Krsna teaches me to move ahead on the path.
My time in India is winding down. It has been full of ups and downs. Literally, I tripped and fell down on the street in Kolkata during Durga Puja (lol). On the up side, my stay in India has been met with much kindness from everyone I’ve met along the way.
Beyond falling, the trip to Kolkata was quite remarkable. My visit to Dakshineswar Kali Temple is among my most treasured memories. There at Dakshineswar, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa experienced many years in worship of the Divine Mother and it is there that He nurtured a Love of God that expanded out from India and across the world.
While visiting Dakshineswar, and as Krsna’s Devotee held my hand, I dipped my feet into the holy waters of the Ganga River. Two years ago, I could not have even imagined that I would be in Kolkata. As amazing as it was, the experience was surpassed by the honor of meeting a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna.
The man known as Bappi, is the man whom KrsnaKnows lovingly calls his “Foster Father.” It was the purpose of this Kolkata trip that Krsna would visit his “Foster Parents.” By Guruji’s Grace, I met this kind spiritual man and his sweet wife. Krsna’s Bappi is quite frail now, but just a few years back, I understand that he was active. The couple has two sons (Krsna’s “brothers”) and grandchildren. It seems that about four years ago, complications from an injury left this gentle man incapable of walking or simply sitting up.
Think, how would it be to live a life lying flat on your back for years? The condition seems beyond anyone’s ability to cope. But this beautiful man has found acceptance through his prayers. As long as he can pray and follow his Guru, there is no wanting of anything. Hearing Krsna’s Bappi speak these words and being blessed by him that I should continue forward was a Divine gift of Love.
After we left their home, Krsna shared with us an intimate conversation he had with Bappi. When Krsna asked Bappi if he wanted release from his condition, the servant of God said it was this way… “God has a huge key ring and we are His many keys, and when God is ready, He will use “this” key.”
So, can I bring Sri Ramakrishna’s example of Love and Devotion into my own life? Can I understand the depth of witnessing Bappi’s Peace found of acceptance? Guruji teaches me that everything is already here within me, I have only to due my duty and go ahead; Acceptance instead of resistance; Trust and Faith instead of doubt.
May my heart always be at the feet of my Guru KrsnaKnows.
