Title: Characteristics of the Soul

User: Swami Gaurangapada Date: 2007-03-11 19:12:02

 

Q by Shachinandana dasa: Dear swami gaurangapada , obeisances to you , all the devotee's and our beloved lords nityananda and gauranga my query is in relation to the defining characteristics of the soul in self realisation , srila bhaktivinode thakura states that there are 11 characteristics unique to each soul which can be realised , and so i am asking what is the best way to meditate , what should the thought processes be to come to a stage where one can realise these characteristics and become self realised . i look forward to your reply , and pray that my question has been submitted in a suitable way so as to be clear .

 

your servant sacinandana_das

 

Answer by Swami Gaurangapada:

 

There is only one thought and meditation process required for realizing the 11 eternal characteristics of the spiritual body and that is full absorption in the Holy Names of Nityananda, Gauranga and Hare Krishna. No other thought process, meditation or pranali is required for the same nor will work for this age of Kali Yuga.

The Holy Names are the means and end of spiritual realization.

 

Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura states:

premera kalika nama, adbhuta rasera dhama

hena bala karaye prakasa

 

"The Holy Name is the bud of pure love for the Lord and an astonishing abode of blissful mellows. By the potency of the Holy Name, so many truths are manifested before my eyes."

 

isat vikasi' punah, dekhaya nija rupa-guna

citta hari' laya krishna-pasa

 

"As the bud of the Holy Name gradually blossoms, it grants me vision of my spiritual body and it's spiritual form and spiritual qualities. In this way attracting and enchanting my mind, the Holy Name brings me close to Lord Krishna."

 

purna vikasita haina, vraje more yaya laina,

dekhaya more svarupa-vilasa

 

"When the bud of the Holy Name blossoms completely, the Holy Names takes me to Vraja and shows me my eternal spiritual form and pastimes in the service of the Lord."

 

more siddha-deha diya, krishna-pase rakhe giya,

ei dehera kare sarva-nasa

 

"Granting me my spiritual perfected body (with the 11 characteristics), the Holy Name drags me and puts me very close to Lord Krishna while simultaneously fully destroying and replacing my material body."

 

I had to translate these verses personally as I did not find any translations satisfactory.