It is taught in the Vedas that when entering a sacred space one should offer respects. One can fully place himself on the ground in what is called ‘dandavats’ (danda means stick or rod in Sanksrit), or bow on hands and knees or simply bow from the waist with hands folded. It’s an expression of humility and a step away from our material ego. It’s the right entry if we hope to receive what hides beneath the ordinary looking surface.
I’m presently in one such sacred place – Mayapur. It’s located in the lush countryside of West Bengal and on the banks of the Ganges. Here is the birthplace of Lord Caitanya who started the kirtan movement. What was once a village is now a burgeoning metropolis for Krishna Bhakti. As I look out my window I see a huge crane lowering a slab onto the roof of the new Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. In construction, it’s going to be the largest Temple dedicated to Krishna in the world.
A major sacred place like this can be very busy as lots of people come to visit. How can I find myself in all this noise and movement? How can I have a spiritual experience – feeling some loving emotion towards Krishna? I found three places that do just that:
- Chanting call and response kirtan in the early hours with over 3,000 people in the Temple room. This is an awesome experience. My heart soars along with the voices and rhythms.
- Japa meditation in the Samadhi. This is a beautiful circular prayer space with the most incredible spiritual atmosphere around 5am.
- Drinking a daab (fresh coconut water). Nothing directly spiritual about that but daabs never cease to amaze me! Drinking the cool sweet water from the freshly opened coconut is an ode to Krishna’s wondrous material nature.
Thank you, Mayapur, for the gifts of Krishna consciousness that you generously offer. I am one pilgrim among many but you have made me feel at home.
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