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Vyāsa-pūjā 2025

Parameśvarī Hariṇī Devī Dāsī (Sydney - Australia)

Hare Kṛṣṇa Guru Mahārāja,

Please accept my respectful obeisances unto your lotus feet.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to you on your appearance day.

It is that time of year again, and once again, I find myself at a loss for words to glorify Your Divine Grace. This year, I chose to reflect on the past and the immense mercy you have showered upon this lowly servant of yours. Despite all the constraints on your end, you never fail to personally look after me.

When my parents informed you of my wedding, you took the time to personally instruct us on ensuring that we were making the appropriate decisions. You even offered to come for our special day in April, but unfortunately, due to your health difficulties at the time, you were not present in person. However, this lowly servant was still fortunate enough to receive your personal darśana during initiation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I remember that day well. I was feeling very anxious and undeserving. I also felt a deep sense of guilt, as I did not believe I deserved so much mercy. As we waited in our space in the tent on that very hot day, you entered the pāṇḍāl with your disciples. Suddenly, the heat of the day was covered by clouds, and a cool breeze passed through. This reminded me of the Guru-aṣṭaka:

saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka...

It made me reflect on how you are like the cooling cloud that takes the responsibility of extinguishing the fire of material desires in which I am burning.

That day, I truly felt like you saved me. I am aware of my own struggles in this material existence, and yet, despite my lack of qualifications, you chose to save me.

In my limited capacity, I am attempting to assist in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission through my services as a youth leader—a title I surely do not deserve. I listen to you and make an effort to change my life. Your inspiring stories and unique preaching techniques are incredibly potent. For example, when you share how we can make people chant without them realizing—such as using “knee” and “tie” for the orthopedic surgeon—I have tried implementing some of these methods, inspired by you.

I have deliberately encouraged people to chant "Hare Kṛṣṇa" by asking if it is a difficult phrase to say, while discussing my diet and religion. In my next interaction with them, I gave them some cooking books. This was certainly a win inspired by you because I prayed to you before giving them those books. I wish to continue listening to your vāṇī and implementing it in my life so I can serve Śrīla Prabhupāda’s movement.

Guru Mahārāja, you are aware of the mountain of anarthas in my heart. I am attempting to recognize and purify them, but I am limited in my ability to do so. I beg at your lotus feet for forgiveness for any aparādhas I have committed. I wish to serve you, lifetime after lifetime. I am forever indebted to you and hope that one day, I can satisfy you with my service.

Through your lectures and books, my faith in Gaurāṅga-līlā has deepened immensely. Your teachings have helped me understand the boundless compassion of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu—how He uplifted even the most fallen, how He spread the holy names with unparalleled mercy, and how His divine pastimes continue to inspire us. Through your guidance, I pray that I may one day develop genuine love for Lord Gaurāṅga and become a small instrument in spreading His mission.

Gurudeva!

kabe tava karuṇā-prakāśe
śrī-gaurāṅga-līlā, hoya nitya-tattva,
ei dṛḍha viśvāse
‘hari hari’ boli’, godruma-kānane,
bhromibo darśana-āśe

Your spiritual daughter,
Parameśvarī Harinī Devī Dāsī (dīkṣā)
Sydney, Australia