What a beautiful depiction. There are many ways to interpret this, so here is my thoughts.
I've noticed something around this in the temples in the US (can't speak for all though). I usually attend the Sunday program and I've noticed that many "old-timers (devotees who used to come every sunday)" simply do not come on sundays. My parents have also noticed this too...
And it leads me to think that are people continuing doing devotional service even at home? I can understand missing a few Sundays because of work or personal life, but to remove it completely and just show up on festival dates? My parents have always taught me that the deities of that particular temple begins to wonder why X Prabhu or Mataji did not come this time. It's of course improper to think you know what Radha Krishna are saying, but the point stands that even God becomes a little curious why you've broken habit.
When I have an exam I usually cannot make it to the temple, but I always feel that I need to make up for it and so I have a short kirtana at time just to make sure that Krishna still hears me, but I'm always curious what others are doing.
As Maral Mataji excellently pointed out, even technology is getting over used. The only good thing about technology and taking pictures is we can actually note the changes in our beloved deities and it's something wonderful to experience. It's further permanently (or as long as the technology works) existing which allows us to look back. But at the same time, I always see people pulling out their phone (perhaps out of habit) during lectures or kirtanas. Some may be recording, but others are probably on facebook or checking their emails or something.
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What a beautiful depiction. There are many ways to interpret this, so here is my thoughts.
I've noticed something around this in the temples in the US (can't speak for all though). I usually attend the Sunday program and I've noticed that many "old-timers (devotees who used to come every sunday)" simply do not come on sundays. My parents have also noticed this too...
And it leads me to think that are people continuing doing devotional service even at home? I can understand missing a few Sundays because of work or personal life, but to remove it completely and just show up on festival dates? My parents have always taught me that the deities of that particular temple begins to wonder why X Prabhu or Mataji did not come this time. It's of course improper to think you know what Radha Krishna are saying, but the point stands that even God becomes a little curious why you've broken habit.
When I have an exam I usually cannot make it to the temple, but I always feel that I need to make up for it and so I have a short kirtana at time just to make sure that Krishna still hears me, but I'm always curious what others are doing.
As Maral Mataji excellently pointed out, even technology is getting over used. The only good thing about technology and taking pictures is we can actually note the changes in our beloved deities and it's something wonderful to experience. It's further permanently (or as long as the technology works) existing which allows us to look back. But at the same time, I always see people pulling out their phone (perhaps out of habit) during lectures or kirtanas. Some may be recording, but others are probably on facebook or checking their emails or something.
Anyway, that's my little spheel.
Ys
Technology is like a knife. It can be used to kill someone or vise versa in the hand of a doctor it can be used for cutting of a disease, isn't it?!
So my opinion is-it is better people fill up their phones with the images of the Deities of Radha Krishna then some other ordinary, material bodies.
Your servant,