Thursday 28th July 2005 - 23:26Statement from the ISKCON Governing Body (GBC)The departure of His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami to join Srila Prabhupada's eternal pastimes has left ISKCON devotees worldwide with deep feelings of separation.
Today we reflect on his many extraordinary accomplishments in Srila Prabhupada's service and recall with deep gratitude the immeasurable ways, both great and small, that he inspired our Krishna consciousness, strengthened our communities, and touched our hearts.
During his 33 years of service to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami:
- Was the founder of the Institute for Applied Spiritual Technology which, molded by his hands, became a powerful instrument in spreading Krishna consciousness
- Systematically developed bold and unconventional methods to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world and thus reach those unapproachable by traditional means,
- As a dynamic member of the original BBT Library Party, introduced Srila Prabhupada's books to universities and libraries in the United States, Europe, and behind the "iron curtain" with deep conviction and enthusiasm, and often at great personal risk,
- Wrote two dozen books that explore the techniques and substance of Krishna consciousness, winning the acclaim of international experts for bringing his profound spiritual perspective into the fields of leadership and personal growth,
- Was a spiritual counselor to heads of state, and developed the art of winning their support to facilitate the spread of Krishna consciousness,
- Was honored with the position of High Chief of an African tribe, and thus demonstrated his expertise in connecting foreign cultures to Vaishnavism and making them fertile grounds for offering Krishna consciousness,
- Set a profound example of being strict with himself while lenient with others, through his unparalleled habits of personal austerity and service and compassion for others,
- Was chaste yet broadminded; chaste to Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON, while touching the hearts of those outside of ISKCON and spiritualists throughout the world,
- Had compassion for suffering souls, and tried to help them by offering seminars to honestly confront issues that plague us in the modern world such as domestic abuse, depression, and suicide,
- Provided regular guidance to hundreds of disciples in their spiritual life, and was a voice of insight, consultation and inspiration for many god-brothers and god-sisters,
- Was a voice for those that had no voice, and was a powerful example to all he met that no obstacle is this world is insurmountable if met with determination, enthusiasm, and full faith in the mercy of the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees,
- Had a powerful and positive influence on ISKCON's Governing Body Commission, because he knew the art of dealing with understanding and affection, thus proving that loving dealings are the basis of our society,
- Showed by his example how to develop intimate and caring relationships among devotees, and the importance of providing first and foremost for their necessities in devotional life,
- In the last stage of his life he was absorbed in hearing Krishna-katha, and he left this world surrounded by loving devotees and the transcendental sound vibration of the Holy Name.
We, the Governing Body Commissioners of ISKCON, express our profound bereavement at his passing. We miss him deeply as we remember and glorify his exemplary life of service to Srila Prabhupada. May his presence, wisdom and love be felt by all of us for many years to come.
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