His Holiness Jaya Pataka Swami Guru Maharaj VYASA PUJA 2019
Om ajnana timirandhasya jnanjana salakaya
Caksur un militam ena tasmai Sri Guruve namah
It’s a great day of joy as a disciple to celebrate the appearance day of Sri Guru.
This is the day we remind ourselves the causeless mercy of Sri Guru.
This is the day we remind ourselves our spiritual future if we remain with our Guru.
This is the day we express sincerely that we are grateful for what we are today – only by the mercy of Sri Gurudev.
In dictionary ‘homage’ means:
respect, recognition, admiration, esteem, honour, reverence, worship etc.,
But, in spiritual terms ‘homage’ is understood to be ‘gratitude towards un-conditional favours received’.
Whenever it comes to my mind what is the favour I received from my guru – the only answer I get is “Engaging me in the service of Vaishnavas and The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri KRISHNA” is the greatest favour my guru has done to me”.
Immediately next question comes up … how do I reciprocate to my guru???
Many times, this is an undisputable challenge!!! Challenge is nothing but the gravity and seriousness of the responsibilities… I have accepted to serve my Guru and real challenge is …
Did I ever realized my Guru’s mood - as his service to his guru Srila Prabhupada. Following specific incidents while I was with Guru Maharaj, gave me the confidence to tolerate and face the challenges : These are few real lessons I keep reminding whenever I face challenges:
1. INCIDENT NO. 1 – When Guru Maharaj visited Balramdesh about 16 years back …
It was a very casual discussions about prasadam among visiting devotees and with our devotees serving in temple … Guru Maharaj was referring to specific certain south Indian dishes and expressing how spicy it was and difficult to consume for many and some times to him also (specially foreigners). That time I could realise that Guru Maharaj honouring of every type of dish prepared by his disciples were not out of his appetite but love towards his disciples.
Lesson No. 1 : How should I reciprocate among devotees
Do not expect everything sweet there will sour, hot and bitter but accept everything lovingly because it is your god brothers and sisters.
2. INCIDENT NO. 2 - When Guru Maharaj visited Balramdesh about 14-15 years back …
On one occasion one mathaji was complaining to Guru Maharaj how she was disturbed in her services. After hearing for a long time, Guru Maharaja’s simple answer was “with one hand you cannot clap nor there will be sound”. Mathaji could understand Guru Maharaj’s reply and she just accepted quietly.
Lesson No. 2 : It’s me who is the cause…
Whether I get cooperation, support or respect, I should be humble all times keeping in mind my service to Sri Guru and Gauranga – then only my service to Sri Guru will be favorable.
3. INCIDENT NO. 3 - When Guru Maharaj visited Balramdesh about 13-14 years back …
There was complaint about one of the temple management committee member and it was requested to Guru Maharaj to remove from his services... After hearing all complaints Guru Maharaja asked 2 questions :
- Does he follow 4 regulative principles
- Does he chant 16 rounds daily
Those who were complaining said yes Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj said then let him continue. Guru Maharaj could see the services of the accused devotee beyond the complaints.
Lesson 3 : I cannot understand the service of another devotee …
Those who follow 4 regulative principles and chant their rounds sincerely cannot be considered cheaply. It is easy to mis-understand a devotee by hearing from others. Sri Guru can see beyond anyone’s perception or experience...I should serve beyond my own preferences.
Every situation I face if my guru maharaj’s instructions and presence is not felt means doubtful outcome even though done sincerely. Hence, my realization is if I do not keep my guru in every moment then no essence to my service.
On this occasion of vyasa puja, I beg unto the lotus of Guru Maharaj, that he gives us the understanding of the mood of service that would please him and beg Their Lordships to bless Guru Maharaj with long healthy life and further spreading the movement of Srila Prabhupada.
Sumadhura Chaitanya Dasa
Iskcon Balaramdesh (Bahrain) Middle East
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