Japa Thoughts: Mercy and Works in Chanting
Dhanurdhara Swami November 2nd, 2010
October 28, 2010
Sri Govardhana
Japa Thought IV:
I try to hear the mantra
But my efforts fail
I add heart to my chant
And beg for mercy
The mantra becomes clear
Beyond my own strength
With effort I chanted
By mercy I succeed
Japa Thought V:
Mercy and Works in Chanting:
Hearing the mantra is not simply the result of our effort. It is also the reciprocation of Krishna to our effort.
Effort is needed, but only to make us realize that effort alone is not sufficient. We need Krishna's mercy and must beg for it.
Relationship between effort and mercy: Without sincere, disciplined effort how will we give our heart to the name? And without giving our heart to the name, how will we attract Krishna's mercy?
Sacinandana Swami sometimes tells a story about the advice an old sadhu gave him: The sadhu chided him, “Are you chanting the mantra, or is the mantra chanting you?” “Chanting the mantra” means hearing the mantra by the power of one's concentration alone. “The mantra chanting you” means the mantra appearing by its own will to one who calls out with dependence and humility.
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