Baalavasta (Childhood)

I was shocked to find 2 tiny little girls melodiously singing the dhun "Jai Radha Madhava" and the Hare Krishna Mantra at the mandir with such ease. What talent! The only Mantra I knew when I was younger was the Gayatri Mantra:

Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah, 

Tat Savitur Varen-yum, 

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, 

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

(My Dad taught me this and he made me recite the mantra every night!)

The girls really opened my eyes; it made me realise how much knowledge a child can conquer from such a young age. Even when I was about 18 years old I had no idea about the Hanuman Chalisa but then I saw my 8 year old cousin reciting it FULLY with such confidence and I thought to myself, I should know this. She really inspired me. I needed to first understand what the Hanuman Chalisa was about before I could even begin to learn it! But the first time I saw the Hanuman Chalisa written down, my face dropped. 

My reaction: DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG THE HANUMAN CHALISA IS?!

It's quite a normal reaction for a beginner lol and at the time I thought how on earth did she rememeber this all? At first it seemed absolutely impossible for me to learn it but surprisingly I did it. I learnt the Hanuman Chalisa. I practised and practised and one day I actually just recited the Hanuman Chalisa without looking at the words and I was shocked. 

I found that Shivali's Hanuman Chalisa really helped me learn it and I thank her for that! I cannot begin to even explain how useful, powerful and special the Chalisa is to me. When you know, you know! It's better late then never. Till today I sing the Hanuman Chalisa everyday with all my heart and it's the best thing that ever happened to me...

Boh Prem,

Jai Shri Krishna

 xxx