You become that whose name you have been repeating or chanting

Nama Article 13th October 2012

 

Source: DAY BY DAY WITH BHAGAVAN

 

17-2-46 Afternoon

 

The gentleman who asked about creation said, "I never thought I was going to have the good fortune of visiting Bhagavan. But circumstances have brought me here and I find in his presence, without any effort on my part, I am having santi. Apparently, getting peace does not depend on our effort. It seems to come only as the result of grace!" Bhagavan was silent.

 

Meanwhile, another visitor remarked, "No. Our effort is also necessary, though no one can do without grace."

 

After some time, Bhagavan remarked, "Mantra japa, after a time, leads to a stage when you become Mantra maya i.e., you become that whose name you have been repeating or chanting. First you repeat the mantra by mouth; later you do it mentally. First, you do this dhyana with breaks. Later, you do it without any break. At that stage you realise you do dhyana without any effort on your part, that dhyana is your real nature. Till then, effort is necessary."

 

Please check these: Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

The common question that arises in everyone is 'What is essential to attain God – Grace or effort?'

 

In the other paths, you take some effort and then wait for God's grace. In Bhakti, you depend only on the grace of God and nothing else. That makes Bhakti an easier way to attain the end-state

 

To remain in the Holy Feet of the Guru as a 'nobody' (zero); to remain like a doll in his hand. This is the only effort that can be taken by us

 

Likewise, God takes hold of his devotee and removes all the hurdles in his/her way.

 

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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