‘Japa’ (chanting) is the ultimate mantra to please God
I am stating this fact with full conviction, which is based on scriptural evidences and my personal experiences. Please sample these from the Bhagavad-Gita. Lord Krishna states, “I am chanting among the yajnas (sacrifices).” (10.25) And what is the greatest sacrifice? It is to chant God’s names by giving up ‘ahankar’ (false ego). What was standing in between the bounden duty of Arjuna - a kshatriya and leaving the battlefield, as decided by him at the beginning of the conversation with Lord Krishna. (1.43) Arjuna’s ahankar was the cause, as pointed out by the Lord to him. (18.58) And what warning was given by the Lord to Arjuna? “If you will not heed on account of your ahankar, you will perish.” (18.58)
What is our problem generally in giving up our ahankar? This is being self-centred with “I, I, I,” or “mein, mein, mein” have done this or that. We identify ourselves with our nature, which is dominated by false ego. Where does it lead to? Yes, perishing, which, unfortunately, is where one ends up. What should we do then? Exactly what Arjuna agreed to do, which was: I shall follow Your (God’s) instructions.” (18.73)
What are Lord’s instructions, which will please Him? “Take My shelter only.” (18.66) Why? “Lord Vasudeva is everything.” (7.19) “Not of anyone else”, is the instruction in the verse #9.22. It must be, “In all respects take God’s shelter only.” (18.62) “Develop My consciousness”, is the instruction in the verse #18.65. This way one will remain in shelter of God by the mind and the intelligence. (12.8)
And this is the most perfect way to please God, which will entitle one to all kinds of benefits. Give up ahankar like Arjuna did. What did Arjuna get? Lord Krishna assured him of enjoying the kingdom (2.37 and 11.33). Additionally, Arjuna was assured of opulences, victory, wealth and definite principles. (18.78) What has Lord Krishna promised us? “I will help in getting what you do not have and provide security of what you have? (9.22) Personally speaking, I have given up my ahankar and I go Krishna, Krishna, Krishna……………. and God has become karta (doer) in my life. I am assured of success in whatever I take up under God’s guidance. My life is going on smoothly, much beyond my wildest imagination. Who are my role models? I will begin with Lord Shiva. I have put His large photo in my bedroom. What is the Lord doing? Yes, chanting. The next big inspiration comes from Hanumanji, who pleased Lord Ramachandra by his chanting: Rama, Rama, Rama……….. Adi Shankaracharya exhorted us to: “bhaja Govindam”. Mother Ahilya should not be forgotten, who kept on chanting Rama, Rama, Rama…………..till the Lord liberated her. Draupadi completes my list, who prayed to Lord Krishna to save her from the ultimate humiliation by chanting: Krishna, Krishna, Krishna……….
In conclusion, please give up ahankar and get started with any: Rama, Rama, Rama……or Krishna, Krishna, Krishna…. or Shiva, Shiva, Shiva….. or Ohm, Ohm, Ohm……….. (8.13) Getting started is all-important; God takes care of the rest.
The writer is a spiritual teacher; Views presented are personal.
