Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Hare Kṛṣṇa, dear Śrīla Prabhupāda and his devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace.
Today we are gathered to celebrate the auspicious Vyāsa-pūjā ceremony for Śrīla Prabhupāda, who saved the world through his compassionate preaching. At an advanced age, he traveled from Calcutta to Boston without almost any money, a single contact, no manpower, a little physical strength – driven solely by one purpose: to serve his Guru Mahārāja, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī.
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī stated:
There has not been and there will not be such benefactors of the highest merit as Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His devotees have been. The offer of other benefits is only a deception; it is rather a great harm, whereas the benefit done by Him and His followers is the truest and greatest eternal benefit. This benefit is not for one particular country, causing mischief to another; but it benefits the whole universe.
In the Bhagavad-gītā (6.29) Kṛṣṇa says of the true yogi: “A true yogi observes Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. Indeed, the self-realized person sees Me, the same Supreme Lord, everywhere.”
In a lecture delivered in 1968 in Seattle on the disappearance day of his sannyāsa-guru, Śrīla Prabhupāda said:
I was sitting alone in Vṛndāvana, writing. My godbrother insisted to me, “Bhaktivedanta Prabhu, you must do it. Without accepting the renounced order of life, nobody can become a preacher.” So he insisted. Not he insisted; practically my spiritual master insisted. He wanted me to become a preacher, so he forced me through this godbrother: “You accept.” So, unwillingly I accepted
One of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disciples told us, “If you become conscious of Śrīla Prabhupāda, then you will surely become Kṛṣṇa conscious.” This highlights the profound truth that by following and understanding His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, one naturally develops pure devotion to Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Prabhupāda himself always gave full credit for all his achievements to his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, demonstrating perfect humility and guru-niṣṭhā (firm faith in the spiritual master).
Never Give Up
On one occasion, when Śrīla Prabhupāda was visiting one city, he remarked that the city was filled with ignorance and its people hardhearted, like stone. Hearing this, one of his disciples asked, “Śrīla Prabhupāda, should we leave this city and go somewhere else?”
Śrīla Prabhupāda firmly replied, “That does not mean we are going to leave these people. We will preach here. Just because it is difficult does not mean we give up.”
This incident reveals that Śrīla Prabhupāda was truly a fearless spiritual warrior, determined to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness even in the most challenging circumstances.
We must learn from the example of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Great devotees like Prahlāda Mahārāja and Śrīla Prabhupāda teach us that true devotees never give up. No matter how difficult the circumstances, they continue forward with determination. This unwavering perseverance is one of the defining qualities of a pure devotee.
A pure devotee is ready to tolerate any hardship – insults, difficulties, or challenges in this world – but will never abandon chanting, preaching, or striving to please Lord Kṛṣṇa. Such steadfast devotion deeply pleases the Lord. One can imagine even Kṛṣṇa marveling, “Just see, this devotee never gives up performing devotional service!”
Śrīla Prabhupāda himself faced many struggles and setbacks in the United States. Yet, this was all part of Kṛṣṇa’s divine plan. Kṛṣṇa arranged that no external support would come easily so the world could witness the depth of His devotee’s surrender.
Through all odds, Śrīla Prabhupāda persevered alone and established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the West. Therefore, full credit goes to him – single-handedly, with complete faith and surrender, he laid the foundation of a global spiritual movement.
The Unimaginable Struggles of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Alone in a foreign land in the bitter winter of New York City, Śrīla Prabhupāda walked with quiet determination. He had no money, no followers, no institution – no visible support of any kind. To the world, he appeared to be just another unknown elderly man moving through the crowded streets of Manhattan.
Yet within him burned something far greater. He carried the weight of a divine mission – the sacred order of his spiritual master.
Crushing Physical Hardships
The winter of 1965–66 was merciless. Snowstorms swallowed the city whole, and icy winds tore through the streets with a sharpness that seemed to pierce the body itself. Temperatures plunged below freezing, roads hardened into sheets of ice, and even the strongest struggled to keep their footing.
And there was Śrīla Prabhupāda. An elderly saint from India, clad in a simple dhoti beneath a thin coat, walking through blizzards. His face grew numb, his eyes watered from the freezing wind; there was no car to carry him, no comfort to shield him, no protection from the cold. Still, he walked. Every single day.
Pressure to Compromise His Faith
Well-wishers urged him: “Change your clothes.” “Adopt Western habits.” “Give up your strict principles.” Even respected figures like Mr. Mishra advised him that if he wished to survive in the West, he would have to adjust – perhaps even compromise – his core spiritual vows.
But Śrīla Prabhupāda stood firm. “I have not come to beg something; I have come to give something.”
He chose struggle over compromise, hardship over dilution, and refused to trade the purity of Kṛṣṇa consciousness for comfort or acceptance.
The Pain of Loneliness
No followers. No disciples. No community. Just silence. A subway conductor, Mr. Ruben, once noticed him sitting alone, like a solitary holy man with no one by his side. Yet Śrīla Prabhupāda would say, “I am not alone.” He spoke to Mr. Ruben of future temples, future devotees, as if they were already there, waiting.
Repeated Financial Rejections
Hope came, then shattered. Support that once seemed within reach suddenly vanished. Lal Bahadur Shastri, who had appreciated him and might have helped release funds, passed away unexpectedly. A door closed.
Under Indira Gandhi, the government denied permission to send money abroad. Another door closed.
Padampat Singhania initially encouraged the idea of building a temple but later stepped back, then withdrew completely. The final door closed.
Prabhupāda even approached A. M. Hartman with a humble request: to use an empty building, just temporarily, for a spiritual center. His request was refused.
Silence from His Own Circle
He wrote letter after letter to godbrothers, institutions, friends – not for himself, but for a temple for Kṛṣṇa.
But the replies did not come. Or when they did, they carried no real help. Even those who might have stood beside him remained silent. Imagine that pain!
Failure Even in His Own Country
His books – Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam – barely moved in India; only a few copies were sold. Bookstores returned stacks of them. Even in the so-called “land of religion,” there was little interest.
A Broken World Around Him
He looked at America, with its tall buildings, wealth, and advanced technology.
But inside, he saw the youth struggling with drug addiction, growing protests against the Vietnam War, and increasing social unrest and anxiety. To him, American appeared to have material success on the outside, but spiritual emptiness within.
Relentless External Failures
No funding, no buildings, no support, no recognition. Every plan blocked. Every effort resisted. Every hope tested.
Yet he never stopped. This is where glory shines the brightest.
Despite everything, he wrote and translated daily, chanted constantly, cooked and offered his food to Kṛṣṇa, and spoke philosophy to even a single listener.
The Real Victory
Externally, he looked defeated. But spiritually, he was already victorious because he never forgot Kṛṣṇa. He never gave up. He never compromised.
At that moment, in the winter of New York, no one believed in him or supported him or recognized him.
But he believed in his guru, his mission, and Kṛṣṇa.
And that was enough.
Final Reflection
The world saw a struggling old man, but history would reveal a spiritual giant. A warrior. A pure devotee who crossed oceans, faced rejection after rejection, walked through freezing storms, endured loneliness, and never gave up.
And from that struggle, a global movement was born.
I will conclude this offering with one of Prabhupāda’s most powerful final instructions: “Your love for me will be shown by how you cooperate to keep this movement alive after I am gone.”
He knew that internal conflicts could weaken the movement, so he stressed unity, cooperation, and working together in service.
Here are some beautiful lines from his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.30.8: “Those who are actually engaged in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be disunited in any circumstance. This makes the Supreme Personality of Godhead very happy and willing to award all kinds of benediction to His devotees, as indicated in this verse.”
Your humble servants,
The devotees at ISKCON Milton
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Our most dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, founder-ācārya of ISKCON!
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
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
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, the devotees of ISKCON Mississauga offer our heartfelt gratitude and reverence unto you.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are our eternal guide, our ever well-wisher, and the compassionate savior of this age. By your causeless mercy you crossed the ocean at an advanced age with nothing but the order of your spiritual master and full faith in the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Because of you, we have the priceless gift of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Because of you, the holy name is being chanted in homes, temples, and hearts across the world – including here in Mississauga. Because of you, our lives have found meaning, direction, and shelter.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you gave us everything – your books, your teachings, your temples, your devotees, and most importantly, your example. Your life is a living commentary on surrender, determination, humility, and unwavering devotion to guru and Kṛṣṇa.
In our small community here, we are trying to follow your instructions to chant sincerely, serve cooperatively, and share Kṛṣṇa consciousness with others. Though we are imperfect and often struggling, we take hope in your words that even a little endeavor on this path is never lost.
Here are some highlights from our activities, which we offer at your lotus feet:
- August 10, 2025 – celebrated our first anniversary on Balarāma Pūrṇimā.
- Fifteen festivals celebrated in 2025 – Nityānanda-trayodaśī, Gaura-Pūrṇimā, Rāma-navamī, Nṛsiṁha-caturdaśī, the chida-dahi festival, Ratha-yātrā, Balaram Pūrṇimā, Janmāṣṭamī, Vyāsa-pūjā, Rādhāṣṭamī, the Mississauga Festival of Joy, Govardhan-pūjā, Gītā-jayantī, a Gītā Contest for Children, and a New Year’s Day celebration.
- We have a Sunday School for children ages 5–17, a Krishna and Balaram Group for Ślokas, Stories from the Vedic Purāṇas, two classes conducted by screened and safety-trained teachers from ISKCON.
- Increase in congregational members – we have 50–90+ devotees regularly attending our Sunday feast. Every week we have one or two families as newcomers. Trying our best to retain them to become regular members.
- Department heads and departmental meetings on Tuesdays to address challenges and how to improve.
- Deities – scheduling pūjārīs for ārati, planning and executing festivals.
- Decoration – every Sunday, setting up the table for the Deities and a grand setup for festivals.
- Garland making – purchasing flowers, maintaining and making garlands each week
- Prasādam – a group of volunteers preparing one or two items at ISKCON Mississauga, and the rest at home.
- Setup and Windup – setting up chairs, tables, the mike, the projector, etc. on a weekly basis.
- Purchases – buying disposable items and other items as and when required.
- IT – ISKCON Mississauga’s security, website, and updating our social media; recording āratis and classes, preparing flyers for the regular Sunday programs and festivals, etc.
- Communications – letters to invite VIPs, recommendation letters to His Holiness Bhaktimārga Swami Mahārāja for initiations, communicating with various city officials as per requirements.
- Sunday School – philosophy presented in simplified stories.
- Vedic discourse – scheduling weekly speakers.
- Kirtans – drawing up a schedule for who will sing the āratis and closing kirtans or lead bhajanas once for the next two months.
- Saṅkīrtana – book distribution at temples, grocery stores, festivals and kirtans, etc.
- Mississauga Festival of Joy (MFOJ) – preparing for this big event through weekly meetings, budgeting, finalizing location, etc.
- Vaiṣṇava Care (started in September 2025) – caring for devotees in need by providing them with prasādam and other help.
- Accounting – developing Sunday Feast and festival sponsors; encouraging monthly donors – at the moment, we have fifteen families.
Saṅkīrtana score for 2025:
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam sets: 36
Mahā-big books: 1,001
Large books: 160
Medium books: 71
Small books: 446
Other: 10
Total books distributed: 1,724
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we pray for the strength to serve your mission with sincerity. We pray for the intelligence to remain united in your service. And we pray for the humility to always remember that we are simply instruments in your divine plan.
Please continue to guide us from within our hearts. Please help us to become worthy representatives of your movement. Let ISKCON Mississauga be a place where your teachings are lived, your books are honored, and your mission continues to flourish. On this sacred day, we place our lives, our service, and our hearts at your lotus feet. All glories to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda!
Your insignificant servants,
The devotees of ISKCON Mississauga
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet.
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
kali-kālera dharma — kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana
kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana
The fundamental religious system in the Age of Kali is the chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Unless empowered by Kṛṣṇa, one cannot propagate the saṅkīrtana movement.
This verse is a direct reference to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, for being the kṛṣṇa-śakti, a saktyavesa- avatāra, the nāma-saṅkīrtana ācārya. For who else has spread Lord Caitanya’s saṅkīrtana movement far and wide?
We can just imagine the reactions of your godbrothers and others when they found out that you had gone to America to preach. So many things must have crossed their minds. They surely had concerns for the perils and challenges associated with such an undertaking.
At 69, people retire. Hardly anyone would start anything at that age – especially not a worldwide movement like ISKCON.
Traveling to America with only 40 rupees (which was around 8 US dollars at the time) is unheard of. This journey on the Jaladuta, a cargo ship, was not an overnight flight; it would take 37 days to reach Boston from India. Although you did not know anyone in America, Kṛṣṇa arranged for you to meet Mr. Prasad Agarwal from Agra. Since his son was living in Butler, Pennsylvania, at the time, Mr. Agarwal requested him to send you a letter of sponsorship to assist you in your preaching mission.
Where would you live? The Agarwal’s had limited space in their home with a family of four. Being in a foreign land, alone, what could you attempt to accomplish? Would there be anyone to claim your body if you suddenly passed away?
In the early ’30s, efforts were made to preach in England, with little if any result. Therefore, few of your godbrothers made attempts to preach outside India. Besides, not one Englishmen had shown any interest for Kṛṣṇa consciousness in two hundred years of British presence in India. Why would Americans be any different?
Sumati Morarji, director of the biggest cargo shipping company in India, was apprehensive. To allow your passage on the Jaladuta would be a voyage to death. She did not want this on her conscience. Your conviction was paramount in changing her mind.
It was a difficult journey. We cannot imagine what it was like for you to experience, both the seasickness and the two heart attacks. You wrote in your diary: “I do not know how I was saved. Struggling between life and death.”
During the height of your health crisis, you had a vision of Lord Kṛṣṇa rowing the boat, which gave you the strength to continue. In New York, a third heart attack and some paralysis forced you to return to India. Your young students were shocked, not knowing if you would ever be able to come back. Somehow, in India, your health improved. Time was not on your side, however, making your mission more pressing to fulfill. Reflecting on all this we understand how your determination and the compassion for us was always so much greater than any personal physical considerations.
ya idaṁ paramaṁ guhyaṁ mad-bhakteṣv abhidhāsyati
bhaktiṁ mayi parāṁ kṛtvā mām evaiṣyaty asaṁśayaḥ
For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.
na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ
bhavitā na ca me tasmād anyaḥ priya-taro bhuvi
There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.
As Bali Mahārāja became one of the mahājanas by surrendering everything to Vāmanadeva, so the risks you took, Śrīla Prabhupāda, leaving Vrindaban, India, to preach on the Bowery – skid row of New York City at the time – is quite astonishing. To travel the globe fourteen times over, making thousands of devotees, we have to declare you to be the thirteenth mahājana, (mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ) for you have shown the path of kṛṣṇa-bhakti for all the world to follow.
In the Gītā there is a statement by Arjuna to Lord Kṛṣṇa that we feel also applies to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, since you are the living Bhāgavatam:
arjuna uvāca
sthāne hṛṣīkeśa tava prakīrtyā jagat prahṛṣyaty anurajyate ca
rakṣāṁsi bhītāni diśo drainait sarve namasyanti ca siddha-saṅghāḥ
Arjuna said: O master of the senses, the world becomes joyful upon hearing Your name, and thus everyone becomes attached to You. Although the perfected beings offer You their respectful homage, the demons are afraid, and they flee here and there. All this is rightly done.
We are lost for words to express our deepest gratitude for your gift of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. On this most auspicious day of your appearance, we pray to get a glance of your mercy, for that is all we are begging for.
Your servants at the Montreal temple
(written by Lakṣmīnātha Dāsa)
Asia-Eurasia, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Hare Kṛṣṇa, 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 our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to your accomplishments in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. All glories to Your Divine Grace, Śrīla Prabhupāda. Happy Vyāsa-pūjā, Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we eagerly wait for the most auspicious day of your Vyāsa-pūjā each year. This day provides us an official opportunity to submit an annual report at your lotus feet and seek your blessings and guidance.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, we, the devotees of ISKCON Noida, offer our humble obeisances at your lotus feet again and again. By your unlimited mercy, even though we are insignificant and full of shortcomings, you have engaged us in your divine service. Whatever little service is happening here is only by your blessings and the inspiration of your teachings.
Many congratulations Śrīla Prabhupāda, on the glorious sixtieth anniversary of our wonderful society, ISKCON, which Your Divine Grace masterfully created and where the entire world can fit in happily.
With great gratitude, we wish to present a small report of the activities taking place in Noida in a humble and prayerful mood, seeking your continued mercy and guidance.
By your mercy, the construction of a new temple project in Noida Sector 151 has begun. This project is very dear to all the devotees, and we are praying that it may progress smoothly and without obstacles. The basement construction work has already started, steel has been procured, and a contractor, along with a dedicated team, is now present onsite. We humbly pray to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, to bless this project so that it may be completed successfully and become a beautiful place for spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
In Greater Noida West, a dream project named Prabhupāda Village is gradually taking shape. The vision is to create a devotee community where like-minded devotees can live together, serve together, and support one another in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Many devotees have already booked their apartments, villas, and plots with great enthusiasm. At present, we are facing some challenges with the developer, especially regarding the transfer of a portion of land to ISKCON’s name for building a temple. We are hopeful that by your mercy, the developer will soon agree, and we will be able to establish a small temple within the community. This will become a very unique devotee community – an ISKCON township further expanding your mission.
At the Noida temple, the Matchless Gifts shop has been completely renovated. Its size has been doubled, and the entire interior has been redesigned in a modern and attractive way. By your grace, it has now become one of the most grand and well-developed Matchless Gifts stores at ISKCON temples across North India. Devotees and visitors are very inspired to purchase devotional items, books, and gifts, thus increasing their connection with Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Govinda’s restaurant has also been fully refurbished and renovated. With new furniture, improved lighting, and a fresh, welcoming look, it has become a very popular spot for visitors. Many people are coming regularly to honor prasādam, and they deeply appreciate its quality and taste. By your blessings, Govinda’s is not only attracting more people to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but is also generating good financial support for the temple.
For the first time, we organized a program called Bhajan Clubbing in the temple auditorium. Initially, we thought this would mainly attract the youth, but to our surprise, many families from across the city attended. Through melodious bhajanas and engaging musical presentations, the audience experienced a glimpse of the mood of Braj Vrindavan Dhāma. The response was overwhelming. Our auditorium, with a seating capacity of around six hundred, was completely sold out, and many people could not get tickets. The feedback we received encouraged us to plan for an even bigger venue next year. We are making efforts to connect with the attendees and gradually engage them in structured programs like bhakti-vṛkṣa, IYF, and IGF.
By your mercy, the brahmacārīs have now shifted into their newly constructed two-story ashram facility. They are living happily and peacefully, with better arrangements for their sādhana and service. This has brought great enthusiasm among the brahmacārīs and is helping them remain steady and inspired in their devotional lives.
The land at Jewar has now been officially registered in ISKCON’s name. We performed a small bhūmi-pūjā ceremony, which was presided over by your dear disciple His Holiness Lokanath Swami and attended by local dignitaries and community members. The location has become significant, as the Jewar International Airport has been inaugurated nearby by the Honorable Prime Minister of India. This has made the area prominent, and the value of the land has increased. A small temporary shed has been constructed, where temple programs are being conducted regularly, allowing local people to come and participate. A few dedicated devotees are residing there permanently and carrying out daily temple activities.
By your blessings, the Noida temple is experiencing a large and increasing number of visitors every day. The temple premises are becoming more and more crowded, especially on weekends, when the temple is often completely full. The Bhaktivedanta Academy is also facing a shortage of classrooms during peak times due to the growing number of participants. This increasing footprint is a sign of your mercy, as more and more people are coming in contact with Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Bhaktivedanta Academy has successfully completed its sixth batch of Bhakti Śāstrī students, with thirty-seven students graduating this year. These students have studied your books in depth and are now better equipped to understand and share Kṛṣṇa consciousness with others. This steady growth in systematic education is helping strengthen the foundation of the devotee community.
As an expansion of the Prahlad School initiative, we have now started a dedicated program for teenagers called the ISKCON Teenagers Forum (ITF). This weekly program is conducted in the temple by trained and qualified teachers, who guide the teenagers in a structured and engaging way. It is helping teenagers connect with Kṛṣṇa consciousness during a very unsteady phase of their lives.
Overall, Śrīla Prabhupāda, whatever little progress we are witnessing in Noida is simply due to your causeless mercy. We have no qualification, but you have given us the opportunity to serve your mission. We pray that we may remain united, humble, and sincere instruments in your hands, and that we may continue to serve your desire to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness in every town and village.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, please accept this verse composed by your servants from Noida:
prabhupādaḥ prāṇa-dhanaṁ bhaktivinoda-vāñchitam
caitanya-kāryaṁ kurmaḥ sma sarvatra yatnataḥ
rādhā-govinda-nāmāni vahni-vad vyāpnuvantu hi
pāvayantu jagat sarvaṁ prema-bhakti-pravāhataḥ
Śrīla Prabhupāda is our very life and treasure, fulfilling the desire of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. We strive everywhere to carry out Lord Caitanya’s mission. May the holy names of Rādhā-Govinda spread like wildfire. And purify the entire world with a flowing current of divine love and devotion.
We beg for your blessings that we may always remain fixed in your instructions, serve the Vaiṣṇavas, and develop pure devotion to Lord Caitanya – rādhā-kṛṣṇa nāhi anya. Thank you, Śrīla Prabhupāda. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vyāsa-pūjā mahotsava kī jaya.
Your insignificant servants from ISKCON Noida
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my most sincere humble obeisances. All glories unto you. By the inconceivable mercy and grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, I somehow found the way to your lotus feet. You have inspired all of us, both individually and collectively, to find ways to serve your ISKCON mission.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, when we see where we came from spiritually and where we are today, it is all because of your mercy, passed on to us by your ambassadors and followers. Our sincere, humble, and heartfelt desire is to pass on the same love, care, and protection that we and our families have received from you through the preaching activities at ISKCON Muskoka. It is a great credit to your teaching that we are able to perform a service through preaching under the shelter of ISKCON Muskoka.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, as far as the preaching is concerned, we are performing a number of activities to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness through your teachings and the teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu – activities such as celebrating a Sunday feast program, holding yoga programs, celebrating all the festivals, including Ratha-yātrā, Gaura-Pūrṇimā, Janmāṣṭamī, Rādhāṣṭamī, Govardhana-pūjā, and many more. We preach, hold kirtans, cook prasādam, perform dhāma-sevā, and educate our next generation in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are my life and soul. Please allow us to serve your lotus feet, and keep us in the service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Muskoka Īśvara.
Your insignificant servant,
Vyāsa Āchārya Dāsa
and the devotees of ISKCON Muskoka
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, 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
Śrīla Prabhupāda, on this auspicious day of your appearance, we meditate on your unusual achievement of establishing Kṛṣṇa consciousness on such a wide scale to such a wide spectrum of individuals.
Just as Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī is honored as śrī-gaura-karuṇa-vigraha, “the personified energy of Sri Caitanya’s mercy,” you have inherited that divine quality, which rescues fallen souls from the great dream of being independent enjoyers in this world. When they become attracted by your loving compassion, they awaken their eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa.
Guru means heavy. You are carrying the heaviest manifestation of the Lord’s internal potency, comprised of love and compassion. This gaura-śakti, which propelled you in your mission, was quite evident by your great determination to distribute the holy names to whomever you met. And because your chanting of the holy names was imbued with prema, it penetrated the hearts of all listeners, making you immediately successful.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we have a dire need for your mercy that we may also be recipients of this gaura-karuṇa-śakti and thus enabled to distribute the holy name and teachings of Lord Caitanya to the conditioned souls. Most importantly, we need your mercy in order to be able to show sincere love and respect for our fellow devotees. Land, buildings, corporate organization, philosophy, and even beautiful Deities are not enough to unite a group of diverse personalities into a community or society of loving devotees. Without such an example of loving devotees, how can we attract others to the sublime culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness?
You are our source for this divine mercy which eradicates all contamination in the heart and establishes transcendental love of God.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we bow down at your lotus feet with all the humility and sincerity at our command, ready to serve you and please you in any way.
Your humble servants at New Tālavana farm, in southern Mississippi
(written by Pṛthuśravā Dāsa)
