
Please accept my ambitious attempt to show some gratitude for all the decades you have tried to help me be Krsna conscious. Helping me could be something like encouraging a snail in the right direction. But You have always been very personal and unlike me, you understand my nature, and care to chalk out the appropriate path in that regards. And hence, you have been very patient, very tolerant and very merciful. So much effort on your part for so little return from me. All glories to those devotees who establish proper communication with your Holiness! They recognize they cannot be satisfied unless they get your favor.
The result of seeing a saintly person. “One should always try to associate with a saintly person, because one can attain all perfection if one establishes proper contact. The idea is to get his favor. The saintly person makes a request from the person properly approaching, and requests him to help his preaching mission. That gives the recipient a transcendental occupation which saves one from material activities... What is not possible in thousands of lives, is in this way possible in one meeting. Therefore, always try to associate with saintly persons and try to disassociate from materialists.”
You so kindly offer a transcendental occupation which can save us from material activities, which these days is self-destruction for insignificant illusory happiness.
“The favor of the spiritual master is received though no other part of the body but the ears.”
I’m especially grateful to those admirable devotees who live the life of astute aural reception. They provide the scope for a liberating way of life. True masters of receiving the “favor” by the ear. The exclusive swan party.
One day I would like to realize the unfamiliar saying, “Thank God I was listening”
Now I can grasp there is no by passing your personality. That would be like trying to go the moon in a rocket. Even if they could reach there, moon immigration would club them down to mars.
Hoping against hope to become your servant
Ramadas das.
Rani Gough
Dear Devamrita Swami Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my most respectful obeisances to your lotus feet in gratefulness. All Glories to Srila Prabhupad.
I once longed to have a father like you walking by my side showing me the way to life, teaching me the true meaning and purpose of life, a thought of I am not worthy of such had shut me down to desire further. Especially, after passing of my aspirant- Tamal Krishna Goswami. My mum had met Sri Prabhupad as in person, she tried so hard to follow the foot step of Srila Prabhupad, due to the family commitments mum struggled a lot. Mum told me that Srila Prabhupad had blessed her child (me) as she was 7 months pregnant. At that very moment she desired me to follow the foot step of Srila Prabhupad since she was not able to herself.
I am not able to comprehend my gratitude in words as how miraculously that has come about, it is you Guru Maharaj I am forever in debt. Lord Krishna listen’s so attentively to everyone’s heart, though I emphasis of the level of attention Krishna has through your mercy and under your shire Guru Maharaj is un-measurable.
Guru Maharaj, I have only met you once as in person, I am waiting for the day where I am able to meet you again and serve you Guru Maharaj. Also sit down and talk to you about few important things “about Krishna”, you favourite topic – I have made a little list/notes whiles I wait for you to arrive at Down Under.
Guru Maharaj, your beautiful lectures is keeping me going and makes me feel that I am not alone, my Father is always guiding me through lectures and empowerment videos. Guru Maharaj I have observed that you are at the service of your disciples so very passionately, I worry about your health and wellbeing though I know that Lord Sri Krishna is looking after you as you live your life pleasing Srila Prabhupada. I pray to Lord Sri Krishna for your good health and wellbeing. Happy 70th Vayasa puja Guru Maharaj.
I have met you at the very interesting time and era... Guru Maharaj, thank you for giving me opportunity even though I am not worthy. Thank you for recognising my intentions, how could you not Guru Maharaj, of that I never doubted Guru Maharaj. I remember your smile when I first met you, full of grace and compassionate – I am never the same after meeting you for the first time, it feels like Life has answered my longed quest and confusion. How am I so blessed to have your mercy, you have saved me from the miseries of life and I am lost in words to show my gratitude but I know you will read in between lines Guru Maharaj.
Guru Maharaj, please accept my humble thank you in gratitude for all you do for us, the way you continue to not give up on us, holding our hands and walking the beautiful path of Krishna Conscious in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada.
Humbly at your service for millions of aeons,
Your daughter,
Rani.
Please accept my most respectful obeisances to your lotus feet in gratefulness. All Glories to Srila Prabhupad.
I once longed to have a father like you walking by my side showing me the way to life, teaching me the true meaning and purpose of life, a thought of I am not worthy of such had shut me down to desire further. Especially, after passing of my aspirant- Tamal Krishna Goswami. My mum had met Sri Prabhupad as in person, she tried so hard to follow the foot step of Srila Prabhupad, due to the family commitments mum struggled a lot. Mum told me that Srila Prabhupad had blessed her child (me) as she was 7 months pregnant. At that very moment she desired me to follow the foot step of Srila Prabhupad since she was not able to herself.
I am not able to comprehend my gratitude in words as how miraculously that has come about, it is you Guru Maharaj I am forever in debt. Lord Krishna listen’s so attentively to everyone’s heart, though I emphasis of the level of attention Krishna has through your mercy and under your shire Guru Maharaj is un-measurable.
Guru Maharaj, I have only met you once as in person, I am waiting for the day where I am able to meet you again and serve you Guru Maharaj. Also sit down and talk to you about few important things “about Krishna”, you favourite topic – I have made a little list/notes whiles I wait for you to arrive at Down Under.
Guru Maharaj, your beautiful lectures is keeping me going and makes me feel that I am not alone, my Father is always guiding me through lectures and empowerment videos. Guru Maharaj I have observed that you are at the service of your disciples so very passionately, I worry about your health and wellbeing though I know that Lord Sri Krishna is looking after you as you live your life pleasing Srila Prabhupada. I pray to Lord Sri Krishna for your good health and wellbeing. Happy 70th Vayasa puja Guru Maharaj.
I have met you at the very interesting time and era... Guru Maharaj, thank you for giving me opportunity even though I am not worthy. Thank you for recognising my intentions, how could you not Guru Maharaj, of that I never doubted Guru Maharaj. I remember your smile when I first met you, full of grace and compassionate – I am never the same after meeting you for the first time, it feels like Life has answered my longed quest and confusion. How am I so blessed to have your mercy, you have saved me from the miseries of life and I am lost in words to show my gratitude but I know you will read in between lines Guru Maharaj.
Guru Maharaj, please accept my humble thank you in gratitude for all you do for us, the way you continue to not give up on us, holding our hands and walking the beautiful path of Krishna Conscious in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada.
Humbly at your service for millions of aeons,
Your daughter,
Rani.
Rasa Kalpataru Das
Please accept our humble obeisance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your vyasapuja. On this day we would like to express our gratitude from the core of our hearts for your instruction in Dec 19, to get recommendation from HG Ambarish Maharaj Das for our initiation. Without this highly merciful encouragement we would have still be roaming in the Bhakti journey as a tailless kite. We are highly indebted for this kind blessing. On this auspicious day I also would like to remember my encounter with you on the very crowded TOVP Punjabi opening day, you simply heard this insignificant soul's greeting from the crowd and very lovingly and kindly instructed me to speak to HG Takur Saranga Das Prabhu for the initiation arrangements. It's a realisation of you as a perfect medium to receive Krishna's mercy. Kindly bless us to for our progress in the path of Krishna Bhakti
Your humble servants.
Rasa Kalptaru Das
Prema Kalptaru Devi Dasi
Bhakta Chatur
Bhaktin Vandita
Bhaktin Anisha
Your humble servants.
Rasa Kalptaru Das
Prema Kalptaru Devi Dasi
Bhakta Chatur
Bhaktin Vandita
Bhaktin Anisha
Rasayatra devi dasi
Dearest Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The opportunity to reflect on this day of your Vyasapuja is always a sobering affair. While an auspicious and joyous occasion its humbling to inspect the state of my heart and mind- dusty, troubled by illusion and attachment.
Your classes vigorously stimulate devotional appetite. Not unlike a heart defibrillator by your causeless mercy you again and again boldly and compassionately beseech us " Krsna consciousness is a daily affair. Hearing and chanting is a daily affair. Be vigilant. Don't slack off!"
Falling asleep at the wheel of my life I am grateful for your regular reminders. Scarily its now been over a quarter century that I have been clumsily attempting to engage in your service. I am now older than you were when I first met you!
And all this time your message has been consistent: Give this life to Krsna. Hear Krsna's names, attentively. Read Prabhupada's books, engage in devotional service. Share Krsna with others. Be wary of maya's influence.
Indeed Kali Yuga influences are powerful. Hypocrisy, quarrel rampant.
Dust and ignorance accumulated over lifetimes paired with local kiwi flavor 'she will be right mate' not the most spiritually enlivening companions.
Until my last breath in this body I pray that I enshrine your urgent appeal deep into my consciousness- that to love Krsna is the only real goal worth striving for.
And this remembrance is a daily affair.
Year after year I have personally witnessed your complete dedication to this process as handed down to you by Srila Prabhupada. I beg for a tiny drop of your utter determination.
Aspiring for bhakti,
Your servant,
Rasayatra devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The opportunity to reflect on this day of your Vyasapuja is always a sobering affair. While an auspicious and joyous occasion its humbling to inspect the state of my heart and mind- dusty, troubled by illusion and attachment.
Your classes vigorously stimulate devotional appetite. Not unlike a heart defibrillator by your causeless mercy you again and again boldly and compassionately beseech us " Krsna consciousness is a daily affair. Hearing and chanting is a daily affair. Be vigilant. Don't slack off!"
Falling asleep at the wheel of my life I am grateful for your regular reminders. Scarily its now been over a quarter century that I have been clumsily attempting to engage in your service. I am now older than you were when I first met you!
And all this time your message has been consistent: Give this life to Krsna. Hear Krsna's names, attentively. Read Prabhupada's books, engage in devotional service. Share Krsna with others. Be wary of maya's influence.
Indeed Kali Yuga influences are powerful. Hypocrisy, quarrel rampant.
Dust and ignorance accumulated over lifetimes paired with local kiwi flavor 'she will be right mate' not the most spiritually enlivening companions.
Until my last breath in this body I pray that I enshrine your urgent appeal deep into my consciousness- that to love Krsna is the only real goal worth striving for.
And this remembrance is a daily affair.
Year after year I have personally witnessed your complete dedication to this process as handed down to you by Srila Prabhupada. I beg for a tiny drop of your utter determination.
Aspiring for bhakti,
Your servant,
Rasayatra devi dasi
Rongomai
Dear Devamrita Swami
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada writes so poetically in the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam (3.21.17)
“By the grace of the spiritual master the cloud of mercy of the Personality of Godhead is brought in, and then only, when the rains of Krishna consciousness fall, can the fire of material existence be extinguished.”
This excerpt inspired my offering to you, on a devotee's dependence on the spiritual masters mercy. Even though I have nothing worthy to offer you, I hope my words can express my deep desire to someday be a humble servant at your lotus feet. I am eternally indebted to you for shedded mercy on such an unqualified soul as myself.
Having been conditioned to believe that independence is an encouraged endeavor towards attaining freedom from bondage; I’ve eventually come to realise that all that journey entails is a continuous downward spiral into further material entanglement. For me, in my material life, dependency was equivalent to weakness or frailty in character, which was quite distasteful to my false ego. So for me to depend on anyone other than my ‘preconceived’ self was a demeaning idea. However, now that I have taken to spiritual life my illusory belief system is being shaken and is tumbling down by the beauty of purification, and the foundation of my reality is being built again on the Absolute Truth.
I have learnt that the only light in the darkness of this material world is Krishna. But still like a blindman, although Krishna is everywhere, I lack the vision to see Him. And due to my crudeness even with Krishna, as Paramatma residing within the heart witnessing it all, I can't even feel the embarrassment of my material existence and misdeeds. Furthermore, we learn that in this troublesome age of Kali-Yuga, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gave us the simplest remedy for liberation, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, with that instruction alone, I am still so ignorant and deaf to hearing the Lord's names when I chant.
Being so spiritually impaired, I constantly long for help to purify my senses in Krishna’s service.Yet by my material conditioning I constantly refuse to depend on Krishna and take shelter of Him at times of need. I cannot do anything alone, no one can, and even as I say that I still tend to have the propensity to assume the position of enjoying and controlling, even though it’s impossible for anyone to achieve; except Krishna.The repeated cycle of mistakes I make is because I am trying to be independent. And although my life has changed to now being completely revolved around Krishna Conscious activities, I still have a deeply rooted sense of disconnect. I feel so far from Krishna as if I don't know Krishna at all. Although all I have is my faulty perception, I can't help but crave the ability to understand who He is, and to fill the emptiness of the eternal relationship with Him I’ve realised I have no knowledge of at all.
As such an unlearned individual, I am trying to somewhat understand that reviving my lost relationship with Krishna is only obtainable by the mercy of the spiritual master. The dependence, not only for me but also many devotees, on your causeless mercy is the only way in which we can connect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, through the Parampara.The appreciation I have for the opportunity to come in contact with a pure devotee, such as yourself, is unexplainable. I can’t thank you enough or repay you in any equivalent way that can reciprocate for such merciful moments that you have given to such a fallen soul that I am. In my material life I could not depend on anyone, but in my real life... spiritual life, I can depend on you. Thank you for giving me devotional service, thank you for giving me the association of devotees, thank you for taking me from the firm clutches of maya and thank you for giving me Krishna. Thank you, for I am nothing without your causeless mercy, and I pray that I can use this spiritual dependence to utilise the opportunity to serve Krishna in love and devotion.
Your aspiring servant of a servant,
Rongomai
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada writes so poetically in the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam (3.21.17)
“By the grace of the spiritual master the cloud of mercy of the Personality of Godhead is brought in, and then only, when the rains of Krishna consciousness fall, can the fire of material existence be extinguished.”
This excerpt inspired my offering to you, on a devotee's dependence on the spiritual masters mercy. Even though I have nothing worthy to offer you, I hope my words can express my deep desire to someday be a humble servant at your lotus feet. I am eternally indebted to you for shedded mercy on such an unqualified soul as myself.
Having been conditioned to believe that independence is an encouraged endeavor towards attaining freedom from bondage; I’ve eventually come to realise that all that journey entails is a continuous downward spiral into further material entanglement. For me, in my material life, dependency was equivalent to weakness or frailty in character, which was quite distasteful to my false ego. So for me to depend on anyone other than my ‘preconceived’ self was a demeaning idea. However, now that I have taken to spiritual life my illusory belief system is being shaken and is tumbling down by the beauty of purification, and the foundation of my reality is being built again on the Absolute Truth.
I have learnt that the only light in the darkness of this material world is Krishna. But still like a blindman, although Krishna is everywhere, I lack the vision to see Him. And due to my crudeness even with Krishna, as Paramatma residing within the heart witnessing it all, I can't even feel the embarrassment of my material existence and misdeeds. Furthermore, we learn that in this troublesome age of Kali-Yuga, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gave us the simplest remedy for liberation, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, with that instruction alone, I am still so ignorant and deaf to hearing the Lord's names when I chant.
Being so spiritually impaired, I constantly long for help to purify my senses in Krishna’s service.Yet by my material conditioning I constantly refuse to depend on Krishna and take shelter of Him at times of need. I cannot do anything alone, no one can, and even as I say that I still tend to have the propensity to assume the position of enjoying and controlling, even though it’s impossible for anyone to achieve; except Krishna.The repeated cycle of mistakes I make is because I am trying to be independent. And although my life has changed to now being completely revolved around Krishna Conscious activities, I still have a deeply rooted sense of disconnect. I feel so far from Krishna as if I don't know Krishna at all. Although all I have is my faulty perception, I can't help but crave the ability to understand who He is, and to fill the emptiness of the eternal relationship with Him I’ve realised I have no knowledge of at all.
As such an unlearned individual, I am trying to somewhat understand that reviving my lost relationship with Krishna is only obtainable by the mercy of the spiritual master. The dependence, not only for me but also many devotees, on your causeless mercy is the only way in which we can connect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, through the Parampara.The appreciation I have for the opportunity to come in contact with a pure devotee, such as yourself, is unexplainable. I can’t thank you enough or repay you in any equivalent way that can reciprocate for such merciful moments that you have given to such a fallen soul that I am. In my material life I could not depend on anyone, but in my real life... spiritual life, I can depend on you. Thank you for giving me devotional service, thank you for giving me the association of devotees, thank you for taking me from the firm clutches of maya and thank you for giving me Krishna. Thank you, for I am nothing without your causeless mercy, and I pray that I can use this spiritual dependence to utilise the opportunity to serve Krishna in love and devotion.
Your aspiring servant of a servant,
Rongomai
Rudrarama Pandit dasa
Nama om Vishnu-padaya
Krishna-pressthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca ten amah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and onto the dust of your lotus feet.
- HOW TO BE HAPPY -
This is a fundamental topic everyone is seeking the answer for. So many people try this way or that way which they believe is way to get happiness. Some even commit crimes to be happy while others give up their lives due to being too tired to seek happiness or despaired that “happiness” does not exist.
New York Times published an article entitled “How to Be Happy.” Within the article it is said that “Happiness often comes from within. Learn how to tame negative thoughts and approach every day with optimism.” The article also provides practical tips as follows:
<ul>
<li>Conquer negative thinking</li>
<li>Don’t try to stop negative thoughts</li>
<li>Treat yourself like a friend</li>
<li>Challenge your negative thoughts</li>
<li>Practice breathing</li>
<li>Rewrite your story</li>
<li>Get moving</li>
<li>Practice optimism</li>
</ul>
Although these tips are useful, the happiness we can get from following these tips is still limited to temporary or superficial. It is like a wave on the ocean – pushing sometimes up and sometimes down.
Your recent class “Reinvesting Happiness” is much more in depth and explains UNLIMITED happiness, which is based on sustainable happiness. Unlike material happiness, which involves exploiting nature or one another, sustainable happiness does not exploit others.
It was such a wake-up call. I was like a man chasing a mirage in the desert. Even though getting disappointed every time, and never getting true happiness.
You really emphasised in the class that “Circumstances today are reimagining the human project.”
“Let’s look beyond the universe, and our own body and mind.”
“We understand that everything is matter. The true self is not generated from matter, therefore why should we pursue material happiness when we are not material?”
“We change these clothes just like we change bodies. As long as our endeavour for happiness is bound up with what changes all the time, physically and psychologically, we are going to be frustrated, angry and disappointed, and we are going to take it out on others, rather than recognising the problem begins with us. So, it’s easy to point the finger at others.”
“Why not begin the pointing finger at ourselves?”
This was a further wake-up call for me. I strongly believed if I followed my parents’ curated portrait, that would be the best way to be happy. Following their instruction, I studied hard and worked hard. Then what did I gain? More complication and stress.
Recently you emailed me a New York Times article about some Japanese celebrities who took their own lives due to depression. Their reality does not match someone else’s curated portrait and they could not even discuss this with a family member nor a psychologist. (Often these topics are taboo in Japan.)
Celebrities looks so attractive and so many people wants to be one of them but what is the reality?
Gurudeva, you repeated Prabhupada’s teaching of a bird and a cage. A person who looks after the cage so nicely but forgets about feeding the birds…
“Thank you” is not enough to show my appreciation to you who gave me a perfect answer and tireless support for my life.
I wish I could serve you in a better way and be more useful.
Here is your Auckland and Wellington disciples’ achievement for this year.
<img width="620px" src="assets/epub/2020 Vyasa Puja.001.jpg"/>
<img width="620px" src="assets/epub/2020 Vyasa Puja.002.jpg"/>
<img width="620px" src="assets/epub/2020 Vyasa Puja.003.jpg"/>
Your servant of the servant,
Rudrarama Pandit Dasa
Krishna-pressthaya bhu tale
Srimate Devamrita
Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva-daksyam ca
Bhaktacara-pravinata
Parathatapi karunyam
Yasya sarve ca ten amah
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and onto the dust of your lotus feet.
- HOW TO BE HAPPY -
This is a fundamental topic everyone is seeking the answer for. So many people try this way or that way which they believe is way to get happiness. Some even commit crimes to be happy while others give up their lives due to being too tired to seek happiness or despaired that “happiness” does not exist.
New York Times published an article entitled “How to Be Happy.” Within the article it is said that “Happiness often comes from within. Learn how to tame negative thoughts and approach every day with optimism.” The article also provides practical tips as follows:
<ul>
<li>Conquer negative thinking</li>
<li>Don’t try to stop negative thoughts</li>
<li>Treat yourself like a friend</li>
<li>Challenge your negative thoughts</li>
<li>Practice breathing</li>
<li>Rewrite your story</li>
<li>Get moving</li>
<li>Practice optimism</li>
</ul>
Although these tips are useful, the happiness we can get from following these tips is still limited to temporary or superficial. It is like a wave on the ocean – pushing sometimes up and sometimes down.
Your recent class “Reinvesting Happiness” is much more in depth and explains UNLIMITED happiness, which is based on sustainable happiness. Unlike material happiness, which involves exploiting nature or one another, sustainable happiness does not exploit others.
It was such a wake-up call. I was like a man chasing a mirage in the desert. Even though getting disappointed every time, and never getting true happiness.
You really emphasised in the class that “Circumstances today are reimagining the human project.”
“Let’s look beyond the universe, and our own body and mind.”
“We understand that everything is matter. The true self is not generated from matter, therefore why should we pursue material happiness when we are not material?”
“We change these clothes just like we change bodies. As long as our endeavour for happiness is bound up with what changes all the time, physically and psychologically, we are going to be frustrated, angry and disappointed, and we are going to take it out on others, rather than recognising the problem begins with us. So, it’s easy to point the finger at others.”
“Why not begin the pointing finger at ourselves?”
This was a further wake-up call for me. I strongly believed if I followed my parents’ curated portrait, that would be the best way to be happy. Following their instruction, I studied hard and worked hard. Then what did I gain? More complication and stress.
Recently you emailed me a New York Times article about some Japanese celebrities who took their own lives due to depression. Their reality does not match someone else’s curated portrait and they could not even discuss this with a family member nor a psychologist. (Often these topics are taboo in Japan.)
Celebrities looks so attractive and so many people wants to be one of them but what is the reality?
Gurudeva, you repeated Prabhupada’s teaching of a bird and a cage. A person who looks after the cage so nicely but forgets about feeding the birds…
“Thank you” is not enough to show my appreciation to you who gave me a perfect answer and tireless support for my life.
I wish I could serve you in a better way and be more useful.
Here is your Auckland and Wellington disciples’ achievement for this year.
<img width="620px" src="assets/epub/2020 Vyasa Puja.001.jpg"/>
<img width="620px" src="assets/epub/2020 Vyasa Puja.002.jpg"/>
<img width="620px" src="assets/epub/2020 Vyasa Puja.003.jpg"/>
Your servant of the servant,
Rudrarama Pandit Dasa
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Last year I had suffered without Your personal association and had lamented how I must not have done anything to deserve Your association or even Your glance (I had missed Your darshan in NY by half a day). I expressed my concern that my enthusiasm was flagging. Needless to say, I feel worse this year than last. The only good thing to be said about this year and about Covid is that we have had the good fortune to be in some of your classes that were broadcast on Zoom.
My wife Madhurya, who’s had some medical issues, has retired as of January this year. The plan was for me to follow suit soon after. In February we went to Australia – visiting Sydney where Madhurya’s brother is and then to Melbourne, where I was very fortunate to partake in the Ratha Yatra. When I was at the temple, I saw the flier of about your visit to Melbourne in March and the kirtan on the cruise. Again, I was not fortunate to be there to get Your darshan.
In lieu of your physical presence, I am getting your association through various Youtube videos. I never tire of watching and listening to the same videos. I always long to see new videos. I am hoping that I will soon see a video of your Vyasa Puja celebrations.
Now that my retirement plans have been delayed, I am even more intent that before that at the first opportunity I will want to come get your darshan, wherever you are and get Your blessings and instructions as we begin that phase of our lives. Your instructions will sustain us and motivate us to increase our level of service to Sri Radha Kalachandji’s servants.
Another good thing about Covid and the work from home situation is that I am definitely chanting more than before. I have to confess that I cannot say that the quality has improved any. While we have gained additional chanting time, we have lost a lot more – we are not able to do any of the service at the temple. Given our age and medical condition (we are both diabetic), we have not been able to get darshan of Sri Radha Kalachandji. Of course, there is a webcast and so we have to console ourselves that we are getting more frequent darshans of Sri Radha Kalachandji.
All glories to you, Gurudev, on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. We pray to Radha Kalachandji for your good health, so that you can continue your tireless worldwide preaching mission, as your loving service to Srila Prabhupada, for many more decades.
As an ignorant devotee, I may have committed offences in writing this offering. I beg your forgiveness for any offences I may have committed.
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Dallas, Texas
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to your transcendental adventures all over the world!
nama om vishnu-padaya Krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate Devamrita-svamin iti namine
pracäre purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacära-pravinäta
pararthatäpi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Last year I had suffered without Your personal association and had lamented how I must not have done anything to deserve Your association or even Your glance (I had missed Your darshan in NY by half a day). I expressed my concern that my enthusiasm was flagging. Needless to say, I feel worse this year than last. The only good thing to be said about this year and about Covid is that we have had the good fortune to be in some of your classes that were broadcast on Zoom.
My wife Madhurya, who’s had some medical issues, has retired as of January this year. The plan was for me to follow suit soon after. In February we went to Australia – visiting Sydney where Madhurya’s brother is and then to Melbourne, where I was very fortunate to partake in the Ratha Yatra. When I was at the temple, I saw the flier of about your visit to Melbourne in March and the kirtan on the cruise. Again, I was not fortunate to be there to get Your darshan.
In lieu of your physical presence, I am getting your association through various Youtube videos. I never tire of watching and listening to the same videos. I always long to see new videos. I am hoping that I will soon see a video of your Vyasa Puja celebrations.
Now that my retirement plans have been delayed, I am even more intent that before that at the first opportunity I will want to come get your darshan, wherever you are and get Your blessings and instructions as we begin that phase of our lives. Your instructions will sustain us and motivate us to increase our level of service to Sri Radha Kalachandji’s servants.
Another good thing about Covid and the work from home situation is that I am definitely chanting more than before. I have to confess that I cannot say that the quality has improved any. While we have gained additional chanting time, we have lost a lot more – we are not able to do any of the service at the temple. Given our age and medical condition (we are both diabetic), we have not been able to get darshan of Sri Radha Kalachandji. Of course, there is a webcast and so we have to console ourselves that we are getting more frequent darshans of Sri Radha Kalachandji.
All glories to you, Gurudev, on this auspicious Vyasa Puja day. We pray to Radha Kalachandji for your good health, so that you can continue your tireless worldwide preaching mission, as your loving service to Srila Prabhupada, for many more decades.
As an ignorant devotee, I may have committed offences in writing this offering. I beg your forgiveness for any offences I may have committed.
Your insignificant aspiring servant,
Rupamrita-sindhu das
Dallas, Texas
Sachi Dulal das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my obeisances.
As Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, out of unlimited mercy for the conditioned souls, took sannyasa at an early age, similarly, you too, took sannyasa at an early age, making the entire world your family. Whether it be your willingness to martyr yourself behind the Iron Curtain for the sake of other souls, or the relentless evangelical zeal you have exhibited over five decades, using your prophylactic words to put hundreds of souls on the path to Goloka, you are clearly a luminary among Srila Prabhupada’s disciples. The following words of the Bhagavatam (4.22.47) offer a glimpse into your stature as an exalted maha-bhagavata:
How can such persons, who have rendered unlimited service by explaining the path of self-realization in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and whose explanations are given for our enlightenment with complete conviction and Vedic evidence, be repaid except by folded palms containing water for their satisfaction? Such great personalities can be satisfied only by their own activities, which are distributed amongst human society out of their unlimited mercy.
All glories unto you on this auspicious day.
Sachi Dulal das.
Please accept my obeisances.
As Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, out of unlimited mercy for the conditioned souls, took sannyasa at an early age, similarly, you too, took sannyasa at an early age, making the entire world your family. Whether it be your willingness to martyr yourself behind the Iron Curtain for the sake of other souls, or the relentless evangelical zeal you have exhibited over five decades, using your prophylactic words to put hundreds of souls on the path to Goloka, you are clearly a luminary among Srila Prabhupada’s disciples. The following words of the Bhagavatam (4.22.47) offer a glimpse into your stature as an exalted maha-bhagavata:
How can such persons, who have rendered unlimited service by explaining the path of self-realization in relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and whose explanations are given for our enlightenment with complete conviction and Vedic evidence, be repaid except by folded palms containing water for their satisfaction? Such great personalities can be satisfied only by their own activities, which are distributed amongst human society out of their unlimited mercy.
All glories unto you on this auspicious day.
Sachi Dulal das.
Sachidevi devi dasi
Offering 2020
nama om visnu-padaya
krishna presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrita-
svamin iti namine
pracare 'purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Your appearance is indeed all-auspicious. How is it that pure-hearted saintly persons roam the face of the earth to give what is nowhere to be found in this poor excuse of a human civilization? I often wonder how it is that I have come into contact with you. Sometimes a thankless task, you have carried this burden of love in service to the guru-parampara and relished the sweet taste of selfless sacrifice for the sake of their pleasure for practically your whole life. How can such a personality as yourself be so available to such common, practically unconscious persons as me to give them the gift of the Love Supreme? This is called true, unadulterated mercy.
I am pleasantly baffled when I reflect on the nature of my relationship with you. Uniquely, it began from and continues to be based purely on transcendental sound. My first encounter with you was through hearing about you from your exalted disciples. I am very forgetful, and was particularly spaced out then, as you have affectionately mentioned in jest in the assembly of devotees here, but one of the things I do remember very clearly was the sheer eagerness and excitement I felt as they assured me that not before long I would get to meet you in March 2014. Just the hope of meeting you and being told that there were services I could do to please you in preparation for your preaching engagements in Toronto at that time motivated me to cultivate so much focus and determination - qualities that were opposite of my nature. I even went on sankirtana in the extreme cold with Kathamrta, and though I was too scared and shy to really try to do any books, I would tell people about your upcoming events and hand them the flier with an excitement that surprised me. Just in anticipation of your presence, I was enlivened to share Krishna with others through the via medium of sharing about your upcoming visit. Finally, the time came. We were all lined up by the door at Mangal-arti devi dasi’s condo in Toronto - Kathamrta, Sankirtana-yoga, Anne-lise, and me. I sat in obeisances, excited and nervous to finally catch sight of your lotus feet. When I knew you were near, I couldn’t even look up. I simply heard you from down the hall as you were walking towards us, gently and joyfully chanting, ‘Hare Krishna.’ As you entered, swiftly moving towards your room, I still couldn’t get myself to lift my eyes from the floor. This contact with the pure sound of the holy name emanating from your lotus mouth and the potency of your presence had me stunned, and marked with certainty my attachment to you. This first opportunity to personally hear from you is trapped in my memory, and it carries me everyday, through thick and thin. This experience is something I see as the greatest treasure in my entire material existence - that I had the opportunity to be pulled by attraction to the pure Krsna conscious character you exemplify, and to note that it was something I never wanted to be separated from.
Now I somehow find myself in the Titikshava Karunika ashram here in Philadelphia, and everyday I am enchanted and gladdened by your effect on devotees’ hearts as they deepen their connection with you and Krishna by hearing from you. The atmosphere is always beautifully decorated by sweet sounds of laughter and amazement as devotees listen to your glorious discourses. I myself can never hold in the excitement that comes with hearing from you. There is never a dull moment in your Krishna-katha. One is completely enthralled upon having heard from you. There is a full infusion of enthusiasm and joy when one gets the rare opportunity to hear from you, which leaves one feeling obliged to become Krishna conscious. I know of no greater benediction than this. I am always floored by your exact, pointed descriptions of everything and anything, from how conditioning manifests in different places and different times, to hearing about the mellows and ecstasies experienced by Lord Caitanya, to the 1000% nectar you share in narrating Damodara-lila… What greater boon is there than to hear from a self-realized spiritual master - from you? Your perfect speech means a full injection of Krishna consciousness, as if sedating the wicked mind and suffocating the unlawful desires that wander around in the heart of the living entity for countless lifetimes. Indeed, you cut the oxygen supply to contaminated consciousness and leave no room for material desires to burn in the heart when in the presence of your sound vibration. I pray that this realization of the quality and effect of your presence remains ever manifest in my heart, and that its impact on my consciousness never dies.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.”
When I was first coming to Bhakti Lounge in Toronto, we were studying different poems in Grade 11 English class. There was one line from a poem that always rang in the back of my mind - ‘Yet do I marvel.’ Lifetime after lifetime, the foolish living entity is looking for something to marvel at - some way to have a full experience of awe and reverence, somewhere to fully repose the loving propensity, something for all the senses to become absorbed in and to which one can devote one’s whole life’s energy to. I wasted so much time looking in dead matter for the substance that is found and experienced in your mercy.
I marvel at your magnanimous nature - your tireless efforts to give Krishna to others, to constantly inspire in the hearts of all those you interact with the desire to come closer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is indeed something to eternally marvel at, and I feel that only now after so many years of wondering what could be the subject of this line, I have found the most suitable match in your exemplary character and unflinching devotional service. Indeed, I have finally found the suitable person to think about and say, ‘Yet do I marvel.’
‘This material world is full of darkness and misery,
Injustice and drama at every opportunity.
Yet do I marvel at one inconceivable thing:
That my spiritual master’s mercy is undying.’
This is the longest I have gone without your physical association. Words cannot describe the separation I and others feel through all this. Though chaos is prevailing, both internally and externally, I somehow feel your presence very much alive in my heart. I know for sure that I would not be doing any of what I’m doing if it weren’t crystal clear that this service we are attempting to render is pleasing to you. This certainty of your pleasure pushes me through the ups and downs that my mind throws at me. Though I have not felt such a difficulty in a long while, I find complete solace when I remain conscious of the complete loving shelter I have at your lotus feet. What is a higher goal of life? What could be a better aspiration? There is nothing of value in this material world, but you have somehow helped me and others to see where our real value lies - not in being a temporary sense object or being on the constant hunt for temporary sense objects, but to please the master of the senses under the able guidance of those who know how to do so. Under your guidance, with your care, what is not possible? Who cannot be transformed? Your instructions, my only valuable possessions, are so powerful that simply remembering them for a moment brings me to proper consciousness.
You told me once that words aren’t the only way to speak, and indeed, I thank God for that, because I’m feeling a deep inability to properly express anything at your lotus feet. I don’t really have many words to offer you. What can I offer to an ocean of mercy? I can only pray to you on this day that you grant me undying devotion to your service and the devotees engaged in such service. I desperately beg you for this. Please give me the strength, intelligence and mercy required to become a 100% malleable instrument in your hands. I pray for nothing else, and I pray that this core desire of my heart overpowers any flickering, foolish desires that come up in my attempts to become unflinchingly fixed in devotional service.
Thank you for giving me everything, and somehow continuing to give me more everyday.
Your mercy and love give me hope that I will perhaps one day understand what you’re granting me access to.
Your aspiring servant, daughter, dog
Sachidevi devi dasi
nama om visnu-padaya
krishna presthaya bhu-tale
srimate devamrita-
svamin iti namine
pracare 'purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance!
Your appearance is indeed all-auspicious. How is it that pure-hearted saintly persons roam the face of the earth to give what is nowhere to be found in this poor excuse of a human civilization? I often wonder how it is that I have come into contact with you. Sometimes a thankless task, you have carried this burden of love in service to the guru-parampara and relished the sweet taste of selfless sacrifice for the sake of their pleasure for practically your whole life. How can such a personality as yourself be so available to such common, practically unconscious persons as me to give them the gift of the Love Supreme? This is called true, unadulterated mercy.
I am pleasantly baffled when I reflect on the nature of my relationship with you. Uniquely, it began from and continues to be based purely on transcendental sound. My first encounter with you was through hearing about you from your exalted disciples. I am very forgetful, and was particularly spaced out then, as you have affectionately mentioned in jest in the assembly of devotees here, but one of the things I do remember very clearly was the sheer eagerness and excitement I felt as they assured me that not before long I would get to meet you in March 2014. Just the hope of meeting you and being told that there were services I could do to please you in preparation for your preaching engagements in Toronto at that time motivated me to cultivate so much focus and determination - qualities that were opposite of my nature. I even went on sankirtana in the extreme cold with Kathamrta, and though I was too scared and shy to really try to do any books, I would tell people about your upcoming events and hand them the flier with an excitement that surprised me. Just in anticipation of your presence, I was enlivened to share Krishna with others through the via medium of sharing about your upcoming visit. Finally, the time came. We were all lined up by the door at Mangal-arti devi dasi’s condo in Toronto - Kathamrta, Sankirtana-yoga, Anne-lise, and me. I sat in obeisances, excited and nervous to finally catch sight of your lotus feet. When I knew you were near, I couldn’t even look up. I simply heard you from down the hall as you were walking towards us, gently and joyfully chanting, ‘Hare Krishna.’ As you entered, swiftly moving towards your room, I still couldn’t get myself to lift my eyes from the floor. This contact with the pure sound of the holy name emanating from your lotus mouth and the potency of your presence had me stunned, and marked with certainty my attachment to you. This first opportunity to personally hear from you is trapped in my memory, and it carries me everyday, through thick and thin. This experience is something I see as the greatest treasure in my entire material existence - that I had the opportunity to be pulled by attraction to the pure Krsna conscious character you exemplify, and to note that it was something I never wanted to be separated from.
Now I somehow find myself in the Titikshava Karunika ashram here in Philadelphia, and everyday I am enchanted and gladdened by your effect on devotees’ hearts as they deepen their connection with you and Krishna by hearing from you. The atmosphere is always beautifully decorated by sweet sounds of laughter and amazement as devotees listen to your glorious discourses. I myself can never hold in the excitement that comes with hearing from you. There is never a dull moment in your Krishna-katha. One is completely enthralled upon having heard from you. There is a full infusion of enthusiasm and joy when one gets the rare opportunity to hear from you, which leaves one feeling obliged to become Krishna conscious. I know of no greater benediction than this. I am always floored by your exact, pointed descriptions of everything and anything, from how conditioning manifests in different places and different times, to hearing about the mellows and ecstasies experienced by Lord Caitanya, to the 1000% nectar you share in narrating Damodara-lila… What greater boon is there than to hear from a self-realized spiritual master - from you? Your perfect speech means a full injection of Krishna consciousness, as if sedating the wicked mind and suffocating the unlawful desires that wander around in the heart of the living entity for countless lifetimes. Indeed, you cut the oxygen supply to contaminated consciousness and leave no room for material desires to burn in the heart when in the presence of your sound vibration. I pray that this realization of the quality and effect of your presence remains ever manifest in my heart, and that its impact on my consciousness never dies.
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.”
When I was first coming to Bhakti Lounge in Toronto, we were studying different poems in Grade 11 English class. There was one line from a poem that always rang in the back of my mind - ‘Yet do I marvel.’ Lifetime after lifetime, the foolish living entity is looking for something to marvel at - some way to have a full experience of awe and reverence, somewhere to fully repose the loving propensity, something for all the senses to become absorbed in and to which one can devote one’s whole life’s energy to. I wasted so much time looking in dead matter for the substance that is found and experienced in your mercy.
I marvel at your magnanimous nature - your tireless efforts to give Krishna to others, to constantly inspire in the hearts of all those you interact with the desire to come closer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is indeed something to eternally marvel at, and I feel that only now after so many years of wondering what could be the subject of this line, I have found the most suitable match in your exemplary character and unflinching devotional service. Indeed, I have finally found the suitable person to think about and say, ‘Yet do I marvel.’
‘This material world is full of darkness and misery,
Injustice and drama at every opportunity.
Yet do I marvel at one inconceivable thing:
That my spiritual master’s mercy is undying.’
This is the longest I have gone without your physical association. Words cannot describe the separation I and others feel through all this. Though chaos is prevailing, both internally and externally, I somehow feel your presence very much alive in my heart. I know for sure that I would not be doing any of what I’m doing if it weren’t crystal clear that this service we are attempting to render is pleasing to you. This certainty of your pleasure pushes me through the ups and downs that my mind throws at me. Though I have not felt such a difficulty in a long while, I find complete solace when I remain conscious of the complete loving shelter I have at your lotus feet. What is a higher goal of life? What could be a better aspiration? There is nothing of value in this material world, but you have somehow helped me and others to see where our real value lies - not in being a temporary sense object or being on the constant hunt for temporary sense objects, but to please the master of the senses under the able guidance of those who know how to do so. Under your guidance, with your care, what is not possible? Who cannot be transformed? Your instructions, my only valuable possessions, are so powerful that simply remembering them for a moment brings me to proper consciousness.
You told me once that words aren’t the only way to speak, and indeed, I thank God for that, because I’m feeling a deep inability to properly express anything at your lotus feet. I don’t really have many words to offer you. What can I offer to an ocean of mercy? I can only pray to you on this day that you grant me undying devotion to your service and the devotees engaged in such service. I desperately beg you for this. Please give me the strength, intelligence and mercy required to become a 100% malleable instrument in your hands. I pray for nothing else, and I pray that this core desire of my heart overpowers any flickering, foolish desires that come up in my attempts to become unflinchingly fixed in devotional service.
Thank you for giving me everything, and somehow continuing to give me more everyday.
Your mercy and love give me hope that I will perhaps one day understand what you’re granting me access to.
Your aspiring servant, daughter, dog
Sachidevi devi dasi
Samantha M
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you. You have taken me in with open arms, providing guidance and support. I'm not sure where I would be without them. One thing for sure is with your guidance my life is much better. Your voice enlightens me, each time I hear it. You have touched me through all of your lessons. You taught me essential skills to know how to navigate through life.
You are such a genuine and sincere person. You have a way of capturing everyone in the room. I remembered when I was invited for one of your talks for a program I thought to myself I am so pleased that people like him still exist.
I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am to have met such an inspiring, caring and compassionate person. I am eternally indebted to you for accepting me into your shelter and I hope to learn one day how to serve you and Sri Sri Radha Vallabha.
Seeking your blessings
Your insignificant servant
Samantha
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you. You have taken me in with open arms, providing guidance and support. I'm not sure where I would be without them. One thing for sure is with your guidance my life is much better. Your voice enlightens me, each time I hear it. You have touched me through all of your lessons. You taught me essential skills to know how to navigate through life.
You are such a genuine and sincere person. You have a way of capturing everyone in the room. I remembered when I was invited for one of your talks for a program I thought to myself I am so pleased that people like him still exist.
I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am to have met such an inspiring, caring and compassionate person. I am eternally indebted to you for accepting me into your shelter and I hope to learn one day how to serve you and Sri Sri Radha Vallabha.
Seeking your blessings
Your insignificant servant
Samantha
Sammohini devi dasi
Nama om visnu-padaya Krsna presthaya bhutale
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Guru Maharaja
What a crazy world we are living right now and I feel more fortunate than ever to have all Krishna Consciousness knowledge available to understand where we are, where we are going, our position in this world and finally to take even more shelter on krishna’s lotus feet.
2020 for the karmis hard one and for me as a devotee and opportunity to see and appreciate more Lord Caitanya’s movement. We are experiencing Pure Kali Yuga with all the asuras trying to control us and our decisions.
Last year I heard a Spanish lady anticipating 2020. She was mentioning year 2020, special one because 20 +20 is 40 and is the minimum days the earth is asking to rest to the world, to stop and analysed what we had done to our planet. Solutions were not giving.
So….Where to take shelter? We can’t even meet devotees or go to the temple
So …where to take shelter?
Srila Prabhupada’s Books and this is the point where I meditate about you more because since I meet you your enthusiasm and determination in preaching and distribute his book has being very strong and important in so many souls.
I feel very protective. I feel I am facing a heavy rain and I have the biggest umbrella to protect me to continue walking without getting wet. Make me to remember Govardhana Lila and how Krishna’s friends probably felt with his protection.
I can’t see any good end with the world crisis we are in except to be part of our movement and I pray that today and every day you get healthier and stronger to continue helping souls to be safe from the danger world we are living right now.
Thank you Gurudeva
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Srimate devamrta swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhaktacara pravinitah
Paratatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te nama
Dear Guru Maharaja
What a crazy world we are living right now and I feel more fortunate than ever to have all Krishna Consciousness knowledge available to understand where we are, where we are going, our position in this world and finally to take even more shelter on krishna’s lotus feet.
2020 for the karmis hard one and for me as a devotee and opportunity to see and appreciate more Lord Caitanya’s movement. We are experiencing Pure Kali Yuga with all the asuras trying to control us and our decisions.
Last year I heard a Spanish lady anticipating 2020. She was mentioning year 2020, special one because 20 +20 is 40 and is the minimum days the earth is asking to rest to the world, to stop and analysed what we had done to our planet. Solutions were not giving.
So….Where to take shelter? We can’t even meet devotees or go to the temple
So …where to take shelter?
Srila Prabhupada’s Books and this is the point where I meditate about you more because since I meet you your enthusiasm and determination in preaching and distribute his book has being very strong and important in so many souls.
I feel very protective. I feel I am facing a heavy rain and I have the biggest umbrella to protect me to continue walking without getting wet. Make me to remember Govardhana Lila and how Krishna’s friends probably felt with his protection.
I can’t see any good end with the world crisis we are in except to be part of our movement and I pray that today and every day you get healthier and stronger to continue helping souls to be safe from the danger world we are living right now.
Thank you Gurudeva
Your eternal servant
Sammohini.dd
Sandrananda
Dear guru maharaja,
I'm imagining being spun around in a washing machine its similiar to the way maya serves out to the living entity sometimes up sometimes down. A real messed up situation I am in. And you know and understand this better than anyone not through experience so much but through hearing.
I admire how you hear so much even from the conditioned souls. I wish I could communicate to you during this test phase of life I am in but I turn away from the phone and from your council thinking ignorance is bliss.
I feel blessed to have you in my life now still as the best example of how a person should be.
You once told me, " I'm used to having sandrananda around". Well gururdeva, I'm similarly happy to be your spiritual daughter.
Have a wonderful day,
From your servant,
Sandrananda
I'm imagining being spun around in a washing machine its similiar to the way maya serves out to the living entity sometimes up sometimes down. A real messed up situation I am in. And you know and understand this better than anyone not through experience so much but through hearing.
I admire how you hear so much even from the conditioned souls. I wish I could communicate to you during this test phase of life I am in but I turn away from the phone and from your council thinking ignorance is bliss.
I feel blessed to have you in my life now still as the best example of how a person should be.
You once told me, " I'm used to having sandrananda around". Well gururdeva, I'm similarly happy to be your spiritual daughter.
Have a wonderful day,
From your servant,
Sandrananda
Santa-rupa devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Speechless in your presence,
Heartbroken in your absence,
but very much uplifted and empowered by your instructions, resonating in my heart!
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your encouragement and ongoing support to bring me back to Krishna.
Praying that I might be serving you and all devotees in eternity and keep on trying to share my good fortune in whatever way.
All glories to you and the sankirtan movement.
Your insignificant and grateful disciple,
Santa-rupa devi dasi.
Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Speechless in your presence,
Heartbroken in your absence,
but very much uplifted and empowered by your instructions, resonating in my heart!
Thank you, Gurudeva, for your encouragement and ongoing support to bring me back to Krishna.
Praying that I might be serving you and all devotees in eternity and keep on trying to share my good fortune in whatever way.
All glories to you and the sankirtan movement.
Your insignificant and grateful disciple,
Santa-rupa devi dasi.
Hare Krishna!
Sasi-Mukhi d.d.
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to You, Srila Prabhupada and to the day of Your Vyasa Puja.
I want to thank the great honor of being accepted as Your disciple so many years ago. Life offers us challenges, and with my two children, every day I have to make the most of my energy to give them care and love. They are called Vijay and Gaday, and I ask for Your blessings so that they can grow up healthy and happy.
Their determination and firmness help us move forward. I thank you daily for having known Krishna's conscience and having taken refuge in Your lotus feet. I know I'm far away, but at some point I'll have the great joy of seeing You again no matter where in the world.
Hoping to feel well, I wish you a wonderful day of Vyasa Puja.
From Chosica, Peru,
Sasi-mukhi d.d.
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to You, Srila Prabhupada and to the day of Your Vyasa Puja.
I want to thank the great honor of being accepted as Your disciple so many years ago. Life offers us challenges, and with my two children, every day I have to make the most of my energy to give them care and love. They are called Vijay and Gaday, and I ask for Your blessings so that they can grow up healthy and happy.
Their determination and firmness help us move forward. I thank you daily for having known Krishna's conscience and having taken refuge in Your lotus feet. I know I'm far away, but at some point I'll have the great joy of seeing You again no matter where in the world.
Hoping to feel well, I wish you a wonderful day of Vyasa Puja.
From Chosica, Peru,
Sasi-mukhi d.d.
Satya Sar Devi Dasi
Respected Guru Maharaj,
I am fortunate to honour your divine grace on the auspicious occasion of your Vyas Puja day in the association of the Vaishnavas. Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
On this auspicious day my sincere prayer is to be able to remember your instructions, guidance and direction in every aspect of my devotional service. It is your divine grace's causeless mercy that you have lifted me up from the ocean of birth and death and engage me in Krishna's devotional service. I am eternally indebted to your divine grace for blessing my son Bhakti Sar Das and taking special care of him.
Gurudev you awaken us from our slumber by your brilliant classes. Our greatest fortune is that your presence is felt by hearing your talks. I pray that I always remember your instructions and never deviate from the auspicious path of devotional service that you have provided us.
Please bless me to maintain my daily sadhna of attentive chanting, reading, hearing and association of devotees. Kindly grant me the wisdom to deal with the challenges of material life and the desire to read Bhagavatam in the association of devotees and apply the principles of Bhagavatam in my daily life.
Gurudev I pray for your good health. We miss your transit visit to NOIDA in this Corona period.
Hare Krishna
Your servant
Satya Sar Devi Dasi
I am fortunate to honour your divine grace on the auspicious occasion of your Vyas Puja day in the association of the Vaishnavas. Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet.
On this auspicious day my sincere prayer is to be able to remember your instructions, guidance and direction in every aspect of my devotional service. It is your divine grace's causeless mercy that you have lifted me up from the ocean of birth and death and engage me in Krishna's devotional service. I am eternally indebted to your divine grace for blessing my son Bhakti Sar Das and taking special care of him.
Gurudev you awaken us from our slumber by your brilliant classes. Our greatest fortune is that your presence is felt by hearing your talks. I pray that I always remember your instructions and never deviate from the auspicious path of devotional service that you have provided us.
Please bless me to maintain my daily sadhna of attentive chanting, reading, hearing and association of devotees. Kindly grant me the wisdom to deal with the challenges of material life and the desire to read Bhagavatam in the association of devotees and apply the principles of Bhagavatam in my daily life.
Gurudev I pray for your good health. We miss your transit visit to NOIDA in this Corona period.
Hare Krishna
Your servant
Satya Sar Devi Dasi
Saumya-mayī devi dasi
Hare Kṛṣṇa Gurudeva!
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most wonderful day of your appearance.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always giving a chance to engage in Kṛṣṇa's service to everyone you meet.</strong>
Upon our first meeting you expertly stirred up my fire of desire to do welfare work for a broken world. You saw my bleeding heart and performed open heart surgery. "What makes you think you're going to be able to save the world?" you said.
After this 'shake up and wake up call' you immediately re-directed my untamed energy and instructed me to plug into the sankirtana service.
"The more you immerse yourself in the sankirtan ocean, the happier you'll be and the happier everyone else can be in the world."
You quickly bound me by transcendental affection with the ropes of your instructions.
Since day one you have so expertly shown me how to place my heart, mind and energies at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya and in the dust of Srila Prabhupada's divine mission.
You never cease from encouraging me in this service. "So continue to invest your energies in Lord Caitanya's mission. Thank you so much for your assistance. I'm very happy for you that you're taking advantage of this rarest opportunity. It's very enlivening for me."
How did I deserve such a rare opportunity??
In a purport of Madhya Lila 8.60 Prabhupada explains: "The saṅkīrtana movement has nothing to do with this material world. It is imported from the spiritual world, Goloka Vṛndāvana."
After years of engagement in such lowly activities, how have I got this chance to taste and share the sacred happiness hidden in the sankirtana yajna?- the embrace of Lord Caitanya imported from the spiritual world.
It is your mercy alone that has gifted me such an exalted engagement. Your instructions are my only wealth.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always reminding us how Bhakti is ever fresh, exciting and complete!</strong>
You recently explained how Kṛṣṇa directs and changes our perception of excitement and happiness.
"You used to know where all the best parties were. Now you know where all the best sankirtan spots are."
This struck me. It's true- I actually feel genuinely thrilled when I see a buzzing Pak n Save carpark at dusk "the golden palace" or a Kali yuga hotspot carpark (liquor shop, butchery and take away shop all in one)- fertile ground for books to fly out. I feel so excited to run car to car to share a book about Kṛṣṇa with another soul.
This is now my idea of the best party!
How did this come to be?
My perception has been changed only by your powerful example and mercy.
Your ever-fresh taste for bhakti makes us all jump through the roof in your kirtans and glue our ears to your every word in class!
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always singing Krsnas glories, so boldly yet so sweet.</strong>
I remember when you kindly accepted me as your disciple. "Ok, if your heart feels that way, servant of the servant of Lord Caitanya's sankirtana. So always tell me about sankirtana and that'll keep me happy."
I love sharing this news with you and remember one of your many striking replies. "Thank you for your note. I studied it very carefully. Such nectar drops make life in this world liveable."
You demonstrate our dependency and show how without being intimately connected to the order of Lord Caitanya we have no life.
You know the utter dryness, dullness, emptiness of this world without the lifeline of the spiritual Masters instructions. I recently read that everything in the material world is dull, whereas everything in the spiritual world is alive."
The order of Lord Caitanya remains alive and vital and you have mercifully passed it down. "Have life and preach!"
You exemplify how following such instructions are how we keep in intimate company with our spiritual master.
You demonstrate this by your other worldly example of how intensely and intimately you clasp to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always inspiring us to reach out village to town, street to street.</strong>
You once explained how "if we want a thriving bhakti community that means everyone is doing their bit to help the wheels of Lord Caitanya's sankirtana movement turn." I'm so grateful for how you have expertly crafted such a culture of yajna and infused the desire to give Kṛṣṇa to others within the fabric of our community.
You recently explained how Lord Caitanya envisioned thousands of people being able to give shelter. "It's not just one person's job." Everyone is in desperate need of real shelter. Prabhupada sang how "everyone is anxiously looking down the road and waiting for Caitanya Nitai to come to their rescue."
I was recently at a bus stop on the way back from sankirtana and a struggling young mum beside me saw my books and said "oh you're Hare Kṛṣṇa?" She explained how every Friday night in Perth the Hare Kṛṣṇas would go by her workplace. "As soon as I heard the chanting, tears would just uncontrollably fall from my eyes. Maybe it was from a past life? I would just cry and cry." It struck me how every soul is crying for Kṛṣṇa, crying for engagement and shelter. If we don't go out there and give this shelter, who will?
Prabhupada writes in Adi Lila 13.5: "Only the devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu can dissipate the darkness of Kali-yuga, the ignorance of the population of this age. No one else can do so. We therefore wish that all the devotees of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement may reflect the supreme sun and thus dissipate the darkness of the entire world."
You are a shining beacon of shelter and compassion. You are so propelled by the urgency to give shelter to the spiritually impoverished masses. I feel so unfortunate that I am not propelled by any sense of urgency to help you in this grand mission. I beg you that I may feel the urgency and develop the compassion flowing through you from the parampara.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're so kind, merciful, tolerant and encouraging </strong>
You recently read a letter that you had on your locker from Prabhupada to a disciple where he stressed that "I've given you such an opportunity to be a leader in this mission but if you don't take it I know Kṛṣṇa will send someone else." I lament that I have not taken advantage of the opportunity you have given me to fully invest in this rarest opportunity, to become a stable shelter.
I've wasted so much time being useless and mental. Yet you're always pushing me to be useful and transcendental.
Despite my complaints you always remind me "If you get to do sankirtana as your service you're very fortunate."
Despite all my shortcomings you're so grateful. "Well I appreciate all your sacrifice for Lord Caitanya's sankirtana mission so I can't really let you go you know."
You reminded me recently that I'm just a drama queen with my mind. "Why don't you go and make a drama on sankirtan. That would be a productive use of your talent."
You know how to pull me out of my mind and plug me into spiritual energy.
Despite my stubborn uselessness you always push me to focus on your instructions and increase!
You see far beyond our shortcomings and work so hard to revive our true nature and potential by the nectar of your instructions. I recently messaged you apologising for being a drama queen and sharing some sankirtan news. You replied "Wonderful, the real Saumya Mayi in action." This struck me how you can actually see us- the real us beyond our thick conditioning.
There is so much work to be done. You are simply so much wanting to use us- put the real us into action. You are patiently waiting for me to get it together so I may be a useful instrument. I am sorry for being so slow, unsteady and unproductive.
There is so much to do and you have so much to give, yet I'm so self-absorbed and stubborn that I don't allow myself to take your mercy with a grateful heart. Please help me do so.
Gurudeva, I really want to feel the heavy burden of helping you relieve Lord Caitanya's anxiety. I want to take on the labour of love, the intimate responsibility for assisting in pushing on the sankirtana mission for your pleasure. You are tied by ropes of transcendental anxiety to Lord Caitanya's lotus feet and I want to always be bound to you by these ropes. I humbly pray to you for the strength to embrace your instructions through thick and thin and for a drop of your enthusiasm for engaging all your energy in Lord Caitanya's sacred service.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet,
Your whole life you're dancing perfectly to Prabhupada's brhad mrdanga beat. </strong>
Your grateful servant,
Saumya-mayī devi dasi.
Below I have added the lyrics to the song about your life which I sung on your Vyasapuja day: Although noone can adequately glorify you, I hope this was pleasing for you. Please keep me tied to your service and keep me under your glance. That's my only hope!
Gurudeva's 70th Vyasapuja song 2020:
1.//
Your mother was praying for a servant
of the Lord
And 70 years ago you appeared within this world
Born and Raised in New York, Giving sermon when you were 8
To glorify the Lord and preach was certainly your fate
2.//
You studied hard at top schools and became a Yale man
You wanted the highest knowledge and Krsna had His plan
They said You're a Yale man you will influence the world
Little did they know the impact you would have on this globe
Chorus:
So many years of sacrifice
Swimming in Lord Caitanya's sankirtana ocean
70 years to glorify
Your whole life is an offering of devotion
Amidst the agonies and ecstacies
You're always tied
to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet
O Gurudeva, let us sing your glories
- to which there is no end
3.//
One day while wearing bell bottoms and an afro
You met a sankirtana devotee and little did you know
How you would be knocked off your couch by the contents of this book
You read Prabhupada's books for six months
Four hours a day you were hooked.
Chorus
4. //
You wanted more but didn't want to spend time with a devotee
Then Krsna arranged you gave $10000 to Daivisakti mataji
She said You're giving so much, why not come and show face?
Temple door swung open, they said welcome brother you've come to the right place!
Take off your shoes, move around
next thing you're traveling town to town
, hard luck kid but sankirtan leader
7 days a week sharing Bhagavad Gita
Chorus
5.//
You said you struggled, but every day you were trying
Then one day Kṛṣṇa turned the switch and from then the books were flying
But then your health took a turn
You joined the LA BBT
Superhuman effort day and night
To translate the CC
Chorus
6.//
Then you risked your life and took the dust of Prabhupada's lotus feet
Under the iron curtain for 8 years to undercover teach and preach
Your joint efforts made the iron curtain fall, as Prabhupada had said
whoever took up this mission would certainly go back to Godhead
7.// Bridge:
We don't know the extent of what you went through,
But for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada, Is there anything you won't do?
You may live or die but these books are eternal- that's what you would say
Your dedication to this mission shines brighter every day
8.//
In 1993 you came down under to NZ
You established centres to take us back to Godhead
Since the early loft you've been preaching here so bold
Caring, guiding, outreaching now you're 70 years old
9.//
You're in the Gbc , work for the bbt traveling swami - so much responsibility.
You look after Gita nagari,swansea and Philly, Auckland hamilton welly - spreading the bhakti!
Closing verse:
10.//
Over the last 70 years
Blood sweat and tears
Smashing doubts and fears
Uplifting us all for so many years
Let us ride in your wake
follow your footsteps
How can we thank you for all you've done
The work has only just begun
You've paved the way
given us all we need
Up to us now to proceed
Chorus
So many years of sacrifice
Swimming in Lord Caitanya's sankirtana ocean
70 years to glorify
Your whole life is an offering of devotion
Amidst the agonies and ecstacies
You're always tied
to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet
O Gurudeva, let us sing your glories - to which there is no end.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most wonderful day of your appearance.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always giving a chance to engage in Kṛṣṇa's service to everyone you meet.</strong>
Upon our first meeting you expertly stirred up my fire of desire to do welfare work for a broken world. You saw my bleeding heart and performed open heart surgery. "What makes you think you're going to be able to save the world?" you said.
After this 'shake up and wake up call' you immediately re-directed my untamed energy and instructed me to plug into the sankirtana service.
"The more you immerse yourself in the sankirtan ocean, the happier you'll be and the happier everyone else can be in the world."
You quickly bound me by transcendental affection with the ropes of your instructions.
Since day one you have so expertly shown me how to place my heart, mind and energies at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya and in the dust of Srila Prabhupada's divine mission.
You never cease from encouraging me in this service. "So continue to invest your energies in Lord Caitanya's mission. Thank you so much for your assistance. I'm very happy for you that you're taking advantage of this rarest opportunity. It's very enlivening for me."
How did I deserve such a rare opportunity??
In a purport of Madhya Lila 8.60 Prabhupada explains: "The saṅkīrtana movement has nothing to do with this material world. It is imported from the spiritual world, Goloka Vṛndāvana."
After years of engagement in such lowly activities, how have I got this chance to taste and share the sacred happiness hidden in the sankirtana yajna?- the embrace of Lord Caitanya imported from the spiritual world.
It is your mercy alone that has gifted me such an exalted engagement. Your instructions are my only wealth.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always reminding us how Bhakti is ever fresh, exciting and complete!</strong>
You recently explained how Kṛṣṇa directs and changes our perception of excitement and happiness.
"You used to know where all the best parties were. Now you know where all the best sankirtan spots are."
This struck me. It's true- I actually feel genuinely thrilled when I see a buzzing Pak n Save carpark at dusk "the golden palace" or a Kali yuga hotspot carpark (liquor shop, butchery and take away shop all in one)- fertile ground for books to fly out. I feel so excited to run car to car to share a book about Kṛṣṇa with another soul.
This is now my idea of the best party!
How did this come to be?
My perception has been changed only by your powerful example and mercy.
Your ever-fresh taste for bhakti makes us all jump through the roof in your kirtans and glue our ears to your every word in class!
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always singing Krsnas glories, so boldly yet so sweet.</strong>
I remember when you kindly accepted me as your disciple. "Ok, if your heart feels that way, servant of the servant of Lord Caitanya's sankirtana. So always tell me about sankirtana and that'll keep me happy."
I love sharing this news with you and remember one of your many striking replies. "Thank you for your note. I studied it very carefully. Such nectar drops make life in this world liveable."
You demonstrate our dependency and show how without being intimately connected to the order of Lord Caitanya we have no life.
You know the utter dryness, dullness, emptiness of this world without the lifeline of the spiritual Masters instructions. I recently read that everything in the material world is dull, whereas everything in the spiritual world is alive."
The order of Lord Caitanya remains alive and vital and you have mercifully passed it down. "Have life and preach!"
You exemplify how following such instructions are how we keep in intimate company with our spiritual master.
You demonstrate this by your other worldly example of how intensely and intimately you clasp to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're always inspiring us to reach out village to town, street to street.</strong>
You once explained how "if we want a thriving bhakti community that means everyone is doing their bit to help the wheels of Lord Caitanya's sankirtana movement turn." I'm so grateful for how you have expertly crafted such a culture of yajna and infused the desire to give Kṛṣṇa to others within the fabric of our community.
You recently explained how Lord Caitanya envisioned thousands of people being able to give shelter. "It's not just one person's job." Everyone is in desperate need of real shelter. Prabhupada sang how "everyone is anxiously looking down the road and waiting for Caitanya Nitai to come to their rescue."
I was recently at a bus stop on the way back from sankirtana and a struggling young mum beside me saw my books and said "oh you're Hare Kṛṣṇa?" She explained how every Friday night in Perth the Hare Kṛṣṇas would go by her workplace. "As soon as I heard the chanting, tears would just uncontrollably fall from my eyes. Maybe it was from a past life? I would just cry and cry." It struck me how every soul is crying for Kṛṣṇa, crying for engagement and shelter. If we don't go out there and give this shelter, who will?
Prabhupada writes in Adi Lila 13.5: "Only the devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu can dissipate the darkness of Kali-yuga, the ignorance of the population of this age. No one else can do so. We therefore wish that all the devotees of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement may reflect the supreme sun and thus dissipate the darkness of the entire world."
You are a shining beacon of shelter and compassion. You are so propelled by the urgency to give shelter to the spiritually impoverished masses. I feel so unfortunate that I am not propelled by any sense of urgency to help you in this grand mission. I beg you that I may feel the urgency and develop the compassion flowing through you from the parampara.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet.
You're so kind, merciful, tolerant and encouraging </strong>
You recently read a letter that you had on your locker from Prabhupada to a disciple where he stressed that "I've given you such an opportunity to be a leader in this mission but if you don't take it I know Kṛṣṇa will send someone else." I lament that I have not taken advantage of the opportunity you have given me to fully invest in this rarest opportunity, to become a stable shelter.
I've wasted so much time being useless and mental. Yet you're always pushing me to be useful and transcendental.
Despite my complaints you always remind me "If you get to do sankirtana as your service you're very fortunate."
Despite all my shortcomings you're so grateful. "Well I appreciate all your sacrifice for Lord Caitanya's sankirtana mission so I can't really let you go you know."
You reminded me recently that I'm just a drama queen with my mind. "Why don't you go and make a drama on sankirtan. That would be a productive use of your talent."
You know how to pull me out of my mind and plug me into spiritual energy.
Despite my stubborn uselessness you always push me to focus on your instructions and increase!
You see far beyond our shortcomings and work so hard to revive our true nature and potential by the nectar of your instructions. I recently messaged you apologising for being a drama queen and sharing some sankirtan news. You replied "Wonderful, the real Saumya Mayi in action." This struck me how you can actually see us- the real us beyond our thick conditioning.
There is so much work to be done. You are simply so much wanting to use us- put the real us into action. You are patiently waiting for me to get it together so I may be a useful instrument. I am sorry for being so slow, unsteady and unproductive.
There is so much to do and you have so much to give, yet I'm so self-absorbed and stubborn that I don't allow myself to take your mercy with a grateful heart. Please help me do so.
Gurudeva, I really want to feel the heavy burden of helping you relieve Lord Caitanya's anxiety. I want to take on the labour of love, the intimate responsibility for assisting in pushing on the sankirtana mission for your pleasure. You are tied by ropes of transcendental anxiety to Lord Caitanya's lotus feet and I want to always be bound to you by these ropes. I humbly pray to you for the strength to embrace your instructions through thick and thin and for a drop of your enthusiasm for engaging all your energy in Lord Caitanya's sacred service.
<strong>Gurudeva, thank you for giving me shelter at your divine lotus feet,
Your whole life you're dancing perfectly to Prabhupada's brhad mrdanga beat. </strong>
Your grateful servant,
Saumya-mayī devi dasi.
Below I have added the lyrics to the song about your life which I sung on your Vyasapuja day: Although noone can adequately glorify you, I hope this was pleasing for you. Please keep me tied to your service and keep me under your glance. That's my only hope!
Gurudeva's 70th Vyasapuja song 2020:
1.//
Your mother was praying for a servant
of the Lord
And 70 years ago you appeared within this world
Born and Raised in New York, Giving sermon when you were 8
To glorify the Lord and preach was certainly your fate
2.//
You studied hard at top schools and became a Yale man
You wanted the highest knowledge and Krsna had His plan
They said You're a Yale man you will influence the world
Little did they know the impact you would have on this globe
Chorus:
So many years of sacrifice
Swimming in Lord Caitanya's sankirtana ocean
70 years to glorify
Your whole life is an offering of devotion
Amidst the agonies and ecstacies
You're always tied
to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet
O Gurudeva, let us sing your glories
- to which there is no end
3.//
One day while wearing bell bottoms and an afro
You met a sankirtana devotee and little did you know
How you would be knocked off your couch by the contents of this book
You read Prabhupada's books for six months
Four hours a day you were hooked.
Chorus
4. //
You wanted more but didn't want to spend time with a devotee
Then Krsna arranged you gave $10000 to Daivisakti mataji
She said You're giving so much, why not come and show face?
Temple door swung open, they said welcome brother you've come to the right place!
Take off your shoes, move around
next thing you're traveling town to town
, hard luck kid but sankirtan leader
7 days a week sharing Bhagavad Gita
Chorus
5.//
You said you struggled, but every day you were trying
Then one day Kṛṣṇa turned the switch and from then the books were flying
But then your health took a turn
You joined the LA BBT
Superhuman effort day and night
To translate the CC
Chorus
6.//
Then you risked your life and took the dust of Prabhupada's lotus feet
Under the iron curtain for 8 years to undercover teach and preach
Your joint efforts made the iron curtain fall, as Prabhupada had said
whoever took up this mission would certainly go back to Godhead
7.// Bridge:
We don't know the extent of what you went through,
But for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada, Is there anything you won't do?
You may live or die but these books are eternal- that's what you would say
Your dedication to this mission shines brighter every day
8.//
In 1993 you came down under to NZ
You established centres to take us back to Godhead
Since the early loft you've been preaching here so bold
Caring, guiding, outreaching now you're 70 years old
9.//
You're in the Gbc , work for the bbt traveling swami - so much responsibility.
You look after Gita nagari,swansea and Philly, Auckland hamilton welly - spreading the bhakti!
Closing verse:
10.//
Over the last 70 years
Blood sweat and tears
Smashing doubts and fears
Uplifting us all for so many years
Let us ride in your wake
follow your footsteps
How can we thank you for all you've done
The work has only just begun
You've paved the way
given us all we need
Up to us now to proceed
Chorus
So many years of sacrifice
Swimming in Lord Caitanya's sankirtana ocean
70 years to glorify
Your whole life is an offering of devotion
Amidst the agonies and ecstacies
You're always tied
to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet
O Gurudeva, let us sing your glories - to which there is no end.
Sayak Basu
Hare Krishna Gurudev
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On the auspicious occasion of your vyas puja I again take the opportunity to offer my humble offering unto you. I do not have the qualifications, neither the literary eloquency to write any offering but I take it as a service opportunity.
Prabhupada have always said that bhakti life is easy as well as difficult. This apparent contradiction use to baffle me in the beginning.
How it can be easy and difficult at the same time ?
However now with few years of practise it seems the oxymoron is slowly getting clear for me.
Yes it is difficult process as you have said in one of your famous lecture. Difficult to follow what Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita in the age of Kali. But my mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu it becomes not just easy but applicable in present times.
But we are getting that sublime process of Mahaprabhu from your lotus mouth. You are that represantative of our glories guruparampara who is making the process more simple and practicable for us.
Prabhupada writes in his purport "Caitanya Mahāprabhu advises that a guru is one who strictly follows the instructions of Bhagavad-gītā: yare dekha tare kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa (Cc. Madhya 7.128). A juggler, a magician or one who speaks nonsense as an academic career is not a guru. Rather, a guru is one who presents Bhagavad-gītā, Kṛṣṇa’s instructions, as it is. Śravaṇa is very important; one must hear from the Vaiṣṇava sādhu, guru and śāstra." SB 10.2.37
When I read this purport I could clearly understand who is making this process simplier for us. How you are presenting the message of Krishna which can be applied in today's time , place and circumstances.
I seek tremendous inspiration from you and it is a learning curve for me that how you engage devotees coming from various backgrounds with utmost sensitivity and care.How you have remained one of the pillars of ISKCON for so many years despite going through various challenges. This shows your infliching determination towards Srila Prabhupada and towards this mission.
It is my earnest desire and wish that one day I may develop that tinge of desire to always faithfully serve you and the mission which you are doing for Srila Prabhupada. May I remain dedicated to your vani and and strive to improve my consciousness.
May I never lose this mercy which I am getting from you.
It is said that a value of anything is understood when it is lost. In this difficult times how you have strived to keep our consciousness upright by giving your association.
May I never take that for granted.
Please bless me if you so desire.....
Your insignificant aspiring servant
Sayak Basu
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
On the auspicious occasion of your vyas puja I again take the opportunity to offer my humble offering unto you. I do not have the qualifications, neither the literary eloquency to write any offering but I take it as a service opportunity.
Prabhupada have always said that bhakti life is easy as well as difficult. This apparent contradiction use to baffle me in the beginning.
How it can be easy and difficult at the same time ?
However now with few years of practise it seems the oxymoron is slowly getting clear for me.
Yes it is difficult process as you have said in one of your famous lecture. Difficult to follow what Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita in the age of Kali. But my mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu it becomes not just easy but applicable in present times.
But we are getting that sublime process of Mahaprabhu from your lotus mouth. You are that represantative of our glories guruparampara who is making the process more simple and practicable for us.
Prabhupada writes in his purport "Caitanya Mahāprabhu advises that a guru is one who strictly follows the instructions of Bhagavad-gītā: yare dekha tare kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa (Cc. Madhya 7.128). A juggler, a magician or one who speaks nonsense as an academic career is not a guru. Rather, a guru is one who presents Bhagavad-gītā, Kṛṣṇa’s instructions, as it is. Śravaṇa is very important; one must hear from the Vaiṣṇava sādhu, guru and śāstra." SB 10.2.37
When I read this purport I could clearly understand who is making this process simplier for us. How you are presenting the message of Krishna which can be applied in today's time , place and circumstances.
I seek tremendous inspiration from you and it is a learning curve for me that how you engage devotees coming from various backgrounds with utmost sensitivity and care.How you have remained one of the pillars of ISKCON for so many years despite going through various challenges. This shows your infliching determination towards Srila Prabhupada and towards this mission.
It is my earnest desire and wish that one day I may develop that tinge of desire to always faithfully serve you and the mission which you are doing for Srila Prabhupada. May I remain dedicated to your vani and and strive to improve my consciousness.
May I never lose this mercy which I am getting from you.
It is said that a value of anything is understood when it is lost. In this difficult times how you have strived to keep our consciousness upright by giving your association.
May I never take that for granted.
Please bless me if you so desire.....
Your insignificant aspiring servant
Sayak Basu
Sevā Vilāsa Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
nama oṁ viṣṇu pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣthāya bhūtale
śrīmate devāmṛta swāmīn iti nāmine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Śrīmate Devāmṛta Swāmī who is very dear to Lord Kṛṣṇa on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
pracāre pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Every day I wake up grateful.
I feel incredibly lucky to have touched upon the greatest knowledge.
It’s the easiest process but at the same time the most complex there is. You make it look so easy because you’re always so effulgent and fixed in your service. No matter the circumstances your goal doesn’t change. Krishna is truly at the center of your life. More than the center, He is the focus of your life.
Despite not having seen you much this year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you again, and acknowledge everything you do, your efforts and your dedication, your leadership, your kindness and your mercy.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Your aspiring servant,
Seva Vilasa dd
nama oṁ viṣṇu pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣthāya bhūtale
śrīmate devāmṛta swāmīn iti nāmine
I offer my respectful obeisances to Śrīmate Devāmṛta Swāmī who is very dear to Lord Kṛṣṇa on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
pracāre pūrva-dākṣyaṁ ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyaṁ yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Every day I wake up grateful.
I feel incredibly lucky to have touched upon the greatest knowledge.
It’s the easiest process but at the same time the most complex there is. You make it look so easy because you’re always so effulgent and fixed in your service. No matter the circumstances your goal doesn’t change. Krishna is truly at the center of your life. More than the center, He is the focus of your life.
Despite not having seen you much this year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you again, and acknowledge everything you do, your efforts and your dedication, your leadership, your kindness and your mercy.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance!
Your aspiring servant,
Seva Vilasa dd
Sevamrita devi dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this special day
The web of material life is constantly re-building and expanding with many complexities, of this external world and of ‘my’ world with mind and body. Sometimes it feels more familiar and comforting to get lost in it and mesmerised by its charming dramas.
Yet just a brief moment of association with you, through hearing and seva, inspires me to be under Krsna’s spiritual energy; I get a little glimpse through your example that indeed there is so much taste in maha mantra and Krsna-Katha. I aspire for more spiritual strength in order to take shelter of Japa daily and to saturate my mind in the ever fresh Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita.
Through my ups and downs in this Bhakti path, you have always been extremely kind, patient and affectionate.
Thank you for being my spiritual teacher and father that I can always take shelter of.
Your indebted servant,
Sevamrita devi dasi
Below is from Nandai:
Dear Gurudeva,
Thank you for visiting us. I like how you talk to me and ask how my day was, it makes me feel happy because I feel loved.
I wish you can stay with me in Australia. Where are you now? It would be great if you can come to my house again. Miss you.
Your servant,
Nandai
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you on this special day
The web of material life is constantly re-building and expanding with many complexities, of this external world and of ‘my’ world with mind and body. Sometimes it feels more familiar and comforting to get lost in it and mesmerised by its charming dramas.
Yet just a brief moment of association with you, through hearing and seva, inspires me to be under Krsna’s spiritual energy; I get a little glimpse through your example that indeed there is so much taste in maha mantra and Krsna-Katha. I aspire for more spiritual strength in order to take shelter of Japa daily and to saturate my mind in the ever fresh Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita.
Through my ups and downs in this Bhakti path, you have always been extremely kind, patient and affectionate.
Thank you for being my spiritual teacher and father that I can always take shelter of.
Your indebted servant,
Sevamrita devi dasi
Below is from Nandai:
Dear Gurudeva,
Thank you for visiting us. I like how you talk to me and ask how my day was, it makes me feel happy because I feel loved.
I wish you can stay with me in Australia. Where are you now? It would be great if you can come to my house again. Miss you.
Your servant,
Nandai
Sevya Bhagavan Dasa
Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Guru Maharaj, many people of the world cursing this pandemic period as an inauspicious era without knowing what actually auspicious and inauspicious is. It is evident from the conversation between Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Ramananda Raya, “The only auspicious activity is association with the devotee of Krishna.” It is by your mercy I got this auspiciousness, to be in association of devotee, render some insignificant service to them, even in the midst of this pandemic era and especially having Your association through those nectarine lectures. In fact, the whole material existence is inauspicious without its proper utilisation to progress in Krishna Consciousness. To spread this auspiciousness in this world You have been tirelessly travelling every continent of the world, over 4 decades.
Srimad Bhagavatam explains the purpose of Krishna’s incarnations as to reclaim those in the mode of goodness. Gurudev, Your appearance in this material world also for the same purpose, to reclaim us on behalf of the Supreme Lord. But, majority of us are filled with passion and ignorance. You mercifully took the responsibility to elevate our consciousness. For decades you have been influencing people across the globe with your powerful and visionary words, which are aligned with the purpose of revealed scriptures. Whether you cautioning us on apocalyptic twins or triplet, or pointing the irresponsible leaders of the world, or teaching us on Friends & Enemies syndrome, or Bikshu Gita, or anything you speak on, Your purpose is exactly the same, to make us Krishna Conscious and send us back to Krishna.
In your recent visit to Melbourne, I prepared breakfast for you and came upstairs to call you. You were taking rest and due to my knocking the door and simultaneously alarm rang, you woke up. Before even opening your eyes, you were chanting, Krishna…. Krishna…. My tiny brain was thinking at that time, how much pain you take to travel continent to continent with various time zones, jet lacks and so many other difficulties. I don’t know what is that you are experiencing. Like Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, You also kicked off all association of aristocracy as insignificant and left the prestigious Yale degree and traveling like bumblebee tasting nectar in discourses on Krishna. You are always tasting that same nectar which is described in Srimad Bhagavatam and tasted by all the previous Acharyas, gopi bhava rasamritabdhi lahari kallola magnau muhur, always merged in the ecstatic ocean of the gopis’ love for Krishna and bathe always and repeatedly in the waves of that ocean. Seeing all of you from the bank of that nectarine ocean of love for Krishna, I am also aspiring to jump in. With that aspiration I joined in ashram to associate with Hamsa, Swan like devotees although I am a duck. In that ocean, as Bhagavatam described, only Hamsa and Parama Hamsa, Swan like devotees are allowed. You are a Parama Hamsa, please purify my consciousness and give some devotion to this (me) duck and, allow me to take proper association of these Hamsa and Parama Hamsa devotees.
I don’t have any qualification to serve you but, You kindly accept my insignificant service. Not only that, you remember it. That wonders me. By Your personal example, You always teaches us how to deal with in devotees’ association. I pray to You that, I always be obedient to your instructions and serve you uninterruptedly. On this auspicious Sri Vyasa Puja day, I beg you, please always keep me engaged in the service of all Vaishnavas without committing any offence at their lotus feet and let my only desire to please You, Srila Prabhupada and all devotees, in all circumstances.
Your obedient servant,
Sevya Bhagavan Dasa
Please accept my humble obeisance.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Guru Maharaj, many people of the world cursing this pandemic period as an inauspicious era without knowing what actually auspicious and inauspicious is. It is evident from the conversation between Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Ramananda Raya, “The only auspicious activity is association with the devotee of Krishna.” It is by your mercy I got this auspiciousness, to be in association of devotee, render some insignificant service to them, even in the midst of this pandemic era and especially having Your association through those nectarine lectures. In fact, the whole material existence is inauspicious without its proper utilisation to progress in Krishna Consciousness. To spread this auspiciousness in this world You have been tirelessly travelling every continent of the world, over 4 decades.
Srimad Bhagavatam explains the purpose of Krishna’s incarnations as to reclaim those in the mode of goodness. Gurudev, Your appearance in this material world also for the same purpose, to reclaim us on behalf of the Supreme Lord. But, majority of us are filled with passion and ignorance. You mercifully took the responsibility to elevate our consciousness. For decades you have been influencing people across the globe with your powerful and visionary words, which are aligned with the purpose of revealed scriptures. Whether you cautioning us on apocalyptic twins or triplet, or pointing the irresponsible leaders of the world, or teaching us on Friends & Enemies syndrome, or Bikshu Gita, or anything you speak on, Your purpose is exactly the same, to make us Krishna Conscious and send us back to Krishna.
In your recent visit to Melbourne, I prepared breakfast for you and came upstairs to call you. You were taking rest and due to my knocking the door and simultaneously alarm rang, you woke up. Before even opening your eyes, you were chanting, Krishna…. Krishna…. My tiny brain was thinking at that time, how much pain you take to travel continent to continent with various time zones, jet lacks and so many other difficulties. I don’t know what is that you are experiencing. Like Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, You also kicked off all association of aristocracy as insignificant and left the prestigious Yale degree and traveling like bumblebee tasting nectar in discourses on Krishna. You are always tasting that same nectar which is described in Srimad Bhagavatam and tasted by all the previous Acharyas, gopi bhava rasamritabdhi lahari kallola magnau muhur, always merged in the ecstatic ocean of the gopis’ love for Krishna and bathe always and repeatedly in the waves of that ocean. Seeing all of you from the bank of that nectarine ocean of love for Krishna, I am also aspiring to jump in. With that aspiration I joined in ashram to associate with Hamsa, Swan like devotees although I am a duck. In that ocean, as Bhagavatam described, only Hamsa and Parama Hamsa, Swan like devotees are allowed. You are a Parama Hamsa, please purify my consciousness and give some devotion to this (me) duck and, allow me to take proper association of these Hamsa and Parama Hamsa devotees.
I don’t have any qualification to serve you but, You kindly accept my insignificant service. Not only that, you remember it. That wonders me. By Your personal example, You always teaches us how to deal with in devotees’ association. I pray to You that, I always be obedient to your instructions and serve you uninterruptedly. On this auspicious Sri Vyasa Puja day, I beg you, please always keep me engaged in the service of all Vaishnavas without committing any offence at their lotus feet and let my only desire to please You, Srila Prabhupada and all devotees, in all circumstances.
Your obedient servant,
Sevya Bhagavan Dasa
Sharon Tan
Hare Krsna Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
Very much appreciate this rare opportunity to write you vyasa puja second year in a row.
Thank you for your personal care for this lost fallen soul meandering in maya.
Hopping from one nightlife to another nightlife aimlessly to finally serving Krsna.
Your servant,
Sharon
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this auspicious day.
Very much appreciate this rare opportunity to write you vyasa puja second year in a row.
Thank you for your personal care for this lost fallen soul meandering in maya.
Hopping from one nightlife to another nightlife aimlessly to finally serving Krsna.
Your servant,
Sharon
Shastra Krit das & Kumari Gopi dd
Dear most Gurumaharaj, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I've been reflecting back to the time when I first met you, a day that forever
changed the course and direction of my life. I think how inconceivably fortunate I am
to have you show me a world of possibilities.
In our first meeting you asked me,"Did you hit rock bottom yet?" You laughed and laughed. Whatever I thought was really cool trying to do as a teeneger to be able to impress my friends and blend into Kiwi society, in just a moment of your association I felt embarrassed and wanted to give it up right away.
'No girlfriends right', you asked. 'No no prabhu', I said.'Are you from a Vaisnava family', you asked. I said yes. I was proud of being in maya, and didn't realize coming from a Vaisnava family has so much significance.
From the first SB class I heard you give, I was deeply impressed by your clarity and seriousness in presenting Vedic knowledge, and your faithfulness to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. Your positivity, lightheartedness, joyful mood, and sense of humor seemed contagious, and I thought to myself that I had never come across anyone quite like this before - but somehow it felt like home.
My family Guru was so big that whenever he came to town there was a military group guarding him from the public. You were so down to earth and approachable. So strict and conservative in your practices and standards, but so merciful and liberal with all the newcomers including my fallen self.
I took my good fortune for granted that for more than two decades. I always had so much of your personal association each year. I would meditate on your words and association, and write my vyasa puja offering each year. This year, unfortunately, I didn't get your vapu association and service.
Srila Prabhupada writes in C.C Adi 1.35, Purport:
“There is no difference between the Spiritual Master's instructions and the Spiritual Master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple."
I had to get used to as they call it, "The new normal" , your online association, and be satisfied with your whats app messages.
While the world around us is ablaze in the fire of the lower modes of passion and ignorance, you immerse yourself, and help others to do the same, in the still waters of Hari Nama and Prabhupada ’s books.
Your recent sessions remind me of the past time where all the Vrajavasis were brought under the Govardhana hill during the attack from Indra. Similarly, You have brought us all under virtual Govardhana of online Krishna Katha, that gave us shelter during these troubled times. You are the epitome of Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s mercy, who came to deliver conditioned souls like me from material miseries and show us the path back to Godhead.
You keep us on track and in constant contact with an endless supply of inspirational online discourses, even when circumstances make it impossible for you to travel around the world and give us your personal association.
Your every lecture holds some new treasure, some easily applicable recommendation for my daily life, some new understanding, some tool to deepen my practice, and more knowledge of Krishna and the path of devotional service.
Despite material circumstances, you don't miss any opportunity to reach out and bring us the treasure map directing us Home. That is because you live a life of total and complete service. Everything you do reflects the teachings of the Acaryas and the Shastra!
Like raging waters of the rainy season pour into the ocean, increasing responsibilities for Prabhupad's and your God families pleasure, maintaining health, guiding neophyte disciples, usually non-stop travelling, just to name a few pour into your seva but you remain steady, equipoised and accepting. You are anchored by a strong sadhana practice and unflinching faith in Srila Prabhupada and his instructions.
Actually it doesn't feel right to zone in on only one or a few of your qualities because you are so diverse. You have so many outstanding qualities which makes you such a balanced and mature devotee, able to relate to and inspire so many people.
You are a devoted devotee care personified. You take care of each of us with your undivided attention, compassion, and loving care. You always touch the heart of every person you meet as you give them your full attention and listen attentively irrespective of whether the person is a god-sibling, senior devotee, junior devotee, child, teenager, or even a first-time visitor.
In many instances, we disciples noticed you have changed the course of your regular classes’ subject to accommodate even a single newcomer in class so that the visitor is not overwhelmed with deep philosophy. Your special care makes the newcomers comfortable in your lectures. There is no wonder why if someone meets you once, he or she is transformed in a moment with your special compassion and love.
This example comes to mind. One year I organized an event for you to speak at USC. As usual you asked me questions to select a topic, and made sure I'm not spaced out and it's worth your time. When you asked about the audience I had mentioned about 100 overseas Indian students attend my club each week. You gently replied, "that's nice but what about the locals?" I said,' It's a private school and the locals are not very approachable, busy and don't show much interest in spiritual clubs.' You said "I would still like to see some locals."
We tried promoting the event among non-Indian students and didn't get even one rsvp. You prepared the talk for Indian students. On our drive to the event I received a text message that the room is packed with non-Indian students. When I conveyed the text message to you, externally you seemed disturbed that you had to change the topic, but being an expert in presenting Krishna consciousness to westerners you gave such a brilliant presentation to the american student audience in such short notice. You smiled at me in between signing books for enthusiastic students lining up as if to say, 'see it is possible to attract westerners.'
Out of love you see our potential and gently push to do more than we think we can do.
When someone has deep love for Krishna, they also naturally get concerned for Krishna’s parts and parcels. Maybe that’s why you have expertly arranged for our re-entry into the devotional service of the Lord. You train and encourage all of us to care for others in the same way that you show us care.
Like you mentioned in your recent whats app message, "whether they are gay, sad, straight - we dont care. Engage all with love n care."
The Lord appears as the Spiritual Master for the devotee. Thus, the Spiritual Master, the Vedic injunctions and the Lord Himself from within – all guide the devotee in full strength. In this way there is no chance for a devotee to fall again into the mire of material illusion. The devotee, thus protected all around, is sure to reach the ultimate destination of perfection. -ISO, mantra 18, purport.
Gurudeva it's extremely rare to find someone so spiritually attuned, and at the same time so astute in worldly matters like you.
Gurudeva you are so qualified. Your insight, your intelligence and your love for Prabhupada's books uniquely qualifies you for answering questions and giving guidance.
You are so conscious of an individual's mentality, psychology, mood and sincerity. You are so perceptive that you can read our minds.
Once you were passing through LA to South America. You called me to your quarters. and gifted me your watch. You said, "Just because there is a tiny bit of gold in this watch I feel some devotees in South America are envious of me, therefore you can have it." My mind was racing with happiness to receive maha, and what would be the proper way to honor the maha watch. As if you can hear my thoughts you said, "you should use it. Wear it." You can sense the envious devotees as well as love of devotees, and you reciprocate accordingly.
You are a father figure to so many of us, you are kind and always concerned for our welfare. You are so ahead of us. You can very quickly see what's coming and warn us.
Many years ago, before covid 19, I was serving you and Niranjan maharaj lunch. I brought some dosas, opened the door handle and came in to serve with the same hand. You asked me, 'why don't you use tongs? You just touched the door handle and you are serving with the same hand. You are supposed to be a brahmana.'
Once when I wrote about my health being bad, you asked me, "haridas considered his not being able to finish his prescribed rounds his disease. Is that your case?"
When I got my second initiation in Mayapur during Panca Tattva installation I came to your room to receive gayatri mantra. With so much compassion and love you looked at me and said, "go and beg Panca Tattva to give you strength to overcome all the obstacles maya is about to throw on your devotional path."
You are tirelessly teaching newcomers how to begin chanting and increase 1 round every week, encouraging practicing devotees to increase the quality and quantity of hearing and chanting, and are constantly reminding us in kali yuga what will happen if we don't have strong sadhana. "Illusory energy doesn't take breaks you know."
Knowing me to be a space case, and not a detailed person, you communicate on my behalf my intentions to senior devotees to avoid any misunderstandings.
Countless examples come to mind.
My mother and I were serving you lunch in Mayapur, and when you realized that my mother didn't know that I wanted to marry Kumari Gopi (non indian devotee girl). Out of compassion for me and love for my mother you wanted to hint to her, and asked her, "so Premamala you think your son will make a good husband? Do you want him to marry an Indian girl or American girl?" My mother replied, "I don't know Gurumaharaj." You peacefully said to her, "You don't know, I don't know, only Bhagavan knows.-For all the arabic books he has been distributing you might be getting a middle eastern daughter in law."
I was travelling in melbourne and staying with South Indian devotees. When you realized I had not met Aniruddha prabhu, you texted me, "go and introduce yourself to Aniruddha prabhu so he doesn't think there is a ufo in town." I went and offered my obeisances to prabhu. Immediately prabhu gave me a hug and asked me to give Narasimha caturdasi class.
Whether I was serving in Wellington , Auckland , London, LA, Sydney, Philly or Atlanta you would kindly take the time to explain to the authorities about my health, intentions to focus on outreach, and request them to give me space and facility.
Constantly through your words, actions, sometimes in the form of chastisements or in the form of asking questions,you are training us on how to serve the spiritual master with sharp intelligence, without becoming familiar.
When I text you questions about immigration policies, student loans etc., you write back, "why are you bothering me with these questions?" When I text you asking for favors, you don't even respond.
When you felt I was not enthusiastic to serve in a certain city you said, "I never think like you, I go wherever there is service to Srila Prabhupada." You not only serve Srila Prabhupada unconditionally, but you serve with so much focus that you excel in whatever you put your attention on.You serve with all your mind, body and words.
You are committed and loyal to anyone that's assisting you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
You are one of the most expert managers in our society.
You are intelligent both materially and spiritually.
You are not dependent on us, you are simply giving us an opportunity to serve.
Once in LA I was supposed to be your servant. I stayed the night in the next room from you. You rise early, showered and are all ready to chant your rounds way before mangal arati. I was still deeply sleeping on the floor. You came into my room, turned the light on and said, "If you are going to stay with me don't expect me to come wake you up."
My heart was racing to realize what had just happened. Within minutes I showered, got ready with fresh cloth and tilak and was chanting gazing at your feet. I realized I was so called your servant, but as a service to Prabhupada you were actually training me, tolerating me ( dasatmika: miseries caused in the form of servants). You were chanting in front of tulsi as if you were praying for my deliverance.
It's not easy trying to take care of a wife and a daughter. It's inconceivable how many spiritual sons, daughters and grandchildren you are giving shelter to. How do you do it Gurudeva? Like Bhaktisiddhanta sarasvati said, "Only a pure vaisnava could do it."
For me it's a struggle just to bring one person to the personal understanding of Krishna, inspire them to give up bad habits and get them to chant 16 rounds. You have inspired and are inspiring countless number of souls to take to pure devotional service. It's a miracle actually.
I heard from senior devotees how even as a new devotee you brought so many to Krishna. The results are still showing 5 decades later when your younger sister started chanting 16 rounds, reading Bhagavatam and became your aspiring disciple.
In LA Krishna Bhavana told me how you showed up at his place with a truck and helped him pack all his possessions in a small bag and drove him to the bcari ashram. On the way Krishna Bhavana was admiring a beautiful home and you said, "ah even birds build nests, what's the big deal."
In conclusion there are so many fired up devotees doing wonderful outreach work to please you. Then there is my wife and I, a sleepy little couple trying to do a little service for your pleasure.
This year we started this small vegan take out, which surprisingly is attracting lots of locals both vegans and meat eaters. Many of them keep coming back for prasad, kirtan and taking full sets of Bhagavatham. So much so we are having difficulty accommodating all the guests in terms of space, and the numbers are increasing gradually. The church next door, seeing that we are doing valuable work for the community, are offering to lease us their building, which will easily accommodate 75 guests. Yasya prasadat bhagavat prasado. Because you are accepting our humble services, Krishna is sending us all facilities to be comfortable and spread Krishna consciousness.
This is the favourite time of the year where I get to take time to meditate on your glories. Although at the same time I hate it because weeks and months go by not knowing what to say or where to start, like the saying,' the brain doesn't work when in Love or preparing for an exam.'
Please accept this child like blaber and bless me that I may have the honor and privilege to assist you in outreach along with my family all our lives.
Many more returns of the day Gurudev. All glories All glories unto you.
My mother Premamala on this auspicious day offers her dandavats and hopes she will get to serve you again in the near future.
yhs Shastra krt das
Stone Mountain GA
Dear Devamrita Swami Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your devotional qualities and services.Thank you very much for all of your kindness and forgiveness. I am so grateful for your inspiring my husband in services and his overall meaning and motivation. It is contagious.I really hope and pray Krsna will give you many more years of good health to write more books. It is so immeasurable the amount of influence the small book Hiding in Unnatural Happiness is having even in just those whom I have met over the past couple of years.
I am eagerly waiting for the locals of the south here in America to have your saintly and purifying association, as well as myself and daughter Dhanya.
ys,
Kumari gopi dd
I've been reflecting back to the time when I first met you, a day that forever
changed the course and direction of my life. I think how inconceivably fortunate I am
to have you show me a world of possibilities.
In our first meeting you asked me,"Did you hit rock bottom yet?" You laughed and laughed. Whatever I thought was really cool trying to do as a teeneger to be able to impress my friends and blend into Kiwi society, in just a moment of your association I felt embarrassed and wanted to give it up right away.
'No girlfriends right', you asked. 'No no prabhu', I said.'Are you from a Vaisnava family', you asked. I said yes. I was proud of being in maya, and didn't realize coming from a Vaisnava family has so much significance.
From the first SB class I heard you give, I was deeply impressed by your clarity and seriousness in presenting Vedic knowledge, and your faithfulness to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. Your positivity, lightheartedness, joyful mood, and sense of humor seemed contagious, and I thought to myself that I had never come across anyone quite like this before - but somehow it felt like home.
My family Guru was so big that whenever he came to town there was a military group guarding him from the public. You were so down to earth and approachable. So strict and conservative in your practices and standards, but so merciful and liberal with all the newcomers including my fallen self.
I took my good fortune for granted that for more than two decades. I always had so much of your personal association each year. I would meditate on your words and association, and write my vyasa puja offering each year. This year, unfortunately, I didn't get your vapu association and service.
Srila Prabhupada writes in C.C Adi 1.35, Purport:
“There is no difference between the Spiritual Master's instructions and the Spiritual Master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple."
I had to get used to as they call it, "The new normal" , your online association, and be satisfied with your whats app messages.
While the world around us is ablaze in the fire of the lower modes of passion and ignorance, you immerse yourself, and help others to do the same, in the still waters of Hari Nama and Prabhupada ’s books.
Your recent sessions remind me of the past time where all the Vrajavasis were brought under the Govardhana hill during the attack from Indra. Similarly, You have brought us all under virtual Govardhana of online Krishna Katha, that gave us shelter during these troubled times. You are the epitome of Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s mercy, who came to deliver conditioned souls like me from material miseries and show us the path back to Godhead.
You keep us on track and in constant contact with an endless supply of inspirational online discourses, even when circumstances make it impossible for you to travel around the world and give us your personal association.
Your every lecture holds some new treasure, some easily applicable recommendation for my daily life, some new understanding, some tool to deepen my practice, and more knowledge of Krishna and the path of devotional service.
Despite material circumstances, you don't miss any opportunity to reach out and bring us the treasure map directing us Home. That is because you live a life of total and complete service. Everything you do reflects the teachings of the Acaryas and the Shastra!
Like raging waters of the rainy season pour into the ocean, increasing responsibilities for Prabhupad's and your God families pleasure, maintaining health, guiding neophyte disciples, usually non-stop travelling, just to name a few pour into your seva but you remain steady, equipoised and accepting. You are anchored by a strong sadhana practice and unflinching faith in Srila Prabhupada and his instructions.
Actually it doesn't feel right to zone in on only one or a few of your qualities because you are so diverse. You have so many outstanding qualities which makes you such a balanced and mature devotee, able to relate to and inspire so many people.
You are a devoted devotee care personified. You take care of each of us with your undivided attention, compassion, and loving care. You always touch the heart of every person you meet as you give them your full attention and listen attentively irrespective of whether the person is a god-sibling, senior devotee, junior devotee, child, teenager, or even a first-time visitor.
In many instances, we disciples noticed you have changed the course of your regular classes’ subject to accommodate even a single newcomer in class so that the visitor is not overwhelmed with deep philosophy. Your special care makes the newcomers comfortable in your lectures. There is no wonder why if someone meets you once, he or she is transformed in a moment with your special compassion and love.
This example comes to mind. One year I organized an event for you to speak at USC. As usual you asked me questions to select a topic, and made sure I'm not spaced out and it's worth your time. When you asked about the audience I had mentioned about 100 overseas Indian students attend my club each week. You gently replied, "that's nice but what about the locals?" I said,' It's a private school and the locals are not very approachable, busy and don't show much interest in spiritual clubs.' You said "I would still like to see some locals."
We tried promoting the event among non-Indian students and didn't get even one rsvp. You prepared the talk for Indian students. On our drive to the event I received a text message that the room is packed with non-Indian students. When I conveyed the text message to you, externally you seemed disturbed that you had to change the topic, but being an expert in presenting Krishna consciousness to westerners you gave such a brilliant presentation to the american student audience in such short notice. You smiled at me in between signing books for enthusiastic students lining up as if to say, 'see it is possible to attract westerners.'
Out of love you see our potential and gently push to do more than we think we can do.
When someone has deep love for Krishna, they also naturally get concerned for Krishna’s parts and parcels. Maybe that’s why you have expertly arranged for our re-entry into the devotional service of the Lord. You train and encourage all of us to care for others in the same way that you show us care.
Like you mentioned in your recent whats app message, "whether they are gay, sad, straight - we dont care. Engage all with love n care."
The Lord appears as the Spiritual Master for the devotee. Thus, the Spiritual Master, the Vedic injunctions and the Lord Himself from within – all guide the devotee in full strength. In this way there is no chance for a devotee to fall again into the mire of material illusion. The devotee, thus protected all around, is sure to reach the ultimate destination of perfection. -ISO, mantra 18, purport.
Gurudeva it's extremely rare to find someone so spiritually attuned, and at the same time so astute in worldly matters like you.
Gurudeva you are so qualified. Your insight, your intelligence and your love for Prabhupada's books uniquely qualifies you for answering questions and giving guidance.
You are so conscious of an individual's mentality, psychology, mood and sincerity. You are so perceptive that you can read our minds.
Once you were passing through LA to South America. You called me to your quarters. and gifted me your watch. You said, "Just because there is a tiny bit of gold in this watch I feel some devotees in South America are envious of me, therefore you can have it." My mind was racing with happiness to receive maha, and what would be the proper way to honor the maha watch. As if you can hear my thoughts you said, "you should use it. Wear it." You can sense the envious devotees as well as love of devotees, and you reciprocate accordingly.
You are a father figure to so many of us, you are kind and always concerned for our welfare. You are so ahead of us. You can very quickly see what's coming and warn us.
Many years ago, before covid 19, I was serving you and Niranjan maharaj lunch. I brought some dosas, opened the door handle and came in to serve with the same hand. You asked me, 'why don't you use tongs? You just touched the door handle and you are serving with the same hand. You are supposed to be a brahmana.'
Once when I wrote about my health being bad, you asked me, "haridas considered his not being able to finish his prescribed rounds his disease. Is that your case?"
When I got my second initiation in Mayapur during Panca Tattva installation I came to your room to receive gayatri mantra. With so much compassion and love you looked at me and said, "go and beg Panca Tattva to give you strength to overcome all the obstacles maya is about to throw on your devotional path."
You are tirelessly teaching newcomers how to begin chanting and increase 1 round every week, encouraging practicing devotees to increase the quality and quantity of hearing and chanting, and are constantly reminding us in kali yuga what will happen if we don't have strong sadhana. "Illusory energy doesn't take breaks you know."
Knowing me to be a space case, and not a detailed person, you communicate on my behalf my intentions to senior devotees to avoid any misunderstandings.
Countless examples come to mind.
My mother and I were serving you lunch in Mayapur, and when you realized that my mother didn't know that I wanted to marry Kumari Gopi (non indian devotee girl). Out of compassion for me and love for my mother you wanted to hint to her, and asked her, "so Premamala you think your son will make a good husband? Do you want him to marry an Indian girl or American girl?" My mother replied, "I don't know Gurumaharaj." You peacefully said to her, "You don't know, I don't know, only Bhagavan knows.-For all the arabic books he has been distributing you might be getting a middle eastern daughter in law."
I was travelling in melbourne and staying with South Indian devotees. When you realized I had not met Aniruddha prabhu, you texted me, "go and introduce yourself to Aniruddha prabhu so he doesn't think there is a ufo in town." I went and offered my obeisances to prabhu. Immediately prabhu gave me a hug and asked me to give Narasimha caturdasi class.
Whether I was serving in Wellington , Auckland , London, LA, Sydney, Philly or Atlanta you would kindly take the time to explain to the authorities about my health, intentions to focus on outreach, and request them to give me space and facility.
Constantly through your words, actions, sometimes in the form of chastisements or in the form of asking questions,you are training us on how to serve the spiritual master with sharp intelligence, without becoming familiar.
When I text you questions about immigration policies, student loans etc., you write back, "why are you bothering me with these questions?" When I text you asking for favors, you don't even respond.
When you felt I was not enthusiastic to serve in a certain city you said, "I never think like you, I go wherever there is service to Srila Prabhupada." You not only serve Srila Prabhupada unconditionally, but you serve with so much focus that you excel in whatever you put your attention on.You serve with all your mind, body and words.
You are committed and loyal to anyone that's assisting you in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
You are one of the most expert managers in our society.
You are intelligent both materially and spiritually.
You are not dependent on us, you are simply giving us an opportunity to serve.
Once in LA I was supposed to be your servant. I stayed the night in the next room from you. You rise early, showered and are all ready to chant your rounds way before mangal arati. I was still deeply sleeping on the floor. You came into my room, turned the light on and said, "If you are going to stay with me don't expect me to come wake you up."
My heart was racing to realize what had just happened. Within minutes I showered, got ready with fresh cloth and tilak and was chanting gazing at your feet. I realized I was so called your servant, but as a service to Prabhupada you were actually training me, tolerating me ( dasatmika: miseries caused in the form of servants). You were chanting in front of tulsi as if you were praying for my deliverance.
It's not easy trying to take care of a wife and a daughter. It's inconceivable how many spiritual sons, daughters and grandchildren you are giving shelter to. How do you do it Gurudeva? Like Bhaktisiddhanta sarasvati said, "Only a pure vaisnava could do it."
For me it's a struggle just to bring one person to the personal understanding of Krishna, inspire them to give up bad habits and get them to chant 16 rounds. You have inspired and are inspiring countless number of souls to take to pure devotional service. It's a miracle actually.
I heard from senior devotees how even as a new devotee you brought so many to Krishna. The results are still showing 5 decades later when your younger sister started chanting 16 rounds, reading Bhagavatam and became your aspiring disciple.
In LA Krishna Bhavana told me how you showed up at his place with a truck and helped him pack all his possessions in a small bag and drove him to the bcari ashram. On the way Krishna Bhavana was admiring a beautiful home and you said, "ah even birds build nests, what's the big deal."
In conclusion there are so many fired up devotees doing wonderful outreach work to please you. Then there is my wife and I, a sleepy little couple trying to do a little service for your pleasure.
This year we started this small vegan take out, which surprisingly is attracting lots of locals both vegans and meat eaters. Many of them keep coming back for prasad, kirtan and taking full sets of Bhagavatham. So much so we are having difficulty accommodating all the guests in terms of space, and the numbers are increasing gradually. The church next door, seeing that we are doing valuable work for the community, are offering to lease us their building, which will easily accommodate 75 guests. Yasya prasadat bhagavat prasado. Because you are accepting our humble services, Krishna is sending us all facilities to be comfortable and spread Krishna consciousness.
This is the favourite time of the year where I get to take time to meditate on your glories. Although at the same time I hate it because weeks and months go by not knowing what to say or where to start, like the saying,' the brain doesn't work when in Love or preparing for an exam.'
Please accept this child like blaber and bless me that I may have the honor and privilege to assist you in outreach along with my family all our lives.
Many more returns of the day Gurudev. All glories All glories unto you.
My mother Premamala on this auspicious day offers her dandavats and hopes she will get to serve you again in the near future.
yhs Shastra krt das
Stone Mountain GA
Dear Devamrita Swami Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your devotional qualities and services.Thank you very much for all of your kindness and forgiveness. I am so grateful for your inspiring my husband in services and his overall meaning and motivation. It is contagious.I really hope and pray Krsna will give you many more years of good health to write more books. It is so immeasurable the amount of influence the small book Hiding in Unnatural Happiness is having even in just those whom I have met over the past couple of years.
I am eagerly waiting for the locals of the south here in America to have your saintly and purifying association, as well as myself and daughter Dhanya.
ys,
Kumari gopi dd
Shubhra Bhatnagar
Dear Gurudev,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyas puja.
On this day, I will sincerely pray to Lord Shri Krishna to give you more and more years to come so that you can teach more and more fallen ignorant souls like me about lord Shri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Gurudeva, you are such a personalist. The way you develop and maintain a personal relationship with everyone surely justifies to your realization of your personal relationship with Lord Shri Krishna.
You always show such compassion to each and every conditioned soul whether he/she is a devotee or even if he/she is in a state of ignorance and forgetfulness by your constant preaching and giving so much of your time, love, guidance and care.
Gurudeva, it is my sincere desire that I may be able to assist you, in small ways in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Please bless me and allow me to stay in devotional service and please allow me to stay close to your lotus feet.
Gurudeva, thank you so much for your austere and sacrificial life in order to deliver the fallen souls like me.
Your aspiring humble servant,
Shubhra
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyas puja.
On this day, I will sincerely pray to Lord Shri Krishna to give you more and more years to come so that you can teach more and more fallen ignorant souls like me about lord Shri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Gurudeva, you are such a personalist. The way you develop and maintain a personal relationship with everyone surely justifies to your realization of your personal relationship with Lord Shri Krishna.
You always show such compassion to each and every conditioned soul whether he/she is a devotee or even if he/she is in a state of ignorance and forgetfulness by your constant preaching and giving so much of your time, love, guidance and care.
Gurudeva, it is my sincere desire that I may be able to assist you, in small ways in your service to Srila Prabhupada.
Please bless me and allow me to stay in devotional service and please allow me to stay close to your lotus feet.
Gurudeva, thank you so much for your austere and sacrificial life in order to deliver the fallen souls like me.
Your aspiring humble servant,
Shubhra
Śivānanda Sena Dāsa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on this most auspicious day.
A few years ago at the Recharge Retreat, you shared with us an intimate glimpse into the agonies and ecstasies of spiritual parenting.
You related how the service of being a spiritual master entails investing so much energy and care into your disciples, but, just as in biological parenting, you never know how they will work out.
I was reminded of this lecture recently as I was meditating on how much you put yourself on the line for us, year after year, in so many ways, and provide for us and nurture us as our spiritual father, in a mood of deep compassion and selfless sacrifice.
And how much the world needs such saintly saviours, compassionate servants of the servant, as described by Srila Prabhupada in his purport to SB7.9.42:
“[...] he [Prahlāda Mahārāja] prays to the Lord that all of us fallen souls in this material world may, by the grace of the Lord, engage in the service of His servant and thus be delivered. The grace of the Lord is not at all difficult for the Lord to bestow, and thus Prahlāda Mahārāja wants to save the whole world by spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
In the world today there is turmoil on every scale, for the individual, the family, for society - nationally and internationally. The hopes and dreams of so many are dashed on the rocks of post-pandemic economic instability, while the apocalyptic twins of climate change and nuclear warfare loom ever larger.
Psychological afflictions have become the new norm, a virtually omnipresent reality. Loneliness and social isolation become ever-more prevalent, as generations weaned on digital technology increasingly lack the skills to have basic human relationships.
And despite seeming progress in material comforts, a gnawing sense of emptiness afflicts the heart of every kali-yuga dweller. Parched tongues cry out for true satisfaction, desperate for the nectarean irrigation of the Holy Names.
While so many of us will all too easily remain absorbed in our selfish cocoon and concede to let others live on in suffering, you simply care too deeply to allow it.
And so you sacrifice year after year, decade after decade, soldiering on regardless of what anyone else thinks or whatever obstacles appear in your path, knowing that only the pleasure of Lord Caitanya and the previous acaryas is of paramount importance.
I can see that for myself this mood of compassion and selflessness is sorely lacking. For the most part, I am absorbed in my own bubble world, calculating for my own pleasure. I care far too much what others think and what will be pleasant for me.
And yet, how wonderful it is that despite these unfortunate faults I am able to be connected to your divine relief effort, the perfect mercy mission, as your aspiring servant!
As the Bhakti Lounge motto goes “we make it easy”. Indeed, Gurudeva, as an exemplary spiritual father you make it so easy for us to take to the practice of bhakti and provide for us in so many ways.
You carefully weave a fabric of care to support and nourish so many disciples, a rich tapestry consists of many experienced mentors, overseen by you and your personal guidance.
You provide us with all the key elements of a Krishna conscious lifestyle and culture, in a way relevant and accessible in the current times, including systems of social stability and sanity to support us in bhakti throughout our lives.
Your lectures and writings so ably present the conclusions of sastra, expertly dissecting the issues and challenges facing devotees today, in a way that is simultaneously profound, humorous and concise. “Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence”.
Furthermore, you also empower us to give Krishna to others and in turn increasingly relish the taste of Krishna-bhakti ourselves.
I have been deeply touched by the spiritual nurturing and compassion that you have shown towards me. Your mood with me has been so encouraging and patient, your guidance always succinct, personal and devastatingly accurate.
Among the countless gems are where when you urged me not to worship at the altar of the mind, and encouraged me by saying “Sam, you were such a speculator and now you are becoming a transcendentalist – amazing!”.
And yet these glories of yours that I can see from my tiny vantage point are just the tip of the iceberg. How much are you doing for others each and every day that goes unnoticed, unseen, often even unappreciated?
I cannot comprehend the true scope of the vast ocean of your divine compassion, let alone adequately glorify you.
So on this auspicious occasion, dear Gurudeva, I thank you for all that you have done for me and pray deeply that real compassion may one day awaken in my heart.
Indeed, as Bhaktivinoda Thakura reveals in Saranagati, your mercy is the master key to awaken this compassion - and to thus give up offenses and genuinely relish the exquisite nectar of the Holy Names.
sakale sammana korite sakati - deho natha! jathajatha
tabe to gaibo hari-nama-sukhe - aparadha habe hatha
“O Lord and master! Invest me with the power to properly honor all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offences cease.”
On this auspicious day I beg for the strength to extend myself more to others, inspired by your example and that of my spiritual brothers and sisters, diving ever-deeper into the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra.
Aspiring to serve you with increasing purity and a budding mood of selflessness, which will one day magnificently blossom under your guidance and care.
Begging for the service of your lotus feet,
Śivānanda Sena Dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and all glories to you on this most auspicious day.
A few years ago at the Recharge Retreat, you shared with us an intimate glimpse into the agonies and ecstasies of spiritual parenting.
You related how the service of being a spiritual master entails investing so much energy and care into your disciples, but, just as in biological parenting, you never know how they will work out.
I was reminded of this lecture recently as I was meditating on how much you put yourself on the line for us, year after year, in so many ways, and provide for us and nurture us as our spiritual father, in a mood of deep compassion and selfless sacrifice.
And how much the world needs such saintly saviours, compassionate servants of the servant, as described by Srila Prabhupada in his purport to SB7.9.42:
“[...] he [Prahlāda Mahārāja] prays to the Lord that all of us fallen souls in this material world may, by the grace of the Lord, engage in the service of His servant and thus be delivered. The grace of the Lord is not at all difficult for the Lord to bestow, and thus Prahlāda Mahārāja wants to save the whole world by spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
In the world today there is turmoil on every scale, for the individual, the family, for society - nationally and internationally. The hopes and dreams of so many are dashed on the rocks of post-pandemic economic instability, while the apocalyptic twins of climate change and nuclear warfare loom ever larger.
Psychological afflictions have become the new norm, a virtually omnipresent reality. Loneliness and social isolation become ever-more prevalent, as generations weaned on digital technology increasingly lack the skills to have basic human relationships.
And despite seeming progress in material comforts, a gnawing sense of emptiness afflicts the heart of every kali-yuga dweller. Parched tongues cry out for true satisfaction, desperate for the nectarean irrigation of the Holy Names.
While so many of us will all too easily remain absorbed in our selfish cocoon and concede to let others live on in suffering, you simply care too deeply to allow it.
And so you sacrifice year after year, decade after decade, soldiering on regardless of what anyone else thinks or whatever obstacles appear in your path, knowing that only the pleasure of Lord Caitanya and the previous acaryas is of paramount importance.
I can see that for myself this mood of compassion and selflessness is sorely lacking. For the most part, I am absorbed in my own bubble world, calculating for my own pleasure. I care far too much what others think and what will be pleasant for me.
And yet, how wonderful it is that despite these unfortunate faults I am able to be connected to your divine relief effort, the perfect mercy mission, as your aspiring servant!
As the Bhakti Lounge motto goes “we make it easy”. Indeed, Gurudeva, as an exemplary spiritual father you make it so easy for us to take to the practice of bhakti and provide for us in so many ways.
You carefully weave a fabric of care to support and nourish so many disciples, a rich tapestry consists of many experienced mentors, overseen by you and your personal guidance.
You provide us with all the key elements of a Krishna conscious lifestyle and culture, in a way relevant and accessible in the current times, including systems of social stability and sanity to support us in bhakti throughout our lives.
Your lectures and writings so ably present the conclusions of sastra, expertly dissecting the issues and challenges facing devotees today, in a way that is simultaneously profound, humorous and concise. “Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence”.
Furthermore, you also empower us to give Krishna to others and in turn increasingly relish the taste of Krishna-bhakti ourselves.
I have been deeply touched by the spiritual nurturing and compassion that you have shown towards me. Your mood with me has been so encouraging and patient, your guidance always succinct, personal and devastatingly accurate.
Among the countless gems are where when you urged me not to worship at the altar of the mind, and encouraged me by saying “Sam, you were such a speculator and now you are becoming a transcendentalist – amazing!”.
And yet these glories of yours that I can see from my tiny vantage point are just the tip of the iceberg. How much are you doing for others each and every day that goes unnoticed, unseen, often even unappreciated?
I cannot comprehend the true scope of the vast ocean of your divine compassion, let alone adequately glorify you.
So on this auspicious occasion, dear Gurudeva, I thank you for all that you have done for me and pray deeply that real compassion may one day awaken in my heart.
Indeed, as Bhaktivinoda Thakura reveals in Saranagati, your mercy is the master key to awaken this compassion - and to thus give up offenses and genuinely relish the exquisite nectar of the Holy Names.
sakale sammana korite sakati - deho natha! jathajatha
tabe to gaibo hari-nama-sukhe - aparadha habe hatha
“O Lord and master! Invest me with the power to properly honor all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all my offences cease.”
On this auspicious day I beg for the strength to extend myself more to others, inspired by your example and that of my spiritual brothers and sisters, diving ever-deeper into the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra.
Aspiring to serve you with increasing purity and a budding mood of selflessness, which will one day magnificently blossom under your guidance and care.
Begging for the service of your lotus feet,
Śivānanda Sena Dāsa
Smita-Kānti devi dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
With whatever gratitude, love and sincerity I can muster up within my dirty heart, I offer to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa puja. I pray that with your mercy and by attempting to follow your transcendental instructions I can one day offer more than just these meager words.
You asked me recently “you have nothing to say?” This made me really think, what is it that I can say that will be useful for you? As a kid, my parents and teachers would always be telling me to speak up and be heard. But why? What and who would I be doing it for? I resented the fact I had to do something that made me feel so uncomfortable, with no clear reason. In this lifetime, let alone the countless others, I’ve been disappointed, exploited and misunderstood in almost every single relationship. In material life we’re encouraged to be vulnerable in order to develop connections and learn compassion, but without any higher authority and legitimate support system we just end up stranded in misery and anxiety. So I was expected to put myself out of my comfort zone and into the hands of unqualified people who didn’t, and indeed couldn’t support me.
However for some reason I have received the good fortune of becoming your disciple. I am so thankful to you for accepting me as your spiritual daughter- for being my unwavering and unconditional support system and for connecting me with Krishna. You have pushed me in devotional service, occasionally stern but always with the warm kindness of a father, and waited so patiently.
To have the guidance of someone as highly qualified and spiritually alive as you is something I can’t fully comprehend. It is clear that you have far surpassed material estimations of success in speech and wordsmithery. And in perfect harmony with Krishna’s desires, your words have such potency. In Bhagavad Gita Krishna says “austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature.” These qualities are evident in you in both preaching and devotee care. Not only are your words spiritually brilliant, they are also infused with personalism, beauty, humour and relevancy that few can achieve.
I realise now that my own words aren’t meant for mundane speeches and hollow prayers to an unknown God. They are meant to serve you, and ultimately to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. You said to me once that by material nature you’re shy as well, but for the sake of serving Lord Caitanya you act in a way that’s best for Krishna’s pleasure. I beg at your lotus feet that I can do the same.
Anxious to be of some service to you,
Smita-Kanti devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
With whatever gratitude, love and sincerity I can muster up within my dirty heart, I offer to you on this most auspicious day of your Vyasa puja. I pray that with your mercy and by attempting to follow your transcendental instructions I can one day offer more than just these meager words.
You asked me recently “you have nothing to say?” This made me really think, what is it that I can say that will be useful for you? As a kid, my parents and teachers would always be telling me to speak up and be heard. But why? What and who would I be doing it for? I resented the fact I had to do something that made me feel so uncomfortable, with no clear reason. In this lifetime, let alone the countless others, I’ve been disappointed, exploited and misunderstood in almost every single relationship. In material life we’re encouraged to be vulnerable in order to develop connections and learn compassion, but without any higher authority and legitimate support system we just end up stranded in misery and anxiety. So I was expected to put myself out of my comfort zone and into the hands of unqualified people who didn’t, and indeed couldn’t support me.
However for some reason I have received the good fortune of becoming your disciple. I am so thankful to you for accepting me as your spiritual daughter- for being my unwavering and unconditional support system and for connecting me with Krishna. You have pushed me in devotional service, occasionally stern but always with the warm kindness of a father, and waited so patiently.
To have the guidance of someone as highly qualified and spiritually alive as you is something I can’t fully comprehend. It is clear that you have far surpassed material estimations of success in speech and wordsmithery. And in perfect harmony with Krishna’s desires, your words have such potency. In Bhagavad Gita Krishna says “austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature.” These qualities are evident in you in both preaching and devotee care. Not only are your words spiritually brilliant, they are also infused with personalism, beauty, humour and relevancy that few can achieve.
I realise now that my own words aren’t meant for mundane speeches and hollow prayers to an unknown God. They are meant to serve you, and ultimately to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. You said to me once that by material nature you’re shy as well, but for the sake of serving Lord Caitanya you act in a way that’s best for Krishna’s pleasure. I beg at your lotus feet that I can do the same.
Anxious to be of some service to you,
Smita-Kanti devi dasi
Snana yatra das
Nama Om Visnu Padaya
Krsna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin
iti Namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
“Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion.”
Simply by remembering the spiritual master, the devotees of the Lord, and the Personality of Godhead, one invokes their benedictions, destroys all difficulties, and very easily fulfills one’s own desires. (Caitanya caritämrita, Ädi-lilä 1.20–21)
In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, the devotee’s desirable qualities are described to be twenty-six in number. They are stated as follows: He is very kind; he does not quarrel with anyone; he accepts Kṛṣṇa consciousness as the highest goal of life; he is equal to everyone; no one can find fault in his character; he is magnanimous, mild and always clean, internally and externally; he does not profess to possess anything in this material world; he is a benefactor to all living entities; he is peaceful and is a soul completely surrendered to Kṛṣṇa; he has no material desire to fulfill; he is meek and humble, always steady, and has conquered the sensual activities; he does not eat more than required to maintain body and soul together; he is never mad after material identity; he is respectful to all others and does not demand respect for himself; he is very grave, very compassionate and very friendly; he is poetic; he is expert in all activities; and he is silent in nonsense.
Similarly, in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Third Canto, Twenty-fifth Chapter, verse 21, the qualifications of a saintly person are mentioned. It is said there that a saintly person eligible to enter into the kingdom of God is very tolerant and very kind to all living entities. He is not partial; he is kind both to human beings and to animals. He is not such a fool that he will kill a goat Nārāyaṇa to feed a human Nārāyaṇa, or daridra-nārāyaṇa. He is very kind to all living entities; therefore, he has no enemy. He is very peaceful. These are the qualities of persons who are eligible to enter into the kingdom of God. (S.P. purport to SB 3.15.25)”
In observing you for 20 years, these qualities have been apparent in all circumstances. I deeply appreciate your dedication and consistency in mentoring utmost Krishna Consciousness behavior to us. Your compassion has blessed my journey countless times. Please consider me as your menial servant and allow me to remain in your association by service to you birth after birth.
Your aspiring servant,
Snana yatra das
Krsna Presthaya Bhutale
Srimate Devamrita Swamin
iti Namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca
bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam
yasya sarve ca te namah
“Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaisnava dealings, selflessness, and compassion.”
Simply by remembering the spiritual master, the devotees of the Lord, and the Personality of Godhead, one invokes their benedictions, destroys all difficulties, and very easily fulfills one’s own desires. (Caitanya caritämrita, Ädi-lilä 1.20–21)
In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, the devotee’s desirable qualities are described to be twenty-six in number. They are stated as follows: He is very kind; he does not quarrel with anyone; he accepts Kṛṣṇa consciousness as the highest goal of life; he is equal to everyone; no one can find fault in his character; he is magnanimous, mild and always clean, internally and externally; he does not profess to possess anything in this material world; he is a benefactor to all living entities; he is peaceful and is a soul completely surrendered to Kṛṣṇa; he has no material desire to fulfill; he is meek and humble, always steady, and has conquered the sensual activities; he does not eat more than required to maintain body and soul together; he is never mad after material identity; he is respectful to all others and does not demand respect for himself; he is very grave, very compassionate and very friendly; he is poetic; he is expert in all activities; and he is silent in nonsense.
Similarly, in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Third Canto, Twenty-fifth Chapter, verse 21, the qualifications of a saintly person are mentioned. It is said there that a saintly person eligible to enter into the kingdom of God is very tolerant and very kind to all living entities. He is not partial; he is kind both to human beings and to animals. He is not such a fool that he will kill a goat Nārāyaṇa to feed a human Nārāyaṇa, or daridra-nārāyaṇa. He is very kind to all living entities; therefore, he has no enemy. He is very peaceful. These are the qualities of persons who are eligible to enter into the kingdom of God. (S.P. purport to SB 3.15.25)”
In observing you for 20 years, these qualities have been apparent in all circumstances. I deeply appreciate your dedication and consistency in mentoring utmost Krishna Consciousness behavior to us. Your compassion has blessed my journey countless times. Please consider me as your menial servant and allow me to remain in your association by service to you birth after birth.
Your aspiring servant,
Snana yatra das
Sravananda Das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
On this auspicious day I would like to thank you from bottom of the heart to accept me as your disciple. Whenever you visit us, remind me of real spiritual jewel you provide us, instead of futile material goals we are running after.
Unfortunately, I still found myself attached to the sandy castle of material attachment, hoping to have your mercy to come out of the clutches of Maya. You always instruct me to read Bhagvatam and render the service. I am indebted to you and with your blessing would develop the right attitude and serve you. spiritual master is mercy manifestation of the supreme personality of Godhead. The seed of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is sown within the heart of the conditioned soul, and when one hears instruction from the spiritual master, the seed fructifies, and one’s life is blessed.” (SB 3.31.16 purport).
By following your personal example and lecture you teach the devotees how to enter spiritual lab and invest our heart and mind in service of Krishna and his devotees. You are so merciful, and never forget to ask about well being of family. With your blessing, we are trying to provide spiritual education to our children in Mayapur Dham.
I beg at your lotus feet again, to give me the strength to follow your instruction in serving Krishna and his devotees.
Your Servant,
Sravananda Das
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you on this special day of your appearance!
On this auspicious day I would like to thank you from bottom of the heart to accept me as your disciple. Whenever you visit us, remind me of real spiritual jewel you provide us, instead of futile material goals we are running after.
Unfortunately, I still found myself attached to the sandy castle of material attachment, hoping to have your mercy to come out of the clutches of Maya. You always instruct me to read Bhagvatam and render the service. I am indebted to you and with your blessing would develop the right attitude and serve you. spiritual master is mercy manifestation of the supreme personality of Godhead. The seed of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is sown within the heart of the conditioned soul, and when one hears instruction from the spiritual master, the seed fructifies, and one’s life is blessed.” (SB 3.31.16 purport).
By following your personal example and lecture you teach the devotees how to enter spiritual lab and invest our heart and mind in service of Krishna and his devotees. You are so merciful, and never forget to ask about well being of family. With your blessing, we are trying to provide spiritual education to our children in Mayapur Dham.
I beg at your lotus feet again, to give me the strength to follow your instruction in serving Krishna and his devotees.
Your Servant,
Sravananda Das
Sri Goloka das
nama om visnu-padaya krishna presthaya bhu-tale
srimati devamrita-swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my repeated obeisances at your lotus feet during this auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
"The bona fide disciple should always remember that his entire understanding of Vedic knowledge is coming through the mercy of his bona fide spiritual master."
- Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.48 excerpt from purport
This statement is conclusive, there is no doubting or speculating. My ENTIRE understanding is coming by your mercy. I may try to go here and there to seek out something new or I might start speculating that these epiphanies and deep realizations are my own, they are not, I am not capable of feeling anything...I have been repeating birth and death at least a billion times, I actually do not know or even begin to understand my real self-interest, the only understanding that I can truly call my own is my overwhelming tendency to enjoy the material energy.
You are completely attached to the service to Srila Prabhupada. Before the pandemic, you were tirelessly traveling the world spreading Krsna-bhakti and touching the hearts of everyone. Nothing seems to stop you, you are still preaching, finding genius ways to get the message out there. These times are difficult, depressing, and fearful, yet you are still helping your disciples navigate through it all with your nourishing care and wisdom.
All glories to you Gurudeva! All glories to your tireless preaching and service to Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant,
Sri Goloka das
srimati devamrita-swamin iti namine
pracare purva-daksyam ca bhaktacara-pravinata
pararthatapi karunyam yasya sarve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my repeated obeisances at your lotus feet during this auspicious occasion of your appearance day.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
"The bona fide disciple should always remember that his entire understanding of Vedic knowledge is coming through the mercy of his bona fide spiritual master."
- Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.48 excerpt from purport
This statement is conclusive, there is no doubting or speculating. My ENTIRE understanding is coming by your mercy. I may try to go here and there to seek out something new or I might start speculating that these epiphanies and deep realizations are my own, they are not, I am not capable of feeling anything...I have been repeating birth and death at least a billion times, I actually do not know or even begin to understand my real self-interest, the only understanding that I can truly call my own is my overwhelming tendency to enjoy the material energy.
You are completely attached to the service to Srila Prabhupada. Before the pandemic, you were tirelessly traveling the world spreading Krsna-bhakti and touching the hearts of everyone. Nothing seems to stop you, you are still preaching, finding genius ways to get the message out there. These times are difficult, depressing, and fearful, yet you are still helping your disciples navigate through it all with your nourishing care and wisdom.
All glories to you Gurudeva! All glories to your tireless preaching and service to Srila Prabhupada.
Your servant,
Sri Goloka das
Sri Jiva Charan das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisance’s, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories unto you.
Leaving the haven of Radha Londonishvara’s brahmachari ashram to visit my family in New Zealand I did not know if I would return. I did not. My fire like desires, fanned by excessive unfavorable association, hoaxed me to neglect my spiritual practice and I again was seduced by illusion.
After nearly a year of immature and futile attempts of enjoyment I began to feel the purposelessness and shallow existence of my life. My relationship to others and to the world seemed tedious and devoid of substance. I gradually returned to the devotees which inevitably led me to sitting at your feet at the recharge festival that year. Your compassionate words ‘YOU ARE NOT YOUR BODY!’ struck my heart. Even though I had heard those words many times by many other devotees they deeply moved me. In a private room after your class I broke down in remorse for turning my back to Krishna and experienced a profound gratitude that transformed me. You changed my life.
I know that it is possible, but I will never again leave the association of devotees or drop my spiritual practice and opportunity to render devotional service. There is no ultimate meaning to anything without connection to Krishna, the absolute truth.
I know you care about me. Thank you for everything you have given me. Thank you for being so tolerant and patient with me.
Your Servant Sri Jiva Charan das.
Please accept my humble obeisance’s, all glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories unto you.
Leaving the haven of Radha Londonishvara’s brahmachari ashram to visit my family in New Zealand I did not know if I would return. I did not. My fire like desires, fanned by excessive unfavorable association, hoaxed me to neglect my spiritual practice and I again was seduced by illusion.
After nearly a year of immature and futile attempts of enjoyment I began to feel the purposelessness and shallow existence of my life. My relationship to others and to the world seemed tedious and devoid of substance. I gradually returned to the devotees which inevitably led me to sitting at your feet at the recharge festival that year. Your compassionate words ‘YOU ARE NOT YOUR BODY!’ struck my heart. Even though I had heard those words many times by many other devotees they deeply moved me. In a private room after your class I broke down in remorse for turning my back to Krishna and experienced a profound gratitude that transformed me. You changed my life.
I know that it is possible, but I will never again leave the association of devotees or drop my spiritual practice and opportunity to render devotional service. There is no ultimate meaning to anything without connection to Krishna, the absolute truth.
I know you care about me. Thank you for everything you have given me. Thank you for being so tolerant and patient with me.
Your Servant Sri Jiva Charan das.
Sriman Nrsimha das
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
This year, human beings the world over reaped their collective karma in the form of a virus. Kṛṣṇa’s enigmatic words to Arjuna comparing this temporary world to an ocean of miseries proved blatantly obvious to devotees. While those devoid of transcendental knowledge and bereft of an experiential "higher taste" were and are certainly shaken, their sinful endeavours helplessly continue without any substantial realisation generating renunciation. As you often mention, the conspiracy of Māyā doesn’t permit the conditioned soul to learn through its futile material experience. This was certainly my position; I was unknowingly doomed until you appeared so suddenly by your own free will and gave me a new hope, a new life. You gave me a taste for transcendental knowledge and demonstrated to me the power of a moment’s association with a sādhu.
A Vaiṣṇava is the perfect opportunist. A materialist’s endeavour always involve risk, uncertainly and bondage to past karma, but this is not so for the devotee. Śrīla Prabhupāda a explains the word “separatist” in his purports to the Third Canto of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (SB 3.29.9):
<i>“The word “separatist” must be understood carefully. The Sanskrit words in this connection are bhinna-dṛk and pṛthag-bhāvaḥ. A separatist is one who sees his interest as separate from that of the Supreme Lord. Mixed devotees, or devotees in the modes of passion and ignorance, think that the interest of the Supreme Lord is supplying the orders of the devotee; the interest of such devotees is to draw from the Lord as much as possible for their sense gratification. This is the separatist mentality.”</i>
Actually however, the mind of Kṛṣṇa and that of His devotee are “one”. The present world situation is Kṛṣṇa’s “regretful” will to educate us. Understanding this perfectly well, I witness you fearlessly embracing the opportunity to broadcast transcendental knowledge far and wide, even more.
Guru Mahārāja, despite you experiencing so many physical, mental and emotional setbacks, how can I understand your unbridled display of compassion? What is the consciousness behind that gleaming smile and effulgent face of yours? What taste do you derive when you ecstatically chant “Hare Kṛṣṇa” and deliver super-excellent discourses? How can I control my mind and senses as expertly as you?
Now, travelling again across the great landmass of Australia distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books in many towns never before visited by devotees, I submit to you a yearning to qualify myself. Kindly bless me with the ability to embrace Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s four great precepts. In the words of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura:
<i>“Therefore, for the purpose of truly presenting Śrī Gaurasundar, the Lord of the Gauḍīya, to the aliens, I am addressing these few words of mine to the preachers who are about to proceed to countries beyond India: ”We find the following great precepts (Mahā-vākya) in the body of the Teaching that has been vouchsafed to us by the Supreme Master of all Masters: ‘To chant constantly the discourse of Hari by being (1) extremely more humble than the blade of grass, (2) by being as forbearing as the tree, (3) by seeking no honour for oneself and (4) by offering due honour to all entities, is the highest natural function of the unalloyed individual souls (jīvas).’ The lotus-feet of my Śrī Gurudeva attracted me to his service by his manifestation as the living embodiment of these four great precepts. My friends will be in a position to attract all souls of the world to the foot-stool of the Real Truth by purchasing the same unfailing method.”</i>
Your servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to you on your auspicious appearance day!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
This year, human beings the world over reaped their collective karma in the form of a virus. Kṛṣṇa’s enigmatic words to Arjuna comparing this temporary world to an ocean of miseries proved blatantly obvious to devotees. While those devoid of transcendental knowledge and bereft of an experiential "higher taste" were and are certainly shaken, their sinful endeavours helplessly continue without any substantial realisation generating renunciation. As you often mention, the conspiracy of Māyā doesn’t permit the conditioned soul to learn through its futile material experience. This was certainly my position; I was unknowingly doomed until you appeared so suddenly by your own free will and gave me a new hope, a new life. You gave me a taste for transcendental knowledge and demonstrated to me the power of a moment’s association with a sādhu.
A Vaiṣṇava is the perfect opportunist. A materialist’s endeavour always involve risk, uncertainly and bondage to past karma, but this is not so for the devotee. Śrīla Prabhupāda a explains the word “separatist” in his purports to the Third Canto of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (SB 3.29.9):
<i>“The word “separatist” must be understood carefully. The Sanskrit words in this connection are bhinna-dṛk and pṛthag-bhāvaḥ. A separatist is one who sees his interest as separate from that of the Supreme Lord. Mixed devotees, or devotees in the modes of passion and ignorance, think that the interest of the Supreme Lord is supplying the orders of the devotee; the interest of such devotees is to draw from the Lord as much as possible for their sense gratification. This is the separatist mentality.”</i>
Actually however, the mind of Kṛṣṇa and that of His devotee are “one”. The present world situation is Kṛṣṇa’s “regretful” will to educate us. Understanding this perfectly well, I witness you fearlessly embracing the opportunity to broadcast transcendental knowledge far and wide, even more.
Guru Mahārāja, despite you experiencing so many physical, mental and emotional setbacks, how can I understand your unbridled display of compassion? What is the consciousness behind that gleaming smile and effulgent face of yours? What taste do you derive when you ecstatically chant “Hare Kṛṣṇa” and deliver super-excellent discourses? How can I control my mind and senses as expertly as you?
Now, travelling again across the great landmass of Australia distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books in many towns never before visited by devotees, I submit to you a yearning to qualify myself. Kindly bless me with the ability to embrace Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s four great precepts. In the words of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura:
<i>“Therefore, for the purpose of truly presenting Śrī Gaurasundar, the Lord of the Gauḍīya, to the aliens, I am addressing these few words of mine to the preachers who are about to proceed to countries beyond India: ”We find the following great precepts (Mahā-vākya) in the body of the Teaching that has been vouchsafed to us by the Supreme Master of all Masters: ‘To chant constantly the discourse of Hari by being (1) extremely more humble than the blade of grass, (2) by being as forbearing as the tree, (3) by seeking no honour for oneself and (4) by offering due honour to all entities, is the highest natural function of the unalloyed individual souls (jīvas).’ The lotus-feet of my Śrī Gurudeva attracted me to his service by his manifestation as the living embodiment of these four great precepts. My friends will be in a position to attract all souls of the world to the foot-stool of the Real Truth by purchasing the same unfailing method.”</i>
Your servant,
Sriman Nrsimha das
Sruti-cari dd
Dear Guru Deva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I can hardly believe how lucky we are that our "world traveling monk" is locked-down here in New Zealand with us!
Every single one of the many classes you have given this year has kept me spellbound. Your presentation skills are fantastic; the points you make, penetrating; and the impact, profound.
You make the Pingala Gita, Aila Gita, and Bikshu Gita sing.
You talk about the right place to point the blame – the mind.
You explain how to avoid the "friends and enemies" mentality.
You remind us repeatedly that covid-19 is not the only threat to life as we currently live it. Climate chance is going on, nuclear proliferation is continuing, and people all over the world are becoming polarised and agitated. The world is in tumult. And you remind us that this tumult affects devotees if they are not strong.
I am particularly fascinated by your interview/discussion with Gopala Bhata Prabhu. Your vision of how all the different personalities and perspectives of ISKCON can work together is recognised by Gopala Bhata Prabhu as rare and vital for ISKCON's future.
Muni-cari and I were fortunate to travel to the holy dharma earlier this year. Who knows when we will be able to do that again. It was a transformational trip for me. I realised I need to start making my own way in bhakti. I need to stand on my own two feet. To rely less on other's judgment, and trust my own more. Not to say I don't need guidance – of course I do – but I need to recognise that I am the one who lives my life. I can make my own decisions. Becoming bogged down by my lacks is not progress. In other words, I need to focus more on the positive, relax, and get into my service.
You know I want to be who you want me to be. I want to do what you want me to do; I always have. But I am so afraid of becomming overwhelmed. I am as dependant on your kindness now as always. I beg for your continued love and support in this bhakti journey. Because I need it now as much as ever.
Thank you, Guru Deva, from the bottom of my heart,
You mean the world to me.
Your servant
Sruti-cari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I can hardly believe how lucky we are that our "world traveling monk" is locked-down here in New Zealand with us!
Every single one of the many classes you have given this year has kept me spellbound. Your presentation skills are fantastic; the points you make, penetrating; and the impact, profound.
You make the Pingala Gita, Aila Gita, and Bikshu Gita sing.
You talk about the right place to point the blame – the mind.
You explain how to avoid the "friends and enemies" mentality.
You remind us repeatedly that covid-19 is not the only threat to life as we currently live it. Climate chance is going on, nuclear proliferation is continuing, and people all over the world are becoming polarised and agitated. The world is in tumult. And you remind us that this tumult affects devotees if they are not strong.
I am particularly fascinated by your interview/discussion with Gopala Bhata Prabhu. Your vision of how all the different personalities and perspectives of ISKCON can work together is recognised by Gopala Bhata Prabhu as rare and vital for ISKCON's future.
Muni-cari and I were fortunate to travel to the holy dharma earlier this year. Who knows when we will be able to do that again. It was a transformational trip for me. I realised I need to start making my own way in bhakti. I need to stand on my own two feet. To rely less on other's judgment, and trust my own more. Not to say I don't need guidance – of course I do – but I need to recognise that I am the one who lives my life. I can make my own decisions. Becoming bogged down by my lacks is not progress. In other words, I need to focus more on the positive, relax, and get into my service.
You know I want to be who you want me to be. I want to do what you want me to do; I always have. But I am so afraid of becomming overwhelmed. I am as dependant on your kindness now as always. I beg for your continued love and support in this bhakti journey. Because I need it now as much as ever.
Thank you, Guru Deva, from the bottom of my heart,
You mean the world to me.
Your servant
Sruti-cari dd
Stambha bhava das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
It seems just like yesterday that you handed me my japa mala, and after giving me my new name with a compassionate smile on your face said, “now that’s the right kind of ecstasy!”. Many years have now passed and how blessed I am to still be able to see that compassionate smile.
Spiritual darshan means to see the guru’s real form, his spiritual form as a Maha Bhagavata and confidential devotee of the Lord. Just as one can see the sun only with the help of the sunshine, it is only by the mercy of the guru that one is able to see him. By the mercy of the guru one can realise how dear the guru is to Krishna and that the gaura-Karuna-śakti, the mercy potency of Lord Caitanya is moving through him, one is greatly fortunate to be allowed to see that.
Although the vani of the spiritual master is more important than the vaphu, still, while the spiritual master is personally present one should be very eager for his association. I feel so grateful to have had many opportunities to relish your personal association over the years.
His Holiness Śrila Radhanatha Swami Maharaj mentioned (in jest) during one lecture that on top of the three fold miseries there is actually a forth, adhidasika klesha. The miseries a guru experiences from his servant.
In 2006 I was your personal servant for a week while we stayed in Munich. That week was one of the most toughest and memorable weeks of my life. Everything I did to try and serve you nicely went horribly wrong. I won’t go though the list of blunders I made, but I certainly felt a few thunderbolts land on my head that week to such an extent that it bought tears to my eyes. I learnt some essential lessons that I’ll never forget like to always be personal and communicate if I’m unsure about anything.
In September of 2007 the plan was to meet you at Kiev airport and we would fly together to Simferopol to attend the Ukraine festival. Upon arrival at Kiev thinking that four hours was plenty of time to meet you at the gate for our onward flight, I stepped in to passport control. Completely horrified in front of me was an ocean of people with no specific queue’s leading up to the passport control officer, in disbelief I took my place amongst the chaos. As the hours went by my anxiety was steadily increasing. Just fifteen minutes before the flight was due to depart I finally made it through passport control and ran to the gate. In total and utter anxiety, flustered from the heat I went in to the waiting area. As I entered, I heard your voice “ah! Here’s the mystical Stambha bhava!” When I heard your voice it was like a shower of nectar which completely washed away all the anxiety and distress I was experiencing, it was such a relief to see you and make the connecting flight.
At the 2011 Ukraine festival I was walking to the main pandal and Navina Nirada prabhu told me that Dinasharana Mataji wanted to speak to you. Guru puja kirtan had started and there were several thousand devotees between where I was standing and where you were dancing by the main stage. After slowly making my way through all the devotees to tell you that Mataji wanted to speak to you, you said “ well, what does she want?” “I don’t know” I replied, so I walked all the way back through the ocean of devotees and asked Mataji what she wanted. After finding out and waking back to you again, I told you that she wants to arrange a time to meet later on. After thinking for a couple of seconds you decided to come out to see her yourself. While you were walking out, all the devotees saw you and parted way to let you though. After speaking to Mataji you had to make your way back through all those devotees again to the main stage, now it wasn’t so easy since all of the devotees all had their backs to you. I gently started tapping each devotee on the shoulder requesting them to move aside to let you though. Suddenly you put both your hands on my shoulders and started to push me with great force. Keeping the palms of my hands together while pushing the enthusiastic devotees out of the way, you made it back to the stage in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise. I marvelled at how pragmatic you were to use me as your human bulldozer.
I pray to be always able to have the privilege of your darshan either through your vani or vaphu, and to remain the servant of your servants.
Stambha bhava das
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your appearance
It seems just like yesterday that you handed me my japa mala, and after giving me my new name with a compassionate smile on your face said, “now that’s the right kind of ecstasy!”. Many years have now passed and how blessed I am to still be able to see that compassionate smile.
Spiritual darshan means to see the guru’s real form, his spiritual form as a Maha Bhagavata and confidential devotee of the Lord. Just as one can see the sun only with the help of the sunshine, it is only by the mercy of the guru that one is able to see him. By the mercy of the guru one can realise how dear the guru is to Krishna and that the gaura-Karuna-śakti, the mercy potency of Lord Caitanya is moving through him, one is greatly fortunate to be allowed to see that.
Although the vani of the spiritual master is more important than the vaphu, still, while the spiritual master is personally present one should be very eager for his association. I feel so grateful to have had many opportunities to relish your personal association over the years.
His Holiness Śrila Radhanatha Swami Maharaj mentioned (in jest) during one lecture that on top of the three fold miseries there is actually a forth, adhidasika klesha. The miseries a guru experiences from his servant.
In 2006 I was your personal servant for a week while we stayed in Munich. That week was one of the most toughest and memorable weeks of my life. Everything I did to try and serve you nicely went horribly wrong. I won’t go though the list of blunders I made, but I certainly felt a few thunderbolts land on my head that week to such an extent that it bought tears to my eyes. I learnt some essential lessons that I’ll never forget like to always be personal and communicate if I’m unsure about anything.
In September of 2007 the plan was to meet you at Kiev airport and we would fly together to Simferopol to attend the Ukraine festival. Upon arrival at Kiev thinking that four hours was plenty of time to meet you at the gate for our onward flight, I stepped in to passport control. Completely horrified in front of me was an ocean of people with no specific queue’s leading up to the passport control officer, in disbelief I took my place amongst the chaos. As the hours went by my anxiety was steadily increasing. Just fifteen minutes before the flight was due to depart I finally made it through passport control and ran to the gate. In total and utter anxiety, flustered from the heat I went in to the waiting area. As I entered, I heard your voice “ah! Here’s the mystical Stambha bhava!” When I heard your voice it was like a shower of nectar which completely washed away all the anxiety and distress I was experiencing, it was such a relief to see you and make the connecting flight.
At the 2011 Ukraine festival I was walking to the main pandal and Navina Nirada prabhu told me that Dinasharana Mataji wanted to speak to you. Guru puja kirtan had started and there were several thousand devotees between where I was standing and where you were dancing by the main stage. After slowly making my way through all the devotees to tell you that Mataji wanted to speak to you, you said “ well, what does she want?” “I don’t know” I replied, so I walked all the way back through the ocean of devotees and asked Mataji what she wanted. After finding out and waking back to you again, I told you that she wants to arrange a time to meet later on. After thinking for a couple of seconds you decided to come out to see her yourself. While you were walking out, all the devotees saw you and parted way to let you though. After speaking to Mataji you had to make your way back through all those devotees again to the main stage, now it wasn’t so easy since all of the devotees all had their backs to you. I gently started tapping each devotee on the shoulder requesting them to move aside to let you though. Suddenly you put both your hands on my shoulders and started to push me with great force. Keeping the palms of my hands together while pushing the enthusiastic devotees out of the way, you made it back to the stage in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise. I marvelled at how pragmatic you were to use me as your human bulldozer.
I pray to be always able to have the privilege of your darshan either through your vani or vaphu, and to remain the servant of your servants.
Stambha bhava das
Sucandra Das
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my respectful obeisance
Throughout my life there was no way that I would’ve ever taken shelter of Krishna neither did I have desire to take shelter of him because I was surely not qualified nor did I have any piety to be able to come to the platform of surrender to Krishna on my own. Often I hear from other devotees quoting Prabhupada saying that I have got an indian body so I must have been pious to some extent in my past lives which may be true but there is no way that just on the basis of having an indian body I would have come to position i am at today. It's only because of your unlimited mercy that I met Amani Gaurahari Prabhu on the road 3 years, all glories to him and your grace. I am eternally indebted to your grace for the unlimited mercy you have bestowed upon this insignificant creature. I cannot imagine how I ever would’ve come to this unlimitedly fortunate position of having such great opportunity of chanting and dancing with so many devotees and going home if it wasn’t for you unlimited mercy.
Dear Gurudev I am eternally indebted and thankful to you for the invaluable association you have given me. I’ve learnt from Srimad Bhagavatam that it’s very hard for a living entity to get a human form of life in the first place, one has to go through 8,400,000 species of life and then finally when one gets a human form of life it's even more rare for one to meet a devotee of the lord but I have certainly become most fortunate by your mercy because I don’t just get to associate with one devotee but so many devotees. It’s ever increasingly inspiring for me to live with and offer my insignificant service to such seriously practicing devotees. I can only hope and pray to Krishna that hopefully one day I will be able to taste even a tiny portion of the ecstasy nectar these devotees taste in assisting you in carrying forward the mission of Lord Chatanya Mahaprabhu.
On this auspicious day of your appearance I would like to thank Krishna and Srila Prabhupad for sending forward a gift like yourself to bring light to the dark lives of ignorant fools like myself. You truly are an invaluable gift sent by Krishna so I would like to wish you a very happy appearance day Gurudev. Thank you for accepting this sinful soul as your own.
Your Insignificant aspiring Servent
Sucandra Das
Please accept my respectful obeisance
Throughout my life there was no way that I would’ve ever taken shelter of Krishna neither did I have desire to take shelter of him because I was surely not qualified nor did I have any piety to be able to come to the platform of surrender to Krishna on my own. Often I hear from other devotees quoting Prabhupada saying that I have got an indian body so I must have been pious to some extent in my past lives which may be true but there is no way that just on the basis of having an indian body I would have come to position i am at today. It's only because of your unlimited mercy that I met Amani Gaurahari Prabhu on the road 3 years, all glories to him and your grace. I am eternally indebted to your grace for the unlimited mercy you have bestowed upon this insignificant creature. I cannot imagine how I ever would’ve come to this unlimitedly fortunate position of having such great opportunity of chanting and dancing with so many devotees and going home if it wasn’t for you unlimited mercy.
Dear Gurudev I am eternally indebted and thankful to you for the invaluable association you have given me. I’ve learnt from Srimad Bhagavatam that it’s very hard for a living entity to get a human form of life in the first place, one has to go through 8,400,000 species of life and then finally when one gets a human form of life it's even more rare for one to meet a devotee of the lord but I have certainly become most fortunate by your mercy because I don’t just get to associate with one devotee but so many devotees. It’s ever increasingly inspiring for me to live with and offer my insignificant service to such seriously practicing devotees. I can only hope and pray to Krishna that hopefully one day I will be able to taste even a tiny portion of the ecstasy nectar these devotees taste in assisting you in carrying forward the mission of Lord Chatanya Mahaprabhu.
On this auspicious day of your appearance I would like to thank Krishna and Srila Prabhupad for sending forward a gift like yourself to bring light to the dark lives of ignorant fools like myself. You truly are an invaluable gift sent by Krishna so I would like to wish you a very happy appearance day Gurudev. Thank you for accepting this sinful soul as your own.
Your Insignificant aspiring Servent
Sucandra Das
Sukanthi Radha dasi
To my dearmost Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Again, my heart floods with gratitude and tears flow from my eyes, as I meditate on the impact you have had in my otherwise useless life.
Now, as I sit in Sridham Mayapur to write my offering, I feel intense seperation from your vapu form that so many now have the great fortune of being close to. As they glorify you and remember the glorious missionary activites and sacrifices shared by yourself and other stalwart soldiers in Lord Caitanyas army, I long to be in that pure atmosphere that your transcendental presence creates. For many decades, you've been serving with heart and soul to please Srila Prabhupada, using all your energies in the service of the Supreme; your association is the most valuable jewel.
I remember the outreach activities that I have had the good fortune of being part of over the years, by your mercy. Being swept up in the waves of sankirtana, striving to spread the glorious path of bhakti yoga has given me the highest taste that I have ever experienced and now being bereft of that taste, I wander when, where and how I will be able to taste it again?
I have so many treasured memories of sankirtana exchanges and I even got a double whammy of nectar once when you called me while I was on sankirtana. I had been planning that if you ever called me while on sankirtana, I would answer the phone and carry on with my exchange so you could hear it. So when you called one day, while I was having an exchange, I pressed answer and continued on with the exchange, trying to speak clearly so you could hear. After the exchange, I spoke to you and asked if you had heard. You said you heard everything and expressed that you were feeling very emotional. The depths of your desire to spread this movement is unfathomable Srila Gurudeva.
I often wander, why has Krishna brought me to this wonderful place Sridham Mayapur? I feel more useless than I've ever felt in my life as I feel so desperately dissconnected from the vibrant life of preaching which I was once a part of. Sometimes I find it hard to accept.
However, I know there is a deeper purpose to being situated where I am, in the holy land of Mahaprabhu, and I understand that things must be exactly as they should be, so that I can become purified and make progress in Krishna consciousness. Its comforting to remember that Krishna cares for our best interest more than we can ever imagine.
On this special day, my dearmost spiritual father, please bless me so that I can develop deep trust, patience and acceptance of Krishnas plan for me and my family.
Please use me in any small capacity, to assist you somehow, somewhere, sometime, in your divine and glorious mission.
Aspiring to be your eternal humble servant,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to your lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Again, my heart floods with gratitude and tears flow from my eyes, as I meditate on the impact you have had in my otherwise useless life.
Now, as I sit in Sridham Mayapur to write my offering, I feel intense seperation from your vapu form that so many now have the great fortune of being close to. As they glorify you and remember the glorious missionary activites and sacrifices shared by yourself and other stalwart soldiers in Lord Caitanyas army, I long to be in that pure atmosphere that your transcendental presence creates. For many decades, you've been serving with heart and soul to please Srila Prabhupada, using all your energies in the service of the Supreme; your association is the most valuable jewel.
I remember the outreach activities that I have had the good fortune of being part of over the years, by your mercy. Being swept up in the waves of sankirtana, striving to spread the glorious path of bhakti yoga has given me the highest taste that I have ever experienced and now being bereft of that taste, I wander when, where and how I will be able to taste it again?
I have so many treasured memories of sankirtana exchanges and I even got a double whammy of nectar once when you called me while I was on sankirtana. I had been planning that if you ever called me while on sankirtana, I would answer the phone and carry on with my exchange so you could hear it. So when you called one day, while I was having an exchange, I pressed answer and continued on with the exchange, trying to speak clearly so you could hear. After the exchange, I spoke to you and asked if you had heard. You said you heard everything and expressed that you were feeling very emotional. The depths of your desire to spread this movement is unfathomable Srila Gurudeva.
I often wander, why has Krishna brought me to this wonderful place Sridham Mayapur? I feel more useless than I've ever felt in my life as I feel so desperately dissconnected from the vibrant life of preaching which I was once a part of. Sometimes I find it hard to accept.
However, I know there is a deeper purpose to being situated where I am, in the holy land of Mahaprabhu, and I understand that things must be exactly as they should be, so that I can become purified and make progress in Krishna consciousness. Its comforting to remember that Krishna cares for our best interest more than we can ever imagine.
On this special day, my dearmost spiritual father, please bless me so that I can develop deep trust, patience and acceptance of Krishnas plan for me and my family.
Please use me in any small capacity, to assist you somehow, somewhere, sometime, in your divine and glorious mission.
Aspiring to be your eternal humble servant,
Sukanthi Radha dasi
Sukanya
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my dandavat obeisance at your lotus feet on this day of your Vyasa Puja.
Wishing you a very Happy birthday, Gurudev.
I was extremely fortunate that you gave me and my family your precious time out of your preaching schedule when we met for a zoom call on the 17th of august this year at 5 pm. I will forever relish that memory in my heart. Thank you so much, Gurudev.
I have been in Krishna consciousness just for the last few years and I was very much inspired when I started listening to your lectures.
The fact that in-spite of being from a wealthy background and with such high level of education, you had dedicated your life for the purpose of Srila Prabhupadas mission had immensely touched my heart and inspired me to seek the shelter of your lotus feet so that I can also contribute towards Srila Prabhupadas mission in whatever little capacity I can.
Moreover I was also overwhelmed by the style of Your preaching, Your straightforwardness and outright conviction that the only solution to addressing every kind of issue in the today’s world be it mental anxiety or environmental distress is for people to take up the process of Krishna consciousness.
Gurudev, when we met on zoom call, you instructed me to Balance my family alongwith doing service for Krishna and I had taken it to my heart. Therefore my prayer for today is that may You always keep me under your guidance and that I can follow your every instruction so that I can serve Guru & Krishna in the right spirit whilst striking the right balance with family life.
In my chanting this morning, I offered special prayers to Krishna that may He bless you with good health and longevity so that you can bless us with your instructions forever.
Thank you so much, Gurudev.
Hare Krishna.
Your servant,
Sukanya
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please accept my dandavat obeisance at your lotus feet on this day of your Vyasa Puja.
Wishing you a very Happy birthday, Gurudev.
I was extremely fortunate that you gave me and my family your precious time out of your preaching schedule when we met for a zoom call on the 17th of august this year at 5 pm. I will forever relish that memory in my heart. Thank you so much, Gurudev.
I have been in Krishna consciousness just for the last few years and I was very much inspired when I started listening to your lectures.
The fact that in-spite of being from a wealthy background and with such high level of education, you had dedicated your life for the purpose of Srila Prabhupadas mission had immensely touched my heart and inspired me to seek the shelter of your lotus feet so that I can also contribute towards Srila Prabhupadas mission in whatever little capacity I can.
Moreover I was also overwhelmed by the style of Your preaching, Your straightforwardness and outright conviction that the only solution to addressing every kind of issue in the today’s world be it mental anxiety or environmental distress is for people to take up the process of Krishna consciousness.
Gurudev, when we met on zoom call, you instructed me to Balance my family alongwith doing service for Krishna and I had taken it to my heart. Therefore my prayer for today is that may You always keep me under your guidance and that I can follow your every instruction so that I can serve Guru & Krishna in the right spirit whilst striking the right balance with family life.
In my chanting this morning, I offered special prayers to Krishna that may He bless you with good health and longevity so that you can bless us with your instructions forever.
Thank you so much, Gurudev.
Hare Krishna.
Your servant,
Sukanya
Sundarangi devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The extent of your mercy and shelter Gurudeva is unfathomable to me. I simply know that when I remember to connect with you through hearing and chanting my vision slightly clears.
After attending your outreach class in Wellington in 2007 at the then Gaura Yoga (which Gaura Aarti had to literally drag me into because I wanted to attend the yoga class - argh so embarrasing) I felt a heavy weight of responsibility - literally I remember walking along the street and feeling a weight of responsibility on my shoulders. What would I do with this insight? How could I best act to benefit others? Perhaps that was super soul trick because I was so covered with ignorance and passion, I couldn't see that I really needed to apply this for myself.
Seems it is a significant year, we've had what you called the "shake up, wake up call". You have been the stabilizing factor with frequent and relevant classes bringing the news of the material world to urge us to go deeper into our bhakti practice.
Let's celebrate the highly contagious nature of your Krsna Consciousness. Your patience and expertise. Your shelter. Your visionary outreach approach. Your pure vision of unity in diversity in Prabhupada's movement.
Eternally grateful
Desiring to not be cardboard
Your aspiring servant
Sundarangi dd
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The extent of your mercy and shelter Gurudeva is unfathomable to me. I simply know that when I remember to connect with you through hearing and chanting my vision slightly clears.
After attending your outreach class in Wellington in 2007 at the then Gaura Yoga (which Gaura Aarti had to literally drag me into because I wanted to attend the yoga class - argh so embarrasing) I felt a heavy weight of responsibility - literally I remember walking along the street and feeling a weight of responsibility on my shoulders. What would I do with this insight? How could I best act to benefit others? Perhaps that was super soul trick because I was so covered with ignorance and passion, I couldn't see that I really needed to apply this for myself.
Seems it is a significant year, we've had what you called the "shake up, wake up call". You have been the stabilizing factor with frequent and relevant classes bringing the news of the material world to urge us to go deeper into our bhakti practice.
Let's celebrate the highly contagious nature of your Krsna Consciousness. Your patience and expertise. Your shelter. Your visionary outreach approach. Your pure vision of unity in diversity in Prabhupada's movement.
Eternally grateful
Desiring to not be cardboard
Your aspiring servant
Sundarangi dd
Sura-priya dasa
"Impersonalism is the default position in the material world." Thank you Swamiji for this and for being in my life. Sura-priya dasa
Surapala Dasa
Dearest Gurudeva, Hare Krishna!
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your faithful following in his footsteps. All glories to your dedicated, loving devotional service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Lord Sri Krishna’s glories.
Gurudeva, in this extremely auspicious Appearance Day of your divine person in this material world, please kindly allow me to humbly express my gradually growing loving affection to your lotus feet. At the same time I beg you, Gurudeva, please if you don’t mind and if you so desire, please kindly allow and mercifully help me to develop unlimited pure loving affection to your lotus feet that I desire to always worship in my heart by my thoughts, words, action, and behavior. In this mood of loving affection to you, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for all mercy you are kindly bestowing upon my fallen self since Lord Krishna put me under your spiritual care and guidance in 1980.
Gurudeva, thank you so much for everything you do for my spiritual progress that I am aware of and not aware of. Thank you for the nectar of your enlightening words of wisdom which emanate naturally from your compassionate heart filled with the pure love of Krishna that you share on every possible occasion. You are the divine sage of modern time, world-renowned transcendental scientist, the professor of Krishna conscious university of spiritual life…
Amazingly, almost 5 decades passed from the time you joined Srila Prabhupada’s worldwide mission of spreading Krishna’s glories. Although so many years already passed and the human society went through many Kali-yuga transformations accelerating dense darkness of ignorance that leads toward faster degradation - you remain in the same genuine spiritual enthusiasm of serving Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet spreading Krishna’s glories with great determination wherever it is possible and as much as possible. Even during this present global pandemic you remain constantly and completely absorbed with dynamic loving service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna’s lotus feet. Your recent series of lectures on how to navigate through the challenges of lockdown and not to fall a victim of impersonal infection that spreads simultaneously along with the present pandemic are perfect practical solutions for staying spiritually healthy and happy all the time. Therefore I only beg you Gurudeva, please let me remember all the words of your wisdom you share with us and apply them in my life to help myself to get out of the clutches of Maya and try my best to help others in it as well.
“As stated by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura in his Gurv-aṣṭaka prayers, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ: one receives the mercy of the Supreme Lord through the mercy of the bona fide spiritual master. A devotee who has been blessed by his guru with spiritual knowledge becomes qualified to directly engage in the mission of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda always emphasized that service to the spiritual master in separation, pushing on the mission of the guru, is the highest form of devotional service.” [SB. 11.18.39]
You, Gurudeva, are the personification of such transcendental principle because you are always completely absorbed, 24/7 in pushing on the mission of your Guru Maharaja. You always contemplate different ways how to satisfy Srila Prabhupada the most and share his mercy with others in abundance.
Gurudeva, out of my growing affection for you I was planning to offer this year for your 70’s Vyasa-puja a preaching center in State College in the name of already established ISKCON Centre County as our local institution’s headquarters. However, as you already know by the superior arrangement pandemic messed up this plan. Nonetheless following your advice together with Krishna-mayi we are still looking for the best property in the area of very close proximity to the university campus. Regardless of when we find such property there for the purpose of spreading Krishna’s glories, I want you to know, Gurudeva, that this property is already dedicated to your lotus feet in your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories.
Some time ago, one retired doctor from State College when he heard that I am going to purchase property in State College for the sake of establishing a “spiritual self-development center” for the students of that place - he told me that, “this is the worst choice I can make…”. Regardless of his reasoning behind this statement, I didn’t take it seriously. Even if someone gives me a similar argument: “look, in the present situation! State College is second the most infected by Covid 19 virus university town in entire America. Due to the nature of this town and any similar reasons it can be the same or even worst at any time in the future. Thus, what is the safety reason or profitable cause to invest a lot of money in a property located in a place where a pandemic can easily kill hundreds and thousands of people in a short time? You can not only lose your own money because nobody will come to your place but also you can lose your own life!”
My contra-argument is: you can die anywhere at any time, anyway… but what you do in life is what counts the most. My Guru, His Holiness Devamrita Swami Maharaja risked his valuable life to come to my country and rescue people like me by spreading the love of God in the tradition that was not allowed by the communistic regime at that time. My Guru Maharaja was raised in a respectable American family, in Manhattan, New York City, graduated from one of the most prestigious universities of the world, the Yale University, and as a sophisticated intellectualist of modern time with a burning desire to help suffering humanity, he was always searching to find a sustainable solution for all human problems of life. Out of his compassion for suffering conditioned souls and to satisfy his Guru Maharaja, he accepted a risky mission to enlighten people of the world who were neither his family nor friends, they were just complete strangers like myself.
In that time, my country of Eastern Europe was under the communistic regime and no ideological doctrine from outside was allowed - what to speak about one brought by a Westerner. Especially, what to speak about him; American young man with brownish complexion who can be easily recognized as one who doesn’t belong to white complexion communists of my country… and who doesn’t know anyone in my country, doesn’t speak the language of my country, etc. Anyone, needless to mention that the law enforcement could easily find him, imprison, or even execute him on the spot. Every time he visited my country he was not sure if he will return alive or not. Still, despite being aware of this danger and complexities of his mission he was risking his life finding courage and enthusiasm to come and enlighten people by his preaching. In this way, people who were seeking the ultimate purpose of life and sustainable solution for their problems of life were blessed by his wisdom and guidance.
Although all horrifying circumstances were against him, wherever he went, whatever place he visited he was always extremely enthusiastic and joyful. Although very cautious and alert during his travel he was always full of loving and caring attitude. Everyone in his association felt inspired to search for the Absolute Truth and develop pure love for God. In this way by dint of his selfless and full of compassion sacrifice I was rescued from drowning in the ocean of material bewilderment and brought to the most beautiful paradise-like lifestyle of spiritual goodness that no one can even imagine - Krishna consciousness.
Now, after four decades of having my Guru’s assistance although many things have changed in the world and life in general I can proudly say about my Guru Maharaja that my Gurudeva is still the same wonderful, full of compassion, love, and very caring person.
Gurudeva, your divine enthusiasm and expertise to teach Krishna consciousness and spread Krishna’s glories along with promoting the excellence of Srila Prabhupada’s preachings are unparalleled.
I experienced that reading Mahabharata is extremely thrilling and at the same time the very thought of what harsh tribulations beloved, pure devotees of the Lord, Pandavas went through is horrifying. However, for the benefit of fallen people of this degraded Kali-yuga age, Srila Prabhupada beautifully explained that pure devotees of Krishna in their love, devotion, and surrender, they don’t perceive circumstances like ordinary humans. When a situation is peaceful and filled with some “happiness” Kali-yuga people tend to forget about Krishna. However, when circumstances are tough only strong can persist - like pure devotees. Therefore for the sake of the conditioned living entities of Kali-yuga Krishna is using pure devotees to teach fallen souls like me, what pure unalloyed love, devotion, and full surrender mean.
Gurudeva, based on what you went through in your life on the path of Bhakti another wonderful and inspiring epic Mahabharata-like could be written. It is unbelievable how many times you went through horrifying situations during your transcendental Bhakti adventure… especially in communist countries under the iron curtain time.
I wonder how inspiring it could be if you would share in a written form all these stories in which Lord Krishna out of His love to you protected and guided you directly… In this way having you as a walking example, role-model with incredible humility, and predominating desire to give credit to Srila Prabhupada in full loving surrender - we can learn by your practical example how depending on Krishna we should act for Guru and Krishna’s satisfaction.
Gurudeva, you have the full realization that you are an eternal servant of Krishna, therefore you don’t have even a tinch of interest in anything but Krishna’s service. Always thinking of Krishna, devising means by which to spread the holy name of Krishna you understand that your only business is to spread Krishna consciousness movement all over the world. Shastras inform that such symptoms are manifested by uttama-adhikaris. Gurudeva, you are uttama-adhikari who by the purity of the heart from which love of Krishna radiates, hundreds and thousands of the conditioned souls are attracted to your divine association. Thus you are engaged in the most confidential service of the Lord namely delivering all the conditioned souls from the clutches of Maya and converting them to Vaishnavism. In this way, you are very dear to Krishna and if you recommend someone to Krishna, Krishna accepts the person. Therefore Gurudeva, if you don’t mind please recommend me to Krishna in service at your lotus feet for His pleasure eternally.
Gurudeva, Krishna equipped you with extraordinary spiritual abilities and excellent skills that help humanity at large to change perspective and perception of reality. Your unparalleled leadership skills with expertise in human relationships are role-model for me and always will be. You are not only a spiritual role-model for me but also a personification of Lord Krishna’s mercy for me. All Shastras inform that only by Lord Krishna’s mercy someone can receive Guru. I received you as my worshipable Guru, authorized and empowered representative of Krishna who is the external manifestation of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna located in my heart as Paramatma. Therefore you perfectly know how to guide me in my life to achieve love for Krishna. You navigate me through different complexities of life and intricacies of material existence in the way that I can not only survive in my spiritual life but also make spiritual progress. Thus, I am so grateful to you for taking care of me in my “spiritual childhood” in the early 80s so mercifully that I was able to not only survive in my country during the communistic time but also learn from you directly what Krishna consciousness is all about. In this way after your merciful spiritual training and following your liberating instructions on how to add Krishna to my life - now, my life is peaceful and blissful.
I also will never forget the experience you blessed me with not long ago when during our WhatsUp chat conversation I was asking you important questions and you were much ahead in answering them. The conversation was lasting for a full hour and every time when you answered my previous question or cleared up some dilemma, immediately in my rebellious and doubtful mind was appearing another puzzle. However, when I started with my limited speed to write it down and thus I was just at the very beginning of writing my thought - you already were sending me the answer with full clarification of the point I just had in my mind. It was in this way for the entire hour. Unbelievable! Someone can say you were reading my mind. Yes, indeed as a bonafide representative of Paramatma who witnesses my mind and heart Krishna was guiding you on how to navigate me in this difficult moment of confusion. You were perfectly reading my mind and helped me with your explanations right on the spot. Thank you so much, Gurudeva for that.
I have other similar experiences of how your answers were coming right on time after prayers to you and Krishna. Your loving bond with Krishna is intimate and mystical… You both transcendentally cooperate to awaken my dormant love for Krishna. Thus, throughout all four decades of my spiritual career in Krishna consciousness during my present life, you are guiding me as a bona fide representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna. In due course of all these years, your compassionate heart allows me to experience the love of Krishna you cultivate in your pure heart and reflect upon all the conditioned souls. Thus sharing your love of Krishna by giving loving care and guidance to everyone ready to receive your mercy I am the fortunate one who is blessed by your mercy of receiving your loving care.
When as a child I heard people saying that God is love and later on when I heard Srila Prabhupada often repeated that Lord Krishna is very kind I was always wondering; “how I can tangibly experience God’s love and kindness?” The answer came through you… Logically deliberating it is obvious that a person representing another superior person reflects his qualities and attitude. In this way, since I have your association, Gurudeva, I understood and have a beautiful experience of God’s love and kindness. Because you treat all of us, the conditioned souls, with love, care, and kindness, we all can understand and experience Krishna’s love and kindness.
That’s why I feel honored and privileged having you in my life and being guided by you in service to your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories. I beg you, Gurudeva, please bless me with more devotional service to you and Krishna, only then my life can have some value and becomes successful.
I also beg you, please forgive me for all the offenses I maybe committed knowingly or unknowingly due to ignorance and my spiritual immaturity.
Also on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja I humbly plea at your lotus feet for permission to request you for merciful guidance that I always follow your instructions with full faith, dedication, love, and devotion for your full satisfaction.
Your humble and very grateful servant,
Surapala dasa
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your faithful following in his footsteps. All glories to your dedicated, loving devotional service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Lord Sri Krishna’s glories.
Gurudeva, in this extremely auspicious Appearance Day of your divine person in this material world, please kindly allow me to humbly express my gradually growing loving affection to your lotus feet. At the same time I beg you, Gurudeva, please if you don’t mind and if you so desire, please kindly allow and mercifully help me to develop unlimited pure loving affection to your lotus feet that I desire to always worship in my heart by my thoughts, words, action, and behavior. In this mood of loving affection to you, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for all mercy you are kindly bestowing upon my fallen self since Lord Krishna put me under your spiritual care and guidance in 1980.
Gurudeva, thank you so much for everything you do for my spiritual progress that I am aware of and not aware of. Thank you for the nectar of your enlightening words of wisdom which emanate naturally from your compassionate heart filled with the pure love of Krishna that you share on every possible occasion. You are the divine sage of modern time, world-renowned transcendental scientist, the professor of Krishna conscious university of spiritual life…
Amazingly, almost 5 decades passed from the time you joined Srila Prabhupada’s worldwide mission of spreading Krishna’s glories. Although so many years already passed and the human society went through many Kali-yuga transformations accelerating dense darkness of ignorance that leads toward faster degradation - you remain in the same genuine spiritual enthusiasm of serving Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet spreading Krishna’s glories with great determination wherever it is possible and as much as possible. Even during this present global pandemic you remain constantly and completely absorbed with dynamic loving service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna’s lotus feet. Your recent series of lectures on how to navigate through the challenges of lockdown and not to fall a victim of impersonal infection that spreads simultaneously along with the present pandemic are perfect practical solutions for staying spiritually healthy and happy all the time. Therefore I only beg you Gurudeva, please let me remember all the words of your wisdom you share with us and apply them in my life to help myself to get out of the clutches of Maya and try my best to help others in it as well.
“As stated by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura in his Gurv-aṣṭaka prayers, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ: one receives the mercy of the Supreme Lord through the mercy of the bona fide spiritual master. A devotee who has been blessed by his guru with spiritual knowledge becomes qualified to directly engage in the mission of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda always emphasized that service to the spiritual master in separation, pushing on the mission of the guru, is the highest form of devotional service.” [SB. 11.18.39]
You, Gurudeva, are the personification of such transcendental principle because you are always completely absorbed, 24/7 in pushing on the mission of your Guru Maharaja. You always contemplate different ways how to satisfy Srila Prabhupada the most and share his mercy with others in abundance.
Gurudeva, out of my growing affection for you I was planning to offer this year for your 70’s Vyasa-puja a preaching center in State College in the name of already established ISKCON Centre County as our local institution’s headquarters. However, as you already know by the superior arrangement pandemic messed up this plan. Nonetheless following your advice together with Krishna-mayi we are still looking for the best property in the area of very close proximity to the university campus. Regardless of when we find such property there for the purpose of spreading Krishna’s glories, I want you to know, Gurudeva, that this property is already dedicated to your lotus feet in your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories.
Some time ago, one retired doctor from State College when he heard that I am going to purchase property in State College for the sake of establishing a “spiritual self-development center” for the students of that place - he told me that, “this is the worst choice I can make…”. Regardless of his reasoning behind this statement, I didn’t take it seriously. Even if someone gives me a similar argument: “look, in the present situation! State College is second the most infected by Covid 19 virus university town in entire America. Due to the nature of this town and any similar reasons it can be the same or even worst at any time in the future. Thus, what is the safety reason or profitable cause to invest a lot of money in a property located in a place where a pandemic can easily kill hundreds and thousands of people in a short time? You can not only lose your own money because nobody will come to your place but also you can lose your own life!”
My contra-argument is: you can die anywhere at any time, anyway… but what you do in life is what counts the most. My Guru, His Holiness Devamrita Swami Maharaja risked his valuable life to come to my country and rescue people like me by spreading the love of God in the tradition that was not allowed by the communistic regime at that time. My Guru Maharaja was raised in a respectable American family, in Manhattan, New York City, graduated from one of the most prestigious universities of the world, the Yale University, and as a sophisticated intellectualist of modern time with a burning desire to help suffering humanity, he was always searching to find a sustainable solution for all human problems of life. Out of his compassion for suffering conditioned souls and to satisfy his Guru Maharaja, he accepted a risky mission to enlighten people of the world who were neither his family nor friends, they were just complete strangers like myself.
In that time, my country of Eastern Europe was under the communistic regime and no ideological doctrine from outside was allowed - what to speak about one brought by a Westerner. Especially, what to speak about him; American young man with brownish complexion who can be easily recognized as one who doesn’t belong to white complexion communists of my country… and who doesn’t know anyone in my country, doesn’t speak the language of my country, etc. Anyone, needless to mention that the law enforcement could easily find him, imprison, or even execute him on the spot. Every time he visited my country he was not sure if he will return alive or not. Still, despite being aware of this danger and complexities of his mission he was risking his life finding courage and enthusiasm to come and enlighten people by his preaching. In this way, people who were seeking the ultimate purpose of life and sustainable solution for their problems of life were blessed by his wisdom and guidance.
Although all horrifying circumstances were against him, wherever he went, whatever place he visited he was always extremely enthusiastic and joyful. Although very cautious and alert during his travel he was always full of loving and caring attitude. Everyone in his association felt inspired to search for the Absolute Truth and develop pure love for God. In this way by dint of his selfless and full of compassion sacrifice I was rescued from drowning in the ocean of material bewilderment and brought to the most beautiful paradise-like lifestyle of spiritual goodness that no one can even imagine - Krishna consciousness.
Now, after four decades of having my Guru’s assistance although many things have changed in the world and life in general I can proudly say about my Guru Maharaja that my Gurudeva is still the same wonderful, full of compassion, love, and very caring person.
Gurudeva, your divine enthusiasm and expertise to teach Krishna consciousness and spread Krishna’s glories along with promoting the excellence of Srila Prabhupada’s preachings are unparalleled.
I experienced that reading Mahabharata is extremely thrilling and at the same time the very thought of what harsh tribulations beloved, pure devotees of the Lord, Pandavas went through is horrifying. However, for the benefit of fallen people of this degraded Kali-yuga age, Srila Prabhupada beautifully explained that pure devotees of Krishna in their love, devotion, and surrender, they don’t perceive circumstances like ordinary humans. When a situation is peaceful and filled with some “happiness” Kali-yuga people tend to forget about Krishna. However, when circumstances are tough only strong can persist - like pure devotees. Therefore for the sake of the conditioned living entities of Kali-yuga Krishna is using pure devotees to teach fallen souls like me, what pure unalloyed love, devotion, and full surrender mean.
Gurudeva, based on what you went through in your life on the path of Bhakti another wonderful and inspiring epic Mahabharata-like could be written. It is unbelievable how many times you went through horrifying situations during your transcendental Bhakti adventure… especially in communist countries under the iron curtain time.
I wonder how inspiring it could be if you would share in a written form all these stories in which Lord Krishna out of His love to you protected and guided you directly… In this way having you as a walking example, role-model with incredible humility, and predominating desire to give credit to Srila Prabhupada in full loving surrender - we can learn by your practical example how depending on Krishna we should act for Guru and Krishna’s satisfaction.
Gurudeva, you have the full realization that you are an eternal servant of Krishna, therefore you don’t have even a tinch of interest in anything but Krishna’s service. Always thinking of Krishna, devising means by which to spread the holy name of Krishna you understand that your only business is to spread Krishna consciousness movement all over the world. Shastras inform that such symptoms are manifested by uttama-adhikaris. Gurudeva, you are uttama-adhikari who by the purity of the heart from which love of Krishna radiates, hundreds and thousands of the conditioned souls are attracted to your divine association. Thus you are engaged in the most confidential service of the Lord namely delivering all the conditioned souls from the clutches of Maya and converting them to Vaishnavism. In this way, you are very dear to Krishna and if you recommend someone to Krishna, Krishna accepts the person. Therefore Gurudeva, if you don’t mind please recommend me to Krishna in service at your lotus feet for His pleasure eternally.
Gurudeva, Krishna equipped you with extraordinary spiritual abilities and excellent skills that help humanity at large to change perspective and perception of reality. Your unparalleled leadership skills with expertise in human relationships are role-model for me and always will be. You are not only a spiritual role-model for me but also a personification of Lord Krishna’s mercy for me. All Shastras inform that only by Lord Krishna’s mercy someone can receive Guru. I received you as my worshipable Guru, authorized and empowered representative of Krishna who is the external manifestation of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna located in my heart as Paramatma. Therefore you perfectly know how to guide me in my life to achieve love for Krishna. You navigate me through different complexities of life and intricacies of material existence in the way that I can not only survive in my spiritual life but also make spiritual progress. Thus, I am so grateful to you for taking care of me in my “spiritual childhood” in the early 80s so mercifully that I was able to not only survive in my country during the communistic time but also learn from you directly what Krishna consciousness is all about. In this way after your merciful spiritual training and following your liberating instructions on how to add Krishna to my life - now, my life is peaceful and blissful.
I also will never forget the experience you blessed me with not long ago when during our WhatsUp chat conversation I was asking you important questions and you were much ahead in answering them. The conversation was lasting for a full hour and every time when you answered my previous question or cleared up some dilemma, immediately in my rebellious and doubtful mind was appearing another puzzle. However, when I started with my limited speed to write it down and thus I was just at the very beginning of writing my thought - you already were sending me the answer with full clarification of the point I just had in my mind. It was in this way for the entire hour. Unbelievable! Someone can say you were reading my mind. Yes, indeed as a bonafide representative of Paramatma who witnesses my mind and heart Krishna was guiding you on how to navigate me in this difficult moment of confusion. You were perfectly reading my mind and helped me with your explanations right on the spot. Thank you so much, Gurudeva for that.
I have other similar experiences of how your answers were coming right on time after prayers to you and Krishna. Your loving bond with Krishna is intimate and mystical… You both transcendentally cooperate to awaken my dormant love for Krishna. Thus, throughout all four decades of my spiritual career in Krishna consciousness during my present life, you are guiding me as a bona fide representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna. In due course of all these years, your compassionate heart allows me to experience the love of Krishna you cultivate in your pure heart and reflect upon all the conditioned souls. Thus sharing your love of Krishna by giving loving care and guidance to everyone ready to receive your mercy I am the fortunate one who is blessed by your mercy of receiving your loving care.
When as a child I heard people saying that God is love and later on when I heard Srila Prabhupada often repeated that Lord Krishna is very kind I was always wondering; “how I can tangibly experience God’s love and kindness?” The answer came through you… Logically deliberating it is obvious that a person representing another superior person reflects his qualities and attitude. In this way, since I have your association, Gurudeva, I understood and have a beautiful experience of God’s love and kindness. Because you treat all of us, the conditioned souls, with love, care, and kindness, we all can understand and experience Krishna’s love and kindness.
That’s why I feel honored and privileged having you in my life and being guided by you in service to your mission of spreading Krishna’s glories. I beg you, Gurudeva, please bless me with more devotional service to you and Krishna, only then my life can have some value and becomes successful.
I also beg you, please forgive me for all the offenses I maybe committed knowingly or unknowingly due to ignorance and my spiritual immaturity.
Also on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja I humbly plea at your lotus feet for permission to request you for merciful guidance that I always follow your instructions with full faith, dedication, love, and devotion for your full satisfaction.
Your humble and very grateful servant,
Surapala dasa
Suratanath das
Dear Gurudeva
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
Why I deserve any good fortune I'll never know, but I know that I have received it, and somehow it keeps coming to me in so many amazing ways in my life. Especially since last year, marrying a wonderful devotee and living in a Krishna conscious community where we hardly notice the troubles of the global pandemic going on, there's countless reasons for me to be grateful. The epitome of all my good fortune is that at a young age I came into contact with you, a bonafide representative of Lord Krishna Himself.
Lately I've tried to be more serious about following your instructions, which particularly for me as a grhasta at New Govardhana, was to increase my deity service. It's funny how as soon as I've taken this more seriously so many of my troubles have subsided and I feel even more fortunate. It only took thousands of times reading and hearing about this but it's starting to pay off.
Thank you for having a determined and patient hope for me, I've always really felt that you do.
Your servant,
Suratanath das
Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet.
Why I deserve any good fortune I'll never know, but I know that I have received it, and somehow it keeps coming to me in so many amazing ways in my life. Especially since last year, marrying a wonderful devotee and living in a Krishna conscious community where we hardly notice the troubles of the global pandemic going on, there's countless reasons for me to be grateful. The epitome of all my good fortune is that at a young age I came into contact with you, a bonafide representative of Lord Krishna Himself.
Lately I've tried to be more serious about following your instructions, which particularly for me as a grhasta at New Govardhana, was to increase my deity service. It's funny how as soon as I've taken this more seriously so many of my troubles have subsided and I feel even more fortunate. It only took thousands of times reading and hearing about this but it's starting to pay off.
Thank you for having a determined and patient hope for me, I've always really felt that you do.
Your servant,
Suratanath das
Svarupa sakti devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva
Please Accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudeva on your vyasa puja day!
We can never really understand in depth or estimate the great sacrifices and arrangements you are making to help us on our path back home, back to Godhead.
For many decades you have tirelessly traveled across the world to inspire us in our relationship with Krsna. On behalf of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya, you have taken up the responsibility of taking on disciples, nurturing them, giving them endless opportunities to grow and give bhakti to others as well. Kali yuga is not even at its peak but the times we are living in are so degraded.
There is so much ignorance, deceit, malice, and mental illness so much so that sometimes these lower tendencies creep into our devotee community. I appreciate your strong leadership, dynamic preaching, and your interactions filled with love, which in the age of Kali is very rare.
By divine arrangement, I met you all those years ago and I have never looked back. At times my strength in bhakti is weak and I cannot see the light. For conditioned souls like myself, the good qualities are hard to come by. Over the years you have made it possible for me to get up and try harder, even when I don’t have strength and confidence in myself anymore.
I want to say thank you for taking on this almost impossible task of reclaiming the fallen souls of this age. Some of us would possibly choose to stop breathing instead of struggling to breathe. You have taught us about Krsna and his beauty and his love for us even if we have no love for ourselves.
I can never repay you for what you have done for me, engaging me in service and giving me a better quality of life. Despite all my frailties, I will do whatever I can in this life and the ones that follow to serve you, Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord Krsna. Nothing else really matters.
“When peoples care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul”.
Begging to always remain your insignificant servant
Svarupa sakti devi dasi
Please Accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you Gurudeva on your vyasa puja day!
We can never really understand in depth or estimate the great sacrifices and arrangements you are making to help us on our path back home, back to Godhead.
For many decades you have tirelessly traveled across the world to inspire us in our relationship with Krsna. On behalf of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya, you have taken up the responsibility of taking on disciples, nurturing them, giving them endless opportunities to grow and give bhakti to others as well. Kali yuga is not even at its peak but the times we are living in are so degraded.
There is so much ignorance, deceit, malice, and mental illness so much so that sometimes these lower tendencies creep into our devotee community. I appreciate your strong leadership, dynamic preaching, and your interactions filled with love, which in the age of Kali is very rare.
By divine arrangement, I met you all those years ago and I have never looked back. At times my strength in bhakti is weak and I cannot see the light. For conditioned souls like myself, the good qualities are hard to come by. Over the years you have made it possible for me to get up and try harder, even when I don’t have strength and confidence in myself anymore.
I want to say thank you for taking on this almost impossible task of reclaiming the fallen souls of this age. Some of us would possibly choose to stop breathing instead of struggling to breathe. You have taught us about Krsna and his beauty and his love for us even if we have no love for ourselves.
I can never repay you for what you have done for me, engaging me in service and giving me a better quality of life. Despite all my frailties, I will do whatever I can in this life and the ones that follow to serve you, Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord Krsna. Nothing else really matters.
“When peoples care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul”.
Begging to always remain your insignificant servant
Svarupa sakti devi dasi
Sveta Manjari dd
Dearest GURUDEVA
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
I can happily relate to this year differently than others would. Many will relate 2020 to COVID, I can thankfully say that the year started in Mayapur and amidst all its glory I also had the honor of time with you Gurudeva. This must explain my energy and drive during very challenging months. Fortunate to say it’s all due to your mercy.
When taking darshan I had to make a confession to you just after you very calmly concluded that my spiritual like is on track, in service at ISKCON CAPE with Govardhana Sila. Despite this serious shortcoming you eloquently provided all the reasons necessary to inspire me on how to fill this gap. Sadly even during lockdown I failed to do justice.
Gurudeva this forces a lot more realizations and reflections.
Am I, are humans so fallen that even when knowing what’s good for us we seem not to grab this with both hands, we do not embrase the practices needed to make our way back to Godhead.
Some of us have been saved as we have taken to the understanding that we must accept a spiritual master. We have been saved from what is described in the 7th Canto as follows...
Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of enjoying material life, and who have therefore accepted as their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external sense objects, cannot understand that the goal of life is to return home, back to Godhead, and engage in the service of Lord Viṣṇu. As blind men guided by another blind man miss the right path and fall into a ditch, materially attached men led by another materially attached man are bound by the ropes of fruitive labor, which are made of very strong cords, and they continue again and again in materialistic life, suffering the threefold miseries.
I’m holding on and will only survive by continuing to serve with your permission and blessings. I beg that you continue to guide me as I make small progressive steps toward Krishna.
Your Spiritual daughter
Sveta Manjari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
I can happily relate to this year differently than others would. Many will relate 2020 to COVID, I can thankfully say that the year started in Mayapur and amidst all its glory I also had the honor of time with you Gurudeva. This must explain my energy and drive during very challenging months. Fortunate to say it’s all due to your mercy.
When taking darshan I had to make a confession to you just after you very calmly concluded that my spiritual like is on track, in service at ISKCON CAPE with Govardhana Sila. Despite this serious shortcoming you eloquently provided all the reasons necessary to inspire me on how to fill this gap. Sadly even during lockdown I failed to do justice.
Gurudeva this forces a lot more realizations and reflections.
Am I, are humans so fallen that even when knowing what’s good for us we seem not to grab this with both hands, we do not embrase the practices needed to make our way back to Godhead.
Some of us have been saved as we have taken to the understanding that we must accept a spiritual master. We have been saved from what is described in the 7th Canto as follows...
Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of enjoying material life, and who have therefore accepted as their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external sense objects, cannot understand that the goal of life is to return home, back to Godhead, and engage in the service of Lord Viṣṇu. As blind men guided by another blind man miss the right path and fall into a ditch, materially attached men led by another materially attached man are bound by the ropes of fruitive labor, which are made of very strong cords, and they continue again and again in materialistic life, suffering the threefold miseries.
I’m holding on and will only survive by continuing to serve with your permission and blessings. I beg that you continue to guide me as I make small progressive steps toward Krishna.
Your Spiritual daughter
Sveta Manjari dd
Syama-Govinda Dasa
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my most respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
Having recently studied American history and all of its brutality, I can more clearly comprehend the racial injustices of its citizens and the effect you may have experienced in youth. I am certain that these atrocities would have filled the more common man with an insatiable desire to both retaliate and dominate. American independence itself venerates this very notion. Yet, although a trajectory of so-called greatness beckoned, on the prowess of your extraordinary intelligence, confidence and scholarship: you chose to forgo all that to serve those who were your aggressors.
This quality of compassion, which is reverential in its greatness, is the rare but defining characteristic of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples. For example, I recently read Radhanath Maharaja’s book The Journey Home; Whereby, Maharaja humbly recalls his thoughts and experiences and ultimately exposes his divine consciousness, which was evident even before Mother Ganga bestowed the Maha-mantra within his mind. Therefore, by inference dear Srila Gurudeva, I understand that you to were placed here by Srila Prabhupada’s special prayer.
I continue to carry the remembrance of our exchanges in my heart, and I reinforce them by engaging in more service for your pleasure. I long for your loving presence to be at the forefront of my mind—continually. This is my plea. Grant it if you please.
Your insignificant servant,
Syama-Govinda Dasa
Please accept my most respectful obeisances at your lotus feet.
Having recently studied American history and all of its brutality, I can more clearly comprehend the racial injustices of its citizens and the effect you may have experienced in youth. I am certain that these atrocities would have filled the more common man with an insatiable desire to both retaliate and dominate. American independence itself venerates this very notion. Yet, although a trajectory of so-called greatness beckoned, on the prowess of your extraordinary intelligence, confidence and scholarship: you chose to forgo all that to serve those who were your aggressors.
This quality of compassion, which is reverential in its greatness, is the rare but defining characteristic of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples. For example, I recently read Radhanath Maharaja’s book The Journey Home; Whereby, Maharaja humbly recalls his thoughts and experiences and ultimately exposes his divine consciousness, which was evident even before Mother Ganga bestowed the Maha-mantra within his mind. Therefore, by inference dear Srila Gurudeva, I understand that you to were placed here by Srila Prabhupada’s special prayer.
I continue to carry the remembrance of our exchanges in my heart, and I reinforce them by engaging in more service for your pleasure. I long for your loving presence to be at the forefront of my mind—continually. This is my plea. Grant it if you please.
Your insignificant servant,
Syama-Govinda Dasa
Syama-gauri devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This offering isn’t fitting enough to appreciate your impact in this world, but you and Srila Prabhupada’s kindness are the very reason I’m even writing this, so I cannot help but try to glorify you. During my attempt to write this offering I remembered a time when in the ashram it was our tradition to keep a book of all the instructions we would receive from you after your visits. This was not only a recollection of exchanges we had with you but also a constant reminder of how you were directing us throughout our spiritual life.
I have since lost that notebook and regret it terribly, because those instructions made it clear what you expected of me and made it easier to keep your words and exchanges clear in my mind. I am always amazed at how your exalted generation of devotees always remember the month and year at which particular instances happened and instructions were given in the early days. My faint memory doesn’t always serve me well, so I’m definitely re-introducing that vani notebook that I once had, to help me hold on to your words and guidance. To hold on to those exchanges of years gone by. I took your presence for granted.
I’ve been reflecting on your outstanding ways you manage different audiences, different personalities, different skills and abilities within individuals, different cultures as you grace the world with your unique style of sharing Krsna conscious knowledge. You make no enemies, yet you are able to give the medicine loud and clearly with compassion. You use current affairs to steer your audiences to deeply introspect their existence. I’ve loved your powerful classes from the first time I heard you speak, and each year your words are richer, deeper and so invitingly transformational. I pray to apply such words in my life.
Your greatest concern throughout your presentations seems to be making Krsna consciousness accessible and attainable to others. No matter the audience, the situation, the individual, you are always present with thorough attention, and Prabhupada-driven focus. You work hard for Krsna and yet remain balanced throughout the different services you do.
Thank you for giving us a very tangible experience of spiritual life, for encouraging us to take advantage of the Hare Krsna maha mantra, for regularly reminding us of the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and distributing them too, for urging us to appreciate everyone no matter the capacity or speed they’re in and for always resetting our purpose of this life through your classes and constant guidance.
In a recent class you requested that all of us can take up the quest to become representatives of Vyasadeva, representatives of the parampara. You explained that it’s not one person’s task. You asked us to deepen our hearing and chanting in order to qualify as representatives of the parampara. Praying to follow in your example and become a genuine servant of yours.
Your servant and spiritual daughter
Syama-gauri dd
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This offering isn’t fitting enough to appreciate your impact in this world, but you and Srila Prabhupada’s kindness are the very reason I’m even writing this, so I cannot help but try to glorify you. During my attempt to write this offering I remembered a time when in the ashram it was our tradition to keep a book of all the instructions we would receive from you after your visits. This was not only a recollection of exchanges we had with you but also a constant reminder of how you were directing us throughout our spiritual life.
I have since lost that notebook and regret it terribly, because those instructions made it clear what you expected of me and made it easier to keep your words and exchanges clear in my mind. I am always amazed at how your exalted generation of devotees always remember the month and year at which particular instances happened and instructions were given in the early days. My faint memory doesn’t always serve me well, so I’m definitely re-introducing that vani notebook that I once had, to help me hold on to your words and guidance. To hold on to those exchanges of years gone by. I took your presence for granted.
I’ve been reflecting on your outstanding ways you manage different audiences, different personalities, different skills and abilities within individuals, different cultures as you grace the world with your unique style of sharing Krsna conscious knowledge. You make no enemies, yet you are able to give the medicine loud and clearly with compassion. You use current affairs to steer your audiences to deeply introspect their existence. I’ve loved your powerful classes from the first time I heard you speak, and each year your words are richer, deeper and so invitingly transformational. I pray to apply such words in my life.
Your greatest concern throughout your presentations seems to be making Krsna consciousness accessible and attainable to others. No matter the audience, the situation, the individual, you are always present with thorough attention, and Prabhupada-driven focus. You work hard for Krsna and yet remain balanced throughout the different services you do.
Thank you for giving us a very tangible experience of spiritual life, for encouraging us to take advantage of the Hare Krsna maha mantra, for regularly reminding us of the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and distributing them too, for urging us to appreciate everyone no matter the capacity or speed they’re in and for always resetting our purpose of this life through your classes and constant guidance.
In a recent class you requested that all of us can take up the quest to become representatives of Vyasadeva, representatives of the parampara. You explained that it’s not one person’s task. You asked us to deepen our hearing and chanting in order to qualify as representatives of the parampara. Praying to follow in your example and become a genuine servant of yours.
Your servant and spiritual daughter
Syama-gauri dd
Syāmali dd
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for your mercy and for the opportunity to serve you and the Devotees.
I feel very fortunate that we have been blessed with more of your Divine association as Krishna has kept you grounded here longer with us in New Zealand through 2020.
I pray that I always remain attached to your Lotus feet and steadily continue my journey in devotional life by constantly hearing and serving you in what ever way pleases you the most.
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
Krishna, Krishna,
Hare, Hare,
Hare Rama,Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare, Hare.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Syāmali dd
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Thank you for your mercy and for the opportunity to serve you and the Devotees.
I feel very fortunate that we have been blessed with more of your Divine association as Krishna has kept you grounded here longer with us in New Zealand through 2020.
I pray that I always remain attached to your Lotus feet and steadily continue my journey in devotional life by constantly hearing and serving you in what ever way pleases you the most.
Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,
Krishna, Krishna,
Hare, Hare,
Hare Rama,Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare, Hare.
Aspiring to be your humble servant
Syāmali dd
Tamalavan das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In one of your outreach classes.
Perhaps it was a class when my daughter Khadiravan had invited me. She was about 21 or 22 years of age. It would have been 1999 approximately at the Loft, Auckland. A couple of upstairs rooms on the high street of Newmarket. You had opened the floor to questions. There were only a few other guests, I asked : We (humans) are just apes are we not (I had been reading some recent publications about the proximity of the DNA sequence of Chimpanzee to human) I did not have a chance to elaborate and your response was a sort of roar.
Hahahaha.
Very impressive.
I was not of course in 1999 aware of how His Divine Grace Prabhupada had called science like this “Speculation” and sometimes rascal speculation.
Fast forward to the last New Gupta Vraja retreat and Michael A. Cremo. The author of Forbidden Archaelogy has some very intriguing examples of human artifacts and actual skeletons which do not fit the widespread academic conviction that “The Ascent of Man “ from precursor Apes took place, and that it did so in a certain timeframe.
The visit of Mr Cremo, Drutakarma das, was a matter of great interest and relevance to the earlier question. Thankyou for bringing the researcher in person to our shore.
I am fascinated here on 25 October 2010 with your account, given at yesterday’s Vyasa Puja event at Tui Ridge, Hamurana near Rotorua, of how you wanted so much to get your first Edition of Srimad Bhagavatam in New York. You are it seems deeply steeped in all literature of the Hare krsna Vaisnava tradition since many decades. It is no wonder you were so unimpressed by my casual flick through on pop science.
Your servant,
Tamalavan das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In one of your outreach classes.
Perhaps it was a class when my daughter Khadiravan had invited me. She was about 21 or 22 years of age. It would have been 1999 approximately at the Loft, Auckland. A couple of upstairs rooms on the high street of Newmarket. You had opened the floor to questions. There were only a few other guests, I asked : We (humans) are just apes are we not (I had been reading some recent publications about the proximity of the DNA sequence of Chimpanzee to human) I did not have a chance to elaborate and your response was a sort of roar.
Hahahaha.
Very impressive.
I was not of course in 1999 aware of how His Divine Grace Prabhupada had called science like this “Speculation” and sometimes rascal speculation.
Fast forward to the last New Gupta Vraja retreat and Michael A. Cremo. The author of Forbidden Archaelogy has some very intriguing examples of human artifacts and actual skeletons which do not fit the widespread academic conviction that “The Ascent of Man “ from precursor Apes took place, and that it did so in a certain timeframe.
The visit of Mr Cremo, Drutakarma das, was a matter of great interest and relevance to the earlier question. Thankyou for bringing the researcher in person to our shore.
I am fascinated here on 25 October 2010 with your account, given at yesterday’s Vyasa Puja event at Tui Ridge, Hamurana near Rotorua, of how you wanted so much to get your first Edition of Srimad Bhagavatam in New York. You are it seems deeply steeped in all literature of the Hare krsna Vaisnava tradition since many decades. It is no wonder you were so unimpressed by my casual flick through on pop science.
Your servant,
Tamalavan das
Tara Hordern
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please except my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabuphada.
Please forgive me, words have never been a true representative of my deepest emotions, so I can only try my best to explain my endless gratitude.
I have always deeply hoped that there was another reality than the one I found myself in. I always yearned for something more, something of true value. In my sheer desperate search for meaning, I ended up in the darkest corners of this society with fear of never getting out. No matter how hard I swam, I was always swept back out by the current of material exisitance. When all seemed pointless, I threw my hands in the air and accepted defeat.
Now here I was, thinking that defeat would look like the end of my life, and in a way it was, but not in a way I could ever imagine.
Without your mercy, your grace, I would have drowned in that ocean of suffering. Without your guidance and care there is no hope for me. I am so unqualified, my heart is still drenched in heavy material contamination but yet I am able to engage in Krsna's service. How is that possible? The higest position in life and it has been given to me? My life has meaning now, true meaning and that is only made possible by your compassion and your life's work. None of this has been my doing, it has all been your mercy.
Again, these words can't even begin to express my eternal gratitude. There is nothing I can do that can express that, nor is there anything I can do to repay you. I am forever indebted to you.
I should not ask you for anything, because you have already given me everything but please, never forget this lowly servant. Without you, she has no hope.
Your loving servant, Tara Hordern.
Please except my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabuphada.
Please forgive me, words have never been a true representative of my deepest emotions, so I can only try my best to explain my endless gratitude.
I have always deeply hoped that there was another reality than the one I found myself in. I always yearned for something more, something of true value. In my sheer desperate search for meaning, I ended up in the darkest corners of this society with fear of never getting out. No matter how hard I swam, I was always swept back out by the current of material exisitance. When all seemed pointless, I threw my hands in the air and accepted defeat.
Now here I was, thinking that defeat would look like the end of my life, and in a way it was, but not in a way I could ever imagine.
Without your mercy, your grace, I would have drowned in that ocean of suffering. Without your guidance and care there is no hope for me. I am so unqualified, my heart is still drenched in heavy material contamination but yet I am able to engage in Krsna's service. How is that possible? The higest position in life and it has been given to me? My life has meaning now, true meaning and that is only made possible by your compassion and your life's work. None of this has been my doing, it has all been your mercy.
Again, these words can't even begin to express my eternal gratitude. There is nothing I can do that can express that, nor is there anything I can do to repay you. I am forever indebted to you.
I should not ask you for anything, because you have already given me everything but please, never forget this lowly servant. Without you, she has no hope.
Your loving servant, Tara Hordern.
Tarakeshvara Das
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your lotus feet!
“Only a rare person who has adopted complete, unalloyed devotional service to Kṛṣṇa can uproot the weeds of sinful actions with no possibility that they will revive.” As a fallen soul in the Kali yuga, I certainly do not belong to the rare class. Sinful desires are deeply rooted in my barren heart. With no taste for devotional service, sinful desires in my heart cannot be uprooted completely by cultivating knowledge. For a devotee who has passed the test of Krishna Consciousness, both pious and impious material activities automatically become distasteful. Unfortunately, my academic prowess cannot help me pass this test.
The roots of sinful desires exist due to ignorance. For an ignorant person like me, there is no possibility to uproot sinful desires by my own endeavor. Srila Jiva Goswami divided intermittent devotional service into three categories: devotional service in which one is almost attached, devotional service in which there is no spontaneous love but one likes the constitutional position of serving, a slight glimpse of devotional service. By your grace, I am able to have a slight glimpse of devotional service. The only way to purify a sinful person like me is to serve a bona fide devotee like you. As disqualified as I am, the reactions of my sinful life can be vanquished automatically by serving your lotus feet, just like fog is vanquished automatically by the sunlight.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, may I ask for your blessing that I can forever dedicate my life to the service of your lotus feet. I pray that I can be a helpful instrument in your Krishna Conscious projects. That would be the success of my life.
Your menial servant,
Tarakeshvara Das
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your lotus feet!
“Only a rare person who has adopted complete, unalloyed devotional service to Kṛṣṇa can uproot the weeds of sinful actions with no possibility that they will revive.” As a fallen soul in the Kali yuga, I certainly do not belong to the rare class. Sinful desires are deeply rooted in my barren heart. With no taste for devotional service, sinful desires in my heart cannot be uprooted completely by cultivating knowledge. For a devotee who has passed the test of Krishna Consciousness, both pious and impious material activities automatically become distasteful. Unfortunately, my academic prowess cannot help me pass this test.
The roots of sinful desires exist due to ignorance. For an ignorant person like me, there is no possibility to uproot sinful desires by my own endeavor. Srila Jiva Goswami divided intermittent devotional service into three categories: devotional service in which one is almost attached, devotional service in which there is no spontaneous love but one likes the constitutional position of serving, a slight glimpse of devotional service. By your grace, I am able to have a slight glimpse of devotional service. The only way to purify a sinful person like me is to serve a bona fide devotee like you. As disqualified as I am, the reactions of my sinful life can be vanquished automatically by serving your lotus feet, just like fog is vanquished automatically by the sunlight.
On this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, may I ask for your blessing that I can forever dedicate my life to the service of your lotus feet. I pray that I can be a helpful instrument in your Krishna Conscious projects. That would be the success of my life.
Your menial servant,
Tarakeshvara Das
Thakur Saranga Das
Dear Gurumaharaj
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to You.
All glories to your divine appearance.
Just like with the appearance of the mighty Sun even the most filthy places gets purified, your appearance in my otherwise mundane life has given me a process of purification, a purpose to live for, a challenge to meet and the ray of hope to attain my most cherished position, your eternal servitude.
So every morning while trying to assist you to serve the Lord, i proudly and loudly announce,
“ I am by nature the eternal servant of Krsna. But because of my bad fortune, I have been inimical toward Him from time immemorial, and thus I have identified myself with my body and continuously wandered in the cycle of birth and death in the material world, suffering the burning threefold miseries. Now, as a result of some unimaginable good fortune, my spiritual master’s mercy has enabled me to know that I am Krsna’s eternal servant, an infinitesimal spiritual being completely apart from the gross and subtle body. And so by the order of my spiritual master I have obtained the good fortune of serving his lotus feet and, following in his footsteps, the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha-Madhava”.
I then try to meditate on your beautiful picture first in the parampara frame and it surprisingly matches the description of the verse.
pratah sriman-navadvipe dvi-netram dvi-bhujam gurum varabhaya-pradam santam smaret tan-nama-purvakam
In the morning, I remember my spiritual master as being situated in Sri Navadvipa, having two eyes and two arms, as being peaceful, and as bestowing all benediction and fearlessness upon chanting his name.
I sometimes pinch myself to wake up to the reality of my good fortune of receiving your mercy, shelter of your lotus feet and your blessings to reside in Sridham Mayapur , the eternal, transcendental abode of Lord Gaura Sundar.
In the parikrama- khanda , seventh chapter of Sri Nabadwipa – dhama mahatmya, the book you asked me to read, Narada Muni mercifully instructs king Suvarna sena “ While wandering from body to body, if he happens to meet a pure devotee, he will receive real Sraddha, pure faith. By association with the devotees, he will eventually take to the worship of Krishna and then give up all unwanted habits ( anarthas). Then he becomes firmly fixed ( nistha) in devotional service. As one continues to engage in devotional service, he develops taste ( ruci ). Gradually this taste leads to attachment ( asakti ). This turns to bhava, and bhava becomes Prema. This is the progression of pure bhakti. “ How wonderful, simple and sublime is this process ,as the representative of the Lord and His exalted devotees like Nararada Muni you so expertly disseminate this transcendental message following the parampara .
Narada Muni further instructs “ You are very fortunate, for you are in Nabadwipa. Your residence here is the beginning of your good fortune. Now develop your faith by associating with devotees and singing the name of Krishna, let the sun of prema rise in your heart.”
Gurumaharaj by your causeless mercy you have picked me from the filthy gutter of material life and allowed me to reside in the topmost tirtha although I’ve no qualification to reside here, my only connection to the holy dham is your kind acceptance to the servitude of your lotus feet.
Following Srila Prabhupada’s footsteps you personally carry the essence of the tirthas and distribute the mercy in every town and villages of every continent again and again year after year decades after decades, tirelessly reaching out to the Jagai's and Madhai's of Kali Yuga. Your message at the end of the recollection of memories of New Zealand yatra echoes in my ear,
“It’s a time for deepening our spiritual strength to give people shelter because more and more people will be looking for shelter and where else is there to turn except for Krishna's lotus feet?”
Gurumaharaj on this most auspicious day of your divine appearance I beg for your mercy to enable me to be an useful instrument in your hand to assist you to serve Srila Prabhupada’s mission of extending the cooling shelter of Lord Nityananda’s lotus feet under which the whole universe finds eternal peace.
I bow down again and again and offer my dandavat pranams falling at your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Thakur Saranga das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to You.
All glories to your divine appearance.
Just like with the appearance of the mighty Sun even the most filthy places gets purified, your appearance in my otherwise mundane life has given me a process of purification, a purpose to live for, a challenge to meet and the ray of hope to attain my most cherished position, your eternal servitude.
So every morning while trying to assist you to serve the Lord, i proudly and loudly announce,
“ I am by nature the eternal servant of Krsna. But because of my bad fortune, I have been inimical toward Him from time immemorial, and thus I have identified myself with my body and continuously wandered in the cycle of birth and death in the material world, suffering the burning threefold miseries. Now, as a result of some unimaginable good fortune, my spiritual master’s mercy has enabled me to know that I am Krsna’s eternal servant, an infinitesimal spiritual being completely apart from the gross and subtle body. And so by the order of my spiritual master I have obtained the good fortune of serving his lotus feet and, following in his footsteps, the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radha-Madhava”.
I then try to meditate on your beautiful picture first in the parampara frame and it surprisingly matches the description of the verse.
pratah sriman-navadvipe dvi-netram dvi-bhujam gurum varabhaya-pradam santam smaret tan-nama-purvakam
In the morning, I remember my spiritual master as being situated in Sri Navadvipa, having two eyes and two arms, as being peaceful, and as bestowing all benediction and fearlessness upon chanting his name.
I sometimes pinch myself to wake up to the reality of my good fortune of receiving your mercy, shelter of your lotus feet and your blessings to reside in Sridham Mayapur , the eternal, transcendental abode of Lord Gaura Sundar.
In the parikrama- khanda , seventh chapter of Sri Nabadwipa – dhama mahatmya, the book you asked me to read, Narada Muni mercifully instructs king Suvarna sena “ While wandering from body to body, if he happens to meet a pure devotee, he will receive real Sraddha, pure faith. By association with the devotees, he will eventually take to the worship of Krishna and then give up all unwanted habits ( anarthas). Then he becomes firmly fixed ( nistha) in devotional service. As one continues to engage in devotional service, he develops taste ( ruci ). Gradually this taste leads to attachment ( asakti ). This turns to bhava, and bhava becomes Prema. This is the progression of pure bhakti. “ How wonderful, simple and sublime is this process ,as the representative of the Lord and His exalted devotees like Nararada Muni you so expertly disseminate this transcendental message following the parampara .
Narada Muni further instructs “ You are very fortunate, for you are in Nabadwipa. Your residence here is the beginning of your good fortune. Now develop your faith by associating with devotees and singing the name of Krishna, let the sun of prema rise in your heart.”
Gurumaharaj by your causeless mercy you have picked me from the filthy gutter of material life and allowed me to reside in the topmost tirtha although I’ve no qualification to reside here, my only connection to the holy dham is your kind acceptance to the servitude of your lotus feet.
Following Srila Prabhupada’s footsteps you personally carry the essence of the tirthas and distribute the mercy in every town and villages of every continent again and again year after year decades after decades, tirelessly reaching out to the Jagai's and Madhai's of Kali Yuga. Your message at the end of the recollection of memories of New Zealand yatra echoes in my ear,
“It’s a time for deepening our spiritual strength to give people shelter because more and more people will be looking for shelter and where else is there to turn except for Krishna's lotus feet?”
Gurumaharaj on this most auspicious day of your divine appearance I beg for your mercy to enable me to be an useful instrument in your hand to assist you to serve Srila Prabhupada’s mission of extending the cooling shelter of Lord Nityananda’s lotus feet under which the whole universe finds eternal peace.
I bow down again and again and offer my dandavat pranams falling at your lotus feet.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Thakur Saranga das
Urjjesvari Dasi
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Life often feels like a theatrical performance; a play where everyone gets front-row seats to watch crisis after crisis unfolding in the world around them. Though the majority of us have never (yet) experienced a world war in the literal sense, a world war is clearly transpiring - an internal war, of misdirected desires. A true pandemic. As the world burns in so many ways as a result of this, we are stunned, feeling almost helpless.
Lately, you have encouraged us to feel desperate, to observe how crazy this world is, reminding us that it is a hellish place, not a place to try to make comfortable; or as Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati would say, “Not a place fit for a gentleman.”
I remember as a child of about 5 looking up at the night sky and feeling like this place was not my home - wondering, <i>Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here? </i> Feeling this bewilderment, I longed for a father who would patiently guide me and point out the way to God. Although, I didn’t consciously search for you, as I didn’t know where to look, by Krishna’s grace you came into my life.
I treasure all the time and energy you have given me over the years, especially my miserable teenage years. You told me once, to learn how to be happy a different way -- Krishna’s way. I’m still working towards that, but I can’t imagine how my life would be without service and devotees. I hate to think where I could be if you hadn’t been there always trying to steer me in the right direction. But not only me. You have touched the lives of countless others.
You are unwavering in your determination as you rescue numerous souls afflicted by the onslaught of material life. And you inspire many of your sons, daughters and well-wishers, who hold you dear to their hearts, to serve you in doing the same. Krishna reveals your glories through them as they reflect your devotion and humility by their dedication to spread Krishna Consciousness.
I admire your conviction, your sincerity and your ability to convince others to take up Bhakti. I admire your truthfulness, how you speak about the realities of living in this world as well as the joy to be had in service. With your transcendental vivaciousness, you demonstrate how spiritual life is a celebration in service to Krishna.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that celebration.
Your servant,
Urjjesvari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Life often feels like a theatrical performance; a play where everyone gets front-row seats to watch crisis after crisis unfolding in the world around them. Though the majority of us have never (yet) experienced a world war in the literal sense, a world war is clearly transpiring - an internal war, of misdirected desires. A true pandemic. As the world burns in so many ways as a result of this, we are stunned, feeling almost helpless.
Lately, you have encouraged us to feel desperate, to observe how crazy this world is, reminding us that it is a hellish place, not a place to try to make comfortable; or as Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati would say, “Not a place fit for a gentleman.”
I remember as a child of about 5 looking up at the night sky and feeling like this place was not my home - wondering, <i>Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here? </i> Feeling this bewilderment, I longed for a father who would patiently guide me and point out the way to God. Although, I didn’t consciously search for you, as I didn’t know where to look, by Krishna’s grace you came into my life.
I treasure all the time and energy you have given me over the years, especially my miserable teenage years. You told me once, to learn how to be happy a different way -- Krishna’s way. I’m still working towards that, but I can’t imagine how my life would be without service and devotees. I hate to think where I could be if you hadn’t been there always trying to steer me in the right direction. But not only me. You have touched the lives of countless others.
You are unwavering in your determination as you rescue numerous souls afflicted by the onslaught of material life. And you inspire many of your sons, daughters and well-wishers, who hold you dear to their hearts, to serve you in doing the same. Krishna reveals your glories through them as they reflect your devotion and humility by their dedication to spread Krishna Consciousness.
I admire your conviction, your sincerity and your ability to convince others to take up Bhakti. I admire your truthfulness, how you speak about the realities of living in this world as well as the joy to be had in service. With your transcendental vivaciousness, you demonstrate how spiritual life is a celebration in service to Krishna.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that celebration.
Your servant,
Urjjesvari dd
Uttama bhakti das & Raga bhakti devi dasi
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear father, It’s been nearly a year of our rebirth. Since then, we feel your presence and guidance in our life everyday. The more we dedicate ourselves in your service and instructions, the closer we feel to you. By your mercy, we are continuing our service to distribute pizza prasadam to the devotees. After initiation when we served the devotees, we were amazed to hear that the devotees asked us what have you done with the pizza, it tastes much better than before. It reminds us of your powerful words on the day of initiation that, “now your pizzas will taste better”. This is your causeless mercy upon us. With your blessings, we are also making arrangements to distribute prasadam at a large scale.
We would also like to mention about your dynamic preaching that has penetrated our hearts very deeply. And we find ourselves very attracted towards you.
We were listening to one of your lectures in which you mentioned that how Srila Prabhupada got curse from his disciples’ parents that he will not stay at one place for a long time and prabhupada passed that curse to his disciples. Because of this curse or rather blessing by which we got shelter of your lotus feet. And we see that despite all odds you travel all around the globe to enlighten the conditioned souls like us. We know that how hard is to travel constantly as you mentioned on that day when I picked you up from airport. You mentioned that, “Travelling is not at all easy in case you don’t know”. But this year, Lord Krsna has made arrangements for you to take rest and enlighten the world virtually. In this same mood we are aspiring to give Krishna to others far wide.
You are very expert in managerial affairs as GBC, simultaneously in preaching and your personal dealings.
O dear father! We would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for giving us such a great treasure in the form of holy name and eternal shelter at your lotus feet.
On this most auspicious day, we humbly pray for your causeless mercy so we can be useful instrument in your service and dedicate our lives to assist you in your mission to Srila Prabhupada.
Your forever servants
Uttama Bhakti das, Raga Bhakti devi dasi & Radhe
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Dear father, It’s been nearly a year of our rebirth. Since then, we feel your presence and guidance in our life everyday. The more we dedicate ourselves in your service and instructions, the closer we feel to you. By your mercy, we are continuing our service to distribute pizza prasadam to the devotees. After initiation when we served the devotees, we were amazed to hear that the devotees asked us what have you done with the pizza, it tastes much better than before. It reminds us of your powerful words on the day of initiation that, “now your pizzas will taste better”. This is your causeless mercy upon us. With your blessings, we are also making arrangements to distribute prasadam at a large scale.
We would also like to mention about your dynamic preaching that has penetrated our hearts very deeply. And we find ourselves very attracted towards you.
We were listening to one of your lectures in which you mentioned that how Srila Prabhupada got curse from his disciples’ parents that he will not stay at one place for a long time and prabhupada passed that curse to his disciples. Because of this curse or rather blessing by which we got shelter of your lotus feet. And we see that despite all odds you travel all around the globe to enlighten the conditioned souls like us. We know that how hard is to travel constantly as you mentioned on that day when I picked you up from airport. You mentioned that, “Travelling is not at all easy in case you don’t know”. But this year, Lord Krsna has made arrangements for you to take rest and enlighten the world virtually. In this same mood we are aspiring to give Krishna to others far wide.
You are very expert in managerial affairs as GBC, simultaneously in preaching and your personal dealings.
O dear father! We would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for giving us such a great treasure in the form of holy name and eternal shelter at your lotus feet.
On this most auspicious day, we humbly pray for your causeless mercy so we can be useful instrument in your service and dedicate our lives to assist you in your mission to Srila Prabhupada.
Your forever servants
Uttama Bhakti das, Raga Bhakti devi dasi & Radhe
Vaishnava Shrestha Das
Hare Krishna Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisance unto your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you
It has been 5 years since you mercifully gave me initiation. Past two years have been toughest time of my life, and I haven't been able to keep up the vows I promised you. I need to choose either I want to be driven by Maya-Shakti, or your Karuna-Shakti. Everyday, I wake up to honestly try to access your mercy, and become your worthy disciple.
I beg at the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda for strength to please you and make my human birth successful.
Hare Krishna
Your servant,
Vaishnava Shrestha Das
Please accept my humble obeisance unto your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to you
It has been 5 years since you mercifully gave me initiation. Past two years have been toughest time of my life, and I haven't been able to keep up the vows I promised you. I need to choose either I want to be driven by Maya-Shakti, or your Karuna-Shakti. Everyday, I wake up to honestly try to access your mercy, and become your worthy disciple.
I beg at the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda for strength to please you and make my human birth successful.
Hare Krishna
Your servant,
Vaishnava Shrestha Das
Vaishnavacharan Das and Yasomati Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
It is difficult to say just how devastating our lives would have been without the kindness you have shown us. At the very best we would be parched for a drop of genuine substance, lost in an ocean of superficiality, always drowsy with distractions. The shelter of the bhakti yoga process that you are linking us to is our saving grace. Embarrassingly, we are quite drowsy and complacent when it comes to applying ourselves to it.
Gurudeva, your intensity and laser focus is such an inspiration. You invest so much in understanding the dreams, fears and anxieties of whomever your fortunate audience is. Every word you speak is artfully picked from your arsenal to convey the bhakti message with supreme depth and efficiency for heart transformation. You work so extremely hard to give the essence, to make it easy for others to make advancement.
At the wonderful weekend New Nandagram retreats you perfectly customize the Bhagavad Gita’s message for the young Indian Australian audience, using simple English, examples from their world and powerful videos and presentations.
You show such sense control when dealing with others. Every word and gesture carefully selected for the benefit of the person you are speaking to.
Your artistic and concentrated style of writing is an absolute delight.
In your presence we experience small insights into what selflessness and genuine care is.
We pray that we may always be connected with you and have the opportunity to assist you in some small way with your service to the Parampara.
Your servants,
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Devi Dasi
Please accept our humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to you Gurudeva!
It is difficult to say just how devastating our lives would have been without the kindness you have shown us. At the very best we would be parched for a drop of genuine substance, lost in an ocean of superficiality, always drowsy with distractions. The shelter of the bhakti yoga process that you are linking us to is our saving grace. Embarrassingly, we are quite drowsy and complacent when it comes to applying ourselves to it.
Gurudeva, your intensity and laser focus is such an inspiration. You invest so much in understanding the dreams, fears and anxieties of whomever your fortunate audience is. Every word you speak is artfully picked from your arsenal to convey the bhakti message with supreme depth and efficiency for heart transformation. You work so extremely hard to give the essence, to make it easy for others to make advancement.
At the wonderful weekend New Nandagram retreats you perfectly customize the Bhagavad Gita’s message for the young Indian Australian audience, using simple English, examples from their world and powerful videos and presentations.
You show such sense control when dealing with others. Every word and gesture carefully selected for the benefit of the person you are speaking to.
Your artistic and concentrated style of writing is an absolute delight.
In your presence we experience small insights into what selflessness and genuine care is.
We pray that we may always be connected with you and have the opportunity to assist you in some small way with your service to the Parampara.
Your servants,
Vaishnava Charan Das and Yasomati Devi Dasi
Vamsi-vilasi dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda, and all glories to you, a most humble, yet most exalted, representative of your master.
By your kindness, my practice of devotional service has its chance to be legitimate, and it is my well-founded suspicion that only by your grace will I be able to attain success in that endeavour. Therefore, I have composed a poem which seeks to glorify you in relation to the process of devotional service, as outlined in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, 1.2.16-21. Though your glories range far beyond engaging such an insignificant soul such as myself in Kṛṣṇa's service, this facet of your mercy is the one I know best, and therefore I pray that my describing it will best convey my gratitude to and appreciation for you.
~
śuśrūṣoḥ śraddadhānasya
vāsudeva-kathā-ruciḥ
syān mahat-sevayā viprāḥ
puṇya-tīrtha-niṣevaṇāt
"O twice-born sages, by serving those devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service, one gains affinity for hearing the messages of Vāsudeva." (SB 1.2.16)
bhidyate hṛdaya-granthiś
chidyante sarva-saṁśayāḥ
kṣīyante cāsya karmāṇi
dṛṣṭa evātmanīśvare
"Thus the knot in the heart is pierced, and all misgivings are cut to pieces. The chain of fruitive actions is terminated when one sees the self as master." (SB 1.2.21)
~
Glory to you, such a soul, that man can reach life's highest goal,
By serving your desires with perseverance.
For a lowly neophyte, covered in kāma's stinging bites
Mahat-sevā heralds anartha's clearance.
Steeped in Prabhupāda's service, you're, 'puṇya-tīrtha', and, what's more,
Mad to share the fruits of love with all.
Wobbling unsteadily, I get your guidance readily,
Your orders keep me fixed up, not to fall.
Through this mind, disturbed and muci, cuts your voice, rich with ruci,
A powerful shot of Vāsudeva-kathā.
To hear you yields no satiation, only blissful realisation,
A perfect spokesman of Prabhupāda you are.
To practice hearing under you, cleans the heart up, fresh and new,
The mystic blend of śravaṇam and sevā.
The Lord, within, as 'antaryāmī', sends a most ecstatic svāmī,
To teach the world to taste pure bhakti's flavour.
Hearing you gives firm faith that, book and person bhāgavata,
Rid the heart of troubles highly stacked.
Enjoying-spirit burnt to cinders, loving service to Govinda,
Sticks as an irrevocable fact.
Rajas, tamas - lust and greed, split and scarper at great speed,
From your grave and formidable self.
No doubt, by my following you, pure goodness may bless me too,
By your grace, regaining spiritual health.
If you give your causeless mercy, śuddha-sattva's rays may show me,
Scientific knowledge of the Lord.
Slashing inner knots and doubts, fruitive action's chain cast out,
Prema may come, life's loftiest reward.
From this cusp of vaidhi-bhakti, love of God seems far off from me,
Yet I'm sure my fallen soul you'll save.
To follow close behind I pray, serving better every day,
Seated at your feet, dear Gurudeva.
~
Thank you for giving your steadfast example of most exalted devotional service. You are a role model truly worth following.
Aspiring to offer this life as compensation for the unpayable debt,
Your servant,
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda, and all glories to you, a most humble, yet most exalted, representative of your master.
By your kindness, my practice of devotional service has its chance to be legitimate, and it is my well-founded suspicion that only by your grace will I be able to attain success in that endeavour. Therefore, I have composed a poem which seeks to glorify you in relation to the process of devotional service, as outlined in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, 1.2.16-21. Though your glories range far beyond engaging such an insignificant soul such as myself in Kṛṣṇa's service, this facet of your mercy is the one I know best, and therefore I pray that my describing it will best convey my gratitude to and appreciation for you.
~
śuśrūṣoḥ śraddadhānasya
vāsudeva-kathā-ruciḥ
syān mahat-sevayā viprāḥ
puṇya-tīrtha-niṣevaṇāt
"O twice-born sages, by serving those devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service, one gains affinity for hearing the messages of Vāsudeva." (SB 1.2.16)
bhidyate hṛdaya-granthiś
chidyante sarva-saṁśayāḥ
kṣīyante cāsya karmāṇi
dṛṣṭa evātmanīśvare
"Thus the knot in the heart is pierced, and all misgivings are cut to pieces. The chain of fruitive actions is terminated when one sees the self as master." (SB 1.2.21)
~
Glory to you, such a soul, that man can reach life's highest goal,
By serving your desires with perseverance.
For a lowly neophyte, covered in kāma's stinging bites
Mahat-sevā heralds anartha's clearance.
Steeped in Prabhupāda's service, you're, 'puṇya-tīrtha', and, what's more,
Mad to share the fruits of love with all.
Wobbling unsteadily, I get your guidance readily,
Your orders keep me fixed up, not to fall.
Through this mind, disturbed and muci, cuts your voice, rich with ruci,
A powerful shot of Vāsudeva-kathā.
To hear you yields no satiation, only blissful realisation,
A perfect spokesman of Prabhupāda you are.
To practice hearing under you, cleans the heart up, fresh and new,
The mystic blend of śravaṇam and sevā.
The Lord, within, as 'antaryāmī', sends a most ecstatic svāmī,
To teach the world to taste pure bhakti's flavour.
Hearing you gives firm faith that, book and person bhāgavata,
Rid the heart of troubles highly stacked.
Enjoying-spirit burnt to cinders, loving service to Govinda,
Sticks as an irrevocable fact.
Rajas, tamas - lust and greed, split and scarper at great speed,
From your grave and formidable self.
No doubt, by my following you, pure goodness may bless me too,
By your grace, regaining spiritual health.
If you give your causeless mercy, śuddha-sattva's rays may show me,
Scientific knowledge of the Lord.
Slashing inner knots and doubts, fruitive action's chain cast out,
Prema may come, life's loftiest reward.
From this cusp of vaidhi-bhakti, love of God seems far off from me,
Yet I'm sure my fallen soul you'll save.
To follow close behind I pray, serving better every day,
Seated at your feet, dear Gurudeva.
~
Thank you for giving your steadfast example of most exalted devotional service. You are a role model truly worth following.
Aspiring to offer this life as compensation for the unpayable debt,
Your servant,
Vaṁśī-vilāsi dāsa
Vanamali Gopala das
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
During these changing times — both in terms of the world and for me personally — I am feeling very thankful to be connected in some way to chanting and serving. For this connection I will always owe my deepest gratitude to you as you are my diksha guru and the reason I am linked to the Gaudiya vaishnava sampradaya.
I also wish to thank you for your continuous efforts, often at the expense of your own health and comfort, to help devotees. I pray I can develop such a selfless spirit also at some point and do my bit in contributing to the highest wellbeing of other living entities.
Your servant,
Vanamali Gopal Das.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
During these changing times — both in terms of the world and for me personally — I am feeling very thankful to be connected in some way to chanting and serving. For this connection I will always owe my deepest gratitude to you as you are my diksha guru and the reason I am linked to the Gaudiya vaishnava sampradaya.
I also wish to thank you for your continuous efforts, often at the expense of your own health and comfort, to help devotees. I pray I can develop such a selfless spirit also at some point and do my bit in contributing to the highest wellbeing of other living entities.
Your servant,
Vanamali Gopal Das.
Varangi Radha Devi dasi
Hare Krishna Gurudev,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
What a transformational year this has been for a lot of us! I am grateful to have had the honor of witnessing your magnificent example come to life in each and every one of those whose lives you have revolutionized. This year a world pandemic broke out and nonetheless the fierce innate desire of the Vaisnavas to serve in the Sankirtan movement continued to intensify, day in and day out, rain or shine, pandemic or not. By continuing to give yourself and Krsna to others, you taught me the real reason of undergoing the so called “challenges” of life.
Seeing you so fearlessly continuing to serve Srila Prabhupada during these difficult situations reminds me that there actually isn’t anything more important than becoming a devotee and assisting you in spreading this revolution of the mind, body and heart. I am particularly relishing the your Zoom classes and series at the beginning of the quarantine that helped so many of us stay inspired despite the many reversals in our preaching efforts. Your words, love and care are like bullets which pierce the heart with Bhakti regardless of distance, time or circumstance.
About a year ago you gave me the greatest of blessings which was initiation into worshiping the Deity. Sri Panca Tattva in Laguna Beach under the direction and care of HG Tukaram Prabhu, have given my life a new meaning. They have come to life in my heart and have provided me with the perfect life insurance plan anyone could ever find in this material world. Without your presence, example, blessings and trust, I could have never been engaged in Their service. This reminds me of Krsna Kaviraj Goswami’s words:
jīve sākṣāt nāhi tāte guru caittya-rūpe
śikṣā-guru haya kṛṣṇa-mahānta-svarūpe
Since one cannot visually experience the presence of the Supersoul, He appears before us as a liberated devotee. Such a spiritual master is none other than Kṛṣṇa Himself.
CC 1.1.58
As I am unable to understand and think of Krishna, through your life and instructions you make the impossible possible and allow me to serve Sri Panca Tattva and share Them with others. How else can a blind person see if not through the words of the person standing next to her leading her every step? You have given me everything I need to see and I want to spend the rest of my days trying to develop that vision as a tribute to you and Sri Panca Tattva.
Thank you for giving me and so many thousands of us real life and vision Gurudev.
Your aspirant servant,
Varangi Radha Devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!
What a transformational year this has been for a lot of us! I am grateful to have had the honor of witnessing your magnificent example come to life in each and every one of those whose lives you have revolutionized. This year a world pandemic broke out and nonetheless the fierce innate desire of the Vaisnavas to serve in the Sankirtan movement continued to intensify, day in and day out, rain or shine, pandemic or not. By continuing to give yourself and Krsna to others, you taught me the real reason of undergoing the so called “challenges” of life.
Seeing you so fearlessly continuing to serve Srila Prabhupada during these difficult situations reminds me that there actually isn’t anything more important than becoming a devotee and assisting you in spreading this revolution of the mind, body and heart. I am particularly relishing the your Zoom classes and series at the beginning of the quarantine that helped so many of us stay inspired despite the many reversals in our preaching efforts. Your words, love and care are like bullets which pierce the heart with Bhakti regardless of distance, time or circumstance.
About a year ago you gave me the greatest of blessings which was initiation into worshiping the Deity. Sri Panca Tattva in Laguna Beach under the direction and care of HG Tukaram Prabhu, have given my life a new meaning. They have come to life in my heart and have provided me with the perfect life insurance plan anyone could ever find in this material world. Without your presence, example, blessings and trust, I could have never been engaged in Their service. This reminds me of Krsna Kaviraj Goswami’s words:
jīve sākṣāt nāhi tāte guru caittya-rūpe
śikṣā-guru haya kṛṣṇa-mahānta-svarūpe
Since one cannot visually experience the presence of the Supersoul, He appears before us as a liberated devotee. Such a spiritual master is none other than Kṛṣṇa Himself.
CC 1.1.58
As I am unable to understand and think of Krishna, through your life and instructions you make the impossible possible and allow me to serve Sri Panca Tattva and share Them with others. How else can a blind person see if not through the words of the person standing next to her leading her every step? You have given me everything I need to see and I want to spend the rest of my days trying to develop that vision as a tribute to you and Sri Panca Tattva.
Thank you for giving me and so many thousands of us real life and vision Gurudev.
Your aspirant servant,
Varangi Radha Devi dasi
Varun Bhargava and Family
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te saraswate deve gaura-vani-pracarine nirvishesha-shunyavadi-pashchatya-desha-tarine
Dear Gurudev
Please accept our attempted humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This is our first attempt to express our gratitude on the auspiscious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, so please forgive us for any mistakes and correct us.
We attended your Vyasa Puja, ill-prepared, thinking we'll write an offering next year. Hearing our name being called out to read out our offering, we had nothing prepared and went into a blank. It made us feel deeply embarrassed and made us realise that we had a lot of soul searching to do.
One has to be extremely fortunate to be given shelter by a spiritual master, and having this great fortune, the least we can do is express our gratitude on a Vyasa Puja day to our Spiritual Master. Not doing so, has made us question our sincerity and attitude - Maharaj please accept our sincerest heartfelt apologies and forgive us. You are our Spiritual Master and father, so correct us whichever way you wish. Please bless us so that we never commit this mistake again.
Like most of Indian students, I landed in Australia, conditioned to think that gaining material wealth is the ultimate goal of my life, and this is why I'm meant to be here. I had no knowledge and regard for my spiritual background and heritage, and was going around working like a dog, flouting any rules that I would otherwise abide by, back home in the presence of family.
Somehow or another, due to the mercy of devotees and your disciples, I came into contact with Krishna Consciousness and your holiness. In one of your lectures you had mentioned how Srila Prabhupada had chastised a group of Indian men in the U.S. by saying to them "I am here to give, you are here to beg!".
This is the moment where you had put a mirror in front of my face, and made me at least think deeply, what was it beyond gathering material wealth I was meant to be doing. There were countless people doing this around me, some much better than me yet everyone was just wanting more and more, getting greedier and greedier.
It has been close to 22 (precious and lost) years I've been chasing material dreams in Australia, the elusive carrot is just getting out of reach, I’m getting tired and less capable and at a crossroad where I have to start to commit towards the right path. Due to the grace of my Shiksha Guru, we are experiencing the painful reality of a Bhakti Vriksha member leave their body, and seeing this the reality is starting to sink in, your teachings starting to click. Our biggest fear is that these realisations will only be momentary and we’ll easily forget with time.
I along with my family bow down onto your lotus feet, rub our noses into the ground in front of you and beg you to bestow your mercy on us, bless us and enable us to follow your instructions so that we can humbly try to serve you and the Guru Parampara, not forget your teachings and remember Krsna at all times.
It is very easy for us to say these things and write them but we are incapable of doing all this without your blessings and guidance. The motivation comes and goes, we don’t know how we’ll be able to follow your instructions, but we will keep on sincerely trying. My humble request to you Maharaj is to bless us, pray for us and chastise us like a father would do their children.
During our meeting, you had instructed us to do Kirtan together everyday. I want to humbly submit to you that by your grace, we've been attempting to do this everyday. Our 3 year old daughter Radhika particularly is enthusiastic and looking forward to the evening kirtan together and runs around gathering everyone in front of the deities.
None of us are even close to being humble, but please accept our sincere effort to make humble obeisances at your feet. We pray to Krishna to give you good health so that you can carry on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada’s mission and uplift fallen and forgetful souls like us, and make us instruments in your mission.
Our sincerest heartfelt gratitude for accepting ignorant people like us as your disciples. Eagerly waiting for your arrival here in Melbourne and an opportunity to serve you.
From our 3 year old daughter Radhika: “Happy appearance day Maharaj, my dandavat pranams to you. Please bless me.”
Your aspiring servants
Tilak Raj, Kiran, Nidhi, Radhika and Varun Bhargava
namas te saraswate deve gaura-vani-pracarine nirvishesha-shunyavadi-pashchatya-desha-tarine
Dear Gurudev
Please accept our attempted humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This is our first attempt to express our gratitude on the auspiscious occasion of your Vyasa Puja, so please forgive us for any mistakes and correct us.
We attended your Vyasa Puja, ill-prepared, thinking we'll write an offering next year. Hearing our name being called out to read out our offering, we had nothing prepared and went into a blank. It made us feel deeply embarrassed and made us realise that we had a lot of soul searching to do.
One has to be extremely fortunate to be given shelter by a spiritual master, and having this great fortune, the least we can do is express our gratitude on a Vyasa Puja day to our Spiritual Master. Not doing so, has made us question our sincerity and attitude - Maharaj please accept our sincerest heartfelt apologies and forgive us. You are our Spiritual Master and father, so correct us whichever way you wish. Please bless us so that we never commit this mistake again.
Like most of Indian students, I landed in Australia, conditioned to think that gaining material wealth is the ultimate goal of my life, and this is why I'm meant to be here. I had no knowledge and regard for my spiritual background and heritage, and was going around working like a dog, flouting any rules that I would otherwise abide by, back home in the presence of family.
Somehow or another, due to the mercy of devotees and your disciples, I came into contact with Krishna Consciousness and your holiness. In one of your lectures you had mentioned how Srila Prabhupada had chastised a group of Indian men in the U.S. by saying to them "I am here to give, you are here to beg!".
This is the moment where you had put a mirror in front of my face, and made me at least think deeply, what was it beyond gathering material wealth I was meant to be doing. There were countless people doing this around me, some much better than me yet everyone was just wanting more and more, getting greedier and greedier.
It has been close to 22 (precious and lost) years I've been chasing material dreams in Australia, the elusive carrot is just getting out of reach, I’m getting tired and less capable and at a crossroad where I have to start to commit towards the right path. Due to the grace of my Shiksha Guru, we are experiencing the painful reality of a Bhakti Vriksha member leave their body, and seeing this the reality is starting to sink in, your teachings starting to click. Our biggest fear is that these realisations will only be momentary and we’ll easily forget with time.
I along with my family bow down onto your lotus feet, rub our noses into the ground in front of you and beg you to bestow your mercy on us, bless us and enable us to follow your instructions so that we can humbly try to serve you and the Guru Parampara, not forget your teachings and remember Krsna at all times.
It is very easy for us to say these things and write them but we are incapable of doing all this without your blessings and guidance. The motivation comes and goes, we don’t know how we’ll be able to follow your instructions, but we will keep on sincerely trying. My humble request to you Maharaj is to bless us, pray for us and chastise us like a father would do their children.
During our meeting, you had instructed us to do Kirtan together everyday. I want to humbly submit to you that by your grace, we've been attempting to do this everyday. Our 3 year old daughter Radhika particularly is enthusiastic and looking forward to the evening kirtan together and runs around gathering everyone in front of the deities.
None of us are even close to being humble, but please accept our sincere effort to make humble obeisances at your feet. We pray to Krishna to give you good health so that you can carry on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada’s mission and uplift fallen and forgetful souls like us, and make us instruments in your mission.
Our sincerest heartfelt gratitude for accepting ignorant people like us as your disciples. Eagerly waiting for your arrival here in Melbourne and an opportunity to serve you.
From our 3 year old daughter Radhika: “Happy appearance day Maharaj, my dandavat pranams to you. Please bless me.”
Your aspiring servants
Tilak Raj, Kiran, Nidhi, Radhika and Varun Bhargava
Venkata Brahmananda Rao Nelluri
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale, srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥnama
Dear Gurudev, Hare Krishna.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja 2020. All glories to you Gurudev, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Gauranga.
Gurudev, I am indebted to you so much for your service towards Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Thank you so much for blessing me & Harita Madhavi Devi dasi on our marriage proposal & thanks for letting us to invite you for our marriage at Rajapur, Mayapur, Kolkata on 17-Oct-2019. We both felt so much happy by having your glorious darshan in Melbourne. Thanks to GopaVrindeshPrabhuji & others.
With your mercy/blessings, I married Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj) on 17-Oct-2020. We felt your glorious presence at our wedding as well.
Requesting your continuous blessings, please please please Gurudev.
By your blessings, we make You, H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, ISKCON, & RadhaKrishna as center of our Grhastashram lives.
You are helping thousands of fallen souls like me to connect back to GuruGaurangaGovinda through your continuous service to Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, ISKCON, & RadhaKrishna.
Take care, Gurudev, please. Me and my wife pray for your well being and good health to Dri Sri Radha Krishna everyday.
Jai Gurudev. Jai, Jai Gurudev.
Your aspiring servants,
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (Disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and your Siksha disciple daughter in law)
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥnama
Dear Gurudev, Hare Krishna.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet on the auspicious occasion of your Vyasapuja 2020. All glories to you Gurudev, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Gauranga.
Gurudev, I am indebted to you so much for your service towards Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Thank you so much for blessing me & Harita Madhavi Devi dasi on our marriage proposal & thanks for letting us to invite you for our marriage at Rajapur, Mayapur, Kolkata on 17-Oct-2019. We both felt so much happy by having your glorious darshan in Melbourne. Thanks to GopaVrindeshPrabhuji & others.
With your mercy/blessings, I married Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj) on 17-Oct-2020. We felt your glorious presence at our wedding as well.
Requesting your continuous blessings, please please please Gurudev.
By your blessings, we make You, H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, ISKCON, & RadhaKrishna as center of our Grhastashram lives.
You are helping thousands of fallen souls like me to connect back to GuruGaurangaGovinda through your continuous service to Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, ISKCON, & RadhaKrishna.
Take care, Gurudev, please. Me and my wife pray for your well being and good health to Dri Sri Radha Krishna everyday.
Jai Gurudev. Jai, Jai Gurudev.
Your aspiring servants,
Venkata Brahmanandarao Nelluri
Harita Madhavi Devi dasi (Disciple of H.H Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and your Siksha disciple daughter in law)
Venu-madhurya das
Dear Gurudeva, please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet . All glories to Srila Prabhuapda!
In one class I have heard that HH Mukunda Goswami daily thanks Srila Prabhupada for saving him. That makes me think of what can we give to our spiritual master, He is independent and free from modes of material nature, fully satisfied within and complete, He is in no need of our service or any kind of gifts. Service that we have is actually causeless mercy by Spiritual master for our own benefit and progress. You also mention in Your classes how important it is to express gratitude to devotees, even without any formal reason to do so. Gratitude and respect is indeed a foundation of love and genuine affectionate relationship. Therefore today during the day of Your auspicious appearance I would like to express my gratitude for saving me, making me at least a human being, and making me (although I am still not fully surrendering due to my weaknesses and foolishness) a servant of the servant of Sri Krisna.
There is a wonderful verse in Caitanya Caritamrita when Lord Caitanya glorifies Advaita Acarya, Antya-lila 7.19.:
“He is such a great personality that by His mercy He can convert even the meat-eaters [mlecchas] to the devotional service of Kṛṣṇa. Who, therefore, can estimate the power of His Vaiṣṇavism?
Purport
It is extremely difficult to convert a mleccha, or meat-eater, into a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore anyone who can do so is situated on the highest level of Vaiṣṇavism.
Obviously such power was exhibited vividly by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada - our divine Acarya, but we can observe same miracle by His empowered disciples. I have personally witnessed it for 7 years due to nature of serving You while translating darshans on Russian and Ukrainian festivals how You and Your divine instructions (if followed) change hearts and lives of conditioned souls (as far as my perception allows to grasp it).
Today I pray at Your lotus feet that I will have enough spiritual intelligence and strength to always remain Your faithful dog and follow Your divine instructions.
Your insignificant and useless servant,
Venu-madhurya das
In one class I have heard that HH Mukunda Goswami daily thanks Srila Prabhupada for saving him. That makes me think of what can we give to our spiritual master, He is independent and free from modes of material nature, fully satisfied within and complete, He is in no need of our service or any kind of gifts. Service that we have is actually causeless mercy by Spiritual master for our own benefit and progress. You also mention in Your classes how important it is to express gratitude to devotees, even without any formal reason to do so. Gratitude and respect is indeed a foundation of love and genuine affectionate relationship. Therefore today during the day of Your auspicious appearance I would like to express my gratitude for saving me, making me at least a human being, and making me (although I am still not fully surrendering due to my weaknesses and foolishness) a servant of the servant of Sri Krisna.
There is a wonderful verse in Caitanya Caritamrita when Lord Caitanya glorifies Advaita Acarya, Antya-lila 7.19.:
“He is such a great personality that by His mercy He can convert even the meat-eaters [mlecchas] to the devotional service of Kṛṣṇa. Who, therefore, can estimate the power of His Vaiṣṇavism?
Purport
It is extremely difficult to convert a mleccha, or meat-eater, into a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore anyone who can do so is situated on the highest level of Vaiṣṇavism.
Obviously such power was exhibited vividly by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada - our divine Acarya, but we can observe same miracle by His empowered disciples. I have personally witnessed it for 7 years due to nature of serving You while translating darshans on Russian and Ukrainian festivals how You and Your divine instructions (if followed) change hearts and lives of conditioned souls (as far as my perception allows to grasp it).
Today I pray at Your lotus feet that I will have enough spiritual intelligence and strength to always remain Your faithful dog and follow Your divine instructions.
Your insignificant and useless servant,
Venu-madhurya das
Vilasini dd
Nama om Vishnu padaya Krishna- presthaya Bhu- tale Srimate Devamrita Swamin iti namine
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhakta cara pravinata Pararthatapi karunyam yasya serve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my most humble obeisances to your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I’d like to start this Vyasa puja homage by being thankful to the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna who made possible have your Vani and vapu association one more year allowing us in this way engage our minds, thoughts and words in the glorification of your Holy personality and your transcendental activities.
2020 have been so far a year where many of us are understanding in depth the temporality and the danger in this mrityu Loka.
As an expert teacher and sankirtana devotee you’re making sure your disciples and other conditional souls continue to get your association by going live from New Zealand!
I’m always so enlightened and inspired by the way you preach, teach, and explain the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. You’re expert awakening the dormant state of love and service to Krsna to those who get your association. Your own example and compassion help us understand that there is not other way to reach love for God other than have determination , seriousness, and sincerity in the practice of Krsna consciousness starting by hearing and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
I remember one of the so many fabulous lectures given by you in Auckland, NZ few months ago where you explained how we all need heroes to advance in Krsna consciousness, heroes who can inspire us. You also, mentioned that the way to find those heroes is through association (Sanga) so yes! for all of us and many others you are our hero our father hero who for over four decades is giving his life to propagate this sankirtana movement continuing the legacy of your most beloved spiritual master His divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
My dear Guru Maharaj you have been always very kind with this conditional soul who you called your disciple. Even when you chastise me I take it as my great fortune (even when it is hard to swallow in the beginning) and what to speak when you show your mercy every time I take your personal darshan.
It’s been over 20 years since you gave me the mercy of taking shelter onto your lotus
feet but it is recently that I’m having the determination of not taking for granted yours, your spiritual master‘s and Krsna’s teachings in my life. The reason of this is that I have been reading Srila Prabhupada’s books in a systematic way for the last couple of months to help me get determination in the practice of Krsna Consciousness. So far I can say that the taste for reading His Divine Grace books is awakening and I’m maintaining that determination and taste by associating with those who are looking for the same thing I’m looking for.Since then I have been feeling a change in my contaminated heart.
I’m grateful to Krishna for allowing me to take refuge under your lotus feet.
What would been of me without you in my life? Where would I been right now in this material world if it wasn’t for you?
I probably would be constantly jumping here and there como un conejo
Pracare purva daksyam ca bhakta cara pravinata Pararthatapi karunyam yasya serve ca te namah
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my most humble obeisances to your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
I’d like to start this Vyasa puja homage by being thankful to the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna who made possible have your Vani and vapu association one more year allowing us in this way engage our minds, thoughts and words in the glorification of your Holy personality and your transcendental activities.
2020 have been so far a year where many of us are understanding in depth the temporality and the danger in this mrityu Loka.
As an expert teacher and sankirtana devotee you’re making sure your disciples and other conditional souls continue to get your association by going live from New Zealand!
I’m always so enlightened and inspired by the way you preach, teach, and explain the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. You’re expert awakening the dormant state of love and service to Krsna to those who get your association. Your own example and compassion help us understand that there is not other way to reach love for God other than have determination , seriousness, and sincerity in the practice of Krsna consciousness starting by hearing and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
I remember one of the so many fabulous lectures given by you in Auckland, NZ few months ago where you explained how we all need heroes to advance in Krsna consciousness, heroes who can inspire us. You also, mentioned that the way to find those heroes is through association (Sanga) so yes! for all of us and many others you are our hero our father hero who for over four decades is giving his life to propagate this sankirtana movement continuing the legacy of your most beloved spiritual master His divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
My dear Guru Maharaj you have been always very kind with this conditional soul who you called your disciple. Even when you chastise me I take it as my great fortune (even when it is hard to swallow in the beginning) and what to speak when you show your mercy every time I take your personal darshan.
It’s been over 20 years since you gave me the mercy of taking shelter onto your lotus
feet but it is recently that I’m having the determination of not taking for granted yours, your spiritual master‘s and Krsna’s teachings in my life. The reason of this is that I have been reading Srila Prabhupada’s books in a systematic way for the last couple of months to help me get determination in the practice of Krsna Consciousness. So far I can say that the taste for reading His Divine Grace books is awakening and I’m maintaining that determination and taste by associating with those who are looking for the same thing I’m looking for.Since then I have been feeling a change in my contaminated heart.
I’m grateful to Krishna for allowing me to take refuge under your lotus feet.
What would been of me without you in my life? Where would I been right now in this material world if it wasn’t for you?
I probably would be constantly jumping here and there como un conejo
Vinita devi dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Pease accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Appearance.
Thank you so much for saving me. It's inconceivable how much my life has changed since I first met you.
Thank you also for giving me the opportunity to save others. It's such a blessing to be working with the youngest generation of babies and toddlers, giving them the Holy Name by your mercy.
And thank you for your ongoing outreach endeavours throughout the world, saving so many people who so desperately need it.
Your strength for Krishna is inconceivable.
Please allow me to always remain at your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Pease accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Appearance.
Thank you so much for saving me. It's inconceivable how much my life has changed since I first met you.
Thank you also for giving me the opportunity to save others. It's such a blessing to be working with the youngest generation of babies and toddlers, giving them the Holy Name by your mercy.
And thank you for your ongoing outreach endeavours throughout the world, saving so many people who so desperately need it.
Your strength for Krishna is inconceivable.
Please allow me to always remain at your lotus feet.
Your aspiring servant,
Vinita devi dasi
Vinoda Kovida das
I offer my respectful obeisances to Srimate Devamrita Swami, who is very dear to Lord Krishna on this earth, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaishnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Happy Vyasa Puja! All glories to you on this blessed day. Today, as everyday, I offer myself to you with sincere surrender and beg for your mercy and blessings to engage me in your service.
As I reflect on the circumstances of my life and your role in it, I gain ever increasing appreciation for what you have done for me. You have always been a steady presence of love and compassionate guidance in my life. Since coming in touch with you, my life has turned from a path towards confusion and frustration to a path of real meaning; the path towards pure devotional service. By your grace, I have gained a faint glimpse of such a valuable jewel of suddha-bhakti. Although I struggle daily to place myself in the proper mindset of a real disciple, somehow I am still being engaged in some service to the sankirtan mission. By your grace, this engagement has become my only happiness and shelter.
It is said that the instructions of the spiritual master are the life and soul of the disciple. This is the actual fact that I am realizing with each passing day. Your instructions have never failed me and the more I meditate upon them, the more I see your love and compassion within them. Your instructions are firm, clear and often funny. You laugh in the face of my seemingly demon-like material illusions. Your instructions are concise and laden with meaning. I feel solace in following your instructions and I gain ever increasing appreciation for you when I see how you tolerate my inability to accept your words and my lack of surrender.
I feel I am not able to perceive the mercy and blessings you have bestowed upon me in the form of your instructions, what to speak of repaying you, yet today I attempt to repay you by recommit myself to serve those instructions. To strive always for deep and strong sadhana and working diligently and vigorously to bring others to Krishna. It is in fact a miracle that you are able to incite such a strong desire to preach Krishna Consciousness in the hearts of your disciples. I regularly marvel upon this. I am awestruck at the qualities of my Godbrothers and Godsisters; the extent of their love for you and how much you have empowered them to serve in the Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtan movement.
You are serving Srila Prabhupada in such pure and amazing ways. Your example and your words illuminate our path through this treacherous Kali-yuga. Whether it’s political strife, environmental havoc, pandemic or just plain ignorance, you steadily march forward giving us an abundance of hope in an atmosphere of hopelessness.
I aspire to catch the wake of your momentum.
Your loving servant,
Vinoda Kovida das
Obeisances to you who have all the qualities of unique skill in preaching, competence in Vaishnava dealings, selflessness and compassion.
Dear Guru Maharaja,
Happy Vyasa Puja! All glories to you on this blessed day. Today, as everyday, I offer myself to you with sincere surrender and beg for your mercy and blessings to engage me in your service.
As I reflect on the circumstances of my life and your role in it, I gain ever increasing appreciation for what you have done for me. You have always been a steady presence of love and compassionate guidance in my life. Since coming in touch with you, my life has turned from a path towards confusion and frustration to a path of real meaning; the path towards pure devotional service. By your grace, I have gained a faint glimpse of such a valuable jewel of suddha-bhakti. Although I struggle daily to place myself in the proper mindset of a real disciple, somehow I am still being engaged in some service to the sankirtan mission. By your grace, this engagement has become my only happiness and shelter.
It is said that the instructions of the spiritual master are the life and soul of the disciple. This is the actual fact that I am realizing with each passing day. Your instructions have never failed me and the more I meditate upon them, the more I see your love and compassion within them. Your instructions are firm, clear and often funny. You laugh in the face of my seemingly demon-like material illusions. Your instructions are concise and laden with meaning. I feel solace in following your instructions and I gain ever increasing appreciation for you when I see how you tolerate my inability to accept your words and my lack of surrender.
I feel I am not able to perceive the mercy and blessings you have bestowed upon me in the form of your instructions, what to speak of repaying you, yet today I attempt to repay you by recommit myself to serve those instructions. To strive always for deep and strong sadhana and working diligently and vigorously to bring others to Krishna. It is in fact a miracle that you are able to incite such a strong desire to preach Krishna Consciousness in the hearts of your disciples. I regularly marvel upon this. I am awestruck at the qualities of my Godbrothers and Godsisters; the extent of their love for you and how much you have empowered them to serve in the Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtan movement.
You are serving Srila Prabhupada in such pure and amazing ways. Your example and your words illuminate our path through this treacherous Kali-yuga. Whether it’s political strife, environmental havoc, pandemic or just plain ignorance, you steadily march forward giving us an abundance of hope in an atmosphere of hopelessness.
I aspire to catch the wake of your momentum.
Your loving servant,
Vinoda Kovida das
Vinu Shankar
Om Agyana thimurandasya Gyanajana Shalakaya Shakshurunmilitham ena thasmai Sri Guruve Namaha!
Today, 21st October 2020, as we celebrate your Vyasapuja (HH Devamrita Swami Maharaj), I observed that there are many interesting coincidences for me personally. One, at a material level, it also happens to be our son Anirudh’s birthday. So, my wife and I have been trying to plan a few things to keep him happy and we seek your blessings on his behalf. Another interesting thing to mention is that this is the first time we will be celebrating Your Vyasapuja and what a coincidence that it will be all alone at home instead of gathering with devotees. Such is my misfortune, I suppose. Leading up to this day, I have been reading Srila Prabhupada’s lilamrita book by HH Satsvarupa Goswami Maharaj and was ruing the fact that I have been to many cities mentioned, all with absolutely no knowledge about His Divine Grace. That is another indication as to how unfortunate I am. However, combined with it seems to be such a great ajnata-sukriti that led me to meet wonderful devotees from our Melbourne Mahaprabhu congregation that eventually led us to you, Gurudeva.
It is by Your mercy that I have raised from the platform of being ignorant of my ignorance, to a platform of knowing how ignorant I am. I have read that stating that one is the most fallen is also a display of false ego so I won’t say so. But, can state with a degree of conviction that I am pretty close to the bottom due to my materialistic tendencies. Hence, it is another hard-to-believe coincidence that I am fortunate enough to not just hear about you, but to hear from you through your books and talks, as well as meet with you in person about 2 years ago. Reflecting on that meeting now, I am stuck with a sense of wonder and shame; wonder, because just by looking at us, you could sense that my wife is the only child of her parents and shame, because now I am sure you would have seen all that dirt in my heart. And yet, you decided to accept me in your lotus feet! I am wonderstruck by this mercy of yours, Gurudeva.
In the weeks leading up to today, disciples like HG Dwija Pitambar Prabhu were kind to me by including me in the team performing lecture transcription service. Just when I was going crazy in this lockdown due to my materialistic mind, this service made me listen to your lectures that I wouldn’t have listened to otherwise. In one of them you used the terms ‘I beg you’ in order to request the audience to chant the holy names. This moved me so much that I thought I will borrow the same words today, with your permission.
On this auspicious day, I beg you for more service and I have nothing to offer in return, except to promise that I shall attempt my very best to follow your only personal instruction to me thus far “make chanting your number one priority”. I am praying that I keep up with this promise forever…
Aspiring to be your lowly servant,
Vinu Shankar
Today, 21st October 2020, as we celebrate your Vyasapuja (HH Devamrita Swami Maharaj), I observed that there are many interesting coincidences for me personally. One, at a material level, it also happens to be our son Anirudh’s birthday. So, my wife and I have been trying to plan a few things to keep him happy and we seek your blessings on his behalf. Another interesting thing to mention is that this is the first time we will be celebrating Your Vyasapuja and what a coincidence that it will be all alone at home instead of gathering with devotees. Such is my misfortune, I suppose. Leading up to this day, I have been reading Srila Prabhupada’s lilamrita book by HH Satsvarupa Goswami Maharaj and was ruing the fact that I have been to many cities mentioned, all with absolutely no knowledge about His Divine Grace. That is another indication as to how unfortunate I am. However, combined with it seems to be such a great ajnata-sukriti that led me to meet wonderful devotees from our Melbourne Mahaprabhu congregation that eventually led us to you, Gurudeva.
It is by Your mercy that I have raised from the platform of being ignorant of my ignorance, to a platform of knowing how ignorant I am. I have read that stating that one is the most fallen is also a display of false ego so I won’t say so. But, can state with a degree of conviction that I am pretty close to the bottom due to my materialistic tendencies. Hence, it is another hard-to-believe coincidence that I am fortunate enough to not just hear about you, but to hear from you through your books and talks, as well as meet with you in person about 2 years ago. Reflecting on that meeting now, I am stuck with a sense of wonder and shame; wonder, because just by looking at us, you could sense that my wife is the only child of her parents and shame, because now I am sure you would have seen all that dirt in my heart. And yet, you decided to accept me in your lotus feet! I am wonderstruck by this mercy of yours, Gurudeva.
In the weeks leading up to today, disciples like HG Dwija Pitambar Prabhu were kind to me by including me in the team performing lecture transcription service. Just when I was going crazy in this lockdown due to my materialistic mind, this service made me listen to your lectures that I wouldn’t have listened to otherwise. In one of them you used the terms ‘I beg you’ in order to request the audience to chant the holy names. This moved me so much that I thought I will borrow the same words today, with your permission.
On this auspicious day, I beg you for more service and I have nothing to offer in return, except to promise that I shall attempt my very best to follow your only personal instruction to me thus far “make chanting your number one priority”. I am praying that I keep up with this promise forever…
Aspiring to be your lowly servant,
Vinu Shankar
Viracandra Dasa
nama oṁ viṣnu pādāya kṛṣṇa preṣthāya bhūtale
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Wish you a very happy Vyasa puja Gurudev. Every year I wait for this time of your vyasa puja when, despite of being unqualified, I get an opportunity to glorify You. This day helps me to connect to you by remembering You, by meditating on Your unlimited qualities and compassionate nature.
Due to this Corona virus conditions, we are not able to have your physical personal association this year but want to take this opportunity to thank you for putting so much efforts "despite of your busy schedule", to give online classes so frequently. I read in Srila Prabhupada's Lilamrita that being close to Spiritual Master meant far more than physical proximity and that I needed to become much more serious about Krishna consciousness in order to feel less distant from Him. "Still, hoping to see You next year".
CC Antya Lila :--
Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to the garden called Jagganatha Vallabha and the breeze was blowing that was carrying the fragrance of aromatic flowers. That breeze is compared to a Guru, who was teaching all trees and creepers how to dance.
So for me you are that soothing breeze who is carrying the fragrance of love for Krishna and Krishna's lotus message and teachings and you are teaching us how to experience that fragrance of Love of Krishna.
SB Purport 1.19.36
One can achieve the ultimate success of going back to Godhead if he is favored by the Lord's sending His true representative. As soon as a true representative of the Lord is met by a devotee of the Lord, the devotee is assured a guarantee for going back to Godhead just after leaving the present body. This, however, depends on the sincerity of the devotee himself.
By your perfect example you are teaching us how to be a sincere disciple. Your enthusiasm and determination to serve Srila Prabhupada's mission of Spreading Krishna consciousness is your life and soul. Seeking your blessings so that I may become your sincere disciple and try to become an instrument in your service to Srila Prabhupada. I am yours, please do not give up on me.
On this auspicious day, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with good health, so that you continue serving Srila Prabhupada's and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission of delivering fallen souls like me by giving them opportunities of chanting Holy Names of Krishna.
Despirately waiting to see you next year.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Viracandra Dasa
srimate devāmṛta swāmin iti nāmine
pracāre purva-dakṣyam ca bhaktācāra-pravīṇatā
parārthatāpi kāruṇyam yasya sarve ca te namaḥ
Wish you a very happy Vyasa puja Gurudev. Every year I wait for this time of your vyasa puja when, despite of being unqualified, I get an opportunity to glorify You. This day helps me to connect to you by remembering You, by meditating on Your unlimited qualities and compassionate nature.
Due to this Corona virus conditions, we are not able to have your physical personal association this year but want to take this opportunity to thank you for putting so much efforts "despite of your busy schedule", to give online classes so frequently. I read in Srila Prabhupada's Lilamrita that being close to Spiritual Master meant far more than physical proximity and that I needed to become much more serious about Krishna consciousness in order to feel less distant from Him. "Still, hoping to see You next year".
CC Antya Lila :--
Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to the garden called Jagganatha Vallabha and the breeze was blowing that was carrying the fragrance of aromatic flowers. That breeze is compared to a Guru, who was teaching all trees and creepers how to dance.
So for me you are that soothing breeze who is carrying the fragrance of love for Krishna and Krishna's lotus message and teachings and you are teaching us how to experience that fragrance of Love of Krishna.
SB Purport 1.19.36
One can achieve the ultimate success of going back to Godhead if he is favored by the Lord's sending His true representative. As soon as a true representative of the Lord is met by a devotee of the Lord, the devotee is assured a guarantee for going back to Godhead just after leaving the present body. This, however, depends on the sincerity of the devotee himself.
By your perfect example you are teaching us how to be a sincere disciple. Your enthusiasm and determination to serve Srila Prabhupada's mission of Spreading Krishna consciousness is your life and soul. Seeking your blessings so that I may become your sincere disciple and try to become an instrument in your service to Srila Prabhupada. I am yours, please do not give up on me.
On this auspicious day, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha to bless you with good health, so that you continue serving Srila Prabhupada's and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission of delivering fallen souls like me by giving them opportunities of chanting Holy Names of Krishna.
Despirately waiting to see you next year.
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Viracandra Dasa
Vishnu Tejas Das
Śrī Gurudeva,
Your merciful lotus feet are everything to us.
One time a devotee just dropped his practice. You saw him having a conversation with me, in front of a prasādam table. With compassion and sensitivity, you stood behind us, waiting to talk to him. But he, not even turning his back, ignored your presence and did not show any respect. And you just patiently waited there for quite a while.
Rejecting to receive your mercy, that fool, soon after, fell down to illicit sex and left devotees' association.
A few years after when I saw him again, he practically talked like a karmī, forgetting even the basics of Bhakti Yoga.
"yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado
yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi"
Without your mercy, we won't even know that we are blind.
Recently while walking with you, you taught me that "cooperating with devotees can be more difficult than controlling lust".
Indra once out of envy stole the sacrificial horse from Mahārāja Pṛthu. But at the end after some conflicts, upon being advised by Lord Brahmā, Mahārāja Pṛthu had to reduce the number of horse yajñá, just to cooperate with Indra.
My realization is that: actually Indra is a very nice devotee, although he is sometimes lusty, envious and angry.
For the sake of cooperation, we just have to see the good more and tolerate whenever necessary. After all, we as beginning devotees, have so much to improve for ourselves.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for giving us devotional service, devotee sanga and Hare Krishna Maha mantra. And so many other things, like self control, purification and real bliss, etc.
Hare Krishna!
Your servant,
Vishnu Tejas Das
Your merciful lotus feet are everything to us.
One time a devotee just dropped his practice. You saw him having a conversation with me, in front of a prasādam table. With compassion and sensitivity, you stood behind us, waiting to talk to him. But he, not even turning his back, ignored your presence and did not show any respect. And you just patiently waited there for quite a while.
Rejecting to receive your mercy, that fool, soon after, fell down to illicit sex and left devotees' association.
A few years after when I saw him again, he practically talked like a karmī, forgetting even the basics of Bhakti Yoga.
"yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado
yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi"
Without your mercy, we won't even know that we are blind.
Recently while walking with you, you taught me that "cooperating with devotees can be more difficult than controlling lust".
Indra once out of envy stole the sacrificial horse from Mahārāja Pṛthu. But at the end after some conflicts, upon being advised by Lord Brahmā, Mahārāja Pṛthu had to reduce the number of horse yajñá, just to cooperate with Indra.
My realization is that: actually Indra is a very nice devotee, although he is sometimes lusty, envious and angry.
For the sake of cooperation, we just have to see the good more and tolerate whenever necessary. After all, we as beginning devotees, have so much to improve for ourselves.
Thank you, Gurudeva, for giving us devotional service, devotee sanga and Hare Krishna Maha mantra. And so many other things, like self control, purification and real bliss, etc.
Hare Krishna!
Your servant,
Vishnu Tejas Das
Vraja Kumuda Das
Dear Gurudev
Please accept my humblest obeisances at your lotus feet. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
In the SB 10.2.31, Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport:
"The duty of the guru is to find the means, according to the time, the circumstances and the candidate, by which one can be induced to render devotional service, which Kṛṣṇa accepts from a candidate who wants to be successful in going back home, back to Godhead. The ācārya’s duty, therefore, is to find the means by which devotees may render service according to references from śāstra. This makes it easier for the candidate to reach the ultimate destination."
Being a pure and intimate representative of Mahaprabhu, you have engaged us in the service of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara, according to our psychophysical conditioning. For lifetimes, being chained with impersonalism and drowning in the ocean of illusory existence, true happiness sounded like a farfetched idea. But by inconceivable arrangements, I received your association and mercy, which changed my life. Often I wonder my greatest fortune of meeting you in LA, and getting inspired to follow your instructions by your unfathomable mercy.
I can never repay you for showing me the path of achieving perfection but can only aspire to fulfill your transcendental desires. Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore sings:
tāṅdera caraṇa sevi bhakta sane vāsa
janame janame haya, ei abhilāṣa
Being a tiny insignificant disciple, I only desire to serve your lotus feet and follow your instructions for your at most pleasure and the pleasure of the ācāryas. I only aspire to be your humble servant and serve your lotus feet. This will be the perfection of my life.
Seeking your blessings and guidance forever.
Your Aspiring humble Servant
Vraja Kumuda Das
Please accept my humblest obeisances at your lotus feet. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, All Glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja.
In the SB 10.2.31, Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport:
"The duty of the guru is to find the means, according to the time, the circumstances and the candidate, by which one can be induced to render devotional service, which Kṛṣṇa accepts from a candidate who wants to be successful in going back home, back to Godhead. The ācārya’s duty, therefore, is to find the means by which devotees may render service according to references from śāstra. This makes it easier for the candidate to reach the ultimate destination."
Being a pure and intimate representative of Mahaprabhu, you have engaged us in the service of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara, according to our psychophysical conditioning. For lifetimes, being chained with impersonalism and drowning in the ocean of illusory existence, true happiness sounded like a farfetched idea. But by inconceivable arrangements, I received your association and mercy, which changed my life. Often I wonder my greatest fortune of meeting you in LA, and getting inspired to follow your instructions by your unfathomable mercy.
I can never repay you for showing me the path of achieving perfection but can only aspire to fulfill your transcendental desires. Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore sings:
tāṅdera caraṇa sevi bhakta sane vāsa
janame janame haya, ei abhilāṣa
Being a tiny insignificant disciple, I only desire to serve your lotus feet and follow your instructions for your at most pleasure and the pleasure of the ācāryas. I only aspire to be your humble servant and serve your lotus feet. This will be the perfection of my life.
Seeking your blessings and guidance forever.
Your Aspiring humble Servant
Vraja Kumuda Das
Vraja Nari
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you!
It seems like Maya is pushing us through and out the exhaust and is almost making it easy for the sincere souls to get attracted to Krishna consciousness.
Queen Kunti says in SB 1.8.26:
'My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of (material) progress, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage, great opulence, high education and bodily beauty, cannot approach You with sincere feeling.'
We are experiencing a global shake up with dooming environmental crisis, mental health issues which are becoming more and more prominent, fear of nuclear war, economic collapse and a pandemic which certainly is not the last one.
The superficial ease of the past few decades seems to have faded and material nature is swinging a hook right into our guts. Already the internals are wasted and its just a matter of time until the infrastructure falls apart.
You have been reminding us over and over again of the state of the world and that there is no other shelter than Krishna.
More than I can ever remember there are opinions, often very radical ones being expressed, even some devotees who have been affected by the current state have been fighting amongst themselves. It is easy to be mislead in these confusing times and to lose sight of the only solution to the world’s problems.
In his Vyasa puja offering Montreal, September 5, 1969 Srila Prabhupada sums it all up perfectly!
‘So these false notions, "isms," are going on. People are being misled. You see? Andhā yathāndhair upanīyamānāḥ (SB 7.5.31). Practical experience: In my country, India, I was also a student of Gandhi. In 1920 I joined the noncooperation movement and gave up my education, because Gandhi's program was to boycott the British educational institution. So most of the university students . . . I was also. I passed my final examination, B.A., but I gave up. I did not appear, and I joined this movement.’
India under British oppressive rule, much more disturbing than wearing a face mask!
‘Fortunately, in 1922 I also met my Guru Mahārāja, and he, on my first visit, I do not know why, he told that, "You should preach this Caitanya philosophy to the outside world." I replied that "We are dependent nation. Who will hear us? In the world, nobody hears any person who is coming from dependent nation, so we must have first of all independence." A young man I was at that time, and I was also misled in so many ways. But my spiritual master saved me, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja.
So the spiritual master's duty is to save the living entities who are so much embarrassed by the forest fire. That is the duty of spiritual master.
Saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka: The whole world is blazing, and just like in the blazing fire of the forest, the animals are going here and there, and some of them are dying, the whole world is like that. And how that blazing fire can be extinguished?
You cannot send there this fire brigade, or you cannot get some pots of water and try to extinguish that wide fire. It is not possible. Then how to extinguish it? The extinguishing is possible when there is cloud overhead and there is incessant pouring of water. Then the forest fire extinguished. No artificial means, no scientific means. Fire brigade or this fire extinguisher, we have invented so many things, but when there is forest fire all these things are nonsense; nothing can be used.
The only use, means, is when there is pouring, incessant pouring of water from the cloud. But, that is made of God. That is not in your hand. You cannot produce cloud. Some arrangement of God's arrangement, the cloud, is there. Ghanāghanatvam. The example is given, "Charitable just like the cloud." Why this example is given? When cloud pours water, it is so sufficient that there is no comparison. But if you want to pour water, a bucketful of water, how long you will do it?
The spiritual master means he must be just like the cloud. How it is possible? It is possible. It is possible in this way, provided he follows the disciplic succession of spiritual master. Then it is possible. He must inherit the power from the superior source. Then it is possible that by his teaching, by his lessons, the forest fire which is burning within our heart, it can be extinguished, and the person who receives such spiritual instruction bona-fidely, he becomes satisfied. This is the process.’
Besides of all the calamities mentioned above, the forest fires are raging! Yes, global warming is just warming up for a disastrous future! We can see how some animals are running and some are burning and how the attempts to extinguish by any other means than by rain are so pathetic and utterly helpless.
This Vyasa Puja offering of Srila Prabhupada, (being always 100 percent relevant) has now literally become alive in front of our eyes.
What are the measures of the world to help with the piling problems? Ban straws, lithium battery powered cars, psychological drugs and houses specifically designed for the dysfunctional family?
Without Krishna Consiousness efforts are but a bad joke globally and individually.
With your help we have every chance to extinguish the fires in which we are burning and as you told me in my last darshan ‘deal first with yourself and then worry about the rest of the world’.
Thank you Gurudeva for putting things in perspective! Reminding us over and over and yet again that the material energy is bad shelter and that our only shelter is Krishna and the process by which to come to Him which is serving you and your instructions.
We are so fortunate that you got stuck in New Zealand! You gave us so much time, gave so many lectures and programs at Bhakti Lounge, we were directly under the cloud!!!
Thank you very much for never tiring of trying to help me, encourage me and put some sense in my dull and obstinate head.
Your aspiring servant,
Vraja Nari dd
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to you!
It seems like Maya is pushing us through and out the exhaust and is almost making it easy for the sincere souls to get attracted to Krishna consciousness.
Queen Kunti says in SB 1.8.26:
'My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of (material) progress, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage, great opulence, high education and bodily beauty, cannot approach You with sincere feeling.'
We are experiencing a global shake up with dooming environmental crisis, mental health issues which are becoming more and more prominent, fear of nuclear war, economic collapse and a pandemic which certainly is not the last one.
The superficial ease of the past few decades seems to have faded and material nature is swinging a hook right into our guts. Already the internals are wasted and its just a matter of time until the infrastructure falls apart.
You have been reminding us over and over again of the state of the world and that there is no other shelter than Krishna.
More than I can ever remember there are opinions, often very radical ones being expressed, even some devotees who have been affected by the current state have been fighting amongst themselves. It is easy to be mislead in these confusing times and to lose sight of the only solution to the world’s problems.
In his Vyasa puja offering Montreal, September 5, 1969 Srila Prabhupada sums it all up perfectly!
‘So these false notions, "isms," are going on. People are being misled. You see? Andhā yathāndhair upanīyamānāḥ (SB 7.5.31). Practical experience: In my country, India, I was also a student of Gandhi. In 1920 I joined the noncooperation movement and gave up my education, because Gandhi's program was to boycott the British educational institution. So most of the university students . . . I was also. I passed my final examination, B.A., but I gave up. I did not appear, and I joined this movement.’
India under British oppressive rule, much more disturbing than wearing a face mask!
‘Fortunately, in 1922 I also met my Guru Mahārāja, and he, on my first visit, I do not know why, he told that, "You should preach this Caitanya philosophy to the outside world." I replied that "We are dependent nation. Who will hear us? In the world, nobody hears any person who is coming from dependent nation, so we must have first of all independence." A young man I was at that time, and I was also misled in so many ways. But my spiritual master saved me, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja.
So the spiritual master's duty is to save the living entities who are so much embarrassed by the forest fire. That is the duty of spiritual master.
Saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka: The whole world is blazing, and just like in the blazing fire of the forest, the animals are going here and there, and some of them are dying, the whole world is like that. And how that blazing fire can be extinguished?
You cannot send there this fire brigade, or you cannot get some pots of water and try to extinguish that wide fire. It is not possible. Then how to extinguish it? The extinguishing is possible when there is cloud overhead and there is incessant pouring of water. Then the forest fire extinguished. No artificial means, no scientific means. Fire brigade or this fire extinguisher, we have invented so many things, but when there is forest fire all these things are nonsense; nothing can be used.
The only use, means, is when there is pouring, incessant pouring of water from the cloud. But, that is made of God. That is not in your hand. You cannot produce cloud. Some arrangement of God's arrangement, the cloud, is there. Ghanāghanatvam. The example is given, "Charitable just like the cloud." Why this example is given? When cloud pours water, it is so sufficient that there is no comparison. But if you want to pour water, a bucketful of water, how long you will do it?
The spiritual master means he must be just like the cloud. How it is possible? It is possible. It is possible in this way, provided he follows the disciplic succession of spiritual master. Then it is possible. He must inherit the power from the superior source. Then it is possible that by his teaching, by his lessons, the forest fire which is burning within our heart, it can be extinguished, and the person who receives such spiritual instruction bona-fidely, he becomes satisfied. This is the process.’
Besides of all the calamities mentioned above, the forest fires are raging! Yes, global warming is just warming up for a disastrous future! We can see how some animals are running and some are burning and how the attempts to extinguish by any other means than by rain are so pathetic and utterly helpless.
This Vyasa Puja offering of Srila Prabhupada, (being always 100 percent relevant) has now literally become alive in front of our eyes.
What are the measures of the world to help with the piling problems? Ban straws, lithium battery powered cars, psychological drugs and houses specifically designed for the dysfunctional family?
Without Krishna Consiousness efforts are but a bad joke globally and individually.
With your help we have every chance to extinguish the fires in which we are burning and as you told me in my last darshan ‘deal first with yourself and then worry about the rest of the world’.
Thank you Gurudeva for putting things in perspective! Reminding us over and over and yet again that the material energy is bad shelter and that our only shelter is Krishna and the process by which to come to Him which is serving you and your instructions.
We are so fortunate that you got stuck in New Zealand! You gave us so much time, gave so many lectures and programs at Bhakti Lounge, we were directly under the cloud!!!
Thank you very much for never tiring of trying to help me, encourage me and put some sense in my dull and obstinate head.
Your aspiring servant,
Vraja Nari dd
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I was thinking back to the first time that I saw you in Swansea temple. At that time I had been irregularly attending a weekly preaching programme, enjoying the kirtans and the prasadam but not thinking about committing myself in any other way. My attendance at the programmes had dwindled but something that day told me that I should go and hear from you. Your talk that evening changed my frivolous attitude, you made me realise that there was far more depth and importance to taking on this lifestyle. Your words and the way that you captured everyone in the room impressed me. I went home that night and found your website and read through it wanting to know more so went along to the temple the next morning to hear from you again. My life hasn't stopped evolving since and I owe all of my good fortune to you.
Over the years you have been so kind, supportive, encouraging and understanding to me and also my husband and you have sensitively adapted your guidance to me in a way that has fitted my evolving circumstances from asrama life to a married grhasta mother. I can't thank you enough for the level of care that you show.
You are the greatest example of how devotees should care for one another, without judgement, with respect and the utmost tolerance. You give your time so freely when your time must be so pressed by the various commitments that you have throughout ISKCON. You listen to infantile struggles but never judge, instead you inspire and teach how to navigate our lives in a way that can help us to overcome and push forward with clarity through your instructions.
You are expert in all circumstances from preaching to the individual to audiences of many hundreds in universities, businesses, radio interviews you never falter. I remember a time when at one of your visits to Swansea a local Christian girl attended the programme. She tried to fire some shots at you during the question and answers and instead of making it a hostile atmosphere you had everyone in the room laughing, even she left saying that she had a positive experience with no animosity this was due to your supreme expertise in your dealings.
This year has really been a year of extreme difficulties for many the world over but, you have continued your preaching with the same vigour showing us how in any situation we carry on. However, this current situation has also meant that we have not had the great fortune of having you visit us again in Wales as originally planned, that has been a loss which is certainly felt. Your visits truly enliven the devotees with the well ignited fire of Bhakti energy that you bring through your divine association, in your classes, darshans and ecstatic kirtans. I am praying for the day that I can dance in one of your blissful kirtans again.
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I was thinking back to the first time that I saw you in Swansea temple. At that time I had been irregularly attending a weekly preaching programme, enjoying the kirtans and the prasadam but not thinking about committing myself in any other way. My attendance at the programmes had dwindled but something that day told me that I should go and hear from you. Your talk that evening changed my frivolous attitude, you made me realise that there was far more depth and importance to taking on this lifestyle. Your words and the way that you captured everyone in the room impressed me. I went home that night and found your website and read through it wanting to know more so went along to the temple the next morning to hear from you again. My life hasn't stopped evolving since and I owe all of my good fortune to you.
Over the years you have been so kind, supportive, encouraging and understanding to me and also my husband and you have sensitively adapted your guidance to me in a way that has fitted my evolving circumstances from asrama life to a married grhasta mother. I can't thank you enough for the level of care that you show.
You are the greatest example of how devotees should care for one another, without judgement, with respect and the utmost tolerance. You give your time so freely when your time must be so pressed by the various commitments that you have throughout ISKCON. You listen to infantile struggles but never judge, instead you inspire and teach how to navigate our lives in a way that can help us to overcome and push forward with clarity through your instructions.
You are expert in all circumstances from preaching to the individual to audiences of many hundreds in universities, businesses, radio interviews you never falter. I remember a time when at one of your visits to Swansea a local Christian girl attended the programme. She tried to fire some shots at you during the question and answers and instead of making it a hostile atmosphere you had everyone in the room laughing, even she left saying that she had a positive experience with no animosity this was due to your supreme expertise in your dealings.
This year has really been a year of extreme difficulties for many the world over but, you have continued your preaching with the same vigour showing us how in any situation we carry on. However, this current situation has also meant that we have not had the great fortune of having you visit us again in Wales as originally planned, that has been a loss which is certainly felt. Your visits truly enliven the devotees with the well ignited fire of Bhakti energy that you bring through your divine association, in your classes, darshans and ecstatic kirtans. I am praying for the day that I can dance in one of your blissful kirtans again.
Your servant,
Vraja Varuni Devi Dasi.
Vraja-gopi dd
Dear Gurudev, please accept my obeisances in the dust of your feet.
On this blessed day of your Vyasa-puja let me express sincere joy from our meeting, the joy of my opportunity to approach you, the joy from my having obtained refuge in you.
One can wander in his searching for the purpose of life for a long time along many roads, which are rolled into a ball like labyrinths. Twisting between the planets and stars, overcoming darkness, storms, whirlwinds, thunderstorms, unusual times and unusual events, it is not easy to go ahead.
My Spiritual Master, you are the keeper of the most important sciences. As the light of a lighthouse, you give a cherished guide in the spiritual path. Your lectures, stories, instructions give me firm faith in Krishna. And your appeal to us is kind and sympathetic. You confidently lead us to Krishna by the hand and fear dissipates, we stumble, but we take steps forward. I understand that if I hold your hand I will not fall, and this understanding is very important for me. And even after a long time I will need your advice.
Heartfelt gratitude to you for your wisdom, parental love, friendly look that dissipate all worries and open all doors and necessary words enter the very heart. Your strict instructions are easily perceived, they give warm in difficult times and make me confident in moving on the path to Krishna.
Guru Maharaj, you have become an example in my life forever. I am infinitely glad that I can run after you on the path to Krishna! ...
Let me wish you good health, inspiration, joy, wonderful disciples.
I owe you life, your insignificant disciple,
Vraja-gopi dd.
On this blessed day of your Vyasa-puja let me express sincere joy from our meeting, the joy of my opportunity to approach you, the joy from my having obtained refuge in you.
One can wander in his searching for the purpose of life for a long time along many roads, which are rolled into a ball like labyrinths. Twisting between the planets and stars, overcoming darkness, storms, whirlwinds, thunderstorms, unusual times and unusual events, it is not easy to go ahead.
My Spiritual Master, you are the keeper of the most important sciences. As the light of a lighthouse, you give a cherished guide in the spiritual path. Your lectures, stories, instructions give me firm faith in Krishna. And your appeal to us is kind and sympathetic. You confidently lead us to Krishna by the hand and fear dissipates, we stumble, but we take steps forward. I understand that if I hold your hand I will not fall, and this understanding is very important for me. And even after a long time I will need your advice.
Heartfelt gratitude to you for your wisdom, parental love, friendly look that dissipate all worries and open all doors and necessary words enter the very heart. Your strict instructions are easily perceived, they give warm in difficult times and make me confident in moving on the path to Krishna.
Guru Maharaj, you have become an example in my life forever. I am infinitely glad that I can run after you on the path to Krishna! ...
Let me wish you good health, inspiration, joy, wonderful disciples.
I owe you life, your insignificant disciple,
Vraja-gopi dd.
Vrajabhumi d.d.
Dear Guru Maharaj, please accept my obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Let me congratulate you on the day of your appearance. A pure devotee does not give in, he comes from your world. Your whole life is dedicated to serving the spiritual master. You have given up everything for this transcendental service, you live by the ideas of Srila Prabhupada.
Pure bhakti, which is superior to everything, which can not be compared with anything, can be obtained only through the service to the spiritual master. Under your influence I am becoming a different person. Now I am no longer interested in the things that occupied my feelings before. You offer a path to God and nothing else, and I try to learn this path.
The Lord's mercy comes through spiritual master, spiritual master connects a conditioned soul with God. Please teach me selfless devotional service only for Krisna as He is.
Without spiritual master it is impossible to obtain pure bhakti. Without spiritual master it is impossible to get liberated from the world of Maya. It is impossible to defeat the world of Maya with our own power.
Let my life be connected with you who is free from Maya. Please spare me from Maya and grant me a connection with the spiritual world.
I wish you strong health. Let this minor service I perform by your mercy satisfy you. I will be glad to meet you.
Trying to be your servant,
Vrajabhumi d.d.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Let me congratulate you on the day of your appearance. A pure devotee does not give in, he comes from your world. Your whole life is dedicated to serving the spiritual master. You have given up everything for this transcendental service, you live by the ideas of Srila Prabhupada.
Pure bhakti, which is superior to everything, which can not be compared with anything, can be obtained only through the service to the spiritual master. Under your influence I am becoming a different person. Now I am no longer interested in the things that occupied my feelings before. You offer a path to God and nothing else, and I try to learn this path.
The Lord's mercy comes through spiritual master, spiritual master connects a conditioned soul with God. Please teach me selfless devotional service only for Krisna as He is.
Without spiritual master it is impossible to obtain pure bhakti. Without spiritual master it is impossible to get liberated from the world of Maya. It is impossible to defeat the world of Maya with our own power.
Let my life be connected with you who is free from Maya. Please spare me from Maya and grant me a connection with the spiritual world.
I wish you strong health. Let this minor service I perform by your mercy satisfy you. I will be glad to meet you.
Trying to be your servant,
Vrajabhumi d.d.
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Dearest Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances and all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Cultivating people and even devotees can often be a thankless task, and I can only compare it to being like raising a family, where you put so much time, care and attention into raising your children nicely. But at the end of the day you don't really know how your efforts will impact their lives and the choices they make. Or, will they even value your efforts or resent you for them.
So, I would like to attempt to express some gratitude for the person you are, your service mood and the impact you have had on my life and no doubt many others.
It's your courageous and bold preaching, which dispels the darkness of ignorance, causing us to reflect on our life's meaning and direction. Ultimately, bringing us closer to devotional service of the Lord, devotee sanga, and enriching our lives with Lord Krishna's holy names. But, keeping at a distance the virus of material enjoyment and repeated birth and death.
Thank you for investing time in your dependents, checking in on us and giving us the opportunity to do a little bit of service for you. For encouraging us and giving us direction when we are a bit lost or confused on the devotional path.
Despite all the mistakes and offenses I have made, and my feeble attempts to chant and do service, you have always shown so much kindness and have been extremely patient. I cannot ever repay you for the impact you have had in my life but I hope one day I can attempt to be of some service to you and this Krishna conscious movement.
Your lowly servant,
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Please accept my humble obeisances and all glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Cultivating people and even devotees can often be a thankless task, and I can only compare it to being like raising a family, where you put so much time, care and attention into raising your children nicely. But at the end of the day you don't really know how your efforts will impact their lives and the choices they make. Or, will they even value your efforts or resent you for them.
So, I would like to attempt to express some gratitude for the person you are, your service mood and the impact you have had on my life and no doubt many others.
It's your courageous and bold preaching, which dispels the darkness of ignorance, causing us to reflect on our life's meaning and direction. Ultimately, bringing us closer to devotional service of the Lord, devotee sanga, and enriching our lives with Lord Krishna's holy names. But, keeping at a distance the virus of material enjoyment and repeated birth and death.
Thank you for investing time in your dependents, checking in on us and giving us the opportunity to do a little bit of service for you. For encouraging us and giving us direction when we are a bit lost or confused on the devotional path.
Despite all the mistakes and offenses I have made, and my feeble attempts to chant and do service, you have always shown so much kindness and have been extremely patient. I cannot ever repay you for the impact you have had in my life but I hope one day I can attempt to be of some service to you and this Krishna conscious movement.
Your lowly servant,
Vrindaranya devi dasi
Vrndavana-madhurya Dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!
Due to the world situation this year, I had the good fortune to spend a longer time as your personal servant. Recently, in contemplating an issue, you remarked to me “I did not expect to be here this much” then sarcastically added “Thank Covid.” Though your presence is much needed around the world and you wish to be there to help everyone I cannot help but be thankful for such an opportunity- in one sense I would also like to thank Covid. Though my real gratitude goes to you.
As your humble personal servant I am fortunate to have your darshan daily. The Ganges purifies after prolonged contact but saintly persons of your caliber purify just by being seen.
na hy am-mayāni tīrthāni
na devā mṛc-chilā-mayāḥ
te punanty uru-kālena
darśanād eva sādhavaḥ
“Mere bodies of water are not the real sacred places of pilgrimage, nor are mere images of earth and stone the true worshipable deities. These purify one only after a long time, but saintly sages purify one immediately upon being seen.” (S.B. 10.84.11).
I get to see your effulgent form, your captivating smile, your graceful movements in pure goodness,your dedication and absorption in chanting the Holy name, how your every moment is dedicated to Krsna's service, and how your consciousness is extraordinary. I am always amazed at how by some good fortune I have the opportunity to be so close to your vapu.
Seeing so many devotees coming to see you to discuss and inquire about their spiritual life, I once apologized to you that I don't ask to see you when you visit but that I am just happy to get to serve you. You replied emphatically and lovingly “I see you all the time!... I am watching your movements”. I there understood you are always contemplating the spiritual standing of devotees and thinking of our welfare.
I feel enlivened in your presence and your words move my heart as your purity trasmitts in the words you vibrate. You speak for Krsna’s service and where necessary. Otherwise you are silent and grave. In response to one devotee asking you to speak with someone, you replied "I am not just a talking machine. Do they have some particular inquiry?". You give endless classes and personal time to devotees worldwide inspiring and guiding us to increased service and you look extremely joyful and effulgent after doing so.You relish service to Krsna in all its aspects.
Krishna manifests according to the love of his devotee and your beautiful Deities shine in Golden forms and reflect the sweetness and love you have for them. You worship them with special care and engage devotees in their service just as we sing every morning. I offer my respectful obeisances unto your lotus feet.
Though you are so exalted you treat me with such friendship and kindness. You exhibit mercy to the fallen just as Krsna does.
kvāhaṁ daridraḥ pāpīyān
kva kṛṣṇaḥ śrī-niketanaḥ
brahma-bandhur iti smāhaṁ
bāhubhyāṁ parirambhitaḥ
Who am I? A sinful, poor friend of a brāhmaṇa. And who is Kṛṣṇa? The Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in six opulences. Nonetheless, He has embraced me with His two arms. (S.B. 10.81.16).
You’re extremely meek yet firm. Soft as a rose and hard as a thunderbolt- a poetic phrase, yet I've experienced in my interactions with your divine self this wonderful combination in reality. When you show anger or correction your mood is powerful and glance beaming, yet in my mind I know and remember your softness and gentleness as a predominating factor which makes the corrections relishable. You've said that as we grow we begin to relish being humbled. You often make fun of me in sarcastic remarks exposing my mistakes and foolishness. I relish these exchanges greatly. A life of service to receive one merciful glance from you is a life worthwhile.
I also get the absorbing service of cooking for you and an attempt at loving exchange. By feeding you we feed a million brahmanas.Yet it is under your direction that we learn the art of cooking. and by your mercy that we are enlived to make a loving offering to Krsna. As Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya replied to Mahaprabhu “It is not so wonderful, my Lord. Everything has been made possible by the energy and mercy of Him who will eat the food. “ “...He by whose power the food has been prepared knows everything.” (C.C. madhya 15. 232-33)
You offer prayers before you honor prasad and relish Krsna's mercy in a transcendental mood. You also hear Srila Prabhupada with wrapped attention.
The greatest persons materially have many servants that tend to them. Yet the relationship is superficial as the servants are paid. In reality you are of the greatest and most important persons on this planet and therefore deserve the highest service. As Prabhupada once prodded a reporter who criticized him for driving in a Rolls-Royce "it is not good enough, it should have been gold!". Similarly whatever we offer you is actually never good enough. Yet I hope that whatever little service I render unto you can be done with love.
By serving the bhakti-vedantas during their 4 month stay Narada muni became Narada muni. Maybe in due course of time I can render some useful service for your pleasure. For now I hope that I am not being a mosquito in disservice. Please forgive me for all the inconveniences I must have caused you but I beg that you please keep me as your humble servant. I hope I can spend atleast this lifetime as your menial servant.
Your lowly servant,
Vrndavana-madhurya Dasa
Please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!
Due to the world situation this year, I had the good fortune to spend a longer time as your personal servant. Recently, in contemplating an issue, you remarked to me “I did not expect to be here this much” then sarcastically added “Thank Covid.” Though your presence is much needed around the world and you wish to be there to help everyone I cannot help but be thankful for such an opportunity- in one sense I would also like to thank Covid. Though my real gratitude goes to you.
As your humble personal servant I am fortunate to have your darshan daily. The Ganges purifies after prolonged contact but saintly persons of your caliber purify just by being seen.
na hy am-mayāni tīrthāni
na devā mṛc-chilā-mayāḥ
te punanty uru-kālena
darśanād eva sādhavaḥ
“Mere bodies of water are not the real sacred places of pilgrimage, nor are mere images of earth and stone the true worshipable deities. These purify one only after a long time, but saintly sages purify one immediately upon being seen.” (S.B. 10.84.11).
I get to see your effulgent form, your captivating smile, your graceful movements in pure goodness,your dedication and absorption in chanting the Holy name, how your every moment is dedicated to Krsna's service, and how your consciousness is extraordinary. I am always amazed at how by some good fortune I have the opportunity to be so close to your vapu.
Seeing so many devotees coming to see you to discuss and inquire about their spiritual life, I once apologized to you that I don't ask to see you when you visit but that I am just happy to get to serve you. You replied emphatically and lovingly “I see you all the time!... I am watching your movements”. I there understood you are always contemplating the spiritual standing of devotees and thinking of our welfare.
I feel enlivened in your presence and your words move my heart as your purity trasmitts in the words you vibrate. You speak for Krsna’s service and where necessary. Otherwise you are silent and grave. In response to one devotee asking you to speak with someone, you replied "I am not just a talking machine. Do they have some particular inquiry?". You give endless classes and personal time to devotees worldwide inspiring and guiding us to increased service and you look extremely joyful and effulgent after doing so.You relish service to Krsna in all its aspects.
Krishna manifests according to the love of his devotee and your beautiful Deities shine in Golden forms and reflect the sweetness and love you have for them. You worship them with special care and engage devotees in their service just as we sing every morning. I offer my respectful obeisances unto your lotus feet.
Though you are so exalted you treat me with such friendship and kindness. You exhibit mercy to the fallen just as Krsna does.
kvāhaṁ daridraḥ pāpīyān
kva kṛṣṇaḥ śrī-niketanaḥ
brahma-bandhur iti smāhaṁ
bāhubhyāṁ parirambhitaḥ
Who am I? A sinful, poor friend of a brāhmaṇa. And who is Kṛṣṇa? The Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in six opulences. Nonetheless, He has embraced me with His two arms. (S.B. 10.81.16).
You’re extremely meek yet firm. Soft as a rose and hard as a thunderbolt- a poetic phrase, yet I've experienced in my interactions with your divine self this wonderful combination in reality. When you show anger or correction your mood is powerful and glance beaming, yet in my mind I know and remember your softness and gentleness as a predominating factor which makes the corrections relishable. You've said that as we grow we begin to relish being humbled. You often make fun of me in sarcastic remarks exposing my mistakes and foolishness. I relish these exchanges greatly. A life of service to receive one merciful glance from you is a life worthwhile.
I also get the absorbing service of cooking for you and an attempt at loving exchange. By feeding you we feed a million brahmanas.Yet it is under your direction that we learn the art of cooking. and by your mercy that we are enlived to make a loving offering to Krsna. As Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya replied to Mahaprabhu “It is not so wonderful, my Lord. Everything has been made possible by the energy and mercy of Him who will eat the food. “ “...He by whose power the food has been prepared knows everything.” (C.C. madhya 15. 232-33)
You offer prayers before you honor prasad and relish Krsna's mercy in a transcendental mood. You also hear Srila Prabhupada with wrapped attention.
The greatest persons materially have many servants that tend to them. Yet the relationship is superficial as the servants are paid. In reality you are of the greatest and most important persons on this planet and therefore deserve the highest service. As Prabhupada once prodded a reporter who criticized him for driving in a Rolls-Royce "it is not good enough, it should have been gold!". Similarly whatever we offer you is actually never good enough. Yet I hope that whatever little service I render unto you can be done with love.
By serving the bhakti-vedantas during their 4 month stay Narada muni became Narada muni. Maybe in due course of time I can render some useful service for your pleasure. For now I hope that I am not being a mosquito in disservice. Please forgive me for all the inconveniences I must have caused you but I beg that you please keep me as your humble servant. I hope I can spend atleast this lifetime as your menial servant.
Your lowly servant,
Vrndavana-madhurya Dasa
Yamuna jivan Das
Dear Gurudev,
Please accept my most humble and respectable obeisance’s at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
It’s been about 15 years since I first met you and when I turn back and look, I am filled with gratitude and veneration for you. Because of my good fortune and your causeless compassion, my life had been transformed beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for showering your mercy on this useless soul.
With all that is going on in the world now where people are suffering both physically and mentally and I feel fortunate to be able to hear your nectarean Lectures on a regular basis. In fact, I feel most satisfied and had the opportunity of listening to your live classes than any of the previous years.
Recently scientists made a discovery that in the deepest part of the ocean, where the sunshine does not enter, so many species of life exists that were unexpected and unknown. Similarly, with your wonderful live lectures, you took us to the deepest parts of ocean of Bhakti and showed us so many different dimensions like association of devotees, devotee care, mutual understanding, working together, appreciating others etc. in a way that I could have never ever thought of.
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja celebrations, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Jagannath, Baladev, Subdhra Mata and Lord Narasimha Dev for your good health and protection.
Your Humble Servant
Yamuna Jivan Das
Please accept my most humble and respectable obeisance’s at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you.
It’s been about 15 years since I first met you and when I turn back and look, I am filled with gratitude and veneration for you. Because of my good fortune and your causeless compassion, my life had been transformed beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for showering your mercy on this useless soul.
With all that is going on in the world now where people are suffering both physically and mentally and I feel fortunate to be able to hear your nectarean Lectures on a regular basis. In fact, I feel most satisfied and had the opportunity of listening to your live classes than any of the previous years.
Recently scientists made a discovery that in the deepest part of the ocean, where the sunshine does not enter, so many species of life exists that were unexpected and unknown. Similarly, with your wonderful live lectures, you took us to the deepest parts of ocean of Bhakti and showed us so many different dimensions like association of devotees, devotee care, mutual understanding, working together, appreciating others etc. in a way that I could have never ever thought of.
On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa puja celebrations, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Vallabha, Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Jagannath, Baladev, Subdhra Mata and Lord Narasimha Dev for your good health and protection.
Your Humble Servant
Yamuna Jivan Das
Yasodeva das
Dear Guru Maharaja
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!
The growing gap between humanity's power and it's wisdom has been exposed by the coronavirus. Despite the pomp of this technological age, our governments and institutions have been revealed as weak, selfish and fraudulent. Our communities are strained and there is conflict everywhere. I feel that I have finally realized, for the first time in my adult life, the dreadful and absurd nature of the Kali-yuga. The dense darkness of ignorance has ripened into the new fog of war, wherein the human race is pitted against an increasingly intolerant material nature, and where one individual's ignorance can create a chain-reaction of death and destruction across the whole world.
Into this firestorm of madness you stride, with endurance and grace, as you work to close the gap between our power and wisdom by spurring substantial solutions:
"Unless we have a class of leaders who can uplift the people with applied spiritual knowledge, we will always see societies rise, show some bluster, then stumble and fall. Restructuring and revolution, autocracy and democracy, come and go.
When we view the progress of the planet as a whole, the march of the centuries reveals that even as various nations ascend and decline, the global human condition does not change. No amelioration is enduring or significant enough to warrant materialistic faith or optimism.
Thanks to the media industry and expert politicians, change can seem just a campaign promise or a sudden coup away. But while in terms of the externalities of society, adjustment does happen, it's just a reshuffling of the same deck, first this way and then that, and we all know what happens after the initial bold hopes and intoxicating exuberance fizzle out. Feeling let down, left behind, and left out, the people plunge from elation into frustration, cynicism, and then dangerous rage.
For the most part, political change simply means that the ins become the outs and the outs become the ins - while hidden financial titans and conglomerates hold the strings. Amidst this continual game of musical chairs and puppeteering, what can a thoughtful human being do to focus on our real needs?" Hiding in Unnatural Happiness
I am awed by your conviction and foresight, Gurudeva. These prophetic words of yours used to make me uneasy and sometimes, in my disturbed state of mind, I considered you an extremist. But now I am renewed in my understanding that you are always absolutely right in your analysis of the world situation and, more importantly, your confident assurance that Krishna consciousness is the eminent elixir for curing the craze of Kali-yuga. Thank you for your valuable contribution to my life and to the whole world.
your grateful servant,
Yasodeva das
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!
The growing gap between humanity's power and it's wisdom has been exposed by the coronavirus. Despite the pomp of this technological age, our governments and institutions have been revealed as weak, selfish and fraudulent. Our communities are strained and there is conflict everywhere. I feel that I have finally realized, for the first time in my adult life, the dreadful and absurd nature of the Kali-yuga. The dense darkness of ignorance has ripened into the new fog of war, wherein the human race is pitted against an increasingly intolerant material nature, and where one individual's ignorance can create a chain-reaction of death and destruction across the whole world.
Into this firestorm of madness you stride, with endurance and grace, as you work to close the gap between our power and wisdom by spurring substantial solutions:
"Unless we have a class of leaders who can uplift the people with applied spiritual knowledge, we will always see societies rise, show some bluster, then stumble and fall. Restructuring and revolution, autocracy and democracy, come and go.
When we view the progress of the planet as a whole, the march of the centuries reveals that even as various nations ascend and decline, the global human condition does not change. No amelioration is enduring or significant enough to warrant materialistic faith or optimism.
Thanks to the media industry and expert politicians, change can seem just a campaign promise or a sudden coup away. But while in terms of the externalities of society, adjustment does happen, it's just a reshuffling of the same deck, first this way and then that, and we all know what happens after the initial bold hopes and intoxicating exuberance fizzle out. Feeling let down, left behind, and left out, the people plunge from elation into frustration, cynicism, and then dangerous rage.
For the most part, political change simply means that the ins become the outs and the outs become the ins - while hidden financial titans and conglomerates hold the strings. Amidst this continual game of musical chairs and puppeteering, what can a thoughtful human being do to focus on our real needs?" Hiding in Unnatural Happiness
I am awed by your conviction and foresight, Gurudeva. These prophetic words of yours used to make me uneasy and sometimes, in my disturbed state of mind, I considered you an extremist. But now I am renewed in my understanding that you are always absolutely right in your analysis of the world situation and, more importantly, your confident assurance that Krishna consciousness is the eminent elixir for curing the craze of Kali-yuga. Thank you for your valuable contribution to my life and to the whole world.
your grateful servant,
Yasodeva das
Yasodhara dasa
Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja
I would like to show my gratitude toward you for what you have given me. Last year I received harinam diksa from you, thank you so much Gurudeva for accepting this insignificant fool as your servant.
Gurudeva your dedication and faith in the words of your spiritual master and the lord are always inspiring and give us strength to go deeper in our sadhana. As we know we are living in Kali Yuga during which four flaws; mistake, cheating, imperfect senses and delusion are always prominent, so we still have the impact of these flaws on our consciousness, because of that sometimes we forget to perform our duties properly. But you always remind us like a father, how to chant the holy name attentively and perform devotional service with faith and determination.
Gurudeva you always tell us that how it is so important for every devotee to take the shelter of holy name in every situation of our devotional life. You always emphasise how it so important to have a good relationship amongst devotees and how to maintain those relationships. You always teache us how can we be fully absorbed in devotional service. You always speak strictly according to the guru parampara in all your classes and outreach programs.
Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur says;
(Worship of the lotus feet of the spiritual master; there is no work as auspicious as serving the spiritual master. Of all worship, the worship of the supreme personality of godhead is the greatest but the worship of the lotus feet of spiritual master is even greater than the worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unless this is firmly realised we cannot understand what saintly association means, we cannot understand what the shelter of a spiritual master means, we cannot understand that we are dependent and he is our maintainer)
In Sb-11.17.27
ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān
navamanyeta karhicit
na martya-buddhyāsūyeta
sarva-deva-mayo guruḥ
This verse appears in Caitanya Caritamrita (Adi lila 1.46) His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada has commented on this verse as follows,
Uddhava asked Krishna about the four social and spiritual orders of society, in reply Krishna instructed him how a Brahmacari should behave under the care of a spiritual master. A spiritual master is not an enjoyes of facilities offered by his disciples. He is like a parent, without the attentive service of his parents, child cannot grow to manhood; similarly without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service.
When we see you giving outreach programs or giving class to devotees about Krishna’s past times you are so absorbed. You always give motivation and teach us that how we should take shelter of the holy name. You are always so eager and compassinate toward all fallen conditioned souls in sharing the science of Krishna consiouness in all circumstances .
In one of your recent classes at the temple you explained expertly that nowdays people don’t have proper knowledge about life. Their proper knowledge has been covered by the material energy, and because everyone is thinking about how to maintain the body only, not thinking about the soul, they are too much attached to bodily demands. We can see it’s effect on current society, how it is diminishing the real value of human life, everyone is just thinking; how can I live happy at present moment … with no idea about future.
You also explained that Krishna has complete knowledge about everything in material world, but because living entities are so tiny, they are lacking the proper knowledge, they can’t handle or face the the effect of material energy because they are so tiny. So because of that they undergo a completely different expierence to Krishna, so why can’t the living entity handle the effect of material energy? There are two main reasons;
1. Krishna is the director of material energy she works under his direction.
2. He can easily handle the material energy
My dear Gurudeva you have given me so much even though I am not qualified. This year I have had the opportunity to stay in the brahmacari ashram all because of your mercy, and there I have realised what is the real meaning of affection and love; to help each other for spiritual advancement. Everyone here is so helpful and supportive, everyone is serving Guru and Gauranga with enthusiasm and dedication. I have never had such love and affection in my life before coming to Krishna consciousness even from my family. From last year I started to going on sankirtan regularly, and because of your mercy managed to distribute a few books. I’m surprised every time I distribute books. How does it happen? I can not even speak properly. I expiriencend a few glimpses of the power of sankirtan. How it can change peoples heart and also help us to realise the importance of surrender.
Oh my dear Gurudeva, on this auspicious day of your appearence I’m begging you for your mercy, please help me so that I can chant the holy name sincerely, please help me so that I can always remember how much sacrifice you have done for us and for your beloved spiritual master, that I can take your instruction seriously and perform devotional service attentively.
Your insignificant servant,
Yasodhara das
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
All glories to your lotus feet on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja
I would like to show my gratitude toward you for what you have given me. Last year I received harinam diksa from you, thank you so much Gurudeva for accepting this insignificant fool as your servant.
Gurudeva your dedication and faith in the words of your spiritual master and the lord are always inspiring and give us strength to go deeper in our sadhana. As we know we are living in Kali Yuga during which four flaws; mistake, cheating, imperfect senses and delusion are always prominent, so we still have the impact of these flaws on our consciousness, because of that sometimes we forget to perform our duties properly. But you always remind us like a father, how to chant the holy name attentively and perform devotional service with faith and determination.
Gurudeva you always tell us that how it is so important for every devotee to take the shelter of holy name in every situation of our devotional life. You always emphasise how it so important to have a good relationship amongst devotees and how to maintain those relationships. You always teache us how can we be fully absorbed in devotional service. You always speak strictly according to the guru parampara in all your classes and outreach programs.
Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur says;
(Worship of the lotus feet of the spiritual master; there is no work as auspicious as serving the spiritual master. Of all worship, the worship of the supreme personality of godhead is the greatest but the worship of the lotus feet of spiritual master is even greater than the worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unless this is firmly realised we cannot understand what saintly association means, we cannot understand what the shelter of a spiritual master means, we cannot understand that we are dependent and he is our maintainer)
In Sb-11.17.27
ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān
navamanyeta karhicit
na martya-buddhyāsūyeta
sarva-deva-mayo guruḥ
This verse appears in Caitanya Caritamrita (Adi lila 1.46) His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada has commented on this verse as follows,
Uddhava asked Krishna about the four social and spiritual orders of society, in reply Krishna instructed him how a Brahmacari should behave under the care of a spiritual master. A spiritual master is not an enjoyes of facilities offered by his disciples. He is like a parent, without the attentive service of his parents, child cannot grow to manhood; similarly without the care of the spiritual master one cannot rise to the plane of transcendental service.
When we see you giving outreach programs or giving class to devotees about Krishna’s past times you are so absorbed. You always give motivation and teach us that how we should take shelter of the holy name. You are always so eager and compassinate toward all fallen conditioned souls in sharing the science of Krishna consiouness in all circumstances .
In one of your recent classes at the temple you explained expertly that nowdays people don’t have proper knowledge about life. Their proper knowledge has been covered by the material energy, and because everyone is thinking about how to maintain the body only, not thinking about the soul, they are too much attached to bodily demands. We can see it’s effect on current society, how it is diminishing the real value of human life, everyone is just thinking; how can I live happy at present moment … with no idea about future.
You also explained that Krishna has complete knowledge about everything in material world, but because living entities are so tiny, they are lacking the proper knowledge, they can’t handle or face the the effect of material energy because they are so tiny. So because of that they undergo a completely different expierence to Krishna, so why can’t the living entity handle the effect of material energy? There are two main reasons;
1. Krishna is the director of material energy she works under his direction.
2. He can easily handle the material energy
My dear Gurudeva you have given me so much even though I am not qualified. This year I have had the opportunity to stay in the brahmacari ashram all because of your mercy, and there I have realised what is the real meaning of affection and love; to help each other for spiritual advancement. Everyone here is so helpful and supportive, everyone is serving Guru and Gauranga with enthusiasm and dedication. I have never had such love and affection in my life before coming to Krishna consciousness even from my family. From last year I started to going on sankirtan regularly, and because of your mercy managed to distribute a few books. I’m surprised every time I distribute books. How does it happen? I can not even speak properly. I expiriencend a few glimpses of the power of sankirtan. How it can change peoples heart and also help us to realise the importance of surrender.
Oh my dear Gurudeva, on this auspicious day of your appearence I’m begging you for your mercy, please help me so that I can chant the holy name sincerely, please help me so that I can always remember how much sacrifice you have done for us and for your beloved spiritual master, that I can take your instruction seriously and perform devotional service attentively.
Your insignificant servant,
Yasodhara das
Zoe
Hare Krishna Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you on this auspicious day.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of your glories is your expertise. In particular how you display such expert personalism in each of your interactions. Even while speaking to a room full of devotees you're able to touch each individual's heart in a unique way. Like an expert doctor, you know how to best disperse the medicine to each patient for their full benefit. Your ability to get through the iron barriers surrounding my own heart and inspire me to go deeper in my practice is the greatest evidence. One time in a darshan you said to me, ‘You’re so much more than just your body and mind’. I could see that you truly see everyone as part and parcel of Krsna, seeing their true potential. And that you are para dukha dukhi, pained to see conditioned souls destroying themselves.
Thank you for your classes throughout the whole Covid epidemic. Your association is so potent and uplifting and we have been fortunate enough to have an abundance of it this year here in New Zealand. You are a shining example of how a devotee's only thought is, ‘how can I use this situation to serve Krsna?’ . I pray for the conviction and realisation that attachment to your instructions will fulfill all of my desires.
Thank you for engaging me in Lord Caitanya’s service. Recently I had a glimpse of understanding the phrase ‘causeless mercy’. I had an overwhelming conviction, for a brief moment, that I truly have no qualification, nor have I done anything to deserve to be engaged in Krsna’s service. There is absolutely no reason I should be here except your causeless mercy. This made me more determined to please you as it's only by your grace I am engaged in service. Like a child holding a diamond in its hand, I am similarly unaware of and unappreciative of the priceless gift you've given me, the Bhakti lata bija. Despite my shortcomings please give me the ability to properly respect and serve you and your disciples.
Sastra states that the secret to success in Krishna Consciousness is satisfaction of the spiritual master. Another quality that you demonstrate is appreciation for such an insignificant attempt at service. Your seemingly simple instructions make it clear how you can be pleased, yet can be meditated and acted upon unlimitedly. In this way you've made it so easy to receive your mercy. Your encouragement pushes me on and I pray to really take advantage of the opportunity you've given me.
My words are completely insufficient to glorify you, however I pray to begin to show my gratitude through attempting to assist you in pleasing Srila Prabhupada. Please help me to become attached to your lotus feet as they are the only means by which I can properly utilise this human form of life.
Your servant,
Zoe
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to you on this auspicious day.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of your glories is your expertise. In particular how you display such expert personalism in each of your interactions. Even while speaking to a room full of devotees you're able to touch each individual's heart in a unique way. Like an expert doctor, you know how to best disperse the medicine to each patient for their full benefit. Your ability to get through the iron barriers surrounding my own heart and inspire me to go deeper in my practice is the greatest evidence. One time in a darshan you said to me, ‘You’re so much more than just your body and mind’. I could see that you truly see everyone as part and parcel of Krsna, seeing their true potential. And that you are para dukha dukhi, pained to see conditioned souls destroying themselves.
Thank you for your classes throughout the whole Covid epidemic. Your association is so potent and uplifting and we have been fortunate enough to have an abundance of it this year here in New Zealand. You are a shining example of how a devotee's only thought is, ‘how can I use this situation to serve Krsna?’ . I pray for the conviction and realisation that attachment to your instructions will fulfill all of my desires.
Thank you for engaging me in Lord Caitanya’s service. Recently I had a glimpse of understanding the phrase ‘causeless mercy’. I had an overwhelming conviction, for a brief moment, that I truly have no qualification, nor have I done anything to deserve to be engaged in Krsna’s service. There is absolutely no reason I should be here except your causeless mercy. This made me more determined to please you as it's only by your grace I am engaged in service. Like a child holding a diamond in its hand, I am similarly unaware of and unappreciative of the priceless gift you've given me, the Bhakti lata bija. Despite my shortcomings please give me the ability to properly respect and serve you and your disciples.
Sastra states that the secret to success in Krishna Consciousness is satisfaction of the spiritual master. Another quality that you demonstrate is appreciation for such an insignificant attempt at service. Your seemingly simple instructions make it clear how you can be pleased, yet can be meditated and acted upon unlimitedly. In this way you've made it so easy to receive your mercy. Your encouragement pushes me on and I pray to really take advantage of the opportunity you've given me.
My words are completely insufficient to glorify you, however I pray to begin to show my gratitude through attempting to assist you in pleasing Srila Prabhupada. Please help me to become attached to your lotus feet as they are the only means by which I can properly utilise this human form of life.
Your servant,
Zoe
