V for Vandanam

V for Vandanam

Living with Srila Prabhupada

Gaura Bhumi Devi Dasi

“Communication is the key to healthy relationships.” If we are truly serious about someone’s presence in our lives, then no matter how challenging, we will make an endeavor to contribute all we can and more to share our grievances and good news with them. Spirituality is a key contributing factor to our sense of self. Regarding matters of faith, ancient Vedic texts speak of vandanam or prayer as a means of communication with the Lord.

Vandanam is an intrinsic part of Gaudiya Vaishnava history. Every page of scripture can be considered prayer. Srila Prabhupada defines prayer as the practical chanting of the holy name of the Lord. The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is the primary prayer he gave to us. He reveals that chanting this mantra is the spiritual method for cleansing our heart. There are many dirty elements that reside within the heart, but when cleansed, we begin to understand things as they are and our misunderstandings are wiped away as a mirror is cleaned of dust. Our primary misunderstanding is that we assume our true selves to be the body, when we are in fact, the soul. Once we have purified ourselves of this misunderstanding, we become eligible for so much more growth.

Krishna is known as Uttamasloka – one who is described by choice poetry. There is no limit to who can glorify or appeal to the Lord with choice words — a woman (Kunti), a demigod (Indra), a demon (Vrikasura), a serpent (Kaliya) or a holy man (Srila Prabhupada).