Tulasi - the source of bhakti
Harigopal Dasa
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The scriptures are full of pastimes that reveal the potency of Tulasi
in developing devotion for the Lord.
The Srimad Bhagavatam talks about this pastime with the four Kumaras,
the sons of Lord Brahma who were very much attached to the impersonal
aspect of Godhead.
'When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasi leaves and saffron from
the lotus feet of the lotus-eyed Personality of Godhead entered
through the nostrils into the hearts of those sages [the Kumaras],
they experienced a change in both body and mind, even though they were
attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.'
Thus by simply smelling the fragrance of the Tulasi leaves the four
Kumaras became pure devotees of the Lord.
In Caitanya lila Srila Advaita Acarya was very much disturbed to see
the growth of irreligiosity. Therefore He decided to call for the
Personality of Godhead Krsna to descend by worshiping the Lord with
tulasi leaves and the water of the Ganges. When Sri Krishna was please
by this devotion He descended as Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Haridasa Thakura a great devotee of Caitanya Mahaprabhu purified a
prostitue who had come with the intention of seducing him with
instructions to chant the holy name and worship Tulasi. She became so
elevated by this service that even great Vaishnavas would come to get
her mercy.