Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj adopted varied and unique means to engage one and all in sankirtan, according to the different interests of the people. By reciting God's name everywhere and at all places, your every action becomes a devotional practice, and your every desire will be a form of worship. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj adopted varied and unique means to engage one and all in sankirtan, according to the different interests of the people. Different types of devotional practices are ordained in our scriptures. The Bhagavatam mentions many types ranging from one to twenty-five, and even more. But in Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's opinion, there are countless types of bhakti. He accepted for common people that bhakti as explained by Veda Vyasa.
Even though he also adopted different modes of amusement, sankirtan always remained the foundation of all. It may be a picnic, sher-o-shyari, or a cultural programme, but the keynote was that Govinda Radhe is the essence of life that should not be forgotten even for a moment. Wherever he went every place would become resonant with radhe radhe whether it was a garden or a picnic spot. Recitation of radhe radhe received fanfare wherever he took his followers, whether on a boat at the bank of River Ganga or on the sea along the coastline; in the countryside, in a city, desert or verdant field, in a temple, church, or mosque, etc. The atmosphere became charged with resonant radhe radhe sankirtan. Onlookers and wayfarers alike became so overwhelmed listening to it that they too became a part of the sankirtan group.
For amusement Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj made others play various games or sports, such as volleyball, musical chairs, badminton, football, and even tug of war, but always with radhe radhe sankirtan. He displayed such childlike playfulness during these times, jeering participants while making faces at the children and mimicking them. He laughed with them, shook their hands warmly, and made them mirthful by reciting radhe radhe. It was always a joy for him to make the young ones play cricket and to tell them the history of the game. He would serve them delicious food during a picnic, make them dance to the recitation of radhe govinda sankirtan, knock them over mischievously in his wheelchair, and also embrace them affectionately. In this way, each and every action was infused with melodious radhe radhe sankirtan.
He always made a point of talking with the elderly and to any patients with a smiling face, preaching the importance of radhe radhe recitation and sankirtan, while reminding them of this momentary life. In fact, he would often ask them to recite or listen to sankirtan, saying that this is the only true remedy for all diseases, and the most helpful to subside their suffering. In conclusion, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's innovative approach to spiritual practice, particularly through the profound art of sankirtan, bridged generational gaps and engaged people from all walks of life. He recognized the countless forms of devotion and believed that reciting God's name should permeate every aspect of life. Sankirtan remained the core of all his activities, from picnics to cultural events, infusing them with the timeless essence of "radhe radhe."
His playfulness and childlike joy during various games and interactions endeared him to people of all ages. He not only entertained and educated the young but also offered solace and guidance to the elderly, emphasizing the healing power of sankirtan as the ultimate remedy for life's challenges.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's life was a harmonious blend of devotion, playfulness, and compassion, all centered around the melodious and resonant sankirtan of "radhe radhe," creating an atmosphere of joy, love, and spiritual awakening wherever he went. To know more visit our website.
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