I have been associating with Iskcon devotees since somewhere in 1992. There I learned many things. In 1995 by some causeless mercy I got the darshan of Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja. Meeting him and seeing the surrender of his disciples left a strong impression in my life. His presence was clearly different then that of anyone else I had ever met before.

In 1996 my Iskcon temple received a flyer about Srila Narayana Maharaja and his schedule. On his schedule we noticed that he would be giving a class in a Hindu temple just down the road. The temple-president told the few devotees who were present in the temple, that we could go but we shouldn't tell the others because he is not in line with Srila Prabhupada. I kept in my head that he was against Srila Prabhupada and the day that I went to see him I put on a sweater with a big picture of Srila Prabhupada on it, as if to say, "I am a follower of Srila Prabhupada".

When Srila Narayana Maharaja entered the temple, I offered a garland and touched his feet. After this he gave me a look and I knew that he was going to be my Guru. I felt again that strong power which I experienced in the presence of Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja and I decided then and there not to loose and waste such a rare opportunity again.

Without even hearing a single word from Srila Narayana Maharaja, just having his direct darshan, turned him from Srila Maharaja into Srila Gurudeva. I had Srila Prabhupada on my sweater but he started showing how he has Srila Prabhupada in his heart.

But still, just like an owl cannot appreciate sunlight, many cannot see the great service Srila Gurudeva is doing for Srila Prabhupada. I pray with this testimonial that all sincere seekers of devotion look into their hearts and ask themselves what it is they are looking for. If it truly is love and servitude to the Supreme and His beloved as thought by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu then it is impossible to aspire for this without recognising and appreciating Srila Gurudeva’s contribution in this world. Not appreciating him falls in the category of Vaisnava Aparadh, by which failure in devotional life is guaranteed. No matter who your Guru is and no matter how many services you performed, all will be lost. So please be careful and respectful.

ramananda das (Holland)