POWER OF THE NAME OF THE LORD-3

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Friends,

Through the answer of Suta to Saunaka`s question, Srimad Bhagavatam proclaims the glory of bhakti which is completely pure:-

Sa Vai pumsaam paro dharmo yato Bhaktiradhokshaje

Ahaitukyapratihitataa yayaatmaa samprasidati (1.2.6)

The above-mentioned sloka means,"That,verily,is the supreme dharma(duty) of man, by which he achieves the love of God(in this case,of His incarnation as Lord Krishna)--a love which is motiveless and unobstructed expressing in its purest form as love for love`s sake), by which the heart of man achieves his highest welfare".

Love towards God with conditions , doubts and prequalifications is not considered as pure Love, according to Srimad Bhagavatam.

Now How to cultivate that Pure Love(Bhakti) ? SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM suggests the following powerful means to the end:-

Susrushoh sraddhadhaanasya Vaasudevakathaa ruchih

Syat mahatsevayaa punyatirthani sevanaat (1.2.16)

"Seekers who are endowed with sraddha( spiritual conviction and unflinching faith), and who desire to listen to things spiritual,O holy sages, develop an appetite for words relating to God, through frequenting holy places and the services of great ones(saints)" is the meaning of the above Sloka.

It is precisely for this reason our elders advised us to visit Holy places, to come in contact with holy people, to take dip in holy waters, to visit temples, to attend all forms Satsangam such as religious and spiritual discourses, Namasankeertanam etc. etc.

Through the exercise of the appetite, referred to above, the heart of the devotee becomes pure in a mysterious way, asserts the Bhagavatam:-

Srunvataam svakathaam Krishnah punyasravanakeertanah

Hrdyatastho hyabhadraani vidhunoti suhrut sataam(1.2.17)

It means,"Of those who listen to words relating to Krishna--Him whose name is holy to hear and holy to utter, He, abiding in their hearts,wipes away all the evils(in their hearts); for He is friend of all Good people.

(to be continued)

G.Balasubramanian