HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami honored in Udupi

Krishna means "attractive" -- he attracts devotees, and devotees attract him," said Sugunendra Tirtha in his welcoming speech. "And Bhakti Vikas Swami has attracted so many devotees and brought them to this holy place. This is an example of "ananya bhakti," or constant devotion, which Sripad Madhvacharya taught is the only way to attain the Lord."

In reply, Bhakti Vikas Swami said, "We Westerners are fallen and not very learned in Vedic culture, literature, or the Sanskrit language, making us unfit to enter the Udupi Sri Krishna temple. But, by Prabhupada's mercy, we are engaged in the Lord's service. And Sugunendra Swamiji is like the saintly king Pariksit" he saw the essence and accepted us as Krishna devotees."