I went on Harinam and prasadam distribution by boat on the Ganga. We had 8 vats of kitri , nutritious rice and beans cooked with spices and most importantly devotion to God. We had enough to feed 1600 hungry persons.
This boat is special, it automatically fills every time, a couple of times a week with people of different nations. There were Bengali, Americans, Africans, Canadians, Russians, Chinese, German, South Americans... and as many languages. They all have one thing in common, a desire to share their love for the holy name, their love for God. One language in common, the holy name. Not much talking takes place as we all board automatically, each one knowing their responsibility. The men carry the heavy and very large sound system, ladies carry their smiles, enthusiasm and whatever they can. A couple fortunate ones get to carry the Lords. Gaur Nitai always come on these excursions. They are securely fastened onto a portable carved wood altar. The prasad is miraculously inside the boat when the kirtan party arrives at the ghat.
When we reach our destination, the children are waiting for us. Some are already full, so they say. What is it they are hungry for today, what are they waiting for with such eagerness? Are they waiting for the holy names to inundate their ears and heart? In the matter of minutes mats are rolled out, setting rows where those who want to eat will get their fill.
As the more athletic devotees carry buckets of kitri and go through the rows pouring the prasad onto the leaf plates, others start the chanting. I like to look at the deities while singing. In this spacious outdoor setting, I am thinking: “I wonder how many can see the beautiful Gaur Nitai who have come to give out love of God today.” I look back at the crowd and in fact, I see no one looking at them, they are either staring at their plates or at us who are singing and dancing.
It became obvious that the Lords were offering us the opportunity to be the channel for their causeless love and mercy, Krishna’s love, to flow. I feel many took the opportunity as they chanted with abandon. Some of the men danced with unparalleled vigor and drew in the initially hesitant young men. Soon so many were dancing in ecstasy. Children forming circles and dancing with the devotees, young men trying out new moves as they let the sound vibrations enter their heart.
The journey back was equally blissful as we kept singing the holy name. On occasion we waved at groups on the shores from our brightly lit boat floating in the darkness of a moonless night, brightening the evenings of conditioned souls.
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| As we completed our chanting the sun was setting over the Ganga. |
More next time, as I slowly and happily take one step at a time towards Radha and Krishna's Love.
your ever servant of the servants
