Tapas or penance is simply indulging the mind by listening to Vasudeva's lilas; meditating on what we hear; repeating and singing His Names and sports; worshiping Him; fondly remembering Sri Vasudeva at all times

Nama Article 3rd March 2013

 

Source: Conversations with Sri Swamiji - 30

 

One day, during the month of April 2011, Sri Swamiji was doing parayana of 5th canto of Srimad Bhagavatham in Bhagavatha Bhavanam at Madhurapuri Ashram.

 

While His Holiness was doing parayana of 8th chapter describing the nectarine story of Jadabharatha, He paused at the 29th verse and read it again. He was very clearly enjoying it and softly shaking his head with his eyes closed.

 

A devotee was fortunate to be close by. Sri Swamiji signed him to come close and said:

"See how beautifully Srimad Bhagavatham describes 'tapas'.

 

Bhagavathi vasudeve tad anushravana manana sankirtana aaraadhana anusmarana abhiyogena ashoonyta sakala yaamena kaalena samaaveshitam...

 

(भगवति वासुदेवे तद्-अनुश्रवण-मनन-सङ्कीर्तनाराधनानुस्मरणाभियोगेनाशून्य-सकल-यामेन कालेन समावेशितं )

 

"Tapas or penance is simply indulging the mind by listening to Vasudeva's lilas; meditating on what we hear; repeating and singing His Names and sports; worshiping Him; fondly remembering Sri Vasudeva at all times."

 

A sweet direct and practical definition of tapas indeed!

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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