Lessons from the bhakti garden
Plants eat dirt through their feet. And good earth produces healthy plants.
In fact, the first lesson my garden guru ever taught me is that first-rate soil is the foundation of a good garden. “Good soil is your base,” he said.
Similarly, wise bhakti gardeners depend on sound fundamentals for their advancement. Careful practice of the most basic bhakti practices –accompanied by hard work, sacrifice and discipline — lead to grand success. Make these elements the soil in your bhakti garden.
For instance, good japa is a fundamental. Attentive chanting of the holy names a fixed number of times each day brings boundless rewards.
Controlling one’s speech is another foundational discipline. One should speak truthfully, beneficially and should avoid criticizing others, especially those engaged in spreading bhakti.
Eating food offered to Krsna (Krsna prasadam) is also essential. From this one gets free from suffering, one’s mind becomes happy and one’s intelligences becomes fixed.
In any practice: art, music, athletics, academics or bhakti, a close look reveals that the masters in these fields not only took time to establish their fundamentals, they also maintained them even after becoming eminent.
Take some time this week to amend the soil in your bhakti garden by going back to the basics. A little attention here will bring growth, taste and multiple other rewards.
With gratitude and affection,
Vaisesika Dasa
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