Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to Your Divine Grace on this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā.
On this sacred day, we come together to offer our heartfelt gratitude for your tireless dedication, boundless compassion, and unwavering service in fulfilling Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission. You are a living example of selfless devotion, a true representative of the disciplic succession, carrying forward the legacy of our paramparā with unparalleled enthusiasm and determination.
Your life has been one of complete surrender to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions, spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness across the world.
From your early days in ISKCON to this very moment, you have never deviated from your sacred duty. Whether in the bustling temples of India, the growing yātrās of Latin America, or the remote villages of Śrīdhāma Māyāpur, your presence has been an inspiration for devotees everywhere.
Your service to Śrīdhāma Māyāpur is legendary. You have been instrumental in the development of the grand Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, which stands as a beacon of Kṛṣṇa consciousness for future generations. Your visionary leadership and boundless energy have inspired thousands to dedicate their lives to spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Despite numerous physical challenges, you continue to serve relentlessly, teaching us all the true meaning of surrender and determination.
One shining example of your dedication to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s desires is your pioneering effort in expanding ISKCON’s presence in Bangladesh. You have established numerous temples and congregational centers there, bringing Lord Caitanya’s mercy to thousands who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to hear about Kṛṣṇa.
Another incredible achievement is your role in initiating the Nāma-haṭṭa program, which has empowered thousands of devotees worldwide to practice and preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness in their own communities, making spiritual life accessible to people from all walks of life.
In times of crisis, you have demonstrated your unwavering faith and leadership, protecting and uplifting ISKCON during its most challenging moments. One such instance was during the turbulent years following Śrīla Prabhupāda’s departure, when uncertainty loomed over ISKCON’s leadership and future. Your steadfast dedication and guidance helped stabilize the movement, ensuring that Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions remained at the heart of ISKCON’s mission.
Another powerful example of your intervention was during a period of internal discord in Māyāpur in the 1980s, when leadership struggles and differing visions for the development of ISKCON’s headquarters created tensions among devotees. At a time when unity was essential for the continued growth of Māyāpur as the world center of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism, you acted as a bridge between factions, tirelessly working to mediate disputes and bring harmony among the devotees. Your wisdom, patience, and ability to inspire cooperation helped stabilize the situation, ensuring that Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision of Māyāpur as a global spiritual hub remained intact. Your guidance was instrumental in preserving the sanctity of the holy dhāma and allowing the movement to continue flourishing despite challenges.
Your compassion knows no bounds. You extend your mercy to all, regardless of their background, language, or nationality. Your kīrtanas awaken the deepest love for Kṛṣṇa in the hearts of devotees. Your tireless preaching and guidance have shaped the lives of countless disciples and well-wishers, leading them closer to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. Your presence alone fills the hearts of devotees with enthusiasm, hope, and faith.
Guru Mahārāja, your presence in my personal life is a pillar that holds us firmly on the path of spiritual life. Your blessings upon my daughter Madhusri, my wife, and myself, as well as your kind concern for our continued service in Māyāpur, connect us deeply to Śrīdhāma Māyāpur. It is by your mercy that we feel a sense of belonging to this divine land, and for this, we are eternally grateful to you.
On this auspicious Vyāsa-pūjā day, I pray for the ability to serve you sincerely and to follow your instructions with unwavering faith. I pray that I may imbibe even a fraction of your dedication, enthusiasm, and love for Kṛṣṇa. May you continue to bless us all with your presence, guidance, and shelter for many more years to come.
Additionally, I offer my heartfelt prayers for your health and well-being. May Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva restore your body to full strength so that you may continue serving Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission with the same unparalleled vigor and determination. Your presence is a source of immense inspiration and guidance for all of us, and we fervently pray that you remain with us for many more years, illuminating our spiritual paths with your wisdom and mercy.
Thank you, Guru Mahārāja, for everything you have done and continue to do for the world. Your life is a divine gift to all of us, and I am eternally grateful to be a recipient of your mercy.
Your humble servant and śikṣā disciple,
Vraja Kṛṣṇa dāsa RNS
Wife – Rasapriyā Gopikā dāsī (dīkṣā disciple)
Daughter – Madhusri (aspiring disciple)