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		The Master's Mantra
		The Pãduka

Sri Sri Swamiji -

• When hungry, a little cold rice with curd would suffice to appease it. But, would this do in a marriage party? Similarly, in the case of the worst kind of a sinner it would suffice if he would utter 'Govinda!' just once. He would surely attain to God after death. But, if you desire to 'see' God in this lifetime itself then you should chant His Name incessantly.

• You may do crores of japa, dhaya; do anything; but, unless Bhagavãn Wills to take you unto Him no amount of your sadhana will bear fruit. You desire to go to someone's home. You keep telling him of your desire. But, is it possible to go there unless he invites you? He has to invite you. Thus, Bhagavãn should desire to take you unto Him. This is the reason that Mahatmas say that Bhagavãn's Grace is needed.

Sriman Nigamãntha Desikan, a great Vaishnava Saint lived from mid-thirteenth to mid-fourteenth century- 1268-1369. Of the innumerable 'Granthas' (texts) written by Him the highly revered and considered as the most extraordinary piece is His "Pãduka Sahasram" - a thousand verses on the 'Pãduka' of Lord Ranganãtha. The Saint has in all composed 1008 verses, the last eight apologizing in all humility for daring to compose these 1000 verses on the Pãduka!

Sri Desikan's contemporary Sri Appayya Dikshitar had written a commentary on the "Pãduka Sahasram" but unfortunately it has been lost.

Arannyayogyam padam asprushanti
Rãmasya rãjãrhapade nivishttã |
ãstãnanityãsikayã nirãsthah
svargoukasãm svairagater vighãtam ||          (167)

Oh! Paduke!
  separated from the Divine Feet of Rama
  You did not wander about
  but,
  remained seated on the throne
  and
  removed the impediments
  from the Asuras
  to the free movement of the Devas!

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