“Mother Yashoda told Krishna, “Today is your birthday, therefore be
pure and give cows in charity…..” (Srimad Bhagavatam- 10.11.18)
There was mischief as he jumped up. “I’ll celebrate my birthday this
Sunday”, said a beaming Madan Gopal Prabhu. I was amused. He is
nearing fifty years of age and his child-like enthusiasm to celebrate
his birthday sparked my curiosity.
I then recalled how Madan Gopal Prabhu was always ahead of his time.
When I joined the monastery over twenty years ago, he was the only one
doing yoga daily morning. As other monks dismissed yoga as a waste of
time, he’d smile and nod his head, and remark that one day we’d value
what he is doing. All those who criticized his daily schedule of yoga
then, are now religiously doing a minimum of half-hour yoga daily.
Time has humbled all of us and we now realize what he was saying was
true. Way back in 2006 he had initiated a discussion on parental apps
and regulated use of the internet, and today the others have become
wise to his sermons. I remember his animated reasoning in August 1998
when he urged us to not take milk along with grains during breakfast;
he also spoke about the harmful effects of tomatoes and potatoes on
our kidneys and overall health. Most of us dismissed his views as
heresy and even secretly thought he was a maverick amongst
conventional monks. But today, he is a much sought after consultant on
personal hygiene and wellness habits.
I approached him quietly and asked, about the latest wisecrack that he
seems to have realized. He smirked, “you guys will do ten years later,
what I am doing now.”
“And what is that?” I asked, returning his grin.
“I’ll celebrate my birthday by wearing new clothes.”
“Well, we did that as kids, didn’t we?” I asked probingly, “Isn’t this
about time we grew up?”
He spoke animatedly, “Srila Prabhupada says in the tenth canto of
Srimad Bhagavatam purport that birthday celebration means either or
all three of giving charity, performing penances, or making a
sacrifice.”
He had more to say, “Most people cut cakes and throw a party and spend
a lot of money on their birthday celebration. If even 10 crore Indians
stopped partying on their birthday and assuming they spend an absurdly
low amount of Rs 500/- on their birthday bash, then over Rs 5000
crores can be saved per annum……a minimum of one crore poor families
can be fed annually with this money saved.”
I heard with rapt attention as he rattled off statistics and then
declared, “We like to be the center of attention and therefore my
suggestion to not waste money on birthdays won’t go well with people;
therefore I have decided to set an example and be happy myself.”
“What exactly are you planning to do on your birthday?” I asked.
He said, “I will get up early and hear good sermons from wise and
elderly men and then cook and serve food to the army men stationed
near our house. Last year they were a little skeptical because they
weren’t sure where the food is coming from. If they refuse this year,
I will feed the special snacks to the traffic policemen. There are so
many people who do so much to society and birthday is a great occasion
to show our gratitude to them. Or I may go to an orphanage and give
gifts to the children. Birthday is meant for sharing gifts we have
received from God, and this is the best way to express gratitude and
love to all.”
After his fifteen minutes lecture to me, he smiled, “This is how
Krishna celebrated His birthday in Vrindavan- giving charity and
rendering service. We all need blessings. And I will wear a new pair
of clothes and take blessings from all.”
He then hurriedly excused himself and left me inspired and impressed
by his childlike simplicity and innocence. It’s the rare breed of
devotees like Madan Gopal Prabhu that are truly carrying the Vedic
legacy of a real birthday celebration.
I knew Madan Gopal Prabhu doesn’t count his years; rather he makes his
years count!
