We go to haveli for darshan. But when we do not get darshan, what do we do?
First let us
understand, whose darshan are we going for? Thakorji is in the haveli
and in our homes. Thakorji is the Supreme Reality, not some ordinary swaroop.
Haveli is 'Nandalay' (Nandbava's house). Shri Kanhaiyalal as child Krishna,
and dearest to Shri Nandbava and Shri Yashodama stays there. We go for
that divine and unearthly swarup's darshan. The gopis used to go every
morning to Nandbava's house for Balkrishna's darshan. They could not bear
to stay away from his darshan. We must all keep the same bhavna when we
go for darshan.
Secondly, the Haveli is Shri Nandraiji's house. He is the king of Vraj,
and for a very big man. If we go his house, we must behave in a certain
manner. If it is not time for darshan, then we have to sit cross legged
and wait in the country yard.
Thirdly, we must not indulge in idle gossip, while waiting. Remember,
not to shout or make a loud noise. Instead, mentally you must recite the
Ashtakshar Mantra. Shri Yamunashtak
also be recited. In a soft tone you can sing 'dholpad.'
What are the other restrictions, while we are in the Haveli?
You cannot put your
fingers in your mouth. No spitting. You cannot sit anywhere and eat and
drink. After having eaten or drunk water wash hands immediately. Do not
touch your hands everywhere. Do not fight with anyone. You cannot greet
another Vaishnav by saying 'Jai Shri Krishna' in front of Shri Thakorji.
Now without having asked, remember this is of utmotst importance. By doing
darshan we get happiness. But if we do Shri Thakorji's seva in our house,
then there is double happiness. You are also happy and Shri Thakorji is
also happy. That happiness is a great deal more than that of the Haveli.
So be sure to keep Shri Thakorji in your house and do seva. >
ASHTAKSHARMANTRA
What is the meaning of 'Shri Krishna Sharnam Mama'?
'Shri Krishna
Sharnam Mama' means Shri Krishna is my refuge, shelter. In Sanskrit, one
of the meanings of 'sharan' is protector. One who protects us, is the
protector. Shri Krishna is my protector means Shri Krishna is the one
who protects me.
Only the one who is himself powerful can protect other. Shri Krishna is
God, that is why, he is the most powerful in the world. There is none
who can compare or compete with him. So if Lord Krishna becomes our protector
then we need fear no-one. We become fearless.
For this reason, Shri Maha-prabhuji has given us the 'Shri Krishna Sharnam
Mama' mantra.
What does mantra mean?
Mantra means that which can be whispered in the ear, a secret. Sages (rishi-munis), saints, religious heads were all told God's own secret by God Himself. That is called a mantra. The mantra contains God's own spiritual name. It is very pure. Who we make our guru tells us the gurumantra in our ear. Shri Mahaprabhuji has given us an Ashtakshar-mantra which is 'Shri Krishna Sharnam Mama'.
Back to Ashtakshar Maha Mantra Page