Balavanta Dāsa

Born to Vaisnavas so clean and pure
Destined to carry God's message certain and sure
His mission was there from the very beginning
But few could then see its true hidden meaning.

His father realized the son would be great
And local astrologers foretold his fate
Temples would open by the touch of his hand
The world would be rescued by his command.

Eternal servant of Sarasvati Thakura
He came on his order to this distant shore
Preaching Gaurahga's message in the fallen West
With all his devotion he soared past all tests.

He chanted and lectured on New York's East Side
He became our guru, our father, our guide
To make Vaisnavas of us was his desire
He thought "Krsna can help them; we'll see what transpires."

This impossible task he took as his mission
Serving his guru devoid of conditions
To hell he would go if that was his duty
Just marvel the heart of God's pure devotee

His character was pure; his message was sweet
Thousands soon fell at his lotus feet
His arms were held high; his merciful glance
Brought tears to our eyes and caused us to dance.

The Lord's holy name was soon on our lips
"Stop meat-eating, gambling, and LSD trips,
Stop illicit sex, the four pillars of sin
Now, God's sublime service you're fit to begin."

He gave us our dhotis, we shaved our heads clean
He fed us prasada, this was certainly life's cream
He taught us to worship with love and respect
The Lord's Deity form, we must never neglect.

Kirtana soon echoed from one coast to another
Krsna's our father, Hara is our mother
This holy vibration was piercing the night
The moon began rising, Prabhupada was the light.

He printed his books, astounding the scholars
As soon as we sold them, in flowed the dollars
Distribute his books, protect the Deity
Just follow his order, God grants all facility.

His next plan was India, holiest of places
His vision was temples; we saw open spaces
Alone he determined; this work should be done
He fought and he conquered; his victory was won.

Big towers are standing in Bombay, in pair
And everyone's happy except Mr. Nair
Prabhupada's desire cannot be frustrated
His service to Krsna expands unabated.

He gave this world Krsna, the ultimate good
He showed us the way of real brotherhood
There's none greater than he; no one as sublime
Throughout all of history, throughout all of time.

We bow at his feet and call out his name
O Prabhupada, Prabhupada, you are the same
The same kind as Krsna, in quality one
Just like the fire is the same as the sun.

We've no other hope than your merciful glance
We've no other shelter; we've no other chance
In all the three worlds there's nothing but thee
Thy service, thy love, through eternity.

We beg to remain your servants so true
Through birth after birth if that is our due
There's no room in our lives for surrender to others
You have captured our hearts; our eternal father.

Your teachings must now be our life and our soul
We are all tiny parts and not the supreme whole
Only if we keep this thy divine command
Will your separation be possible for us to withstand.