Author Description

A genuine guru lifts sincere disciples to a life of sustainable spiritual happiness, asking nothing in return other than the disciples' continued determination on the spiritual path. Such a selfless, compassionate guru naturally inspires gratitude from the disciple, which the disciple especially expresses on the guru's birthday, known as Vyasa Puja. This book is a compilation of eighteen popular Vyasa Puja poems honoring His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (Srila) Prabhupada composed by Kalakantha Das, his disciple since 1972. It will be of particular interest to members and friends of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the worldwide bhakti-yoga society founded by Srila Prabhupada in 1966. Some of the poems describe Srila Prabhupada's dramatic journey to America in 1965 as a penniless, elderly monk equipped only with a trunkful of spiritual books, his knowledge and devotion, and the order of his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, to introduce bhakti-yoga to the English-speaking world. These poems will inspire those familiar with ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada. Others poems give an intimate, real-world glimpse into the guru/disciple relationship, making the book a valuable reference for scholars of Hinduism. And the spiritual seeker will find a moving testimony to the reality of God consciousness and the potent, transformative power of a genuine spiritual teacher in one's life. "All That Lies Between" is illustrated with exquisite pencil and ink portraits of Srila Prabhupada drawn by his beloved disciple Kuladri das. The book is introduced by His Holiness Giriraj Swami, a distinguished author and senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada. These contributions enrich and add depth to the reader's enjoyment, whether they approach the book as a devotee, a scholar, or a newcomer to spiritual life.