from Premamayi Dasi – United States, Seattle

Dearest Srila Gurudeva,

Please accept my humble obeisances onto your lotus feet.

Wishing you a very happy birthday, Srila Gurudeva. I miss seeing you at the annual Sadhu Sanga retreat, as this is my only once a year
direct association with you and all the wonderful devotees, who come to the retreat. My yearly devotional consciousness recharger has to be put off for until the next Sadhu Sanga.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful lectures, webinars, kirtans and pictures, that you send across that keeps me connected to you and Krishna.

I know last year was a tough one on your health. You are in my prayers every day, Srila Gurudeva. I pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva to remove all obstacles in your path of preaching.

Two years ago at Sadhu Sanga, you were preaching to a group of young ladies from Seattle. You said, “It is so cold in Seattle. You have to chant Hare Krishna to warm your hearts”. This resounds in my head as I pick up my beads to chant every day. You preach with so much calmness, especially to the youngsters when you tell them that every word is a song and every step is a dance in Krishna Consciousness. You say it with so much ease that even young children want to follow you forever.

On the day of my first initiation, my prabhu asked you, if you had any special instructions for me and you replied, “You have a family, you have a temple, you have Deities, you should have no complaints”. I try my best not to complain. Being on the front lines during these tough demanding times, managing home and the children along with the temple services, and sadhana can be difficult and exhausting. And then comes along your message like a shining star with a picture of Deities, a short prayer, a quote that brings so much comfort that says “You will be fine Premamayi, keep going!”

Seeking your blessing now and forever in my Krishna Conscious journey and my service to you and Srila Prabhupada.

Your most insignificant disciple, Premamayi Dasi