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Govardhana Japa Thoughts III Bhurijana

October 25th, 2002

Govardhana

Japa Thoughts III

Bhurijana Prabhu once described to me how living in Vrindaban is like having a mirror placed before your false ego (the pretense of thinking oneself other than a servant of God). How true!

This morning I was able to see myself, almost as if I was abstracted from myself, and watched as an observer. How foolish! I wanted to hide.

I also felt a slight sense of relief. It’s painful for the tiny soul to understand its charade as a big something, but liberating to realize that, in truth, we are utterly dependent on God. And our dependence allows us to experience His love as mercy flows toward those in need.

This dependent mood also invokes bhakti since there is no greater stimulus for love of God than His mercy. Humility is also the foundation of happiness because
bhakti, or love, is pleasure.

The humble position, which evokes God’s mercy, induces devotion, and inspires love (which is the source of pleasure), is therefore the only state of mind for an
enduring chanter.

“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street, more tolerant than the tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and ready to offer all respects to others. In such a state of mind one can chant constantly.”

When God is merciful, he lets us see our folly. Hare Krishna.

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