Radhashtami: For Us as Practising Devotees
For those of us who are practising Krishna consciousness, Radhashtami is much more than a celebration on the Vaishnava calendar. It is a day that brings us closer to the mood of devotion that we are trying to develop in our own lives.
We may sometimes feel that our spiritual journey is very ordinary. We chant our rounds, attend the temple, hear classes, perform some seva and then go back to our daily responsibilities. Sometimes we feel inspired, and sometimes we struggle even to maintain the same enthusiasm.
But Radhashtami reminds us that Krishna consciousness is not about becoming perfect overnight. It is about developing the desire to serve Krishna with a sincere heart.
When we come to the temple and see Radharani beautifully dressed, hear devotees chanting Her name, participate in kirtan and see everyone happily serving for the festival, something very special happens within us. We may not always be able to explain it, but we feel connected. We feel that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.
This is one of the beautiful things about ISKCON. Through Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, we have been given such simple ways to practise devotion. We can chant Hare Krishna. We can hear Bhagavatam. We can honour prasadam. We can serve the Vaishnavas. We can come to the temple and participate in seva.
These may look like small things, but when they are done with the desire to please Krishna, they become very meaningful.
Radhashtami also gives us a beautiful question to carry in our hearts.
Instead of always thinking, “What will Krishna give me?” can I slowly learn to think, “What can I do to please Krishna?”
Can I become a little more patient with another devotee? Can I serve without expecting appreciation? Can I chant with a little more attention? Can I accept Krishna’s arrangements in my life with a little more faith? Can I make my home, my work and my relationships more Krishna-centred?
Perhaps this is how we can actually celebrate Radhashtami.
We cannot imitate the exalted love of Srimati Radharani, but we can pray to Her to help us develop the mood of service.
On this Radhashtami, let us not simply ask for material happiness or even for our own spiritual comfort. Let us pray for something deeper.
“Srimati Radharani, please give me the desire to serve Krishna sincerely. Please help me become a better servant, a better Vaishnava and a more sincere devotee.”
If this desire becomes stronger in our hearts, then Radhashtami has truly touched our lives.
Hare Krishna.
