(Original photo of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji, circa 1890)
"There are many examples in history of persons who have been very much disabled physically, but still have executed Krishna Consciousness. Still, up to date in places like Vrndavana, India, there are many persons who are blind, crippled, lame, deformed, etc., but they are determined to practice Krishna Consciousness to their best ability. So, you should also do like that. Simply be determined to practice the process of Bhakti-yoga with whatever abilities you may have. If you are really sincere, then Krishna will give you help."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, June 30, 1975)
Note: Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji (1776–1894) was the spiritual master of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Since Jagannatha dasa Babaji could barely walk, Bihari, his servant, used to carry him on his shoulders. But whenever there was a kirtan, Jagannatha dasa Babaji would bolt out of his basket and leap four feet into the air. In great ecstasy he would begin to sing and dance.
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji confirmed Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's discovery of the birthplace of Lord Caitanya. Upon arriving at the birthplace, Jagannatha dasa Babaji, though blind and crippled, leaped high into the air and began chanting the names of Krishna and dancing. Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji vigorously performed kirtan and bhajan despite physical limitations. He left this world at the age of 118.
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