Yesterday, June 28, 2008, Srila Gurudeva celebrated 30th Sannyasa Anniversary

Here is the appreciation of one of his disciples, which he received on this most auspicious day:

Dear Gurudev,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you and to Srila Prabhupada.

Tommorrow is your Sannyasa Anniversary and I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for you. This occasion is my favorite, and it is because I am so fascinated by your complete dedication to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna and Their mission.

As I know you more and as you reveal more about yourself I can also see how your resolution to serve Srila Prabhupada and Krishna is mature and persevering. You have been serving Them for lifetimes already and this is the purpose of your life – to continue in this loving service. You say that this satisfies you – and it seems to me that it is because you derive so much happiness from these eternal relationships and from pleasing Prabhupada and Krishna.

By being in your association I became infected with this desire as well – to become an eternal servant of yours that assists you in your service to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. Gradually I realize that this is all I need to be happy in this life and in the next – to be fixed in my identity of being a servant of you and Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. The moment I can really grasp that I become situated in my eternal existence, even while still in my conditioned body. Thank you so much for helping me have a glimpse of this realization!!

I am so thankfull for your constant example of a true devotee, who is always jolly, balanced, honest, openhearted, transparent, humble and increasingly compassionate to others, who are less fortunate then yourself. It inspires me to also strive to develop these qualities in myself and fullfills my need to have a true example of a devotee.

Thank you for challenging us with your blogs. I love the way you stimulate our thinking!

Please always keep me in your service, somehow or other. You know that this is my connection with you and Krishna, my shelter and the deepest need I have.

Please help me to increase my ability to be of service to you in the preaching mission. I see day by day how much people are suffering out there. I am dying to be able to help relieve the suffering of at least some of them. It is actually a need – I need to help others, to bring them closer to Krishna.

Your servant