Hrsta devi dasi

Dear Guru Maharaja,

Happy Vyasa-puja!

On this auspicious occasion of your Vyasa-puja, I reflect deeply on the beautiful words of Srimad-Bhagavatam (9.4.68), which illuminate the most intimate and profound relationship between the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees. The verse states:

sadhavo hrdayam mahyam
sadhunam hrdayam tv aham
mad-anyat te na jananti
naham tebhyo manag api

“The pure devotee is always within the core of My heart, and I am always in the heart of the pure devotee. My devotees do not know anything else but Me, and I do not know anyone else but them.” [Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.4.68]

Guru Maharaja, you exemplify this divine relationship with the Lord in your life and teachings you share. You are a true representative of the loving, selfless devotion described in this verse, where the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees become inseparable. With compassion and wisdom, you always remain in the service of Srila Prabhupada by tirelessly preaching.

Today is your seventy seventh appearance. When I look at you, I don’t see an old man. I see a soldier, full of youth and vigor. You travel the world tirelessly and tolerate all types of mental and physical exhaustion just to give us an opportunity to understand the profound teachings of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Your instructions and example guide us to develop distaste for mundane affairs and crave for association with devotees. Your life is dedicated entirely to the service of your spiritual master and the Supreme Lord, and through your mercy, we begin to glimpse the sweetness of that eternal relationship. We pray that you continue to shower us with your blessings so that we may follow in your footsteps and become qualified to be of some service to you.

Guru Maharaja, on this day of your Vyasa-puja, I offer my humble obeisances, pray for your eternal guidance, and express my deepest gratitude for your merciful presence in my life.

Your servant,
Hrsta devi dasi