Thursday 6 September 2012

Cruise Yatra with Bhakti Charu Swami Guru Maharaja

Experience by  Divya Radhika devi dasi

I am confident that all the cruise participants would gladly join me in expressing our deep gratitude to the devotees who made it all happen; Radha Vinod Pr, Champaklata M, Jahnava M and Lila Vilasini M worked tirelessly for months to organise this cruise. The selflessness of these devotees and their total dedication to Guru Maharaj sets a great example. On the last night, Guru Maharaj praised Radha Vinod Pr's efforts and asked everyone whether we had seen much of Champaklata M and Jahnava M during the whole cruise. He explained that the reason we hadn't was because they were constantly busy cooking for the Sanyasis and taking care of all their needs. Guru Maharaj went on to acknowledge all the other devotees who had provided their assistance to ensure everything ran smoothly.


Whilst talking to Ramananda Raya Pr during the cruise, I realised what a busy daily schedule he had back home. I expressed my admiration at his ability to juggle all this and still find time for the Istagosthi. He
explained how it all becomes possible if we can dedicate ourselves sincerely to our Dear Guru Maharaj.


The cruise provided a perfect opportunity for devotees to meet for the first time, or to get to know each other better. There were participants from all corners of the world, but it was admirable to see how we all came together effortlessly because we are all loyal to our Dear Srila Prabhupada and His Iskcon.


Many of us felt some discomfort when we sailed through rough seas, but it  was great to see how devotees quickly overcame this, through their realisation that this bore no comparison with what Srila Prabhupada had to endure aboard the Jaladuta.


I would encourage all devotees to try and attend future retreats. When we leave, we truly are spiritually rejuvenated. We imbibe the good qualities of all the great personalities around us and this realisation subsequently manifests in the way we deal with others. The retreats grant us a perfect opportunity to spend uninterrupted, quality time with our Dear Guru Maharaj. In the same way that we enjoy being with Guru Maharaj, He also enjoys being with us. I am sure it must provide Him with a great sense of  delight to see how we all get on well and cooperate with each other. It could be one of the ways to show our deep  appreciation to our Dear Guru Maharaj for sharing His precious time with us.


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