Sandhini devi dasi
My dear Gurudeva Srila Romapada Swami Maharaja,
On this day of your guru-puja celebration, please accept my obeisances at your lotus feet and at Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet. All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s preaching mission.
It is under your protection that our fallen souls have their foundations. For many lifetimes we lead a wandering life like a prodigal son. I have a home but I don’t know how to go back home, but once I got into the ISKCON family to study under the shelter of Srila Prabhupada the personal teachings and instructions of Gurudeva, I slowly woke up from that state of stupefaction, knowing that I was originally a servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a tool of my guru, helping my guru to do transcendental service to the Lord.
Twenty years of service is too difficult. The test of Krsna is more and more severe. I have a strong nature but sometimes I also feel it is hard. But my Gurudeva, with your support behind me, my courage to spread transcendental knowledge will multiply. I may be nearly 70 years old but I never felt intimidated. And when I told you of the severe situation and you replied to encourage me, I immediately felt full of strength. Nothing could prevent me from having a determination to live according to the regulative principles laid down by Srila Prabhupada, because there is no other route of retreat for me. This life has become my life and if I cannot live like this, I would rather die, I cannot live at all, so only go forward. With the guidance and support of guru and with the support and mercy of Krsna and the devotees, I believe everything will be tended to a good prospect. As this is the nature of the soul and the will of the Lord, we only have to listen to the words of Gurudeva and all difficulties will be passed safely. Thank you for your kindness. You always support and help me!
I wish you a longer life than flowing water of Nanshan. Your blessings are like the evergreen pine trees in the East Sea.
Your eternal servant,
Sandhini devi dasi