Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.1.21
Ūti· What drives us to actBegin Bhakti by Chanting the Holy Name
“In the city known as Kānyakubja there was a brāhmaṇa named Ajāmila who married a prostitute maidservant and lost all his brahminical qualities because of the association of that low-class woman.”
What the purport teaches
- Ajāmila was a qualified brāhmaṇa who lost his brahminical qualities through his association with a prostitute. His history shows the danger of association that encourages illicit sexual life.
- Although he fell, Ajāmila was ultimately saved because he had begun bhakti-yoga. This process begins with hearing and chanting Lord Viṣṇu’s names.
- Chanting the Lord’s holy name is always effective, especially in the Age of Kali. The great authorities recommend beginning devotional service with chanting Kṛṣṇa’s name.
Try this today
Chant attentively once: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
Ask yourself
What place can I give hearing and chanting the holy name in my daily life?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.