Volume-15 Chapter-32: Vyāsa-pūjā Offering to Śrīla Prabhupāda 2025

By Indradyumna Swami

|August 17, 2025|

My dear spiritual master, Śrīla Prabhupāda,

Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your divine lotus feet.

Once again, on this sacred day of your Vyāsa-pūjā, I come before you not only to offer words of praise, but to pause, reflect, and re-dedicate my heart to your sacred mission. Each year, this day reminds me that my life’s purpose is bound entirely to you. You are the reason I stand where I stand now, speak what I speak, and live as I live.

I often picture you alone on the Jaladuta, frail in body but carried by a will greater than the ocean itself. On that ship you crossed not only waters, but worlds bringing the treasure of bhakti into a place that neither expected nor asked for it, yet was starving for it. You came with nothing but your books, your beads, and the instructions of your Guru Mahārāja burning in your heart. And you changed the course of history.

It was you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, who found me in the darkness of material life. You called my name, lifted me from ignorance, and placed me on the path of devotional service. Whatever little service I have rendered since that day is simply my attempt to show you my gratitude.

For fifty-four years I have tried in my own small way to carry your message out into the world. From major cities to remote villages, deserts to jungles, mountains to seashores, I have tried to speak your words, share your books, and glorify your mission. Wherever I go, I feel you beside me – I speak, but it is your voice. I move, but it is you who carries me.

You once said, when asked about miracles, “My miracle is that I have made these Western boys and girls devotees of Kṛṣṇa.” That miracle continues to this very day. I witness it with awe: the spark of devotion igniting in unexpected places, the eyes of strangers lighting up when they hear your message, and hearts once burdened by material life suddenly lifted by your words.

This year, I saw your magic unfold in a myriad of ways. At the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in North America, thousands of devotees danced and chanted with one heart, one voice, along with many newcomers encountering your mercy for the first time.

At our kirtan festival in Rishikesh, at the foot of the Himalayas, the holy names echoed off the mountain slopes and danced upon the waters of Mother Gaṅgā. Wandering sādhus, yogīs, seekers, and curious travelers paused to listen. They had all come to Rishikesh searching for something divine and they found it in the holy names, in devotee association and in the love you left behind.

Similarly in Poland, for the thirty-fifth year in a row, we sang, we danced, we performed, and we warmly welcomed guests into the uplifting world of Kṛṣṇa consciousness through our lively festivals. The people often thanked us with heartfelt words, but in reality, Śrīla Prabhupāda, it is you to whom their gratitude truly belongs.

Śrīla Prabhupāda, the years are passing quickly now. The body I once relied on for endless travel and service no longer responds with its former strength. But growing older has deepened my sense of urgency; every remaining moment is a treasure not to be wasted. Whatever strength is left in me must be spent entirely for you.

I do not fear impending death, Śrīla Prabhupāda. What I fear is that I have not done enough. That I could have loved you more deeply. Spoken more boldly. Served more selflessly. I carry these thoughts with me and they make me strive harder to be the servant you deserve. When my time comes to leave this world, I wish to do so with your name on my lips, your form in my heart, and your eternal service as my only aspiration. You alone are everything to me.

My beloved spiritual master, can you see me? Can you hear me? From the core of my heart, I call out to you. Please cast your merciful glance upon this unworthy servant! I am waiting here, with great expectation for whatever service you will entrust to me next. Be it in heaven or in hell — it matters not. Wherever your order sends me, that place will become my Vaikuṇṭha, just as it has been in this lifetime. My only desire is to be part of your eternal entourage forever.

Your words during a darshan in Mayapura on February 16, 1977 give me hope:

“All of you. You were simply born because the mission was to be started. Just like in Yadu-vamsa, Krsna ordered all the devotee demigods to ‘go and take birth there to help Me.’ Similarly, you also. You were born in Europe, America to help me.”

Your ever-grateful servant,

Indradyumna Swami