Shyamdas Portrait

Shyamdas brings India's ancient Vedic literature and medieval devotional renaissance to life in the West. He has written and translated more than 20 books on Bhakti Yoga and the Path of Grace. Shyamdas specializes in classical temple singing and the mystic poets of North India. As we say in Krishna's sacred land of Vraja, "Jai Shri Radhe!"

A Vaisnava Departs
by Indradyumna Swami on Sunday, January 20, 2013      at 2:59pm ·
This morning I learned of the sudden and sad departure of Shyamdas, an American born vaisnava of my generation, who took initiation into the line of Vallabhacarya, following the path of Pusti Marg. Well versed in sastra and renowned for his bhajans he befriended vaisnavas of many sects, always eager to serve them. Several weeks ago I met him for the first time at Jatipur while doing Govardhana Parikrama with a group of devotees. He warmly welcomed us into his home there, personally cooked a delicious feast for all the devotees and then led a wonderful bhajan. Shyamdas and myself spoke together for well over an hour and after enjoying each other's association decided we would meet again around Gaura Purnima. It is my loss that I will not be able to see him again. I thank the Lord for our brief time together and wish Shyamdas well in his service to Krsna in the spiritual world.