Uttama Bhakta dasa

om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah

nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate romapada-svamin iti namine

Dear Gurudev,

Please accept my most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to your Holiness. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

In the beginning a disciple may not realize the significance and importance of the instructions and mercy that flow from spiritual master but as it comes, it changes the perspective of life and, thereby, objects of our dedication. I feel that the instruction I received from you at the time of initiation regarding my morning sadhana and chanting has had a very significant effect on my life in the manner I view my life and human life. The original instruction was supported and reinforced by following the instructions of study of SrimadBhagavatam and listening to the discourses. Once into it, there was hardly any time and opportunity for unwanted thoughts and activities. Thank you for the divine path and the footsteps.

It is a matter of great pleasure that I share with others what I received from you in the form of knowledge and realizations. It has helped many beginners and the practicing devotees who were struggling with chanting or trying to catch a strong thread in their devotional practice. When they come back happily and give feedback, I immediately feel that your personality and mercy have helped their lives. Consequently, it increases my own enthusiasm to perform my sadhana with more discipline and humility. These are the people I meet at Bhakti Vrksa, temple, various homes, during book distribution and social gatherings. I try to maintain the same attitude at home with my immediate family. My sadhana and your association help me understand their lives and feelings to share this treasure in a very gentle and non-intrusive manner so that even though they may not be ready yet but they will be one day. Thank you again.

I wanted to take this auspicious opportunity of your Vyasa-Puja and share my feelings in this offering. I hope and pray that they bring you a little pleasure in my limited capacity to serve your Holiness. It is my humble prayer that I always continue to serve your lotus feet with increasing love, devotion and humility.

Your insignificant servant,
Uttama Bhakta dasa