Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 3.54
The Holy Name Always Acts
“A devotee in advanced ecstatic love exclaims, ‘O my Lord Rāmacandra! O my Lord Rāmacandra!’ But the yavanas also chant, ‘hā rāma, hā rāma!’ Just see their good fortune!”
What the purport teaches
- An advanced devotee exclaims ‘hā rāma’ in ecstatic love, while yavanas use the same words to mean ‘abominable.’ Their intentions differ.
- Fire burns whether touched by a child or an elderly person. Similarly, the holy name acts whether or not the speaker understands its spiritual meaning.
- The holy name’s spiritual power does not depend on the speaker’s awareness. Haridāsa Ṭhākura therefore celebrates the good fortune of those who utter it.
Try this today
Say ‘O my Lord Rāmacandra!’ slowly today, taking a moment to appreciate the holy name’s spiritual power.
Ask yourself
What does the example of fire teach me about the holy name’s power?
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.