Dear friends of Goloka Dhama,
One week before Janmastami, there was a knock at my front door. Standing before me was an acquaintance from the days of the Heidelberg Temple. She seemed tired, exhausted and joyless. She needed to get out, needed a few days to recharge. Everything was already occupied in the guest house and ashram, and so she spontaneously asked me for a place. Luckily I still had a room for a few more nights, and so she moved in gratefully.
You could clearly see how she relaxed after just a short time, and how regularly she went to the temple programme. Of course, there was also a lot of seva being so close to Janmastami, and she was a great help to Valentina. After three days, there was no longer any sign of her initial tired appearance. I was looking at a radiant devotee. She left feeling content and grateful in her heart, so that she could continue to support her mother.
I would like to share this with you and encourage everyone to take a little time out from time to time. The upcoming Kartik season is a good opportunity for this.
For me, singing the Damodara song daily in the early morning and evening is always a very special time of the year. You can also feel it with many Goloka Dhama devotees who regularly come to the temple during this time. The summer was filled with major construction work and many activities.
Elias reported on this in the last newsletter. Now it is time to find more inner peace and invest energy in our inner growth. Many devotees spend the Kartik period in Vrndavana, endeavouring to chant better rounds, read more or simply make a pilgrimage. Whatever spiritual activity one does during this time will be rewarded with blessings by Srimati Radharani.
Personally, I don't take on too much, because I know myself and often everyday life interferes. My efforts during this time are to get up earlier in the morning, to go to Mangala Aratik and to chant better rounds...
I hope this inspires you a little and maybe we will see each other in the beautiful, autumnal Goloka Dhama. It is also a wonderful time to go hiking.
Finally, a wonderful verse that fits this topic quite well:
‘My dear friend! The radiance of Krsna's body is more dazzling than a fresh cloud, and His yellow robe is more attractive than a flash of lightning. He wears a peacock feather on His head and a lovely necklace of sparkling pearls around His neck. When He holds His enchanting flute to His lips, His face is as beautiful as the autumn full moon. With this beauty, Madana Mohana, the enchanter of the god of love, increases the desire of my eyes to see Him."
CC Antya 15.63 and Govinda-Lilamrta 8.4
Hare Krsna.
On behalf of Goloka Dhama, Your servant, Narayani dd