By Visakha Dasi | from the 12-part ‘Nurturing bhakti through loving exchanges’ series

When Sudama Vipra, Sri Krishna’s poor brahmana friend, came to visit Krishna in Dvaraka, he only had a small bundle of chipped rice to gift to Krishna. It was such a paltry offering that Sudama hesitated to give it. With great relish, Krishna snatched the bundle and said, “If My pure devotee offers Me even the most insignificant things—a little flower, a little piece of leaf, a little water—but saturates the offering in devotional love, then I gladly accept such an offering.”

As Sri Krishna seeks and cherishes the love with which a gift is offered, we can also cherish the love behind the gifts that we’re offered. The gift itself may not be significant, but if it’s offered with affection, we can be grateful and treasure it. What we’re all really seeking is to love and be loved, and the exchange of heartfelt gifts are a mark of that love.

May Challenge
This month, let’s receive whatever is offered to us with gratitude and grace.

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As included in the Bhaktivedanta Manor 2026 Calendar
Calendar available to purchase online or in the Temple Gift Shop