Life in the Holy Dham is very dynamic and full of transformative experiences.
Last week we had a big politician coming to visit our temple. I was asked to organise two garlands to be offered to him on his arrival. .
I went to see the devotees making the garlands to request from them if they could give me flowers for that purpose. I very respectfully entered the room where the flowers were being kept, and asked the devotees for the flowers, but the answer that I received was not what I expected. The devotees responded that they couldn’t give me the flowers because they needed them for other things.
After asking again, trying to explain the importance of why I was asking for the flowers, the devotee looked with a serious face and repeated the same thing, “we can’t give!” He was not going to change his mind.
He went on to give the reasons why he couldn’t give, and how I should go to different places to look for flowers.
Little did he know that I was the person who organised the flowers that he was using for his service. He was not aware that I was the person who was making all the arrangements for the flowers and that I knew how much he has and needs for his service.
I could have easily taken the flowers without asking, but felt that I should accept the circumstances and just leave.
As I walked in search of the flowers a thought came to my mind: ”we have all heard about and have seen or tasted eggless cake, but very few of us have met or become egoless people!”
Eggless cake is rare because not many people are vegetarian, but it does exist. In the same manner, I thought, egoless people are rare but do exist.
I have a big ego and for sure have lots of things that I need to work on, but for a moment, by some special mercy, I was able to put my ego aside and experience “the freedom” that comes from not trying to be a controller.
By putting “me” aside, I qualified to receive clarity for making the right decision and acting appropriately in the given situation.
It took extra time and more anxiety, but I did find the flowers for the garlands and our esteemed guest received a nice welcome with the garlands made out of fresh flowers.
It was a win-win situation – the devotee who didn’t want to give flowers was happy because he kept the flowers for his service, our guest was satisfied with receiving nice garlands, and I was in bliss because I received a new recipe on how to become egoless.
Ananta Gopal das
20.11.2021
Bhakti Wisdom 