Dearest, beloved founder-ācārya, Your Divine Grace Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace. On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, the devotees at ISKCON Durham gather with grateful hearts to offer our prayers, reflections, and deep appreciation for your causeless mercy.
Just as water is essential for sustaining life, your teachings are the very life and soul of our spiritual existence. We are reminded of the essential role of the spiritual master through this sacred verse:
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi
dhyāyaṁs stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the mercy of Kṛṣṇa; without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and glorify my spiritual master, offering my respectful obeisances unto his lotus feet.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, this verse perfectly reflects our dependence on your mercy. Whatever little service we are able to perform is only by your blessings. Over the past year, ISKCON Durham has continued to grow as a center of devotional service, and we know with full conviction that this is entirely your arrangement.
By your blessings, we have been able to celebrate all the major Vaiṣṇava festivals, bringing together devotees and newcomers alike. Some festivals were observed on a particularly larger scale, allowing us to extend your mission of outreach even further. During Śrī Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī, more than 2,000 attendees came to take darshan, honor prasādam, and hear about Kṛṣṇa. Our Ratha-yātrā festival welcomed over 1,500 participants, giving many the rare opportunity to pull Lord Jagannātha’s chariot and receive His mercy. Similarly, Rāma-navamī was celebrated with over 1,500 attendees, filling the atmosphere with devotion and remembrance of Lord Rāmacandra.
We continue to hold regular Saturday feast programs, and by your grace, a steady and sincere congregation gathers weekly to hear hari-kathā, chant, and honor prasādam. This consistent engagement has helped strengthen the devotional community and create a welcoming environment for new guests.
One of the most inspiring developments this year has been the growth of our Krishna Fun School for children. With approximately fifty students currently registered, we are witnessing the next generation of devotees being nurtured in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Their enthusiastic participation and beautiful performances during festivals have inspired many other children and families to become involved. Alongside in-person sessions, we have also begun virtual classes focused on śloka recitation, helping children remain connected and steadily progress in their spiritual practices.
By your mercy, within the span of just over a year, two devotees from our congregation received their first initiation (hari-nāma dīkṣā), and another sincere devotee is aspiring for first initiation soon. These developments remind us that your mission is alive and actively transforming hearts.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we understand that none of this is our doing. We are simply trying, in our very small and imperfect ways, to serve as instruments in your hands. You have given us everything – your books, instructions, society, and the holy name. Whatever success we see is only a reflection of your unlimited compassion.
We pray for your continued guidance and blessings so that ISKCON Durham can remain fixed in serving your mission of spreading the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Please help us remain humble, cooperative, and sincere in our efforts. Kindly empower us to overcome our shortcomings and engage more deeply in devotional service.
We beg for the strength to always remember that we are your servants, meant to assist in fulfilling your divine desire – to bring Kṛṣṇa consciousness to every town and village.
Thank you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, for giving us purpose, direction, and hope. Please continue to engage us in your service birth after birth.
Your insignificant servants,
Shyama Mohini Devī Dāsī, Council Head
And the devotees at ISKCON Durham