HG Amrta-keli devi dasi
Vyasa-puja is one of the most cherished and nourishing celebrations for many of us. On this day, we find our hearts moved and melted by the opportunity to hear, express, and reminisce about the qualities, compassion, and glories of the dearmost personality in our lives. That personality is our spiritual master, who has touched and transformed our hearts in the most meaningful ways. It’s a day infused with “Gratitude, the seed of Love”
Relationship between the spiritual master and Krsna
“Krsna is within everyone. When Krsna sees that a living entity is very anxious to understand Him or to revive his Krsna consciousness, then Krsna gives him all opportunity, especially by manifesting Himself as the spiritual master. The spiritual master is Krsna’s mercy manifestation to help a person to develop his Krsna consciousness.”[Srila Prabhupada, Sri Vyasa-puja Lecture, London, August 22, 1973]
Significance of Vyasa-puja
Vyasa-puja signifies the worship of Srila Vyasadeva through His representative in our lives, Sri guru. Why do we worship others? It is because we are deeply moved by what they have given or done for us. Srila Vyasadeva has bestowed upon us the priceless gift of Srimad-Bhagavatam, the light in the dark age of Kali.
“This beautiful Bhagavatam, compiled by the great sage Vyasadeva [in his maturity], is sufficient in itself for God realization….. As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of Bhagavatam, by this culture of knowledge the Supreme Lord is established within his heart.” [Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.2]
The worship and gratitude offered on this day is an offering to the entire disciplic succession, starting from Srila Vyasadeva, the literary incarnation of Krsna, to our spiritual master and all the acaryas in the line; for their gift of Srimad-Bhagavatam, the holy Name, and the process of bhakti.
Role of the spiritual master and acaryas
The spiritual master and the acaryas, as representatives of Vyasadeva or Krsna in our lives, open our darkened eyes with the torchlight of transcendental knowledge. Our acaryas carry the munificent mood and mission of Lord Caitanya, spreading krsna-bhakti for the real welfare of the entire humanity, without any discrimination about whether one is qualified or not.
As souls entangled in material existence, we are not even aware of the Supreme Personality, Krsna. It is only through the causeless mercy of the spiritual master that we attain the fortune of not only knowing but also serving the Supreme Lord.
“O my lord, great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord.” [Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.5.3]
This quote embodies the unfathomable compassion of the spiritual master, who enters our lives to impart transcendental knowledge, provide opportunities for service, and guide us out of this fearful, temporary material existence into the blissful, eternal service of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.
Expressions of Gratitude and Service
Prema-Vivarta notes:
janame janame sabe pita mata paya krsna guru nahi mile baja hari ei
“Throughout the cycle of birth and death, one encounters many fathers and mothers, but obtaining a bona fide spiritual master and Krsna is a rare fortune in human life.”
Even in human life, it is extremely rare. We can be grateful for this rare and immense good fortune of meeting our spiritual master.
His Holiness Romapada Swami reflects on his gratitude to Srila Prabhupada, which led to a lifetime of service, for more than 50 years:
“I was one of the fortunate recipients of your causeless mercy. One fine day, as a young college student, I experienced a series of events that resulted in a profound realization of “the gift of life.” Profound gratitude filled my heart repeatedly. I knew then and there that I was indebted to you, Srila Prabhupada, and I must reciprocate somehow with you and assist you in your mission.”
Vyasa-puja is a day for disciples to express gratitude and offer something to the spiritual master. What can we offer to someone fully satisfied in their relationship with guru and Krsna? The true way to worship and honor the spiritual master is by following their instructions, living according to their teachings, and contributing to their mission of uplifting others. We can sincerely pray for the manifestation of the second verse of guru-vandana in our lives: guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya, ar na koriho mane asa.
We might feel small and inadequate for assisting in the spiritual master’s mission. His Holiness Romapada Swami offers this inspiration:
“The Vaisnava die to live, and living try to spread the holy name around. That was Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s life, and He passed it on to his son, and then to Srila Prabhupada. It’s being passed on to us. It’s a big legacy. We, little people, are to carry it forward. Though we are small, collectively, the mission can advance significantly by sincere and faithful followers.”
This spirit of dedication is evident in Srila Prabhupada’s followers, who continue his mission and feel his presence and guidance, even decades after his physical departure from this planet. We can strive to follow their example and live by their teachings. We can pray for empowerment and to deepen our dedication and gratitude to our spiritual master.
Conclusion
The spiritual master’s mercy and guidance are so indispensable in one’s life that a sincere disciple feels eternally indebted; and strives to express that gratitude by dedicating their life and soul to serving the spiritual master. Vyasa-puja allows us to reflect on and express of our gratitude to the spiritual master and appreciate the heartfelt sharing of other devotees. It is a day that brings out the glory of the spiritual master and unites the devotees’ hearts in love and gratitude.
It is a day to reorient our lives toward the lotus feet of guru and Gauranga, renew our love and gratitude, and reinvigorate our commitment to serving and honoring our spiritual master.
His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja ki Jai! Srila Prabhupada ki Jai! ananta-koti-vaisnava -bhakta-vrnda ki Jai! Hare Krsna!