Like I already mentioned, spirituality or self -realization are customized by the understanding and need of the seeker. What the seeker seeks is the key😊
Though I prefer meditation as the way to self-realization; bhajan and chanting His name are more popular ways to merge with the divine. It’s difficult for me but may be ideal for many others. I am posting a small talk shared by Shri Brahmachaitanya Maharaj Gondavalekar on namasmarana. Pray this helps the readers on their self-realization journey:
“Nama being free of encumbrance, we should also free ourselves of all encumbrances when doing nama-smarana, in order that love for it be generated in us; that is, it should be done only for its own sake, not for some other end. If chanted with the aim of achieving some desire, it may not fulfil that desire, nor will it contribute to spiritual uplift… Nama-smarana done for its own sake turns our thoughts inward, and that reveals to us the eternal joy which resides in our own heart.
We should be painstakingly watchful about three points. Our conduct should be immaculate, unimpeachable; never give up nama; and always keep in mind that the sadguru is ever taking care of you. To be doing nama-smarana is positively to march on the way to self-realisation.
Shrikhand (sweetened yogurt) contains curdled milk and sugar as its bulk, but has saffron, almonds, etc. in small quantities to enhance its flavour. So it is with nama; practise it every day, regularly, perhaps in small quantity but with utmost sincerity, and without expecting anything in recompense; it will bring about grand results. Nama is as vital a necessity for human life as water for the body.
Nama annihilates the prowess of Kali Yuga, whose main action is to corrupt man with the enticement of sensuous pleasures. Nama strikes at the very root of Kali, and therefore, one devoted to nama is uncorrupted by Kali, and cares not for the ravages of destiny. The Supreme Being has to inhabit his body, and therefore sattva-guna grows in that body to make it fit for Him to dwell in.”
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