Dear Gurudeva,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you and your wonderful service to Srila Prabhupada!
This past year, I was asked to give a seminar on the Ramayana for devotees in New Jersey. As I read Valmiki Ramayana to prepare, my thoughts were repeatedly drawn toward you. Valmiki Muni so beautifully describes Sri Hanuman’s search for Mother Sita in Lanka. We see that Hanumanji is constantly vigilant about whether his actions will be pleasing to Lord Rama. He carefully considers his next action, adjusts course when necessary, expands his mission when the opportunity arises, and prays to the Lord for strength when he becomes discouraged. Hanuman’s wonderful actions as Ramacandra’s messenger provide an ideal example for a preacher of Krishna consciousness. You are a perfect representative of Srila Prabhupada, and thus I couldn’t help but remember your character and service as I studied the Sundara-Kanda.
Sri Hanuman played many different roles once he arrived in Lanka. Here are a few that stand out:
Detective: Hanumanji’s first goal was to find Mother Sita. This was not an easy task, for she was not to be found in the most obvious places, where all the other ladies were living. He questions whether it is good for him to be entering Ravana’s palaces, where there was so much maya, but Hanuman concludes that his mind is undisturbed because he is doing this for the Lord’s service. In the same way, as a representative of Srila Prabhupada, you find sincere living entities anywhere you go (on the airplane, at academic conferences, on the roadside) and tell them about Krishna. All these places are full of maya, and yet you remain unagitated, for you carry the Vrindavan mood wherever you go.
Messenger: Once he found Mother Sita, Hanumanji’s challenge was to earn her trust and deliver the message without frightening her. Mother Sita was very skeptical at first (who wouldn’t be in such circumstances?), but Hanumanji expertly won her trust by his humility, congeniality, authentic description of Ramacandra, and of course, by delivering the Lord’s ring. Gurudeva, your qualities shine so brilliantly in this area. I have seen you win over skeptical audiences at Oxford University, University of Virginia, and many other places, by your friendliness, humility, and honesty. You deliver the ring of the Nectar of Instruction with such wit and wisdom that everyone is eager to read Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Counselor: After delivering Ramacandra’s message, Hanuman had to console Sita Devi, regarding two important points: 1) “Lord Rama is overcome by grief in your absence. He wants to see you as much as you want to see Him, so rest assured that he will come to rescue you.” 2) “Do not worry: the monkey army is truly capable of defeating the technologically-advanced Raksasas.” Gurudeva, the counseling and care that you offer your disciples is incomparable. You encourage your disciples with so much affection, “Do not worry, just stay with the minimum program (16/4), and you will definitely go back to Godhead. I heard this personally from Srila Prabhupada’s lips.” So many times you have encouraged me when my Krishna consciousness is weak, sowing the seeds of renewed determination.
Spy and Hero: As Hanuman moves through Lanka, he carefully assesses the Raksasa’s military capabilities. He speaks to the demons diplomatically when needed, but also sets flame to Lanka to give them a taste of Lord Rama’s strength. Gurudeva, you are constantly warning your disciples of maya’s strength and reminding us to fortify ourselves with 16 good rounds and full morning program. Your heroic preaching on behalf of Srila Prabhupada is simply awe-inspiring. Over the last couple of years, you have brought together ISKCON educators in North America and inspired them to work together in a coordinated fashion—a huge accomplishment. You have published a new book, taught Bhakti Sastri and Bhakti Vaibhava, traveled the world continuously, counseled individual devotees every day, distributed hundreds of books, delivered presentations to every kind of audience, and never wavered in your own practice. If this is not heroism, then what is?
Gurudeva, I pray to somehow assist in your service to Srila Prabhupada. Please give me some small place in your wonderful service, so that I can be useful and not just an annoyance. I know I have the ability to speak flowery words, but I do not know if I have any substance of character behind those words. Thank you for all the mercy you have given me this past year. Without that, I am nothing more than an empty shell.
jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai,
tomara karuna-sara
“When I examine myself, I find nothing of value. Therefore your mercy is essential to me.”
Your servant,
Radhika Ramana dasa
HpS - We see so many very practical faults in our character. We must assume that Srila Prabhupada is able to fond some way to pass through our fog and show the real beauty of Krsna to others, using a bad tool to do a great service. We can only hope that you remember, all the family, university positions, academic positions, life, that are not practically related to Krsna will disappear at the time of death. We must look for deeper connections.