The Aristocrat’s Invitation
Once, an aristocratic landholder from Kasima Bazar decided to organize a conference of prominent Vaishnavas. With great respect and admiration, he approached Babaji Maharaja, a revered spiritual leader, and requested him to preside over the event. He said, “Babaji Maharaja, I am organizing a conference of Vaishnavas, and everyone desires that you be the president of this assembly. Please be merciful and grant us the honor of your presence. I will personally bring you there and take you back in my own car.”
Babaji Maharaja’s Inquiry
Babaji Maharaja, always focused on the essence of spiritual life, asked the landholder, “For what purpose are you organizing this conference? What is the necessity of doing it?”
The Purpose of the Conference
The landholder replied earnestly, “It is for the preaching of Vaishnava-dharma, so that people will hear talks describing Bhagavan and be inspired to take up bhajana (devotional practices).”
Babaji Maharaja’s Response
Babaji Maharaja then gave a profound and direct response: “Alright, then you do one thing—first, you should engage in bhajana and forget about organizing events for others. Leave your home, wife, and children, and come to me. I will give you a pair of kaupinas (loincloths), and then you can do bhajana. First, make your own life meaningful, and then you can think about helping others. Otherwise, your conference will only serve your self-aggrandizement, and there will be no real benefit for others. First, come to me and do bhajana for some time; only then should you organize your conference.”
The Aristocrat’s Realization
Hearing this sincere and powerful response from Babaji Maharaja, the landholder was left speechless. The gravity of Babaji Maharaja’s words struck him deeply, and he went away, reflecting on the true purpose of spiritual endeavors.
Lessons to be Learned:
- Self-Realization Before Preaching: Babaji Maharaja emphasized the importance of personal spiritual practice and realization before attempting to guide or influence others. True spiritual leadership comes from personal transformation and devotion.
- Avoiding Self-Aggrandizement: The story highlights the potential pitfall of using religious or spiritual events for self-promotion rather than genuine service to others. The focus should always be on sincere devotion and selfless service.
- The Essence of Bhajana: Babaji Maharaja’s instruction to first engage in bhajana underscores the importance of direct, personal engagement in spiritual practices as the foundation for any outward expression of faith or leadership.
Prayer
O Lord, grant us the wisdom to seek personal transformation before guiding others. May we always prioritize sincere devotion and selfless service over self-aggrandizement. Bless us with the strength to engage in bhajana with a pure heart, making our lives meaningful and aligned with Your divine will. May we always remember that true leadership in spiritual life begins with humility and personal dedication to You.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
