Once while in Sydney Australia, somehow I ended up alone on a train, returning to the temple after book distribution, in some far away suburb, in this far away country.
The train was very long, and appeared completely empty.
That was not normal, as various people are always on the train.
Perhaps this was a train to hell,and I was the only one going today?
I decided to make use of the emptiness, and chant loudly, as there was no one else around who may be offended.
Anyhow, the train took a turn onto another line, which started to worry me a little.
Factories and huge grey buildings flashed past the window bringing a feeling of dread and gloom which filled the air.
Shortly, thereafter, the train began to slow down, as it approached a station.
A bright orange color began to fill the carriage, like a room full of Brahmachari's.
As the automatic doors opened, hundreds of miserable men began to fill the carriage, all in bright orange overalls.
Finally, it made sense, this was a car manufacturing plant, and I was on a diverted line that picked up the workers, hundreds of them, all in orange work uniforms.
From an empty carriage to packed like orange sardines in a tin, in less than one minute.
Their mood was one of contempt for life, tired, dirty, with not one single word spoken by one of them.
Apathy, and fixed stares into the back of the dirty seat back, that was before their eyes.
Point being, they were miserable.
Not a smile, a glance, or anything even remotely showing happiness.
The vibe was so heavy, I thought they might even think about beating me up,because I was the odd one out in this crowd, especially with different colored clothing.
Somehow or other, feelings of compassion rose from my heart, and I started thinking,what can I do for these poor souls, who were trapped in such a miserable condition.
To distribute Back to Godhead magazines may have me lynched, as they were not quite the people I was meeting on the street.
Plus, if any one of them, caused a problem, I had no where to run and at the time, was not up to preaching to a whole carriage full of agro workers.
Throwing caution to the wind, I summoned all the courage available, and said HELLO to the man next to me.
At first he just sat and stared at me in disbelief, someone had broken the ice and had spoken to him.
Slowly, cautiously, he replied hello.
From this point after the usual pleasantries, I explained how I was living in a temple, and began to explain some very basic things about the facility that Srila Prabhupada had made available.
A smile slowly came across his face and he took interest in the magazine that had found it's way into his hand.
The Back to Godhead was mostly about the farming communities with a picture of some young Mataji's with arms around a cow, garlands and happy smiles.
The enthusiasm grew within me and started to spread in the carriage.
Looking up for a brief moment, while enthusiastically preaching to this man, I noticed that the whole carriage had been transformed into a joyful, happy, enthusiastic place, with workers laughing, smiling and being in their bright overalls, looked like a room full of devotee's at a Sunday feast.
Editor; couldnt help but use this picture! lol
After some time, the train arrived at Sydney central station and I watched in dismay as these workers happily left the carriage with happy faces and almost skipped as they walked away through the station.
At that moment, somehow I received a special blessing from within.
I felt great love arise in my heart and was unable to check the ecstasy that arose within.
Without further elaboration, Lord Chaitanya had given me a large drop of the ocean of nectar, available to those who preach his mission.
From making the EXTRA effort, out of my comfort zone completely.
The realization was so profound, that I was unable to sleep for 3 days and nights, never feeling tired or able to even understand or explain to the other devotee's.
Without a doubt, when one makes an effort for the Spiritual master that devotee may be rewarded in ways that far exceed what is hoped for.
Daso smi
Comments
"Perhaps this was a train to hell,and I was the only one going today?...
At that moment, somehow I received a special blessing from within.
I felt great love arise in my heart and was unable to check the ecstasy that arose within.
Without further elaboration, Lord Chaitanya had given me a large drop of the ocean of nectar, available to those who preach his mission. "
This is the secret known only to the sankirtana devotees. Extra effort, extra concentration, for the sake of devotional service, is soon rewarded with pure devotional service ! And this by Grace, not by sadhana nor by qualification, other than sincere desire to serve as desired by the Lord's Will, and with full attention and determination. A wonderful post!!
There are a few things that bring tears to my eyes,
Mostly when I ponder Slila Prabhupadas master plan, picking up a fool like me,and putting me as his servant.
Also, times that I have been blessed with a drop of mercy,as the story goes.
thank you.