Hare Kṛṣṇa, dearest and beloved Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace, who out of unlimited compassion descended to deliver the fallen souls of this age.
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Śrīla Prabhupāda, when I try to write this offering, my heart feels overwhelmed with gratitude. What am I without your mercy? In a distant land, far away from the holy dhāma and strong devotee association, I’ve often wondered how my spiritual life will survive.
Three years ago, when I moved from Mumbai to Saskatoon, there was uncertainty and quiet fear within me. Mumbai was filled with your presence – temples, devotees, kirtans, festivals – your mercy flowed everywhere. Coming here felt like stepping into a vast spiritual emptiness.
But Śrīla Prabhupāda, you did not abandon me. By your invisible and divine arrangement, you gently guided me to your devotees here. Discovering the congregation in Saskatoon felt like a thirsty traveler finding water in a desert. In that moment, I realized deeply that you are always present wherever your sincere followers gather: tatra tiṣṭhāmi nārada: “O Nārada, I reside wherever My devotees chant My glories.”
You also reside wherever your devotees chant your glories, and I experienced this truth personally. By your mercy, our congregation gathers regularly every Sunday. These weekly programs are filled with the chanting of the holy names, soulful kirtans, enlightening discussions on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad-gītā, and the joyful honoring of prasādam. These gatherings provide us with spiritual nourishment and strength to continue our journey in Kṛṣṇa consciousness amidst the challenges of daily life.
In addition to the weekly programs, we also come together to celebrate important Vaiṣṇava festivals with devotion and enthusiasm. These occasions bring great joy and unity among the devotees and also serve as an opportunity to introduce newcomers to the beauty of devotional service. Though our congregation may be small, the sincerity, dedication, and cooperative spirit among the devotees are truly inspiring.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, by your inspiration, there are also ongoing preaching efforts in this region. Devotees are trying in their own humble capacities to share Kṛṣṇa consciousness with others, whether by organizing programs, inviting new people, distributing prasādam, or sharing your teachings. In this connection, your instruction always inspires us:
bhārata-bhūmite haila manuṣya-janma yāra
janma sārthaka kari’ kara para-upakāra
One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India [Bhārata-varṣa] should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people.
In a place where awareness of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is still growing, every small effort feels significant and meaningful. It is only by your empowerment that such preaching can take place and remind us of our real purpose.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.17) states:
śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi vidhunoti suhṛt satām
Through hearing and chanting, you continue to cleanse our hearts, even from afar.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, one of the most beautiful manifestations of your mercy here is the Kṛṣṇa Club for children. It is deeply touching to see young hearts being gently guided toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Through simple teachings, kirtans, stories, and activities, children are learning about Kṛṣṇa and devotional life. What is even more wonderful is that their parents also come, participate, and gradually become connected. In this way, your movement is quietly and steadily touching entire families. Seeds of devotion are being planted in young hearts – seeds that will one day grow into strong trees of bhakti. This, Śrīla Prabhupāda, is your miracle.
Another glorious occasion when your mercy shines brightly is the Ratha-yātrā festival. Even here in Saskatoon, this festival becomes a grand mahā-yātrā, drawing thousands of people. As Lord Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā Devī ride on Their chariot, and devotees pull the ropes with joy, the entire atmosphere transforms. The streets echo with the holy names:
harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā
In those moments, it feels as though the spiritual world descends upon this place. Strangers become participants, hearts become softened, and your mercy flows freely to all. We are also deeply fortunate to receive the association and blessings of the “Walking Monk,” His Holiness Bhaktimārga Swami, during such events. His presence strengthens our faith and inspires us to serve your mission with greater sincerity.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, when we as a congregation see all this, we cannot help but marvel at your inconceivable vision. You came alone, with nothing material but with complete faith in Kṛṣṇa, and today, even in a small city like Saskatoon, your movement is alive, breathing, and growing.
Your books are our constant shelter. In moments of confusion, they guide us. In moments of weakness, they uplift us. Through your words, you are still speaking, still teaching, still transforming lives.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.18) states:
naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā
bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī
Personally, I feel deeply unqualified and insignificant. Yet somehow, by your mercy, I have been allowed to remain connected to this path. Whatever little devotion I have is simply your gift. Śrīla Prabhupāda, please forgive my countless shortcomings, my lack of sincerity, and my many offenses. I have no qualification, but I have hope – hope in your mercy.
tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā
amāninā mānadena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor, yet is always prepared to give all respect to others, can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, please bless the Saskatoon devotees that we may develop even a drop of this humility, so that we may chant sincerely and learn to serve without pride. Please engage us all, in whatever small way, in your mission. Let us remain always connected to the association of all devotees. Let us never forget your instructions.
I also pray for the continued growth and unity of this Saskatoon congregation. May we remain instruments in your hands, working together in harmony to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you have given us everything – Kṛṣṇa, the holy name, the path, and the purpose. We have nothing to offer in return except this small prayer: Please never let us forget you. Please keep us always under your shelter.
Your insignificant servant,
Vijayalaxmi Priya Devī Dāsī
on behalf of the Saskatoon yātrā