Usha Dasi became blind six months ago. She is not sure why and when she started losing her eyesight, but she did not have the money to seek medical advice. She has since stopped going to the Bhajan Ashrams, effectively ending what used to be her main source of income. Now she depends upon the charity of passers-by who give approximately S$0.20 each time. So far, she barely manages, receiving just enough from people who take pity on her. She pulls together S$3.70 for rent each month. On days that she does not receive food, she would drink just a glass of water and go to bed. “I came to Vrindavan because I thought that I would lead a better life here,” she said. All this time, she has been depending on bhajan earnings and batta batti to survive. She hardly maintains any contact with her family. They hardly visit her as it is costly to do so. “What a life I am leading, even with four sons. It is my karma,” she said. To this day, she continues to pray to Lord Krishna that her children would lead happy lives wherever they are. “I pray for the Lord to take me away from this world, so that I can be at his feet.” She said. “I place all my faith in the Lord. Only Radha and Krishna would care for me. No one else would.”“I don’t mind now because I am sure it is the Lord’s wish for me to beg.” |
