Object of Meditation

In the Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu by Srila Rupa Goswami are some descriptions of the divine qualities of the Supreme Lord Krishna. As a neophyte Vaishnava sometimes I take for granted the fact that we have access (at least theoretically) to these qualitative descriptions. These qualities are revealed in order to give the devotees an understanding of the dynamic nature of the object of their worship. Indeed, when advanced Vaisnavas practice meditation they meditate on these qualities and the attractive activities that the Lord performs. The advanced Vaishnavas experience deep ecstatic symptoms upon hearing these descriptions. The more one becomes purified by offenseless chanting of the names of Krishna the more he can relish these qualities.

One interesting point about these qualities is that some of the qualities are minutely shared by spiritually advanced human beings. When we say that someone is godly it means that they are manifesting these qualities which originate in the Lord. The individual living entities can possess these qualities to a minute degree, however the Lord is the actual personification of these qualities. Some examples of these qualities are truthfulness, cleanliness, intolerance of another’s unhappiness, the power to control anger, self satisfaction, straightforwardness, steadiness of mind, control of sense organs, responsibility, equality, tolerance, equanimity, faithfulness, knowledge, absence of mundane sense enjoyment, leadership, chivalry, influence, serenity, kindheartedness, ingenuity, gentility, magnanimity, determination, perfection in all knowledge, joyfulness, fidelity, fame, pridelessness, eternal and a few more.

There are additional qualities that can exist in living entities that are more advanced beings. These beings are not minute living entities like us but are also not on the level of the Supreme Lord. The author cites Siva as belonging to this category. Some of these qualities are omniscience, forever young, always situated in His eternal form, and possessive of all mystic powers.

Next the qualities that exist only in the Supreme Lord in His grand form or as the person who the controller and creator. This list of consists of qualities that one would expect in God. Other living entities cannot at any time manifest these qualities. Some of these qualities are possession of inconceivable great energies, has a form which can exist over tens of millions of universes, the source of numerous avataras, and attracts self satisfied living entities. These qualities evoke worship in the mood of awe and reverence in the devotees.

The highest most advanced souls are attracted by these qualities but what attracts them more is the sweetness of His qualities as displayed as a cowherd boy in Vrindavan. These highly advanced souls rarely think of the majestic qualities like creating the universe, omniscience or as the supreme controller. Their natural attraction of these great souls is towards having sweet relations with the Lord as a personal friend, lover and even as a parent. Since the qualities of majesty in the Lord can hinder these sweet relations, the Lord often covers these majestic qualities from these advanced souls so that His advanced devotees can relate intimately with Him as young, beautiful cowherd boy in Vrindavan. The four qualities that manifest only in this sweet form of Krishna are: 1. He is a wave filled ocean of the most astonishing display of pastimes 2. He is surrounded by loving associates decorated with incomparably sweet prema (pure love) 3.He plays sweet notes on His flute which attract all the minds in the three worlds. 4. He astonishes all moving and non-moving entities with the beauty of His form to which there is no equal or superior.

When one’s heart becomes pure through the chanting of the Holy name of Krishna and receiving the blessing of the great souls, he can see this form of the Lord in His heart. Thus he can taste the nectar and bliss for which he has been hankering life after life.