My dearest Gurudeva,
This is my first Vyasa-puja prayer offering to you. Please accept my humble obeisances. Please also accept my most sincere wishes: I wish you a happy birthday and good health!
When writing this offering to you, I remembered my first meeting with you in Hong Kong. You were so kind. Your smile was as warm as the sun. It illuminated everyone around you. Since then, I have been constantly inspired by your wisdom and mercy. Every time I listened to your lecture, I sometimes felt confused and even a little drowsy. But your voice was filled with wisdom and strength. It seemed to awaken something deep in my heart. Slowly, I began to understand things that were unclear before. What’s even more touching is that after each class, you patiently answered every question. Through your lotus mouth, the difficult and obscure philosophy became clear and understandable.
Because of your mercy, I could take shelter of you. When I knelt down before your lotus feet, I was very nervous. I was afraid that, because of my ignorance, I might offend you. You leaned back in your chair and looked at each of us. Your gaze was calm, yet powerful. That look seemed to tell me, – Do not be afraid. I still remember your instruction to me: “There will be difficulties ahead, but there will also be opportunities. Believe in Krsna, and everything will be fine.” These few words gave me courage to face the unknown challenges.
Seeing your pure love for Lord Sri Krsna makes me even more determined to continue my practice in the future. Finally, on this most auspicious day, I express my gratitude to you again. I deeply wish you a happy birthday!
Your disciple,
Bhaktin Xu Lina