Yamuna Jivana dasa and Sri Radhika devi dasi
My dear and respected Guru Maharaja, my eternal Father, and Master,
Please accept my humble obeisances unto your most merciful lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace! All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada!
The Holy Name
One of the concluding verses in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (12.3.51) speaks the following:
kaler dosa-nidhe rajann asti hy eko mahan gunah
kirtanad eva krsnasya mukta-sangah param vrajet
This material world is fraught with difficulties and impurities. Without a doubt, everyone is suffering. Even the so-called “happy” persons are captured by the illusory energy and have ‘skeletons in their closets’, as we have experienced time and again. One just has to scratch the surface a bit. The more persons are divorced from Krsna consciousness, the more asuric is their nature and therefore, the more suffering they experience.
In the 4th Canto, Narada Muni compares this western world to the genitals of the human body that represent asuric societies filled with sense gratification (Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.25.52). We are engulfed by such inebriety. Because of living in this nidhe (ocean) of dosas (faults), it is to be expected that life is difficult, and full of miseries. Even in discharging devotional duties, because the heart is impure, there are faults in our service and character, and there is inevitably some suffering experienced by those involved or touched. In such a situation, what can elevate us?
There is one amazing quality in this age — that is the chanting of the Holy Name of Krsna (asti hy eko mahan gunah kirtanad eva krsnasya). This is our primary means of deliverance, and YOU are delivering this gift in such expert, varied, and compassionate ways!
Uninterrupted bhakti
I have been contemplating — what is devotional service? One aspect of it is to not give up, become averse to, or exhibit other similar reactions to challenges in one’s duties in Krsna consciousness. The mind is habituated to acceptance and rejection. Devotional service is digging deeper into the self — motivated by, and truly caring, as a servant; not as a master or controller, while neglecting the mind that quickly wants to do something new or reject that which is so sacred – one’s specific service to Guru and Krsna. Rejection or avoidance does not truly fulfill the heart. Devotional service is not about “me” or “my likes and dislikes”. Devotional service means looking for ways that will please guru, and thereby, Krsna. The scorched heart is truly satisfied and fulfilled by ‘pushing on’, despite the mind. “ahaituky apratihata yayatma suprasidati” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.6). In thinking about you, I often ask myself, what makes you continue despite the abundance of challenges of so many varieties, most of which I am shielded from? How do you do it? Clearly, you are performing devotional service.
Service to the devotees
Srila Prabhupada was emphatic: He decisively wanted a movement of unity among increasingly diverse individuals. This is the vision for the sustainability of ISKCON, which is the engine for dispensing opportunities for devotional service on a widespread scale. Years ago, you wrote to me: “Loving exchanges amongst the next generation of leaders *WILL* be the primary ingredient that will sustain Unity in ISKCON, going into the future. I will be emphasizing this theme again and again and again thru passage of time. I have very strong concern for doing NOW what will preserve the future unity and well-being of ISKCON, and I have deep conviction in the above statement.” As always, you have kept your word as you have, in no uncertain terms, repeatedly emphasized the above message. You not only speak it, but amply live it. You are an acarya!
During last year’s Vyasa-puja celebrations, you encouraged us to be the servants of others and you went on to explain what that really means — to touch the heart of the devotee. You touch hearts. Just one out of many examples is His Grace Abhirama Prabhu’s experience with you facilitating the New York Harinaam party service in very practical ways. He was clearly touched, as we witnessed.
Humble request
Personally, I feel very unfit to call myself your disciple. Yet, I know in my heart, that my deep happiness lies in dedication to this sober, transcendental goal of discipleship. Guru Maharaja, my family has been a recipient of your kind attention and training over the years both directly and through His Grace Nityananda Pran Prabhu. We are very fortunate! I wish to give back. At the same time I fear material energy. I need to take shelter of Krsna’s Holy Name, deeply receive Srimad-Bhagavatam, and somehow be engaged in your service in Srila Prabhupada’s movement. Please keep me in your prayers, and under your care.
Aspiring to be your fit disciple,
Yamuna Jivana dasa