Lila Sravaniya devi dasi

Dear Romapada Swami Maharaja,

Please accept my most humble obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!

This is the first time I am offering a prayer to you, Guru Maharaja. Last year, I didn’t have the understanding, so I didn’t know how to write one. At that time, I went to Beijing to celebrate your Vyasa-puja with my God sisters and devotees. My heart was full of excitement. The scriptures say, “Hide your Guru”, but on this special day, we are allowed to fully express our feelings—our love for you, our gratitude, our praise, and everything we hold in our hearts for you.

I still remember the first time I saw you in Xi’an, in July 2023. Time has passed so quickly—almost two years have gone by in the blink of an eye. You were so erudite, gentleman, and attractive. The moment I saw you, I could not hold back my tears. I felt like I had found a home and support. I no longer felt alone. At that moment, I decided to take refuge in you. You were the first spiritual master I had ever met. With a heart full of uncertainty, I wrote my own letter of introduction to you. I didn’t know if you would be willing to accept someone as depraved as me.

But you were so kind—you accepted me despite my fallen condition. I had many questions to ask you, and you always responded patiently, again and again, without getting tired of it. When we met again in Hong Kong this year, you were kind, amiable, humble, and inclusive. During your lecture, you mentioned – while on a long flight for several hours without taking a break, you were replying to us one by one. You said that if your reply was late, we shouldn’t worry. At that moment, I couldn’t put my feelings into words. At over 70 years old, you continue to travel tirelessly—for propagating the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and for us, your fallen disciples. I often thought what gives you such strong faith and so many wonderful qualities. It is your unshakable faith in your spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. It is your deep study and practice of the sastras. It is your consistent devotion and service. Your perfect life has created these perfect qualities. How lucky I am to be your disciple.

Through each of your replies, you have guided me in life. You have helped me rise again and again from low points. You have helped me trust you and submit to you more. You have helped me walk more firmly on this path of Krsna consciousness.

On this auspicious day, I wish you good health, a long life, may divine virtues may spread far and wide.

Your humble servant,
Lila Sravaniya devi dasi