The word urukrama has already been explained: it indicates the Supreme Lord. All the atmaramas are engaged in devotional service to Urukrama. Before engaging in devotional service, such transcendentalists are called santas, or pacified devotees.
The word atma, or self, is sometimes translated as "mind." Sometimes mental speculators present philosophical theories in different ways, but when they come in contact with saintly persons engaged in devotional service, they also become devotees.
Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.87.18) describes the two classes of yogis (sagarbha and nigarbha) as follows: "The yogis begin their practice of yoga by worshiping the abdomen, and they try to concentrate their attention on their intestines. Gradually their meditation rises to the heart and they concentrate the mind there. Then they gradually direct their attention to the top of the head. One who can raise his meditation to that position is understood to have become perfect and to be no longer subject to birth and death." Even such yogis render causeless devotional service to the Lord when they come in contact with pure devotees.
The word atma also means "an endeavor." In every practice there is some endeavor, and the ultimate endeavor is the endeavor to reach the highest perfectional stage of devotional service. In Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.5.18) it is stated that one should try to attain the highest goal, which cannot be attained either in the higher or lower planetary systems. The idea is that material happiness and misery are automatically available in all planetary systems in the course of time, but the highest achievement, devotional service, cannot be attained anywhere without endeavor. Therefore in the Brhan-naradiya Purana it is said that one who is serious about understanding the highest perfectional stage of devotional service can become successful simply by his endeavor. One cannot attain the highest perfectional stage of devotional service without personal endeavor. As Krsna states in the Bhagavad-gita (10.10):
- tesam satata-yuktanam bhajatam priti-purvakam
- dadami buddhi-yogam tam yena mam upayanti te
"To those who are constantly rendering devotional service to Me with love, I, who am situated in everyone's heart, give the intelligence by which they can make undeterred progress in devotional activities."
The word atma also means dhrti, "patience and perseverance." By patience and perseverance one can achieve the highest stage of devotional service.
As far as the word muni is concerned, there are additional meanings. The word also refers to a bird and a large black bee. Another meaning of the word nirgrantha is "a foolish person." Thus even birds, bees and foolish people engage in the service of the Supreme Lord when they are favored by the pure devotee. Indeed, it is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.21.14) that the birds in Vrndavana are devoted to the service of the Supreme Lord. It is also stated in the Bhagavatam (10.15.6) that the black bees in Vrndavana always follow Krsna and Balarama. In that verse Sri Krsna describes to Balarama the devotional service the bees were rendering unto Him (Lord Balarama):
- ete 'linas tava yaso 'khila-loka-tirtham
- gayanta adi-purusanupathambhajante
- prayo ami muni-gana bhavadiya-mukhya
- gudham vane 'pi na jahaty anaghatma-daivam
"O supremely virtuous one, O original Personality of Godhead, just see how these bees are following You, glorifying Your transcendental fame and thus worshiping You. Actually, these bees are not as they appear: they are great sages who are taking this opportunity to worship the Supreme Soul. Although You are not knowable by ordinary persons, they know You, and they are following and glorifying You."
In the next verse in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.15.7) Krsna describes the similar reception given to Balarama by the peacocks and cuckoos of Vrndavana: "O worshipable one, just see how the peacocks returning to their nests are receiving You with full pleasure. These peacocks are just like the damsels of Vraja. The cuckoos on the branches of the trees are also receiving You in their own way. The residents of Vrndavana are so glorious that everyone is prepared to render devotional service to the Lord." Another verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.35.11) describes a similar reception given to Krsna by the birds of Vrndavana: "O just see how the cranes and swans on the water are singing the glories of the Lord! Indeed, they are standing in the water meditating on Him and worshiping Him." It is stated elsewhere in Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.4.18): "Even the aborigines and uncivilized human beings like Kiratas, Hunas, Andhras, Pulindas, Pulkasas, Abhiras, Sumbhas, Yavanas and Khasas, as well as many other such human beings, can all be purified simply by taking shelter of the pure devotees." Therefore Sukadeva Gosvami offered his respectful obeisances unto Lord Visnu, whose devotees can work so wonderfully.
Another meaning of the word dhrti is "to realize oneself as elevated." In this state one feels that he is free from all miseries and is elevated to the highest platform of life. All devotees of Krsna in full Krsna consciousness are free from all kinds of material pleasures and miseries. They are fully absorbed in the service of the Lord, and they are always jolly by virtue of their engagement in His transcendental service. They are experienced men of happiness. Indeed, they are so happy that they do not even wish to be promoted to the spiritual planets, for they are happy in every sphere of life. Being fulfilled in the transcendental service of the Lord, they desire neither material objects nor material sense pleasures. As stated by the Six Gosvamis: "Persons whose senses are fixed in the service of the Supreme Lord can be called peaceful."
Thus the word atmarama indicates that even birds, beasts and fools -- in short, everyone -- can become attracted by the transcendental qualities of Krsna, engage in His service and become liberated.