from Sri Radhika Dasi – United States, New Jersey

Dear Srila Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I am so happy to have this opportunity to verbally express my
gratitude on the day of your Appearance. I am thinking and reflecting on your good qualities, long life of service, sacrifice, austerities, and the happiness you experience in carrying on Lord Chaitanya’s mission in this world, assisting Srila Prabhupada in this labor of love. I got to thinking of the term “love” very deeply.

We very often use the word “love” casually. But there is a big difference between the common usage of it and its real meaning. “Love” means: selflessness to carry on, and to do things that are most beneficial to humanity. It is a sacrifice to willingly take inconveniences for the ultimate happiness of another. It means caring. It means continuing to serve and support unconditionally. It is patient, compassionate and forgiving. And true love is always grateful, no matter what.

You, dear Gurudeva, display all these qualities, and more. Appreciating your love, godly qualities and how you have helped me and others over the past many decades, I was thinking how can I repay you for what you have given me.

The first thought that came to my mind — is to be grateful. I might not possess godly qualities like you, but being grateful — is a choice everyone has access to. That is the very beginning of our love and bhakti. Gratitude is the string, on which all pearls of good qualities are strung. These qualities decorate the heart of the Vaisnava. What is it and how to express one’s gratefulness? It is to carry on, and to give others the ultimate good in life, which I have received from you, — love for Krishna.

I have many health and other limitations, but I want to do the best I can, to serve you with gratitude. I want to carry your instructions in my heart, and to help sharing this glorious message of divine love, which you have gifted to me and to so many others in this world.

Please, accept my endeavor and my service in the loving spirit, in which it is offered at your lotus feet. I want to always please you and bring a smile to your face.

Your disciple and servant, Sri Radhika Dasi