from Vijayā Madhava Dāsa – USA, Virginia, Ashburn

Dear Srila Gurudev,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you Gurudev. We wish you a very happy Vyāsa-pūjā and pray that Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva always protects you.

I cannot begin to explain how you have changed and shaped my life. Through your traveling diaries and videos not only have I gained so much insight into Kṛṣṇa consciousness while growing up, but it also deepened my faith in the holy name as well. You also have had a deep impact on my wife and kids who now look forward to hearing your lectures and watching your videos. I was very fortunate to get initiated by you Gurudev in Vrindavan this past October. This process of rebirth has been liberating. Sitting there listening to a class by H.G. Bada Haridas Prabhu and watching the yajna ceremony performed by H.G. Chaturatma Dasa. It was something out of the spiritual world … something you read about in the books. I never imagined 3 of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples would be present during the initiation. It certainly was a rare treat. Gurudev as a young boy growing up in ISKCON you were always my shelter. Your kirtan and classes are what kept me going and keeps me going. Currently, I’m listening to your classes from the 90s again and they are just so amazing. Just full of nectar and great takeaways. You have kept your classes very simple so that any common man can understand this philosophy and become automatically drawn to it.

If someone were to ask me to pick one class of Srila Gurudev that stands out to you the most, I would have to say it would be the “Silver Spoon” class. Your lecture on how you joined ISKCON and the various stories you share in that class is just something I will always cherish. You walk us through your time with Srila Prabhupada and at times it was not easy especially while traveling to London and where you had to stay behind for Srila Prabhupada’s suitcase while others went and enjoyed a wonderful class given by His Divine Grace and enjoyed delicious prasadam. When you got to the Manor you had to carry that suitcase all by yourself up the stairs as others were too tired to help and you talked about how you almost bumped into Srila Prabhupada while walking into his room. At that time Srila Prabhupada slapped you on your back and made a wonderful statement. That statement was “so much endeavor in this material world, when I take you back to Godhead, everything will be easy and sublime”. I will always cherish that statement because we have to work very hard to stay in Kṛṣṇa consciousness as we are constantly challenged by maya but if we learn to keep our faith in the holy name and Guru then the process becomes a little easier. Thank you always for sharing such wonderful nectar. My kids and I have heard that class so many times and every time we break into laughter. You have always had a way with words and truly deeply thank you for everything you have given us. You have made our journey more blissful through so many festivals that you organize year around all over the world. I wish we could attend all of them, but it is often difficult to do that, but you are so kind that you always give us glimpses of all of them in your videos. Thank you for always thinking about your disciples who cannot be present all the time with you and sharing those rare moments with us. Your kirtans are just out of this world and I’m looking forward to your association and hearing Kṛṣṇa katha (and your kirtans of course) at Sadhu Sanga. Love you Gurudev. 🙏

Your servants,
Vijayā Madhava Dāsa (Ashburn, Virginia USA)
Kajal Patel (aspiring disciple)
Diya & Arjun Patel