Dear devotees,
Today our sannyasi warrior Sripad Bhaktivedanta Tirtha Maharaj left us. Since long time I wanted to compile his story in a book. Maharaj came to know the devotees in the jail of Pasto, after a life in the Elenos guerilla (the national liberation army of Colombia). His life changed all in a sudden, and as a capable man, student and poet he knew to appreciate the gift of Srila Prabhupada. When he got out of jail, he went to the temple in Cali, where he received his initiations and preached with enthusiasm.
For me it was very nice to talk to him, because we shared that the true revolution should be with Krishna consciousness and love for all living beings. So we shared many things in our fight for a better Colombia. At Isla del Sol in Bolivia, he helped me to edit some points in the manifest of Pacto Andino Transcendental. Maharaj was a good troubadour, and his verses are saved in the chats of the past.
Maharaj knew how to win people's hearts. He came to Srila Prabhupada's family and left us as the true warrior. Sannyasi and pilgrim. His trip to India was precious. I had invited him since always, but only recently last year, he managed to make it, and we visited the beautiful holy places. So, his return this ekadasi is rather they way Krishna would like to glorify his devotee. Only two days earlier I sent him a message that his son Prama vardhana prabhu read for him. Maharaj was clear till the very end, and this is a great mercy.
Last time I went to visit the new temple of Prama Vardhana at Pereira, and we danced together with him the whole Ratha Yatra. We want to continue to dance forever in the world of the eternal affection. May Krishna give a lot of strength to his family to continue on the path of truth.
We bid farewell from him with much affection. He has gone to Krishna, since there he can serve Him more intimately. He is happy and glorious on his way; Maharaj, changed the weapon for the sankirtan bag of Mahaprabhu.
Hugs from my heart. We will miss our Tirtha Maharaj, but where the captain commands, the sails man does not command. And the captain commanded him to dance in another place, and we others meanwhile have to dance here, just like he did.
Tirtha Maharaj ki jay!
Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti,
Berlin, Germany
Translation: Manahsiksa Devi Dasi
