Reflections on the grace, potency, divinity of the Holy Name of the Lord. Also, on the moods, methods and mellows of the Holy Name.
Holy Name is very sweet. But, unfortunate as we are, have created a dam or wall of our own aspirations, desires and so on, and are therefore unable to hear the Holy Name. Breaking the barriers is essential for the Holy Name to enter the ears and consquently in the heart.
Today is the disappearance day of Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, and it is also celebrated as Guru Purṇimā. What did Sanātana value as the greatest thing in his life?
Srila Prabhupada gave a very beautiful definition of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. He said that while chanting, we are begging Radha and Krishna to engage us in Their service. Why can’t we only serve if we have chanted enough? Why should we chant more and more if service is the ultimate goal?
ISKCON began with faith in the Holy Name. Its progress is sustained by that same faith. And the spiritual advancement of each ISKCON member also depends on that faith. Holy Name is not limited to any caste, creed, color, ethnicity, or religion. Prabhupada proved it through his magnetic preaching, and his faith on the Holy Name.
How does maya cheat us on a day-to-day basis, in the midst of our chanting? She has tailormade distractions for us, enough to last for this lifetime, and beyond.
The mercy of the Holy Name transcends all material qualifications. It can bestow the greatest gift with a minimal effort.
Many will agree that it is during japa that the mind becomes especially restless. Attachments begin to drizzle and rain. Anarthas and petty distractions start taking over. How can we prioritize japa over distractions? Learning from the episode of Srila Haridasa Thakura, who is our Namacarya. He is the authority to follow for deepening our affection for the Holy Name.
