Hare Kṛṣṇa Guru Mahārāja ji.
Daṇḍavat Praṇāma
All Glories to your auspicious appearance day.
All Glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!!
I often thought that as Spiritual Master, it’s a massive task and sometimes with many thousands of disciples, utterly impossible to connect to each one of the disciples and take care of one’s spiritual sons and daughters.
I specially glorify Śrīla Guru Mahārāja that he is utilizing every means to connect with His spiritual sons and daughters (be it travelling physically, conducting safaris, online classes, lectures, or virtually visiting their homes using Zoom or other such platforms).
This constant connection is a means (whether through His Vāṇī or Vapu) and is a source of inspiration for me and many many thousands of His disciples.
In Aug 2023, I was reading a book "Gaurāṅga" by Guru Mahārāja ji. I had a question from the book and wanted to clarify it from Guru Mahārāja. Thus, I wrote an email and put forward my query, "In one of the pastimes of Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu, a fisherman touches Him and suddenly starts expressing symptoms of pure love. On the other hand, I am daily worshipping my Gaur Nitāi deities and bathing them as well; then why I am not able to feel the same ecstasy. Is there any difference in the Lord and deity form of the Lord."
This was the time when Guru Mahārāja’s health was not good and he was in ICU; I was expecting that I would get a reply after things improve and Guru Mahārāja is discharged from the hospital. However, to my surprise, I received an email response from Guru Mahārāja within a day and that too when he was still in hospital. This shows the limitless dedication of Guru Mahārāja and shows how much he cares for even an insignificant disciple like me. Guru Mahārāja responded,
"Dated: 02Aug2023.
My dear spiritual son Kalānidhi Keśava dāsa,
Please accept my blessings.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Home base: Śrī Māyāpur Chandrodaya Mandir
Camp: Rela Hospital, Chennai
Every avatar has A particular mood. Lord Caitanya’s mood is “Mercy”. He is the most merciful avatar.
The more we practice Kṛṣṇa consciousness, our advancement increases. And by getting rid of the anarthas, by becoming fixed, we advance step by step until we have loving ecstasy for Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Prabhupāda said it took him 20 years to get his realization. I don’t know how long you have been chanting and engaging in devotional service. How old is your son? Is your wife chanting?
Hope this finds you, your wife Mohita, and your son Gaurāṅga dāsain good health and happy Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Your well-wisher always,
Jayapatākā Swami"
Such is the mercy of Guru Mahārāja ji that He never thinks of His own discomforts and is always ready to help, connect and motivate His disciples. I pray for His good health and ask for His blessings to become an instrument in His service and service to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Your servant, Kalānidhi Keśava Dāsa