By Ananta Gopal Das | Head Pujari (Priest) at Bhaktivedanta Manor (Currently travelling in Vrindavan, India)

“What’s your favourite activity in Vrindavan?” someone asked.

“Walking around, observing devotees, animals, temples, worship rituals, and the daily life of people here,” I replied.

Today, as I strolled to my secluded spot for meditation, I crossed a busy road and noticed a middle-aged sadhu sitting by the side of the road, eyes closed, hands folded in prayer. Despite the danger posed by hundreds of rickshaws, cars, and even tractors speeding by, he remained undisturbed, completely engrossed in his spiritual practice.

People nearby stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend why someone would risk their safety to connect with God.

I thought to myself, “If I could even possess a fraction of his sincerity in my spiritual practice, I would have made significant spiritual progress.”

Reaching my peaceful spot, I was greeted by the soft, melodic chanting of Lord Rama’s name from the nearby temple. It was 4 p.m., and the afternoon was bathed by soft sunrays. Cows peacefully sat near the pond, digesting the food, while street dogs roamed around. Birds flying above us, singing songs, that I imagined as hymns glorifying Radha and Krishna. Two graceful swans stood on one leg near the water; their heads tucked comfortably under their wings.

A distance away, a sadhu was deeply engrossed in meditation beside the sacred pond. He wore a stained white cloth covering his lower body and an old orange hoodie. I occasionally glanced at him, wondering what prayers he offered to the Lord.

In the nearby temple, a sadhu swept the ground with a large wooden broom, singing a devotional song that glorified Radharani.

As I chanted my japa and immersed myself in the surroundings, I prayed that these impressions would forever reside in my heart, wherever my destiny may take me.

Chaitanya Caritamrita Madhya 22.160: “The devotee should always think of Krishna within himself and should choose a very dear devotee who is a servitor of Krishna in Vrindavan. One should constantly engage in topics about that servitor and his loving relationship with Krishna, and one should live in Vrindavan. If one is physically unable to go to Vrindavan, he should mentally live there.’”