Raghunatha dasa Gosvami tells his mind, “I simply and humbly request that you live in Vraja and worship Sri Radha and Sri Krishna, for They bless Their devotees with engagement in Their devotional service.” (Manah-siksa)
Does this go against my material heritage, born of European immigrant stock into the U.S.A.? I am not this body. No one is asking me to change my bodily designation. No one is asking me to become a Hindu.
I know it is also difficult to give up the materialistic version of romantic sex life. It is deeply imprinted into my false ego and material body. I am not this body. Mundane lust disqualifies me from wholeheartedly taking up service to Radharani’s assistants.
Fortunately I am not this body. Again, dear mind, you have a crucial role to play. We have to be more austere. We have to give up what still seems tasty, chewing the chewed. But when we renounce mundane kama, instantly we feel relief—and the way to Radha and Krishna becomes open again. Therefore, don’t make bad judgements in league with the mind’s academic Indologists or poetry instructors or vague mystics or tough guys or soft girls— but bhaja govindam, bhaja govindam, bhaja govindam mudha-mate.
Forgive me for sounding too optimistic in turning a heavy tide of material conditioning. I am trying to “jump-start” my sorry self by connection to Raghunatha dasa Gosvami’s Manah-siksa. Why not?
Writer-self, please help spirit-soul to train the mind and give him good lessons. Undeceive yourself. Cut yourself out of the covered trap by deeply taking in your Hare Krishna rounds.
(Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name)
JAPA POEM
I declare “I am not this body”
–but admit it
is difficult to
give up the psycho-
physical impressions.
I pray to the mind to give up chewing
the chewed—only
then I can become freed.