By Mathura Lilesvari Devi dasi
There is also the following statement in the Brihad-bhagavatamrita (1.5.44):
sva-jivanadhikam prarthyam sri-vishnu-jana-sangatah
vicchedena kshanam catra na sukhamsam labhamahe
“Out of all kinds of desirable things experienced in the life of a living entity, association with the devotees of the Lord is the greatest. When we are separated from a devotee even for a moment, we cannot enjoy happiness.”
There is so much truth to this statement. I am sure many of us must have experienced it. While I have experienced it previously, something that happened recently made me think of the importance of devotee association in our lives.
Exactly 10 weeks ago, i slipped from the stairs at home and fractured my tibial plateau. By Krishna’s mercy, it was a non-displaced fracture. I did not need surgery but was advised to bear absolutely no weight on my left foot. That meant, crutches until further notice. It was tough. I have a toddler, a full-time job and personally cooked our daily meals at home. Upon hearing the diagnosis, I immediately felt crippled – not only physically but was extremely worried about how my family is going to pull through this situation. 10 weeks later, here we are – alive and not lacking in nutrition and still happy. How? Only by the divine association of Lord Chaitanya’s magnanimous devotees.
I am writing this note to thank all the wonderful devotees of Gita Nagari Dham in Port Royal, Pennsylvania USA and to exhibit the beauty and importance of association in a devotional community.
Immediately after my injury, long time Gita Nagari residents, my mother in law and sister in law, Syama Gopa Rupa Dasi and Prema Sankirtana dasi both arrived in our home to help me. Prema decided to stay on until I can walk again. She gave up the comfort of her home and decided to help me even before I asked for help. Such was her training. As the bathroom at our home was on the first floor, I decided to stay there. Going up and down the stair was a torture. So Prema would bring me breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. She was so good in understanding exactly what I wanted.
Then as soon as the other devotees at the farm heard about what had happened, everyone came forward and offered help. “Tell us if you need anything” was echoing for the next few days. We needed someone to cook prasadam for us. When I told the devotees that, they wasted no time in scheduling when and what to bring over. Mother Anasuya, Mother Jambavati, Jagannath Pandit Prabhu, Mother Mayapur Lila and my sweet friends Anandini Lalita and Yasodev – thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the yummy and nutritious meals you prepared not just for me but for my family. Nutrition is important when you are sick and the prasadam cooked by all of you was so full of nutritious ingredients and love that it helped me heal in record time. I love you all and I want to serve all of you in return in any way possible.
Then there was Mother Cintamani and her devoted girls Devaki and Jana who would constantly write to me and tell me how they’re praying for my recovery. How can I forget Mother Yasoda’s sweet words on the evening of Janmastami telling me how she knows what I going through and that she is praying i recover fast so I can take care of my son. Her daughter Saci Priya texted me the very day she heard and said she’s just a call away.
A very special mention to my beloved father figure, Parikshit Prabhu. He was almost in tears seeing me in my condition. He reiterated that I should not hesitate to contact his family for anything that I may need.
My dearest husband, Krpamoya Krsnanghri Das was my rock! He stepped up like a hero – actually like a super hero! He did everything for me and our son and did not complain even once. He kept reassuring me that it was not my fault and that he is there for me.
The kind of love I received was 50% of my treatment. It healed me emotionally and in turn I was able to heal physically and to continue steadfastly in my daily sadhana.
These are the people, there are devotees that Srila Prabhupada wanted in our movement. They show the same compassion and love that Prabhupada showed all of us. They are real Prabhupadanugas. Prabhupada wanted to build loving communities like this and I must say Gita Nagari is one such community. I became part of this loving community less than 3 years ago and they have accepted and embraced me as their own. Prabhupada and especially HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami would be proud. I have no doubt.
Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya 8.248
‘duhkha-madhye kona duhkha haya gurutara?’
‘krishna-bhakta-viraha vina duhkha nahi dekhi para’
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu asked, “Of all kinds of distress, what is the most painful?” Sri Ramananda Raya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Krishna, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”
I pray that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu keep me in the association of such compassionate devotees for the rest of my life.
With loads and loads of love
Mathura Lilesvari Devi dasi
Gita Nagari Dham
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