This past week I had the opportunity to spend time with my Guru, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.
At one point, we accompanied him to the hospital for dialysis treatment.
Standing there watching him, I found myself reflecting deeply.
Here is someone who has suffered a major stroke and continues to live with significant physical challenges.
Most people, after facing something like that, would understandably slow down, withdraw or step away from public life altogether.
But somehow… he continues.
Not only does he continue, but he travels across the world, meets thousands of people and gives spiritual guidance.
That same weekend, he was present amongst over 4,000 people who had gathered for the Birmingham 24 Hour Kirtan Festival. email-187082699169596921-179028…
That kind of determination leaves an impression on you.
Because you realise something:
Real spiritual strength is not the absence of difficulty.
It’s having a purpose deeper than your difficulty.
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami has spent decades travelling, teaching, writing books, guiding communities and helping spread kirtan and bhakti across the world.
Even through immense health challenges, his focus has remained the same:
Service.
Being around that kind of example makes you reflect on your own life.
We can feel exhausted by small inconveniences.
Discouraged when things don’t go our way.
Delayed by discomfort.
And then you witness someone whose body has every reason to stop…
Yet whose spirit refuses to.
For me, it’s a reminder of how powerful the human spirit can become when it’s connected to something higher than itself.
And perhaps that’s one of the greatest gifts a genuine spiritual teacher can give.
Not just instruction.
Example.
An example that quietly asks:
“What am I living for?”
Because when our purpose becomes clear, even difficulty can begin to look different.
Jagannātha Dās
A Question to Carry With You
Perhaps this week, rather than asking only “What do I want to achieve?”, we could ask something deeper:
What am I living for?
And when difficulty comes—as it inevitably does—does my purpose give me something strong enough to keep moving?
Come and Experience It
Every Friday, we come together at OMNOM Birmingham for kirtan, mantra, music and community.
I also share kirtan at retreats, festivals and gatherings throughout the year. Whether you’ve experienced kirtan many times or you’re completely new, you’re warmly welcome.
Continue the Journey
Insight is my weekly reflection on mantra, life and the inner journey.
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