The sound of the name of God had entered into the very marrow of the saint's bones by his unceasing practice of chanting the Name. Such is the power of the Name.

Nama Article 29^th January 2015

STORIES AS TOLD BY SWAMI RAMDAS

A famous saint of Maharashtra once paid a visit to place called Mangalwedha, about eight miles from Pandharpur. At that time a huge fort was under construction at Mangalwedha. While the saint was passing by the side of a high wall of the fort, where hundreds of labourers were working, the wall collapsed and many including the saint were killed, crushed by the fall of the wall. The devotees of the saint missed him and started a search. After a long and arduous search, they could not find him. Some people of Mangalwedha reported that in all probability the saint must have been crushed to death beneath the fallen wall of the fort.

Accordingly, a large number of devotees joined together in the work of removing the fallen wall. When they did so, they found a number of skeletons of people who had died in the accident. The devotees of the saint wished to single out his bones so that they could raise a tomb over them. The difficulty, however, was that the bones of the people killed were mixed up and they did not know which were the bones of the saint.

Now a great devotee of Pandharpur Vithoba – the Deity of the great temple there - happened to pass that way. He understood the perplexity of the devotees and said, "I shall be able to pick out the bones of the saint." So saying, he took out the bones that were lying helter-skelter and holding them one by one to his ear, he was able to separate the saint's bones from those of others. Such of the bones as were ringing with the name of the Pandharpur deity - Vithal - he separated from others. The sound of the name of God had entered into the very marrow of the saint's bones by his unceasing practice of chanting the Name. Such is the power of the Name.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

A person, who concentrates on the Name of God alone speaks only sweet words which come out like pearls.

Nama Article 28^th January 2015

Sant Kabir

कबीर हरि के नाम में सुरति रहै करतार

ता मुख से मोती झरे हीरा अनंत अपार

A person, who concentrates on the Name of God alone speaks only sweet words which come out like pearls. Peace and contentment are the diamonds which adorns his life. Spiritual life brings virtues in one's life which fills the world with good smell.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

One should cultivate devotion in uninterrupted meditation upon Shri Radhalola, shedding tears of joy and repeatedly chanting the Divine Names of Shri Krishna.

Nama Article 25^th January 2015

Source: Vaishnava Samhita

Haridasa Charitam. Vol II Book V Chp 14 Shloka 37

राधिकावल्लभं ध्यायंस्तस्य नामानि कीर्तयन्

आनन्दवाष्पसुस्निग्धो भक्तिं कुर्यादहर्निशम्

One should cultivate devotion in uninterrupted meditation upon Shri Radhalola, shedding tears of joy and repeatedly chanting the Divine Names of Shri Krishna.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

A poor man, who continuously repeats the Name of that Lord Rama, who exists in everyone, may be possessing a dilapidated house, but even his dilapidated house is good.

Nama Article 21st January 2015

Sant Kabir

राम जपत दरिद्री भला, टूटी घर की छान ।

कंचन मन्दिर जारि दे, जहां न सतगुरु ज्ञान॥

A poor man, who continuously repeats the Name of that Lord Rama, who exists in everyone, may be possessing a dilapidated house, but even his dilapidated house is good. But a temple or palace, which is made of gold, must be set on fire, in which there is no discourse on the true knowledge imparted by a Sadguru.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

If one repeats the Divine Name even in a helpless state, sins committed by them in a series of previous existences are burnt away.

Nama Article 20^th January 2015

Sant Tulasidas

If one repeats the Divine Name even in a helpless state, sins committed by them in a series of previous existences are burnt away.

(Sri Ramcharitramanas)

बिबसहुँ जासु नाम नर कहहीं। जनम अनेक रचित अध दहहीं।।

(श्रीरामचरित. बा.का. 118.2)

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

We may have taken thousands of births, committed millons of sins and accumulated numerous vaasanaas (imprints of past thoughts/actions). No matter how collossal that figure is, it is unquestionably well within the realm of the finite 

Though the Sun's rays are spread equally all over, yet when they are passed through a lens thus directing them through a single point they have the power to burn up

One can attain Liberation if he Chants the Single Name of the Lord again and again. Chanting the Name of the Lord is like traveling in the right direction

Is it then surprising if such a mind does not remain steadfast on a single path of worship?

Chanting a single Divine Name of the Lord ('eka Năma') helps the chanter deepen his concentration and also helps in sustaining the chanting for long hours effortlessly

Anantha janmanjche(m) thapa eka nama l

A single Divine Name is so powerful that one cannot commit as many sins as it can erase even if he were to take a vow to commit only sins.

Just as an arrow travelling towards its target, the Naama does not stop its work until it shows God to us.

Fire of the Divine Name of the Lord' will burn down all impurities and lead the purified soul to Him

Some chant the Lord's Name for extricating their sins. Some do it for the sheer joy experienced in the mere chanting.

Singing of the Divine Name. It will burn up the accumulated sins of all your previous births—Jalatila pape janmantacha

Divine Name "Govinda" if remembered once, quickly destroys the sins of men, accumulated in hundreds of births, as fire burns up cotton.

'Poya pizhaiyum pugutharuvăn ninranavum theeyinil thoosăgum! Cheppelo rembăvăi'. All these three types of karmas will be burnt away in the fire ( 'theeyinil thoosăgum').

"svalpamapyasya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat¨"Even a little practice of this Dharma protects one from the greatest fear."Chanting of each Nama will definitely yield result.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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

Loving devotion to Lord Krishna grows strong in the heart of one who reads the life story of Shri Krishna Chaitanya which is capable of eradicating the vices of Kali

Nama Article 18^th January 2015

Source: Vaishnava Samhita

Shri Krishna Chaitanya Charitam. Vol II Book 4 Chp 18 Shloka 28

यः पठेत् कृष्णचैतन्यचरित्रं कल्मषापहम्

स प्राप्नोति परं प्रेम श्रीकृष्णे नास्ति संशयः

Yah Pathet Krishna Chaitanya charitram Kalmashaapaham

Sa Praapnoti Param Prema Shree Krishne Naasti Samshayah

Loving devotion to Lord Krishna grows strong in the heart of one who reads the life story of Shri Krishna Chaitanya which is capable of eradicating the vices of Kali

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

'Similarly, my friend,' the master says, 'you can sit like that forever, but you'll never be meditating or understanding truth.'

The intention of continued chanting of the Divine names is to take one to the state of total selfless, unconditional LOVE

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.

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.

He who cherishes unalloyed love for Krishna gets blessed by Him. There is no way other than that to get His blessings.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

Like a very small sparkle of fire can burn and incinerate a huge pile of things, in the same manner, a very little of Divine Name imparted by a Sadguru can be more than sufficient.

Nama Article 17^th January 2015

Sant Kabir

नाम जो रत्ती एक है, पाप जु रत्ति हजार।

आध रत्ति घट संचरै, जारि करे सब छार।॥

Like a very small sparkle of fire can burn and incinerate a huge pile of things, in the same manner, a very little of Divine Name imparted by a Sadguru can be more than sufficient. The impact of Divine Name imparted by Sadguru is greater than the impact of the consequences of the thousand times more of sinful deeds. Slightest of true knowledge in one's life can remove the greatest of defects and vices of a person.

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

We may have taken thousands of births, committed millons of sins and accumulated numerous vaasanaas (imprints of past thoughts/actions). No matter how collossal that figure is, it is unquestionably well within the realm of the finite 

Though the Sun's rays are spread equally all over, yet when they are passed through a lens thus directing them through a single point they have the power to burn up

One can attain Liberation if he Chants the Single Name of the Lord again and again. Chanting the Name of the Lord is like traveling in the right direction

Is it then surprising if such a mind does not remain steadfast on a single path of worship?

Chanting a single Divine Name of the Lord ('eka Năma') helps the chanter deepen his concentration and also helps in sustaining the chanting for long hours effortlessly

Anantha janmanjche(m) thapa eka nama l

A single Divine Name is so powerful that one cannot commit as many sins as it can erase even if he were to take a vow to commit only sins.

Just as an arrow travelling towards its target, the Naama does not stop its work until it shows God to us.

Fire of the Divine Name of the Lord' will burn down all impurities and lead the purified soul to Him

Some chant the Lord's Name for extricating their sins. Some do it for the sheer joy experienced in the mere chanting.

Singing of the Divine Name. It will burn up the accumulated sins of all your previous births—Jalatila pape janmantacha

Divine Name "Govinda" if remembered once, quickly destroys the sins of men, accumulated in hundreds of births, as fire burns up cotton.

'Poya pizhaiyum pugutharuvăn ninranavum theeyinil thoosăgum! Cheppelo rembăvăi'. All these three types of karmas will be burnt away in the fire ( 'theeyinil thoosăgum').

"svalpamapyasya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat¨"Even a little practice of this Dharma protects one from the greatest fear."Chanting of each Nama will definitely yield result.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

He who cherishes unalloyed love for Krishna gets blessed by Him. There is no way other than that to get His blessings.

Nama Article 16^th January 2015

Source: Vaishnava Samhita

Haridasa Charitam. Vol II Book V Chp 14 Shloka 32

विशुद्धे यस्य ह्रदये यर्तते प्रेम दुर्लभम्

वस्यैव भगवान् कृष्णः प्रसीदति न चान्यथा

He who cherishes unalloyed love for Krishna gets blessed by Him. There is no way other than that to get His blessings.

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

'Similarly, my friend,' the master says, 'you can sit like that forever, but you'll never be meditating or understanding truth.'

The intention of continued chanting of the Divine names is to take one to the state of total selfless, unconditional LOVE

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.

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

You must keep it constantly on your lips. Gradually, you will find the Name taking hold of you.

Nama Article 12^th January 2015

Swami Papa Ramdas

It is not enough to sing the praise of the Name. You must keep it constantly on your lips. Gradually, you will find the Name taking hold of you. Now it is not you who possess the Name, but the Name takes possession of you. Then the mind will refuse to wan-der here and there. It gets absorbed in the Name and derives great peace and joy. Contact with the Name is contact with God, because Name and God are not different. Name is God and God is Name.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

Through this path ('mărga') of Năma Sankirtanam the Sădhus will liberate all the 'jivas'.

Nama Article 10^th January 2015

HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji's discourse from Jan 10^th to Jan 18^th 2015 at Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road, Chennai at 6:30 pm. All are welcome.

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

When Bhagavăn commenced creation the first ripple ('chalanam') that was created was sound ('shabdam'). It is only this sound that is called Pranava. From Pranava has been born this wonderful Universe ('prapancha'). It is from the Pranava, which was brought forth by Bhagavăn, that the four Vedas arose. Bhagavăn first gave the Vedas and even though they contain the paths of ritual, worship and knowledge ('Karma', 'Upăsana', 'Jnăna' kăndas).

Only if you get to experience what is in the Vedas is it of any use. Otherwise it will only remain as a subject matter. Any subject for that matter, a cookery book, for instance -- Will reading the book over and over again appease hunger? The book explains the method to cook rice, 'păyasam', curry, etc. Just reading the book does not fill up one's stomach but one has to try cooking as shown in the text. So, only if we put into practice what has been written in the text is it of any use. Therefore, instead of stopping at chanting /reading ('părăyana') the Vedanta or any other Text ('Grantha'), we should try to bring the contents into experience.  Only then we can receive/reap its full benefit.

Bhagavăn contemplated, "I gave the Vedas but it has not served the purpose. Răma and Krishna Avatar have also proved futile. So, what is the alternative?

- "Kalau Khalu Bhavishyanti Nărăyana parăyanăh".

In this Kali Yuga I will send Sădhus to incarnate in innumerable places on the earth". Therefore, Bhagavăn 'Wills' to liberate the 'jivas' through these Sădhus.

Srimad Bhăgavatam says, "Tămraparani nadhi yatra Kritamălă Payasvini" - In this Kali Yuga innumerable Sădhus will incarnate on the banks of river Tămrabharani, river Vaigai (kritamăla), river Pennai (that is also known as Pinăkini) and how will these Sădhus be? --- "Nărăyanaparăyanăh" --- All of them will show the path of Năma Sankirtanam. Through this path ('mărga') of Năma Sankirtanam the Sădhus will liberate all the 'jivas'.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

While writing the Nãma Siddhanta, it has been said, “Somehow, in someway, even if only in jest, let the Lord’s Name be uttered by you!”

Nama Article 8^th January 2015

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

One may ask me, "Do those who perform Nãma Sankirtan conduct their lives properly? Do these people possess virtues? Do they perform Nãma Sankirtan as per the laid down norms ('vidhi')?"

While speaking on Nãma Sankirtan Shastras have said, "Do Nãma Sankirtan even if indifferently! Irreverently!" It does not matter if Nãma Sankirtan is performed even in a manner of jest or even if there is 'dosha' (faults) in it! Nãma Sankirtan has no rules and regulations ('vidhi') at all! So, the question, "Don't they (those who do Nãma Sankirtan) have 'dosha' (fault) in them?" does not arise at all. While writing the Nãma Siddhanta, it has been said, "Somehow, in someway, even if only in jest, let the Lord's Name be uttered by you!"

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

Only that grace of the Guru would stand by you

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

Năma Sankirtan has been common for all the Yugas. It only means that it is a ‘vishesha dharma’ (especially meant for/tailor made) for Kali Yuga.

Nama Article 7^th January 2015

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Even though it is said that Năma Sankirtan is the path meant for Kali Yuga it does not mean that it was not prevalent in other Yugas, viz. Tretha Yuga or Dwăpăra Yuga. Năma Sankirtan has been common for all the Yugas. It only means that it is a 'vishesha dharma' (especially meant for/tailor made) for Kali Yuga. Neither Prahalăda nor Ajămila belonged to Kali Yuga. But they attained the highest state ('satgati') only through Năma Sankirtan. Did not Ajămila* call out the Name of the Lord at the time of his death? Did not Gajendra call out 'Ădimoolame!' when a crocodile caught hold of its legs? Did not Prahalăda incessantly chant the Name of the Lord? Great Saints ('Maha Purushas') say that only through Năma Sankirtan can we attain the highest state ('satgati') - Liberation.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

Pipaji stroked his head in great affection, and whispered into his ears the Name of the Lord and advised the tiger to give up bloodlust or any cruel method he had been accustomed to till then.

Nama Article 6th January 2015

Source: Vision

Pipaji was the ruler of a small principality called Mangalvat in the Gangetic plain. He was a keen student of the Bhagavad Gita, a good soldier, liberal and generous and lived in prosperity by the Grace of Mother Kali. He worshipped the Deity in sincere devotion every morning, and Kali Herself would appear in person and partake of the food offered by him in loving faith, and leave some in the plate to be taken by the devotee as Her Prasad.

One day she delayed appearing. Pipaji was much upset about it. Kali however answered his entreaties and intimated to him that a band of selfless and desireless Sadhus had come into the town, and as long as they had been without food she could not think of taking any. It was a privilege to serve them as they were the Lord's own, and were worthy of all respect and love.

The King immediately took leave of the Mother, and hastened to the Sadhus and fell at their feet. He invited them all to the palace. Pleased with the hospitality and the loving manner he had given them food, the Sadhus blessed the King and directed him and the Queen to proceed to Benaras and seek the loving grace of Saint Ramanand, and he could get also the company of Mahatma Kabir.

Pipaji abdicated his throne and with his devoted wife proceeded to Banaras where the great Saint Ramanand lovingly received him and the Queen, and permitted their residing in the Ashram. The saint gave them Upadesh and initiated them into the Taraka Mantra. Ramanand congratulated the loving pair on their good luck in having had Mother Kali Herself as their first Guru, and exhorted them to have Universal Love, see the Lord in every object, and constantly meditate on the Lord and on the Mantra which would expand their vision. Pipaji stayed with the saint for a month and then proceeded on a pilgrimage to Dwarka, where they had a hearty Darshan of the Lord Sri Krishna, and spent a most blissful time in Bhajan and meditation.

As they were returning to the Ashram of Ramanand on foot, which lay across a dense forest, a most ferocious looking tiger confronted them. The queen got terrified, but Pipaji had been meditating on the Lord as being the same occupant of the heart of every living being and that the tiger was none other than the Lord Himself. So he allayed the fears of his wife and in love accosted the tiger and called him near. The tiger ran to him like a pet dog and laid his head at Pipaji's feet. Pipaji stroked his head in great affection, and whispered into his ears the Name of the Lord and advised the tiger to give up bloodlust or any cruel method he had been accustomed to till then. Tears ran down the eyes of the tiger. Pipaji lovingly told the tiger that the Lord was the sole Master and He would provide for every one of His children. The tiger sped away into the forest greatly happy and changed. He gave up his craving for blood and was occupied with the thoughts of the Divine Providence. Without food he sat near the base of a tree for over a week, and gave up his life.

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

Mahaprabhu made lions and tigers sing and dance to the tune of Nama Kirtan. What does this go to show? If you chant the Maha Mantra constantly, the whole world will be at your feet!

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

The best way to concentrate your mind upon God is to repeat constantly His great and powerful Name.

Nama Article 4th January 2015

Swami Papa Ramdas

The best way to concentrate your mind upon God is to repeat constantly His great and powerful Name. This will purify your heart and create pure emotion in it. Side-by-side, do all actions in a spirit of surrender to the Divine Will. Know that in the ultimate spiritual experience you and God are one in His impersonal and attributeless aspect. Devotion when it becomes intense leads you to this beatific vision. Your Guru is within you. May you be blessed by His grace and attain immortal peace and bliss.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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

Only He knows how much trouble he had to undergo, to what (great) length he had to go to pull you unto Him!

Nama Article 3rd January 2015

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

குத்து விளக்கெரியக் கோட்டுக்கால் கட்டில் மேல்

     மெத்தென்ற பஞ்ச சயனத்தின் மேலேறி

கொத்து அலர் பூங்குழல் நப்பின்னை கொங்கைமேல்

     வைத்துக் கிடந்த மலர் மார்பா! வாய் திறவாய்

மைத்தடங் கண்ணினாய் நீயுன் மணாளனை

     எத்தனை போதும் துயில் எழ ஒட்டாய் காண்

எத்தனையேலும் பிரிவாற்ற கில்லையால்

     தத்துவம் அன்று தகவு ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

Once, Ramanuja was discoursing on Vaikunta gatyam and this păsuram. A man from amongst the audience stood up and asked Ramanuja, "Swamy! After attaining Sri Vaikunta will I be sent back here?" Ramanuja asked, "Why do you raise such a question? There are only two reasons for returning here after having attained Sri Vaikunta. Either Bhagavăn should push you down or you should nurture a desire to return. Which one do you think will happen?" The man said, "No. Swamy. I will definitely not nurture the desire to return to this world. Have I not suffered enough in this world? Will I desire to return? But will Bhagavăn push me down to this earth?" Ramanuja assured him, "No, Bhagavan will do no such thing because He has undergone much more trouble in pulling you to Sri Vaikunta than you have suffered on this earth! Only He knows how much trouble he had to undergo, to what (great) length he had to go to pull you unto Him! So, unless you nurture such a desire Bhagavăn will definitely not push you back into this world!"

'Kuttu vilakeriyak Kottukkăl katinmel -- the term 'Kottukkăl' reminds them of the divine form of the Lord in Sri Vaikunta.

'methenra panja sayanathin meleri' -- The lamps are all big. Through the light from these lamps they can see the exquisite bed and the faces of Bhagavăn and Nappinai.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

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