By Yudhisthira Dasa
The process of devotional life, as delineated in the four Vaishnava paths, is so systematic and detailed that almost one billion people in the world are considered followers of the Vaishnava tradition.
For nearly 50 years, I have generally thought sravanam kirtanam or hearing and chanting (the first two from the list of the nine primary processes of devotional service found in the Nectar of Devotion) applied almost primarily to hearing and chanting during japa meditation. However, recently rereading the purport to Srimad Bhagavatam, I found that Srila Prabhupada sees it much broader to include listening and speaking on ALL transcendental topics. Referring to Kali-yuga, he writes, “…the recommended process of self-realization is that of hearing and chanting of the holy name, fame, and pastimes of the Lord.”
Interestingly, the importance of this essential principle weaves its way through all aspects of our lives, especially in terms of personal growth and mastering anything in this world, spiritual AND material.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-18-sravanam-before-kirtanam-listening-before-speaking/
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