CAN'T IMAGINE A WORLD...

The recent passing away of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Maharaj has put devotees worldwide in a state of shock. He is yet another disciple of Srila Prabhupada who is no longer present with us now. I was remembering all the disciples of Srila Prabhupada who have in the last few years left this material world to join Srila Prabhupada in the spiritual world. With every departure of these treasured Vaishnavas and Vaishnavis, my heart is left a little more pained. Having grown up in ISKCON seeing all these inspiring figures, I just can't imagine living in a world without these personalities. Yet we know that the rules of this world is not going to change however we may wish for it to.

The fact is that in a few years from now, we will all be bereft of the association of the disciples of Srila Prabhupada, our fatherly, motherly figures. We know that on the spiritual plane, there is no separation. These personalities will ever be there to assist us, guide us and bless us. But on a physical plane, there is separation. Therefore, we need to cherish the rare association of these great stalwart souls as long as they are present on this planet and value each moment of theirs. These personalities strived hard, giving their sweat and blood to serve Srila Prabhupada and push on this great movement. It is up to us, the next generation, the grand disciples of Srila Prabhupada to protect and grow this movement in an united spirit as was desired by Srila Prabhupada. It is up to us, to not let down the sacrifice of these great souls. The baton is in our hands. Let us all make a solemn vow to give our very existence in carrying out the desire and dreams of these great souls in a spirit of cooperation and love and in this way show our gratitude to what they have done for us.

- Achyut Gopal Das

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THE SPEAKING RIVER

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