Monday 4th July 2005 - 20:09

Updated: 16th July -
click here to hear audio of the memorials from sannyasis
click here to hear the kirtan from the memorial festival

Here is a summary of the comments that the Swami's and Saudamini Prabhu made during the recent memorial program held in Saturday. We will try to supply a summary of the program latter. This summary was kindly put together by Bhuta-bhavana Prabhu.

Candramauli Swami began the glorification of Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj, thanking him for all of his association and guidance, and expressing his devastation at the departure of maharaj. He spoke of maharajs' ability to understand and to help people in a significant way. He praised maharaj as someone who spoke " the language of the heart ", and was both intense and absorbed in his devotional service, wishing to offer "every moment to Srila Prabhupada". Because of his compassion, Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj would take on the austerity of finding so many ways to present the teachings to different audiences, he concluded. He also gave some nice anecdotes. One revealed how Bhakti-tirtha Swami was pivotal in enabling Maharaj to finally make the decision to travel and preach. Maharaj had asked so many leaders for advise, and was still uncertain. But after hearing the concise reply "you should preach", from Bhakti-tirtha Swami, immediately he felt a clear conviction, "yes this is what I should do".

Bir Krishna Swami praised Maharaj, saying one reason he feels so strongly about the greatness of ISKCON is that no other organization has a personality such as Bhakti Tirtha Swami in it. To the surprise of many Maharaj expressed that he knew Bhakti-tirtha Swami in a way that most did not, for they joined together and were trained together. Everyone was delighted (and a little set a back) to hear about how they would cry on each others shoulders after being so heavily chastised by thier leaders (I guess you had to be there to appreciate how cute this was). Maharaj spoke about how apparent Bhakti-tirtha Swami's soft heartedness was back then. Bir Krishna Swami praised Maharaj saying that one can tell the tree by its fruits, and by associating with the disciples of of Bhakti-tirtha Swmai one gets a wonderful flavor of love, service and surrender. He pointed out to the devotees that we are being watched by Bhakti-tirtha Swami and have a responsibility to serve his order and expand his teachings.

Bhakti Caru Swami said that, as Rukmini fell in love with Krsna simply by hearing about Him, he fell in love with BTS and his noble character simply by hearing of his preaching exploits, and how Prabhupada was always excited and concerned for him, knowing of his courageous endeavors to present Krishna Consciousness behind the Iron Curtain. He saw how much love both BTS and Prabhupada had for each other. He shared a recent conversation in which BTS told Maharaj that he will continue to communicate with him after he leaves the body, was also mentioned. Maharaj stated that Krishna sent BTS to bless this world, and has now taken BTS back.

Mother Saudamani spoke of the honest and sincere character of Bhakti Tirtha Swami, and how he was noted by Ravindra Svarupa prabhu to be a great devotee due to his austerity and hard working nature. She noted how Maharaj was extremely grateful to Prabhupada and showed this by taking his service seriously. She concluded by mentioning how disciple of Maharaj have the benefit of being able to take shelter of Maharaj's godbrothers and sisters for help and guidance for their continued service to their gurumaharaj, and should make use of such support.

Radhanath Swami spoke of how, in the school of love, which is how Bhakti Tirtha Swami described Krishna Consciousness in the video recording that was presented earlier that day, a major course is love in separation. He mentioned how Maharaj said Prabhupada was calling him back, and that Maharaj was going ahead to prepare for us to come and join him. He said that Maharaj lived an extraordinary life, coming from a difficult background, to advising kings and heads of state. He described Maharaj's life as a spiritual success story, and concluded by stating how Maharaj said its about being the servant of the servant, even more than just being recognized by one's guru. He conveyed how Maharaj had experienced persecution, and would stand up for others, risking criticism and violence to make them feel loved and encouraged.

Amiya Vilasa Swami first saw Maharaj in Hyberbad, india, when he was a brahmacari, and recalled fondly, meeting and dancing with Bhakti Tirtha Swami in Detroit Ratha Yatra, and spending time with Maharaj in Gita Nagari. He stated that unless one is realized, they cannot be so enthusiastic to preach in Krishna Consciousness, and Bhakti Tirtha Swami was so enthusiastic to preach, showing great realization. He ended by expressing Maharaj's concern for ISKCON's problems, and for the welfare of all devotees.

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