(Mailed by Suchandra)
Since there are lately many articles on japa workshops – my suggestion – chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra in front of Tulasi Devi.
To take care of Tulasi Devi and to chant in front of Tulasi Devi seems the traditional system of Gaudiya Vaishnavas how to chant attentively – Tulasi Devi grabs your attention. It is said that chanting in front of Tulasi plant magnifies the power of the mantra 1000 times. Srila Haridasa Thakura constructed a cottage in a solitary forest. There he planted a Tulasi, and in front of Tulasi Devi he would chant the holy name of the Lord 300,000 times daily. Since Srila Haridasa Thakura is by the way namacarya for this yuga, why not give it a try?
When Narada Muni made the hunter a disciple, so he dragged him to the riverside, Ganges, and gave him a Tulasi plant, that: “You sit down here and chant Hare Krsna mantra. And the Tulasi plant is here. You offer obeisances.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.40
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Mayapura, October 20, 1974
Narada Muni gave them one Tulasi plant, and they sat down near the Tulasi plant, and he advised that “Go on chanting Hare Krsna mantra.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.9
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Nellore, January 7, 1976
For instance, we are worshiping this plant, Tulasi. We are not worshiping all plants, but because this Tulasi has a very intimate connection with Krsna, Visnu, we are therefore worshiping her.
Deciding for the Future
New York—July 4, 1972
Offering Tulasi leaves and Ganges water, He cried for the Lord s appearance. The Lord, being satisfied by His pure devotees, descends to satisfy them.
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta – Adi-lila – 3
Vivekananda said, “What is the use of pouring water in Tulasi? Better pour water in a eggplant saka. You’ll get some eggplant.” This is…. Vivekananda said. Eggplant is also a small tree, and Tulasi… So if somebody is pouring water on a Tulasi leaf for bhakti, he condemns him, “Why you are wasting time? Pour water on this eggplant. Tomorrow you’ll get two.” This is karmi. “God is fictitious. God’s service is another sentiment. Do something practical.”
Room Conversation
with His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
January 8, 1977, Bombay
Hare Krsna! Pranams and dandavats. Hoping that this meets all Vaisnavas in the best of health and spirits. All glories to our beloved, spiritual master, His Divine Grace, Srila Prabhupada and all of his sincere devotees.
Due to circumstances, I am now residing in North America this past year. During late spring/summer, i sprouted some Tulasi seeds and now i have about nine beautiful Tulasi plants. Due to the climatic changes, i had to bring in the pots inside the apartment so i am able to chant in front of them and take loving care. Srila Prabhupada. Lord Nrsimha, Sri Sri Radha/Krsna feel their presence. I always recite the Sri Tulasi=kirtana prayer in English to them and have just realized last night that i have developed so much love for them to the point that i have decided to cancel my intentions of travelling to a warmer climate this winter. I have developed so much attachment towards them and dont want to leave them and go away, though this has been my longing. Sri Krsna has tricked me into developing love for his beloved! Does this mean that I am finally developing love for Sri Krsna? It is amazing to find this article when I have just developed this wonderful, Krsna conscious realization. and the timing is perfect. To chant with full attention is the only way! On another note, i wish that the sleeping devotees will wake up to the realization as to who is the true guru and the only way is to connect with Srila Prabhupada, if there is any chance of Going back home, to Godhead. Your humble servant in the mission of Srila Prabhupada, (jagad-guru) Hare Krsna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pamho agtACBSP,we are glad to hear about that didi because SRI TULASI DEVI is not a ordinary plant after 60 thousand years of tapasya in SRI VRINDAVAN DHAM she got the the divine form of SRI VRINDA DEVI and when the robbers tried to take HER outside the vraja mandala caurasi kosi area SHE became so heavy nobody could move HER because SHE didn’t want leave the dvadas van by remaining in the forest of kamavan,i also chant my rounds at brahma muhurta time in front the picture of SRI TULASI DEVI and offer HER ghee lamp and three songs three times a day,therefore I believe about what your are saying here actually we are in list to get prem puman artho Mahan by doing that all life long we will get real love for SRI SRI GURU GAURANGA is just a question of convinction and determination then SRI TULASI DEVI will show us the blissful spiritual svarupa form the SRI KRSNA created us even before the beginning of the maha tattvam,SRI KRSNA also said in the SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA that whoever know me remain engaged in my service constantly and I considered this devotee like MYSELF,without the daily seva to SRI TULASI DEVI is impossible to get this kind of enlightenment and withouy the mercy of SRILA PRABHUPADA one can’t get the blessing of SRI TULASI DEVI through the daily steady service,therefore whoever got this desire and determination to worship SRILA PRABHUPADA and TULASI DEVI will get love for SRI SRI GURU GAURANGA agtys ys haribol