SRI NABADWIP DHAM MAHATMYA-MUKTA-MALA

Introduction [3]

About Dham Parikrama
(Circumambulating a Holy Place)

(By Srila Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad)

Many can ask, ‘Why is it necessary to travel to so many places? Especially since you can engage in the service of the Lord while living at home, why is it necessary to go anywhere else?’

When we stay at home, we cannot mix and associate with saintly persons, we do not get an opportunity to listen to their lectures. When we are not busy, we start doing nonsense – we spend time telling stories and gossiping about others. In saintly association, we can hear Hari-katha. We often do wrong because we follow our judgement, but saintly association can release us from all such unwanted activities. We are always troubled by our senses, but by hearing Hari-katha in saintly association, we can become released from the hands of all such troubles. At every moment, Maya, the divine potency of the Lord, forces us to stay within the domain of aversion towards the Lord. The moment we lose protection, everything in our environment becomes our enemy and attacks us. Our sole protection is the holy narratives of saints. It is said in the scriptures,

“sadhu-sange krsna-nama—ei-matra chai
samsara jinite ara kona vastu nai”

‘I only desire to chant the Name of Krishna in the association of the saints. There is no other way to conquer material existence.’

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CONTENTS