Day 4, Everyone Deserves Mercy

February 15th — Harinama in front of Lord Jagannath’s Temple, Siddha Bakul

In the care of Her Grace Nirakula Mataji, the ISV Yatra began the day discussing chanting as a means of melting the heart. Chanting is the process of pulling ourselves back to Godhead one bead at a time. In the embrace of Sanga our chanting can be further empowered – clear and steady chanting and the attentive posture of those around us improves our practice and improves the experience.

Led by His Grace Visnu Gada Dasa, the morning class delved into the blissful pastimes of Sri Advaita Acarya in preparation for His appearance day tomorrow. Sri Advaita, the incarnation of Maha Visnu, came to offer the path of Bhakti and teach servitude despite His transcendental position. He embodies the special function of a teacher, to bring people to Krsna consciousness, and their real qualification of presenting themselves as a servant of God.

In the heat of Puri, the sankirtan party circumambulated Lord Jagannatha’s temple, carried by the rhythm of the Holy Name. Ecstatic kirtans led by Hadai Prana Prabhu, Vishnu Gada Prabhu, and Prema Rupa Prabhu invigorating the book distributors, sweeping temple-goers into the mood of devotion. Eager and receptive, locals often approached of their own accord, asking for books. Cries of “Oriya? Oriya?” flew between devotees searching for any remaining copies for Orissa residents, with Rati Manjari Mataji’s Kirtan bringing us home.

Her Grace Nirkula Mataji led katha in the vibrant halls of Haridasa Thankur’s Samadhi. In the shadow of the Siddha Bakul, the only living associate of Lord Caitanya, we discussed the pastimes of the Nama-acarya. The sweet kirtan of Atulya Bhakti Mataji was enjoyed by all, including the young cow singing along in the courtyard. 

Akrura’s prayers brought the night to a close, reminding us to meditate on and engage the mind fully in remembering Krsna. Putting aside all fear and lamentation, we should allow ourselves to be swept up in Krsna consciousness. The mind may try to interfere with our service, but, like Akrura, we can focus on the positive aspects of our circumstances and let such meditations take us all the way to Vrndavan.

We are born in a time where everyone deserves mercy on the qualification that no one does. Regardless of circumstance, the great souls deny their senses the opportunity to derail their service. Whether they are sent to deliver their beloved to Kamsa's jealous intentions or are facing the temptations of Māyādevi herself, these exceptional personalities follow the two cardinal rules: never forget Krsna, always remember Krsna.