Homages Non-GBC Sannyasis, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Your Divine Grace.
Thank you, my dear Śrīla Prabhupāda. This is Smita Krishna Swami calling for grace. My hope or happiness is I am still part of your world, preaching around the world. We are disciples – sannyāsīs or not, it does not matter. The essential is to be a living part of your movement, caring for your movement’s well-being. It may no longer be in my power to be outspoken, but now I’ll just “let the elephant pass by.” We are a living part of your movement, and I hope and pray that you are positively aware of my existence.
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
My godbrothers, godsisters, and others are quickly departing – it’s not how it was just yesterday. Thank you for smiling with a kind eye on me.
Your servant,
Smita Krishna Swami
Homages Non-GBC Sannyasis, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your divine lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
On this most sacred occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, in this historic year marking the sixtieth anniversary of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, I bow my head with deep gratitude and reverence. By your causeless mercy, what began as a solitary, faith-filled offering has become a worldwide spiritual family – a shelter for countless conditioned souls.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you did not simply establish an institution – you revealed a heart: a heart that cannot tolerate the suffering of others; a heart that continues to move across time, circumstance, and limitation simply so we can come to Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, again and again in your letters and conversations we see this same concern expressed so personally. You do not see your disciples as numbers or followers but as souls entrusted to your care. You guide, correct, encourage, and sometimes firmly protect, always with the intention of bringing each one closer to Kṛṣṇa. Even amid immense global responsibilities, your attention to the individual never diminishes because, for you, each soul matters.
As taught by Prahlāda Mahārāja in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.43: śoce tato vimukha-cetasa indriyārtha-māyā-sukhāya bharam udvahato vimūḍhān – “I lament for those who are averse to You and are simply struggling for illusory happiness.”
This is the mood of a Vaiṣṇava – para-duḥkha-duḥkhī. Śrīla Prabhupāda, you embody this completely. You did not come for your own liberation but because we are suffering. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.5.18) instructs: pitā na sa syāj jananī na sā syāt na mocayed yaḥ samupeta-mṛtyum – “One should not become a father, mother, or spiritual master unless one can deliver one’s dependents from repeated birth and death.”
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you accept this responsibility fully. You did not only give us Kṛṣṇa – you created a society meant to nourish, guide, and protect those who take shelter within it.
And yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda, when I reflect upon your standard, I see how far I remain from truly embodying your mood. My attempts at care are inconsistent, my heart is still limited, and my vision is clouded by my conditioning. Still, by your causeless mercy, you engage even the unqualified in your service.
In this connection, I feel a deep and growing responsibility toward the protection of those who depend upon your movement – especially our children. If ISKCON is to function as a spiritual family, then those who are most vulnerable must experience protection not merely as policy, but as culture; not as obligation, but as affection. Without such an environment, the tender creeper of bhakti cannot properly take root and flourish.
In trying to understand how to practically express this responsibility, I am gradually coming to appreciate that care must sometimes take a structured form. Though appearing administrative, such efforts are, in truth, extensions of your compassion – attempts, however imperfect, to reflect your role as a spiritual father who never neglects his dependents. This principle extends to all members of your society.
Recently, while traveling in Australia, I met a Vaiṣṇavī who confided that she was undergoing trauma within her family and was in an abusive situation. By your mercy, I can sit with her, hear her heart, and offer whatever guidance I can. I then connected her with Kṛṣṇarūpa Devī Dāsī, the Vaiṣṇavī Minister for ISKCON Australia, who kindly took responsibility to personally follow up and support this Vaiṣṇavī further.
Later, both the Vaiṣṇavī and Kṛṣṇarūpa Devī Dāsī expressed that it feels encouraging that someone in the renounced order demonstrated personal concern for protecting women. Śrīla Prabhupāda, whatever little I can do is simply a reflection – however faint – of your own example. You show us that spiritual leadership is not passive – it is protective, attentive, and responsible.
As the Bhagavad-gītā (3.21) teaches: yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ. If we claim to be your followers, we must embody this principle of para-duḥkha-duḥkhī not only in philosophy, but in action – through how we care, how we protect, and how we respond.
As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of your disappearance, a sobering question stands before us: Will we preserve only your structure, or will we embody your heart? Will we repeat your words, or will we carry your burden?
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you envision a society where the holy name is heard in every town and village, and where every soul finds shelter in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. You envision a spiritual family where devotees do not only chant together, but care for one another as genuine well-wishers. You envision a culture where the vulnerable are protected, where women are respected, where children grow in safety, and where every individual can open their heart without fear.
And yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda, we must honestly ask ourselves: How far have we come in embodying that vision?
Śrīla Prabhupāda, please bless me that I may become an instrument of your compassion. Let my kirtan carry not only sound, but shelter. Let my preaching not only instruct, but uplift and heal. Let my leadership reflect not position, but protection; not authority, but responsibility; not distance, but care.
Even if I am unqualified, please engage me in this service of care, for it is your mission, not mine.
Please empower us to become true para-duḥkha-duḥkhīs, feeling the suffering of others and responding in a way that pleases you. You are the compassionate spiritual father of this movement, whose heart continues to guide, protect, and uplift us at every step.
I remain forever your insignificant and indebted servant,
Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami
Homages Non-GBC Sannyasis, VP2025
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace on this
most sacred occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā!
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
As I write this offering, I am reminded of the countless ways your teachings have touched my life
and the lives of so many others. Your compassion and wisdom are like a gentle river, nourishing
the hearts of those who seek shelter in your words.
This past year has been a journey of growth and learning. As I traveled from the sacred lands of
Vrindavan to the bustling streets of Mumbai, I was constantly reminded of your vision to spread
Kṛṣṇa consciousness far and wide. Each step I took on the padayātrā, each kīrtana I led, and each
class I gave was a humble attempt to follow in your footsteps.
In the sanctum of devotion, where the lotus blooms,
A soul finds respite amidst the existential glooms.
With each sacred incantation, the heart’s burdens lift,
In the ocean of bhakti, the soul is no longer adrift.
Guided by the master’s benevolent hand,
We traverse the path to the transcendental land.
In the effulgence of his wisdom, we find our way,
To the eternal abode, where the soul shall stay.
I recently received a heartfelt message from Stephen Niland, a devotee in the UK, who shared
how your books and teachings have transformed his life. He wrote: “Dear Swami, I’ve not long
discovered ISKCON, and I’m so happy. I’m reading A. C. Bhaktivedanta’s books, and I chant
the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra between my lorry drops. I’ve turned vegetarian and stopped drinking
alcohol. Your videos have really helped me. Whenever I need inspiration, I chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and
be happy. The change in me is really shocking in a few weeks. Thank you.”
Stephen’s journey is a testament to the power of your teachings and their transformative impact
on individuals worldwide. His gratitude and newfound joy remind me of our profound responsi-
bility to share your message with sincerity and humility.
As I look to the future, I am committed to furthering your mission through new projects,
including developing the ISKCON Pandharpur Bhūvaikuṇṭha Temple Project, ISKCON Austra-
lia Bhaktifest Youth Festival, and promoting “Kirtan Guidelines.” Your life and teachings remain
a beacon of hope and inspiration, empowering me to carry forward your mission with unwavering
dedication.
On this auspicious day, I recommit myself to your mission. May I always remain an instrument
of your compassion, spreading the nectar of the holy name and your teachings to every corner of
the world. I pray for your continued blessings that I may serve with increasing dedication and
purity.
śrī-caitanya-mano-’bhīṣṭaṁ sthāpitaṁ yena bhū-tale
svayaṁ rūpaḥ kadā mahyaṁ dadāti sva-padāntikam
When will Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhupāda, who has established within this material
world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under his lotus
feet?
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you have given us the greatest gift – the opportunity to serve Śrī Caitanya
Mahāprabhu’s mission. May your glories be sung in every town and village, and may your com-
passion continue transforming hearts for eternity.
With eternal gratitude,
Your humble servant of your servants,
Tridaṇḍi-bhikṣu Sri Kṛṣṇa Chaitanya Swami
ISKCON Kirtan and Padayātrā Minister
Homages Non-GBC Sannyasis, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your lotus feet.
This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement that you have given us is meant to spread the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to every town and village. We are trying to expand this movement more and more. Again and again, you have emphasized that if we truly want to please you, we should distribute your books.
You also shared how your Guru Mahārāja, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, expressed this desire when there was quarreling among his disciples over the use of rooms at the Bagh Bazaar Gauḍīya Maṭha. He said it would be better to break the marble from the temple, sell it, and use the money to print and distribute books. In this way, he showed us that the real purpose is not comfortable living but spreading transcendental knowledge. Thus, the spirit of book distribution comes directly from your Guru Mahārāja’s instruction.
Therefore, the topmost priority is to print books in as many languages as possible and distribute them profusely. This is truly a book distribution movement, preaching through the bṛhat-mṛdaṅga, the printing press. You said, “I will live on forever if you distribute my books.” You also said that when you hear encouraging reports of book distribution, you feel like a young man. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura predicted that this movement will continue for ten thousand years, and you confirmed this.
So, Śrīla Prabhupāda, according to your mood as I have understood it, we are trying to carry out this instruction in different parts of India and around the world. Wherever our devotees are – gṛhasthas, brahmacārīs, saṅkīrtana groups, and mātājīs, we are trying to ensure that your books are always being distributed.
In various parts of Indonesia, many devotees are actively engaged in book distribution and organizing Ratha-yātrā festivals. In Bangladesh, although conditions are not always favorable, devotees are sincerely endeavoring to distribute your books for your pleasure. We are also receiving a very encouraging response from college and university preaching, especially in India. Many of the best students from top institutions are coming forward. Even PhD students and highly qualified individuals are showing genuine interest in your books and are becoming devotees.
We are encouraging everyone to take part while maintaining strong sādhana. As you instructed, attending maṅgala-ārati and strictly following the four regulative principles is essential.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, I apologize for the challenges that arise as I get older. From time to time, my health creates difficulties, and I can feel danger coming. Still, I am trying my best to do what you asked me to do. As you instructed me, I am trying my best to go to Bangladesh and do whatever I can there to spread your teachings. Please empower and bless me so that I may serve you in a way that is pleasing to you by always following your instructions.
Your servant,
Subhag Swami
Homages Non-GBC Sannyasis, VP2025
Dearest Śrīla Prabhupāda,
My most prostrated obeisances at your transcendental lotus feet.
The more we continue to practice devotional service, the more we try to preach to others the
path of devotional service, the more we are becoming realized about our real identity, our real
purpose, our real fulfilment. We see from your personal life how if one is really happy and fearless,
compassion for others is the natural outcome. Like Your Divine Grace, we start thinking how to
bring anyone or everyone into devotional service – devotion for Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa in the footsteps
of Guru and Gaurāṅga.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you haven’t stopped us from anything going on in our lives or whatever is
going on in the world. You taught us and showed us practically how and why to do everything for
the pleasure and satisfaction of Guru and Gaurāṅga.
I am lost in material existence. I have forgotten my identity, my relations, and my activity.
Caught up in material sense gratification and temporary body-based relationships, I have made
my life more miserable and complicated. All levels of leaders, starting from parents, teachers,
elders, bureaucrats, and lawmakers, are all in total darkness and are clueless as to how to tackle
the myriad problems of life that are inevitable and integral to worldly existence.
You didn’t tell us to improve our material situation. You have taught us how to improve our
consciousness from the material modes to soul consciousness and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. You
taught us how to dovetail our activities in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you lifted our consciousness to our original Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and this
is simply and exactly the only business of the human form of life. The way you have given us the
highest perfection in a simple practical way is possible only for a pure devotee, an empowered
devotee like Your Divine Grace. Your glories are unfathomable and uncountable. You have shown
us how to go over the problems by seeing things in their real perspective, seeing things from a
total perspective, and seeing things from a transcendental perspective: be Kṛṣṇa conscious and be
in one’s natural blissful state.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you were the perfect instrument in the hands of the Lord to bring about the
spiritual explosion, the Hare Kṛṣṇa explosion. You showed us how valuable is the association
of devotees, how essential is reading your books, how determined one has to be in chanting the
Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, how one should pray to Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu to develop the qualities
of a devotee, being humble, simple, kind, grateful, and prayerful.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, it is you who made human beings live like human beings by practicing
Kṛṣṇa consciousness. You have drilled into us how everything is there in the chanting of the Hare
Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. We cannot repay you for what you gave us in life: eternal, blissful devotional
service unto Lord Kṛṣṇa. I fall at your divine lotus feet and beg, bless us to not forget you, your
glories, your stories, your teachings, your mission, and our eternal indebtedness to you.
Your aspiring servant of your servants,
Śukadeva Swami
ISKCON, Nellore, AP, India.
Homages Non-GBC Sannyasis, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my prostrated daṇḍavats at your divine lotus feet.
The Lord is also known as Uttamaśloka, and as His fully surrendered devotee, you embody all the twenty-six qualities of a Vaiṣṇava. Your kindness and compassion are evident in everything you have done. You have presented about Kṛṣṇa consciousness in such a profound, clear, and intellectually compelling way that you have attracted thoughtful and sincere persons from all over the world. Just as Lord Caitanya asked questions and Rāya Rāmānanda responded to them, giving the Lord great pleasure, so Kṛṣṇa has revealed Himself through your writings. While everything ultimately happens by the will of Kṛṣṇa, when a devotee fully surrenders and becomes His instrument, the Lord works through that devotee and gives him the credit. From the extraordinary accomplishments of Your Divine Grace, it is clear that you are the senāpati devotee. Through you the Lord shows that He is approached through His pure devotees.
The world has rarely witnessed such a genuine devotee in modern times. As is true of the Lord, no amount of glorification is ever enough for His pure devotee. The world has been greatly blessed by your appearance. If many have not recognized this, it is their misfortune – like someone sitting in a closed room who cannot see the brilliance of the midday sun. Śrīla Prabhupāda, you have clearly established that the Supreme Absolute Truth is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and that by inoffensively chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra one can see the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. You have also revealed that Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu is nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa and that without His mercy, it is not possible to understand or approach Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
You have shared the timeless message of eternity, love, and bliss, opening the path of divine love to all, regardless of their background or qualification. In fact, the unqualified – those who are materially destitute and akiñcana – are the most deserving of Your mercy. Your glories continue to grow even in your physical absence, which speaks to the enduring power of Your mission of propagating the message of Mahāprabhu – kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ – with complete conviction. Your followers continue to carry forward your mission with that same spirit, and through this, the Lord’s blessings continue to flow. As long as we chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, remaining under the shelter of your ISKCON, there is hope for us to live with peace and joy and ultimately return back home, back to Godhead.
If one thinks it is possible to repay one’s debt to you, he is just a fool (vinoda-pātram). We are your servants, yet you have engaged us in the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa. This is the secret of eternal love and bliss. As an ācārya, you did not simply teach the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, you lived it fully, and your life stands as a powerful example of pure devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa. Just as go-sevā (go-rakṣā), sharing with others the rarest gift, the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra is the highest form of charity a jīva can offer.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, please bless me so that I may always remain under the shade of your lotus feet and follow your teachings. That is the only way I can cross this ocean of material existence and attain the mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Aspiring to be the servant of your servants,
Śukadeva Swami
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