Srila Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj Vyasa Puja 2016 - Part 8 Date: 2016-12-20 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva. This is in continuation of the previous offering titled "Srila Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj Vyasa Puja 2016", wherein we were hearing some of the glorifications of Maharaj, which were shared by the devotees in Sri Sri Radha Neel Madhav dham, Rajkot on the auspicious occasion of his Vyasa Puja. Now we shall hear further. HG Ambarish Prabhuji from New Zealand: Many years ago when the construction of Sri Sri Radha NeelMadhav was about to begin, we had inquired Maharaj as to whether Maharaj had any design in mind. Maharaj replied, "I don't know. But I want it to be a very grand marble temple for Their Lordships." And true enough, the construction we see now is a beautiful manifestation of all the devotees' love, hardwork and dedication to fulfill Maharaj's wish of offering this wonderful temple to Srila Prabhupada. I really wish that day come soon when we are able to complete the temple construction. I remember Maharaj saying, "Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and is the husband of goddess of fortune. If He wants, He can complete the temple anytime. For Him why should I become a beggar? Why should I ask for money?" I was shocked when I heard this and was wondering how can we say this so boldly. But it shows Maharaj's faith on Krishna. Maharaj said, "Chant your rounds. Become an avid reader of Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-Gita. Study them nicely, implement those lessons in your life and change your behaviour and temple construction will happen automatically." When we were sharing this message with H H Indradyumna Swami Maharaj when he was visiting Rajkot for couple of years, Maharaj asked - "So is it working?" We said, "it is". And then H H Indradyumna Swami Maharaj acknowledged, " Yes. Every year I come here, I do see some development or other." So we can see how our Maharaj's way is unique and how Maharaj had firm faith on Holy Names and Srimad Bhagavatam and the fact that bhakti builds temples. Maharaj always was concerned about how we are chanting and studying the scriptures, more than what lakshmi we give. I even find people who keep asking me even now, "How can H H Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj be without taking medicines or going to hospitals, how could he wash his own clothes, cook his own food?" Another glorious quality of Maharaj is that he gives us taste to study Srimad Bhagavatam, even to people like us, who don't like to study. Vyasa Puja is a time when we reinforce our vows of initiation. At the time of initiation, Maharaj has given each of us one or multiple instructions. His instructions form the basis of our spiritual life and so it is our duty to cling on to the instructions, considering it as our life and soul. The spoken words of Guru Maharaj are priceless and my offering is based on these spoken words, by which we can see Maharaj in every one of us. Krishna willing, we shall continue to hear further glories of Maharaj in the subsequent offering. Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi..