Loving and Divine Ones,

On the holy birthday of Gurudev, I send my love and best wishes to all of you. On this special day I ask with sincere prayers at beloved Gurudev’s feet for blessings on each one of us to enhance our spiritual experience and quicken our journey on the path of Self-realization. This is the first time after many years I am celebrating Gurudev’s birthday in seclusion, but in my subtle presence I am with all of you during this joyous moment. 

Gurudev always motivated and inspired each one of us to excel in such a way that we should be greater than he. He joyfully quoted a saying in Sanskrit, putrat shishyat parajayah: “accepting defeat from the son as well as the disciple.” A father or mother is proud when the child studies much more than they did. A guru-preceptor is delighted when the disciple is progressing quickly. A child’s or disciple’s success does not create jealousy or dissatisfaction in the hearts of parents or the guru-preceptor. Gurudev watches each one of us to see our efforts. We should not delay, procrastinate, or postpone our practice; instead we should be diligent and determined in our spiritual pursuit. Let us have more strength to march forward as brave warriors in the battle of spirituality. 

I am praying for all of us on this special day.

With Love,
Prajnanananda