14 May 2005
(by Ishnai d.d.)

Srila Bhagavatpada had not come to the Middle Asia for about a year and a half. The disciples, spoilt by his frequent visits, still cannot resign to the fact that now they see him only once a year. The devotees waited for Guru Maharaja in January, but he caught a cold, and the tour was postponed till spring.And finally, after a long absence, Guru Maharaja flew to Almaty. He was given the visa from May 12 to 19.
He arrived in the morning. During his visits to Almaty, Srila Bhagavatpada stays with Bhagavad Dharma prabhu, one of the first initiated disciples of Guru Maharaja.
In spite of being tired after a sleepless night flight, Guru Maharaja allowed to wash his feet seeing the mood and desire of the devotees. He distributed a big festive cake, made specially in honour of his visit, and talked to the disciples for a while.
In the same evening he gave a class in a rented hall in the centre of the city. The devotees rented a big hall to accommodate more people. And they were not mistaken. There were many guests. Guru Maharaja thanked everybody for coming. He explained how auspicious it is to gather, to chant the holy name in congregation, to discuss the scriptures, and the new people had a chance to know about Vedic philosophy. He spoke about the fact that everybody wants happiness, but the real happiness is the perception of God.