—–February 6, 2009—-We are servants of Govardhana—-

In the beginning of January, I was fortunate to be able to visit the major
places in Vraja with an international group. Dina Bandhu Prabhu was kind
enough to take us to these places, explain the significance, and relate the
pastimes corresponding with each location.

When we were visiting Govardhana and Radha Kunda with the group I led the
tour since Govardhana is my real home and I have spent substantial time
there.

One realization I had during this pilgrimage is that everything is contained
within Vraja. That is, all the holy places are contained within Vraja
Mandal. All holy places are expansions of the original places in Vraja. In
other words, there is no need to go anywhere else except Mayapur which is
non-different from Vraja.

For example, the original Badrinatha exists in Vraja, and the Badrinatha
that people normally think of is an expansion of the Badrinatha in Vraja.

Similarly the Ganges, Kedaranatha, all the sacred rivers, the Triveni, etc.
all are in Vraja.

This realization is in line with our siddhanta concerning the residents of
Vraja. The eternal residents of Vraja expand and populate the other
spiritual planets. Sridama the cowherd boy expands to serve Krishna as
Garuda in Vaikuntha.

Wow! I never have to leave Vraja. What a relief!!!

Especially I am greatly attached to Govardhana. In fact while we were
touring Vraja, I could not get Govardhana out of my mind. Even though I was
so happy to see the places of Radha and Krishna’s lilas, in my heart there
was sadness that I wasn’t at Govardhana.

The days that I did spend at Govardhana, were the happiest.

Two wonderful devotees, Navadvipa and Govinda Mohini assisted me there so
that I was not hindered by any inconvenience. I pray that Krishna will bless
them with Prema.

At Govardhana, Krishna gave me a very powerful realization that I would like
to share. I understood that it was time for me to go beyond the enjoying
stage in relationship with Govardhana and do some substantial service for
Him directly.

Of course I understood this point in relation to Prabhupada where he has
stated, that one should not try to enjoy the spiritual master, but to serve
him.

Another statement Prabhupada made was that we should not try to see Krishna
but we should try and have Krishna see us.

Of course I theoretically knew all this, but was usually applying it in
relation to Srila Prabhupada and his mission, and had not really applied it
before in relation to Govardhana other than my daily service to my
Govardhana Silas.

I could see that Govardhana was not going to be satisfied merely with the
Sila service, but expected much more from me.

To me it was obvious what Govardhana wanted. I thought over the verse from
the Adi Purana: there is the following statement by Lord Krsna Himself,
addressed to Arjuna: “My dear Partha, one who claims to be My devotee is not
so. Only a person who claims to be the devotee of My devotee is actually My
devotee.”

Govardhana wanted me to serve His devotees, especially the residents of the
area around Govardhana.

For a long time, I was feeling an urge in my heart to help the residents of
Govardhana. There are many sages, many widows, many children, and people in
general who need help. In the past, I gave donations, but now I knew that I
would have to do something more substantial than that.

I thought of Rupa Raghunatha in Vrindavan (in charge of Food For Life
Vrindavan) who is dedicated to helping the Vrajavasis. He has established a
school, prasad distribution, educational programs, etc. This is what was
required here in Govardhan.

Govardhana is a very popular pilgrimage place too. On Purnimas, Ekadasis,
Dvadasis, and for the entire month of Kartika the parikrama path is so
crowded that one can hardly move. But there is little opportunity for all
these souls to come in contact with Srila Prabhupada.

It would please Srila Prabhupada immensely if these pilgrims were able to
come in contact with him through his books, and teachings.

So, I contacted Rupa and discussed my ideas with him. I am so impressed with
his expertise and integrity, that I knew he and his organization should run
the Govardhana project. The project would actually be one of the many done
by Food for Life Vrindavan. I trust him completely. Rupa was very
enthusiastic about the concept, and gave me all encouragement.

If anyone reading this blog wants to help in some way, please contact me at
my email address, bkgoswami@earthlink.net

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