Update from Govardhan, November 7th

 

Dear devotees,

Please accept my dandavat pranams. All glories to Srila Gurudeva and Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga. All glories to Sri Sri Radha-Vinodebihariji.

We have had several darshans of Srila Gurudeva on the large screen in the temple room. Yesterday evening he waved his hand and offered blessings to the devotees. This morning we had two or three darshans, first when he was resting, and then in two others, again he moved his hand to bless the devotees. There were two further darshans at midday, after Govardhan-puja, when devotees saw Srila Gurudeva resting peacefully without moving. In the morning, senior devotees offered puja to Srila Gurudeva's image on the large screen, rather than to his photograph. (However, the video image cut out in the middle of the puja, so back to the photo.)

We were happy to learn that Srila Gurudeva rested quite well last night. In the course of the morning program, Pujyapad Vana Maharaja emphasized that Srila Gurudeva is actually making progress. He said that Srila Gurudeva's voice this morning was strong. Vana Maharaja is also definitely on board with Pujyapada Madhava Maharaja's faith and hope in Srila Gurudeva's recovery.

The team actually has a very strong culture of presenting a positive face to Srila Gurudeva. "That's right,"' confirmed the doorman of Srila Gurudeva's extended quarters. "No tears past this point. No one cries, ever. And it is not always easy."'

There is a slight change in the nutrition program, which will ensure that Srila Gurudeva gets more nourishment. One of the team said rather emphatically and confidently that they were quite hopeful for the first time for some time. Did not want to say any more. (No one actually wants to be quoted.) So the atmosphere is lighter, at least for the moment.

Today, we worshipped Giriraja Govardhan as usual, and he was undoubtedly very happy to be fed so nicely. We pray to his lotus feet for the health and strength of our beloved Srila Gurudeva.

Aspiring for service to Sri Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas,
B V Nemi