Remembrances

There is a saying in Odia, ‘sadhu je malay pabana, kastha ku karai chandana’. This roughly translates to ‘a saint is like an auspicious breeze who turns a normal wood into sandalwood’. I could always remember this saying on seeing the all auspicious face of our Srila Gurudev.

In March 2016 I had the great blessings to visit beautiful Dandabhanga Dham and meet Sachinandan Prabhu. He treated all of us with genuine hospitality and care. He had so much love for His Holiness Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada when he spoke he became filled with enthusiasm.

I think of you often and am grateful for your very good advice to me over the years. The best advice you gave me was the advice your uncle told you, who guided you in yoga: “Love all and hate none.”

So many times Srila Gurudev helped me, sharing his time, deep wisdom and practical advice always with a good and simple heart.

He said to me: have faith in the holy name of Krsna, surrender to the holy name, beg mercy of the holy name.

In spite of your terminal illness, you took enormous interest and effort to meet with us and give nectarean instructions. Although physically challenged and in pain, your mind was fully Krsna conscious and you were extremely enthusiastic about narrating Krishna’s glories.

I hadn’t seen Sachinandan Prabhu for many years but remember he was so so kind, and completely devoted to serving Gurudeva. Such an amazing devotee.

Srila Prabhupada during his stay in Bhubaneswar used to call you Funny Boy. Now finally you are enjoying the pure association of your saviour Srila Prabhupada.

Although he was known to many reputed personalities of the state and could have asked them for financial help to build the Ashram easily, he never did so, because that required him to compromise with his principles of Krishna Consciousness laid out before him by his beloved spiritual master.

It was totally a different experience to see and hear directly from Gurudev who is the personification of unconditional love and care. His every word and action were filled with motivation for developing Krishna Prema.

I still remember him telling me, my dear sister, my eternal sister. Though I am not qualified for these kind words, he was always very affectionate and kind.

My problem is that my pot has holes. You are giving me so much; it’s my problem that I am not able to withhold it.

You were a real hard-working vaishnava, always engaged to please your loved spiritual master. Your humility and wisdom were unique.

Sacinandana Prabhu is so dear and so close to my heart, since 1986, when I first went to Odisha and when he first started to travel the following summer with our Guru Maharaja.

Guru is not a physical form, we count him from our narrow mind. Guru is Energy. He has no drawbacks, free from vice with impeccable character.

Nothing is more painful than the separation of the Vaisnavas. He one time came to Bali, Indonesia for the Kalinga Bali Yatra in 1992.

Srila Gurudev, once while in a class your Divine Grace said, ‘…baba, this is Dandabhanga, here ‘danda’ must be accepted for purification…’

He got the blessings of His Holiness Goura Govinda Swami Maharaja and thereby the whole Guru parampara ending at the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I pray for his mercy upon me.

Though I have not been much in touch in the last few years, there had always been the comfort of such a great soul as Sachinandan Prabhu living in our greater vaishnava community. I pray that he keeps a watchful eye on us.

It was in the year 2014 in the month of March at Your house that this most degraded offender had the rare privilege of having the first darshan of Your Divine Personality.

Although I’m very sad that he has left us, this is another glorious departure from this world by a glorious Vaisnava. Haribol!

Prabhuji has always been very kind to me. Thank you so much. You will always remain in my heart and thoughts.