HEAR FROM THE HEART
The first and foremost instruction that we are given is that while chanting the Maha-mantra we have to hear the syllables. That we vibrate. So a proper attention is created. If we do not hear what we are chanting, means we are allowing the mind to escape through those gates. The first and foremost, the solid gate, is of ears. It is said that one should hear first and then chant. Hearing is given a prime importance over chanting. Sometimes our mind is restless, means we are always absorbed in whatever the mind dictates. But we have to force the vibration of the holy name in to enter into our ears and allow it to penetrate all the way upto the heart. Then and then we will get the strength from the Holy Name.
satam prasangam mam virya samvido bahvanti hrtkarnarasayanah kathah
tad josanad asvapavarga vartmani sraddha rati bhaktir anukramisyati
(SB 3.25.22)
Krishna in the form of Kapil Dev is instructing Devahuti that in the association of the devotees, the glories of the holy name must be properly heard from the ears to the heart where the mellows of the Holy Name can be exchanged between ear and heart. When we are too busy to listen to our mind, then we hear from one ear and let it go out through without touching our hearts, or we may hear and try to think about, the both the process are very meek to chant steadily, attentively.
So one has to do some analytical study upon his chanting. Then where is the pin prick. Then try to correct it. So proper attentive hearing will be attained if we allow the Holy Name that we vibrated to go through our heart. So proper hearing will be justified and attention will be obtained. Other senses are weak. We have to shut their windows too. Because mind is restless,iIf you forcefully close only one window of ears it may escape through others. So chanting on the beads is thus designed to concentrate all our senses.
Not only on vibration but clarity of the vibrations to the tongue. By proper pronouncing and counting diligently is thus required. Each bead for one mantra and progressively go. Don't cross over the Krsna bead - in order to keep your awareness. Otherwise, understand that you are offending Krsna. So you will not dare to cross over again.
So these are all attention creating media in taking up the beads. All five senses can be engaged while chanting on the beads. So, if we engage the senses in the service of the Master of the senses, that is called bhakti. Therefore taking mala becomes a very important, first step towards establishing a firm foundation of devotional service.
HH Vedavyasapriya Swami Maharaj lecture excerpt (SB 1.1.16)
Comments