**The Sacred Miracle Plant**
*By HH Sacinandana Swami*
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Every morning, as I open the two swinging doors to my bhajan kutir, I am greeted by the presence of a sacred tulasi plant. Positioned on a pedestal right outside my kutir, she allows me to chant and meditate in her presence, her serene energy touching everything around. Even the birds seem drawn to her, fluttering nearby as if recognizing her sanctity.
Tulasi Devi, known as Vrinda Devi in the spiritual realm, incarnates in this world as the tulasi plant. She is here to shower blessings and to uplift all who turn to her, even if only offering a small act of devotion. Her presence is no ordinary one; she is a divine personality, bringing great benefit to anyone who connects with her in reverence and love.
Recently, I met a devotee who shared with me a challenge he faced. Due to personal circumstances, he felt unable to keep a full Kartika vrata (spiritual vow for the month of Kartik). However, he decided he could still water the sacred tulasi plant every day. I told him that was a wonderful offering, as even the smallest act of devotion done with regularity during this sacred month yields immense results. In fact, tulasi worship brings extraordinary blessings, as she is unique in her capacity to bestow grace.
Srila Prabhupada, the spiritual master of our movement, once spoke of tulasi Maharani as our spiritual master and described her as the queen of Vrindavan. Through her mercy, one becomes qualified to enter into the spiritual abode of Sri Vrindavan. We wear tulasi beads around our necks and chant upon tulasi beads, recognizing her beloved status with Lord Krishna. Srila Prabhupada emphasized her significance in a personal way; when he began his mission to spread Krishna consciousness in the West, he lamented the absence of tulasi plants, feeling the movement was incomplete without her.
It was one of his disciples, Govinda Dasi, who lovingly grew tulasi from seeds she brought from India. In Hawaii, her tulasi plants thrived, growing so large—over 2.5 meters tall—that they almost blocked the entrance to the temple. Guests had to bow to enter, which might have seemed inconvenient, but Prabhupada saw it differently. He instructed that no one should trim or remove her because he recognized her as a spiritual personality. In fact, he appreciated that her growth was such that visitors had to bow before tulasi Maharani to enter the temple, a reminder that tulasi is a threshold guardian to the spiritual realm.
If you wish to bring tulasi’s grace into your life, consider incorporating a simple practice. You could keep a tulasi plant or even a photo of her nearby. Sing the song *“Sri Tulasi Krishna-preyasi namo namah”*, or simply call upon her by chanting her name, “Tulasi, Tulasi.” In any sincere effort, big or small, she will manifest her divine presence, bringing her incomparable blessings. Even reflecting on her presence during this holy month of Kartik can invoke her powerful influence, leading to unexpected transformations and deep spiritual advancement.
I invite you to welcome tulasi into your life. In whatever way is accessible to you—through worship, service, or simple remembrance—she will undoubtedly bestow extraordinary grace.
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*May the sacred tulasi bring you closer to the Divine in this month of Kartik.*
The Sacred Miracle Plant – Kartik Inspirations 2024 / Day 18