Sydney

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept our most fallen and humble obeisances at your lotus feet. By your grace alone we can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna. All glories to you, O Gurudeva, whose fame is spread all over the three worlds.

Living in the material world is like being in a hurricane. In a hurricane everything is disturbed. Trees are uprooted-this may be compared to the breaking of temporary ties of friendship and love in human family and social life. Houses are destroyed-even the most sturdy house can be destroyed in a hurricane; similarly, even the sturdiest body is destroyed by the winds of time. Crops are flattened, just as the desires of the living entity for material enjoyment are ultimately flattened by death. Right into the midst of the roaring hurricane you have fearlessly stepped with the shelter of the holy name to offer invincible protection and clear directions for the path back home.

Krsna sent you to us in this wintry age and now, by His infinite mercy, He has taken you back again. The mundaner will say that you have passed into oblivion, but they have yet to taste the nectar of your divine words. Gone from sight you may be, but still in sound you reside with us. Nay, still in form for one who has the eyes to see you in your murti.

So, beloved Gurudeva, like an expert physician you have prescribed the remedy for all life's ills. We can never pay the fee and so will always be beggars in your debt. At this time let us simply reassert that we will continue with all our energies to push on this sankirtana movement to every town and village. Let that be for your glory.

We beg to remain your menial servants, eternally in the shelter of your lotus feet.