Hare Krishna, Please accept my humble obeisances at the lotus feet of all the Vaishnavas. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Over the last few days, between 18 and 30 October, my family were honoured to host at our home an old friend of mine and a very sincere and elevated devotee of Lord Krishna. His Grace Rathim Krishna Prabhu spent almost a week with me and I had a few wonderful realizations during this time. We spent the most part of 3 days and way into the nights, in the studio recording the Damodarastakam prayers and setting it to music. The outcome was very pleasing and is available here: https://youtube/watch?v=ksZYIc70eSI We also had some japa sessions together. We discussed the fact that my chanting takes me over 8 minutes a round, and is not always consistent with time. We chanted together and timed my japa, and Prabhu explained that since my rounds are often taking too long, it is a sign of being spaced out. During spaced out moments, it is possible that I do not move the beads for the next mantra Etc. Since this suggestion refers to unconscious behaviour, I must try harder to be attentive to these details. Prabhu explained that to improve in hearing, there are other details which also help. Timing ones japa helps concentrate the mind on focusing, even if initially not on the mantra very consistently, then at least to keep the mind present on the chanting by forcing the practitioner to remain present in order to finish the round on time. He explained that to get the chanting right, first do whatever it takes to keep the mind present, and to train the mind to remain present more and more consistently through the chanting of a round. Concentrate on smaller units,geting one mantra at a time right rather than getting a round complete while hearing the mantra here and there inconsistently during the round. In the early stages of japa, we need variety to keep the mind present. Keeping track of time helps to keep the mind present. Actively thinking of moving the beads forward after each mantra also contributes to this concentrated effort, and listening to the mantra will gradually improve if we apply these techniques: As the time taken to chant each round becomes more consistent, so too will the mind focus better, and in this way the active hearing process is more easily achieved. Rathim Prabhu also said that Prabhupada mentioned that it took 30 years for him to perfect his chanting, and that is coming from a self-realized soul, a pure devotee. Again the importance of chanting good concentrated rounds is reinforced in my heart, thanks to the association of an exalted devotee who can give real Bhakti to this fool. While working on the studio production for his Damodarastakam track, I also realized that if I can please a devotee in some way, then that devotee can offer me the mercy I need to advance nicely in my Krishna Consciousness. It is a shortcut to success, whether I am qualified or not, or whether I have little or even no devotion in my steel-framed heart. The mercy of a devotee can easily pick me up from the most degraded position and place me at the feet of Guru-Gauranga. I also had many nice discussions with Rathim Prabhu through which I received wonderful realizations and some crucial points came up worth sharing with everyone: 1. Do what is practical in my capacity for the society. Do not try to fix problems that I am not equipped or empowered to fix. When I have exhausted my attempt and capacity, I should know that it is time to leave the matter with Lord Krishna and not become emotionally involved with it. 2. First try to improve my own sadhana and be hard on myself rather than on others. 3. Being curious about phenomena not directly involved in remembrance of Krishna in a favorable way, is only mental sense gratification and a waste of time. Do not indulge in trying to satisfy the curious mind. 4. When Kulasekhara Prabhu also visited, during his discussion with Rathim Krishna Prabhu, I was priveleged to be present among those two exalted persons and to listen into their conversations. I learnt from that discussion that There is a Guru in Iskcon, Radha Govinda Swami, who has learnt the entire Bhagavad-Gita, and all 18000 verses of Srimad Bhagavatam! He also has by hearted many of Srila Prabhupadas purports! We know there is book Bhagavatam and person Bhagavatam, but this really tips the scale! 5. I also observed Kalindis unflinching service attitude during Rathim Prabhus visit. Considering him to be an exalted vaishnava, she remained always attentive that he was well catered for. Kalindi is my wife, and Rathim my old friend, even before joining Krishna Consciousness. I might easily take them both for granted, on the basis of my material relationships with them. This is true also regarding Kulasekhara Prabhu who often visits in friendship. Perhaps in some small way I can try to reflect on how Arjuna felt when on seeing the Lords universal form he declared: [Thinking of You as my friend, I have rashly addressed You O Krishna, O Yädava, O my friend, not knowing Your glories. Please forgive whatever I may have done in madness or in love. I have dishonored You many times, jesting as we relaxed, lay on the same bed, or sat or ate together, sometimes alone and sometimes in front of many friends. O infallible one, please excuse me for all those offenses.] (BG11.41-42) Your servant Yamuna Jivana dasa
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 13:58:28 +0000
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