Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our most humble praṇāmas at your lotus feet!
On this auspicious occasion of your divine appearance, we are immensely blessed to offer these
petals of prayers at your lotus feet. Recognizing our complete inability to adequately glorify the
ocean of your qualities, we pray to Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura, hoping to borrow his heartfelt
expressions, to glorify you and thus purify ourselves.
(1)
śrī-guru-caraṇa-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma,
vandoṅ mui sāvadhāna mate
yāhāra prasāde bhāi, e bhava toriyā yāi,
kṛṣṇa-prāpti haya yāhā haite
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 Kṛṣṇa.
The lotus feet of our spiritual master as the way to pure devotion: We, a group of devotees in Stouffville,
deeply realize that your divine lotus feet are the sole means by which we can attain pure devo-
tional service. We bow to your lotus feet again and again with deep reverence, realizing that by
your grace, we can transcend the ocean of material suffering and receive Kṛṣṇa’s mercy. Your pres-
ence is the guiding light that helps us navigate life’s challenges and become fearless. You provide
us with the ability to overcome difficulties while rendering service to guru and Gaurāṅga.
(2)
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koriyā aikya
ār nā koriho mane āśā
śrī-guru-caraṇe rati, ei se uttama-gati,
ye prasāde pūre sarva āśā
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 fulfills all desires.
Purification through your words: Our deepest desire is to have our consciousness purified by the
words emanating from your lotus mouth. We deeply acknowledge the hardship and loving labor
you have poured into imparting this divine wisdom to fallen souls like us. Your teachings are our
source of strength, and our attachment to your lotus feet fulfills all our spiritual aspirations. As
we strive to follow your guidance, we find that your words bring clarity and purpose to our lives,
helping us overcome distractions and attachment to material things.
(3)
cakhu-dān dilo yei, janme janme prabhu sei,
divya-jñāna hṛde prokāśito
prema-bhakti yāhā hoite, avidyā vināśa yāte,
vede gāya yāhāra carito
He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He
is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is
destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.
Enlightenment through your grace: Dear master, you have opened our darkened eyes and filled our
hearts with transcendental knowledge. Your mercy guides us on the path of bhakti, and your
teachings echo the wisdom of the Vedic scriptures. As practicing devotees, we are inspired by
the profound effect your guidance has on our spiritual growth and our understanding of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness.
(4)
śrī-guru karuṇā-sindhu, adhama janāra bandhu,
lokanātha lokera jīvana
hā hā prabhu koro doyā, deho more pada-chāyā,
ebe yaśa ghuṣuk tri-bhuvana
Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and
master of the devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your
lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds.
The teacher and life of all: Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are the ocean of mercy. You are not just a
guide for us but also the life and soul of all devotees. You are the friend of fallen souls, providing
shelter, wisdom, and compassion to all who seek refuge at your lotus feet. Your presence binds us
together as a community of devotees, united by our love and devotion to Kṛṣṇa, and we strive to
embody your qualities of mercy and compassion in our own lives.
We humbly pray for your mercy and the shelter of your lotus feet. Please give us strength and
courage to overcome the challenges in spreading the holy name. Let us be determined to follow
your instructions and always be mindful of cooperating with one another. Your grace and teach-
ings are the foundation of our devotion, and we recognize that by following your instructions, we
not only honor you but also contribute to the greater mission of spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness
in Stouffville far and wide.
Falling at your lotus feet,
Your sons and daughters at ISKCON Stouffville