Vast Ocean of Mercy

This is the English translation of the lecture delivered by Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda on the 14th disappearance anniversary of Saccidānanda Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura at Jagannātha Purī in 1928. Srila Prabhupad explains on how the vaiṣṇavas are vast oceans of mercy (kṛpā-sindhu). They bestow absolute mercy without ever being asked for it. They are the redeemers of the fallen (patitapāvana). Vaiṣṇavas are the only our true kinsmen. Apart from taking shelter of them, no other remedy exists. Vaiṣṇavas never die; they are immortal. They are with Bhagavān, participating in His eternal pastimes. Their only activity is to serve Śrī Kṛṣṇa. While they are manifest in this world, Kṛṣṇa-sevā is their only activity, and when they depart, Kṛṣṇa-sevā is their only, eternal activity.

Śrī Puruṣottama Dāsa Ṭhākura

I worship my worshipable lord, Puruṣottama Dāsa Ṭhākura. Who can list his incomparable qualities? He was merciful to those who were devoid of virtue, displaying the natural power of his compassion. When only seven years old, he was so intoxicated with love for Kṛṣṇa that he danced in a way that enchanted the entire world.

Prabhupāda Śrīla Bhakti Siddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Ṭhākura

Śrīla Bhakti Siddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Ṭhākura was born in the holy pilgrimage place of Jagannātha Purī to Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, a great Vaisnava acarya in the line of succession coming from Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Although employed as a government magistrate, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura worked tirelessly to establish the teachings of Lord Caitanya in India. He envisioned a worldwide spiritual movement and prayed for a son to help him achieve his dream.