May 13, 2007

I know I said I would write about a very good devotee in this blog but I
have decided to put that topic aside for now as I feel inspired to write
about another topic that is impelling me to write.

I have to make a real confession to my readers. I have a problem with
obsession and attachment. I can’t seem to get Govardhan Hill out of my mind.
Every year I try to circumambulate Govardhan, but what really affected my
mind was when I spent the night at the ISKCON palace last year. I woke up
very early and chanted my rounds after climbing to the topmost portion of
the palace (the highest portion of the roof). I was able to see Govardhan
change colors as the sun rose in the morning.

From that point on, my mind automatically flows to thoughts of Govardhan. I
find myself planning out how to spend time there, especially just wandering
on the side of Govardhan chanting japa and kirtan. I hope to get away in
January of next year to spend a few days by Govardhan.

The desire grows more and more intense. When I am sitting chanting japa in
New Goloka my body seems to be in New Goloka but my mind and heart are there
by the side of Govardhan.

Is there any remedy for this disease?

Krishna is so kind that even though I am not able to be with Govardhan
physically, I can associate in my mind.

In addition he has arranged some of my dear disciples (Mayapura, Campaka and
Padma) to be doing service there on my behalf. The other day I realized why
Krishna had sent them there.

There is an interesting story about Padma (Mayapur and Campaka’s daughter)
that I should tell.

She is around 9 years old and began to worship a Govardhan Sila secretly.
Every day she would sneak outside and worship the Sila. When her parents
found out they let her bring the Sila inside to put on their altar.

This is the sort of spontaneous attraction we should all have for Govardhan.
I pray that I can be such devotee in some future birth.