Obstacles Bhakti - Kunjeshwari Home

Obstacles in Bhakti
The above statements from the scriptures prove beyond doubt that if we
serve the Vaishnavs diligently considering them non-different from Sri Hari
then even though we may be incapable of practicing all parts of bhajan we
will please Sri Govinda. In fact, we will not progress so quickly in bhajan as
we will if we serve the Vaishnavs.
“Srimad-Bhâgavatam and other scriptures have firmly declared that serving
the Vaishnavs is greater than serving Sri Krishna. They have ascertained
Vaishnav-sevâ as the supreme means for achieving the highest spiritual goal
– that is obtaining Sri Krishna.” – (Sri Chaitanya Bhâgabat)
1. Constantly chant the Holy Name -
Sri Brihan-Nâradiya Purân says –
“harer nâma harer nâma harer nâmaiva kevalam
Kalou nâstyaiva nâstyaiva nâstyaiva kevalam”
Meaning - "In Kaliyug simply chant the Holy Name, chant the Holy Name,
chant the Holy Name – there is no other way, no other way, no other way.”
It further guarantees –
“The one who adores the Holy Name in this terrible Kaliyug is indeed blessed.
Kaliyug can never obstruct him.”
Sriman-Mahâprabhu said –
“We should chant the Holy Name while eating, sleeping or during any activity
– anywhere and everywhere. There is no restriction of place and time in it
and we shall succeed in every endeavor.” – (C.C.)
Vivek das – Whatever you said is all true. However householders are always
engaged in some work or the other; they are so busy. How is it ever possible
for them to chant constantly? This instruction is meant only for recluse
babajis.
Gour Kripa – Whoever thinks like this is deceiving himself. We work with our
hands; what is wrong with the tongue? Why can we not chant with the
tongue while working with our hands? We will have to work – true. But if I
cannot use my mouth to chant the Holy Name – and this is such a small sevâ
– then who is responsible for my bad luck?
There is no rule saying that to practice Sri Krishna-bhakti and to gain Him we
will have to forsake home and family. It is useless to take this body in the
forest – we must keep our mind in seclusion. This means that in spite of
remaining in the family we should feel that no one here belongs to me other
than Govinda – no one loves me except Him. In a forest we are lonely – in
the same way, in spite of living in a family we should consider ourselves
lonely; then it is truly living in the forest. Otherwise, I may leave my home
and family, yet I am thinking always about my kith and kin and all sorts of
material attachments – what is the use? If this is not cheating then what it
is? We are not cheating others, but ourselves.
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