Keeping the Inspiration Alive

Typical. The post-kartik blues...

It is my favorite time of the year - I feel closer to Krsna. Naturally, I miss it! Kartik is the best incentive, and knowing its wondrous glories, every devotional effort is easier. It is magical, undeniably. I dread going back the sometimes boring, sometimes rigorous, but always very ordinary daily grind, after an extra-ordinary month.

This year, I wish to make an effort to stay aloof from the gloom. The Lord within whispers, “Do not succumb”.

I am reminded of the annual Festival of Inspiration, which takes place in picturesque New Vrndavan. (It needs no introduction - the title says it all!)

I had been attending this festival every year since 2005 (up until this year). Like everyone else, I thoroughly enjoyed myself amidst ecstatic kirtans, soulful bhajans, seminars by many ISKCON sanyasis and devotees, good Vaisnava association, temple programs, seva, devotee entertainment, and more. This blissful festival lasts for a few days. Afterwards, I head back home, appreciating the welcome break from life’s duties, a little sad that it’s all over. Yet, life goes on. It is relentless. The inspiration may linger for a few days after (maybe even weeks, or months) but soon fades away. The high goals, ideals, and proposed ‘undertakings’ that emerged during the festival linger behind in quaint New Vrndavan.

One year, I was touched by one particular seminar; the last one of the festival. It was entitled, “Taking the Inspiration Home”, by HH Sacinandana Swami and other senior ISKCON sanyasis and devotees. Some complain about losing inspiration as quickly as it was gained. Maharaj told us that we should ‘take home the festival’ and its mood - stay inspired (atleast till the next festival of inspiration)!

I feel the same way about Kartik. It should be more than just one special month in the year that flits by quickly. My fond memories of this Kartik, and others, will stay with me forever. Yes, of course I do miss it, and feel a subtle difference afterwards. I too wish it would last forever; but this year I want to make it last, make the experience worthwhile and complete. I will live up to the magnificent Kartik I had this year, and do justice to its memory by continuing onwards. Good intentions, ideas, and even short experiences are often judged by their outcome. Has this Kartik really made a difference - even a small one? Or is it just another whimsical, ‘fun’, exhilarating blast I had?

Only time will tell.

So with your blessings, dear Vaisnavas, I humbly continue my effort, praying that someday I may truly know the meaning of ‘love of Godhead’.

In this mood, this blog too shall go on. Its posts will be divided into three main categories:
PRE-KARTIK: getting ready;
KARTIK: in action; and
POST-KARTIK: keeping it alive.