BBC Meditation 5
by Krsna Dharma Dasa
The author has been a regular British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) contributor since 1998. BBC Radio 2, where these meditations are aired, attracts from one million to eight million listeners, depending on the time of day. Thoughts from different contributors on topics assigned by the BBC are aired three or four times a day. This is the fifth in a series of eight meditations.
My Favorite Gift
When my children were small, they pooled their resources one year to purchase for my birthday a fine-looking tiepin in the shape of a golf bag and clubs. I’ve never played golf in my life, and as far as ties go, since my schooldays when they were obligatory I have made a point of avoiding them. Anyway, although the tiepin was of little use to me, I was thrilled to receive it, as it was given with love. I still have it safely stored in my very small jewelry box, where it takes pride of place.
Even an insignificant gift given with love is surely greater than anything given without love. In the Krsna faith, which I follow, Krsna is God, and He tells us that the only gift He wants is our love.
There is a story about how, when He appeared five thousand years ago, He went on a diplomatic visit to see a great king. This particular monarch had no affection for Krsna or His followers, but nevertheless, in an attempt to win Krsna’s favour, he offered Him the hospitality of a vast and beautiful palace filled with all kinds of luxuries. Knowing of the king’s antipathy toward him, Krsna refused the offer and went instead to the small cottage of one His devotees.
When He arrived, He was received by the lady of the house, who offered him a little fruit as refreshment. Overwhelmed with affection to see her beloved Lord, she carefully peeled Him a banana; but, unable to take her eyes away from Krsna’s face, she absentmindedly threw the banana in the bin and gave Him the peel. Krsna in turn was looking affectionately at her, and He simply accepted the peel and began to eat it without any sign of distaste.
As with me and my never-used tiepin, Krsna accepted the love rather than the thing being offered. Love then is surely the greatest gift we can give or receive. And as the song goes, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.