THE MOST BLESSED EVENT

Sri -Puja2011 The Appearance Day of our Beloved Spiritual Master

His Divine Grace

Om Visnupada Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Astottara-Sata Sri Srimad Srila Dhanurdhara SRI VYASA- 2011

DHANURDHARA SWAMI’S offering to SRILA PRABHUPADA

My humble obeisances at the lotus feet of Srila There are many prominent and spiritual Prabhupada! groups in America founded by powerful yogis and teachers from India. Who but Srila Prabhu- Sherlock Holmes said that from a drop of water he pada has transferred his legacy so powerfully to could tell if it was from Niagara Falls; in the same a new generation? New Yorkers of this type have way, the individual homages from the followers of seen everything, but this was something special, a Srila Prabhupada are the drop of his remembrance talent, energy, and purity of purpose that indeed that reveal the ocean of his glories. Here is mine: was unique. Although exuding confidence, these kirtaniyas were humble and though projecting ac- It was the opening ceremony of Yogamaya, a new cessibility, their lives and presentation was mold- upscale yoga studio in Chelsea, a studio where I ed by tradition. A legacy was being carried on. was also asked to lead a monthly sat-sanga. The headline of the program was kirtana, not just any Who but Srila Prabhupada has done this? kirtana, but prema-kirtana, kirtana done with devotion. Gauravani, , Acyuta, Viswamb- Praying to remain humbly in the service of Srila hara, Jahnavi, and others chanted. The studio Prabhupada, was jammed with a typical mid- town Manhat- tan crowd of professionals. Lawyers, hedge-fund Dhanurdhara Swami managers, architects, doctors, yogis, and students danced and danced with unabated enthusiasm. I sensed something notable was happening in Sri Caitanya’s sankirtana movement. I wasn’t alone in my feeling. When it was finished, Kaustubha turned to me and with earnestness said something that struck me:

“Who, but Srila Prabhupada could have done this!”

Here was the drop that revealed the ocean of his glory:

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THE MEANING of VYASA-PUJA

Mangalacaran just as the soul operates though the body. We therefore perceive a peculiar difference and जय ओं विष्णुपाद परमहंस परिव्रजकाचार्य अष्टोत्तरशत non-difference between Krsna and Guru, similar श्री श्रीमद् धनुर्धर स्वामी महाराज कि जय to the ontological difference yet functional same- Jaya visnupāda paramahamsa ness between a being and its body. parivrajakācārya astottaraśata śrī śrīmad dha- When awareness of this link between Guru and nurdhara svāmī mahārāja ki jaya Krsna illuminates our perception we can truly participate in Vyāsa-Pūja. Śrī Krsna is so pleased May my godbrothers and sisters, themselves limit- by appropriate worship of his functional self, Śrī less oceans of dedication and devotion to Śrī Guru, Guru, that the pedals we offer to the feet of Śrī be pleased with my flawed attempts and overlook Guru seem to become reddish from the kunkum my glaring audacities. powder falling from the ever-dancing feet of Na- May Śrī Guru be glorified ever increasingly with- tabara Krsna. The breeze we move towards Śrī out limit! Guru with our fan seems to create the breezes May the ever-joyful Śrīman Giridhārī Lāla, who moving over the lotuses of the Yamuna which cool delights in the glorification of his servitors, effort- Tribhanga-Sundara and carry his intoxicating per- lessly overcome the insurmountable ocean of my fume to Śrīmatī Rādhārānī! egocentric ignorance. May his deft virtuosity craft my stuttering words into something worthy of this Let us declare the glorious nature of that Supreme most auspicious occasion. Personality of Godhead Śrī Vamsidhārī Rāsabihārī To one without spiritual eyes, worship of Śrī Guru – the personification and perfection of ecstasy! In appears wrong. “Worship must be given to , so doing we will clarify how Śrī Guru fulfills his not man!” he protests. Similarly to one without aims. modern eyes, speaking into a telephone seems in- God’s sole ambition is pleasure. sane. “Speak to people, not things!” he says. The Is it shocking? No. It is self-evident that enjoyment ignorance of these two blind fools is similar. The is the meaning of life – and the con- later is ignorant of the fact that we speak not to a firm it by declaringānanda-maya to be the final phone but through it. The former is ignorant of the stage of life’s evolution. God is the Supreme Life, fact that Vyāsa-Pūja worships not man but God so naturally his one and only occupation is to en- operating through man. joy bliss. The unbridled desire for pleasure which Śrī Guru is not God, but God operates through Śrī rages in the heart of the Supreme Being may baffle

2 SRI VYASA-PUJA 2011 and shock the unprepared mind, but this infinite night of my black and dead hearts. Even in this I and absolute hedonism engenders no apology! am selfish! Gurudeva I am so ugly! Only you can Rather it is to be glorified and praised as the most make me beautiful and attractive to Śrī Krsna. natural, righteous, and pure thing in existence. It Why wait? Destroy every obstacle and place us is in fact the root cause of all that be. in our proper spot in Śrī Vrindavana Dhama. We God is one, but in solitude and uniformity plea- will never be ready for this blessing. We will never sure is drastically crippled. Therefore – eko bahu deserve this blessing. We are nothing but lepers syāt – “the one decided to be many.” in rags appealing to your pity. Krsna has invested Thus everything and everyone came to be – all of it you with the power to make us like the Gopīs of for Śrī Krsna’s sense gratification! My friends, hear Vrndāvana. me clearly: we are not enjoyers – we are objects of his enjoyment. Alas, how our souls hunger to ক্র্সন্অ সে তোমার, ক্র্স্নঅ দীতে পারো, be relished by him, to be enjoyed by the supreme তোমার শকতি আছে enjoyer! It is an unbearable thing crushing the life আমি তোঽ কাগাল, ঽক্র্স্ন্অঽ ঽক্র্স্নঅঽ বোলিঽ, within our breast. But baffled by the upside down ধাই তৱ পাছে পাছে opposite-world we vainly try to satisfy that ach- ing hunger through sense gratification. In such krsna se tomāra, krsna dīte pāro, we only increase our pain, taste bitter misery, die tomāra śakati āche in vain, and are reborn in the crazy hope of try- āmi to kāńgāla, ‘krsna’ ‘krsna’ boli, ing again – bashing our skulls against brick walls dhāi tava pāche pāche of impossibility in an eternal, hopeless, unending cycle. “Dear one, please open your hearts to my words. You are part and parcel of bliss! You are meant to please the origin of all bliss! Let the flower of your heart be enjoyed by that Madhusudhana bee! Your aching soul will not stop breaking until you aban- don and throw yourself at the feet of the Supreme Enjoyer.” Krsna wants to tell us this. And it is through Śrī Guru that he does so. As a Gopi picks flowers, sorts them out, arranges them, and strings them into a garland. Similarly Śrī Guru takes the raw material of a destitute materialistic heart, and turns it into something which Krsna finds attractive, enchant- ing, and delightful. We are unruly and resist. We don’t care very much for the sādhana Guru gives, although it is the very thing that can transform us from vile lonely hag into beautiful goddesses of fortune. We are dumb and useless, but Śrī Guru is all powerful and his compassion is ever-fresh. Alas, Gurudeva! Take one brief look at me: miserable, ruined and self- destructive. My crushed heart doesn’t even func- tion. All merits flee from the stench of my ego, and I even lack the integrity to admit it! I need a miracle, Gurudeva, and impossible miracle: Please bring the light of bhāva and prema into the eternal

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OFFERINGS from DISCIPLES & FRIENDS

Akincana dasa devotional service, to help inspire others in their faith in the worship and remembrance of Krishna. Dear Guru Maharaja, You are exceptionally broad-minded, wise, intel- ligent, and the best spiritual counselor I know. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories You are always funny and kind, and everyone to you! who knows you naturally loves you. You are the most rare and most important type of person in I really enjoy watching you relish sankirtana. It’s this world. Humanity is suffering only for want of so sweet when you close your eyes, raise your saints like you. Every day of my life, I feel incred- hands, and sometimes dance. Your spirit of bliss ibly lucky to know you and have a relationship and your devotional purity always amazes me with you. when I watch you in this mood. It puts all of my superficial chanting and dancing in perspective I am fully ashamed and embarrassed when I con- and inspires me to go much deeper. You are truly sider your sacrifice, and my complete inability to surrendered to Krishna, and when you chant and reciprocate. Every moment of every day, you are dance, it really shows. It’s one thing to be some offering me the highest benefit. But because I am type artist or music enthusiast, who enjoys sankir- cripple-minded and controlled by worldliness, I tana for its aesthetic value. It’s a completely differ- am hardly able to offer anything in return. ent thing to be a Vaisnava, to have fully renounced the temptations of this world and to be completely Please have mercy on a worthless person. Hare dedicated to a relationship with the Holy Name of Krishna. Krishna. I really want to thank you for teaching me this. Your servant, Akincana Krishna dasa Everything about how you behave and interact with others is worshipable, and a beautiful lesson in Krishna consciousness. You offer the highest type of compassion to the world by practically demonstrating what it means to give your life to Krishna. You give up all kinds of mundane happi- ness, and deeply give yourself to a life of intense

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Ananda Govardhana devi dasi for?” Whatever problems with my health appear - always I have the desire to live - because I know Dear Guru Maharaja, “for what?” Whenever I feel so lonely and cold - I always find heat inside - because I know “from Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust whom?’ Whatever path is open in front of me - of your lotus feet! there is always my way to choose - because I know “where?” Whatever luck and success appear in All glories to Srila Prabhupada, all glories to you! my life - I always bow down my head, instead of ! getting puffed up - because I know “who?’ And when I feel ocean of love and happiness in my soul It is very often people say nice and grateful words - I always want to share it - because I know “for on the special occasion days, and even then they whom?” Whenever opportunity for service ap- do not think much of it, as they simply follow the pear - I enjoy the process, and not feeling tired in tradition or standard, it is not coming from their waiting when they will serve me - because I know heart. And when time came for me to write you an “who am I?” And all this knowledge I received offering I realized that whatever I wanted to tell from you, through your knowledge, wisdom, care, you on this special day I would like to tell you ev- love through your relations with Prabhupada and eryday, and it is correct thing to do, because the Krishna! You have given me the Holy Name and only one day, DAY OF YOUR APPEARENCE, connection with God, You gave me spiritual fam- changed completely every day in my life (and ily and I am 108% sure, that I am not deserving probably many lives as well). If our Lord would not all this, but You have appeared during one beauti- send you to rescue us from the nets we are trapped ful day in this world and on another beautiful day in, then all the threads of this material world would you came into my life and gave me all those gifts. tighten us even more strongly. With Your appear- What else beside words of appreciation, grateful- ance Krishna gave us a chance. ness, glorification and love could I offer to you? The only thing remains is my desire to serve you! Every day of my life is for a reason now, and it is one way or other connected to you. Whatever dif- Therefore, dear Guru Maharaja, please accept ficulties I have experience in the course to con- from my heart those words of congratulation and tinue with my projects - always I find strength gratefulness and let me tell You those words every to find solution - because I know “what is it all day of my life, even if You are very far away, and let

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me serve You in every opportunity. in the association of devotees, but without a clear understanding it was difficult to sustain. This has HAPPY APPEARENCE DAY! HARE KRISNA! now been changed by hearing from you. Your Please always be happy and healthy! realization and explanations make the philoso- phy practical and the esoteric relevant. Reading Always your servant, Srila Prabhupada’s books is a channel of nectar Ananda Govardhana Dasi that relates to my very identity. is a connec- Moscow September 2011 tion to God and preaching is the real purpose of life. When you asked me in Harrisburg what my taste in spiritual life is, I replied, “Hearing from Ariel White the saints.” That someone absorbed in the lower modes of material nature could somehow become Dear Maharaja, attracted to hearing spiritual topics is nothing short of a miracle! And much of the credit goes to Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories you Maharaja. to Srila Prabhupada. But it isn’t just philosophy that I learn from you. “Happiness is a heart filled with devotion.” This Your determination, and taste for austerity is a is one of your many -like statements you fre- manifestation of your understanding. In the morn- quently quote from which you explain the perfect ings you chant with devotion, worship your deity relationship between the jivas and the Lord. This with love and constantly think of ways to help oth- loving relationship is the ultimate reality, the plat- ers. Through you I can see someone who is con- form on which we are connected to everything. As nected to that ultimate reality. Although a neo- you quote, “raso vai saha”, the ultimate reality is phyte in Krishna consciousness, with your help I rasa. feel I have touched that ultimate reality too. That makes me feel happy. Although I grew up with kirtanas, feasts, Bhagava- tam classes and festivals, I often found it hard to If I can somehow share with others what you have find someone who could explain and demonstrate shared with me, then life will have meaning. As the meaning of these spiritual activities to me. I you told me this summer, “Ariel, you’re ready to knew there was some taste there and some magic preach. I think you’re ready now.” To do so makes

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the world seem brighter, and worth living for. I will watching her grow, we also think of our own prog- try my best to represent you clearly. ress in Krishna consciousness, and wish that it were not so slow. But of all the messages that we Your servant, have imbibed from you over the years, perhaps the Ariel most important is your repeated insistence that Krishna will more than reciprocate with whatever little devotion that we can muster. So, in that spirit, Ekacakra dasa, Nitya Seva devi dasi we send our heartfelt desire that today you think & Valentina Nadia of us with fondness, and that that thought in turn inspires us to continue and reinvigorate our devo- Dear Guru Maharaja, tional service with enthusiasm, determination and steadiness. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this aus- Your Servants, picious day! Ekacakra, Nitya Seva and Valentina

Despite the fact that we cannot be there with you on this day, we want you to know that we will be Gopa Kisora dasa meditating on this festival and glorifying you in our minds from afar. Fortunately for us, we did Dear Guru Maharaja, have the chance to be with you for a short time this past summer, and were blessed to have you offer Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories so much kindness and love to our new daughter, to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you on this aus- Valentina. As we watch her grow, we hope that she picious day! can be as fortunate as we have been, getting so much of your association over the years and learn- I want to thank you for another year of being car- ing the importance of surrender to Krishna from ing and nurturing towards my family and I. No your many lectures and discussions. She is al- matter what situation we are in good or bad or ready eager to watch the arati to Gaura- and what consciousness we may be in you are always Giriraja, and we hope that that small spark of en- there for us to be our well-wisher, provide positive thusiasm will slowly grow in her heart. Of course, inspiration for us to move forward in our spiritual

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lives, and always provide us with humor. sue on our minds this year has been the current economic problems going on and the unrighteous I just spent yesterday with Kiriti, Radharadhya leaders of the world. When I mentioned this to and our families at the Brooklyn Museum to see you, you stated that this is a great time to practi- the : Hinduism’s Blue-Skinned Savior. I cally simplify one’s life and that you were also tak- heard Kiriti say that her: “Guru Maharaja would of- ing this to simplify your life. We are very apprecia- ten say that Krishna consciousness should be fun. tive of how you always view issues both practically After all, Krishna is very playful and mischievous and from a spiritual perspective. right!” You stated the following in one of your Sanga This reminded me of you as you often interact classes: “Americans are spoiled and when one with everyone in a humorous way. becomes spoiled he is not appreciative of what is given to him. No matter what the parent gives to a This year you were telling us about what a won- spoiled child, he is never thankful and never satis- derful time you had at the Vraja temple in Penn- fied and therefore he doesn’t experience the love sylvania. You were describing all the places in of the parent. A healthy consciousness is to evalu- Vrindavana that they have created there and what ate your life and look at how you are living. The other places they are looking to create. You said wastage. Personally with food, not do the Amer- that they are doing this so people can come there ican-`Just-Stuff-the-Refrigerator`. The Indian to experience Vrindavana, as many of us won’t be system is really great. No refrigerator. You cook able travel to Vrindavana in the future. After you what you can eat and when you’re hungry again said that Kisori looked at you with a puzzled look you cook. Eating, storing, throwing things away, on her face and said, “Why is that?” You looked and wasting. Having people cook for you and hav- at me, started laughing and said, “Ask Ron Paul.” ing canned prepared foods. It is the whole life you (Meaning no one will have money to travel with become used to this and it retards our dependence the economic conditions coming our way). You on Krishna. We have created a life of artificial are always able to read our minds, make light of luxury and artificial necessity. American culture material circumstances, and always present practi- is that whatever desires we need to fulfill are pur- cal spiritual solutions. sued without any consideration of use of energy or exploitation of resources. We are caught up In my offering a few years ago I wrote, “A big is- in it and it is a kind of . Karma is selfish-

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ness and inconsideration. Simple living brings a dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri sandhyam greater dependence and love for God. People need vande guroh sri caranaravindam to change their lifestyle or they will be in a lot of distress.” At least three times a day I should offer my re- spectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiri- I am still trying to live my life in this way and I tual master. thank you for the inspiration. This verse reminds us to think of our spiritual Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the master at least three times a day. For someone friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the who is such an important part of my life I can say devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me three times is the minimum. Throughout the day the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all a memory or some thought comes to mind, I think over the three worlds. We take shelter of your lotus of how you have continued to guide me on the feet. You are the friend of the most fallen. path of for so many years giving me advice and encouragement, I think of how you enthusias- Hare Krishna. tically danced in the blaring sun nonstop through the streets of Puri as devotees more than half your Your servant, age struggled to keep up. I think of how you lec- Gopa Kisora dasa tured on the glories of Haridas Thakur for over an hour from what you have studied. I think of your preaching activities from Manhattan to Moscow Govardhana Lal dasa introducing newcomers to the path of bhakti and seeing how deeply appreciative they are. I also Dear Dhanurdhara Swami, think of how I should strive to be a sincere servant and seriously take from you what you are giving Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories me. Life has me constantly thinking of so many to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to you on this different ways to make my life less hectic, while most auspicious day. these thoughts may temporarily give some satis- faction ultimately thinking of you and following In the 8th verse of Sri Sri Gurv-astaka it says your instructions is the only way to truly be satis- fied

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Praying to continue to serve you and always think universe. In the same manner I would like to offer of you you some glorification on this very auspicious day of your appearance. Your servant, Govardhana Lal dasa Officially I am not even your disciple and I feel that this adds to the sweetness of our relationship, for the last 3-4 years I am getting so much train- Hilary Tapper ing from you, and I am able to assist you in your service to Srila Prabhupada and all the sincere (see illustration on page 21) Vaisnavas. It took so many years for me to become close to you and I will try my best to remain in this position. Last year two of your disciples were Jagadisa dasa initiated and I was present at the time of their ini- tiation, and then you told me “you are here for a Dearest Maharaja! reason Jagadisa” at this very moment I realized that now you consider me your own man, and this Please accept my dandavats! All glories to Srila is very special for me. Prabhupada! You often share with me your realizations and This offering is a product of my for even some very hidden places in Vraja and most many days. I was trying to really please you, not important is that you invite me to assist you in as a matter of duty, but as a matter of love and ap- your preaching and festivals. I call those festivals preciation for whatever you are doing for me and “ego free festivals”, they are pure nectar with only my family. Krishna-katha, kirtana and visiting Holy places, and so many senior devotees are willing to partici- Recently on Srimati Radharani appearance day I pate in them, and only for one reason because they was reminded that Her service to Krishna is like wish to support you and the mood you create on a mountain Meru and whatever we try to do is those festivals. like mustard seed, still if you add mustard seed to mountain Meru, Krishna will appreciate it very This year I came to the conclusion that for me it much as He is the most sensitive person in the is not enough just to listen to the class or philoso-

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phy, I have to understand what is the mood of the cle, the heart, though better protected, is ironically preacher and how it is connected to Srila Prabhu- most vulnerable to the attack. How vulnerable is pada! the devotional aspirant to this attack living within the world? The rabid dog is not a sole predator Knowing you for so many years I think I under- but runs in packs and these packs run wild and stand your mood, it is very personal loving and unchecked, leaving muddy paw prints and bloody, caring and therefore it is so attractive, please keep gaping wounds in their wake. And while certainly me as your servant and I will try my best to assist the materialists are among the casualties, so too you always may be the Lord’s devotees insufficiently protect- ed against the rabid dogs. Thank you very much And so, this is where the doctors and medics come Your servant, to offer their succor. They are there to aid both the Jagadisa dasa “mundaner” and the injured devotees. With their wisdom and steady devotion, they’re able to heal and prescribe a regimen for future wellness. Jai Nitai dasa Guru Maharaja, you are one of the wise offering Dear Guru Maharaja, the healing salve of Krishna-bhakti to the devotees and on the front lines giving aid and relief to those Please accept my humble obeisances. Jaya Srila first realizing they’ve been injuriously bitten. It’s Prabhupada and all glories to you! through your inspiration, guidance, and example that those of us bitten by the rabid dog of material- Like a rabid dog, materialism aggressively attacks ism can have hope to someday regain our health. the hearts and minds of those caught unawares. Greed, in the form of atyaharah, anger when those Happy Birthday, Guru Maharaja! desires are left unfulfilled, and the vagaries of lust- -all pierce the protective skin of the unvigilant and Your servant, the weak. Just below the skin, lies the tender mus- Jai Nitai cle whose strength is rendered useless by materi- alism’s sharp teeth. And the most important mus-

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Jim Fox them.

Dear Dhanurdhara Swami, All I can say to you is thank you. I will be forever indebted to you. On this auspicious day of your appearance I offer Your Facebook quotes are so powerful and soul my humble obeicances to you over and over again. awakening, they are the highlight of my day!!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Forever your humble servant, Jim Fox Fifteen years ago now I was sinking in the quick- sand of maya, I was searching for understanding in everything that confronted me in my every day Jugala Prithi devi dasi life, I was seeking a messenger who could give me the knowledge that my soul was crying out Dear Maharaja! for, knowledge that would help me through the daily confrontation of daily survival within the Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories material world. to Srila Prabhupada!

My good fortune and karma brought me in to con- Recently we were discussing with Jagadisa differ- tact with one of your disciples, it was not long be- ent people who made an impact on our lives, try- fore I was introduced to you, and this was the turn- ing to determine what was the main point in their ing point my life needed. You opened my eyes to influence on us. love of the creator, service to others and simplified living! I’ve remembered Guna and Varsabhanavi, first devotees we met, ourvartma pradaksika gu- Fifteen years on and I still see you carrying out rus. They taught us about Krishna consciousness your guru’s mission of spreading love of Krishna, from the very beginning. and doing it with such sincerity, pureness and self- lessness with concern only to help people elevate Srila Gurudeva, he stepped in also quite in the be- themselves and have a better understanding for ginning, being such a great figure that couldn’t be the creator and the worlds and universes around overpowered by anyone we knew before. His in-

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fluence was so great - it was a complete guidance Please continue with your great preaching while and shelter. Anything could be resolved. I felt so still being so personal, loving and caring for all the protected and connected to the mission of Srila conditioned souls. Prabhupada. But as was ordained by the destiny he had left this world while I was still an infant in Thank you, dear Maharaja, for everything! my spiritual life. At that moment it felt like it’s the end, who would be able to be so close, so loving, so Wishing you many more years in active Krishna caring and such an inspiration for my spiritual life. consciousness! May Lord Nrisimhadeva protect Will there be another person like him? you always!

But, there was and always be somebody who Aspiring to become a servant of your servants, watched over me, cared and even prayed for me Jugala prithi dd together with my Srila Gurudeva – that was you, Maharaja! You were always there, maybe not so prominent then. When Srila Gurudeva left you Kadamba Mala devi dasi stepped in, saying that Srila Gurudeva had sent you to watch over me, I was so grateful. Your pa- Dearest Srila Guru Maharaja, tience, so many hours spent with me explaining Krishna consciousness in the most practical and Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila appealing way. You were always there, ready to Prabhupada. All glories to you. help at any time I may need you. You were and are the only person who responds to my e-mails One of my favorite services is editing your Vyasa immediately. It’s just a great feeling of somebody Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada every year. Ed- who is there caring for me. iting the offering is different than just reading it because I have to really connect with not only the I’m sorry if I’m not up to the standard, but I’m try- words you use, but also your sentiment and inten- ing my best and praying for Lord Nrisimhadeva, tion. The most important part of this service is Sri Sri Madhava and Sri Pancha to making sure that what you want to say is clear and be able to assist you in any possible way in your understood by your audience – this means I often mission to Srila Prabhupada and all the previous have to read and re-read, and re-read again. It even . sometimes becomes like a meditation. Getting the

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opportunity to meditate on your mood in serving Kunja Kisori devi dasi Srila Prabhupada is a gift. I get to see year in and year out how dedicated you are to serving your Dear Guru Maharaja, Guru Maharaja and how you build your life and activities around fulfilling his desires. You are con- Please accept my humble obesiances. All glories tinually setting the example of what it means to to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Giriraja. All be a disciple – and I, as your disciple, see through glories to you on this auspicious day. your dedication to Srila Prabhupada where I fall short. I remember the first time I heard you give class at 26 Second Avenue. It was 1994 and you spoke Guru Maharaja, sometimes I feel like you have with such energy and conviction of Srila Prabhu- given up on me. Sometimes I think you must look pada’s teachings. Fast forward to 2011. While at a at me and think I am a lost cause. A few months recent class at Yoga Maya, I experienced déjà vu. ago I found an old journal, and in it I had written There you sat in a room preaching with the same something you said to me. It said: “Kadamba, I am energy level and conviction – even 17 years later! always in your corner.” I realized that the Guru The audience, like 26 Second Avenue, was a mix- never gives up on the disciple. It is the disciple ture of people: senior devotees, new bhatkas, and who gives up on him or herself. I don’t want to give those searching for the truth. The only difference up – on me, on you, or on Krishna. Please, Guru was that in 1994 the room was filled with young, Maharaja, please keep setting the examples for hardcore kids and now it was filled with yoga stu- me. Please continue to guide me – whether it is by dents. gentle nudge or forceful push. Your lecture, as always, was interesting, inspir- I am praying that one day I might be able serve ing and easy to digest. You continue to take Srila you the way you serve Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada’s philosophy and present it in a way that everyone can understand and apply to their Always your servant, individual lives. You are without doubt a master of Kadamba Mala devi dasi knowing your audience. This is a gift that Krishna has given you, and I believe is one of your many amazing qualities.

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There were devotees that came to your class that I Under their shade hadn’t seen in years. It deeply touched me to see Forever safe and happy, that even those that have distanced themselves That what Your mercy made. from the movement for various reasons have not You have amazing talent distanced themselves from you. By remaining loy- To plant a bhakti seed al to Srila Prabhupada and his teachings and add- By lectures jokes and stories ing your own personal connection, even those who You nourish that very special are not inclined to organized religion still come to Braja bhakti Bidj. hear from you. How pleased your spiritual mas- For us Your words are jewels, ter would be as that is the essence of Krishna con- I think of them a lot, scious preaching – preaching to those that need it Whenever plan on doing, the most. I think, would you like this or not. All You ever told me Even after 17 years, I know that my understand- I treasure like own life ing of the philosophy is basic. But, I have been And living Your instruction, blessed with your association from the beginning Is smth that I strive. of my spiritual life and I hold onto the hope that if I can somehow remain in your association I still Dear Gurudeva, thank you for coming to this world have a chance. to save us, I have no words to describe my love to you, I became most fortunate the day I met you, Your servant, listening you speak is like drinking pure nectar. Kunja Kisori devi dasi Lila Vilasini and family. Kazakhstan Lila Vilasini devi dasi & Family

My dear Gurudeva Mahamuni dasa I bow down to Your Feet, By greatest luck and fortune Dear Srila Dhanurdhara Swami, I hold them tight indeed. I pray to stay forever Dandavat pranams. Jaya Srila Prabhupada.

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It may sound strange, but it is very gratifying and Over the past three years, while I have struggled encouraging to see someone so far down the path between loving Krishna with my whole heart and from where I am making continued progress. From continuing my material habits, like a steady rock, the time we first knew each other to now, I can see you have been there to provide me support and the way in which you have increased your many guidance when I was ready for it. It’s that deep virtues while working intensely on things which level of quiet steadiness and the constant willing- you would like to improve in both bhakti and per- ness to welcome me back into your company that, sonal development. And it makes me happy, as if nothing else, has kept me always coming back. one who enjoys seeing a friend’s progress and as a Your arms are always open with patience, gener- student who seeks to emulate, however poorly, his osity and enthusiasm. It humbles me and I am teacher’s example. forever grateful. In my times of doubt, it gives me strength to believe Krishna welcomes me back the In short, thank you for your continued dedication same way. to sadhana and personal development, and for sharing your experiences on the path with us. You’ve opened my heart to Krishna and now I use that open heart to celebrate my time with you on Your servant, this earth in this lifetime. Mahamuni dasa Much love and eternal gratitude,

Mahlone Burnette Your humble servant, Mahlone Burnette Dear Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories Nitai Priya devi dasi to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you! Dear Guru Maharaja, I’m honored to be able to include a letter in your book this year. I’m honored that you came into my Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories life over three years ago and that you’ve continued to Srila Prabhupada. to patiently guide me, through thick and thin.

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“A teacher who can arouse a feeling for one single there with us. good action, for one single good poem, accom- plishes more than he who fills our memory with Thank you, Guru Maharaja, for being such an in- rows and rows of natural objects, classified with spiration and for giving the best of the gifts. Al- name and form.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe though I cannot say what exactly would please you on your Vyasa Puja day, I do know that your big- We could flood rivers with the numbers of good gest joy is the holy name, and that I don’t chant it actions you have inspired to us as your students. enough. So on this day, I will chant – hare krishna Likewise, it is not just simple poetry that you have hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare given -- you’ve given volumes of slokas infused hare rama rama rama hare hare – to thank you with wisdom and experience. What would Goethe again, to please you, and as a reminder of your be- have thought of you, such a teacher? loved Sri Vrindavana Dhama.

What it means then to be your student is to be for- Your humble servant, tunate – fortunate that you are so capable of in- Nitai Priya dasi spiring what Goethe called “good action.” These “actions” are indeed the best of the best, the force that leads to vaisnava seva and bhakti itself. This Nityananda dasa “poetry” that you give is the song of the demigods, the transcendental melody of the higher worlds Dear Maharaja, – the maha-. You give the very vessel that both delivers to and eternally refrains in Please accept my humble obeisances on your ap- itself. pearance day. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and your glorious service to him. Alas, the above quote only names a teacher, a word that is somehow mild and bland and doesn’t have All glories to your love for Sri Vrindavana Dhama! much juice to it. You are, of course, much more It is genuine, for you are always eager to share than a teacher in that way; you are also a best it with others. In this way you display your true friend, and a father. It was a joy to have you in my Vaishnava compassion. I always remember your home with my family including my parents, sib- words: “I can’t bear to see people coming to Vrin- lings, and very best friends. Thank you for being davana for the first time and remain unable to con-

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nect to the dhama.” It was, and I hope will be for always open. years to come, my fortune to witness your sincere endeavors to make devotees experience the mercy Your servant, and depth of Vrindavana Dhama. In this way, by Nityananda dasa your kindness, I may also experience it one day.

Recently, just before me moving to Vrindavana, Rathi Krishna dasa you have sent me very sobering and deep instruc- tions on how to live in Vrindavana: Dear Guru Maharaja,

“I think your worry is that there is opportunity to Dandavat pranams. Jaya Prabhupada. All glo- get good place which will not be there in future. ries to you on this day of your appearance. That’s a worry, but on other hand, it is Krishna that gives place and he can give or not give at any time. In many ways, glorifying the spiritual master is Anyway you can try and depend on Krishna. Even a fool’s errand. We have heard and read genera- if he gives he will want for sure to teach lesson that tion upon generation of Vaisnavas from millennia one cannot buy ticket to Vrindavana or buy land upon millennia, attempt to glorify their spiritual there, so I am not surprised that regardless of what masters. While we find their glorification of their happens there are challenges…Living in Vrindava- spiritual masters as inspirational and, in a sense, na has first to be about consciousness and if you benchmarks for our own devotional path, we also are not willing to do anything and make any sacri- come across a common thread through all of them fice to live there, even if you get a house there paid – the inability to adequately glorify the spiritual by rich man, there will be other challenges just as master. Is this a product of the great Vaisnavas’ tough. You have to perform austerity to live there humility or a symptom of the guru-sisya relation- and if we have comforts it comes in other ways.” ship? Most likely both.

I pray that these words remain in my memory as As the spiritual master is giving us Sri Krishna, long as I stay in Vrindavana. Thank you for your God Himself, he is quite literally giving us every- penetrating and clear directions—my soul feels so thing. How does one begin describe everything? satisfied and happy by hearing the truth of Krish- How does one begin to thank another for giving na consciousness from you. May my ears remain them everything? The task seems Sisyphean. For

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one such as myself, who has not realized the in- nourishment they long for and require. structions of the spiritual master, they see this as a labor of love. Usually with the emphasis on labor, Your personal outreach to those thirsting for tran- and less so on love. For one that has realized the scendental knowledge knows no bounds. From ev- instructions of the spiritual master, they seize the ery walk of life, they all come to quench the thirst opportunity to glorify the spiritual master willing, that the desert of the material world has caused. as it is not a labor of love, its just love. Whether a casual conversation, a class, or seminar, you are at someone’s home, an asrama, a school, The best way I can think of to attempt to properly a yoga studio, etc., you are giving everything that glorify you, Guru Maharaja, is to glorify the fruits you have realized and learned freely. The only of the seeds you plant, your own devotion to Sri qualification is one just needs to sit and hear. Guru and Sri Gauranga. Perhaps the best of all this, Guru Maharaja, is Just as iron is imbibed with the qualities of fire all of this grows exponentially. Another book is when in a blacksmith’s forge and thus transformed sold or loaned to a friend. Another person is met from a useless lump of metal to something of beau- and another relationship is made. Another sanga ty and function, you imbibe your disciples, both class is downloaded, copied, and given to another. diksa and siksa, with your own qualities. They are Whether directly from you or by your friend or dis- knowledgeable. They are friendly. They are hu- ciple, the seeds you plant grow and flourish. By morous. They are kind. They are loyal. They are your mercy, we are able to become the servants of creative. They are radiant. They are devotional. I the servant. aspire to be more like all of them. I pray that some day I will fully understand and Entering its sixth year, your Weekly Sanga series realize your instructions, so this fool may spend is nothing less than a success. Last year it was at less time laboring and more time loving. over 56,000 downloads since April 2007 and ap- proaching an average of 1,000 downloads per week. Your aspiring servant, One year later, it is at over 111,260 downloads and Rathi Krishna dasa approaching an average of 2,000 downloads per week. These sangas, now numbering over 500, are giving literally thousands of people the spiritual

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Vegavati-devi dasi

Dear Maharaja,

May Krishna bless you more and more with the ca- pacity to make all you contact experience Krishna consciousness as something vibrant, juicy, fun and deeply thought provoking. Your natural curi- osity combines with a scholar’s humility to expe- rience wonder in the moment at hand. Thus, you tend to make people feel welcome in your pres- ence, lighthearted about their frailties, serious to desire to correct their shortcomings, and happy to be in the association of devotees.

I don’t always remember to tune in to your sangas, but when I do I find them predictably ever fresh. I look very forward to being in a place where I take time to avail myself of your natural exuberant spir- it and Vaisnava finesse. Especially if your mother is there as well. What a lucky lady!

Thank you for treating me, as an affectionate brother should. I hope on this day that Krishna and Prabhupada fulfill all your deepest devotional desires. And that the prasadam is first-class.

Your servant, Vegavati-devi dasi

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SRI GURU-VANDANA by SRILA NAROTTAMA DASA THAKURA

sri-guru-carana-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma, bando mui savadhana mate jahara prasade bhai, e bhava toriya jai, krsna-prapti hoy jaha ha’te

The lotus feet of the spiritual master are the abode of pure devotional service. I bow down to those lotus feet with great care and attention. My dear brother (my dear mind)! It is through the grace of the spiritual master that we cross over this material existence and obtain Krishna.

guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya, ar na koriho mane asa sri-guru-carane-rati, ei se uttama-gati, je prasade pure sarva asa

Make the teachings from the lotus mouth of the spiritual master one with your heart, and do not desire anything else. Attachment to the lotus feet of the spiritual master is the best means of spiritual advancement. By his mercy all desires for spiritual perfection are fulfilled.

cakhu-dan dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei divya-jnan hrde prokasito prema-bhakti jaha hoite, avidya vinasa jate, vede gay jahara carito

He who has given me the gift of transcendental vision is my lord, birth after birth. By his mercy divine knowledge is revealed within the heart, bestowing prema-bhakti and destroying ignorance. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.

sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu lokanath lokera jivana ha ha prabhu kora doya, deho more pada chaya ebe jasa ghusuk tribhuvana

O spiritual master, ocean of mercy, and friend of the fallen souls, you are the teacher of everyone and the life of all people. O master! Be merciful unto me, and give me the shade of your lotus feet. May your glories now be proclaimed throughout the three worlds.

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