Budapest, Hungary
This evening we joined the local devotees here for a hari-nama kirtana in downtown Budapest. The brightly dressed devotees looked charming as they formed neat rows and danced in unison to the beat of the mrdanga, the chime of the kartals, and the mellifluous sound of an accordion.
The devotee’s melodious voices sent the maha-mantra adrift among the dozens of spellbound onlookers who gathered to watch, listen, tap their feet — and sometime dance — to the mysteriously sweet sound of the holy name.
Among the spectators, I noticed a man clad in suit and tie — apparently on his way home from work — who stopped suddenly as if caught in a net when he rounded the corner and beheld the devotees blissfully chanting.
Inspired by this man’s wonderment upon seeing the kirtana party, I became all the more intent to hear for myself the sound of the maha-mantra.
When we distribute the holy name to others, we are very often privileged to perceive their spontaneous appreciation for it; and by witnessing their appreciation, our appreciation grows.This is one reason that the scripture and the great Acaryas recommend chanting the holy names in public as the most desirable sadhana and means for deliverance in the Age of Kali.
Hare Krishna!
With gratitude and affection,
Vaisesika Dasa
0