Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.2.55
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionLoving Devotion Holds Kṛṣṇa Within the Heart
“The Supreme Personality of Godhead is so kind to the conditioned souls that if they call upon Him by speaking His holy name, even unintentionally or unwillingly, the Lord is inclined to destroy innumerable sinful reactions in their hearts. Therefore, when a devotee who has taken shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet chants the holy name of Kṛṣṇa with genuine love, the Supreme Personality of Godhead can never give up the heart of such a devotee. One who has thus captured the Supreme Lord within his heart is to be known as bhāgavata-pradhāna, the most exalted devotee of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa’s holy name is so merciful that even unintentional or unwilling chanting can destroy innumerable sinful reactions. Those who have not yet reached loving devotional service can also become gradually purified by chanting.
- A pure devotee attracts Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, by love so that He never leaves the devotee’s heart. Through surrender and realization of Kṛṣṇa’s all-attractive nature, the devotee’s clean heart becomes the Lord’s residence.
- Devotees who give up sinful behavior, chant the holy name and remain in the Lord’s service gradually reach prema-niṣṭhā, steady love of Godhead. Even if their chanting is not yet perfect, loving devotional service leads them toward this goal.
Try this today
Set aside one minute today to chant Kṛṣṇa’s holy name attentively, with a sincere desire to serve Him.
Ask yourself
How can I make my chanting an expression of my desire to love and serve Kṛṣṇa?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.