
Some time ago an amazing devotee contacted me via Twitter and was asking me a number of questions, at first it was simple to answer within the 140 character requirements. However at one point the questions became so complex I asked for their email so I could answer more fully.
Today the same devotee sent a text I looked pondered and lamented as it couldn’t be answered in a straight forward Yes/No and was a little more complex; “You know when you listen to your Guru Maharaja classes do you feel different compared to any other maharaja you listen too?”
Hum?
I love my guru maharaja and long for the day I can sit in person listening to his classes it has been such a long time, thankfully now the internet and very thoughtful devotees allow me to hear and see my guru maharaja.
But I also remember that on one occasion I fell asleep during his class, 13 hour nights and then staying awake till start of class and a subject matter I wasn’t quiet following meant I was inattentive and for a small part asleep.
My guru maharaja was somewhat kind and didn’t mention it at the time but did bring it up some time later (saving me from embarrassment), “sorry” didn’t cut the mustered and after I had surrendered to give the full reason he made a suggestion: “If your so tired the body needs rest then best take it, it is more important you are able to listen with attentiveness than just be their”; Sound advice indeed.
My first response then would be it depends on my physical and mental disposition, any unbalance their means even if it is my own guru maharaja their can be an epic failure in appreciation and no benefit is gained.
My second response is subject matter, the more personal to the situation your in the more attentive I become; if the mind decides the subject matter is little relevance then anything but what is being said becomes important. Our biggest battle as always is with our own tiny mind’s which will lead us astray at any turn.
But that doesn’t answer the question.
In a previous blog posting I sat in some young devotees class who were giving their first class, it was not mind boggling in content but the sincerity and humbleness in delivery made it a wonderful experience. Most important it opened up discussion and I left the room floating on air one of those amazing spiritual highs.
It has been the same for Srimad Bhagavatam class certain devotees just somehow connect with me in what they say and how they present; I leave feeling wow time went by so quickly curse the overseer of time why couldn’t class be that much longer.
However I have to admit some devotees as soon as I see their name impending doom descends, their amazing devotees. But either the presentation is dry or their on a much higher level and my simple brain can’t grasp quiet what their saying (usually the fault lies close to home).
Sadly due to a hearing problem some devotees I struggle to hear, even with hearing aid insitue and one or two just at the pitch that causes some discomfort and pain; so I listen in very short spurts.
My third response is how the person presents the subject matter, tone of voice and humour for me and a little eccentricity is a definite winner.
My fourth response as long as it’s not over complicated or the subject matter switches a lot.
But that doesn’t answer the question
I love the varied and variety of presentation’s and listening to class no matter who gives is important, the individual person giving class has a different relationship with us, but each has if we or should I say “I” listen intently the ability to inspire, challenge, answer our doubts and send us into a frenzied spiritual high.
My guru maharaja classes are very precious, we have a unique relationship of guru disciple, yes I want to hear from him.
But I’ve been inspired by other maharaja’s and I wouldn’t want to have to choose listening to one over the other, each has a unique flavour each one I’ve learnt from and several have inspired and helped me.
The mistake would be to see one as more important than the other, that listening to one has a more uplifting flavour (my guru is better than your guru); I love my guru based on his ability to deal with me outside of his class on a personal level, he takes non of my nonsense sees through it cuts to the chase and even if it means crushing my false ego speaks what I need to not what i want to hear.
Each is a representative of Sri Krishna, their unique souls who have taken up the mission in helping Srila Prabhupada in spreading krishna consciousness throughout the whole world. Why would I not want to listen and leave with a glow that is natural? That of a spiritual high?
Ow yes I was inattentive sleeping at the back of the temple should I not be surprised I gained nothing, No!
I’ve left many maharaja’s classes with the same feeling of jubilation and ecstasy ready to continue battling against my mind and forging ahead in devotional service; and this is the feeling other devotees instil in me when they give class.
And this is for me they way it should be.
My relationship with my guru maharaja is personal his dealings with me personal (and thus his classes leave me enthusiastic)
My relationship with class (Srimad Bhagavatam, Gita, or other) is another unique relationship and thus also leaves me enthusiastic.
Both the same both equal keeping me on track and focused on what’s most important spiritual progression.
So does that answer the question?
In my mind it does, if I’m attentive any and all classes leave me with the same great feeling one of pure ecstasy which has increased my love for Sri Krishna and those amazingly awesome devotee’s.