07/15/2025
Bhakti Yoga Maui: Simple Service, Deep Devotion
Bhakti Yoga Maui continues its humble service on the beautiful island of Maui, striving to nurture devotion in the hearts of all who join us. Inspired by the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam, our small community gathers twice a month at our home for programs of kirtan, satsang, and prasadam distribution. These gatherings are not grand or elaborate, but they are sincere offerings of love and gratitude to our dear Krishna.
In Bhagavad Gita 9.26, Lord Krishna declares, “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.” This verse reminds us that Krishna is pleased not by the size or splendor of an offering, but by the simplicity and purity of the devotee’s heart. In this spirit, our home programs center around chanting the holy names, reading and reflecting on the scriptures for twenty to thirty minutes, and sharing sanctified food with one another. Each meeting is a chance to reconnect, to remember our eternal relationship with the Lord, and to encourage one another in our spiritual journey.
Bhakti Yoga Maui is also blessed to host visiting devotees from all over the world. Our home has become a tirtha and ashram for those traveling through, offering them a place to share in kirtan, prasadam, and sweet association. We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming His Grace Mahatma Prabhu this coming December for a stay of two to three weeks. His wisdom, humility, and dedication to the path of bhakti inspire and uplift all who meet him. Srimad Bhagavatam (3.25.25) beautifully describes the power of saintly association: “In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart.” We pray that our association with Mahatma Prabhu will deepen our devotion and help us advance on the path of pure love for Krishna.
Beyond these regular gatherings and visits, Bhakti Yoga Maui serves the broader community through seva (selfless service). We are honored to prepare prasadam for tree planting events hosted by Akua Seva, a nonprofit dedicated to healing the land and restoring native ecosystems following the devastation of the wildfires. As described in the Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.13), “The ultimate occupation for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service to the transcendent Lord.” By supporting these tree planting efforts, we hope to express that loving service not only through direct worship but also through caring for the Lord’s creation and all living beings.
Preparing prasadam for these events is a joyful meditation. With each dish, we strive to infuse the offering with consciousness of Krishna, knowing that food prepared with love and offered to the Lord becomes a source of spiritual nourishment. The Bhagavad Gita (3.13) reminds us that those who eat food offered in sacrifice are released from all sins, while those who cook for personal enjoyment eat only sin. Thus, our kitchen becomes a sacred space where cooking transforms into an act of devotion. If you are on the island on Saturdays, please come visit Balabhadra dasa at the Napili Farmers Market from 8am to noon.
Our prayer is to continue these simple yet meaningful services — to chant the holy names, to honor prasadam, to welcome devotees, and to serve the land and its people. May these small efforts please Lord Krishna and bring joy to His devotees. Please bless us that we may continue and expand this service.
