New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

LET THERE BE LIGHT

by Krpamaya das

Last weekend I was walking towards the temple from Prabhupada’s Palace. When I reached the temple a young devotee named Tripti cried out “Prabhu, can you please help me?” She was brimming to the chin with light bulbs. Tottering in her small hands, the light bulb boxes were about to drop to the ground. I rushed over and grabbed the top layer of boxes. Her husband, Prakash, appeared and the three of us brought the light bulbs into Jaya Krishna’s office.

Prakash and Tripti had just spent the week in New Vrindaban joyfully dancing in kirtan and attending Srimad Bhagavatam classes. This last service was their parting gift to Sri Sri Radha Vrindabanchandra.

The previous day Jaya Krishna Prabhu, had given Prakash and Tripti a tour of the newly renovated ashram rooms on the second floor of Radha-Vrindabanchandra’s temple. Prakash (whose name in English means “light”) noticed the ashram rooms needed light bulbs. He took a quick inventory and realized we needed 120 bulbs.

Lord Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-Gita (10^th chapter, text 11)

“To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance”.

While on their way home from New Vrindaban, Krishna turned the light of inspiration on in Prakash and Tripti’s hearts. When they were near Pittsburgh they decided to do some practical seva for the Brijbhasis and purchased 120 energy-conserving light bulbs for the temple ashram rooms. Then they turned around and came back to New Vrindaban. I met them outside the temple just after they had returned .

The light bulbs they purchased were special. They use only 18 watts instead of 75 watts and last 10 times longer than our standard 750 hour light bulbs, thus using 76% less energy and thereby helping New Vrindaban reduce its energy consumption. After Jaya Krishna Prabhu received the gift, he affectionately embraced Prakash and offered his respects to Tripti. Then he gave them a large framed picture of Radha and Krishna and a plate of maha prasad.All glories to Tripti’s and Prakash’s devotional service. We all look forward to seeing them when they return for the Festival of Inspiration. May Radha Vrindabanchandra and all the Brijbasis shower their blessings on these wonderful devotees as they help light our way on our path back home… back to Godhead.