Beyond the Covering

This material world is full of uncertainties. Just when we feel that we have everything under control and our life is going on very nicely--Whamoo!--we get zapped by the exacting laws of the material nature. Even though they are very heavy, those times when disaster strikes are a golden opportunity for us to become very sober and see the material world for exactly what it is, a covering of the actual reality that lies beyond it. There is no need for us to become disturbed or carried away by the melodrama of this material existence. We simply need to situated ourselves far beyond it in a transcendental loving relationship with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then we can always feel transcendental happiness.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: What Does it Mean to Pray?

I was very shocked and upset to hear that Vishnupriya Mataji has become ill and needs hospital care. I am keeping her in my prayers, for a fast recovery and good health.

When I heard about this I thought about prayer, and what it means to pray. I realized I am not clear on this topic. What does it mean to pray to Sri Krishna? How is that we still ask for Krishna to intervene with our lives [ask Him to do things for us] when he already has a plan for us laid out?

Your Humble Servant,
Bhaktin Geri-Lynn

Answer: Begging for Devotional Service

Thank you very much for your prayers. I am sure that they were heard by Lord Krishna and have had a positive effect on Vishnupriya Mataji's health. I personally informed Mataji that you have prayed on her behalf.

You have raised a proper philosophical question regarding what does it mean to pray. While materialists pray to God to fulfill their material desires, the transcendental devotees of the Lord simply pray for devotional service. They pray that they can be engaged in pure devotional service and that all others can be engaged in pure devotional service.

Sometimes when there is great difficulty in the execution of devotional service devotees helplessly call out to the Lord begging His mercy so that they and other devotees may be able to continue their devotional service without difficulty. Even though the devotees know that the Lord's plans are perfect, they also know that the Lord can modify His plans being moved by the heartfelt pleas of His devotees. Of course, they ultimately leave the outcome up to the Lord.

This morning I was speaking with Mataji. In a joyful good-humored mood she said that it would have really been auspicious if she had left her body when her brain hemorrhaged because at that moment she was leading the mangala arati kirtan in the temple in front of the deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada. This shows how the devotee joyfully whatever outcome the Lord arranges.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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