Five Obstacles in Continuous Naam Jap
We take refuge in 'naam jap' for spiritual peace, but we are unable to experience that joy and continuity. Understand these five subtle obstacles that stand like walls in the path of our sadhana.
1. Falsehood and the Mobile's Web of Illusion
The first and indispensable condition on the path of continuous naam jap is the complete abandonment of mrisavaad (falsehood). The tongue that harbors falsehood can never hold the Lord's name with continuity. In this age, the mobile phone has become the greatest instrument of falsehood. We easily say, "I am in Agra" when we are actually near our own house. Another example: a shopkeeper selling a gamchha (towel) worth ₹130 falsely swears to the customer, "I got this for ₹120." To sacrifice truth for such petty selfish gain is self-destructive. Speak truth; do not resort to falsehood for flattery or small gains. Only that falsehood is acceptable which saves someone's life; otherwise, every false word shatters your spiritual focus.
2. Addiction and Impurity: Physical Obstacles in Naam Jap
If you consume any intoxicant, such as tobacco or betel leaf mixture, continuous mantra jap becomes impossible. Purity of the mouth is essential for continuous jap. A person who chews betel leaf mixture will be caught up in repeatedly performing achamana (rinsing), causing the flow of mantra jap to break. Impurity of the mouth directly affects the mind's concentration. If you wish to realize the Lord, then it is essential to abandon these petty addictions and maintain purity of body.
3. Renouncing Revenge and the Miracle of Forgiveness
One should not abandon the path of dharma even in difficult circumstances. A woman falsely accused Sadan Ji (she herself murdered her husband and blamed Sadan Ji because he had rejected her improper advances). As punishment, the king cut off both of Sadan Ji's hands. Despite enduring such suffering, Sadan Ji neither sought revenge from the woman nor complained to God. He reached Jagannath Puri with severed hands. When he raised his severed stumps to make obeisance before the Lord, his new hands miraculously manifested.
Main Message: If someone does wrong to you, do not commit sin in retaliation. A worldly person answers a brick with a stone, but a bhakt pleases their Ishta with 'forgiveness'. Forgiveness purifies the heart and is the swiftest path to attaining the Lord.
4. Mere Scriptural Knowledge versus the Experience of Satsang
Knowing the method of preparing food does not fill the stomach; one must prepare it and eat it. Similarly, knowledge of thousands of scriptures and memorized verses are useless unless they are put into practice. Excessive scriptural knowledge sometimes creates arrogance and confuses the intellect: "Which path should I follow?" Rather than exhausting the intellect, true sadhana is to surrender it to the feet of the Lord. Merely holding a map in one's hand and sitting still does not complete the journey; one must also walk. That walking is experience and practice.
5. Four Champions of the Spiritual Battle
There is a continuous battle within us. On one side are negative forces: kaam, krodh, lobh and moh. These four bind the jiva in the cycle of birth and death. To defeat these enemies, there are four champions:
- Satsang: Listening daily to discourse on the Lord, which removes the darkness of ignorance in the heart.
- Paropkar: Its meaning is very simple—setting aside at least one roti from your plate for another hungry being or creature.
- Vairagya: The feeling that "everything belongs to God" and directing the bonds of attachment to the service of the Lord.
- Naam jap: Continuous jap of "Radha-Radha".
These four practices together carry the jiva across the ocean of existence.
Conclusion
With each moment, a part of your life span is diminishing. The fate of the jiva in other wombs is extremely terrible. This human body is the only gateway to escape that hell-like suffering. If you perform continuous naam jap, then "you will be victorious!" Because the Name is the ultimate refuge that can stop the wheel of time.
Finally, ask yourself: "Will you dedicate your next breath to the Lord's name, or will you waste it on futile entanglements and gossip?"
Time is very short. Do not delay; begin your ultimate journey today and now with the naam jap of "Radha-Radha".
Original article: bhajanmarg.com
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