Jayapataka Swami: I wanted to find a real guru. And I was looking at different gurus, spiritual leaders, but they all were lacking in certain ways. Then I met the disciples of Srila Prabhupada and I saw that they were very committed devotees. Then I went to see Srila Prabhupada, and by his mercy, I was engaged in his service. So then I was actually initiated 52 years ago on 24th of July. And what day is it today? Two days ago About two weeks after I was initiated, I was made as the temple president of Montreal, Canada. I wrote to Srila Prabhupada, I am very young only 19, how can I be the temple president? He told me, don’t be body conscious, you are not the body, do the service! Then I said, well, I am not a very old devotee. He said, I will guide you. So I had no choice, and I said, how my father wanted me to fight in the US army. He told me that better you fight in Krsna’s army! Since then I have been in Krsna’s army! Then he told me, be an Indian citizen. So by his mercy, I was able to be an Indian citizen. Then I realized how Srila Prabhupada had endured so much to give us Krsna consciousness. How much we owe to Srila Prabhupada – a debt we can never repay. So I have been trying to repay it, but I am still unable, but I am trying. I think that if you all realize that how much Srila Prabhupada has given you, how much his disciples are giving you – as you said, Srila Prabhupada personally visited Malaysia, he went to KL, Teluk Intan, Penang, Ipoh and he wanted to give his mercy to all of you! So how can you not feel enthusiastic? To help someone who has done so much for you?
26-July-2020 SRI DHAM MAYAPUR, INDIA
