nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhutale
srimate gunagrahi das goswami swamin iti namine
nama om visnu padaya krsna-presthaya bhutale
srimate bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine
namaste sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
Dear Gunagrahi Maharaja;
I am writing to let you know some of the many ways I appreciate you.
I was only 16 and in High School, when I first came to the San Diego Temple, and you were the temple president. Now I am 51.
The kirtans you led to the sweet beat of your mrdanga melted my heart, and made such an impression on me that I kept coming back. They made me feel like my soul was transported to another place and time.
The highlight of my week was the Sunday feast lectures you gave nearly every week. Every word out of your mouth made sense and literally created intelligence and faith where there was none. Your lectures gave me my first “taste” in Krsna consciousness.
You set a standard of devotion, which made it clear how high the bar was set, however you were always gentle in accepting me—weakness and all.
As years went by and I found myself in self-made situations which were extremely unfavorable; instead of admonishment, you gave your support. You explained examples in the life of Lord Rama, to help me tolerate my circumstances. It really comforted me. Other times you made it clear to me how favorable and unfavorable circumstances were all a matter of what we make of them.
Your unflagging commitment to Srila Prabhupada taught me that no matter how far I have to go, that by focusing on that devotional commitment to Srila Prabhupada like you always did, would actually be the means and the end, in pursuing life’s goal.
Your example of hard work and persistence; your humble attitude towards learning; your personal and intelligent way of interacting; and your overall obvious humility, have given everyone around you a strong foundation for being grounded, and determined enough, to never give up on devotional service.
I am sorry for all the times I have let you down and disappointed you. The fact that I have been fortunate enough to get your life-infusing association, gives me faith and proof that Krsna has hope for me, and that He probably loves me, despite myself.
Thank-you for encouraging and inspiring my children and my husband, we all love you!
Thank-you from the bottom of my heart, for all these gifts.
Your hopeful servant
Subhadra dd
