Ouyang

Dear Romapada Maharaja,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and all glories to you!

I have had three letters of communication with you since I came into contact with Krsna consciousness. The first letter, I saw that your reply was consistent with Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, without any unnecessary fancy content. It made me feel very shocked. In the following two letters, I focused on my own suffering in the material world, only mentioning a few spiritual topics. You emphasized the importance of chanting to me, even a small effort to improve the quality of japa would have a big impact.

Continuously, I began to listen to your weekly lectures and recordings of past courses, and tried to connect with your voice. It did not bring me any surging emotions, but a silent nourishment. Your course has shown me what it is like for a devotee to work hard. While admiring, I am also pondering whether I have the courage to step out of sense enjoyment.

Last year, you accepted me as your disciple. Taking shelter under your lotus feet, I feel the anger of distancing myself from Krsna, the unwillingness to be bound, the responsibility of becoming a disciple, the frustration and anxiety of not being able to make promises. At the same time, I feel that I am growing, always thinking about what true maturity is. And the responsibility you and your devotees undertake to take care of other souls has made me understand a little bit of the meaning of being human.

“We always want to leave Krsna alone and enjoy ourselves.” This sentence recently made me reflect on my actions and also inspired me to continue walking in Krsna consciousness. Without the kindness of the devotees, I don’t know where to rise and fall.

Dear Gurudeva, obeisances to you again, thank you very much. Wishing you good health and a happy birthday!

Bhaktin Ouyang