by BV Suddhadvaiti Swami

your ‘Jayantakrut’ dasa

Dear Guru Maharaja,
Please accept my humble pranams in the dust of your divine lotus feet, which blessed our lives with boundless grace.

On this auspicious day of your appearance in this mortal world, I want to express how I will be forever indebted to you for your sweet association and appearance in my personal life at a time when I most needed it. I remember that when I first saw you in France in 1985, although for only 10 mn, I thought that as long as there was one sadhu like you in our movement there was no need to go and look elsewhere. Seeing you in India on the next Gour Purnima, in 1986, was unforgettable, as you were presenting Guru-tattva in a most powerful, uncompromising way. Then you were so kind as to accept me as a siksa disciple the following summer in a way I can never forget.

As I was praying the Lord deep inside for a sign to confirm my approach and dispel any lingering doubt, you were answering my silent prayers loud, ” Yes, take, Krishna is giving.” I then told you, ” Maharaja, you are making me touch the reality of the verse of the Caitanya Caritamrta which states that Paramatma appears outside as the guru, the best devotee!” And you calmly answered, “Yes, this is the Vaisnava process, don’t be desperate, take…” I will never forget this experience. And when I asked you what was the niti or etiquette towards the siksa-guru, you answered with the Vaisnava humility and simplicity which were some of your hallmarks,

No, I am simply trying to be a speck of dust at Srila Prabhupada’s feet. You were praying to him and he has asked me to help you.”

After you disappeared from our vision, I began to realized how much you had actually given us and how much you were an integral, indissociable part of my life. As I am roaming the world, trying to assist you and Srila Prabhupada and Srila BV Narayana Maharaja in your common preaching mission of delivering the message of Godhead to us fallen conditioned souls, I realize that most of what I speak is coming from you, and devotees are always ever so eager to hear more of your glories. Please continue showering your affectionate blessings on this aspiring servant and keep me under your protection.

An insignificant beggar for mercy at your lotus feet,
BV Suddhadvaiti Swami, your ‘Jayantakrut’ dasa