In search of fertile ground.

I have read that in the spiritual abode of Krishna, the cows move slowly due to the weight of their milk-laden udders. But when Krishna calls them each by name, with overwhelming affection, they come running towards Him with milk overflowing and spilling on the ground. My understanding is that spiritual life means living a lifestyle that revives this natural affection of the living beings to please the Lord.Here in Gainesville, one of the responsibilities I've taken on as a resident of Krishna House is beautifying the grounds. With four houses in the Krishna House complex, there is a lot of space and gardens to engage in Krishna's service.

First thing first, build the soil by adding manure from some local cows at Adi Karta and Mother Rucira's farm in Alachua.Armed with shovels, my godbrothers Saranga, Jai Hari, and I took to the field with great enthusiasm and determination for the early afternoon cow dung hunt.The hunt was a success and we drove back to the city with contended hearts and two recycle bins full of freshies. Now it's time for cleanup.What's up with the toxic waste?
Decades of leaves needing to be raked.Gardens to be planted.
A rare combination- spiritual advancement with saw in hand.

"Who is that person who will not agree to worship the land of Mathura? How wonderful is it that simply by residing in Mathura even for one day, one can achieve a transcendental loving attitude toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead!"

-Nectar of Devotion, chapter 12

"But to the eyes imbued with proper devotional faith, the
spiritual glory of the dhama is ever visible, her portals ever wide
open to receive all weary pilgrims who have abandoned all reliance on their own
power and, with unflinching faith, placed their destiny in the hands of the Lord."
-HH Varsana Swami