What is important, of course, is the effort one makes in chanting, but receiving the holy name is also very important. It is a relationship, and we should want to deepen that relationship with Krsna and the holy name. When we make a commitment to a person, then there is both what we extend and what we receive -- the give and take. In our case, we are with Krsna and we are offering some service. So in our relationship with the holy name, the mood of service is very important. Simply chant as a service to the holy name. When we do that, what does the holy name do in turn? We should be ready to receive that which Krsna in the form of the holy name is extending to us. And we should be very open to whatever that is, because it is a relationship. We should especially bear in mind that the relationship with God is always on His terms. He is always the master and we are His servants.
Establish the relationship, or uncover and deepen that relationship we already have in this receptive mood, because many mysteries happen when we chant like that. The journey with the holy name itself is very mysterious. The theme of all of these is that our relationship with the holy name is deepening, even when the reciprocation is not necessarily according to our expectation. Sometimes it seems very painful to see devotees struggle, being in a valley while chanting, but that is also a relationship if we regard the situation properly.
We all can pray like this: "I am ready, on Your terms Krsna, please show me the way through this chanting of Your holy name that I can find myself more close to You in a deeper sense of relationship and connectiveness with You in the form of Your holy name". So be in the mode of receiving and be committed to the relationship with the holy name.
Comments
Don't worry, Vijay prabhu!!! You will surely be delivered!!!
H.H.Romapada Swami Maharaj Ki Jaya!!
Perspctive of chanting has been beautifully described for any one to benefit.True spirit of surrender while chanting has been described and any one can benefit from this knowledge. We are grateful.
Jai Prabhuji!
Hare Krsna!
Hare Krishna, Vijay Prabhu!!!
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thnkx a lot for sharing your thought. At the beginning of my journey towards Krishna conciousness, I felt no attraction for chanting. Last year, I visited Mayapur and after associating with all blessed devotees, I have grown an undiluted relationship with the Holy Name and my love for Krishna has increased thousandfold.
Dear Maharaj,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you so much for this truly wonderful and lifting message.
It is so rue and I can only speak for myself that it is almost always that I want to have a relationship with Krsna and His Holy name on my terms and convenience and then, wonder why I am not making any advancement but in fact, am falling deeper into the clutches of materialistic desires.
Sometimes, I can get the feeling that the Holy Name wants to reciprocate but I am turning away because of other hankerings.
It is not easy to develop the strength to surrender fully but I can only pray that despite my obstinate nature, Krsna, through His Holy Name will continue to keep me and pull me closer towards His shelter by being the master and guiding my mind, intelligence and senses.
With love,
Vijay Khandhar