Vyāsa-pūjā Offering
Caitanya Rasasekhara Dāsa (dīkṣā)
ISKCON Raichur, Karnataka
Hare Kṛṣṇa Dearest Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at Your lotus feet.
All glories to Your Divine Grace's Auspicious Appearance Day!
It is my greatest fortune in life to have got this opportunity to glorify Your Divine Grace!
Although certainly most unqualified and fallen, with the support and mercy of senior devotees, devotee friends, juniors, and others—who all helped me connect with and live in ISKCON, and thereby come under the shelter of Your Divine Grace’s lotus feet—I take this opportunity to attempt to write something about Your glories for my purification. Otherwise, who am I to glorify Your lotus feet that are praised throughout the three worlds by great saintly persons?
Patita-pāvana Guru Mahārāja,
Your glories are so many, so vast! I get glimpses from media and senior disciples’ experiences, and I often feel unfortunate that I am not able to make enough time to hear all those divine glories!
Your Divine Grace is so glorious that Śrīla Prabhupāda Himself once remarked in a casual conversation that Your mother is so fortunate to have a son like you!
In Your early days in ISKCON, though so young and full of youthful energy, Your Divine Grace displayed extraordinary faith and commitment to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions. This became evident when Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly appointed you as the president of ISKCON Kolkata—even after removing you several times due to complaints. Yet, he had such faith in Your Divine Grace that he said:
"I am giving you the Kingdom of God—Śrīdhāma Māyāpur—develop it and enjoy!"
I hear from many senior devotees how ISKCON Māyāpur has transformed—from mere farm fields to a divine international city filled with devotees and pilgrims, glorious colorful festivals, thousands of plates of mahā-prasādam distributed daily, soul-stirring saṅkīrtana, and record book distribution—just as envisioned by Śrīla Prabhupāda and the guru-paramparā.
I wonder how pleased Śrīla Prabhupāda and our guru-paramparā must be by Your Divine Grace’s sacrifices and loving endeavors to fulfill their instructions!
Your Divine Grace has remained so faithfully and lovingly surrendered to Śrīla Prabhupāda that even severe health challenges seem to fade in front of your transcendental devotion. For a fool like me, Your Divine Grace is a living example of how devotion transcends material limitations. I recall reading in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings that:
If one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness sincerely, he can remain undisturbed even in the midst of the greatest danger.
What more proof do I need than Your Divine Grace’s life and unwavering love for Śrīla Prabhupāda?
Although I rarely receive your personal association, I cherish your vāṇī—your lectures, filled with divine humor and deep Kṛṣṇa conscious insights, and your monthly messages, which I read and try to remember. I eagerly await each one!
You pray so earnestly for our commitments and devotional progress, despite facing immense health challenges. I recently read a message where you said that you pray to the Deities to forgive devotees if they break the regulative principles—what immense compassion! Truly, Guru Mahārāja, Your Divine Grace is an ocean of mercy.
Once, I heard from your senior disciple, HG Varada Kṛṣṇa Prabhu (Bangalore), about a pastime when you were taken to Udupi, Karnataka, for treatment. Despite serious health issues, when a temple pujārī came to see you and asked what to pray for, you requested him to pray for the well-being of your disciples and the leaders present there! Even in such life-threatening conditions, you prayed not for yourself, but for your disciples—such selflessness and boundless compassion!
You tirelessly give us your association through daily evening classes, the JPS App, and continuous messages. We are so grateful for your uninterrupted, unconditional love and inspiration!
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
We are deeply moved and inspired by how you organize special festivals, invite devotees to Māyāpur, and honor them with heartfelt appreciation. These efforts build community and uplift us all!
Your loving exchanges with your godbrothers and godsisters—especially how you invite them for lunch prasādam and honor them with affection—fill my heart and eyes with nectar.
There’s so much more that can be said. It is always inspiring to glorify Your Divine Grace—and I shall do so whenever I get the opportunity!
As per your instruction to assist you in executing the orders of Śrīla Prabhupāda, it is my greatest honor to serve in any way. Currently, I am serving in ISKCON Raichur, Karnataka—in book distribution, youth and campus preaching, and raising funds for our ongoing temple project.
Though I am personally unqualified, and fall short in my devotional standards, I deeply desire to improve and serve you in a way that is truly pleasing to you.
Please forgive me for all the offenses I’ve knowingly or unknowingly committed. My earnest prayer is to selflessly serve you and the devotees.
Begging at Your Divine Lotus Feet for your mercy and blessings, so I may act as you wish me to.
Please kindly forgive any mistake I made in writing beyond my realization, or for any other errors.
Thankful to you, Guru Mahārāja—again and again.
All glories to Your Divine Grace’s Auspicious Appearance Day!
Your lowly servant,
Caitanya Rasasekhara Dāsa (dīkṣā)
ISKCON Raichur, Karnatak