We are looking at migrating to Vraja on a permanent basis, purchasing a plot of land and building a small kutir for peaceful bhajan and seva. I am looking forward to a situation where I can commit myself to bhajan to the extent I'd wish in the uplifting atmosphere of the dhama. The prices of land are going up at an alarming rate, and good spots near Radha-kunda are gradually becoming a rare commodity.

Hemangshu Pal, a wealthy land-owner and a disciple of Babaji Maharaja, has a good chunk of land near the water tank for sale. Those of you who are familiar with Gaura Dham Colony will have an idea of what we're looking at, albeit in a smaller size. An area with good, thick boundaries (and eventually a gateman I assume) around it, a colony populated by Gaudiya Vaisnavas only. The soil is good, and the water is sweet.



The price of the land was 1200 Rs. per square yard at the time of our reserving a plot, 33 x 60 feet worth of land. We have put in a downpayment of 100.000 Rs. out of the total 264.000 Rs. ($6000 USD), maxing out our credit in the process. God (and the land-owner very much) willing, we will be completing the payment soon, although funding still remains a bit of a mystery factor. The land can be registered in our name after six months of continuous residence in India, scheduling the time of registration to around Gaura-purnima time.

The building itself, for which there's a rough estimated budget of three lakhs – $7000 USD – (figure revised down on Dec 1st – more later on that) will be built whenever the money comes together – which I hope is sooner than later. If only I had spent even half of the hours I spent on all our devotional projects for work that is paid for in cash, we would have all we need together by now... Over the last four years, literally thousands of hours have gone into all these projects of ours, and work for living has featured in the capacity of paying off day-to-day bills and nothing more.



Alas, it's so easy to tell others to "not worry as the Lord shall provide", but few are the fortunate souls who qualify for the criteria of ananyaz cintayanto mAm ... nityAbhiyuktAnAm, "who exclusively contemplate on me" and "are perpetually so engaged". From here to there is a long way, so we have gathered. In the meantime, practically managing one's life as if one were there seems to lead to a good deal of debt...

Anyhow, we are confident the pieces will fall together in due course of time. In the meantime, we are in Vraja and things are well enough. Prayasa, excessive endeavors, are also an obstacle. Even when undertaken for goals we perceive as favorable for bhajana, should they compromise one's daily worship in a substantial way – whether externally or internally.

For reference, you may also read our original posts on this topic at the Vilasa Kunja forum: Click here.