“My Vedic sacrifices, chanting [of other mantras] and meditation are all useless and illusory. In my heart I know that without devotional service these things are a joke, like placing valuable ornaments on a naked body . . .
“Although again and again I heard the sruti and smrti scriptures’ declaration that one should take shelter of Lord Hari’s lotus feet in order to become fearless, I did not chant Lord Krishna’s name, and I did not meditate on His transcendental form.
“I will now concentrate my mind on the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, and all my material desires will flee far away. Narottama dasa says: now that I have fixed my mind on Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, I am no longer afraid of my future.” (_Sri Prarthana_, Song 8, Texts 2, 4-5)
(_Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name_)
JAPA POEM
Narottama dasa Thakura’s firm resolve is
to serve Radha and Krishna
in devotional service. Other processes
are useless and a joke.
He has so far neglected
chanting and hearing
with a focus on Radha and Krishna.
But he now resolves to meditate on
the lotus feet of Radha-Krishna, and
be no longer afraid of his future.