Holy Name

In this world people have developed their own imaginary principles and beliefs. They act according to their own beliefs and even understand it as their realization.  This is due to lack of proper understanding of Siddhant (established principle). Bona-fide Scriptures state that, the highest goal of human life is to attain the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.  If we have to further understand the highest goal, then the scriptures clearly say that it is by developing taste for Hari Naam ( Lord`s Name). Therefore , the chanting of Holy name has been strongly emphasized.

 If we act according to our own speculations and understand it as our realization then it is sheer foolishness. 

A devotee who has developed taste for holy name, becomes tolerant like a tree not expecting any name or fame, while at the same time giving respect to others. Western philosophies such as ” give respect and take respect” is not applicable to devotees who are aspiring to relish the nectar of holy name.

 Mankind has created pollution and has been cruel towards nature for his own benefit ,but it still remains kind and tolerant. We have cut trees and destroyed forest cover, but trees still give us fresh air in return. This kind of tolerance comes in life of a person who has developed taste of holy name. With no desire to be recognized, they incessantly work for the mission of Lord and the Spiritual master. That mission of Lord Chaitnya Mahaprabhu is to bestow transcendental love on everyone. 

I remember one incident of the time when I had joined the chandigarh math as a new Brahmchari (celibate) . There was a devotee, around 60 years old who used to take care of Prasadam ( food offered to the Lord ) service at the Math ( Devotional Centre ). That day was Dwadashi (a day after ekadashi)  when a great feast  was cooked to be served to all devotees. As I sat down to eat, this particular devotee became offended due to some reason and started screaming. I too lost control and yelled back . In frustration, I left the place and went back to my room. Later, after passage of  some time he called me alone to his room. I was scared, fearing that I will be chastised and punished for my outburst. But to my surprise he closed the door, fell on my feet, seeking forgiveness. I was just an insignificant  person in the Math and there was no need for him to even apologize. That day I learned a great lesson in humility.

Sometimes by nature or by the physical condition a devotee may react in a different way but as long as he is devoted in his path of spiritual practice he shall be protected.

 Rupa Goswami explains in Updesh Amritam that devotees who are engaged in chanting of holy name, who have realized taste of holy name are humbler than a blade grass. They do not have beliefs that I am senior or an advanced devotee.

 Scriptures say *” Vidya Dadati Vinyam “*– One who possesses spiritual knowledge, naturally becomes humble and considers himself insignificant before the object of attainment.  If one is not humble amongst Vaishnava’s , and  imagines to have attained the ultimate goal then it is just ignorance.  To grow in spiritual life and develop humility, the Acharya’s (Spiritual Teachers) have recommended  to chant holy name. Srila Naama-Acharya Haridas Thakur used to chant 3 lakh Harinaam ( Holy Name ) every day. Srila Prabhupad Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur performed Shatkoti Naam Yagya ( chanting of 100  crore holy name ) . Such is the power of Hari Naam that a Sadhka ( practicing devotee ) by taking shelter of holy name gets elevated from his fallen consciousness.

Once Srila Advaitya Acharya was performing Shrad ( ceremonial offering to ancestors ) for his father. He invited many people which included many high class Brahmins of that time. As a part of Sharad ceremony one person is honoured and given the highest seat. Many brahmins were thinking that they may be offered the seat. But to everyone’s surprise Srila Advaitya Acharya offered the highest seat to Srila Haridas Thakur. Why ?.  Even though Srila Haridas Thakura appeared in this world in a Muslim family, he was a pure devotee of the Lord. What is the use of vast knowledge of scriptures, if the essential realization of all bona-fide scriptures i.e. to take shelter in the holy name is absent. A pure devotee gives respect to everyone but adores and follows only the one who is devoted to the holy name. A pure devotee has humility, tolerance and is completely surrendered  to the holy name. He also chants the Holy name with a feeling of separation. So as long as one does not feel separation, there is no deep attachment to the Holy name.

If one does not have such qualities and assumes the right to taste or discuss about different mellows then it is just due to ignorance.

There is famous saying in India *” माला  तो कर में फिरै, जीभ फिरै मुख माँहि।। मनुवाँ तो दहुँ दिसि फिरै, यह तो सुमिरन नाहिं।।”*  . It means “The beads is being rotated by hand and the tongue is twisting in the mouth, with the mind wandering everywhere it is not considered to be chanting of Holy name “. We should be honest and ask ourselves, how many times we hear Lord`s name while chanting. If we ask the Mind, it will reply that I have hardly heard anything. Even if Lord name is chanted unconsciously it will definitely give some benefit to the person. But, if Japa is done like a mechanical process it will not bestow us the true benefit i.e. devotional service of the Lord. 

A devotee who chants Lord`s name sincerely, will gradually become free from the disease of this material world.