Satyavrata dasa and Krtamala devi dasi
Our Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept our most humble obeisances in the dust of your divine lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
On this most auspicious occasion of your appearance day, we your aspiring servants, humbly seek your blessings to offer a few words of heartfelt gratitude at your lotus feet, for our own purification.
If we are still sustaining our devotional lives, remaining in the association of devotees and continuing to serve the lotus feet of Krsna, it is only due to your causeless mercy upon us in the form of your boundless love, affection, guidance, blessings, and sincere well-wishing. One of the greatest gifts you have bestowed upon us is the association of the seva group devotees, where we regularly hear, chant, and discuss topics of Krsna and His dear devotees. This divine association brings us immense happiness, satisfaction, and spiritual strength. Without it, we feel like a fish out of water or a branch detached from the tree disconnected and lifeless.
Without devotee association, even the study of scripture, visiting holy places, chanting, and other devotional practices can seem difficult and dry. But by your empowerment and mercy, many members of the seva group have now completed their bhakti-sastri and teacher training course and are actively assisting in the preaching mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Following in Srila Prabhupada’s footsteps, you have always emphasized education not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of others too. You give top priority to deepening our knowledge and realization of Krsna consciousness.
In your divine presence, we witness divine qualities – purity, humility, punctuality, simplicity, unshakable faith in the acaryas. Merely observing these qualities in you sparks a deep desire in our hearts to renounce impious habits and cultivate spiritual virtues so that we may serve you and Lord Krsna sincerely. You never compromise on the teachings of sastra or dilute the message of Srila Prabhupada. Your presence alone dispels the darkness of ignorance in our lives, and your instructions are always simple, direct, and crystal clear free from confusion. Your simplicity and genuineness attract everyone, from children to the elderly.
Even a brief reply from you can carry immense spiritual weight. For example, one of your responses to a devotee was:
“Without Krsna, there is only varieties of darkness. Now that you have achieved devotee association, by the grace of God, never depart, Remain humble, submissive, and eager to hear from elevated Vaisnavas regarding the way back to the soul’s original consciousness.”
These few sentences alone are sufficient to guide a sincere soul to perfection. What more could we possibly ask for in this life? You have given us yourself, Krsna, and His beloved devotees. You have taught us the means to cultivate qualities like humility and gratitude essentials for any spiritual aspirant. Through your teachings and association, we have gained unwavering conviction: Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, we are His eternal servants, and our life’s perfection lies in following the instructions of a bona fide spiritual master.
We humbly seek your blessings to remain ever grateful at your divine lotus feet.
Your aspiring servants,
Krtamala devi dasi and Satyavrata dasa