By: Mahanidhi Swami

Guru bhakti is the basis of Krishna bhakti. If a disciple is fully absorbed in pleasing the spiritual master, he can very easily attain the eternal service of Radha-Govinda Yugala in the groves of Vrndavana. This point is confirmed in the ninth sloka, or benediction verse (phala-sruti), of the famous mangala arotika Samsara prayers. [note: Although many may not be aware of this, most Gaudiya Vaisnavas daily chant and heartly meditate upon this important verse.

srimad-guror ashtakam etad uccair, brahme muhurte pathati prayatnat

yas tena vrindavana-natha-saksat, sevaiva labhya januso ’nta eva

“That person who very attentively recites this ashtakam to Sri Gurudeva during the brähma muhürta period (4:30 a.m.) is sure to achieve the direct service to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, the very life and soul of Vrindavana (vrindavana-natha), upon attaining his vastu-siddhi, or pure spiritual form.” (Sri Gurvashtakam, Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada)

Glorifying the spiritual master goes on eternally. With every breath, thought, word and action the dedicated disciple tries to please his beloved Gurudeva. In this world, I serve Sri Guru in my sadhaka rupa, practitioner form. In the divine realm of sweet love, I serve Sri Guru in my siddha rupa, ecstatic form of spiritual mellows.

The divine realm is far far beyond the purview of our material perception. It is the plane of Goloka, Vraja Gokula wherein all live in harmony, sweetly cooperating to please Sri Krishna.

Now let’s consider, can love be seen, measured or weighed on a scale? With words I try my best to pay a debt that cannot even be calculated. Sri Guru has given me everything but it may take many lifetimes to realize this and finally surrender to his will.

But what is the will of the master? Sri Guru wants every disciple to love the holy name, to love Mahaprabhu, to love Radha-Govinda, and to love all; seeing the benign center within all beings. Sri Guru desires peace and happiness for all creatures, viçvaà pürëaà sukhäyate. “Let the whole world love Kåñëa! What is the difficulty?” proclaimed Çréla Prabhupäda as he gazed compassionately upon one and all.

On this most auspicious day of our Holy Masters appearance, Srila Prabhupada’s wonderfully blissful Vyasa-puja Celebration, I pray to Radha-Giridhari that all of you will deepen and increase your attachment,

dedication, surrender and service to His Divine Grace and your own spiritual guides, the emissaries of love divine!

Sri Guru ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!