Syamasundara dasa
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate romapada-svamin iti namine
Dear and Respected Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your most merciful lotus feet. All glories to Your divine grace and All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The past year has truly been a roller coaster for me, especially in maintaining my visa status amidst prolonged joblessness. This period was filled with intense emotional turbulence, particularly in my relationship with Krsna. Almost daily, I found myself overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness. But in the midst of this storm, I was not alone. Many dear disciples of Your divine grace extended their support, helping me navigate my grief during this frighteningly uncertain time. Your Holiness’s compassionate words, shared through your classes and messages, served as a lifeline, helping me process the chaos and find steadiness amidst the calamity. One profound realization emerged from all of this: Krsna is the true maintainer. For so many years, I believed that my job, my technical skills, and my determination were what sustained me. But this experience shattered that illusion. Krsna made it undeniably clear—He alone is the provider and protector. A turning point came when I heard a senior disciple share how they began building a personal connection with their Deities. I was deeply inspired and decided to open my heart to Gaura-Nitai, sharing my fears, struggles, and uncertainties with them. To my amazement, they reciprocated in subtle yet profound ways. From that moment on, Gaura-Nitai became the confidants of my heart—whether in sorrow or joy, I now pour everything out to Them. This past year has taught me not only dependence on the Lord but also the sweetness of turning to Him in complete vulnerability. And that, I realize, is a gift far greater than any material stability.
Guru Maharaja, when I witness your unwavering determination, humility, gratitude, and loving service attitude—especially in your tireless efforts to resolve one of ISKCON’s most challenging legal cases on Long Island spanning nearly two decades—it deeply moves my heart. Your commitment to serving your beloved spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, with such steadfastness has inspired me to reflect on what I can do to support your mood and mission in expanding the Hare Krsna movement, the cherished vision of our predecessor acaryas like Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and His divine grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. I realize that my offering in devotional service must go beyond ritual and habit. By sincerely engaging in sravanam and kirtanam, I hope to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with the Supreme Lord—one of genuine connection and heartfelt devotion. It is by walking in your footsteps, absorbing your messages, and endeavoring to “walk the talk” that I pray to gradually develop spiritual qualities—by your mercy and by the causeless mercy of Lord Krsna. My sincere desire is to serve your dear disciples, whom you admire and appreciate, so that even by their association I may gain an iota of the divine qualities you embody so effortlessly. I humbly seek your blessings so that I may cultivate real devotion, not sentiment or show, but sincere affectionate feelings toward Sri Krsna, the supreme object of love and the reservoir of all pleasure.
Guru Maharaja, I fervently pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva to kindly protect your health and empower you with continued strength to preach the message of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and liberate countless conditioned souls—as you have been consistently doing for over five decades, etching your service into time like lines carved on stone—all for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.
Hare Krsna!
Your aspiring servant,
Syamasundara dasa