Prabhupada’s Books, The Only Hope………
iPhone 3, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPad 3, iPad Air, Mac Book Pro, and the list goes on and on and on. Not just the list, the curiosity of the monkey-like minds of modern human beings also jump from branch to branch of the rapidly growing, energy consuming, tree of modern technology, further entangling the poor human being in his own long tail, his mind. Piteous and pathetic are significant understatements when describing the precarious, materially-pampered, and childish situation of modern human beings. With such uncontrolled yet powerful intellectual minds, they are concocting and conjecturing theories of the cause of existence, nature of love, nature of humans, and plausible cures for the disease of birth and death. But what is the use of such baseless research and useless searches for happiness? It is an incontrovertible fact that pure knowledge, bliss, and longevity are not to be found in this material world. One may as well come across an oasis in the desert, but definitely not a drop of happiness in the material world. Prahlada Maharaja says,
In this material world, every living entity desires some future happiness, which is exactly like a mirage in the desert. Where is water in the desert, or, in other words, where is happiness in this material world? As for this body, what is its value? It is merely a source of various diseases. The so-called philosophers, scientists and politicians know this very well, but nonetheless they aspire for temporary happiness. Happiness is very difficult to obtain, but because they are unable to control their senses, they run after the so-called happiness of the material world and never come to the right conclusion. (SB 7.9.25)
For any sane and compassionate man, would this not bring tears to the eyes? Unfortunately, there are none in this material world, as all are men looking for their own satisfaction in either subtle or gross ways. Therefore, it is the duty of those who are seeking that highest goal, to constellate together, and pass around this bright torch of pure devotional service to those who are ostensibly happy, though rotting in the ditch of material existence.
By the mercy of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, I somehow got the wonderful opportunity of going to book distribution at Stanford University last Saturday afternoon. Stanford University is the irrefutable crest jewel in the crown of empiricists, who delve their intellects in the study of the different combinations, permutations, and transformations of the most inconceivable material energy. Yet, it is a diverse field wherein the minds of young seekers are passionately looking for reasons for their sufferings, answers to their questions, and solutions to their problems. In order to keep this message succinct, I will share 3 experiences, which are the cream of the crop, if you will.
I had met so many nice people young and old who were strolling through the beautiful campus and enjoying their Saturday afternoon. I was looking out into the horizon; decorated with the gradually setting sun, filled with wonderful colors depicting a naturally pleasing seen. I prayed to Lord Nityananda to send a soul who was really looking for this knowledge into my radar, so that I could be a humble instrument in Lord Nitai’s hands and put Bhagavad-Gita in the hands of a new soul and bring him one step closer to His Lotus Feet.
I turned around, and saw a quite aged man, walking past me with papers and a book in his hand. I was quite unsure of whether to approach him due to his aristocratic and grave demeanor, yet I attempted to do so in an enthusiastic manner. I went up to him and tightly shook his hand, introducing myself as Priya. I asked him if he was a Graduate student, and with a laugh he said that he was 73 years old and kept walking. Yet, I showed him the Bhagavad-Gita and explained that it was a book on how to be free from stress and how to live a peaceful life. He still moved on. I felt disappointed and in repentance, I began to consider if I had offended him in any manner. To my great astonishment, as I was thinking in this mood, he turned around walked all the way back, and asked me, “So what did you say that book was about again?” I explained to him the same description as before. “How much is it?” “Whatever you give from the bottom of your heart sir, is all we accept.” “Well, I will check it out at the library.” I was determined and truly moved by his return and I said, “No sir, please take the book and do not consider the cost. The very fact that you walked back to me and asked for the book, melted my heart and I would like to give this to you as a gift. Please accept it. It is for you.” This gentleman was so touched by seeing the Bhagavad-Gita. I asked, “I am curious sir, what made you come back here?” He said, “I am 73 years old. I am a faithful Christian. My life is winding down, and I believe that I need to spend my time in contemplation, and my heart says that this book will help me to do so.” I asked, “Sir, are you a professor?” “Yes I am a retired professor at Stanford. Oh, and thank you so much for this book. I am deeply grateful.” Power of prayer + intensity and ingenuity of a desire for coming closer to God + divine sanction of Lord Nityananda, brings souls together to glorify the Supreme Lord and add value to their respective spiritual paths.
Priya Kishori dd to be continued………..
