A lone Vaishnava mendicant.
Somehow my life trajectory led me to the life of a monk. As years progress, I realise that the renounced order is not just a dress, an identity, role, position, or life situation. It must mature into a deep internal conviction. Saffron signifies fire; the setting ablaze of all material concern. Saffron is not just a statement, but the opportunity and responsibility to embody genuine detachment. Not a dry, bitter, heartless or forced detachment, but a natural indifference coming from genuine spiritual inspiration. Without this higher taste, what is the real substance of oneās so-called renunciation? Iām falling short, and challenged to dig a little deeper.
In 1958, while residing as a lone, penniless mendicant in this remote town, Srila Prabhupada wrote a beautiful poem. āIn this mood,ā he said, āI am getting many realisations.ā
Krishna has shown me the naked form of material nature,
By his strength it has all become tasteless to me today.
āI gradually take away all the wealth of those upon whom I am merciful.ā How was I able to understand this mercy of the all-merciful? (Stanza 1)
Everyone has abandoned me, seeing me as penniless,
Wife, relatives, friends, brothers, everyone.
This is misery, but it gives me a laugh. I sit alone and laugh.
In this maya-samsara, whom do I really love? (Stanza 1)
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