Portland

PORTLAND
The Most Loving Tribute
The Passing of the acaryadeva-Srila Prabhupada
om ajhana-timirandhasya jhanahjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namaḥ
"I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him."
That sudden morning in November, the day we denied to come-the transcendental disappearance of nitya-lila-pravista Om Visnupada 108 Sri Srimad A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Maharaja. Our eternal father and preceptorial lord brought our proud selves to so many tears and the threshold of the continuing ISKCON movement. Bur for those who are sincere, those same tears simply wetted our undeterminable faith and conviction to push on Sri Gurudeva's mission.
Now, Srila Prabhupada, we have been kicked out of the nest, empowered by your divine love for God and His creation. O most merciful gurudeva, give us at least one tiny drop of your mercy by which we can ignite the spiritual fires in the woodlike hearts of a misdirected civilization. Give us the privilege of becoming your conquering warriors in the difficult fight against maya. Grant us the broad intelligence to clear the field for the seeds of future Vaisnavas.
We were so unlimitedly fortunate to have both your physical and spiritual presence for so many years. For most of us it began by seeing the street kirtana, reading a book or magazine, or some school engagement. We were quickly attracted by Your Divine Grace's expertly serving us the real sauce-"You are not this body, wake up the real purpose of life …. Chanting, dancing, feasting, so sublime and simple…." The guru remained some mystical buddha who always spoke with common sense and purely guided our whimsical selves.
As we learned more of the philosophy, we learned of the symptoms of the genuine guru - srotriyam brahma-nistham. He perfectly follows and speaks in an authorized way, and he is the topmost example of one established in spiritual life. Qualities like humility, cleanliness, firm faith in God, etc., denote the purity of the acaryadeva.
From your divine association and service these pure qualities also soon became manifest in our character, which before was degraded by Kali. Devotees became mature and expert in dealings with the material world. We learned what dedication really meant as we awkwardly undertook the critical responsibility of spreading Krsna consciousness all over the world. Following in your lotus footsteps, so many devotees became great men, and yet you also graced those same great men with the humility needed to achieve Krsna's favor. Even Anantadeva, master of the three worlds, cannot describe the glories of your transcendental fame. So many devotees, so many translations of the books, and your unbounded kindness, encouragement, and intelligence.
So now, our beloved Jagad-guru, keep us engulfed in the antiseptic fire of preaching Lord Caitanya's cult. Do not allow our passionate minds to wander to concocted ISKCONs, to become complacent and materialistic. Please kill this tendency. We lowly beg with sincere prayers that you will keep us under your protection. Do not allow quarreling and mundane speculation to disturb the rudder of Lord Gaursundara's salvation ship.
kabe heno krpa, lobhiya e jana, krtartha hoibe, natha!
sakti-buddhi-hin, ami ati din, koro more atma-satha
"When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you." (Thakura Bhaktivinoda)
Your most insignificant servants,
Kamsari dasa / Bharata dasa / Ramyaka dasa / Anubhavananda dasa / Anantatma dasa / Edhaniya-svabhava dasa / Bhakta Tim / Bhakta Jim / Sukadeva dasa-Jagamohini-devi dasi, Madhurya-lila, Lilamadhava, Abhayacarana / Simha dasa - Sarada-devi dasi, Matsya / Maha-bharata dasa - Sikhandi-devi dasi, Sita-Rama / Aja dasa-Abhaya-devi dasi, Vrndavana / Badarayani dasa-Maladhari-devi dasi / Girijarta dasa-Sri-mati-devi dasi / Krsnapriya-devi dasi, Santi / Antara dasa-Srida-devi dasi, Narada Muni, Sanatana / Parama-karuna dasa-Kisori-devi dasi / Mother Reni, Visnupriya / Stritama-devi dasi / Yuvati-devi dasi / Bahubhavani-devi dasi
 

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