From Premavali devi dasi – USA, Virginia, Richmond

Dhyana Mulam Guru Murti Puja Mulam Gurur Padam
Mantra Mulam Gurur Vakyam Moksha Mulam Guru Kripa
The Guru’s form is the best to meditate upon; the Guru’s feet are the best for worship; the Guru’s word is the mantra; the Guru’s Grace is the root of liberation.
[Guru Gita – Skanda Purana Dialogue between Shiva and Uma (Shakti)]
Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to you on this auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja.
The time of year has arrived when we write our Vyasa Puja offerings to Your Divine Grace. As I try to write, the words and sentences just stop. How difficult it is to put thoughts into words!
‘cakṣu-dāna dila yei, janme janme prabhu sei’: you are my master, birth after birth, still I am unable to glorify you.
Srila Gurudeva, I feel unworthy of offering you anything on this day, and yet I would like to take your permission to humbly offer a few words of appreciation to express my heartfelt gratitude for my own purification.
As I sit down to express my gratitude, I cannot help but reflect on the tremendous impact you have made in my life. Srila Gurudeva, your selfless dedication and unwavering kindness have touched the hearts of countless individuals, including my own.
Through your guidance, I am learning the true meaning of compassion, wisdom and selflessness. You are providing us with a framework to lead a purposeful life, one that is not focused on selfish pursuits but on helping others by spreading Krishna consciousness. As I reflect on all that you have done and are continuing to do for us, I can only offer my sincerest gratitude and vow to continue trying and following your teachings with dedication and devotion.
Srila Gurudeva, your teachings have brought positivity and transformation in my life, and I cannot imagine where I would be without your continuous guidance. I am trying to learn to have a positive outlook on things, appreciate more and to serve others with compassion and humility. I feel blessed to be under your shelter and I am totally convinced that your teachings will continue to inspire and guide me in my ongoing spiritual path. Your classes on the YouTube channel have been a source of great spiritual nourishment for me and many others. Your very clear and particular details have helped us to deepen our connection with the Divine Couple, our understanding of shastras and our application of the scriptures in our daily lives. Your dedication towards spreading Krishna Consciousness and also your deep commitment towards your spiritual master is truly very inspiring.
Srila Gurudeva, as I reflect on the immense gratitude I feel towards my own spiritual master, I am reminded of the deep love and faith you have in your own spiritual master. Each and every moment of your life, you teach us by example. You never lose a single moment in glorifying your spiritual master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is through this lineage of wisdom and compassion that the teachings have been passed down to me, and I am truly blessed to be a part of this sacred tradition. I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this unbroken chain of love and devotion that has been passed down through the generations.
Srila Gurudeva, I am forever grateful for your presence in my life, and the impact that you have had on my spiritual journey.
Dear Srila Gurudeva, I humbly beg to remain under the shelter of your lotus feet, as with that shelter, I am confident that I will be able to deepen my spiritual understanding and develop humility and compassion by following in your footsteps.
A spiritual master, whose light guides me thoroughly,
Whose gentle voice whispers in my ear profoundly,
Whose guidance has changed my life totally,
Whose wisdom is the reason I’m here, truly.
Your faith upon your own spiritual master has opened my eye,
Your classes have kept my spirits high,
Your understanding of Shastras can be compared to the vast sky,
Your guidance has encouraged me to get up and try.
My gratitude for you is completely unbounded,
In my home, these last few years, your kirtans have constantly resounded,
Your compassion and humility keep me well-grounded,
The research and rare gems in your classes — no one else could have expounded.
Your wisdom has been my lifeline, constantly,
Your lessons have shaped my destiny, tenderly,
Your teachings have brought me peace instantly,
For all that, Srila Gurudeva, I thank you endlessly.
Lastly, I pray to Sri Sri Nrsimha deva for your protection, long life and good health.
Srila Gurudeva, once again, I pay my humble respects unto your lotus feet.
Always your servant, Premavali devi dasi