My dear Spiritual Father!
Established Nityananda Caitanya-nama-sankirtana:
You are Sri Caitanya’s mercy descent,
Our Acaryapada: “Soothing and Shining as the moon!”
apane acare keha,na kare pracara
pracara karena keha, na karena acara
‘acara’, ‘pracara’ - namera karaha ‘dui’ karya
tumi—- sarva-guru, tumi jagatera arya
“Some behave very well but do not preach the cult of Krishna consciousness, whereas others preach but do not behave properly. You simultaneously perform both duties in relation to the holy name by your personal behavior and by your preaching. Therefore you are the spiritual master of the entire world, for you are the most advanced devotee in the world.” (Cc. Antya 4.102-103)
Let me offer my prostrate obeisances unto you, Gurudeva, by prostrating myself at your lotus feet thousands of times. You perfectly exemplify the above statements of Sanatana Gosvami. Your Divine Grace’s personal behavior and preaching capacity are flawless and superb. You are the ideal spiritual master. Everyone can only benefit themselves by surrendering unto your lotus feet and by following your divine teachings, both being self-effulgent and illuminating.
kali-kalera dharma—krishna-nama-sankirtana
krishna-sakti vina nahe tara pravartana
“The fundamental religious system in the age of Kali is the chanting of the holy name of Krishna. Unless empowered by Krishna, one cannot propagate the sankirtana movement.” (Antya-lila 7.11)
Your Divine Grace has displayed the greatest miracle in spreading Krishna consciousness around the world. Not only in a short time, but to the most fallen and misled souls. This is greater than any magic – it is proof that you are empowered by Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus we can understand that in no way can Your Divine Grace be compared with an ordinary man. You are the empowered incarnation of Krishna’s mercy! Your activities and words are transcendental. I pray that even birth after birth I may remain eternally in your service.
“O best of kings, please get up! Get up! Just see this world surrounded by water and infested with rogues and so-called kings. This world is very much afraid, and it is your duty to protect her.” (Bhag. 4.28.48)
Your Divine Grace’s incomparable force is establishing and preaching strict principles in accordance with the disciplic succession. You are uniting the different Vaishnava sampradayas. May Your Divine Grace personally reside always in our hearts and empower us to establish your desires in the world. There is no other hope for bringing actual peace and happiness in the world we see except for your divine instructions and Krishna consciousness.
Jaya, Gurudev! Your association of vani is giving us a glimpse of Caitanya at every moment. The brilliant moments engraved deep within our hearts decorate our minds with transcendental emotions progressively revealing the eternal nature of our relationship with Your Divine Grace. Your words and actions shine clear through the misty surroundings of this vacant material world. Certainly the moments spent in servicing your lotus feet are the only real moments of our existence – all else is void and vacant. When shall I realize how every instructions and pastime was said and performed simply to teach and help me to become perfect?
O Gurudeva! You are so kind to remain just by my side! Thus my debt to you increases beyond any hope of my repayment. The world’s state of illusion overwhelms, but your presence alone gives me strength to carry on. Your Divine Grace is preaching enthusiastically although the body is not assisting. By your blessings, may we work as one, keeping Your Divine Grace simultaneously by our every side. May our love for your idea be ever stronger in our minds than maya’s idea, lest we deviate from our working together, thus disobeying your holy vani, keeping you away from our side and us from reaching your lotus feet again.
vairagya-yug bhakti-rasam prayatnair
apayayan mam anabhipsum andham
kripambudhir yah para-duhka-duhki
sanatanam tam prabhum asrayami
(Vilapa-kusumanjali)
O dearest Gurudeva! Although we were practically unwilling, you forced us anyway to surrender to Krishna out of your unending causeless mercy! You teach the essence of vairagya and give the nectar of devotion. You are most compassionate for others’ suffering and very kind upon the miserable. You are the greatest devotee. Srila Gurudeva, I simply beg to remain eternally under the shelter of your divine lotus feet. Not only do I aspire to serve your lotus feet, but I pray for the benediction to serve the sincere servants of your lotus feet. Being dear to Your Divine Grace, they are dearer than life itself.
May I always live by following your instructions and never deviate from your path even for a moment.
May we always remain prayerful in our endeavors to keep your ISKCON in the forefront of the sankirtana movement, thus always keeping your great contribution of loving compassion and mercy alive in the memory of the world at large in this Kali-yuga. Lord Kṛṣṇa blessed us with your presence, which is without contamination. I pray for your continued guidance to remain enthusiastic, determined, and patiently fixed in your service, life after life.
May all Raichurians always remain blessed to celebrate your appearance on this planet by offering you some substantial service to help you “push on this mission”
Your most insignificant disciple,
Sarathi Shyama Dasa Brahmacari
Raichur, Karnataka, India