Comment on Mantra 7 of Sri Isopanisad:
This mantra attempts to build upon the previous mantra by reminding us of the Absolute Truth, namely that all things are part and parcel of the Lord. In this vein, we should see all living entities as “spiritual sparks”. Once a person has attained this understanding, illusion cannot deceive or create difficulties. Of course, very few people in the world truly come to this understanding. Only the madhyama-adhikari and uttama-adhikari discussed in the previous mantra are able to fully understand what this means.
When we say that all things are the spiritual spark or part and parcel of the Lord, many mistakenly believe that this means we are God, but of course this is mistaken belief. The sense of “Oneness” discussed in this mantra serves to explain that we are all linked together in the sense of a family or a nation. While we exist as independent parts, we share a common interest. Our common interest is enjoyment.
As stated in the Vedanta-sutra (1:1:12), “the spiritual entities are meant for enjoyment”. The problem is that being born into this world of maya; we keep trying to find that enjoyment on an independent and personal level in this world of constant flux. Only temporal and illusory happiness can be found here. Our happiness must be found within the Absolute Truth if it is to be eternal. As Prabhupada states: “the real center of enjoyment is the Supreme Lord, who is the center of the sublime and spiritual rasa dance. We are all meant to join Him and enjoy life with one transcendental interest and without any clash. That is the highest platform of spiritual interest, and as soon as one realizes this perfect form of oneness, there can be no question of illusion or lamentation” (p. 52).
So, just as individuals in a family or a nation clash over their individual wants, desires, and interests; we of the Kali-yuga also clash over these things. This produces discord and misery. However, when these individuals come together to desire the same thing, and work towards that common goal, then contentment and happiness is found.
At the beginning of our Kali-yuga, Lord Sri Krishna taught this path, and 400 years ago, Lord Caitanya again brought forward the way to this happiness. The world needs to let go of the illusion that binds us in suffering, and find the true happiness which comes through service to the Lord. When we come together and chant HARE KRSNA HARE KRSNA KRSNA KRSNA HARE HARE/ HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE, we are offering our devotional service to the Lord, and asking that He use us for His purpose. The purpose of the Lord is enjoyment. We, as His spiritual sparks, provide that enjoyment, and in doing so, as part and parcel of Him, we participate in that enjoyment. This why there is such joy in kirtana. The more one chants the name of the Lord, the greater the internal bliss grows. We provide joy for the Lord through our service, and He in return emits that joy back upon us. So it is with reason that we say “Chant Hare Krsna and Be Happy!”
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