A Pledge

Sri Sri Guru-Gaurangau Jayatah

Dear devotees,

Please accept my most humble obeisances again and again. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, to Sri Guru, and to all the Vaisnavas.

With your blessings, I have resolved to spend this month of Kartik, which is most dear to Srimati Radharani, immersed in the nectar of devotional service. I pledge to chant a minimum of eight rounds per day, and read the ‘Teachings of Lord Caitanya’, by Srila Prabhupada, (in addition to reading the Srimad Bhagavad Gita As It Is, which is already part of my daily program). Though I’ve never read the Teachings of Lord Caitanya, many recommend it. Some find it fascinating, and say it’s their ‘most prized possession’. I will also be chanting the Nrsimha Kavaca for the good health of Srila Jayapataka Swami, my aspiring Gurumaharaj, to whom my vrata is dedicated to.

Srila Jayapataka Swami is my inspiration. Like a kind, compassionate father to so many, he cares for his disciples with unconditionally. Traveling around the world, he gives, gives, and gives continuously to others, selflessly. Srila Jayapataka Swami has shaped my innermost ideology, given me purpose, and touched my soul deeply. I am forever indebted to him. From my earliest childhood, he has been there for me, while still caring for thousands and preaching to millions. His compassion is an unfathomable ocean. I pray I may please my Gurumaharaj, Srila Prabhupada, Sri Panca Tattva, and Sri Sri Radha Madhava and Their asta-sakhis with this vrata. Whatever good comes out of this vrata, I humbly offer it unto his lotus feet, praying for hes well being and good health.

Though I am extremely nervous, I know that with the mercy of Hari, Guru, and Vaisnavas, anything is possible. A famous verse describes the mercy of Sri Guru as such that by whose mercy a dumb person can become a great scholar and orator, and one who is lame can cross over mountains.

I am extremely grateful to Krsna for giving me such a wonderful family and good Krsna conscious friends by whose good association this is all possible. Krsna's mercy is causeless, an unfathomable ocean. Somehow I have received this birth in a Vaisnava family, and have been raised with the pristine, flawless ideals of Sanatana Dharma in the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition. The just Lord and His compassionate consort have blessed me with inspiring friends with whom I share a zeal for Krsna Consciousness in ISKCON. I am sure, with the support, encouragement, and inspiration from family, friends, and our devotee readers, this vrata will be successful and Sri Sri Radha Damodara will be pleased.

A famous, much-quoted Srimad Bhagavatam verse (3.25.25, on the Glories of Devotional Service) says:

"In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin."

Srila Prabhupada begins his purport by saying:

"The process of advancing in Krsna consciousness and devotional service is described here. The first point is that one must seek the association of persons who are Krsna conscious and who engage in devotional service. Without such association one cannot make advancement. Simply by theoretical knowledge or study one cannot make any appreciable advancement. One must give up the association of materialistic persons and seek the association of devotees because without the association of devotees one cannot understand the activities of the Lord."

Thank you.