From Govinda hari das – Australia, Sydney

Dearest Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories Srila Prabhupada and all glories to your Lotus feet.
The Vyasa puja, among other things is a day of reflection and gratitude for the disciple. As Chanakya Pandit says,
‘A disciple cannot even repay the spiritual master for even quarter of a verse learn from him, what to speak of you, my glorious preceptor from whom I’ve learnt how to live life itself!
In your recent lecture series in Sridham Mayapur, while glorifying Narasimhadeva You spoke at Narsimhapalli that how for is devotee, there is no reason for depression or despondency as we always have the holy name (to take shelter of), the dhams to purify us, the association of devotees and prasadam. You specifically also explained in that lecture that you spend between 8 to 12 hours in preparation for a lecture so that your disciples can be instructed by you and that it is hence not obligatory but mandatory for us to give them aural reception.
your lectures are the biggest benediction in my life, for their unrivalled content, storytelling element and profound instruction. From Lord Shiva in Mayapur to the samadhis of the Acharyas, from ‘the history of Vrindavan series’ to ‘the Hidden pastimes of Govindaji (my personal Favourite)’, they have inspired countless souls to advance in Krishna consciousness by hearing historical and factual accounts that lift one’s consciousness. I know of 70 plus devotees from the Sydney yatra itself who went on a pilgrimage to see Sri Sri Radha Govindadev in Jaipur last year after coming across the content of your lecture series.
In their famous conversation, Lord Chaitanya advised Ramananda Raya that a devotee of Krishna is the most famous personality in this universe, in fact it is the only fame to be a devotee of Krishna. Similarly, being associated with you as disciples is our only notable qualification which in itself is simply an extension of your mercy.
In the 12th canto (SB12.13.16) of the Srimad Bhagvatam, You often quote this verse,
nimna-gānāṁ yathā gaṅgā
devānām acyuto yathā
vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ
purāṇānām idam tathā
Just as the Gaṅgā is the greatest of all rivers, Lord Acyuta the supreme among deities and Lord Śambhu [Śiva] the greatest of Vaiṣṇavas, so Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the greatest of all Purāṇas.
This verse established Lord shiva’s position as the topmost Vaisnava which naturally means being most compassionate. Just like the all merciful blue necked Bhutanath Mahadev (Lord of the ghosts and hobgoblins and best of all demigods) accepts even the most abominable living entities as his associates, you have not hesitated in accepting even the most fallen members of society in your fold.
‘Occupational hazard’, you once winked and said to me when I brought this up with You!
From the tribals in the Amazon jungle to the nomads in Mongolia, from inebriated merrymakers in Poland to unscrupulous gang members in Soweto South Africa, from ex-Russian mafia dons to suicide bombers in Sri Lanka, you have extended yourself to one and all and enlightened them about Srila Prabhupada and Krishna.
Surely, your glorious spiritual master must be smiling as he looks on from Goloka Vrindavan and thinks back of instruction to you viz. ‘Have faith in the holy names and preach boldly.’
To quote another one of your favourite verses (SB1.1.22)
tvaṁ naḥ sandarśito dhātrā
dustaraṁ nistitīrṣatām
kaliṁ sattva-haraṁ puṁsāṁ
karṇa-dhāra ivārṇavam
We think that we have met Your Goodness by the will of providence, just so that we may accept you as captain of the ship for those who desire to cross the difficult ocean of Kali, which deteriorates all the good qualities of a human being.
I’m glad I met you, O captain of my rickety ship bursting at its seams with my indiscretions, I beg you to please keep me in the shelter of your lotus feet as although I know and am even filled with disgust for this ephemeral material world, I’m just as distracted by its enamouring charms. Lastly, I’ll conclude my quoting you quote the famous Vrindavan poet, Hari Vamsa Prabhu.
“Chandra Mite Dinkar Mite, Mite Trigun Vistaar.
Pai Drid Vrat Shri Harivansh Kou, Mite Na Nitya Vihar”
The moon will be destroyed, The sun will be destroyed, the 3 modes of material nature will be destroyed as well, but it’s the firm vow of Shri Hita Harivansh Mahaprabu, the ‘Nitya Vihar’ (Blissful pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna without being separated even for half a moment in Vrindavan with Sakhis) and their pure devotees will remain forever and ever, and forever more.
Your Unworthy disciple, Govinda hari das