The Forest Life

I was born in Wembley, in the humble suburbs of London. No complaints. It was a happy childhood, growing up in an urban hub, surrounded by bricks and buildings, high streets and high rises, cars and congestion, busyness and business; bustling suburbs have their own unique flavour. I had never lived in a forest, and to be honest, was never really inclined that way. Later, when I was awakened to spiritual wisdom, I discovered that forests were more intertwined with my life than I knew. The Srimad-Bhagavatam, which explores existential matters of this world and beyond, tells us that we’re all living in a forest right now – the forest of material enjoyment. As we navigate ourselves through this precarious jungle, our deepest inner aspiration is to discover another forest – the enchanting forest of the eternal world. That forest is known as Vrindavana, and to jog our memory, Divinity implants a replica into this world.

But back to the present. The fifth book of the Srimad-Bhagavatam graphically describes this material forest of ethereal enjoyment. As we desperately pursue our heart’s calling, we’re surrounded and bombarded by danger and difficulty. There are the predators of antagonistic people, sometimes those who you trust and are closest to you. Then there are the hidden traps of unforeseen circumstances, the poisonous plants of temptation, the harsh environment of struggle and injustice, the fires of argument and conflict, the thorny path of disease and discomfort. We could go on, but I think you get the idea. We get lost in this dense forest, spiralling deeper and deeper into illusion, engulfed by blinding darkness and unable to find an exit. Just see how expertly this great concrete jungle of modern civilisation has imprisoned us!

Now it’s time to break away. We journey to Vrindavana, trying to remember our eternal forest home. It’s not easy, since you need spiritual eyes to see it. The Vrindavana we visit may not look that different to the urban jungle, but behind the superficial covering lies a mystical and magical realm. The forest backdrop is ingeniously chosen as the setting for the spiritual realm. Why so? Woodlands provide a haven away from the public gaze, a place where laws, systems, structures and conventions are non-existent. In forests, everyone roams freely and simplicity causes time to expand. It’s where natural beauty in sight, smell and sound finds its deepest expression. When Krishna’s most intimate lovers met Him in a regal setting after a long separation, they couldn’t really express their desires and satiate their hearts – they pleaded and prayed to take Him back to the forest again. That’s beautiful. The forest facilitates the adventure, romance, seclusion, playfulness, and carefree joy which are the hallmarks of ‘lila’ – the divine play of God. With its versatility and variety, the forest facilitates the most profound pastimes of love.

Nowadays I’m realising that I’m not a city-slicker, but actually a forest-dweller. But will I make it back to the forest where my deepest aspirations will be fulfilled? Hope against hope.