Offerings from Disciples

Dear Maharaja,
Dearest Friend and Ever Well-Wisher

I recall the first time we met, how instead of letting me pay my obeisances as I desired, but instead you gave me the biggest hug possible and how you expressed such humble admiration that I was going to take you from Wales to London Town a small service.

I remember how I did not know the way so relied on the sat-nav, our journey proved a remarkable one as we passed many places from the early days of ISKCON in the UK and you freely shared many thoughts highlights and realizations, a journey beyond compare.

Each year you've taken time from a very busy schedule to visit us here in Wales, encouraging everyone taking the Welsh people to your heart as they too took you to heart especially the young ones. You remain the only Maharaja who out of compassion visits each and every devotee in the remote areas of Wales, bringing the greatest gift your association that you give so freely.

But it's that compassion that makes you so dear to us that draws us ever closer and focused on devotee life, you describe yourself as the default Guru for many souls as your the only Guru that visits these war-torn countries, but this just shows that you are not the default Guru but by far the most compassionate and caring - your only concern is to save the fallen souls.

Srila Prabhupada shared with each and every one who was willing to listen showing great mercy and understanding of the condition each soul finds ourselves in; and that you remain the most humble of servants just following the orders of your spiritual master, remaining true to his words propagating Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu Sankirtana movement throughout the whole world this remains always your focus and desire.
 

In many ways I remain unable to find my way out of the quad-mire of material suffering but just like our first journey you point out and highlight all the spiritual delights that can be seen whilst giving simple but practical advice; understanding the suffering and attachment we have either knowing or unknowing.

You remain a dear friend and ever well-wisher to us all, and pray that each and every day you become stronger and ever more focused in your efforts, setting the finest example in how to serve the mission and relive the suffering of this material life so that we too can return home.

Your Humble Servant
Dave
Wales

Dear Mahavishnu Swami, Gurumaharaja,

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Please accept my humble obeisances

On this special date, I would like to thank you for taking me into your boat and giving me initiation and making me feel closer to Srila Prabhupada and stronger to carry out my service.

Dear Guru Maharaj, Hare Krishna!
All glories to Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Your Divine Grace!
Please accept my most respectfull obeisances.

nama om visnu-padaya krsna prestaya bhu-tale
srimate maha-visnu svamin iti namine

nama om visnu-padaya krsna prestaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta svamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi pascatya-desa-tarine

om ajnana-timirandhasya
jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena
tasmai sri-gurave namah

22.02.1998. Croatia
That year You decided to visit Croatia, because You were collecting donations for Rupa-Sanatan temple in Bangladesh. Few days before the public program in Varazdin, small town on north of Croatia, where You were invited as a guest, mataji Marijana and mataji Josipa invited me on that program too. Although I had many reasons not to go, two of them were much more persistent. I asked what would be the difference from previous programs. The two of them replied:"A disciple of Srila Prabhupada is coming on this one!". So, I said:"Still it is not something what will set me in motion, but because you both are so determinate I will go. And just that you know, I'm doing this only because of Srila Prabhupada, and because I am looking for some answers which I may get at the program. By the way, what is a name of the guru?" I asked. First mataji Marijana said,"Maha-vishnu Swami. He was in Zagreb two days ago." And mataji continued,"We hve never seen him before but we believe we will all have a nice moment."
I smiled and said:"Ok, we will go and see. I never heard of that guru, neither have I seen Him, but Varzdin is near..."

So, we went to the program. It was in big hall rented for that purpose. Devotees really made a big endeavour. Speaking nicely with devotees mataji Marijana and mataji Josipa found out about services.. And I was feeling awkward although I didn't know why. I told to matajis how I would go to sit in the hall. They looked at me and they asked if everything was all right. I smiled puzzled:"Frankly, I feel strange. Mataji Josipa replied,"Ksenija here are all devotees whom you know and who respect you, what is wrong?" I said:"Something is going on and devotees have nothing to do with that. So where is the guru?" Mataji Josipa said:"The program will start any minute now, so He will come."

Suddenly, by the entrance of the hall,a small group of devotees were making way and few seconds later you appeared with a BIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGG smile on Your face. The moment I saw you, everything dissappeared, devotees, hall, programmm... You were like a light at the end of the tunnel. Things started to spin in my head, service in Krishna Consciousness in different temples where I was, things before bhakti-yoga, till the moment I saw You. I became speachless. Confusion completely. I was watching how You were striding towards the stage, towards the table prepared for dias-show. I became pale and for few minutes I didn't know where I was. Mataji Marijana asked if I was OK. I just replied:"This is my guru!" The matajis were laughing and commenting how we do that for every guru we see for the first time. 'Come on Ksenija, calm down, don't speculate, take some time. You even didn't hear Him yet, so how you can say that??!!" I looked at them:"No, this is my guru! Srila Prabhupada has heard my prayers and just send Him to me.THIS IS MY GURU! And it has nothing to do with reason, heart have chosen so it will be it!" They were looking at me in wonder, thinking I went mad, but...

I couldn't wait till the end of the lecture. After bhajans you presented a projection about Rupa-Sanatan teple. After the projection you were distributing photographs and cookie prasadam. I couldn't wait to approach you, which wasn't usual for me at all. When wanted to talk with you, you told me to wait until you had distributed prasadam to others... so, it was. I approached you, and we were talking about FFL and services, about your preaching places... Devotees were driving you to the temple, so because lack of the time you said: "I would be glad if we could continue our association through the lettersJ!" I agreed of course. I knew this was just the begining of something wonderful, special, and of meaning in life. You were Srila Prabhupada's instrument and that was the biggest treasure I came home with. Treasure I got by the mercy of Devotees, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Rama! And as one can see, here we are and with endevour, tolerance and patience you are opening my eyes with a torchlight of knowledge. It is a long way but the only way which has value.

samsara-davanala-lidha-loka
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

2006/2007, Venezia, Italy
During this visit to Italy, our dear Guru Maharaja always participated in harinam. I remember when we were walking fast, You were looking where devotees were and if we could follow all and stay in the harinam group. Harinam in Venezia is big and it is astonishing how Guru Maharaj is taking care that as much as possible people hear the maha-mantra, that devotees are happy in that service and whenever there is an opportunity to speak with passers-by, he will do it. Once, one hippy beggar approached Him - everybody was avoiding him, but when he approached Guru Maharaja, Guru Maharaja gave him His full attention and time. Harinam was going through the main square, and Guru Maharaja was still talking with that man. When Guru Maharaja joined the harinam again, the man was looking in wonder and started to sing with us. Guru Maharaja melts everyone's heart with His simplicity.

mahaprabhoh kirtana-nrtya-gita
vaditra-madyan-manaso rasena
romanca-kampasru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

2006, Venezia, Italy
I remember one anecdote from harinam. Sacinandana Swami and Guru Maharaj were present. We were walking through small streets, full of people, because it was a festival that time in Venezia. We were singing the Holy Name and all Venezia turned into the Holy Dham. Devotees were in ectasy. After a few hours of singing and dancing over flooded by Lord Caitanya's mission. On the main square devotees had a show, prepared with hard work and endeavour in order to make it interesting for the people. Around 9 p.m. we had to go towards the cars because we had to travel a few hours to Villa Vrindavan (Firenza). Somebody suggested to Guru Maharaja that it would be faster to go back with a boat, because we know how Guru Maharaja likes waterJ, it was a logical choice for Guru Maharaja to accept. On the way back towards the place we left the cars Guru Maharaja was playing the maha-mantra melodies and we were singing. At one moment we were going under a bridge. We were singing the maha-mantra on the boat, and Sacinandana Swami was with His group of devotees crossing under the bridge and singing. It was part of a second, without agreement, all of us confirmed, 100% perfect. I think Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityanada were playing at that moment. SRI SRI GAURA NITAY KI JAY!

sri vigraharadhana-nitya-nana
srngara-tan-mandira-marjanadau
yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato 'pi
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

17.09.2006., Zagreb, Croatia
The day I stopped being a baby. The day of my growing up. The day without laying waste. Initiation of Rama-Nitai Prabhu and myself. It is interesting how the ceremony was meant to be in February but it took place seven months later, on 17.09. and the date in conection with Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada took sannyasa 17.09.1959.. Srila Prabhupada whom I pray to every day, Srila Prabhupada who knows all hidden toughts of my crazy mind, Srila Prabhupada whom I prayed to send me His disciples who will have the desire to guide me in my spiritual life or not to send anyone if I am such a rascal who doesn't deserve any of it. Srila Prabhupada who is present in every minute in my life. Srila Prabhupada who even sent You to deliver me from here. You who are the father and true wellwisher. AND MY MOST DEAREST TROLLJJJ!!! You who can become all enthusiastic and have a big smile on Your face when You talk about Srila Prabhupada! And it becomes nectar to listen to you. Somebody can ask - what is Sacimata speaking about? But how can one explain things, which are spoken from the heart, how can anyone besides you, understand that? How can one explain the relationship between desciple and guru when people don't understand smaller things?! And that relationship is planned to the smallest details by Lord Rama through guruparampara... You always engange us in the service for Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and Srimati Radharani and Lord Krsna! You always know what is the best for us. The proof is sms You arrived right after initiation- "Dr SM dd, HK!PAMB!Tnx 4 yr text n gd wishes. If u can make time u can try 2 start 2 help more with pujari service in Zag templ as it may b apreciated. Pl ask Sundar. Tnx yws mvs"-sms, 22.09.2006., 13:48

catur-vidha-sri-bhagavat-prasada
svadv-anna-triptan hari-bhakta-sanghan
krtvaiva triptim bajatah sadaiva
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

2009, Zagreb, Croatia
Prasadam.Two realisations. Incredible how You always like to take prasadam together with devotees. Gurus usually have a special menu, but You never want to be separated or anything special more than others. Second realisation is how a disciple always needs to be thoughtful. Guru Maharaja, You came to Zagreb last year. You stayed a few days because You were on Your way to London, India, Africa... When I wanted to give you my best, usually something unexpected happened. I wanted You to eat something before you travel and fruits to take with you in the plane. It was a lack of the time and we were supposed to be at the airport already. I put tofu instead of cheese into spinach (WHERE WAS MY INTELIGENCE AT THAT MOMENT!!!!!!:() I thought it would be better if I put tofu, something similar to cheese, than to give you plain spinach. At the airport You took a plate, and immediatly asked:"What kind of cheese is that?" I said:"Tofu, I didn't have anything like cheese:" You looked at me sharply, left the plate and said:"We cannot offer tofu to Radha and Krishna! That I cannot eat!" Your look was more than enough. I have learned my lesson. First, when I serve You I need to be 100% concentrating, if not better to move. When You will be coming in the future I will make you preparations only with cheese from Lika, from Srivan Prabhu. Please, forgive me. I beg You a million times for excuse. That kind of action is not justified and I will try not to repeat that kind of mistake in the future.

sri-radhika-madhavayor apara
madhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam
prati-ksanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

In one latter I have asked You why it is so important for You that most of the time in the year you are in Africa, when you have disciples also in Europe too and sometimes it is very hard to for disciples not to receive an answers from you, so we are asking each other if You are alive at all? You have answered me in a letter:"...The separtion from my disciples and devotees sometimes seems like the curse of a traveling sannyasi. But I have internally decided that in order to get Srila Prabhupada's mercy I should at least try and be a pioneer and distribute the 30 tons of French books alotted to me in Central Africa. So that is a kind of priority I am keeping. Therefore I am sacrificing visiting other places. Already you told me that several swamis visit Zagreb but not one, exept me, visit Central Africa. Does anybody in Europe particularly care for the Jagai's and Madhai's descendants of Nishada in Africa? Historically so far we have cared only for Africa's slave trade and mineral resources. The Christians have preached very well there with the guns (money) in one hand and Bible in the other. Now is the time we can reveal by Lord Caitanya's mercy that pure devotional service to Krishna is what Lord Jesus was really teaching..." -letter, 20.06.2006.

Three years later I can say I understand Your desire and I can see Your endevour that Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna dance on African Continent too so now in my prayers I thank to Your preaching and I am praying to Lord Nrsimhadeva and Hanuman, to Lord Ram and Lakshman to protect You on every step- AGRATHA PRUSTATAS CA/PARSVATAS CA MAHABALAU/AKARNA PURNA DHANVANAU/RAKSETHAM RAMALAKSMANAU.

nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai
ya yalibhir yuktir apeksaniya
tatrati-daksyad ati vallabhasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

Enganging evryone in kirtan, harinam, bhajans, You are bringing us near to spirtual world, to Vrindavan, to celebrate Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna. And Holy Dhama too.

saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair
uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

Not that just all scriptures and authorities are following that but that is comprehension of all of us. Everything you were telling me for years every instruction you gave has meaning- to serve devotees, help people, distribute as much as possible prasadam, take a care of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, be member and active of bhaktisanga group and nama-hatta programs. Lord Krishna desires all of that and you agreed. Everything you say and confirm has a meaning and all things you didn't bless are like wash away. Everything I do with your blessings becomes great. Thank You for that!

yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado
yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam
vande guroh sri caranaravindam

Truly, more and more I am aware that I can survive in this world only with Your blessings. Even impossible things become possible with Your blessings. With Your blessing everything is fulfilled with happiness, smile, satisfaction. Thank You very much for every separated second, minutes or hour of conversation. Thank You for advice You gave me last summer when You were in Zagreb. Thank You for instructions and strentgh to carry on and knowing that thay is the only way which was meaning. I can only say that everything is happening with some reason and often situations which look "bad" bring us to the biggest changes. I am the happiest person because I have the biggest treasure -You, Srila Prabhupada, Sita-Ram..., and I am conceiving that more and more. Thank You once again for everything and I wish You all the best and happines in preaching, no matter where do You travel and make a step with Your lotus feet.

VANDE GUROH SRI-CARANARAVINDAM
VANDE GUROH SRI-CARANARAVINDAM
VANDE GUROH SRI-CARANARAVINDAM

PUSPANJALI!
Your insignificant daughter and servant,
Sacimata dd
Croatia

OUR SPIRITUAL MASTER IS AN OCEAN OF MERCY

Namo om visnu padaya krsna - presthaya bhu-tale
Srimate Mahavishnu Swami iti namine.

Dear Gurudev,

On this very very auspicious day on your vyasa puja I pay my most humble obeisances unto the dust of you lotus feet again and again, life after life, may I never forget you.

Mahaprabhu kirtana - nrtya - gita-
vaditr - madyan - manaso rasena
romanca - kampasru - tarango - bhajo
vande guroh sri caranaravindam

Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

Gurudev, I really love your kirtans, seeing you dance in harinams in so much bliss and ecstacy makes me also dance, hearing you play on the accordion and sing so beautifully, makes me also sing and wanting to play the harmonium, maybe if you give me your blessing I also can play the harmonium. Hearing you chant japa on your beads, makes me also want to chant just like you, with love and attention, I have no taste for the Mahamantra but just remembering how you chant, I automatically pick up my beads and chant without difficulties.

Gurudev, when I am going through hard time and I think and feel that there is nobody I can reveal my heart and mind with, when I feel like the world is turning upside down and there is no hope for me, but than when I hear your voice or just seeing your smiling face I feel great solace within my heart, you make difficult situations so simple.

Gurudev, I want to heart fully thank His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada for coming to the west in such a advance age to deliver the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu because of Srila Prabhupada I am able to have the association of devotees and having you as my spiritual master.

I never knew anything about Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, never heard about them, just like me , I am sure there are so many souls that don't know, or never knew about Lord Caitanya's movement but thanks to Srila Prabhupada, the six Gosvamis of Sri Vrindavan Dham and your humble self all over the world people are getting the chance to chant the Mahamantra and do deity worship.

Gurudev, I also want to heartfully thank H.H Jayapataka Swami for giving you sannyasa initiation. I am sure that Maharaja is very pleased with all your sincere services and I pray just one day if I could just have one tiny bit of your quality.

Gurudev, you are so kind , not just to me but to everyone, you are always showering your mercy to whoever comes by your way, always happy, smiling, laughing chanting, dancing, Gurdev, I am so dumb that I can not even describe your beautiful qualities properly.

Gurudev, I feel so fortunate, Srimati Radhrani and Krsna are so kind to me for sending you as my spititual master. I feel so fortunate that you let me render personal service to worshipable deities, Lord Jagannarth. You taught me how to make nice outfits for your deities as well as for my Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, what more can I say?.....

I pray to Srimati Radharani, Sri London-Isvara that you stay with us for may many many more years so that we can get showered by your mercy and get to serve your lotus feet for many many many more years. I pray to my Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai that may I always see your smiling face and hear your sweet chanting of the Hare Krsna mahamantra.

All glories, all glories to my spiritual master, all glories to his lotus feet that travels around the world, by touching the dust of different countries his purifying the land, making it into a holy place, giving everyone a chance to dance and sing , making the ones hear Gauranga and Nityananda into devotees. May I never forget his lotus feet.

Please forgive me for my offences to you.

Your aspiring servant/servant fallen soul

Guru-Priya dd
London

Dear Gurumaharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

On this Auspicious Day of your appearance I wish to express my gratitude for all that you have tried to help me with throughout the years. What I observe most about you is your thoughtful nature, freedom from anger, and dedication to your mission, sometimes respectfully disagreeing with others for the sake of doing what you see as right. You also have a tremendous adventurous spirit and full faith in the Lord. And an individual slant….embodying the "simultaneously one and different"…. You live and embody fully what you believe in…

I will keep this brief, later I will express more in a personal letter. This is just to say THANK YOU I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING and HAVE A WONDERFUL YEAR.

Your servant
Ila devi dasi