- by a devout disciple of Sant Shri Premananda ji Maharaj
2025.02.07 (Vrindavan Today News): The spiritual realm of Vrindavan, drenched in divine love, has long been a sanctuary for seekers on the path of transcendence. Here, every whisper of the wind carries the fragrance of devotion, and every grain of dust is steeped in sacred memories. Yet, in the name of celebration, certain practices have emerged that inadvertently distort the very essence of bhakti (devotion) and tarnish the honor of revered spiritual luminaries.
As a dedicated disciple, my allegiance lies unwaveringly with my revered Guru Maharaj. However, my conscience compels me to raise a concern that has troubled my heart for long—namely, the disruptions caused by well-intentioned yet misguided displays of grandeur during spiritual gatherings. Despite my unwavering reverence, I cannot support practices that not only disturb the sacred atmosphere but also bring unwarranted criticism upon our spiritual lineage.
The Unintended Consequences of Devotion
In the contemporary spiritual landscape, a recurring issue plagues the followers of enlightened masters: the disconnect between the spiritual stature of the Guru and the discernment of the disciples. While the Guru, through lifetimes of austerity, ascends to the realm of divine realization, the followers often lack the same depth of understanding. As a result, their actions, though stemming from faith, sometimes lead to unintended dishonor.
It is imperative that disciples reflect deeply upon their choices, ensuring that their expressions of devotion align with the sacred principles upheld by their Guru. Below are three crucial aspects that require immediate contemplation and reform:
1. The Ban on Midnight Processions with Loud Music and Fireworks
One of the most distressing practices is the use of band processions, blaring drums, and fireworks during midnight spiritual walks. Vrindavan, the abode of Radha and Krishna, pulsates with divine intimacy. The gentle nocturnal breezes that caress this sacred land are said to carry the essence of their eternal pastimes. Introducing deafening noise and air-polluting fireworks into this environment is not only an ecological concern but also a spiritual transgression.
How can a sincere devotee disturb the divine solitude of the Lord with earsplitting sounds? Would an earnest seeker willingly pollute the very air that carries the fragrance of divine love? A true disciple must contemplate whether such disruptions are an offering of love or an act of ignorance.
2. The Misuse of Flowers in Processions
The tradition of scattering flowers on the streets during religious processions is another practice that demands reconsideration. While intended as an act of reverence, it inadvertently leads to the trampling of sacred flowers underfoot, contradicting the very principle of respect.
Moreover, in a land where countless temples still struggle to procure flowers for daily worship, such extravagance appears wasteful. True devotion lies not in material offerings but in offering one’s heart as a garland of faith and surrender. Devotees should be encouraged to honor the Lord with their heartfelt prayers rather than fleeting displays of wealth.
3. The Deviation in Kirtan Traditions
One of the gravest concerns is the infiltration of film-inspired melodies into kirtan (devotional singing). Kirtan is meant to be a vehicle of transcendence, elevating the consciousness of the devotee and drawing them closer to the divine. However, the adaptation of filmi tunes in place of traditional, soul-stirring melodies has diluted the sanctity of this sacred practice.
There was an instance where a popular Bollywood tune was repurposed for a Radha nama sankirtan. Such instances betray the very spirit of devotion. Our Guru Maharaj, who renounced the world in his youth, may remain unaware of such distortions, but those leading the kirtans cannot claim ignorance. If the ancestral traditions of classical devotional music can be upheld by other lineages, why should we compromise?
A Time for Introspection
This discourse is not meant as an indictment but as a heartfelt appeal to all those who hold devotion dear. If we claim to walk the path illuminated by our Guru Maharaj, we must ensure that our actions reflect his teachings and elevate his legacy rather than bringing him unintended dishonor.
Our duty as disciples is not merely to glorify our Guru outwardly but to embody his teachings inwardly. Let us collectively restore the purity of our devotional practices, ensuring that our offerings to the Lord are not just grand but genuinely sacred.
If my words have caused pain to any sincere devotee, I humbly seek forgiveness. But if they have ignited even a spark of contemplation, I consider this effort worthwhile. Let us walk the path of devotion with greater awareness, reverence, and sincerity.
May our Guru’s legacy shine ever brighter, not through spectacle, but through the silent radiance of pure love and devotion.
(This article was originally written as facebook post by a devout disciple of Sant Shri Premananda ji Maharaj, who doesn’t wish to disclose his name here)
