Text 261] Explanations of the Atmarama Verse 229

SYNONYMS

nadi-tire—on the bank of the river; eka-khdni—just one; kutira—a cottage;
kariyi—constructing; tara dge—just in front of the cottage; eka-pindi—one
raised platform; tulasi—a tulasi plant; ropiyi—growing.

TRANSLATION

“(Narada Muni continued, ‘Leave your home and go to the river. There you
should construct a small cottage, and in front of the cottage you should grow
a tulasi plant on a raised platform.

TEXT 261

BAAN SA, GTA-CHAA |
fares Saata site FSA ti Qws

tulasi-parikramd kara, tulasi-sevana
nirantara krsna-nama kariha kirtana

SYNONYMS

tulasi-parikrama kara—circumambulate the tulasi plant; tulasi-sevana—just
supply water to the root of tulasi-devi; nirantara—continuously; krsna-ndma—
the holy name of Krsna; kariha—just perform; kirtana—chanting.

TRANSLATION

‘After planting the tulasi tree before your house, you should daily cir-
cumambulate that tulasi plant, serve her by giving her water and other things,
and continuously chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.’

PURPORT

This is the beginning of spiritual life. After leaving householder life, one may go
toa holy place, such as the bank of the Ganges or Yamuné, and erect a small cot-
tage. A small cottage can be constructed without any expenditure. Four logs
serving as pillars can be secured by any man from the forest. The roof can be
covered with leaves, and one can cleanse the inside. Thus one can live very
peacefully. In any condition, any man can live in a small cottage, plant a tulasi
tree, water it in the morning, offer it prayers, and continuously chant the Hare
Krsna maha-mantra. Thus one can make vigorous spiritual advancement. This is
not at all difficult. One simply has to follow the instructions of the spiritual master
strictly. Then everything will be successful in due course of time. As far as eating is
concerned, there is no problem. If Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
