Abhirama dasa and Gaura Priya devi dasi

Dearest and most loving Guru Maharaja,

Hare Krsna. Please accept our most humble obeisances in the dust of your divine lotus feet. All glories to your mercy and to Srila Prabhupada.

Lord Krsna is ever attentive to the sincere soul’s yearning to transcend maya and return to Him. He orchestrates infinitely elaborate arrangements and provides countless opportunities through His holy name, deities, prasadam, scriptures, holy places, and the association of devotees. However, when He especially favors someone, He bestows the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master. Through such a master’s association, the impact of every gift from Krsna is multiplied manifold.

We are incredibly fortunate to experience this direct reality through your association. When you lead us to holy places like Haridwar, Kurukshetra, Udupi, and Vrndavana, our devotional spirit is completely rejuvenated, and we feel a palpable connection with our acaryas and Krsna. Your explanations of the scriptures ignite within us a genuine taste for studying them with patience and depth, allowing us to appreciate, relish, and be nourished by their wisdom. Your personal example and divine vani inspire us to truly honor prasadam in a mood of service and to strive to be a Vaisnava (at least in practice) when we are in devotee sanga. When we hear that the spiritual master bestows the gift of the holy name, we deeply connect with this profound understanding.

Your presence in our lives is like salt in food—imperceptibly; you bring meaning to everything. Without your connection, spiritual life loses its taste. Srila Prabhupada writes in various places that the spiritual master is a father, mother, facilitator, selfless servant, kind, and compassionate. He is not a controller, manipulator, or exploiter. You embody such an exemplary spiritual guide, mentor, and teacher, inspiring everyone to emulate you. Supplementing this is your own extraordinarily high standard of sadhana, tapasya, and simple lifestyle.

We particularly appreciate your profound contribution to us and the Vaisnava community by setting a solid example of a dedicated follower of Srila Prabhupada—one who truly lives with him and for his mission. What this actually means is vividly illustrated through your association. Our prayer at your lotus feet is that you bless us to offer our lives 100% in humble pursuit of your footsteps, and to become completely absorbed in the transcendental vani given by you and Srila Prabhupada. All glories to your merciful shelter!

Your aspiring servants,
Abhirama dasa and Gaura Priya devi dasi