Engaging in Chanting - The Constant Engagement of the Mahātmā
The fundamental activity of a spiritual practitioner in the age of Kali is the glorification of the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that engaging in chanting the holy names is not a temporary discipline, but the eternal, joyful occupation of both the neophyte seeking purification and the fully liberated soul.
The Primary Symptom of a Great Soul
A true saint is not identified by a mere change of dress or an official title. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that according to the Bhagavad-gītā, the absolute defining characteristic of a mahātmā (great soul) is their constant, uninterrupted engagement in chanting the glories of Kṛṣṇa.
- The mahatma cannot be manufactured by rubber-stamping an ordinary man. His symptoms are described here (BG 9.14): a mahatma is always engaged in chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord Krsna, the Personality of Godhead.
- The Lord also says that the mahatmas, or great souls, always engage in the process of chanting the glories of the Lord, and just by hearing, others derive the same benefit.
- Those who are mahatmas are always engaged in chanting Hare Krsna. Bhajana is the chanting of Hare Krsna. If we serve a mahatma like Haridasa Thakura, who was always engaged in chanting Hare Krsna, our path of liberation is opened.
- A full-fledged free soul like Narada, always engaged in chanting the Lord's glory, is free to move not only on earth but also in any part of the universe, as well as in any part of the spiritual sky.
The Purpose of the Tongue
The human body is specifically designed for spiritual realization. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that if the tongue is not engaged in chanting the holy names and tasting prasādam, it becomes degraded, heavily entangling the living entity in mundane illusion.
- A prostitute has no reputation for good womanly qualities. Similarly, the tongue, which is given to the human being for chanting the Vedic hymns, will be considered a prostitute when engaged in chanting some mundane nonsense.
- The tongue should be engaged in chanting and in eating the Lord's prasada so that the other senses will be controlled.
- One should note that chanting involves the activities of the upper and lower lips as well as the tongue. All three must be engaged in chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
- Your suggestion that the devotees visiting Vrindaban engage in preaching and chanting and not in gossiping is very good. I have instructed that this be taken to the GBC and implanted.
The Supreme Cure for the Mind
The material mind is naturally restless and easily agitated by worldly anxieties. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that engaging in the loud chanting of the mahā-mantra forcefully captures the mind's attention, acting as the ultimate cure for all psychological and material diseases.
- Our mind is so disturbed that concentration of meditation is not possible. But this chanting, as soon as we chant, by force our mind is engaged in chanting and hearing, by force: "Hare Krsna." So even my mind is disturbed, by the vibration I am attracted.
- Psychiatrists are humbug, all humbug. They cannot help. Best thing is to be engaged in continuously chanting and hearing Sankirtan, that will cure anyone of mental disease.
- The only cure is Hari Nama. You simply be engaged in chanting all day and serving Krishna and any time there is no service, simply chant Hare Krishna.
- In the Western countries, many young boys who were addicted to drugs and who had many other bad habits, abandoned all those propensities and very seriously engaged in chanting the glories of the Lord as soon as they joined the Krsna consciousness movement.
Following Lord Caitanya's Example
To teach the world the highest perfection of life, God descended as His own devotee. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu personally engaged in chanting constantly, proving that true liberation is a life of highly active, joyous devotional service.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu says: "Don't become zero, but be engaged always in chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra." That is Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult. We are not going to be zero. We want to be very active, active not for sense gratification but for Krsna's service.
- By His personal behavior, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu showed that He was never distressed but always happy in chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. One should follow in the footsteps of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and engage constantly in chanting the maha-mantra.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommends, kirtaniyah sada harih: (CC Adi 17.31) one should engage in chanting twenty-four hours a day. That is the business of Krsna conscious devotees.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to count on His fingers. While one hand was engaged in chanting, the other hand kept the number of rounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, engaging in chanting the holy name is not a mundane ritual, nor is it a preliminary step to be abandoned upon reaching spiritual maturity. As Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly explains, the constant chanting of the mahā-mantra is the very lifeblood of the pure devotee and the definitive symptom of a true mahātmā. Because the material mind is turbulent and the senses are easily drawn to degradation, one must forcibly engage the tongue in vibrating the transcendental sound of Kṛṣṇa's names to remain safe from the fire of material existence. By following the perfect example of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and the great ācāryas, who engaged their entire lives in this blissful practice, any sincere soul can cleanse the core of their heart and attain the ultimate perfection of eternal, loving association with the Supreme Lord.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Engaging in Chanting. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.