Question: Our Sanathana Dharma defines many
Sadhanas (achievements) that are to be performed in
order to obtain the different kinds of fruits (Outcomes).
If that is the case, how do we obtain all benefits if we
only chant Nama.
Sri Swamiji: A tree has a number of leaves, fruits,
flowers and branches. In order to obtain only the fruits,
we need to come up with some methods. If we throw a
stone, aiming it at the fruit, it will fall down from the
tree. In order to obtain its leaf, a different method has
to be followed. Similarly, if we require the flowers, we
have to pick them individually. In this manner, with
different methods, we get different items or benefits
from the tree. But, if we shake the tree in its entirety,
the fruits, flowers and the leaves of the tree will fall all
at once, right? In the same way, there are many
Sadhanas like throwing stones and plucking flowers.
Those can only give us one or two outcomes. But,
chanting mahamantra is like shaking the tree wholly. It
is capable of giving us all the Purusharthas.
