Continuity has proven to be the best therapy for Guru Maharaj. Though many
of you may think he is finally resting, Guru Maharaj is undergoing several
hours of various therapies daily. He sees physical, occupational, and speech
therapists daily and a visual therapist, a chiropractor, and a neurologist
weekly.
When he is not being retrained in balance, walking, fine motor skills and
other daily activities in the High Hopes facility (for 7 hours daily), Guru
Maharaj is training in a gym, in a pool or in his apartment. His unmatched
enthusiasm, the dedicated team of devotees and therapists, the continuity of
treatment, and all of your prayers are helping him in his recovery. His
progress is gradual, but is quite visible and inspiring.
At times, Guru Maharaj walks with a side walker and one assistant, other
times with his wheeled walker, and when he’s in a hurry he sits in the wheel
chair. His homework is crucial for his recovery and has proven to yield good
results. Last Saturday, January 30, GM stood, without any assistance, for
6min 21sec.
This past week GM’s spirits seemed to be more enlivened. He has been pushing
himself to do his walking, squatting, and eye exercises. He’s very ready to
recuperate fully. Though GM is depending on all others for his every move,
the things we all take for granted, (eating, walking, writing, evacuating,
even seeing), he is the same powerful entity he always has been.
His determination to serve Srila Prabhupada and to live his life as a
service is so outstanding to witness. While most others in his position face
depression, agony, and hopelessness, GM demonstrates tenacity,
steadfastness, and always a positive attitude. Though his heart is in
Mayapur and he gets impatient to be there (wanting immediate results) he
works hard through the time taking process with all he has.
The doctors and specialists are all charmed by him. Besides the prasad he
brings, he is focused with intensity, surely on Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri
Pancatatva, and it seeps through him attracting others to him, so much so
that some even see him for free. He’s guiding and yet so humble.
For every two steps he takes he chants one full maha mantra and as he takes
his steps a devotee is there to count his steps. Like that he constantly
focuses on Krishna, chants his japa, and sets the perfect example of using
everything in Krishna’s service.
Guru Maharaj is a pillar of determination or as Badrinarayana Prabhu once
said, “.a force of nature.” Through all of these obstacles, GM continues to
exceed even himself and leave those of us, who are 30 years younger, far
behind in his dust.
We all should also take into account the wonderful and dedicated team of
devotees who have selflessly served GM for the past 14 months. We, as
Jayapataka Maharaj disciples and well wishers, owe much to this dedicated
team of devotees as they have cared for him with their very lives.
His cooks, Ivesvara and Teja Gaurangi, very meticulously care for GM’s
health through very specific food preparations and his servants Isvara Puri
and Dr. Acyuta and his secretary Maha Varaha are selflessly aiding him with
all of his other needs.
Though we are all anxious, as GM himself also is, for a quick recovery, the
real road to recovery is a gradual process and it takes much time and
dedication. Let us all together focus on giving GM the attention and
continuity he needs. With this collective focus we will surely aid our dear
Gurudeva to a quicker recovery.
Jai Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!
Yours in service,
Sraddha Devi Dasi