Grave occasions can be intimidating, especially for today's entertainment-addicted human beings. Proud of squandering our days in frivolity, whether makeshift or sophisticated, we long for convivial mirth and merriment. Oh, to be known as the life of the party . . .
Yet, our possessing the human form of life is a grave reality—a weightiness we should constantly address. Lord Chaitanya's process of chanting, dancing, honouring spiritual food, and hearing philosophy accomplishes the miracle of combining zestful bliss with profound soberness.
Upon the disappearance day celebration of my spiritual grandfather, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, I revisited the last instructions he imparted to his disciples, December 23, 1936, a week before departing this world:
"We only cherish one desire in our hearts: to sacrifice this body, which is only a lump of matter, in the fire of the sankirtan yajna of Lord Sri Chaitanya and His associates. We do not wish to be heroes by dint of our action, bravery or religiosity. But let this be our real identity life after life: that we are specks of dust under the lotus feet of Sri Rupa. Let that mean everything to us. The Bhaktivinode current will never be stemmed. Please take up the mission of preaching the desire of Bhaktivinode with greater enthusiasm."
For me, these words have become a meditation: recognition and stature—what to speak of fame—is not where I want to go. Let me learn to aspire to be that speck of dust, under the feet of the parampara, the chain of my preceptors beginning with Lord Krishna Himself.
Then, I recall the words of Srila Prabhupada, my eternal father, concluding his Vyasa-puja offering to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, February 1936:
"Personally I have no hope for any direct service for the coming crores of births of the sojourn of my life, but I am confident that some day or other I shall be delivered from this mire of delusion in which I am at present so deeply sunk. Therefore let me with all my earnestness pray at the lotus feet of my divine master to allow me to suffer the lot for which I am destined due to my past misdoings, but to let me have this power of recollection: that I am nothing but a tiny servant of the Almighty Absolute Godhead, realised through the unflinching mercy of my divine master. Let me therefore bow down at his lotus feet with all the humility at my command."
Heavyweight, I know. But such solemn spiritual declarations are actually the essence of bliss, because they let soar the boundless joy of real freedom and unlimited happiness. I see the light at the end of the tunnel: satisfaction at being a humble, genuine servant of Krishna's servants.
