Based on a Real Account from the Time of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura
A Ritual Without Reflection
In the sacred land of Navadvīpa, a disciple of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura once became critical of another Vaiṣṇava. Despite being initiated, chanting the Holy Name, and engaging in devotional activities, his heart grew polluted by pride and fault-finding.
He did not confess his offense. Nor did he beg forgiveness.
One day, this devotee joined a group of pilgrims on parikramā (sacred circumambulation). As they passed through the forests and dust of holy Navadvīpa, the pilgrims chanted, danced, and shared devotional joy.
But something unusual caught everyone’s eye.
The Missing Shadow
As the sun cast its golden rays on the walking devotees, all of them had shadows—except one.
The devotee who had committed the offense cast no shadow at all.
The other pilgrims were alarmed. Whispers spread through the crowd. “Why is his shadow missing?” “Is this a bad omen?”
When this mystery was brought to the attention of a senior Vaiṣṇava, he quietly remarked:
“The Supreme Lord has withdrawn His mercy. This is the result of Vaiṣṇava aparādha.”
The Lord’s Way of Teaching
The missing shadow was not a curse—it was a message.
It was the Lord’s gentle yet firm way of saying:
“I live in My devotees. If you insult them, you insult Me. I will withdraw from your heart until you learn to honor those who love Me.”
That devotee, shaken by the incident, later confessed his fault and begged forgiveness from the Vaiṣṇava he had offended. With tears in his eyes and humility in his voice, he once again found the light—and his shadow returned.
Lessons to be Learned
- The Lord Withdraws Where Offense Remains: Even external sādhanā (devotional practice) cannot hide inner impurity.
- A Missing Shadow Means a Missing Connection: The heart no longer reflects the Lord’s presence.
- Begging Forgiveness Is the Only Way Forward: Only sincere remorse and reconciliation can heal the wound of aparādha.
- Vaiṣṇava-sevā Restores the Light: Serving devotees with humility invites the Lord back into the soul.
