Merit of singing God's glory

CHENNAI, AUG. 13. Worldly life has been described in the scriptures as a perpetual strife which will not give human beings peace of mind to engage in spiritual pursuits. The scriptural texts and saints have indicated that one desirous of liberation from the cycle of rebirths must consciously engage in devotional activities. Spiritual life is not different from the worldly life one leads and it requires only a re-orientation of one's priorities in life. Remembering God while engaged in routine work is a habit which is sure to yield rich dividends. So also is the practice of singing God's glory which can be followed by anyone at any time.

Narada is a good example to highlight the beautitude a person can attain by singing the glory of God. When devotion to God is practised as a means to liberation it is with great difficulty that God reveals Himself, but He waits on a devotee who engages in devotional activities like singing His praise, when he does it for His own sake. Devotion in such a case becomes an end in itself and even the goal of liberation loses its meaning because God is more concerned about the welfare of the devotee. Whether he lives in the world or is released and performs service to Him in His transcendental abode, it makes no difference to him, as he revels only in devotion to God and actions cease to bind him anymore.

Narada told Sage Vyasa that in his previous birth the Lord revealed Himself to him because of the merit he had obtained due to serving the sages to instil in him the desire to envision Him again. Without losing heart he continued repeating His auspicious names till his end came and was blessed with His vision. The sage added ``playing upon the lute bestowed upon me by the Lord Himself and bringing out the seven primary notes that represent Brahman in the form of sound, I go about singing the story of Sri Hari. As I sing of His exploits, the Lord of delightful renown, whose feet represent all sacred places soon reveals Himself in my heart as if summoned by me.''

In his discourse, Sri K. Srikanta Sarma said it was to highlight that He delighted in the company of His devotees that Krishna lived amidst the cowherd community in Gokul during His childhood and performed several extraordinary deeds to grace them. Blessed were these simple folks who had no inkling of their greatness for they sported with Him and took liberties in ways unimaginable. The Lord allowed Himself to be chided and bound by Yashoda; He served as a charioteer to Arjuna, and to a woman in distress, protected her modesty when she called out to Him.

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