Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī mentions that the most important thing in devotional service is the association of devotees. And devotional service starts from this association. Though we say that the devotional service starts from śraddhā, and then sādhu-saṅga, actually without sādhu-saṅga this śraddhā does not begin. Then we are able to appreciate the association of devotees, after gaining the faith that we gained first from the devotees.
So we see, Śrīla Prabhupāda then, as discussed by the other devotees, spent so much time training devotees. Because then those devotees, then they will create a situation in which so many others then can develop that faith and come into the association. Then that will be the perfection for the living entity, his fortune to get that association. So he created the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. So, it is a society of devotees, and in that association then one can actually begin to understand the taste of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Kṛṣṇa, He is Ātmārāma, and He is feeling all happiness, He is the reservoir of that happiness. But even He wants to expand that happiness by associating with the devotees. So this is one of the special qualities of Kṛṣṇa, is He is always surrounded by loving devotees.
So the association of devotees is actually our most valuable possession. By that association we become fortunate, by that association we attain perfection, and by that association we get the opportunity to eternally worship Kṛṣṇa by assisting His wonderful loving devotees. So this is one of the most wonderful gifts that Śrīla Prabhupāda has given us, is the association of devotees. Because without this then how can we appreciate Kṛṣṇa or His devotees? By that association of devotees we appreciate actually the essence, which is the association of devotees. And this is so much valued that even Kṛṣṇa Himself comes in the mood of His devotees to taste this association.
So I would like to thank Śrīla Prabhupāda and all his wonderful devotees: Śrīla Prabhupāda for giving us, for making the devotees by which we can associate, and the devotees themselves for creating the environment of their association and others' association in which we can associate and give us this wonderful opportunity in which we can taste the nectar of service to Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet. Śrīla Prabhupāda kī jaya! Samavetā bhakta vṛnda kī jaya! Jaya Nitāi-Gaura premānande Hari Hari bol!
Offering on Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vyāsa-pūjā, New Vraja Dhāma