Dearest Guru Maharaj,
Please accept my most respectful obeisances at your merciful lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to this most auspicious day of your appearance in this world, the day when our good fortune was born.
What could I have ever done to possess the good fortune!
I simply love these lines by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, for they remind me that you have appeared in this world to rescue us at Krsna's behest. To assist Srila Prabhupada in his mission to guide the stray shelterless souls back to Gaurahari's magnanimous lotus feet.
emona durmati, saḿsāra bhitore,
poḍiyā āchinu āmi
tava nija-jana, kono mahājane,
pāṭhāiyā dile tumi
(2)
doyā kori’ more, patita dekhiyā,
kohilo āmāre giyā
ohe dīna-jana, śuno bhālo kathā,
ullasita ha’be hiyā
1) Oh Lord! Such a wicked mind has brought me into this world, but one of Your pure and elevated devotees has come to bring me out of it.
2) He saw me so fallen and wretched, took pity, and came to me saying, “O humbled soul, please listen to this good tiding, for it will gladden your heart.
3) “Sri Krsna Caitanya has appeared in the land of Navadvipa to deliver you. He has safely conducted many miserable souls such as you across the sea of worldly existence.”
Dearest Guru Maharaja, my life was taking me in a completely different direction until you intervened and changed the course of my life. You have similarly blessed so many souls,
You are fulfilling your part perfectly, now it is my turn to reciprocate. I have been naively waiting for a miracle; hoping to wake up one fine morning transformed into a good disciple. After all these years it is now dawning on me that I have to the necessary steps and take advantage of all the facilities my spiritual family provides for my welfare. During these Covid times, You made yourself so easily available to all of us. It is difficult to keep up with your ever-expanding love. I have to take responsibility to do my bit and to follow up my prayers with real action.
You are my inspiration Guru Maharaja. You are teaching me by your example how to be a disciple!
Your daughter,
Hemangi gopi devi dasi
NVCC,Pune