(Kadamba Kanana Swami, March 2018, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Human Relationships Lecture)
Our goal is to use the time that we have to deepen our lives. When devotees meet, it is not that we are just looking for some spiritual inspiration. Festivals where devotees come together are for lasting advancement. It is for transforming ourselves. The idea is that when devotees meet during festivals, it is not some form of entertainment or some mere questions and answers. No, it is about some deep genuine exchange and this is an opportunity to go deeper in our commitment.
As Srila Prabhupada said, “Everyone is flying their own plane!” Prabhupada would speak about how life is like a plane and when it is on the ground (the beginning) one can put fuel and one can check the tyres and so on. This is where we have intimate relationships that nurture us and assist us in our growth. But then at some point, we are not so small anymore and we take our lives into our own hands. Here, we are flying our own plane. And then when we are mid-air, we are all alone up there. This is when we have to persevere with whatever experiences and relationships we have gained, to grow closer to Krsna.