I’m walking towards the ashram for prasadam, carefully avoiding areas where devotees usually gather and talk. I don’t want my schedule to be interrupted. I woke up early and planned my day in such a way as to have time for sadhana, exercise, service and association with like-minded friends.
A few steps before entering the ashram, one devotee notices me:
“Hey prabhu, I’m so glad to see you. Can you help me with this service? It will only take 5 minutes.”
“Sure prabhu,” I reply to him, whilst internally I wonder, “why didn’t he schedule this service in advance and make a plan about who could help him, instead of asking me on the spot?”
Twenty-five minutes later, I’m still helping a devotee out, wondering if any lunch is left; in fact, not even worrying at this point, as lunch will be cold by the time we complete this “emergency” service.
Often, sadhu life is viewed as an escape from responsibility.
“You don’t know what real life is; get a job!” people sometimes say to us on the streets.
At other times, immature devotees may even discourage sadhus from continuing a life of complete dedication and instead encourage them to leave the temple and live a “proper life.”
Living outside or inside the temple/Holy Dham, sadhu or a sincere householder, it doesn’t matter. If we sincerely endeavour to make spiritual advancement, the “problems” – who act as agents of Krishna – will definitely enter into our lives to teach us necessary lessons which will bring us to the next level, if we pass the test.
Srimad Bhagavatam 4.30.20 purport– A devotee is inspired by the Supersoul within the heart to advance in devotional service in a variety of ways.
Ananta Gopal Das
27.02.2024
Bhakti Wisdom 