Today after a long time I was in ISKCON Library,simply sitting there and remembering the past glory days & tears stung my eyes.
Three years ago when I was physically and mentally into Krishna Consciousness, Prahlad and I took it upon ourselves to clean the Gita closet & to dress the Gaura Nitai deities of library in Temple. So I rolled out a sarong on the floor and we unfolded all of Their jewellery and clothes.
Halfway through our service, I asked one of my hypothetical questions.
"Prahlad, if you were to die tomorrow, and you could go to one place anywhere in the world for your last day, where would you go?"
In his detached way, Prahlad shrugged. "I don't know," He continued to search through bracelets.
"Oh come on, Prahlad, just answer,"
"Come on," I cajoled, "The value of my question is that you consider what is important to you, and what you value in life. Just consider my question."
Prahlad was quiet, and we resumed our puja to Gaura Nitai. And then, in his nonchalant, profound way, he said, "I would go somewhere where I would cry."
"Well, cry with love. For God."
I was quiet for long moments. His answer rung in my mind. Then I said softly, "Thank you, Prahlad, that is a beautiful answer."
He tilted his head and smiled a little, and continued with his service.
Three years ago when I was physically and mentally into Krishna Consciousness, Prahlad and I took it upon ourselves to clean the Gita closet & to dress the Gaura Nitai deities of library in Temple. So I rolled out a sarong on the floor and we unfolded all of Their jewellery and clothes.
It was warm saturday and a slow Prabhupada kirtan was playing in background. We fell into a companionable pujari rhythm. Prahlad was
fourteen, quiet and deep, and our rapport echoes much of older sister -
younger brother.
Halfway through our service, I asked one of my hypothetical questions.
"Prahlad, if you were to die tomorrow, and you could go to one place anywhere in the world for your last day, where would you go?"
In his detached way, Prahlad shrugged. "I don't know," He continued to search through bracelets.
"Oh come on, Prahlad, just answer,"
"I don't know, why does this matter?"
"Come on," I cajoled, "The value of my question is that you consider what is important to you, and what you value in life. Just consider my question."
Prahlad was quiet, and we resumed our puja to Gaura Nitai. And then, in his nonchalant, profound way, he said, "I would go somewhere where I would cry."
I froze and turned to look at him. "Cry?"
"Well, cry with love. For God."
I was quiet for long moments. His answer rung in my mind. Then I said softly, "Thank you, Prahlad, that is a beautiful answer."
He tilted his head and smiled a little, and continued with his service.
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