When They Are Just A Memory To You
Ode To Our Living Masters
In flesh and blood they walk with you now
but appear a killjoy pushing aside wants
conveyed our way that tease senses daily…
They exist with ease in modern life though
unmoved by greed-fed capitalist marvels
the Masters are only in tolerance of them.
Their constant pointing to rigorous paths
layered by discipline, practice and focus
painful to us who seek simple submission.
But see all the treasures that they carry
knowledge of their experience-rich lives
and gentle touch of demised maestros.
When they move out of our life’s circle
only regret will accompany us in future
when they are just a memory to you …..
By R. Sittamparam
Such a beautiful poem in praise of our mentors and gurus.
It reminds me of the following two incidents.
On HH Srila Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Sripad Maharaja’s 60th birthday, he invited all his teachers from throughout his life who were still then alive. He respectfully sat them on seats of honour on a big stage before hundreds of his own disciples and, one by one, he fully prostrated himself before their feet to get their blessings, then gave them gifts with love.
He also worked hard to release a big book called Bhagavata Sevarpanam. It was a full colour hardback book with thousands of photos of Sripad Maharaja preaching all over the world, often meeting noted dignitaries, and the book also carried many messages of goodwill to him from these persons with whom he had interacted in the course of his preaching travels in fulfilment of the orders which his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, had given to him.
Maharaja made it clear that this book was a very important one for his disciples. So when I had the chance, I asked him why this book was so important. He explained that this book shows that spiritual life only begins with trying to serve the spiritual master, not before that. He said “The whole of Venice culture is based on serving the Guru.” Without taking up service for the pleasure of the Guru who is a dear devotee of the Lord, there is no spiritual progress. He also said, nowadays people are confused and want to do away with the spiritual master but I wish to show my disciples through this book that serving one’s spiritual master is absolutely important. (The title of the book is made of three Sanskrit words ‘bhagavata’ or pure devotee; ‘seva’ or service; & ‘arpanam’ or offering. So it means ‘The Loving Offer Of Service To The Spiritual Master’.
I just felt like sharing that since your article stirred these nice memories. Thank you.
A wonderful inspiring poem .
When I read the poem…it dawned on me to remain ever grateful to all the great personalities who have been instructive to me !
The experience of meeting all my Gurus in the past,present and the future will always remain eternally etched in my memory as one of
the most unforgettable events in my life!
In them , I find the message that comes through embassadors from the kingdom beyond the mundane to reveal the veritable treasure house of eternality and bliss in multitude of forms to be expressed and instructed in accordance to my own unique individuality .
Memories of them that are those that entertains, those that instructs and those that edify from the very beginning of my life shall remain of lasting value that will truly stand the test of time for my life’s fascinating novel.
Kanna