Reveal the true splendour of the soul
FOR far too long the world has been divided by economic, racial and language barriers. For far too long, we have experienced segregation, division, heart-ache, loss and the brunt of war and poverty though actions of fellow human beings. Perhaps the only way to end such divide is to find commonality and love for each other. The Vedic scripture offers the key ingredients for such unity.
I grew up attending festivals and weekly programmes at the Hare Krishna Temple in Chatsworth, which meant that I did not really feel the fullblown effects of apartheid, as I always had friends from other race groups. We prayed together, danced together, ate together and formed close relations. Those friends soon became family.
At school, though, things were different, as I formed part of an all-Indian class. If I recall correctly, it was in my matric year that one or two girls from different race groups joined my class.
To my friends at university, it was a challenge to learn about other cultures, but due to my life-long friendships built at the Hare Krishna temple, it was nothing unusual for me.
Today, I teach in a multiracial school, and my two daughters form a class with different races. How wonderful to be in a united South Africa – but are we united in the true sense?
Being raised as a follower of the Hare Krishna Movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), I experienced the magic of unity. The teachings of the Vedas, the age-old Sanskrit text, reminds us that we are not this material body, but the eternal spirit soul, equal as servants of God. In this way, there is no division.
This year, ISKCON celebrates its golden jubilee. Although 50 years sounds like a relatively short time for such a large organisation, the magnitude of the organisation’s achievements is phenomenal.
We celebrate ISKCONs contribution to the world, and honour the founder – His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
It is through Srila Prabhupda’s hardships that we are able to fully understand the Vedas.
Srila Prabhupada left India alone at the senior age of 69s on board a cargo ship to the US. During his voyage he suffered two heart-attacks and other challenges. Did he give up? No.
Srila Prabhupada was bold in his mission to spread love of God. It was in this mood that Srila Prabhupada translated volumes of books and offered commentary on those texts.
For me, one of the most profound statements that Srila Prabhupada made, which has become a motto in ISKCON, is “Simple Living, Higher Thinking”.
Srila Prabhupada was an advocate of this philosophy five decades ago. It has taken society a dreadfully long period to consider Meat Free Monday and organic food supplies. Only during a period of severe drought do we find ways to save water, and at load shedding, cut down electricity use.
When do we speak of ways to love and appreciate each other through our differences? Negativity surrounds us: young people are dying due to a poor lifestyle; murder and violence make up the headlines and society is crying out for help. This is the story of Kali-Yuga (Age of Quarrel and Hipocracy).
ISKCON provides a wonderful breath of fresh air from the tension that surrounds us. The process of bhakti-yoga, emphasises that we are not our material bodies; rather, our true identity is the soul within – we are all equal servants to God.
Through meditation we connect with the super-soul that is present in each of us.
The teaching also guides us in remaining servants, always viewing ourselves as not better than the other.
Humility
Being servants teaches us an important trait of humility. With this mood of service to each other and ultimately to God, it is the perfect formula to achieve love and peace within society.
The essence of the Vedas is found in the Bhagavad-Gita, a record of Lord Krishna’s words.
You could say that the Krishna Consciousness movement is not exactly a religion, but an educational and cultural system that is open to everyone.
Most people have seen us traditionally dressed, chanting and dancing on the streets, distributing books or pure vegetarian meals. This is done with a higher purpose.
The mantra that is chanted is the Maha-Mantra, “maha” meaning “greatest”, hence it is the greatest mantra in connecting with God.
The books that are distributed provide the highest philosophy from the Vedas, and the food offers more than just something to please the palate.
We owe all credit to our hero, Srila Prabhupada, who braved the stormy waters of the ocean to teach us about togetherness.
He left a legacy in his books, and taught the world how to live in simplicity through his example.
In his seventies, he circled the globe 12 times, spearheading the construction and opening of dozens of temples.
His life was simple, his message simple and to the point. He led by example, speaking the word of God, reminding us that our material condition is ever changing, our eternal position is being a servant to God, and our hearts will only be content when we reconnect with God.
We look forward to celebrating another 50 years and beyond. Let us tap into our soul to reveal its true splendour… in the spirit of loving each other, equally.
Krsangi Radhe dasi (Prabashnee Naidoo) has a BSocSci and other postgraduate qualifications in education and public relations. She is an educator by profession, and the communications and public relations manager of ISKCON Durban, ISKCON’s Women’s Forum convenor and the founder of the Durban Krishna Kids’ Club