By Partha Das and Uttama Devi Dasi
As we devotees would say in the early days of ISKCON, “Chant Hare Krsna and stay high forever!” Krsna is known as Stavyapriya, one who likes being praised, so it is natural that we also find it uplifting. Srila Prabhupada often replied in letters, “I am very much happy to hear your kind appreciation, and it is very much encouraging to me.” By hearing appreciation from Srila Prabhupada about their devotional service, disciples would be encouraged for their whole life. Srila Prabhupada’s letter of appreciation of the seva of New Gokula’s archa-vigraha, inspired us to serve Them for decades. “The picture of your newly installed Deity is very, very nice. You may name them Sri Sri Radha-Madan-Mohan… And by serving Them you will all develop pure love of Krsna.” Appreciation illuminates our inherent sense of self-worth and the value of others.