On this most auspicious day of Srila Prabhupada’s divine appearance in this world, those who remain faithfully engaged in his service may truly aspire to understand his glory. Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, “How can my earthly words describe / that feeling soft and broad?” As we reminisce on moments spent with Srila Prabhupada or hear bona fide stories of his activities, we relish the spiritual continuity of our lives, through him, and measure our place on the path back home, back to Godhead, by contemplating, honestly, how much we love him, how much we’ve done exactly what he asked of us.

The future is the road to Prabhupada, who stands at Krishna’s side. Thus, we gather within our heart all that he told us to do and, firmly bound and lead by those very orders, push on our mission, push on our journey. How fortunate are those who, firm on the path, are not seduced by mundane careers, “varnasrama” sex, or a shameless chopping envy of Prabhupada’s own ISKCON body.

Now, on this most blessed day, newly inspired, let us pour abundantly, and all around, the cleansing waters of singular devotion to Srila Prabhupada. Let the crystal streams of obedient love dash away the dust and dirt of discord in the holy community of his unflinching servants. Scorning the putrid couch of sense gratification, let us joyfully dance in the flowery meadows of sankirtana, and gathering strength in the enchantment of that dance, let us pin the earth, as a well-earned medal, on the divine chest of Srila Prabhupada.

The servant of his servant,
Hridayananda Dasa Goswami
1986