ISKCON—Chicago

Our Dear Srila Prabhupada,

The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. The ocean of mercy is Krsna, and because the spiritual master is a fully surrendered soul, he is linked up with Krsna in a bond of love.

Just as the cloud pours water on the forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master extinguishes the blazing fire of material life. Sometimes we see a blazing forest fire. The flames are so strong that no one can go to put them out, nor can anyone escape. We are all burning in the fire of repeated birth and death-who can put out the anxiety? Who can escape? We have only to wait for the rain of mercy coming from the lotus lips of our beloved spiritual master. He alone can extinguish the fire. For we are so foolish that we have not the desire to escape. Burning in the flame of false ego, overcome with pride as soon as we forget his divine lotus feet, only by thinking of our beloved gurudeva can we deem ourselves lower than straw in the street. When will that day be mine, by his divine mercy, that my mind will seek no other shelter than his lotus feet?

Constantly hearing the message of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His Divine Grace, the pure ray of Visnu love, has come chanting the holy names of Hare, Krsna and Rama. Melting our hearts with bhagavat-prasadam, the apostle of love is preparing us to know, love and to serve Radha and Krsna. No other soul could tell of the pastimes of the divine couple, so unlucky I've no taste for relishing the nectar of their transcendental pastimes. Still, by his causeless mercy even we are being engaged in Radha-Krsna devotional service. Let us all honor the lotus feet of the most confidential servitor of Sri Hari. Without His Divine Grace, no one can make any spiritual advancement.

What is the question of anyone's finding freedom from the three ropes of material nature outside of the disciplic succession. For how can a cloud furnish water on its own? Only by his divine benediction can we receive Krsna's mercy. Therefore at least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master. Please accept this must unworthy Vyas Pūja offering from your Chicago Temple. Begging for some insignificant service,

ISKCON-Chicago