Logic had made my heart as hard as iron. I had no devotion. Thou hast melted me. Salutations unto thee, O powerful Lord!

Nama Article 5th March 2010

 

Swami Papa Ramdas

 

Japa and Smaran must go together. Japa makes the mind steady and prepares it for Dhyana. Through Dhyana we reach the state of Samadhi where we realise our identity with God. In Samadhi, the mind is perfectly still, without any Samkalpas or Vikalpas without any desires, or ideas. We realise that we are not the physical body, the senses, the mind or the intellect, but that we are the immortal, absolute Truth itself. Having gained this experience, we advance to the state of Parabhakti about which Ramdas has talked to you often.

 

Source: Lord Gauranga (Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) By Sri Swami Sivananda

 

Sarvabhauma expounded the following verse in nine different ways. Chaitanya showed his skill in Sanskrit and expounded the same verse in sixty-one different ways. Sarvabhauma was struck with wonder. The verse runs:

 

"Atmaramascha Munayo Nigranthapi Urukrame,

Kurvanty Ahaitukim Bhaktim Ithambhuta Guno Hari"

 

"Hari's qualities are so charming that the Atmarama Yogis--though they are Nigranthas (i.e., outside the influence of illusion or Shastraic injunctions)--become contemplative and are attracted by the same into adoring the Urukrama Hari with selfless love and devotion."

 

Gauranga was a great scholar and yet he was humble. He would never indulge in such talks as were calculated to wound the feelings of others. He would never feel a sense of elation if he got victory in his debates. Gauranga eventually converted Sarvabhauma to his faith and criticised his arguments one by one. Gauranga embraced Sarvabhauma. Sarvabhauma fainted in an ecstasy of divine joy. He then rose and danced. He prostrated at the feet of Gauranga and said, "Oh venerable Master! Logic had made my heart as hard as iron. I had no devotion. Thou hast melted me. Salutations unto thee, O powerful Lord!".

 

Srimad Bhagavatham 1:7:10

 

आत्मारामाश् च मुनयो निर्ग्रन्था अप्य् उरुक्रमे

कुर्वन्त्य् अहैतुकीं भक्तिम् इत्थम्-भूत-गुणो हरिः

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare