Rati Vilasa devi dasi
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri gurave namah
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate romapada-svamin iti namine
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
On this most sacred occasion of your Vyasa-puja, I offer my humble obeisances and heartfelt gratitude at your lotus feet. You are my eternal spiritual master, father, and guide, and I am forever indebted to your boundless mercy.
You have dedicated your life to the mission of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada, tirelessly traveling and preaching the message of Krsna with unwavering dedication and compassion. Your selfless service has transformed countless lives, including mine, and I feel truly blessed to be counted among your disciples.
Your acceptance of me as your disciple is the greatest fortune of my life. Your teachings have illuminated my path and brought meaning, purpose, and spiritual depth to my existence. I hold your instructions close to my heart and strive to live by them, even if imperfectly.
During the last Vyasa-puja ista-gosthi, when asked what would please you most, you humbly replied, “being Krsna conscious”. That simple yet profound answer has remained with me ever since. I have been meditating on it deeply, seeking to internalize its essence and apply it in my daily life.
You also shared that when we receive praise, we should always remember the source and offer it back to the source Krsna. This teaching has left a lasting impression on me. It is a powerful reminder to remain humble and spiritually grounded, recognizing that all glories belong to the Supreme Lord.
These instructions are now etched in my heart. On this sacred day, I pray for your blessings—that I may by your mercy, imbibe even a fraction of these qualities. If I can embody even 1% of what you have taught, I will consider my life successful. Your guidance is a beacon of light, leading me toward the path of righteousness and devotion. I pledge to serve you and Srila Prabhupada with sincerity and dedication for the rest of my life.
“Since the spiritual master is the most confidential servant of the Lord, he should be treated exactly like the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” [Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.43 (PURPORT)]
This reminds me of your divine presence in my life. You are not only a teacher but a guiding light, leading me toward the ultimate truth. Your role as the Lord’s most confidential servant is a testament to your unwavering devotion and selfless service.
“The spiritual master is the mercy representative of the Lord.” [Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.22 (PURPORT)]
You are the embodiment of this verse—showering us with Krsna’s mercy through your wisdom, compassion, and example. Just as you faithfully serve your own guru, we aspire to continue this sacred lineage by following in your footsteps.
On your Vyasa-puja, I renew my vow to follow your instructions with sincerity and devotion until my last breath. May your blessings continue to guide me and all your disciples toward the eternal shelter of Lord Krsna.
Your servant,
Rati Vilasa devi dasi