(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 April 2014, Radhadesh, Belgium, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.4.49-50)
I like in the Bhagavad-gita that when austerity is mentioned – there is the austerity of the body, austerity of speech and austerity of the mind. It is mentioned that the austerity of the mind is to be satisfied. So, since when is it an austerity to be satisfied!?
To be satisfied when everything is in place, all the auspicious things are there and then the mind still goes, “But…” out of habit.
“No, no, dear mind, this time there is no but. There is actually no but.”
“Really? Not a little but?”
“No, no buts. It is alright. It is actually nice. It is actually good. It is okay. Radhadesh is actually a nice place. Yes, it is!” the mind can say. In this place, especially in November, it is like when the sun is over and the skies get permanently grey and can be for the next three months. It is the time when it rains and the drizzle really sets in. It is the time of preparation. It is the time when one thinks, “Why am I here?” I always used to run away to Greece before Krsna consciousness. So that is November in this part of the world. It is an austere time but as a devotee, one can say, “No, this November is nice. This is the time when we read. Finally, the festivals are over. Jaya! No more festivals. Great! The end of all of it, now it’s quiet. People don’t come. Yay!”
In Vrindavan, the winter is austere but in a way, it was the only time of the year when one had some time to himself. Now even that is spoilt. Even now there is never peace. My point is that if one is positive, one can find the positive in every situation and that is something to learn.
