In our previous article, Third Method of Practicing Bhakti – Remembering, we emphasized the importance of Roopdhyan. In this article, we dig deeper and attempt to understand the science of Roopdhyan or visualization and mediation upon the form of Radha Krishna.
In verse 5.5 of the Bhagavad Gita, Swamiji quotes multiple scriptures that highlight the importance of engaging the mind in any and all devotional practice. According to v4 of the Pañchadaśhī, “the mind alone is the cause of bondage or liberation.” Shree Maharajji also explains this concept in his Narad Bhakti Darshan by stating, “Bondage and liberation depend upon the state of the mind. Whatever form of devotion you choose to do, keep the mind engaged in meditation upon God.”
Now the question becomes how can we do Roopdhyan on the image of Radha Krishna when we have never seen them or heard their voice or spent any amount of time with them? It is easy to focus on the image of one with whom we have spent time or with whom we are in contact on a daily basis; we can replay their gestures or the conversation multiple times in our head. But how do we do this when we have never seen or talked to or joked or played with someone?
Here Lord Krishna guides us and says, “Make up my form! Think of any form that appeases you and I will accept it.” The Lord leaves this to our imagination. We can visualize Shree Krishna as a child stealing butter or as a young adult walking the streets of Mathura or as the King of Dwaraka or as the Guru of Arjun explaining the Gita in the middle of the battlefield. Whatever form we make up will be limited because our mind is material. God is divine and without his grace we will unable to meditate upon his true form. So, until then, we must use our vivid imagination and do Roopdhyan of his form.
Shree Maharajji goes on to explain that we should do Roopdhyan on the Lord’s form in two ways – Milana, or the feeling of meeting him, or Viraha, the feeling of separation from him. Of these two forms, Viraha or separation, is the higher form of meditation. The pain of separation from the one we love makes us focus more intensely on him/her thereby growing our longing and love until this is the only desire left within us. So the meditation of Viraha pushes us to complete this journey quickly – perhaps, even in this lifetime!
As we alternate between these two forms – of the joy of meeting Radha Krishna and the pain of separation, it is also important to keep in mind four simple techniques. First, we must sit up straight. If we get too comfortable, we’ll fall asleep. Second, follow the principle of Tridha Bhakti i.e. engage the mind and the senses. Third, close the eyes in order to focus on the form, feeling, and to completely engage the mind. Fourth, sit in a place that is free from distractions. As beginners, there are many distractions that we need to be wary of.
By practicing on the two forms and keeping these four techniques in mind, our mind will slowly get attached to Radha Krishna. With constant practice that day will not be far off when it will always be engaged in their loving devotion!