Japa — Some Thoughts on Contemplation

This is the third chapter in the series on Japa. In any task we take up, contemplation or concentration is of utmost importance. All fields of study, as well as the wisest people, including academics, are in agreement on this point.

Contemplation is a vast subject in itself. It will keep returning to our discussions from time to time. In this chapter, I only attempt to touch upon a few aspects.

Sri Ramakrishna and Rani Rashmoni's Distraction

Rani Rashmoni (1793–1861) of Janbazar, Calcutta (presently Kolkata), was a well-known landowner (zamindar). After the death of her husband, Rajchandra Das, she took charge of the estate herself. She became famous as a patron of public works and for her compassion for the poor. She was also the founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and one of the chief benefactors of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836–1886).

In 1855, after establishing the temple at Dakshineswar, Rani Rashmoni appointed Ramakrishna as its head priest. From then on, Ramakrishna poured all his time and energy into worship and spiritual practice.

On one occasion, Rashmoni came to the temple to have darshan of the Mother. Worship was going on. She stood before the deity, but to everyone's shock, Ramakrishna suddenly stepped forward and slapped her. The assembly was taken aback. What had he done! How could a priest raise his hand against such an eminent patroness?

This incident finds mention in Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita, in the entry of 16 October 1882. In Ramakrishna's own words—

One day Rashmoni came to the temple. She entered the shrine. At the time of worship, she would sometimes ask me to sing a song or two. As I was singing, I noticed she was distracted, picking flowers absent-mindedly. At once, I gave her two quick slaps. She stood with folded hands, startled and embarrassed.

After this, Ramakrishna asked her calmly, "Even here, you are lost in such thoughts?" Rashmoni, unable to reply, grew conscious of her mistake and turned her attention back to the worship.

What actually happened that day was that while Rani Rashmoni had come to Dakshineswar and joined the worship of Kali, her mind was preoccupied with her work—the various duties, profits, losses, and legal cases of her estate. Even though she was physically present in front of the idol of Kali, her attention was not there. Ramakrishna noticed this lack of focus and sought to draw her back, firmly but with concern.

Ramakrishna (1836–1886) made Rani Rashmoni aware of her distraction during worship.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons.

Covering the Head at the Gurdwara

Anyone who enters a Gurdwara knows that covering the head is a must. It may be with a turban, scarf, handkerchief, or the corner of a shawl—anything suitable.

This practice is not merely external. Explanations are many. First, reverence—to bow before the Guru Granth Sahib and the Gurus. Second, humility—covering the head symbolises veiling one's pride, a reminder not to inflate the ego.

I myself have deep respect for the generosity of the Sikh faith. Having visited various Gurdwaras for a long time and contemplating the subject, it strongly occurs to me that there is another important reason for covering the head at the Gurdwara.

The head is the symbol of thought. To be asked, "Cover your head here," may also mean— put away the stream of restless thoughts. In this sacred space, let the mind be at rest in contemplation of the Guru.

Punjabi: ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਚੜ੍ਹੇ ਸੋ ਉਤਰੇ ਪਾਰ।
English: Nanak's name is a ship; whoever boards it crosses surely to the far shore.

But to board such a ship, contemplation is needed. In the Gurdwara, in the presence of the Gurus, one must set aside every other concern and fully contemplate the Divine.

Japa and the Need for Contemplation

There was a time when I participated in a number of large office or brainstorming meetings. From my experience in these expensive gatherings, which I am sure you have also noticed, most people do not pay attention. They are physically present in the meeting hall, but their minds seem to be somewhere else. In some cases, I have seen laptops and mobiles banned during meetings. But that does not seem to increase the participants' contemplation much.

The main subject of this series of articles is Japa. During Japa, contemplation is absolutely essential. In this chapter, I have described two instances: Rani Rashmoni's temporary lack of contemplation and views on covering the head at the Gurdwara. When we do Japa, we must discard all other thoughts. Intense contemplation is needed. If one cannot reach this state all at once, an effort must be made to increase contemplation gradually. The head must be fully covered, as they say at the Gurdwara.

Thus ends the third chapter in this series on Japa.

Japa (জপ)

• ● Read in English: First Chapter (Japa definition? Why? When?), Second Chapter (What to Chant?), Third Chapter (Some thoughts on contemplation)
• ● বাংলায় পড়ুন: প্রথম অধ্যায় (জপের সংজ্ঞা? কেন? কখন?), দ্বিতীয় অধ্যায় (কী জপ করবেন?), তৃতীয় অধ্যায় (মনোযোগ সম্পর্কে কিছু কথা)
• ● Tools: Japa Counter, Meditation Timer

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