Krishna can be realized only by pure love. That love, can sprout only by his grace. His grace descends when we chant the Mahamantra. Mechanical chanting is the only starting point we can attempt. It matures to love by grace.

Nama Article 29th May 2009

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

 

We usually remember God when we go through tough times in our lives. Isn't this like 'latching' on to God to escape the reality of the situation? Were God and His forms created (or invented) to help people in distressed situations? Is there really a Krishna or a Vishnu? If so, how are they different from the ultimate truth?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

God is 'what is'. We can't 'latch' on to God to escape 'what is'! God and his forms were certainly not created for convenience! Whatever is real is Krishna! Are you for real?

 

The real 'reality' in you is Krishna. Like light is both a particle and a wave and exhibits its property depending on the context! Krishna is with a beautiful form and beyond form in the same token. This is not what intellect is trained to see. So it refuses to accept.

 

Krishna is indeed beyond our little intellect. Krishna can be realized only by pure love. That love, can sprout only by his grace. His grace descends when we chant the Mahamantra. Mechanical chanting is the only starting point we can attempt. It matures to love by grace.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

If the devotees in distress mutter the Name, their worst calamities of the gravest type disappear and they become happy.

Nama Article 28th May 2009

 

Sant Tulasidas

 

If the devotees in distress mutter the Name, their worst calamities of the gravest type disappear and they become happy.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Chanting the Divine Name can by ‘Itself’, sans any other sãdhana, bestow God’s darshan to a person anywhere.

Nama Article 27th May 2009

 

Swami Papa Ramdas

 

'Nãma' (Divine Name) can by 'Itself', sans any other sãdhana, bestow God's darshan to a person anywhere. This writer can vouchsafe that the Divine Name itself is enough for one to mingle in the ocean of limitless Love and Joy. No other sãdhana is as easy to follow by all, as God's Divine Name and at the same time attain God. How true are the words of a Mahan that the one on whose tongue God's Divine Name resides is verily the one who has been freed from bondage –a Jivan Mukta!

 

Therefore, my dear friends! Be you of any caste, creed, faith or colour – chant the 'Nãma' of God and experience that sweet relationship. Your soul, drowned in the nectar of 'Nãma' would not only be purified but is also certain that it would shine with the omniscient and omnipresent God's Divine Light and Love. The practice of chanting the Divine Name constantly makes the unruly mind a slave to God's Divine Will and strength.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Chanting the Mahamantra will make your mind quiet and will bring ‘manolaya’ or calmness of your mind.

Nama Article 26th May 2009

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

 

I am not able to concentrate my mind when I sit for meditation or pooja. Some unnecessary thoughts come to my mind and disturb me. How do I get rid of them?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

For a few days, chant the Mahamantra loudly in the mornings and evenings. That will make your mind quiet and bring 'manolaya' or calmness of your mind.

 

That will help you get the required concentration to do mediation.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

There is no other best satsang than the Divine Name of the Lord. That is the greatest shelter one can get.

Nama Article 21st May 2009

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

 

Though I am praying to God always and participate in Nama Sankirtanam, Bhajan, Sahasranamam, Tiruppugazh etc., after attending few days in between, again the laziness creeps in.  When I am not attending the Bhajan etc., my mind also becomes sad and I get troubled with confusion. How do I overcome this laziness and have a regular satsang to be happy always? 

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

There is no other best satsang than the Divine Name of the Lord.

 

That will be equivalent to all the bhajans and satsangs you attend traveling far and wide.  Stay in your home and chant the Mahamantra always.  That is the greatest shelter one can get. 

 

When you chant the Mahamantra continuously, your laziness will also go away.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

There is no distinction between the Divine Name and the Divinity Himself; for the Name is the invaluable wish fulfilling gem that has come down to this earth as an incarnation of the blissful consciousness of the Divinity.

Nama Article 18th May 2009

 

Padma Purana

 

There is no distinction between the Divine Name and the Divinity Himself; for the Name is the invaluable wish fulfilling gem that has come down to this earth as an incarnation of the blissful consciousness of the Divinity.

 

nAmacintAmaNiH kruSNazvaitanyarasavigrahaH |

pUrNazuddho nityamuktosbhinnatvAnnAmanAminoH ||

 

नामचिन्तामणिः क्रुष्णश्वैतन्यरसविग्रहः ।

पूर्णशुद्धो नित्यमुक्तोस्भिन्नत्वान्नामनामिनोः ॥

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

One should always chant His name. Even while one is performing one's duties, the mind should be left with God.

Nama Article 14th May 2009

 

Source: The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

 

God is realized by following the path of truth. One should always chant His name. Even while one is performing one's duties, the mind should be left with God.

 

Suppose I have a sore on my back. I perform my duties, but the mind is drawn to the sore.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Chant the Divine Name always. If you do this, your life's object will be gained, your mind will attain peace and you will be immensely benefited.

Nama Article 13th May 2009

 

Source: Shiridi Sai Satcharita

 

Chant the Divine Name always. If you do this, your life's object will be gained, your mind will attain peace and you will be immensely benefited.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

I can worship God, but how can I love LORD KRISHNA? You can love Him if you understand that Sri Krishna is pure love and love alone.In order to realize that you have to continuously chant the Maha Mantra.

Nama Article 12th May 2009

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

 

I can love my friends, my parents and whoever I meet and admire. I can worship God, but how can I love LORD KRISHNA?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

You can love Him if you understand that Sri Krishna is pure love and love alone.

 

In order to realize that you have to continuously chant the Maha Mantra.

 

Listen to the stories of Sri Krishna. That is the best way to develop love for Him.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Nama Sapthaham - Why is it 7 days and not 6 or 5 or 8 days? What is the validation for this? - Narada advises the rule of that Mantra Shastra - “Chant for 7 days.”

Nama Article 10th May 2009

 

With the Divine blessings of Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji - Akanda Mahamantra Kirtan will be done from 6 AM to 6 PM; at Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai, India for 7 days from May 11^th to May 17^th 2009. Srimad Bhagavatham Upanyasam from 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM by Sri Venkatesa Sarma.

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Why is it 7 days and not 6 or 5 or 8 days? What is the validation for this?

 

Sage Narada tells his disciple child Dhruva about the place called Madhuvanam near Vrindavan, on the banks of the Yamuna for doing tapas (to do penance and austerities).

 

पुण्यं मधुवनं यत्र सान्निध्यं नित्यदा हरेः

 

He also describes the form of the Lord and gives 'upadesa' of the very important Mantra - 'Dwãdasãkshari Mantra' that contains 12 letters.

 

Then Sage Narada advices him to repeat the Mantra for seven days ( "Sapta-rãrtam prapatan!' - "Chant for seven days!" - यं सप्तरात्रं प्रपठन् )

 

Thus, Narada advises the rule of that Mantra Shastra - "Chant for 7 days."

 

Since 7 days is a 'vidhi' (rule/regulation) for Mantras, we perform 'Nãma Saptãha Yajna' (Chanting Mahamntra for 7 days). Srimad Bhãgavatam is also performed as 'Saptãham' (reading for 7 days). There are 'sapta samudram' (7 oceans), 'sapta punya nadhi' (7 Holy rivers), 'sapta mokshapuri' (7 liberation bestowing Holy Cities). Our Religion speaks of the significance of 7.

-----------------------------

As ordained by our Master H H Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji devotees are performing this 'Nãma Saptãha Yajna' (Chanting Mahamantra for 7 days) for more than a decade now since late nineties.

 

Details of some of the previous 'Nãma Saptãha Yajna' (Chanting Mahamantra for 7 days):

• March 5, 2000 to March 11, 2000 at RR Sabha, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004.

• February 26, 2001 to March 4, 2001 at RR Sabha, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004.

• Sri Nidhi Kalyana Mantap, Nanganallur, Chennai, from 4th March to 10th March, 2004

• May 21, 2006 to May 27, 2006 – Simultanoeulsy in various 37 satsanghs at Ambasamudram; Ambur; Periyakulam; Thanjavur; Suchindram; Salem; Trichy; Kovvur; Mangalur; Tuticorin; Singaperumal Koil; Vellakovil; Madurai; Coimbatore; Gudiyatham; Peranampet; Pollachi; Kancheepuram; Pudupalayam; Alwarpet; Nanganallur; T Nagar; Foreshore Estate; Valasarawakkam; Jafferkhanpet; Ayanavaram; Virugambakkam; Chromepet; Pammal; Ambattur; Sivakasi; Bangalore; Kanyakumari; Govindapuram; Cheyyar; Sevvur; Maraimalai Nagar; Australia and California, USA.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

The mortal will even die for the sake of his wealth; In the same way, the Saints do not forsake the Lord Rama’s Name

Nama Article 9th May 2009

 

Sant Namdev

 

The mortal will even die for the sake of his wealth;

In the same way, the Saints do not forsake the Lord Rama's Name

 

Jaise apne dẖanėh praānī maranu māʼndai.

Ŧaise sanṯ janāʼn rām nām na cẖẖādaiʼn. ||

 

जैसे अपने धनहि प्रानी मरनु मांडै |

तैसे संत जनां राम नामु न छाडैं  ||

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

I am like fire: As fire does not ward off cold from those who are afar, but removes it from those who apporach, near, similarly I favour the devotees, not others.

Nama Article 8th May 2009

 

Srimad Bhagavad Gita (9:29)

 

The same am I to all beings; to Me there is none hateful or dear; but those who worship Me with devotion are in Me and I am also in them.

 

I am like fire: As fire does not ward off cold from those who are afar, but removes it from those who apporach, near, similarly I favour the devotees, not others.

 

 

समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रियः |

ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम् ||

 

samoham sarva bhUtEShu na mE dvEShyOsti na priyaH|

yE bhajantitu mAm bhaktyA mayi tE tEShu cApyahaM||

 

Sri Swamiji's song on the glory of divine name:

 

"Annai meera sendra vazhi edhuvae

Arumai guruvum seppu mozhi idhuvae

Tarunam idhai neer nazhuva vidadir

Hariin madiyil ammarnthidalamae"

 

Today is Narasimha Jayanthi. Lord Narasimha has incarnated just to make the words of His devotee Prahlada true.

 

Prahlada, blessed by his Guru Sage Narada, has always chanted the divine name of the Lord and was blessed to be seated on the lap of the Lord.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

You have to eliminate the mind by any process or Sadhana. Sound arrests the restlessness of the mind. Ram Nam is the easiest Sadhana by which you feel the presence of God with you.

Nama Article 7th May 2009

 

Swami Papa Ramdas

 

Just as you require a ladder to go upstairs, so name and form are ladders or symbols for us. We cannot think of the Impersonal. Then how to reach It? Through name and form. Sound arrests the restlessness of the mind. Repetition of Ram Nam is only a means to an end. You have to eliminate the mind by any process or Sadhana.

 

Ramdas found repetition of the Name to be the easiest. Name does away with the veil of ignorance most effectively and you become one with the Self, on the disappearance of the ego. It is called Upasana.

 

You feel God's presence near you through some Sadhana. Ram Nam is the easiest Sadhana by which you feel the presence of God with you. Attunement of the mind with the Name will take you beyond the Name, and then the presence of God will be felt everywhere around you and in you, because He is all-pervading.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

When Nama Kirtan is performed in a place, the ‘Sannidhyam’ (divine presence) of the Lord is enhanced

Nama Article 6th May 2009

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

 

Why should devotees go to temples, if they chant the Maha Mantra at home itself ?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

To keep the temple as the real temple, Nama Kirtan has to be done there too. When Nama Kirtan is performed in a place, the 'Sannidhyam' (divine presence) of the Lord is enhanced.

 

When one chants at home, only his family and himself are benefited. If this is done in a temple, all the innumerous devotees who frequent the temple also get benefited.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

The spirit of Devotion cultivated by the recitation of His Name is the best form of virtue and this alone has been declared to be the paramount duty that should be practiced in this world.

Nama Article 5th May 2009

 

Srimad Bhagavatam (6:3:22):

  

The spirit of Devotion cultivated by the recitation of His Name is the best form of virtue and this alone has been declared to be the paramount duty that should be practiced in this world.

 

एतावानेव लोकेऽस्मिन्पुंसां धर्मः परः स्मृतः ।

भक्तियोगो भगवति तन्नामग्रहणादिभिः ॥

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

The more you think about the world, the more your heart is filled with dirt and filth. The more you bring Sri Krishna into your heart, the more it is filled with bliss and peace. Chant the Mahamantra with faith and devotion.

Nama Article 4th May 2009

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Life is always a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow.

 

See everything with an optimistic outlook. Times of sorrows are the best teachers. Instead of letting your mind lean towards the negative, take them to be the best learning opportunities in your life and utilize them.

 

The more you think about the world, the more your heart is filled with dirt and filth.

 

The more you bring Sri Krishna into your heart, the more it is filled with bliss and peace.

 

Try to shower your love on Sri Krishna. Surrender unto Him in your entirety and take all the happenings as His divine will. Continue to chant the Mahamantra with faith and devotion.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

There is no knowledge or vow, meditation or acquisition which is equal to Divine Name

Nama Article 2nd May 2009

 

Adipurana

 

There is no knowledge or vow, meditation or acquisition which is equal to Name.

 

Neither renunciation nor control of mind, nor any virtue or the goal thereof can stand comparison with the Name.

 

It is the Divine Name which brings the greatest solace and enables one to attain the highest stage of spirituality.

 

The Name is supreme Devotion and the highest understanding; it is the supreme joy and the highest consciousness.

 

The Name is the origin of a Jiva and his Lord; it is the highest object of worship and our supreme preceptor.

 

न नामसदृशं ज्ञानं न नामसदृशं व्रतम्।

न नामसदृशं ध्यानं न नामसदृशं फलम्।।

 

न नामसदृशस्त्यागो न नामसदृशः शमः।

न नामसदृशं पुण्यं न नामसदृशी गतिः।।

 

नामैव परमा मुक्तिर्नामैव परमा गतिः।

नामैव परमा शान्तिर्नामैव परमा स्थितिः।।

 

नामैव परमा भक्तिर्नामैव परमा मतिः।

नामैव परमा प्रीतिर्नामैव परमा स्मृतिः।।

 

नामैव कारणं जन्तोः नामैव प्रभुरेव च ।

नामैव परमाराध्यो नामैव परमो गुरुः ।

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Just chant the Mahamantra. That will indeed lead you to the true philosophy.

Nama Article 1st May 2009

 

Just chant the Mahamantra. That will indeed lead you to the true philosophy.

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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