After a long day of service, I was walking towards the ashram. It was one of those days where nothing went according to plan. Dealing with and managing devotees for the entire day left a toll on me. I needed some space for myself. I was tired, and the last thing I wanted to do was to speak to someone on the way to the ashram.
While walking to my room, I heard a senior devotee advising his mentee:
“Whatever you do, never criticise devotees. If you avoid offences, you could stay in the temple for life. Krishna will personally look after you.”
After prasadam and a shower, I began my japa. “Never criticise a devotee” was ringing in my head throughout japa. Although none of the devotees noticed me when I passed by and heard their conversation, nevertheless they instructed me on how to improve myself.
Often, I wondered how come, though I chanted sacred mantras for many years and dedicated my life to Him, I still didn’t see Krishna. Perhaps I have unknowingly also criticised devotees.
I remembered a quote that a friend shared with me a long time ago:
“When you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Get quiet so you can hear the still, small voice—your inner GPS guiding you to true north.” Oprah Winfrey
Krishna speaks through his devotees, and sometimes even through non-devotees!
Yes, Krishna is independent; He can do anything. We must always endeavour to improve and be alert to catch His messages.
Srimad Bhagavatam 2.9.36: A person who is searching after the Supreme Absolute Truth, the Personality of Godhead, must certainly search for it up to this, in all circumstances, in all space and time, and both directly and indirectly.
I have not seen Krishna in my life yet, but I can clearly see His hand orchestrating my life in such a way as to bring me closer to Him.
Ananta Gopal das
26.11.2024
Bhakti Wisdom 