Encounter with Govind: The Soul Behind the Wheel
In the bustling streets of life, where every turn feels like a race against time, sometimes the universe aligns to remind us of our true journey.
It was a crisp evening on 28th February 2017, as I navigated the city in a cab, carrying not just my physical self but also a stack of timeless wisdom—Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Little did I know that my driver, a man named Govind (a name that echoes the divine heartbeat of devotees everywhere), would become the canvas for a profound exchange.
This isn’t just a story of distributing a book; it’s a gentle nudge towards understanding the eternal driver within us all—the soul.
Picture this: the cab humming through traffic, the dashboard lights flickering like distant stars. I struck up a conversation, offering Govind a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. His response was warm but hesitant: “I already have the Hanuman Chalisa with me.”
What a beautiful start! Hanuman Ji, the epitome of devotion, whose heart forever chants the name of Lord Ram.
I smiled and replied, “That’s wonderful! But imagine complementing that devotion with direct teachings of the Lord Himself—the one whose nectar-like name flows endlessly through Hanuman Ji. The Bhagavad Gita is that guide, straight from Lord Krishna’s lips.”
Govind paused, glancing at the road ahead. “Yes, but… time is always short these days.”
Ah, the eternal excuse we all whisper to ourselves. Drawing from the wisdom of Jagad-guru Srila Prabhupada, I shared, “If there’s any true scarcity in this world, it’s not time—it’s Krishna consciousness. This precious human life gifts us every moment we need. Now is the golden chance to embrace it.”
To make it relatable, I wove in a metaphor that can be easily understood by any cab driver: “Think of your body as this very car you’re steering through the chaos of the city. You’re the driver, right? Well, similarly, the soul is the real driver of the body. It powers every breath, every decision, every mile. Without realizing that soul, which is the source of all happiness and power—the eternal spark within, we’re just wasting our own lives. The Gita unveils that knowledge, helping us navigate not just roads, but the path to true fulfillment.”
Govind’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Is this book all in Hindi? Easy to read?”
“Absolutely,” I assured him. “Fully translated into Hindi, with word-for-word meaning and explanations that stay true to the original essence—Yatharup, As it is. The sacred verses remain in Sanskrit, preserving their divine vibration.”
A thoughtful nod, and then… “Okay.” With that simple word, Govind accepted the book. In that moment, the cab felt charged with something sacred.
Thanks to Govind for opening his heart to this wisdom, stepping closer to knowing the soul that drives us all.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, whose teachings continue to light the way.
This encounter lingers with me as a reminder: In our fast-paced world, where we’re all “drivers” chasing destinations, pausing to connect with our inner self isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.
The moral? Time isn’t the enemy; ignorance of our spiritual core is. By embracing teachings like the Bhagavad Gita, we reclaim the steering wheel of our destiny, turning everyday rides into journeys of enlightenment. If a cab driver named Govind can find space for it amid honks and highways, so can we.
Stay tuned for more such soul-stirring stories.
What’s your “driver” moment? Share in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation rolling toward higher consciousness.