5,000 years ago, Sri Krishna’s friend Arjuna asked Him a question.
“Oh Krishna, what are the symptoms of one whose consciousness is merged in transcendence? How does he speak, and what is his language? How does he sit, and how does he walk?” BG 2.54
On March 31st, the TKG Academy students had a chance to ask similar questions to two Vaishnavas, His Holiness Giriraj Swami and Rtadhvaja Swami, whose consciousness is completely merged in Krishna.
“What is your favorite food? Your favorite pastime? Your favorite color?”
Giriraj Maharaja’s favorite color is blue, like Krishna and Rtadhvaja Maharaj’s is yellow for Gauranga.
Students also asked other questions they had been wondering for some time. “What does Krishna like most in Vrindavan?” “How do we give up material desires and attachments?” “Why did Krishna let Kamsa kill his baby brothers and sisters?”
The Maharajas lovingly and patiently answered the questions, tailoring their answers to young children’s understanding.
One student asked, “When did you first meet Srila Prabhupada?”
Giriraj Maharaj answered, “March 31st, 1969.”
Wait! Today is March 31st! The students worked to figure out how many years it had been. It had been 45 years since Giriraj Maharaj had first met Srila Prabhupada! Wow, what an auspicious day for his visit.
Rtadhvaja Maharaja’s years of practice as a teacher showed when he only answered those whose hands were raised quietly. He ended the session with a brain teaser for the young ones to figure out.
We always look forward to their visits, and are grateful to get a chance to spend some time with them. If you didn’t already know, Giriraj Maharaj’s favorite food is rasagulla.
Jamuna had so much fun!! She came home jumping for joy “Guru Maharaja and his best friend maharaja came to see us at school today mommy!!!” <3 she went on and on about what everyone asked and the answers… 🙂