Prijevod:

Odlaskom, Njegova Svetost Bhakti Tirtha Swami pridružio se Srila Prabhupadi na njegovim vječnim zabavama, ostavivši mnogobrojne bhakte diljem svijeta u tuzi zbog odlaska.

Danas govorimo o mnogim njegovim inzvanrednim dostignućima u Srila Prabhupadinoj službi i sakupljamo ih s velikom zahvalnošću koju iskazujemo na različite načine, velike i male, kako je samo znao potaknuti našu svijesnost prema Krsni, ojačao našu zajednicu, i ganuo naša srca.

Postignuća Njegove Svetosti Bhakti Tirtha Swamija za vrijeme svoje tridesettrogodišnje (33) službe u ISKON-u:

- Osnovao je Institut za Applied Duhovne Tehnologije, koji je oblikovao svojim rukama, postao je snažno oruđe u širenju svijesnosti Krsne.

- Postupno je hrabro razvijao nekovencionalne metode u širenju svijesnosri Krsne po svijetu i tako poboljšao uobičajen način.

- Kao snažan član prvobitnog tima BBT knjižnice, predstavljao je Srila Prabhupadine knjige sveučilištima i knjižnicama po Americi, Europi, i iza "željezne zavjese", s velikom vjerom i oduševljenjem, često uz veliki vlastiti rizik.

- Napisao je dva kompleta knjiga u kojima otkriva načine i bit svijesnosti Krsne, pobjedonosno kličući zbog međunarodnog uspijeha na područjima duhovnosti vezanim uz vodstvo i osobni rast.

- Bio je duhovni vođa državnim vođama, i njihovim pobjedama omogućio širenje svijesnosti Krsne.

- Bio je na mjestu visokog predstavnika Afričkih skupina, i tako pokazao svoju stručnost u spajanju nepoznatih kultura s Vaisnavizmom i tako stvarao plodno tlo za širenje svijesnosti Krsne.

- Pokazao je na vlastitom primjeru kako treba biti strog prema sebi a blag prema drugima, kroz svoju neusporedivu naviku osobne strogosti i službe i samilosti prema drugima.

- Bio je jednostavan a opet širokogrudan; jednostavan prema Srila Prabhupadinom ISKCON-u, dok je dirao srca mnogih izvan ISKCON-a i spiritualiste diljem svijeta.

- Njegova samilost prema napaćenim dušama - pokušavao im je pomoći kroz seminare o čestitosti usprkos činjenici da nas kuga modernog svijeta izjeda iznutra, pritišće i uništava.

- Osigurao je potpuno vodstvo stotinama učenika u njihovim duhovnim životima, bio je glas razumjevanja, savjetovanja i inspiracija mnogoj braći i sestrama po Bogu.

- Bio je glas onima koji nisu imali glas, i davao je snažan primjer svima koje je susretao da u ovom svijetu ne postoji nepremostiva prepreka ako nešto želimo s odlučnošću, entuzijazmom i čvrstom vjerom u milost Vrhovnog Gospodina i Njegove čiste bhakte.

- Snažno i pozitivno djelovao je na ISKCON-ov Govening Body Commission, zato što je pristupao umjetnosti vođenja s razumjevanjem i privrženošću, dok je isticao da je druženje s ljubavlju temelj našeg društva.

- Svojim je primjerom pokazao kako razviti intiman i brižan odnos između bhakta te važnost omogućavanja onog najvažnijeg za njihove potrebe u duhovnom životu.

- U posljednjim danima života bio je zaokupljen slušanjem Krsna-katha i napustio je svijet okružen ljubavlju bhakta i s transcendentalnim zvukom Svetog Imena.

Mi, GBC ISKCON-a, izražavamo našu duboku žalost zbog njegovog odlaska. Veoma nam nedostaje. S radošću se sjećamo i veličamo njegov uzoran život i službu Srila Prabhupadi. Neka nas njegova nazočnost, mudrost i ljubav vodi kroz mnoge godine koje su pred nama.

Originalna izjava na engleskom jeziku:

[Statement] The departure of His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami to join Srila Prabhupada"s eternal pastimes has left ISKCON devotees worldwide with deep feelings of separation.

Today we reflect on his many extraordinary accomplishments in Srila Prabhupada"s service and recall with deep gratitude the immeasurable ways, both great and small, that he inspired our Krishna consciousness, strengthened our communities, and touched our hearts.

During his 33 years of service to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami:

- Was the founder of the Institute for Applied Spiritual Technology which, molded by his hands, became a powerful instrument in spreading Krishna consciousness

- Systematically developed bold and unconventional methods to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world and thus reach those unapproachable by traditional means,

- As a dynamic member of the original BBT Library Party, introduced Srila Prabhupada"s books to universities and libraries in the United States, Europe, and behind the "iron curtain" with deep conviction and enthusiasm, and often at great personal risk,

- Wrote two dozen books that explore the techniques and substance of Krishna consciousness, winning the acclaim of international experts for bringing his profound spiritual perspective into the fields of leadership and personal growth,

- Was a spiritual counselor to heads of state, and developed the art of winning their support to facilitate the spread of Krishna consciousness,

- Was honored with the position of High Chief of an African tribe, and thus demonstrated his expertise in connecting foreign cultures to Vaishnavism and making them fertile grounds for offering Krishna consciousness,

- Set a profound example of being strict with himself while lenient with others, through his unparalleled habits of personal austerity and service and compassion for others,

- Was chaste yet broadminded; chaste to Srila Prabhupada"s ISKCON, while touching the hearts of those outside of ISKCON and spiritualists throughout the world,

- Had compassion for suffering souls, and tried to help them by offering seminars to honestly confront issues that plague us in the modern world such as domestic abuse, depression, and suicide,

- Provided regular guidance to hundreds of disciples in their spiritual life, and was a voice of insight, consultation and inspiration for many god-brothers and god-sisters,

- Was a voice for those that had no voice, and was a powerful example to all he met that no obstacle is this world is insurmountable if met with determination, enthusiasm, and full faith in the mercy of the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees,

- Had a powerful and positive influence on ISKCON"s Governing Body Commission, because he knew the art of dealing with understanding and affection, thus proving that loving dealings are the basis of our society,

- Showed by his example how to develop intimate and caring relationships among devotees, and the importance of providing first and foremost for their necessities in devotional life,

- In the last stage of his life he was absorbed in hearing Krishna-katha, and he left this world surrounded by loving devotees and the transcendental sound vibration of the Holy Name.

We, the Governing Body Commissioners of ISKCON, express our profound bereavement at his passing. We miss him deeply as we remember and glorify his exemplary life of service to Srila Prabhupada. May his presence, wisdom and love be felt by all of us for many years to come.