Once a Disciple Asked His Guru for the Topmost Secret of Bhajana
The guru replied, “The most confidential secret of bhajana is to always chant the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!”
Encounter with Common Folk
After leaving his guru’s asrama, the disciple met some poor washer-men who were chanting Hare Krishna while scrubbing clothes beside the Yamuna. He then heard some little girls chanting Hare Krishna while collecting cow dung. When the disciple hired a rickshaw, the skinny old driver chanted Hare Krishna all the way back to the asrama.
Expression of Doubt
Meeting his guru, the disciple expressed a doubt about the maha-mantra, “Gurudeva! What kind of secret have you given to me that is known to every dhobi, rickshaw walla, and little girl in India? Is this really the most confidential secret of bhajana?”
Guru’s Test with a Jewel
Instead of a long explanation, the guru handed the disciple a precious jewel and said, “Show this jewel to the dhobi, rickshaw walla, and little girls, and see if they appreciate its value.”
Inability to Recognize Value
The disciple showed the priceless jewel to the illiterate washer-men, but they could not detect the value of the jewel. They said they would gladly accept it and use it for beating their dirty clothes. The disciple refused to give them the gem, saying, “You have to pay the proper price for it. A stone or piece of wood is sufficient for beating dirty cloth.”
Upon seeing the jewel, the rickshaw walla said, “Since it is a little rough, I think it is just suitable for scraping off the dry skin from my feet.” “Are you crazy!” said the disciple as he walked on to show the village girls.
Failing to recognize the true worth of the jewel, the girls said, “We could use the jewel to pack our cow dung.”
Guru’s Explanation
The disciple again met with his guru and said, “Gurudeva! Nobody wanted to pay the proper price for the jewel. Nor could anyone appreciate the great value of the gem.”
“Yes, in the same way,” said the guru, “most people cannot appreciate the value of the holy name. For this reason, they are indifferent to the chanting of Hare Krishna. The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is an open secret that is revealed only to the qualified.”
Moral of the Story
There is no mantra that is so sublime and special like Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. In this article, we see what is so special about the Hare Krishna Mantra and what it can do to us.
Krishna’s holy name—full of mercy, full of compassion, full of love, full of rasa, and full of prema—is the rarest treasure in the world. Without hearing from sastra and saints, however, one can never understand the power, value, and benefit of Sri Krishna’s divine name, form, attributes, pastimes, and holy abode (nama, rupa, guna, lila, dhama).
The Glories of the Holy Name
Throughout the Vedas, the transcendental glories of the holy name are recounted.
The following verse from the Padma Purana compares the holy name to a cintamani gem, a divine stone that can bestow one’s desired results. Such cintamani gems make up the transcendental land of Krishnaloka in the spiritual world. This verse clearly describes the transcendental identity of the holy name:
nama cintamanih Krishnas,
caitanya-rasa-vigrahah
purnah suddho nitya-mukto,
‘bhinnatvan nama-naminoh
The holy name of Krishna is a transcendental wish-fulfilling gem (cintamani); it is the embodiment of all consciousness and sentiments; it is complete; it is pure; it is ever free because the name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are one and the same. (Padma Purana)
Expanded Translation by Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada gives a wonderful expanded translation of this verse:
“The holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krishna Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Krishna’s name is complete, and it is the form of all the transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krishna Himself. Since Krishna’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with maya.
Krishna’s name is always liberated and spiritual. It is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are identical.” (cc.Madhya 17.133p.)
Lessons to Be Learned
The Power of the Holy Name
The story emphasizes the unparalleled power of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Chanting the holy name of Krishna is a direct way to connect with the divine, and its power is often beyond ordinary understanding.
Recognition of Value
Just as the precious jewel was not recognized by the washer-men, rickshaw walla, and village girls, the true value of the holy name is often not recognized by those who are not spiritually inclined. This highlights the importance of spiritual knowledge and discernment.
Faith in Guru’s Words
The disciple initially doubted the guru’s advice, but through the guru’s guidance and a practical demonstration, he realized the depth of his teacher’s wisdom. This underscores the importance of having faith in the words of a realized guru.
Simplicity in Practice
The story shows that even the simplest people—washer-men, rickshaw pullers, and village girls—can chant the holy name. This demonstrates that the practice of chanting is accessible to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status.
Transformation through Chanting
The story illustrates that the holy name has the power to transform individuals and their consciousness, leading them to higher spiritual realizations and divine love.
Value of Spiritual Practices
The comparison between the precious jewel and the holy name teaches that spiritual practices, like chanting the holy name, are invaluable and should be cherished and practiced with sincerity.
Spiritual Advancement through Regular Practice
Just as regular chanting of the holy name reveals deeper spiritual truths and one’s own spiritual identity, consistent practice in any spiritual discipline leads to profound realizations and growth.
The Importance of a Pure Heart
The disciple’s realization came only when he understood the intrinsic value of the holy name, much like the jewel’s worth. This signifies that a pure heart and sincere intent are essential in spiritual advancement.
Accessibility of Divine Connection
The story highlights that chanting the holy name is an easy and effective way to connect with the divine, emphasizing that God’s presence is always accessible through sincere devotional practices.
Revealing the Divine through Sound
The story demonstrates that the holy name is a powerful, transcendental sound vibration that can reveal the divine nature of Krishna, transforming the chanter’s consciousness and life.
The Role of Surrender
The disciple’s journey reflects the importance of surrender to the guru’s wisdom and guidance, trusting that the spiritual path laid out by the guru will lead to ultimate realization and divine connection.
In summary, the story of the disciple and his guru teaches profound lessons about the power and significance of chanting the holy name, the importance of recognizing spiritual value, and the transformative effects of sincere devotional practices. It underscores the necessity of faith in the guru’s words and the accessibility of divine connection through the holy name.
