Episode 144

 Good Morning Again — A Gentle Encounter 🌅

Episode 143

“Good morning again, thank you so much, Prabhu!”

I heard a warm voice call out from behind as I was on my way to meet someone in Manipay.

I turned—and there they were.

An elderly gentleman with a milk-white beard, and beside him, a youthful young lady wearing a helmet, both seated on a red scooter ⛑️.

In that very moment, recognition dawned.

We had just met… at the temple.

Earlier that Thursday morning, as I stepped into the serene garden of the local Hare Krishna temple, the air was rich with fragrance and devotion. The garden bloomed with colors, and a quiet spiritual elegance embraced the space.

Near the entrance stood these two gentle souls—a grandfather and his granddaughter. Their posture carried humility, their expressions filled with sincerity. They were speaking with the temple staff, making inquiries.

To my surprise… someone pointed them toward me.

For a brief second, I was taken aback.

But then, I reminded myself—anything can happen, anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

I composed myself, ready to receive them with warmth.

After washing our hands and feet, we entered the temple together 🛕.

Inside, my mind was racing.

What should I say?

How should I guide them?

Am I even qualified to speak about the Vedas?

Their enthusiasm was unmistakable.

With great respect, they shared that their doctor had strongly advised them to visit the temple.

As we moved further in, I silently prayed to Lord Krishna—hoping a senior devotee or priest would take over, someone far more knowledgeable than I.

And just then… I saw him.

A deeply devoted soul in saffron robes.

Relief washed over me.

But to my surprise, he assumed we were already together—perhaps family or close friends—and did not wish to interrupt.

Oh dear…

After a few moments, he approached us kindly, greeted us with a gentle smile, and invited us to sit.

Then he began speaking…

But the topic he chose was unexpectedly complex:

“Can a tree commit suicide?”

I paused.

How could newcomers grasp such deep philosophy so suddenly?

Gently, I shared my thoughts. I told him how, in my younger days, such discussions had once distanced me rather than drawn me closer.

With his permission, I stepped in—grateful for the opportunity.

That very morning, I had reflected deeply on a question:

“Why should we be submissive to Lord Krishna?”

I began to share:

“Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita As It Is—

‘I am the Father, the Mother, the Creator, the Sustainer… and the very essence of all that exists.’”

Understanding this truth, I explained, gives clarity to life.

Just as Arjuna found strength and purpose on the battlefield of Kurukshetra through Krishna’s guidance, we too can find direction by remembering Him.

They listened with quiet attention.

There was a gentle glow in their expressions.

Before leaving, we all shared prasadam together.

A simple meal—but filled with grace.

We wondered silently:

Was this a coincidence… or something more?

The elderly gentleman then asked,

“Why should we be grateful to Krishna?”

I replied softly,

“To be free from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth, we must reconnect with the Origin—the Supreme.”

The young lady smiled and asked,

“How do we receive His blessings?”

I answered,

“By chanting the Maha Mantra—the divine gift for this age, the greatest of all sacrifices in Kali Yuga.”

As they prepared to leave, I offered them a copy of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, which had been kindly provided by another devotee.

When they heard the price, the grandfather hesitated.

I gently offered to sponsor it for them.

At first, they declined.

But a senior devotee in saffron robes kindly reminded us,

“When something is offered in devotion, it is Krishna’s will. We should accept it with gratitude.”

I reassured them—this was not new for us.

For many years, we had lovingly shared the Gita with students and families of our Krishna Home in London, on auspicious occasions—birthdays, weddings, and sacred milestones.

Finally… they accepted.

With humility.

With gratitude.

And now—just a few hours later—there they were again, meeting me on the road with joyful smiles.

“My granddaughter was just speaking about you, Prabhu,” the grandfather said warmly.

I smiled.

“That is wonderful… thank you. Goodbye. God is not above us… He is within us.”

Hare Krishna 🙏