Sthira devi dasi

Dear and respected Guru Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

My understanding of hearing from you, there are two major struggles in the process of bhakti for a practicing devotee. One is trying to chant the holy names of the Lord, yet the chanting is mechanical. The reason for chanting being mechanical is one is unable to give one’s full attention to the holy name. The recommendation is to have a sankalpa – why is one chanting or practicing the norms of devotion? When there is a sankalpa or intention for an activity then it is easier to hold the attention in the direction of the intention.

Guru Maharaja, You teach us through multiple seminars and Festival of holy name retreats to focus on our chanting. It is a very small point focus, and that focus can deliver Krsna to us. Several retreats this example has been repeated by you – Take a magnifying glass and hold it at an angle directing the rays of the sun through it on a paper or a combustible surface. If we can focus on keeping the magnifying glass steady and not change the angle, in time we will see a slither of smoke come.

sanketyam parihasyam va
stobham helanam eva va
vaikuntha-nama-grahanam
asesagha-haram viduh

[Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.14]

“One who chants the holy name of the Lord is immediately freed from the reactions of unlimited sins, even if he chants indirectly [to indicate something else], jokingly, for musical entertainment, or even neglectfully. This is accepted by all the learned scholars of the scriptures.”

[Translation Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.14]

Since you are focused on chanting the holy names of the lord attentively, that focus expands in doing steady devotional services. Doing retreats all around the year, every year. Inspiring and nudging so many of us on the path of devotion by your example.

The second struggle is relationship with devotees. Association of devotees is one of the five most important limbs of bhakti that helps one grow in one’s devotion. Yet, one has problems in one’s relationship with devotees. We are like bamboo in the bamboo forest and the wind blows. One bamboo hits another bamboo, and we say, ‘hey you hit me’. We forget Krsna and it is all about ‘you hit me’.

You teach us respect is the fabric of relationships. Fulfilling one’s own need is self-respect. From their offering services to others, helping them fulfill their needs is respect towards others. Charity always begins at home.

To observe your dealings with devotees is very educational and inspirational. You are very careful, respectful, tolerant of others’ shortcomings. Always giving others an opportunity for service, yet never expecting anything in return.

On this auspicious day of your Vyasa-puja I beg for mercy to chant attentively being focused on execution of goal of human life and have a desire for spiritual strength to honor all living entities not expecting anything in return.

Your servant,
Sthira devi dasi