Bhajana-Rahasya

by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Mahasaya | 2010 | 123,965 words

The Bhajana-rahasya Text 12, English translation, including commentary (vritti). The Bhajana-rahasya is a compilation of verses describing the mercy of the eight pairs of names (Yugala-nama) of the Maha-mantra. This is text 12 belonging to the chapter “Dvitiya-yama-sadhana (Pratah-kaliya-bhajana)” representing the first six dandas of the morning: approximately 6.00 a.m.–8.30 a.m.

All anarthas are nullified by nāma-saṅkīrtana. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.1.14) states:

आपन्नः संसृतिं घोरां यन्-नाम विवशो गृणन्
ततः सद्यो विमुच्येत यद् बिभेति स्वयं भयम्

āpannaḥ saṃsṛtiṃ ghorāṃ yan-nāma vivaśo gṛṇan
tataḥ sadyo vimucyeta yad bibheti svayaṃ bhayam

If a living entity who is caught in the whirlpool of material existence even once chants the name of Kṛṣṇa, he can be freed immediately. Even fear personified trembles upon hearing the name of Śrī Bhagavān.

ए घोर संसारे पडि’ कृष्ण-नाम लय
सद्य मुक्त हय आर भय पाय भय

e ghora saṃsāre paḍi’ kṛṣṇa-nāma laya
sadya mukta haya āra bhaya pāya bhaya

Commentary: Bhajana-rahasya-vṛtti:

The far-sighted sages, ref lecting on the terrible distress of the living entities in the frightful age of Kali, asked Sūta Gosvāmipāda, “O Saumya, how can the conditioned living entities, who are attached to material existence, become liberated?” Sūta replied, “Association with devotees of Śrī Bhagavān is the only means. Bathing in the Gaṅgā destroys sins, but all sins are nullified solely by having darśana of a devotee who is dedicated to the holy name. The direct result of associating with the Supreme Lord’s devotees and serving them is the attainment of prema. If a living entity merely utters the holy name at the time of death, Nāma Prabhu will bestow prema upon him.”

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: