ōṁ bha̲draṁ karṇḗbhiḥ śr̥ṇu̲yāmá dēvāḥ |
bha̲draṁ páśyēmā̲kṣabhi̲ryajátrāḥ |
sthi̲rairaṅgaìstuṣṭu̲vāgṁ sásta̲nūbhíḥ |
vyaśḗma dē̲vahíta̲ṁ yadāyúḥ |
May we hear auspicious words with the ears; May we see auspicious things with the eyes;
While praising the gods with steady limbs, May we enjoy a life that is beneficial to the gods.
This sacred Shanti Mantra, found in the Prashna and Mandukya Upanishads, is traditionally invoked before many recitations especially the powerful Ganesha Mantra of the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, so dear to sadhakas and bhaktas.
Much has been written about its deeper philosophical meaning. Great teachers from institutions like Ramakrishna Mission and Chinmaya Mission have illuminated ideas such as equanimity amidst good and bad, the distinction between hearing and true listening, and the need to listen without preconceived notions.
All of that is profound. But let us step gently into the bhakti perspective one that feels closer to the ordinary seeker.
To develop equanimity takes time.
To drop preconceived notions takes maturity.
And both require steady sadhana.
But what about someone living a worldly life, balancing work, family, responsibilities with limited time for what we may call “active spirituality”?
Here the Bhagavatam gives us a compassionate doorway.
Bhakta Prahlada speaks of nine forms of devotion. The very first is Sravana: listening.
Listening to the Lilas of the Lord: Shiva drinking Halahala, Sri Krishna lifting Govardhana, Murugan vanquishing Tarakasura. Listening to the sacred Namavallis, reflecting on the richness within each divine name.
This is hearing auspicious things in its purest form.
Suka Rishi beautifully says that one who fills the cup of his ears with the nectar of the Lord’s narratives, even if burdened with worldly tendencies, becomes purified and gradually reaches the Lord’s feet.
There is quiet magic in divine stories.
The Itihasas, Ramayana and Mahabharata, not only strengthen faith in one’s Ishta, but also gently teach Dharma through lived example.
For the householder, this path is mercifully accessible.
While travelling to work, listen to Upanyasams.
Instead of indulging in idle gossip, speak of your Ishta.
Rather than another weekend of restless distraction, sit in a temple and let bhajans steady the mind.
Brahma Deva himself declares that those who remain in their homes, hearing the Lord’s narratives with devotion, conquer even the unconquerable.
There is always a way to practice hearing auspicious things.
And if you feel called to deepen this practice; to surround yourself with mantra, sacred stories, and a community walking this gentle Tantric path https://shorturl.at/6gxgH you may quietly join our Tantra circle and continue this journey with us.
Shree Mahaganapataye Namah
Karuppar Thunai.
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