Letter No. 5

To, Anukul Chandra Mukhopadhyaya:

     Like a mother’s affection seen even in a bitch, cat, cow or a bird gladdens the heart, stories of Krishna are delicious and sacred even if they come out of the mouth of a worst sinner. There is no need to express any admiration for me (for my letter); it is Krishna who is very sweet Himself and talks about Him which are very sacred and delicious, should be applauded. Krishna and His name are one and the same; the latter is sweeter still. As the very name of a delicious thing brings to mind only its deliciousness, overlooking such conditions that are not tasteful, so Krishna’s name notwithstanding the numerous incidental difficulties, brings to the mind only the joy attending it. When we talk of a lily, only its beautiful colour, delicate shape, delightful fragrance comes before the mind overshadowing the thorny stem and the difficulties of obtaining the lily. When we actually possess one, the prickly stem, the gradual decay and other unpleasant circumstances become apparent and do not yield the full measure of joy as the word “lily” affords us. Mango is another example. There is a great difference between the word “mango” and the fruit itself. ?The word brings us the recollection of the exquisite flavour and taste of the fruit whereas the actual fruit makes us ponder whether it is sweet or not, about its bitter skin and the hard stone. Such exactly is the difference between Krishna and His name. In Krishna there are qualities to inspire awe or even dread. That is why Name is much sweeter than Krishna Himself. Another reason why Name is preferable is because it is the only means by which Krishna can be bought. Money is considered more valuable than any article purchased by it. Similarly the Name. To amass wealth, one has first to undergo much trouble and live like a miser. To store up the treasure of Lord’s name, one must first be circumspect and learn secrecy. When a certain amount has been amassed, then the process becomes simpler for the interest accruing thereupon will go on adding to the capital. When sufficiently large fund of Name has been laid by, the boundaries of secrecy become open. The secrecy is necessary only at the beginning stage lest the capital is lost at the very start. That is why the Sastras enjoin repeatedly that the Lord’s name should be taken in privacy and with great caution.

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