Shukasari

It sure was a frantic night, having to stage a drama on Krsna-lila called Dan-ghati or toll collection. The children whose ages range from 5 to 18 years did a good job performing on Radhasthami. They were really nervous. Performing in front of so many people obviously saw some glitches. 3 days later, with a proper stage put up, courtesy by one of the parents, the children were to perform live yet again. Now, in front of Sripad Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaja and Sripad Bhaktivedanta Bhiksu Maharaja. All the kids came to the temple at around 6:30 p.m. or earlier. I did a trial run on stage with them, pointing out their positioning and everything. It was almost 7:00 p.m. One of the main actress as "Srimati Radhika" was no where to be found. After some panic, one of the older girls in the cast said, "'Srimati Radhika" will come, and that she will be delayed as she had to attend a function." The time now was almost 7:30 p.m. Panic turned into desperation. The young...

After His Divine Grace's usual morning walk in 1990's, Srila Gurudeva spoke of the true meaning of the word brahmacari. "What is the meaning of brahmacari? Is it just wearing saffron cloth and being celibate? True brahmacari means one who is constantly searching or finding for Krsna. "Cari" always seeking, searching for Krsna. 'Where is Krsna?! Where is Krsna?!'" ( May such truths manifests in my heart )

In his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 10.3.47, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada describes this topic: "Srila Viswanath Chakravarti Thakur discusses that Krishna appeared simultaneously as the son of Devaki and as the son of Yasoda, along with the spiritual energy Yogamaya. As the son of Devaki, He first appeared as Vishnu, and because Vasudev was not in the position of pure affection for Krishna, Vasudev worshipped his son as Lord Vishnu. Yasoda, however, pleased her son Krishna without understanding His Godhood. This is the difference between Krishna as the son of Yasoda and as the son of Devaki. This is explained by Srila Viswanath Chakravarti Thakur on the authority of Hari-vamsa."

Way back in 1997, Srila Gurudeva talked about how He is willing to help anyone who comes to him. What His Divine Grace said made a huge impact in my heart. ( see quote below ) "I will continue to help whoever that comes to me. If a child was to urinate and pass stool on the mother, the mother will simply wash herself and the child included. She is not going to stop loving her child. She will continue to nourish and help her child. In the same way, I will continue to do so even if they are criticising me." ( When will I be able to imbibe such a mood in myself? I can only cry and pray for this .)

Most of the time, we are looking for appreciation for the things we do. Although we say we are not, but deep down inside we feel good when someone acknowledges what we have done. We glow inwardly when others give us some sort of credit. A dangerous situation in spiritual aspirants for we do not wish to enjoy. We may also go on an ego trip stating “I have done this or that.” After a while those around us will eventually start to tire of us. We will be left all alone to lick our wounds. Perhaps even become bitter. Only when we actually do seva without enjoying the results of it, we are on our way to peace and bliss. Everything is in Srila Gurudeva's hand. Success or otherwise, if it gives pleasure to the Divine Couple, then so be it. We have to accept. O When will I realise such truths?