The Compassion of Ramanujacharya
Request for Initiation: Ramanuja approached his guru, Gosthipurna, to receive secret mantra initiation. Despite his deep desire and repeated requests, Gosthipurna was initially unwilling to bestow the mantra upon him. After being denied on eighteen separate occasions, Ramanuja felt deeply dejected, believing there must be some impurity in his heart.
The Guru’s Compassion: Moved by Ramanuja’s sincerity and despair, Gosthipurna finally decided to initiate him. He explained the immense potency of the mantra and emphasized that it must not be disclosed to anyone with material desires. With great reverence, Ramanuja received the mantra, feeling immensely blessed.
Revealing the Secret Mantra: Filled with compassion for the suffering of all living beings, Ramanuja decided to share the mantra with everyone. He gathered a large crowd near the Visnu temple in Tirukkotiyur, promising them a priceless jewel. Climbing up the temple tower, he addressed the crowd, expressing his desire to deliver them from their sufferings.
The Thunderous Response: Ramanuja chanted the mantra, “OM NAMO NARAYANAYA,” three times, and the crowd responded with thunderous enthusiasm. The air was filled with a profound sense of joy and devotion, transforming the environment into a heavenly abode. Men, women, and children felt deeply blessed, forgetting their worldly desires and experiencing immense spiritual fulfillment.
Gosthipurna’s Anger: When Gosthipurna heard about Ramanuja’s actions, he was furious, believing his trust had been betrayed. He accused Ramanuja of a great sin and predicted that he would suffer in hell. However, Ramanuja humbly explained that he was willing to accept such a fate if it meant that many others could attain the mercy of Lord Narayana.
A Guru’s Transformation: Ramanuja’s selflessness and compassion deeply moved Gosthipurna. His anger vanished, and he embraced Ramanuja with great affection, acknowledging him as his guru. Witnessing this transformation, everyone present was filled with joy and astonishment.
Lessons and Prayers
Lessons:
- Selfless Service: True devotion and spiritual knowledge should be shared for the benefit of all, even at personal risk.
- Compassion: The greatest virtue is to have compassion for others and to act selflessly for their welfare.
- Guru-Disciple Relationship: The bond between a guru and disciple is profound, with each capable of learning from the other.
Prayers:
- “O Lord Narayana, may we always be selfless in our service to others, spreading Your divine light and wisdom.”
- “Dear Lord, help us to cultivate deep compassion in our hearts, always seeking the welfare of all living beings.”
- “O Supreme Lord, guide us to remain humble and devoted, regardless of the challenges we face.”
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
