By your japa and meditation [repetition of the Lord’s name], those who are close to you will also benefit through the helpful influence of your presence

Nama Article 16th April 2013

 

Source: Words of Sri Anandamayi Ma

 

Jagat (world) means ceaseless movement, and obviously there can be no rest in movement. How could there be peace in perpetual coming and going? Peace reigns where no coming exists and no going, no melting and no burning. Reverse your course, advance towards Him - then there will be hope of peace.

 

By your japa and meditation [repetition of the Lord's name], those who are close to you will also benefit through the helpful influence of your presence. In order to develop a taste for meditation you have to make a deliberate and sustained effort, just as children have to be made to sit and study, be it by persuasion or coercion. By taking medicine or having injections a patient may get well; even if you do not feel inclined to meditate, conquer your reluctance and make an attempt. The habit of countless lives is pulling you in the opposite direction and making it difficult for you - persevere in spite of it! By your tenacity you will gain strength and be moulded; that is to say, you will develop the capability to do sadhana. Make up your mind that however arduous the task, it will have to be accomplished. Recognition and fame last for a short time only, they do not accompany you when you leave this world. If your thought does not naturally turn towards the Eternal, fix it there by an effort of will.

 

Some severe blow of fate will drive you towards God. This will be but an expression of His Mercy; however painful, it is by such blows that one learns one's lesson.

 

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

 

When one is afflicted with sorrow, if he persists in prayers and not question the Lord as to why He is putting him into grief, when the difficult times pass, the Lord is pleased and rewards him with a special gift of His grace.

 

You should not only accept from the bottom of your heart the situation that the Lord keeps you in but also be grateful to Him for that because it is verily the Lord's blessing!

 

When there is true love, even adversities appear to be blessings

 

To forget God's Name is adversity; ever to think of His Name is prosperity.

 

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

 

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