By S.B. Keshava Swami

Dear Srila Prabhupada

Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to you!

Your presence, influence and inspiration has been the one constant thread throughout my adult life. I went from one transition to another, but every day I made reference to your teachings, remembered your personality, and tried to render some small service to your mission. Yet it’s not enough – we need to fulfil your visions for this movement!

You envisioned a mission – an inspired team of spiritual change-makers who were out to trigger a revolution of consciousness. Nothing less will do. Srila Prabhupada, may we again exude that urgency and reignite the spirit of sacrifice required to jolt this world out of spiritual amnesia. May we fully embrace that burden of love – going to bed at night in spiritual anxiety, and waking up the next morning enthused to take things to another level.

You envisioned a school – a place to learn the sacred art of reconnecting with our deepest aspirations. We can’t take the world to a higher place than what we’ve reached internally ourselves. Srila Prabhupada, may we produce artists of devotion, individuals who are flying high in the skies of bhakti and becoming living embodiments of everything we seek to share with the world. May we show how this process changes hearts, turning crows into swans.

You envisioned a family – not just an official meeting of colleagues, but a community of love. You wanted us to demonstrate relationships of love and trust. Srila Prabhupada, may we bring more heart into our home, seek to deeply understand each other, care for each other, and resolve differences with maturity and kindness. Let us throw all harshness by the wayside, fanning the spark in each other, staying united and harmonious.

You envisioned a house for the whole world – a place where everyone, from every conceivable background, would be welcomed and integrated. You called it the United Nations of the spiritual world. Srila Prabhupada, may we manifest that inclusivity, openness and welcoming spirit, empowering one and all to untap and unleash their spiritual potential. Let us ensure that divisive trends and polarising narratives never enter our communities.

We’re going through hard times. So much fighting, disagreement and aggression. Cynicism sneaks in and people begin to doubt whether these visions are realistic and reachable. I can’t accept that – the vision of the pure devotee will come to pass! Dear Srila Prabhupada, insignificant as I am, please empower me with the intelligence to be part of the solution. Let us make your movement what it can and should be.

Your servant, S.B. Keshava Swami