Twelve Syllables Flow Beside the Gomati
Bala Kanda, Doha 143
Doha 143 · Movement 2 of 2
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Manu and Shatarupa begin the twelve syllable mantra with deep love: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. The sound enters the forest air, returns with the river's murmur, and settles into the measured rhythm of their breath.
Repetition does not make the words dull. Each cycle bows again to Bhagavan dwelling in all beings. The former king and queen no longer issue commands or receive petitions. Their speech has narrowed into one current of surrender.
Mind and affection cling wholly to Vasudeva's lotus feet. The mantra becomes the inward path on which every scattered faculty returns, until the chanter, the sacred syllables, and the One remembered seem held within a single devotion.
Beside the Gomati, twelve syllables bind two royal hearts to the feet of Vasudeva.
Read the passage from the Manas
द्वादस अच्छर मंत्र पुनि जपहिं सहित अनुराग। बासुदेव पद पंकरुह दंपति मन अति लाग।।143।।
They chant the twelve-syllable mantra, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, with deep love. The minds of the devoted couple cling wholly to the lotus feet of Vasudeva.