By Giriraj Swami
Upon awaking this morning, my heart was flooded with emotion in appreciation of Srila Prabhupada and his divine gifts to us, and I knew it was Brahmananda Prabhu’s mercy. Any association with Brahmananda Prabhu—whether by vani or vapuh—had that effect: it enhanced my loving feelings for Srila Prabhupada.
While hearing Sri Caitanya-bhagavata this morning, I was struck by a verse that seemed to perfectly describe Brahmananda Prabhu. “Visnu and the Vaisnavas are equal, but atheists and blasphemers think otherwise. One who worships the lotus feet of Krsna without discriminating . . . is delivered.” Brahmananda Prabhu had the firm conviction that the worship and service of Srila Prabhupada was equal to—if not more pleasing than—that of the Supreme Lord. And he was surely delivered by Srila Prabhupada’s grace.
Then I heard a prayer, offered to Lord Caitanya, that seemed to reflect Brahmananda Prabhu’s mood in relation to Srila Prabhupada—and the mood for which I aspire. “Birth after birth, You are our father, mother, son, and master. May we never forget Your lotus feet. O Lord, it does not matter where we take birth, but may we always have loving devotion for Your lotus feet.”
Brahmananda Prabhu, please think kindly upon us and keep us close to your lotus feet, that we may engage in everlasting service to our eternal lord and master in the association of all his beloved servants.