Family Affair - Part Two.
Although volunteers in a preaching centre, we happily view our service as a full-time occupation, so along with pampering my mother, the best thing I could do for her was to engage her time here in devotional service. My mother was expecting a retreat of resting, touring and hearing from me, but I had another idea; she can help me, and in reciprocation she will receive an anonymous joy from within. This is ‘ajnata sukriti’ (unknown devotional service).
I had my mother engaged in washing dishes, folding and hanging out the washing of the devotees and helping me with some accounting. Work performed in the service of Krishna and His devotees is never work on the material platform although it may appear to be so. So, although these tasks are seemingly mundane, there was something amazing happening on the subtle platform. The lines on the palm of her hands were changing drastically.
Constantly in her sound vibration periphery for 4days was the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. Vibrating from various devotees on my computer, she heard the likes of Srila Prabhupada, Devamrita Swami, Indradyumna Swami, Sivarama Swami, Karnamrta…etc, she attended morning programme, heard class on the Bhagavatam, watched ‘The Simple Temple’ on DVD (I recommend it), consumed prasadam, as well as Maha from Lord Vamanadeva, associated with very nice devotees, came to Sunday feast and listened to and observed a romping kirtan, …
My mother is a very gentle and simple lady, and in this regard just happily observed with not much enquiry. I tried to induce conversation, but often even the simplest of philosophy was too much for her to fathom. Although quiet in demeanour, I was somewhat impressed with her observations of the devotees. She has very clever perceptions in this regard. To put it plainly, she knew that the devotees here were happy and satisfied. And I could vouch for that, yes, what Krishna promises in Bhagavad Gita is true. Performing devotional service is joyfully performed.
We did a few tourist walkabouts as well. My mother is a keen walker, but unfortunately I don’t make the best tourist. And, believe it or not, I quite hate shopping. Unless I know what I want, and for this reason, we did venture into a few shops for the technologically inquisitive. But, as for clothes shopping, there’s not much around nowadays for a lady trying to observe the principles of chastity.
My mum changed immensely over the 4days. On her arrival she was very tense, heavy and worn-out, but by the end of it, there was a big change, especially in her psyche. The subtle energy that she carried became so light. Her eyes were glistening, and I am sure jingling in her thoughts was undoubtedly the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.
The fortune we can bring our material families, by somehow or other trying to give them Krishna is the greatest offering. Ultimately it is between Krishna and them, but in this life, we are the tool that bridges that gap. Very soon, Krishna will be realised, if not before this death, then hopefully the next. There is no stopping now.
Bhagavad Gita 2.40
In this endeavour there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.
