Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 17.200
Nāmābhāsa Leads Toward Transcendental Service
“ ‘Since that time, my tongue also always vibrates the sound “Hari, Hari.” I have no desire to say it, but still my tongue says it. I do not know what to do.’
What the purport teaches
- Even joking about the holy name is beneficial. Chanting in joking, ordinary discussion, reference to something else, or negligence is called nāmābhāsa.
- Nāmābhāsa is chanting almost on the transcendental stage and is better than nāmāparādha. It awakens the supreme remembrance of Lord Viṣṇu.
- Remembering Lord Viṣṇu frees one from material enjoyment. One gradually advances toward the Lord’s transcendental service and becomes eligible to chant on the transcendental platform.
Try this today
Set aside one minute today to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra with care rather than joking.
Ask yourself
How does knowing the holy name’s potency change my approach to chanting?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.