2004

Vyasa-Puja Offering to Srila Prabhupada - 2004

Dear Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my prostrated obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace!

On this most auspicious day of your divine appearance in this material world I would like to express my gratitude for the most precious gift you have given to me. To the degree we realize the value of the gifts we’ve received, to that degree we can feel gratitude for what we've been given.

Knowing how happy it would make you, I would be very joyful if I could tell you that I've fully realized the value of prema-ratana-dhana, the jewel of divine love you so generously and mercifully gave to each and every one of your disciples. But Narottama dasa Thakura exposed me: "I have been robbed of this [jewel] by my own negligence." Still, despite my unceasing negligence, how is that I feel so much gratitude in my heart for what you have done for me? It seems to me that I have no qualification for this gratitude. I have not fully surrendered myself to your mission, I have not given up material ambitions, and I have yet to taste the pure holy name you so kindly bestowed upon me more than thirty years ago.

Despite my disqualification, obviously by your mercy alone my gratitude overflows in constant remembrance that it was you, Srila Prabhupada, who delivered this most precious jewel to me. It is also impossible to forget that it is you, Srila Prabhupada, who keep on pushing me by your presence in these remembrances, by your presence in your books, and by your presence in the hearts of your faithful followers, to give up my negligence and realize all that you want me to have.

Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for never forgetting me. Thank you for providing me with this most
rare and fortunate opportunity to remain eternally indebted to you, despite your knowing full well
that I am adhane, always in need of the required wealth to offer something back to you in return.

Your eternally grateful and indebted servant,
Niranjana Swami


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