As I embarked on a sudden yet serendipitous trip to Kurukshetra with ISKCON devotees, I was unaware of the spiritual odyssey that awaited me.
However, when something unexpected arises, it can feel more authentic and significant because it wasn’t part of our initial plans or calendars from months ago. This trip was one of those brief yet impactful experiences. Shveta Narula, my companion for spiritual adventures, and I, along with fellow Krishna devotees from the ISKCON temple in Badshahpur, Gurugram, were on this spiritual pursuit together.
Kurukshetra, the ancient city, steeped in historical and spiritual significance, provided me with a life-changing experience, drawing me deeper into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the art of chanting. Before embarking on the journey, I had no expectations; it’s best to go with the flow. Most of the time, it works out better when one does not carry the burden of expectations.
Devotion knows no age limit!
What struck me most about this trip was the company of devotees who accompanied me. They came from diverse, well-educated backgrounds, including professionals, homemakers, and young couples with their children, all of whom were dedicated to Seva and deeply committed to the practice of Krishna consciousness. Their discipline, dedication, and love for the divine were truly inspiring. Even the young devotees, including children and teenagers, exhibited remarkable devotion and authenticity. With confidence, they would recite the shlokas and sit for chanting, undeterred, which was a genuine inspiration.
The bus journey to Kurukshetra was itself enriching. It provided an electrifying experience, keeping all devotees engrossed in chanting and Sang Kirtan, the two fundamental pillars of Krishna Consciousness. Vidhyanidhi Gauranga Prabhuji, through his discourse, was gradually nurturing our minds towards faith and virtuous living, preparing us for the three-day, two-night stay at Gita Ashram in Kurukshetra.
We were approximately 80 people on this journey of faith and belief in a higher cosmic presence and nonduality. The meticulously planned trip had the right amount of ingredients to boost our knowledge about the subject, experience the pulsating energy of the Sangha, and enjoy delicious Prasadam (meals).
The surprise blessing
The icing on the cake and surprise was the gracious presence of HG Rambhadra, the president of ISKCON Gurugram, who served as the guiding light for the devotees through his discourses. The energy surrounding highly vibrating individuals elevates those around them to a higher frequency. HG is also a life and wellness coach, a beacon of light and guidance to thousands of young people in his circle of mentorship.
The philosophy classes conducted by senior monks added depth to our understanding of the scriptures. The trip was meticulously planned, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere and learn from one another’s experiences. A spectacular theatrical presentation by the senior devotees, showcasing how the soul becomes entangled in worldly life, with the mind playing its tricks, touched the lives of the onlookers.
As I reflect on this journey, I realise that the life of a devotee is one of complete trust and surrender. The bond among the devotees is palpable, and their experiences and compassion are a testament to the transformative power of faith and devotion.
This trip to Kurukshetra served as a poignant reminder that spirituality can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. As I returned, I felt enriched by the experience and inspired by the devotion of the ISKCON community.
Battlefield of Life
Kurukshetra, also known as Dharmakshetra, allegorically represents political conflicts and the moral struggles within leadership, referencing the epic battle in the Mahabharata.
To me, the story of the Mahabharata remains alive and pulsating in our human journey. Kurukshetra symbolises the struggle between opposing forces, both literally in the war and metaphorically as a representation of internal moral conflict. The war and the choices we face constitute a constant internal struggle, a battle between the demon of materialism and the pursuit of righteous living. In short, this belief highlights the significance of Dharma (righteousness) and Karma (action) in the context of conflict.
Each one of us is battling our inner Kurukshetra, conflicted beliefs, and internal struggles, caught in the Chakravyuh of Maya or materialism, from which our soul yearns to break free.