How Maha-mantra strengthens

our mental muscle

The Bhagavad-gita (04.11) informs us that in spiritual life, Krishna reciprocates according to the quality of our efforts. When we chant his names prayerfully, seeking to invoke his presence, he reciprocates by manifesting his presence. Because he is the supreme unchanging reality, realizing his presence pacifies us; we understand that beyond the agitating changes of daily life is a stable Krishna-centered reality to which we belong. Further, because Krishna is the reservoir of supreme love, relishing his love strengthens us; we understand that we are not alone in facing life’s challenges. Krishna is forever with us, benevolently watching and guiding us through these challenges towards his eternal blissful abode.

We may not think of these things consciously when we chant. Nonetheless, invoking Krishna’s presence by chanting causes an enriching awareness of these truths to seep into our consciousness. Just as basking in the gentle morning sun causes healing sunlight to enter into our body.

By thus engaging us in big Krishna-thoughts, mantra meditation expands our mind, just as lifting big weights expands our muscles. Just as small weights don’t trouble a person habituated to lifting big weights, the small thoughts of daily life – trivial temptations and incidental irritations – don’t trouble us when we habituate ourselves to thinking about Krishna through regular meditation. Even the big problems of life don’t intimidate us when we let the supremely big presence of Krishna calm and comfort us.

Thus, the strengthening our mental muscles is one of the rewards of mantra meditation, a reward that we can perceive even in the early stages of our spiritual life.

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