Krsna Lila devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaja,

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

One day in 1990 in Brooklyn, I complained to you that I had no peer association among the devotees. You suggested that I travel to Chicago when you were having a program there. I did. Compared to New York, I was amazed at the numbers of programs you presided over in a weekend. I still remember the first one I attended at Premananda devi dasi’s home. Everyone was sitting on the floor, Indian style. Premananda had bought a chair for me, the western devotee, and I sat in the only chair in the house surrounded by Indian culture, Indian devotees, and little did I know that a truly new exciting chapter in my life was starting that day.

Twenty-five years later, I am in New York and I am 75 years old now. Friends and colleagues my age are also growing older. Some of them have died alone, some are ill, and some are facing old age without much human contact. Some of them have family, but little love. And I, in contrast, feel the love and support of so many devotees from all over the US and India.

In this, your birthday, I am appreciating your kindness in sending me to Chicago, and giving me, an ignorant western professional, the opportunity to receive the gift of the association of devotees that keep me focused on Krsna’s service and enjoying the deep affection that is possible when relationships are real, authentic and in the service of life.

Thank you so very much for opening the door of mercy for me, and bless me that I open my heart to receive so many amazing blessings of love.

Your servant, Krsna Lila devi dasi