Ramsden Park, Toronto
In the Jaws
The king of elephants, Gajendra, found himself in a difficult spot. After spending some leisurely time in the water with his female friends, the fun stopped when one of his legs was locked by the jaws of a menacing crocodile. Recalling his habit of prayer from his former life as a human, he suddenly took to such supplication, calling on help from Vishnu. Vishnu responded to the devotional plea of the elephant and set him free from the perilous mouth of the reptile.
The above story, outlined in Canto 8 of The Bhagavatam, I detailed to a group of devotees in Montreal and God was kind to give a second opportunity in the evening to tentative listeners in Georgetown, Guyana. This time we reflected on the story as well as the kindness of two super humans, Chaitanya and Nitananada of Bengal. Like Vishnu, they offered help to those in trouble. Their approach and their scope were very broad. During the middle ages of Europe, which was embroiled in so many socio-political issues, India had its own issues being in the jaws of Kali Yuga, the age of darkness.
The Guyanese community was celebrating its 12th anniversary since the installation of the deities of Krishna by the names (get this) Parama Karuna Nitai Gaurasunder. They are a pair of murtis shaped in the image of the two Lords.
What is their contribution? They saved many lives. People who were apparently destined to a dark existence were turned around to positive approaches. A prime example is the characters (or criminals) Jagai and Madai, who were so degraded, the two Lords, Chaitanya and Nityananda, were very merciful and gave the rascals a chance.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
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