As the glory of Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji spread, many people, including young aspiring boys and teenagers, came to him for training in Krishna Consciousness. However, Jagannatha Dasa Babaji observed that these boys were often nodding off during the morning program, falling asleep while chanting japa, and not fully engaging in the class.
Recognizing that they needed to purify their hearts and minds, he devised a practical method of training them. Near his kutir at Suryakonda, there was a large garden full of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. After the morning program, Jagannatha Dasa Babaji would take these boys and engage them in working in the garden all day, and even into the evening. As he chanted his japa, he would walk by and encourage them, saying, “Hare Krishna, boys, keep up the good work!”
Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s Visit
After some months, Bhaktivinoda Thakur visited Jagannatha Dasa Babaji’s ashram. The young boys, feeling frustrated, approached Bhaktivinoda Thakur with their concerns. They complained that instead of receiving training in meditation, chanting, studying scriptures, and worshipping deities, they were being made to work in the garden all day and part of the night. They felt that their spiritual progress was being neglected.
Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s Response
Bhaktivinoda Thakur, understanding the wisdom behind Jagannatha Dasa Babaji’s method, responded firmly. He explained to the boys that without purifying their hearts through practical devotional service, their attempts at meditation, scriptural study, and chanting would simply result in daydreaming and sleep. He emphasized that the work they were doing in the garden was part of their spiritual training, preparing them for deeper devotional practices. Bhaktivinoda Thakur advised them to continue working in the garden until Jagannatha Dasa Babaji felt they were ready to engage in other activities without falling asleep.
Lesson to Be Learned
This story teaches us the importance of practical service in the early stages of spiritual life. Before one can deeply meditate, study scriptures, or chant with focus, the heart and mind must be purified. Practical work in service to the Lord, even in the form of simple tasks like gardening, helps to cleanse the consciousness and prepares one for higher devotional practices. As Srila Prabhupada wisely said, “Work now, samadhi later.”
Quote from Shastra
The Bhagavad Gita (3.9) states:
“Yajnarthat karmano ‘nyatra loko ‘yam karma-bandhanah, tad-artham karma kaunteya mukta-sangah samachara”
“Work done as a sacrifice for Vishnu has to be performed, otherwise work binds one to this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way, you will always remain free from bondage.”
This verse highlights the importance of performing work as a form of devotional service, which helps in purifying the heart and preparing the soul for deeper spiritual practices.
Prayer
O merciful Lord, please guide us to engage in practical service that purifies our hearts and minds. Help us to understand that through humble work in Your service, we can prepare ourselves for deeper meditation and devotion. May we follow the example of the great saints who have shown us that true devotion begins with sincere and selfless service. Jai Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja! Jai Bhaktivinoda Thakur!
