mandag 24. oktober 2016

Befriending the mind, part 2 (25.4.16).



“Entering the
metro:
The bright lights
of the car
burns
at the fabric of
crouching nights
veil,
slanted eyes.”

A sparse
crowd
huddled before
phones,
ears plugged
with mundane
vibrations, or
games.

I become shy,
even before this
oblivious
gathering of
covered souls.

Ignore
mental conditions,
just write
for the pleasure of
guru and Gauranga!

This, then,
are my crow's signs,
recorded secluded
in the grove of
a backpack's shade.

There is a topic
on my mind,
and has been,
lately.

How to reinvest in
devotional service?

I feel that
in many ways
this is the essence.
This is the
positive mood
of the devotees.
To grasp the
moment,
and take a chance
on mercy,
and contribute something from the heart into the assocoation of the assembled Vaishnavas; to make them feel at home; to relieve them in times of distress or burden; to voulanteer, in service, an effort to help facilitate for the ongoing sankirtan mission of
chanting,
speaking,
and more than
anything,
living
the lifestyle of
inspiring others in
commitment on behalf
of Srila Prabhupada.

He has empowered
any sincere follower
to become
a spiritual master,
and lead fellow souls
to the lotus feet
of Sri Krishna.

This investement
then,
is worth considering,
is worth engagment
of energy and
soft consideration.

Challanges?

Are you kidding?!
Take a look at
the situation of
material life.
To fight the
right cause
you need courage,
and a benevolent
support structure,
the Vaishnavas.

I am again
reminded:

“Do not
take for granted
their association.
Lessons are to
be learned
in sadhu's sanga.”

It is a fact
of life.

The destiny of
any given person
is known by
Lord Gauranga alone,
with His associates.

This truth,
for sure,
commands
an emense power
of rock solid
welcoming
honesty.

That thing,
known as
love,
is a truely
rare gift,
in the specturm
of time,
and to pass up
such an opertunity
is certainly
bedazzingly foolish,
if not
heart rendering cruelty,
against Persons of
mind blowing
generousity.



søndag 23. oktober 2016

Observing the natural scenery of a place of childhood past times.



I have come
here,
the summer house,
a property
of some pride,
an heirloom
from my fathers side,
to do some
practical errands.

By the grace
of my dear aunt,
the property's proprietor,
some devotees
have been staying
here
to attend
a handful of programs
in the local
village.

Now,
come Sunday evening,
I am here
to lock up the house,
to see that
the place
is once again
presentable
to my dear aunt.
(She is particular
about these things.)

After climbing
a rocky pathway
a few times
to load the car,
I take the time
to relish a
moment,
taking in the
beauty of the
natural scenery.

It
is
spectacular.

I must have
spent
at least
twenty summers here.
Now I rarely
visit,
being preoccupied
with the activities of
family life.

The late
autumn evening
envelops all
in darkness.
Some crickets
play
in the dew moistened
grass,
a small creek
gurgles
in solitude.

I am standing
on the veranda,
dark though
it may be,
the familiarity
of this place
enables me
to discern
details.

Fruit trees.
The vast fjord,
surprisingly calm,
as if itself
relishes
the last leg
of warm season's
end.
Scattered islands,
where seagulls
nest.
The marina
in the distance,
a few boats only
at this time,
belonging either
to sturdy enthusiasts,
or lazy peons.

At the end of the pier,
a lone
docking light
shines brightly,
extending
a cubic aura
of pale light
over the water.

I feel sometimes
like that
lonely light;
a soul,
wayward and restless,
desperate to
regain my
composure and
inherent
nature of
devotion to Krishna;
trying to light up
the darkness.

The crickets,
grossly embodied,
may be more
unconscious of
their true nature,
busy with
the urges of
body and instinct.

By the mercy
of Srila Prabhupada
I have a small role
in the sankirtan mission
of Lord Caitanya.
This will be
my saving
grace.

There are
a thousand
excuses
and difficulties
on this path,
yet in
essence,
the philosophy and
practice
is so clear,
that despite
a mental disposition
and many a
material condition,
I persevere
and
continue,
again and
again realizing
the urgent need
for this
wonderful and
very profound
movement,
this ISKCON.

As I walk
back to the car
in the dark,
I pray
to remain
always
in the association
of the devotees,
and to be made
able
to reach out,
if in only a
simple and kindhearted way,
to other
wayward souls,
so that many more
might be given
the opportunity
to go home
back to Godhead.

This is the kind
gift of
the Pancha Tattva,
empowering all small lights
to shine and guide
in the darkness of
this world.