A Reality Check

Few days ago, I learnt that a friend of mine was fighting cancer. I was taken aback and prayed for his recovery. A few days later, he passed away. May his soul rest in peace. 

This hit me hard, a reality check if you may. How granted we take this life, don’t we? It really made me reflect. Had so many different thoughts, eventually settled on one. It’s from one of my favourite videos of Swami Ji, I absolutely loved it and remember watching it on repeat. First verse of the Bhaj Govindam series. 

                                                 bhaja govindaṁ bhaja govindaṁ

                                                 govindaṁ bhaja mūḍha-mate |

                                                 saṁprāpte sannihite kāle

                                                nahi nahi rakṣati ḍukṛñ-karaṇe || 1||

 Translation: Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, O fool! The rules of grammar will not save you at the time of your death. (Source – ISKCON)

What the verse means, we can all interpret it for ourselves. I told myself that for the things that matter most to me, I must take time out. Period. No excuses whatsoever. Spirituality matters to me so I have been taking more time out for that. I’ve stopped taking my health for granted. Everyday in my gratitude journal, I make a note to remind myself what a blessing it is to have good health and that we must pay attention to it. 

I also thought about what Kailash Kher talked about in his interview with os.me ( if you haven’t watched, it’s amazing. He is so full of life!): Most people just exist, but he was full of energy, full of life! I find constant inspiration, almost on a daily basis to live life to the fullest and that’s why the people we surround ourselves with is so important. Their energy rubs off on us and Kailash Kher’s energy is still rubbing off on me!

Here is part 1 of the Bhaj Govindam video series by Swami Ji: