SRAVANAM...HEARING

     In my studies I have learned of the nine processes of devotional service, the first process and it is first because it is most significant is sravanam...hearing. 

The nine processes of devotional service are: 

(1) śravaṇa ("listening" to the scriptural stories of Kṛṣṇa and his companions)
(2) kīrtana ("praising," usually refers to ecstatic group singing
(3) smaraṇa ("remembering" or fixing the mind on Viṣṇu)
(4) pāda-sevana(rendering service)
(5) arcana (worshiping an image)
(6) vandana (paying homage)
(7) dāsya (servitude)
(8) sākhya (friendship)
(9) ātma-nivedana(complete surrender of the self).
SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM CANTO 7 CHAPTER 5 VERSES 23-24 (LINK)


     I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is Syamasundara, Krishna Himself with inconceivable innumerable attributes, whom the pure devotees see in their heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of love.
BRAHMA SAMHITA 5:38 (LINK)

     The same principle of seeing with devotion can be applied to hearing with devotion. The swan, if there is a mixture of milk and water, has the ability to extract the drops of milk from the water. Hearing with devotion is like that. The milk can be compared to the nectar of love and devotion for the Lord. By hearing that is purified by devotion I can extract the essence of love of God in whatever I hear, even if the source may be contaminated, like the swan that can take the milk from the water. 

     This is the result of sravanam (listening to the scriptural stories of Kṛṣṇa and his companions). Devotion is awakened and nourished by such hearing especially in the association of devotees.

     For chanting, reading and discussion of Sri Krishna Chaitanya lila and the great value of the confidential path of raganuga bhakti please visit:

RAGANUGA BHAKTI SAT SANGA(LINK)