The Baby Asks Everyone to Chant Hari

Illustration 1. Little golden Nimai was growing up in Sachi’s home. Sometimes He began to cry loudly, and His mother took Him in her arms.

Illustration 2. Sachi gently rocked her son, but He did not stop crying. The neighbor women heard Him and hurried over to help.

Illustration 3. One woman clapped her hands and sang, “Hari! Hari!” Nimai immediately grew quiet and listened closely.

Illustration 4. The women repeated the Lord’s holy name. A wonderful smile appeared on Nimai’s face.

Illustration 5. When the singing stopped for a moment, the Baby began to cry again. In this way He showed everyone what He wanted.

Illustration 6. “Hari! Krishna!” the women sang again, clapping their hands. Nimai laughed and happily moved His tiny arms and legs.

Illustration 7. The women tried stopping once more. Nimai frowned, so the singing quickly began again.

Illustration 8. From early morning, the neighbors gathered around Nimai. They sang the names of Hari, and He smiled at them.

Illustration 9. Lying on a soft mat, the Baby raised His arms and rolled with joy. His tiny dance delighted everyone.

Illustration 10. Friends and strangers came to see the beautiful child. They brought Him bananas and sweets.

Illustration 11. Nimai accepted the treats but did not keep them for Himself. He offered the prasada to the women who sang Hari’s name.

Illustration 12. A little golden hand passed a ripe banana to one of the neighbors. She received the gift with a grateful smile.

Illustration 13. Again and again, the holy name filled Sachi’s home. Everyone became happier and kinder to one another.

Illustration 14. No one yet understood the Baby’s wonderful plan. By raising His arms, He was already inviting Navadvipa to chant together.

Illustration 15. In the evening, Nimai rested peacefully in His mother’s arms and listened: “Hari! Hari!” In this way little Gaurahari turned His crying into joyful kirtan.

Authoritative sources

The story and its short spiritual teaching were checked against these editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 14.22
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 9.26