“O King, it is therefore essential that every human being hear about, glorify and remember the Supreme Lord, the Personality of Godhead, always and everywhere.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 2.2.36)

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तस्मात् सर्वात्मना राजन् हरि: सर्वत्र सर्वदा ।
श्रोतव्य: कीर्तितव्यश्च स्मर्तव्यो भगवान्नृणाम् ॥

tasmāt sarvātmanā rājan
hariḥ sarvatra sarvadā
śrotavyaḥ kīrtitavyaś ca
smartavyo bhagavān nṛṇām

The complaint is that the son has become overly religious, as of late. From his room can be heard the faint sound of a mantra, so constant as if playing on repeat: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The parents are concerned. They are aligned with religion; if pressed on the issue they will acknowledge being religious. They attend a ceremony at a house of worship on a regular basis. The thing is, they are not fanatics. They believe in God, but they do not feel a need to press the issue. They are content to let the pieces fall where they may, with respect to daily life.

They cannot understand why the son has somehow become so dedicated. They do not understand the drastic changes in diet. Why is the son dividing the world into illusion and reality? Why are they asking so many questions about the meaning of life?

The son admits to being lost before, but now they claim to have found their way. The parents are not really convinced. They would rather the son give up the habit of repeating a mantra. They do not see the need for a specific altar area in the home, to which bringing offerings is a regular occurrence throughout the day. Okay, people do something similar in a part of the world called Puri, but this is suburban living, not some ancient temple.

In response to the concerns, the son decides to ask a few rhetorical questions. This is to highlight areas where there is already allegiance, if analyzing from a perspective of steadiness. The son points to two Sanskrit words in particular, to explain both the tendency and the dedication.

1. Why did you take a shower today?

“Excuse me, did you take a shower today? Why would you do such a thing? You just took one the day before. I think you are really going crazy with this cleanliness thing. You are using up so many valuable resources. People in the past would bathe perhaps one time in an entire week. Do not be so fanatical.”

2. Why did you change your clothes today?

“You always complain about having so much laundry to do. I think that is the source of your troubles. Stop changing clothes so often. Have they suddenly gone bad? Are you that concerned with fashion, with what other people will say? You should wear those clothes for as long as they continue to provide comfort. Do not be so fanatical.”

3. Why did you go to work today?

“Weren’t you at the office just yesterday? Did you not complete your tasks? Why do you have to go back today? This doesn’t make any sense. You are going to stress yourself out. Take a break already. Do not be so fanatical.”

4. Why did you watch television today?

“Again? Really? You spent hours sitting on the couch yesterday, staring at that thing. What could there possibly be left to watch? It is like you are addicted to that thing. It is not healthy. Do not be so fanatical.”

5. Why did you sleep today?

“Wait a minute. Didn’t you just sleep for like eight hours the other day? Why do you need to sleep again? I was with you the entire day. It is not like you should be tired or anything. Just stay awake. It is not that difficult. Do not be so fanatical.”

…

The two Sanskrit words are sarvatra and sarvada. The Supreme Personality of Godhead should be worshiped and celebrated, everywhere and always. If there is a moment in the day, if there is a specific time that I am conscious, I should try to remember Him. This will be the best thing for me, and it will be the best thing for everyone, in fact.

If the sun should rise, if the clouds should pour down rain, if the flowers should blossom, if the plants should grow, if the fruits should fall from the trees, then there is sufficient justification to look to the source. There is always a reason to show appreciation, to feel loved in the warmth of the embracing transcendental light beaming from the imperishable realm.

In Closing:

Staple in my day,
This mantra to say.

And with steadiness to pray,
Preferred now this way.

Rather than my allegiance to shame,
You should follow the same.

If puzzled then try this consideration,
That thinking always in appreciation.

Categories: the five

Tags: bhakti yoga, god, hare krishna, hinduism, poem, poems, poetry