I am often amused by the strange world of devotee life, the odd people we meet and the turn of events that at times makes you scratch your head, have I read something wrong, not listened misunderstood?

I was reading several e-mails one individual noted that whilst their they had living in a temple they had been offered a cup of coffee, especially strange as we are meant not to take intoxicants; I am reminded of one mataji who mentioned how she was getting tired and unable to finish her service what helped was a drink of Coke-Cola the reply’s were many but few acknowledged her desire to finish her service.

Do we take into account an individuals understanding, were they are at in devotional life, and balancing out desires of the body with steady progress?

Whilst staying at and attending temples and centres many strange things have transpired:

I have been:

Offered a bacon sandwich.

A cup of coffee and a tot of whisky (both for medicinal purposes you understand)

Advised that I should go and spend some time chasing and getting to know and making love to women just for the experience, even more amazing though was the centre president agreed with this advice. Hum!

A fishing trip

And initiations although upon checking if the individuals were truly qualified they did not even meet the minimum requirement, unsurprising really.

These things go on and no doubt many individuals find my thoughts and actions strange and at times irrational or even questionable, should I be surprised No!

But the nice thing is actually watching these individuals slowly advance as their understanding grows and as they overcome the conditioning of material life.

For me though there is some regret, although I am flummoxed as to why Krishna has allowed me this modest understanding of my condition I look at those who come to this realisation at a much younger age; if only I could have joined at their age.

But then as I look at those who were born into families who are very much focused on devotional life the protection of chanting the holy names and wise council of the parents has been of great benefit, this would have been even more of a benefit to be part of such caring and devoted parents.

However through Krishna’s mercy I have been allowed to take up this process, and with the encouragement of a few individuals and the patience of my guru maharaja they have noted the small changes over the years.

I have one realisation simply that I have no time I get serious about devotee life now, focusing and absorbing my energies more productively.

But my realisation is this can only be achieved by the continuing kindness and support of the devotees and my guru maharaja and that I am reminded that devotee life is like walking on a knife-edge, I have at times fallen off and my only saving grace was the mercy shown towards me. At one time even the local centre president had abandoned me to my fate but the kindness of my guru maharaja who understands me and one of his senior disciples pulled me back on track, some thing I was reminded of recently.

Krishna’s unfathomable mercy shown through those who have fully surrendered their lives, for me these individuals are and remain the greatest examples to follow and whose level of understanding I desire one day to achieve.