Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 17.127
Understand the Holy Name Without Offense
“Although he spoke Your name three times, he did not utter the name ‘Kṛṣṇa.’ Because he uttered Your name in contempt, I was very much aggrieved.
What the purport teaches
- The brāhmaṇa was deeply aggrieved because the Lord’s name was spoken in contempt. Although it was spoken three times, the name “Kṛṣṇa” was not uttered.
- Names that indirectly indicate Kṛṣṇa may give a little light, but do not by themselves reveal that His holy name is identical with Him. Considering the Lord’s names material comes from insufficient knowledge.
- One must directly cultivate knowledge about the holy name to avoid misunderstanding the Lord’s spiritual name, form, qualities and pastimes. The purport warns against hearing about Kṛṣṇa or devotional service from Māyāvādī impersonalists.
Try this today
Spend a minute reflecting on the purport’s teaching that the holy name is identical with the Lord.
Ask yourself
How can understanding that the holy name is identical with the Lord deepen your respect for it?
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.