The Bhagavad-gita informs us, “Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be in the mode of goodness.” (Gita 17.20)

Devotees offer their time, skills and wealth to Krishna. Ultimately, each of these devotees shares a common goal: to serve and please Lord Krishna.

Colleagues, neighbours, acquaintances, distant relatives – we probably have dozens (or even hundreds) of such people in our lives, and it’s important to have nourishing relationships with them.

Building positive relationships isn’t easy, but the results are significant. Strong relationships bring us happiness and improve our physical and mental health.

To maintain healthy, nourishing relationships with others, we must first care for ourselves. Self-care begins with understanding who we are – our identity beyond the body and mind that we inhabit.

The individual soul is described in the Vedāntic expression ānandamayo ‘bhyāsāt: “composed entirely of bliss.” Spiritual play, in its deepest manifestation, is not incidental, supplemental or peripheral, but the very heartbeat of existence.

Each experience and interaction offers an opportunity for self-discovery and learning about other devotees. It’s not always easy to confront our flaws, such as bad habits, a critical mindset, or cheating.

As “perfect” robots gradually take over jobs, devaluing human skills, and artificial intelligence relieves us of the need to think, write, or memorise, all that remains in humans that can’t be taken away is the heart.

Enter a world of magic, mysticism, adventure, and fascinating stories of the saints who dedicated their lives to serve the Supreme Lord Krishna.

Not all of us may become spiritual teachers, learned scholars, or famous orators, but all of us can and should become servants of devotees. Come, visit us on Sundays, meet saintly devotees, and learn more about devotional service.

We all carry a golden cup in the heart. When full of bhakti, it keeps us healthy, enthusiastic, and inspired in our spiritual practice. If the cup is empty, we struggle in our sadhana and service.