A Tribute to Srila Prabhupada

Back To Godhead Jan-Feb 1978 Back To Godhead January & February 1978 PDF Download Dedication on Srila Prabhupada’s Passing Away in November 1977 The Qualifications of the Spiritual Master The Gifts of His Divine Grace Remembering Srila Prabhupada Srila Prabhupada Departs in Vrindavan 1977 Srila Prabhupada Speaks Out on His Final Instructions A Tribute to Srila Prabhupada Srila Prabhupada, The Great Soul Who Walked Among Us The Passing of Haridasa Thakura His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada What Now? Who will Replace Srila Prabhupada? — Notes from the Editor

Where are you now ?
Savior of the universe,
Like a celestial swan
you have taken flight—
Closing your pastimes,
leaving us to the shelter
of your example.

You have gone,
and yet you remain,
for your voice, vibrating in the wind,
will continue cutting the knots
of illusion and attachment.
You have gone,
and yet you remain,
for your compassion continues to melt
The stone—and steel like hearts—
filling the world with love of God,
pouring forth sublime knowledge.

Now I understand
that life doesn’t end
when the skin ends;
you made me see
that the body is temporary
but I am eternal.

By your grace I now know
that I am not the owner
Of what I thought myself to be,
and that the illusion of pleasure
Glides through my fingers
without satisfying my desires.
By your grace I can see
that the creation has a master
And that I am His servitor,
and His friend as well.

Where are you now?
I know that you are there
with Radha and Krsna in Their kingdom.
I know that you are here
in your words of roses and fire.

I can’t bear to think you are no longer here,
But when I do I feel your hand upon me
And your voice guiding me,
as in the night the moon,
Lights the wanderer’s way.

Where are you now?
I ask myself at every instant,
and in relief my mind responds:
For him who serves you,
you will always be here.

—by Prapanna dasa
(translated from Spanish by Jaya-jagadisa dasa)