Vyasa Puja 2021 offering - Narahari Dev das - Diksha disciple - ISKCON Milton centre - Toronto, Canada
Dear Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my respectful obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to your Divine Grace on this beautiful occasion of your Divine Appearance Day.
As I reflect back on this one year of self-isolation due to the pandemic I wonder what is the one single most important factor that has kept me alive in Krishna consciousness? I cannot think of any other reason other than the fact that you continue to pray for me and my well-being. As Srila Prabhupada would sign off his letters as ‘your ever well wisher’ you are also my ever well-wisher.
For my offenses, mistakes and shortcomings there is no way I should even be surviving in Krishna consciousness. It’s all because of your mercy!
Recently one morning in my Japa I understood that taste in the Holy Name is a gift. It cannot be obtained by one’s endeavour. That particular day I had absolutely no taste in chanting and it was quite difficult to complete 16 rounds. At the end I realized that all this while you had your mercy on me and hence I’m able to get a glimpse of what is good chanting. I continue to beg you to please bless me so I can get a taste for your beloved’s Holy Name.
I don’t know how you can keep up with so much pace in your uncountable services. Physically you may appear to be handicapped but spiritually you are a great champion whereas I may be physically fit but am spiritually handicapped. Hence it’s not possible for me to keep up with your pace! Even what you can do in just one day is incomprehensible for someone like me.
When I look at some of my God-brothers and God-sisters my faith in Srila Prabhupada’s mission is strengthened, my faith in you is strengthened, my faith in the Sastra is strengthened. This is also a reflection of your mercy upon me.
I hope one day I could fulfill my desire to read the Srimad Bhagavatam for you. You have a deep hankering for Sastra. Please bless me that I can also cultivate that same hankering and also share this message according my capacity. Please accept the humble offerings of this insignificant squirrel and give me the privilege of devotional service that is untainted.
Your spiritual son,
Narahari Dev das