Particularly for two years during Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial Celebration, I had the chance to interact with many ISKCON leaders. I remember feeling inadequate for this unique privilege. Often I contemplated, how, just like a naive village boy, being dressed up in elegant clothes with the help of his aristocratic friend and then directed to the palace of his friend, I found myself suddenly interacting with many exalted persons. Blessings that go beyond any possible expectation, even though contradictory to concrete appropriateness. Although without any deserving qualifications, somehow through your mercy I found myself in the midst of the most dignified association.

In the same manner and the same result, you confirmed at my initiation day, that I should for the rest of my life serve your dear God-brother Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami in China. Although unclear whether I can do so for much longer, nevertheless I currently feel great joy in noticing that you personally are going to bless this part of the world very soon. Earlier, I sometimes wondered what kind of instrumental task I could do for you personally in China. Now that your visit to China has been confirmed, I feel that the culmination of my years to spread KC in China is your visit there, and I hope that I have contributed at least a little bit to this achievement, to the best of my ability.

You also rank first amongst my spiritual guides for furthering my annual studies at the VIHE; since its inception in 1988, this unique facility for the systematic study of Srila Prabhupada’s books has been of great help to me. Over the years, even a fool like myself, could thereby be equipped with sufficient strength to keep afloat and refrain from falling into activities of ‘maya’, but to remain fixed as an instrument in the Lord’s hands.

Likewise, now that I’m practically useless (my chief accomplishment is the daily chanting of japa) I deliberate: what can I currently do to be instrumental to the Lord’s mission? Or more specifically: what can I do now to please you? My own answer to this (and I wish to confirm with you), is that I can set an example by confidently facing my destiny: whatever happens to this temporary body, I yearn for spiritual strength so I can accept the ordeal with dignity, mindful that the Lord is ‘all-good’ and His arrangements are always perfect. I do not need to worry about anything, although from Srila Narottama Dasa Thakur’s prayers (Sri Prema Bhakti Candrika 3.7) I understand that worrying about inadequateness and inabilities for surpassing lingering impediments in one’s spiritual pursuit, seem right.

Therefore, my sincere prayers for mercy at this auspicious occasion! I need all possible support, to overcome a number of lingering impediments. Therefore, I write this offering not merely because of duty, but rather to voice my burning plea that you please continue bestowing your blessings.

Your indebted servant, desperately in need of help,

Sankirtana dasa