Why We Hear.
Sacinandana Swami: “There is no death” wrote Herman Hesse, “only fear of death. But that can be cured.”
In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, King Pariksit who was cursed to die within seven days asked his exalted spiritual master Sukadeva Goswami about overcoming the fear of death. Sukadeva gave a very practical answer in which he explained how one can transcend material consciousness and become fixed in god consciousness.
tasmad bharata sarvatma bhagavan isvaro hari
srotavyah kirtitavyas ca smartavyas cecchatabhayam
“….One who desires to be free from all miseries must hear about,
glorify (do kirtana) and also remember the Personality of Godhead,
who is the Supersoul, the controller and savior from all miseries.”
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 2.1.5)
Hearing about Krshna is the life-giving elixir for the soul in this world. By drinking it regularly you will first become aware of and then absorbed in the lord. This is called Krishna samadhi – attaining the level of Krishna and standing by his side. In his presence our soul will be illuminated and safe. Where the lord is, there is no fear! Let me conclude with a text from the Srimad-Bhagavatam:
“Therefore, O king Citraketu, carefully consider the position of the atma. In other words, try to understand who you are — whether body, mind or soul. Consider where you have come from, where you are going after giving up this body, and why you are under the control of material lamentation. Try to understand your real position in this way, and then you will be able to give up your unnecessary attachment. You will also be able to give up the belief that this material world, or anything not directly in touch with service to Krishna, is eternal. Thus you will obtain peace.”
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.15.26)
May all beings live in the peace of knowing who they are!