To this day I still haven’t met a person who enjoys going to the dentist. Nobody likes the feeling of pain when a tooth requires repair or even worse, being taken out. Therefore those more intelligent will have regular checkups with the dentist, to prevent future problems.
It was 4:28 am as I walked towards the temple room for the morning prayers when I heard the voice;
“Prabhu, how can I please my spiritual master?” A congregation devotee asked from the room on my left.
“Going for the morning program and being on time is one way to please him!” I responded, indicating that we should keep walking if we want to be on time.
“Perhaps we could discuss more after the morning prayers?” I added as we both entered the temple room.
I have known this devotee for a few years. He is fully absorbed in his spiritual practice whilst at the same time fulfilling his family duties. I carefully observed him this morning and I noticed his sincerity in japa and eagerness to learn during the morning class.
I wondered why he was asking me questions about how to please his spiritual master. He appeared to be doing better than most of us.
After the morning prayers, during breakfast, I received a reminder on my phone about my next dentist appointment. I committed myself to visit the dentist every 4-6 months to ensure my teeth are healthy and, if there is any small “anartha” or unwanted thing that needs repair, it is immediately fixed before it becomes a bigger problem.
As I put the last spoonful of porridge oats in my mouth, I reflected on the question the devotee asked me in the early morning.
Although he is doing fine in his spiritual practice and there is no visible discrepancy in his sadhana, he is careful to ensure no “anarthas” stand on the path of his spiritual advancement.
Whilst he is healthy and strong he is making arrangements to avoid future problems that can be prevented.
Prevention is better than cure, therefore a devotee “books a regular checkup” – a sanga, with another devotee to ensure he remains spiritually healthy.
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.86.52- One can gradually become purified by seeing, touching and worshiping temple deities, places of pilgrimage and holy rivers. But one can attain the same result immediately simply by receiving the glance of exalted sages.
Ananta Gopal Das
29.04.2024
Bhakti Wisdom 