Musings

1-24-05 - The State Fair Analogy

We started the day by reciting the verse the kids are learning this week: Bhagavad-gita 4.7, "Yada yada hi dharmasya...." The question arose, "Why is Krishna not descending to Earth right now considering the rampant degradation of Kali Yuga?" I told them that actually Krishna is here - that Lord Caitanya came 500 years ago to give us the Holy Name which is Krishna himself. We all called out "Krishna!" in unison and then went through the whole mantra together. And I told them that just by saying the name "Krishna," He is personally manifested in the room. They were fascinated.

But then the question is: Why can't we see Him and touch Him?

I compared our feeling separated from Krishna to being lost in the State Fair far away from our mommy. The State Fair is something that the kids can relate to... it's great fun, but only as long as the crowds don't swallow you up - only as long as mommy is right there with you. I told them that Krishna is there holding His hand out to us (just like our mommy would do). But we are so enthralled by the allurements of the State Fair, that we've turned away and have been consequently "swallowed" by the crowd (our material desires and attachments). But just like if we call out to our mommy, she'll come running (if she's really far away, you can find someone - this would be like the spiritual master - who can help you to the Red Cross building where you can call for her on the loud speakers), similarly, Krishna comes running when we call His name. We just need to stop being drawn yet again to the allurements of the State Fair to the point that we let go of His hand again.

The kids were able to relate wholeheartedly to this analogy. Jahnu told us, "This makes me really want to chant. It's reminding me that I need to keep chanting and remembering Krishna." (He's only eight-years-old!)

Subhadra nodded in agreement. I was awed as I realized that these are children who most likely gave up their previous bodies with an intense prayerful feeling of wanting a second chance and the firm conviction that this time they would stay focused on the goal. Otherwise, why would they have taken birth in Prabhupada's ISKCON? And how could they be so attracted to chanting?

As I prepared to move on to the next class, Chakra frantically waved his hand in the air. He informed us (and reminded me) that Krishna is also here in His deity form.

The conclusion?... Krishna is here!

In the service of these amazing children,
Campakalata devi dasi

 

1-14-05 - Innate Attraction to Krishna

Today was one of those days when I felt overwhelmed by what special kids these are. They have such a natural attraction for hearing stories about Krishna, that no matter how many we tell, they are always eager for more! Today I read them a letter written by Vrindavan Candra Prabhu sent to me by Mother Kamalini and ended up telling the many stories that are linked to Krishna's leaving this world. They were completely fascinated. I could have gone on for hours.

Everyday I notice how the kids go out of their way to be kind to each other and to their teachers. It seems that along with an innate attraction for hearing Krishna's pastimes comes a host of other good qualities amongst which is a natural feeling of compassion and caring for other living entities.

Lastly, I was completely amazed and inspired by the kids' eagerness to do a first class job cleaning the school (thank you, Mother Kamalini, for giving us the idea all those years ago). All of them are young - their ages range between five and eight. But I don't often see such a focused determination to get the school sparkling clean. Years ago, when the majority of the students were Middle School and High School aged, we didn't even try to engage the younger students in cleaning thinking that they would just be a nuisance. But today I saw that age doesn't matter when one is working with students of such high caliber.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada whose ISKCON movement has attracted such advanced souls into its army!

In the service of Srila Prabhupada's children,
Campakalata devi dasi