Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 03.05.2018, Rila) 

(continues from the previous Monday)

Harer nam harer nam harer nam describes the three top levels of spiritual achievement. Basically we can say that in the innermost circle of Radha-Govinda there are only three main approaches. Sakhya-rasa is one; harer nam means sakhya-rasa – to be on good terms with the Supreme, to be His partner, to make Him more satisfied with your friendly services. And this is what is so charming in our process – when He is not the transcendental supremely majestic God, but your friend! Can you play football with the Supreme Personality of Godhead? I doubt it. You will tremble in front of Him. But with Govinda – if He invites you for any game, you can go. So many times we see the descriptions in Krishna Book; my favorite is when the gopas pass by the wells and they shout into the wells in order to listen to the echo.

So harer nam – in the mood of friendship. Then harer nam – in the mood of mother’s and father’s affection. When mother Yashoda says: “What is this universal vision in Your mouth?! No, no, maybe I’m in maya. This must be some illusion, no! No, it’s not You. You are my dear Govinda. Come, take my milk.” Such a depth! ‘I don’t want Your divine grandeur. It is an illusion. I don’t want Your divine reflection, I want You!’

Therefore this love for your children is given to you. This is a topic of meditation. Whenever you call out the names of your sons and daughters, you should remember this is a way to approach Krishna. Of course, beware of the tone of your call. “Hey, rascal, come here!” – no! So harer nam in the mood of mother’s and father’s affection.

And harer nam in another mood. What is your suggestion, what kind of mood shall we include here? Something sweet, right? Madhurya, madhu – sweet. So, madhurya-bhava – the loving rapture for Krishna. When there is no escape. For a friend there is an escape. ‘Today I will play with the other boys.’ For a father, for a mother there is a forced escape, because the kids will go, they will leave. But for a lover there is no escape. It’s a total and ultimate dependance. So harer nam – in the mood of affectionate rapture. All are divine.

So, for today we have taken this short little verse: harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam/ kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha – In the age of conflicts and hypocrisy, there is no other way, no other way, no other way of salvation, than chanting the holy names of the Supreme Lord.

(to be continued)