UNIT-4 QUES-8
QUES-8 DESCRIBE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FIVE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF SADHNA BHAKTI
WITH REFERENCE TO CHAPTERS-11 AND 12 OF NOD. DISCUSS IN YOUR OWN WORDS, PRACTICAL
WAYS YOU COULD IMPROVE YOUR PRACTICE OF THE FIVE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF SADHNA
BHAKTI.
ANS-8
Sadhana bhakti refers to the practice of devotional service in a way that one’s
dormant love for kṛṣṇa is awakened in the heart.
In Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu, the five most important items of Sadhna Bhakti are
mentioned from verse no. 1.2.239 to 1.2.243. And in verse 1.2.238, it is mentioned
that if one practices these five items even without any faith, then also one
attains the level of bhava. But there is one condition i.e he must be free from
offensive mentality (sad-dhiyām).
Also, In Caitanya Caritamrta (Madhya Lila 22.128)
“Sadhu sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata sravana
Mathura vasa, sri murtira sraddhaya sevana”
The Five most important items of Sadhna bhakti are:
1. Worshiping the Deity of Krishna
“Shri murter aṅghri sevane prītaḥ” (1.2.225)
Attachment to serving the lotus feet of the deity.
In NOD 1.2.239, the power of worshiping the deity is mentioned. The lord can’t be
seen with our present eyes, nor can he be heard from our present ears because of
our sins. But the lord is so merciful that he allows the facility of seeing him in
his arca-murtis in the temple. Such an arca-murti is not an idol but the lord
himself, and to the proportion to which one is freed from sins, he is able to know
the significance of arca-murti.
In the same way, we can have the deities at our home and we can worship the
deities. “The more the deity is decorated, the more your heart will be decorated
with Krishna Consciousness.“ (Srila Prabhupada letter, october 7,1974)
2. Discussing Krishna or Hearing Srimad Bhagwatam
“Sri bhagavatarthasvado” (1.2.226)
Relishing Bhagavatam, the mature fruit of the desired tree of vedic literature.
In NOD 1.2.240, the power of hearing Bhagwatam is mentioned. The sum total of
devotional qualities is development of unalloyed love for Krishna. This unalloyed
love for Krishna can be achieved simply by hearing about Krishna. Lord chaitanya
accepted this principle- that if any one hears the transcendental message spoken by
Krishna or about Krishna, then gradually he develops the quality of unalloyed love,
and by that love only he can conquer the unconquerable.
Hearing about Krishna is incredibly potent because it pleases him and when he is
pleased, our lives are successful.” (Srila Prabhupada)
3. Associating with devotees of Krishna
“Sa- jatiyasaya snigdha sri bhagavad bhakta sango” (1.2.228)
Association with the devotee of the Lord cannot be compared even to the attainment
of heavenly planets or liberation from matter.
In NOD 1.2.241, the power of association of devotees is mentioned over there. In
Chaitanya Charitamrita, it is mentioned-
Sādhu saṅga Sādhu saṅga sarva śāstre kaya
Lava mātra Sādhu saṅge sarva siddhi haya (CC, Madhya Lila 22.54)
The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with
a pure devotee, one can attain all success.
4. Chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra (HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA
HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE)
“Sri nama saṁkirtanaṁ, yatha dvitiye
Etan nirvidyamānānām icchatām akuto bhayam” (NOD 1.2.230)
Constant chanting of the holy name of the lord after the ways of the great
authorities is the doubtless and fearless ways of success for all.
5. Living in a sacred place
“Sri mathura mandale sthitih” (1.2.235)
Being situated in the circumference of beautiful Mathura.
In his Amrta-pravaha-bhasya, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur advises that
one avoid remaining in Vrindavana for a very long time. As the saying goes,
'Familiarity breeds contempt.' If one stays in Vrindavana for many days, he may
fail to maintain proper respect for its inhabitants. Therefore, those who have not
attained the stage of spontaneous love for Krishna should not live in Vrindavana
very long. It is better for them to make short visits"
PRACTICAL WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR SADHNA:
WORSHIPING THE DEITIES-
* Paying obeisances to the deities
* Try to make a deep connection with the deities
* Share your problems to deities
* Offering prayers which are actually the prayers of pure devotees.
Hearing Srimad Bhagwatam
* By hearing Bhagwatam lecture daily from 8 to 9 am either online or offline.
* By Joining Bhakti Vaibhava Course.
* Hearing from pure devotees who have love for Srimad Bhagwatam.
Association of devotees
* Visiting nearby Iskcon centres for getting an association of advanced devotees.
* Share your heart with them and they will guide you to solve your both material
and spiritual life.
* Going on trips like Vrindavan, Mayapur, etc. with devotees.
* Inviting devotees for prasadam at your home.
Chanting
* Chanting with devotees at least once in a week after the mangal aarti.
* Try to hear the names of the lord while chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
* Completing the rounds early in the morning only.
Mathura Vas
* Go for short trips with devotees on festivals like Gaur Purnima.
* Go for Parikrama.
* Develop the love for Dham gradually.
These are the practical ways for improving our Sadhana bhakti.
