Imagine a child playing a ball game outside his house, accidentally breaking a neighbor’s window. The neighbor, a stern lady, steps out to punish the child. In that very moment, the boy’s mother rushes out and grabs hold of her son, delivering a hard slap. The child cries at his mother’s harsh treatment. However, he later realizes that being punished by his mother was better than being slapped by the angry neighbor, whose window he had broken during play. That’s because the mother’s punishment was controlled; she also loves her child and ensures his safety. On the other hand, the punishment from an angry, non-loving neighbor could have been disproportionate and more painful. Similarly, when a devotee of Krishna suffers, he is monitored by his loving Lord. This knowledge, awareness, and feelings of love, known as satcitananda, create a state of deeper happiness—a Home-State.
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) invites and captivates millions of people every year with its beautiful temples, grand festivals, splendid deities, melodious kirtans, and delightful food festivals—all aimed at helping us discover our Home-State. Many Hare Krishna devotees find their Home-State through the chanting of God’s holy names. I have friends who can spend hours dressing and worshiping the deities. Others find solace in writing journals, finding respite from the multitude of miseries that relentlessly assail them. Some seek shelter in hearing devotional classes or sitting quietly in the sacred temple premises. While the details may differ, each sincere spiritual practitioner has their Home-State—a place where they feel safe and united with the divine Lord. You know you’re in your Home-State when time becomes irrelevant, and you can stay there for hours, experiencing deep fulfillment.
In this state, we can live in the world like our other friends, experiencing both suffering and enjoyment, but with a difference. We have our loving Lord accompanying us in every moment of our lives. By staying true to our authentic selves within our Heart Space, we can contribute more effectively to bringing goodness and love to this planet.
While living true to our real selves, in our Heart Space, we can also contribute more effectively to bring goodness and love in this planet.
There are numerous shining examples of men and women on this planet who, driven by a quiet sense of peace and fearlessness, have added value to the lives of countless others.
Let us now examine one such case study.
To be continued…
