Somehow, due to my dreadful actions over so many births, I was put into the cycle of heavy karmic actions and their resultant reactions. My life was just suffering at every moment; my family life had gone awry since I spent little time with my parents, wife, children and sister. I was caught up in quicksand and no way out.

The situation had become so precarious that our family astrologer (whom I had never met) cautioned my parents and wife that I was in all probability going to be involved in a life threatening situation; either I would take a life or someone may take mine. The vibrations he was able to sense when we finally met convinced him that I was headed for disaster, therefore he recommended that I and my family members constantly chant the Gayatri mantra and chant the names of Lord Shiva. I, in the meantime sensed the need for some divine intervention and though I was religiously inclined had never taken to the process. I was adrift in hostile waters.

So it was then that I started chanting the name of the Lord in the form of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. It was under these and other serious circumstances under which I first me You. I remember vividly the first class that Amit took me to; it was on the Nectar of Devotion and then every evening (work permitting), I was attending class. Then began a process of inquiry on various topics, and at the fore were the inquiries relating to Guru and Sisya. You so patiently explained to me that the process involved Siksa, Pariksa and possibly Diksa.

It was some time later that I asked to come under Your shelter Guru Maharaja and You in Your frank and forthright manner, said that You did not know me and that we should learn more about each other. Since that time You changed my life completely; by Your close personal association and infinite mercy I now have my family life back, my mental stability was restored and by Your grace I have he strength to face up to the most demanding of situations.

Perhaps, the most significant development causing me to surrender to Krishna, Guru Maharaj, was Your constant assertion "Just pray to Krishna". However, one specific incident would be worth mentioning, because it was nothing short of what miracles are made of. It had so transpired, that being too trusting in an intricate business transaction, a dispute of a rather large sum of money arose, and the only person who could clear my name was himself under a cloud and was absconding.
All attempts to trace him had proved futile.

Then one evening after Nectar of Devotion class, Gurudeva You gave me Your personal Nrsimhadev photograph from Your office table; the one You used to worship. That night I stood vigil for the absconding man and the next morning at 6.30 am I saw him leaving his house and nabbed him ! He then admitted in front of witnesses, that he had indeed received the large amount from me. If that had not happened, I would have been put in jail for suspected fraud.

So in retrospect, the decision to attend that Necter of Devotion class at the prompting of Amit was the single most important decision of my life, in fact I've probably waited several lifetimes to do this.

I have now come to realise through close personal association and by many observations that, our Guru Maharaj is the most kind and merciful soul I have ever met. Your example of remaining equipoise under all circumstances gives much inspiration and strength.

I am ashamed that I am only capable of rendering lowly, insignificant acts of service to You.

My fervent prayer is that I be given the opportunity to serve You constantly, attend to Your every need and try and reduce the tremendous burden that we place on You daily.

I am proud to loudly announce that I am trying to come under the shelter of His Holiness Sridhar Swami!

May Lord Baladeva and Lord Nityananda, The Spiritual Master of all Spiritual Master's consider favorably my desire to serve ! I know that nothing would give Gurudeva greater pleasure than, to learn from other sanyasis and devotees that Your disciples are rendering humble service. May I develop such an attitude.

May Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna bless my Gurudeva with their complete mercy!

The most fallen servant of Gurudeva,
Sumir