Six months ago, Bhakta Kamita came to Bhaktivedanta Manor for ashram training. During which time he attended the Veda Course. Here we share his touching parting words:
“On Balarama Purnima, Friday 12th Aug 2022, I set foot at the Manor for the first time. 9:00pm. Clear skies. The sun was still out. It’s predominantly green-Radha’s yellowish golden effulgence mixed with Krishna’s bluish hue. Bright flowers. Bright faces. Saris and dhotis swaying in the mild wind.
“The beauty pierced through my eyes and went straight to the bottom of my heart, melting it with subtle delight. All I could afford was a gentle smile. I didn’t know what laid ahead, but I was certain it was going to be magical.
“It did not take long before I was drowning in the myriad of activities. Morning programme, prasad, inspiring association, brooms and mops in my hands with rooms and corridors to maintain, book and pen in my hands to take a deeper look into the writings, hitting the streets to let the books fly, dancing in harinam, festivals, sangas, and kirtans before their Lordships.
“The Bhaktivedanta Manor is certainly a holy dham. At every step, there has always been a lot to relish. Lots of mercy to grab. Endless ecstasy to indulge in. Unfortunately due to my conditioning, I couldn’t experience it in its entirety. Dare say, I just experienced a very tiny drop of it, but that has been more than enough. At every moment my hands have been full with no space to fit any more, but my eyes have kept wandering around, seeing how much more there still is to take.
“I do not understand what auspicious activities I must have done before to deserve my presence here. I’m utterly grateful. I have learnt a lot, not only that which I’ve acquired by reading the books and listening to the elevated Vaishnavas, but also through experience. Srila Prabhupada many times use the word ‘self-realization’ implying the importance of acquiring of knowledge through experience, a more concrete way of learning. The Manor has presented endless opportunities for knowledge through realization, through the different activities and interactions with the servants of the Lord here. I send my unending wishes for everyone’s success.
“All Glories to Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda. All Glories to Sri Sri Sita-Rama-Lakshman-Hanuman. All Glories to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. I’m not yet on the level to say that I will feel their separation, but I pray to Them that they may get me to this stage. The altar in the ISKCON Temple in Nairobi, Kenya, is a replicate of the Manor’s altar (Sri Sri Radha-Bankebihari, Sri Sri Sita-Rama-Lakshman-Hanuman and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai).
“Therefore, when I have returned to Nairobi, I will always feel my presence at the Manor. I can therefore strongly declare that my visit here was a perfect divine plan. That applies to all our individual journeys as well, we just need to see Krishna’s string that connects our everyday experiences.
“My six months at Bhaktivedanta Manor has changed my life. I can say that again and again! It’s certainly the mantra I’ll chant most when devotees back in Kenya ask me about my experience here. I am absolutely indebted to everyone for their mere presence and for their actions trying to fulfil Prabhupada’s desire. My humble obeisances to you all!
“I leave the Manor with one strong pledge-That I will use all my energy, life air and entire being to spreading the mercy I have collected, bringing all glory to the all-auspicious Bhaktivedanta Manor!”
For more information about courses at Bhaktivedanta Manor:
Click here to change this text