Amidst a Sea of Acorns

The other day I was inspired to discover a tiny sapling amidst a sea of acorns. The little tree appears to be surrounded by a community of well-wishers encouraging its transformation. I reflected on all the kind souls who have supported me along my journey.

Srila Prabhupada explains: "...at the end of life, when one has to go back home, back to Godhead, everyone has to take care of oneself without help rendered by another. The help is, however, offered on the ground before flying in space." (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.50 purport)

Let's support each other while we’re on the ground, so that when that final hour arrives, each of us will be ready to fly our own plane. And since we are eternal, we will feel the continued encouragement and support of our well-wishers as we soar onward and upward.

Precious and Fleeting

While observing these droplets on the velvety surface of leaves-- some still spherical and others beginning their descent--a line from Vaisnava poet Govinda Dasa came to mind: "This life is tottering like a drop of water on a lotus petal." Life is precious and fleeting. Am I using mine as prudently as I can?

The wisest decision we could make is to spend a little time today investing in the eternal. Then the following day (or week, month or year, depending on how quickly we want to eternalize our existence) we can add one more minute. And then another, and another...to eternity and beyond! As Sacinandana Swami eloquently puts it, let us create memories of eternal value.

Lessons From a Soaring Pine

As you look at this photo, I invite you to reflect on a question: If I were one of the smaller trees growing in this area, would I feel jealous or inadequate to see this pine reach its full potential? Or would I cheer for it on its journey upward? Imagine if we all became each other's greatest fans, genuinely wishing well for every soul we encountered, solid in our knowing that we each have something unique to offer and that no benefit comes from comparing our contribution or journey with another’s. Krishna tells Arjuna that it is "better to engage in one’s own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than to accept another’s occupation and perform it perfectly.” (Bhagavad Gita 18.47)

May we choose to lift each other up and give out generous portions of appreciation. In spiritual life, the more we give, the more we receive. And there is unlimited room for all of us to blossom fully.