I had intended to be in Vrndavana-dhama during Kartika and thereafter, but circumstances have kept me away. Recently a quotation from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura gave me some solace:
“With this impure body, I am not fit to roll in the dust of Sri Dhama. Yet I also cannot understand how I could forsake service to Sri Dhama and go somewhere else. Specifically for serving Sri Dhama, by Sri Gaurasundara’s desire, I became situated elsewhere. I am firmly convinced that Sri Gaurasundara did not bring his unqualified servant to another place to become bewildered by opulence and dalliances, or contaminated by sense-gratificatory endeavors. I reside elsewhere, but in the knowledge illuminated by the radiance of Sri Dhama. Those many devotees who are kind to me always relate the glories of the Lord’s transcendental dhama, so wherever I may be I cannot but think of Sri Dhama. Thus those places are included in Gauda-mandala, the land of transcendental pastimes that is Sri Dhama Navadvipa.”
What was a fact for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta is a challenge for me. I pray that I, and all others separated from the dhama, will remain in the knowledge illuminated by the dhama, and in recollection of the dhama—and thus always be included in the dhama, wherever this body may be.
Hare Krishna.
—Giriraj Swami
