Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Your Divine Grace on the holy occasion of your divine descent into this world. All glories to your sincere followers. All glories to your sacred institution, ISKCON, designed and established by your divine hands.
The Gift of Gifts
Today is the appearance day of Lord Narasiṁhadeva. Śrīla Prabhupāda, in May 1967, over Memorial Day weekend, you became very ill with heart palpitations. When a devotee suggested that you go to a doctor, you responded emphatically, “No doctors.” But Your Divine Grace asked for three things: (1) a picture of Lord Narasiṁhadeva to be placed before you, (2) the devotees to chant the Narasiṁhadeva prayers, and (3) someone to read to you the prayers of Queen Kuntī. You later explained that there are also three reasons why we worship Lord Narasiṁhadeva: for the protection of the devotees, the spiritual master, and ISKCON.
No doubt, your ISKCON is confronted with multiple complex issues, and we pray to you and Lord Narasiṁhadeva for its protection. Last year, I had a bird’s-eye view of your movement at work and realized that your glorious gift to the world is what will sustain and protect ISKCON.
It is the gift of gifts.
Great persons have, over time, given humanity the gifts of medicine, science, and sensory delight. But your gift is a matchless gift. Nothing in this world compares to its value. Even if one were to aggregate the sum of all inventions, discoveries, and innovations, it would be dwarfed by the gift you gave the world. There is no record of anyone doing this, and it is unlikely that such generosity of spirit will ever be replicated.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, from the depths of your pure heart and deep compassion, you gave a gift that bears the names of every person on the planet. It stands as an inheritance for all those yet to be born. By its very nature, your gift will live in the hearts of your followers for generations to come. The seeds within their hearts will sprout and be transplanted into the hearts of others.
You have changed the course of history. As a transformational, transcendental teacher, you have left a lasting impact on humanity. Your contribution is profoundly inspirational and will continue to ignite the spark of greatness in anyone who receives such a gift. You are the architect of a better world. You are the selfless servant who unconditionally gave the most precious of gifts to all of humanity.
The gift of your books and teachings will outlive many a generation and pierce the all-pervasive, gross ignorance that covers each successive generation. You started BTG and the BBT; initiated over 5,000 disciples; established the Sunday Love Feast; brought the ancient worship of Lord Jagannātha to the West; started the world’s first chain of pure vegetarian restaurants; delivered 2,200 lectures; gave us 1,300 recorded lectures; wrote over 6,000 letters and 70 books; founded farming communities and primary schools; inaugurated the Bhaktivedanta Institute; established the Bhaktivedanta Charitable Trust; introduced dioramas to explain Vedic philosophy; and guided artists to create paintings – windows to the spiritual world. Your contribution is unmatched.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, thank you for giving us the matchless gift of knowledge and service. All glories to Your Divine Grace on this auspicious occasion. We remain forever indebted to you. May Lord Narasiṁhadeva continue to protect your ISKCON. May your inspiration continue to keep us on track and dedicated to your mission’s work, without distraction.
All glories to Your Divine Grace.
Your struggling grandson,
Govardhana Dāsa