Subject: Prayer Request for Nirguna dasa Prabhu
 

Dear Devotees,

My most humble obeisances to you. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I humbly request you to kindly pray for this spiritual warrior.

Nirguna Prabhu joined ISKCON in Atlanta Georgia  in 1975. He received first initiation from His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and he received second initiation from Hridayananda Swami.

His services included Book distribution, Sankirtan leader, temple president and  vice president. His real love is for preaching, kirtan, and distributing books.

He is currently in India undergoing treatment for a cancerous tumor in his chest. The tumor wraps around his spine, aorta of his heart and bronchial tubes. The tumor is inoperable, and the chemo therapy had to be stopped due to his inability to undergo the treatment. He is now seeing a homeopathic doctor in Calcuta and will transfer to Mayapur, West Bengal when he is strong enough.

He is in good spirits, peaceful, grateful, and he feels loved and supported by his many friends.

Your prayers are most urgently needed and appreciated.

Thank you. Hare Krishna.

Your servant
Sriji dasi

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November 3, 2007  Final Update

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Update:  Last week in Mayapura:

By Hari-sauri dasa

This is a brief report on events surrounding Nirguna prabhu during the last week here in Mayapur.

Under Ramadevi’s inspiration and Samkalpa dasi’s organization we had a Govardhan Puja on October 24 for Nirguna prabhu in his room. It was a wonderful event. Devotees in the grhastha community made over 30 preparations and a miniture Govardhan Hill, complete with small signs showing the main pilgrimage spots. Center of attention were seven Govardhan-shilas, Who came to bless Nirguna prabhu and the devotees.

The event began with a reading of Chapters twenty four and twenty five from ‘Krsna’. This was followed by abhishek and kirtan, and then the hill was brought close to Nirguna’s bedside. He was glowing with pleasure to see it and he basked in the association of devotees as they chanted the glories of the holy name and circumambulated the hill. The event culminated with distribution of the prasadam to over 100 devotees. It was a truly transcendental event and Nirguna prabhu was extremely happy with it.

Shortly after this event Janmastami and Samkalpa prabhus, after consulting with HH Radhanatha Swami on the phone, re-organized the care and kirtan schedules to enable Nirguna prabhu to focus more in his internal needs. Nirguna was experiencing more pain and his medication was increased and this took a couple of days for him to adjust to.

In the last few days Nirguna’s physical condition has undergone significant change. At the beginning of Kartika-vrata a few devotees gathered in his room to offer lamps and chant the Damodar-astaka prayers. As they did so, Nirguna’s blood pressure dropped dramatically to about half the normal level of 120. He had some delayed breathing and Dr. Avinasa informed us that if any further reduction occured he would most likely leave within a few hours. Yet during the night his condition stablized and in the morning he was alert, taking small amounts of fruit juice and caranamrta and asking for devotees to read to him.

For the last few days his body has continued to function at a low level with his blood pressure maintaining at about 66. The doctor feels that he has perhaps 3-4 days more if he continues as he is. If his blood pressure drops to 50 then it will be the end.

At the same time Nirguna’s consciousness is completely clear. He is peaceful and alert and he appears transcendentally effulgent. Two days ago he informed one of the ladies that he had had a dream in which he glimpsed Srimati Radharani and the gopis. He felt they might be indicating for him to come with Them, but he wasn’t sure.

Yesterday morning, October 31, I read to him the story of Ratnaranjini dasi’s departure, which inspired him a lot. So last night I asked him a little about his dream. I told him that “If you get an invitation, you should accept it. You have no reason to remain here.” He replied, “I am ready to go immediately but I haven’t had an invitation yet.” I asked him why he thought that was, and he said he thought that perhaps Krishna wanted him to teach some more lessons. When I asked him what he thought those lessons were, he replied, “For the devotees, I think He wants to give them more opportunity to give some service. And to show them an example (of how to leave). For me, I think He wants me to learn patience. He will do things in His own time and I have to wait for that.”

He expressed some apprehension that he might not recognize when Krishna would come. Although I have no experience to speak from, I still felt confident that Krishna would make things very clear for a great soul like Nirguna and I told him, “Don’t worry prabhu, there is no doubt that Krishna will make it very clear for you, don’t have any doubts about that.” He seemed satisfied with that reply.

I also spoke with him about Kurma prabhu, who Nirguna met and spent a week with last year on the Polish tour. Kurma arrived here two days ago and Nirguna was very happy to see him. Kurma is going to put his mother’s ashes in the Ganges. I contrasted her departure with Nirguna’s, pointing out that Kurma’s mother had slowly declined over 27 years with Parkinson’s disease and had left in a completely unconscious state in a nursing home, so heavily medicated that it blocked out not only all her pain but also her awareness. Although Kurma had made nice arrangements with a tape continuously playing, deity garlands, tulasi leaves, Ganga jal etc., in her last days she was not aware of anything around her.

I told Nirguna prabhu that Kurma had commented to me on the striking contrast between his mother’s exit and Nirguna’s, saying how fortunate Nirguna was to be surrounded by so many loving devotees, the holy names, being in Mayapur in full consciousness. This was surely the reward for so many years spent in dedicated preaching service, and a sure indication that Krishna is very pleased with him. Hearing this, Nirguna smiled a smile of reassurance and confidence.

Now we are hoping that Nirguna prabhu remains at least for a few days more because his old friend Ekanatha prabhu from Prabhupada Village in NC, will be arriving in two days time. Nirguna prabhu has bequeathed his house and some funds to the Bhaktivedanta Archives, thus providing vital support to one of the most important projects in ISKCON, the preservation of Srila Prabhupada’s Vani.

Either kirtans or readings are going on throughout most of the day by the mercy of the devotees, except when Nirguna prabhu is resting. Devotees have responded wonderfully to provide full spiritual support for this beloved disciple of Srila Prabhupada.

During the whole period of his final sojourn here in Mayapur Janmastami and Samkalpa prabhus have provided exemplary support and facility for Nirguna prabhu, turning over half their house for his care. Nirguna has entrusted himself entirely to their care, who, along with several full-time carers, have done a brilliant job of looking after his needs, both physically and spiritually. Their teenage son Prahlad has also been inspired by his parents’ example to consistently help with massaging Nirguna, doing kirtan for him and many other services small and large.

As well as this a large team of care-givers have come forward. Althogh it’s not possible to mention everyone, some of those who have sacrificed significant, and in some cases, all of their time and energy for assisting Nirguna prabhu in his departure are Dr. Avinasa who flew in from Bombay to attend to his medical needs; Gaura Krsna and Hari Bhakti Vilasa prabhus who have attended to all of Nirguna’s physical needs, carefully bathing him every morning, changing his dressings, massaging him for hours a day, sleeping nearby on constant call and myriad other services; Dharmveer prabhu, Yasodadulal prabhu, Madhuryalila mataji, Prema Bhakti mataji, Santi Parayana prabhu, Ram prabhu, Grahila prabhu, Gauranga Simha prabhu, Giri Gopala prabhu for a variety of support both physical and spiritual; Jananivas and Pankajanghri prabhus who come every afternoon to spend a few hours sitting with Nirguna prabhu; and B. V. Madhava Maharaja, who gave up his tour schedule to come and read and chant to Nirguna prabhu until his departure.

There are many other devotees who deserve a mention, especially the teenage students resident here in Mayapur who have spent hours chanting for the pleasure of Nirguna prabhu every afternoon. I will suffice to say that all of the devotees who have given their time and energy to assist in numerous ways are all great souls who are privileged to serve a true mahatma, Nirguna prabhu, who is achieving his life’s perfection in a most exemplary fashion.

All glories to the all merciful Sri Sri Nitai Gaura, Who are the life and soul of Their devotees! All glories to Their holy dhama, Sri Mayapur, which bestows all benedictions upon Their deserving devotees! All glories to the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord by whose transcendental association we can safely traverse this pit of illusion and return back home, back to Godhead! And unlimited glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada by whose mercy alone all of this is taking place!

Your humble servant, Hari-sauri dasa

Article taken from Dandavats - http://www.dandavats.com

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UPDATE: 9-21-07

Dear Prabhus,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am writing to ask for your prayers for the safe departure from this world
of a very wonderful devotee, Nirguna das, disciple of Srila Prabhupada since
1975. He was a major book distributor for many, many years, based mostly in
Atlanta. He has preached to and made many devotees.

In April this year a large tumour was found rooted on his spine. The doctors
declared it inoperable due to its proximity to his heart and spine. They
suggested chemotherapy to shrink the tumour to make him more comfortable. He
started this in Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Bombay but it made him so ill he
could not continue. Thinking to fight the tumour with natural medicines he
came to reside in Sri Dham Mayapur. He has taken herbal remedies, followed
the Budwig diet, homeopathic treatments have been given but all to no avail.

He has been in tremendous pain for the last few months (though he bore it
staunchly, never complaining and not taking any medication for it) but was
still able to get around by himself, at least within his home.
Unfortunately, a few days ago, he began to find it almost impossible to
walk. Two days ago his legs finally became paralysed. He still has some
sensation in his legs but cannot move them at all.

However, he did make it to the temple for Radhastami. He was carried
downstairs and put in his reclining wheelchair. At the temple one devotee
carried him up on to the platform in front of Sri Sri Radha Madhava where
Their pujaris showered him with the maha flowers from Srimati Radharani's
abhisek. This was followed by a gigantic hug from Jayapataka Maharaja!

Though still in lots of pain, he is in a very clear and happy frame of mind.
He is preaching to his caregivers, hearing and chanting all the time. He is
surrounded by big beautiful photos of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Sri Panca
Tattva and Srila Prabhupad. He has deities of Srila Prabhupada and Haridas
Thakur by his bedside and in the middle of them, one beautiful Giriraj sila
has come to give Mercy to him. Although devotees are constantly bringing him
all kinds of maha prasadam, he has stopped eating and is gradually reducing
his water intake. From tomorrow he will only take Srimati Radharani's
caranamrta 3 times a day for a few days then nothing.

Our request is this. If there should be any last minute test ahead of him,
please pray to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nrsimhadeva to give him good
intelligence and remove any obstacles on his path back to Godhead

Yours in the service of the vaisnavas,
the caregivers of Nirguna das.

UPDATE October 1, 2007:

Latest News and Photos of HG Nirguna dasa Prabhu from Mayapur, India
Submitted by Sriji dasi (GRS), Winston-Salem, North Carolina (U.S.)

To read about the lastest news about HG Nirguna dasa Prabhu's condition and to see his latest photos from Mayapur, kindly
click here.  (outside link, to return hit your browser back button)
 
We thank Her Grace Sriji dasi for keeping us informed. We also thank Her Grace Ramadevi dasi who is taking such wonderful care of Nirguna Prabhu as well as all of his other caregivers in Mayapur. They are exemplary in every way!

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Most Beloved Srila Prabhupada,

Each year we can see that you are taking your beloved disciples back home with you and now another wonderful devotee has left us here. How much he gave for the preaching of your books is shown by how many devotees loved
and cared for him all these months while he was sick. Surely he was a special devotee and loved by everyone including you.

May he pray for all of us that we may also have the same benediction to leave this world in such a state of  Krsna consciousness.

All glories to you!  Nirguna dasa Prabhu showed us by example what to expect, and how to leave.

All Glories to all the wonderful devotees and  to His Divine Grace  Srila Prabhupada.

Lilavilasini devi dasi

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October 20, 2007

I found out today 10-17-07 that you had left your body. I am very sad / and
happy that you return home back to Godhead. I am missing you dearly my
eternal friend. Thank you so much for allowing me to have your
wonderful association for so many years. You trained me on book
distribution. Now I have the memories of us distributing in the Smoky
mountains, parking lots, and intersections, and now I will relish these
memories. Now you are in a better position to help this rascal Nanda Suta
to become a book distributing soldier. All Glories to Nitai-Gaura and
Srila Prabhupada's warriors who are fighting maya throughout the world.
 
I miss you my friend,  Hare Krishna
Nanda Suta
Atlanta,Ga
 

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September 30, 2007

Dear Bhakti Tirtha Swami,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Your Holiness! All
glories to your God-brother, my Spiritual Master, His Holiness Candramauli
Swami! Dear Bhakti Tirtha Swami, my dear siksa-Guru you have been
specially empowered by Srila Prabhupada to help many, many devotees to
come to Krishna Consciousness. I simply pray to Your Holiness to please
help your God-brother, this wonderful spiritual warrior to come back Home,
back to Krishna, easily and safely. I beg of you to please help him
remember Krishna and please be there to welcome him to the spiritual
world.  Thank you so much!

Your deeply grateful servant,
Sridevi dasi
New Talavan, MS, USA.
 

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September 30, 2007

My dearest Sri Sri Panca Tattva,

Please accept my prostrate obeisances unto You. There is nobody who is
more merciful than You! My humble and heartfelt request is that this
wonderful devotee, Nirguna prabhu, which is already under Your Divine
shelter may just get absorbed more and more in Krsna's Holy Name and
nothing can divert his attention from Your lotus feet, which can grant
Krsna prema. We'll miss him so much.

Your humble servant,
Akarsini Radhika devi dasi

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September 29, 2007

My dear Srila Prabhupada,

Thank you so much for allowing your beloved disciple, Nirguna dasa, to
arrive safely in the holy dhama of Mayapur. Please, Srila Prabhupada, keep
him always in the association of your dear devotees during the last months
of his life and allow him to forever remain at Your divine lotus feet.

Your humble servant,
Sangita devi dasi

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August 15,  2007

My dear Sri Panca-Tattva,

I know You are already taking care of HG Nirguna prabhu, and the
demonstration is that He did many important services for his dear Gurudeva
during all those years. Now my humble prayer at Your lotus feet is that You
please give all protection to Nirguna Prabhu so he may always have the full
shelter of your Lotus Feet forever.

Your humble servant,
Akarsini Radhika dd

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August 15, 2007

Dear Nirguna dasa Prabhu,

PAMHO AGTSP HK.

I am praying that HDG Srila Prabhupada is personally taking such nice care of you, that you will remain giving  all of the devotees your nice association and Krishna consciousness. You are showing great devotion and courage. You are in our prayers  in Italy.

Lilavilasini devi dasi
 

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August 15, 2007

Om Namo narayanaya.
O Krishna praboo,

May I request You to shower your blessings on Your humble devotee, Nirguna Prabhu, so that he has peace and can joyfully do Your namasmarana.  Please grant relief from his suffering while paying his karmic debts by chanting Your holy name and pardon all his deeds done knowingly and unknowingly.

I once again pray for your mercy.

Krishnajee

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July 23, 2007

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

All glories to you and your most wonderful disciples. The presence of your disciples is the only solace for this suffering world. I pray at your most divine lotus feetto please protect Nirguna Prabhu, one of your precious gems. I humbly beg that you always remain besides Nirguna Prabhu giving him all the strength and vision to always remember the wonderful sweet pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Madhav.

Your Aspiring servant of the servant of the servant,
Sacitanuja Das

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July 8, 2007

Dear Panca-tattva,

By Your mercy alone, Nirguna Prabhu will be blessed to take shelter of Your
Lordships in the holy dhama of Mayapur. Please keep Your dear servant forever at Your lotus feet. He has done so much sankirtana to help spread Your name in every town and village. Please remember him now and always.

Your humble servant,
Madana-sundari devi dasi
Honolulu, Hawaii (U.S.)

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June 27, 2007

Dear Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundara,

Please be merciful to Your beloved servant, Nirguna das, who has been an
instrument of spreading Your mercy through book distribution and preaching
for many, many years.  As a matter of fact: preaching Your glorious mercy
is his heart and soul.  Please, let him always remember Your holy names,
and give him strength and shelter during this difficult time.

Your Servant,
Kalindi devi dasi
 

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June 21, 2007

Dear Nirguna prabhu,

I am praying at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Damodara for Their blessings and mercy upon you.  Without a doubt you are very dear to Srila Prabhupada and all the devotees who have been fortunate to have had your wonderful association. Please find full shelter in Krsna and His holy Name.   All glories to your unending devotional service.  

Your servant,  
Kaulini dasi

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June 20, 2007

O Dear Srila Prabhupada!

Kindly bestow your causeless, unlimited mercy upon your dear son, who so sincerely
has rendered service for your most dear service of book distribution. 

Thank you Srila Prabhupada.

Dear Nirguna Prabhu,

I pray to the Lord to give you strength to sustain through this difficult time.  May
Lord Narsimhadev protect you.

Thank you My Dear Lord.

Sri Radhika dasi

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June 19, 2007

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

I am praying to Your Divine Grace to kindly continue to give shelter to your dear servant, Nirguna dasa, who is suffering from a very serious and painful disease. Please keep him always at your lotus feet. I pray he becomes strong enough to make the journey to the holy dhama of Mayapur, for there, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu will surely bestow His unlimited mercy upon His sincere devotee.

My dear Srila Prabhupada, please keep your dear devotees close to you always.

Your humble servant,
Sangita devi dasi 

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