Talking about Krsna - The Nectar of Real Conversation
Talking about Kṛṣṇa is the constitutional occupation of the soul and the most effective means to achieve spiritual perfection. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that when our words, mind, and body are dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa, we transcend the three-fold miseries of material life. This practice of kṛṣṇa-kathā is the nectar that halts the cycle of birth and death and restores our eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord.
The Definition of Real Conversation
In the material world, people are generally engaged in talking about temporary affairs, which Śrīla Prabhupāda classifies as nonsense talk. Real conversation begins only when the tongue is used to glorify Kṛṣṇa. This transformation of speech is the hallmark of a self-realized soul.
- The Vaisnava says, "Previously we only talked of nonsense. Now let us begin our real talks, talks of Krsna" - CC Intro.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested that His devotees only talk about Krsna. If we simply talk about Krsna and hear about Him, the stage will come when we will no longer suffer. This is called anandamayo 'bhyasat in the Vedanta-sutra.
- If you simply talk of Krsna and if you simply eat Krsna prasadam, oh, the poisonous effect of tongue will be broken.
- He (Sukadeva Gosvami) did not chanted Hare Krsna maha-mantra, but he recited Srimad-Bhagavatam. So that is also kirtana. Talking of Krsna, that is also kirtana.
The Duty to Speak to Everyone
Śrīla Prabhupāda, following the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, instructs all his followers to become spiritual masters by simply talking about Kṛṣṇa to whomever they encounter. This missionary spirit is the essence of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and the key to global welfare.
- Lord Caitanya advised everyone to spread the word of Krsna. He advised, All of you become spiritual masters. Your duty is simply to talk to whomever you meet of Krsna or of the instructions given by Krsna.
- I am especially talking to my sannyasi disciples, who are going out today on a great mission. Please stick to this principle-one-Krsna. You will be benefited, and the persons to whom you'll talk, they will be benefited, the world will be benefited.
- When one goes with a sankirtana party or sells books, he naturally remembers that he is going to sell Krsna’s books. In this way, he is remembering Krsna. When one goes to enlist a life member, he talks about Krsna and thereby remembers Him.
- Kindly take up the mission of spreading the message of the Lord all over the world with greater and greater enthusiasm. Preaching is our life. But in order to preach one must become firmly fixed in the spiritual practices otherwise his words will not act.
The Supreme Absorption of the Gopis
The gopīs of Vṛndāvana provide the highest example of absorption in kṛṣṇa-kathā. Their conversations were so filled with love that they became completely oblivious to their own bodily needs and household duties, finding the Lord's pastimes more attractive than even the Vedic hymns.
- While talking about Krsna with Uddhava, they (the gopis) forgot all about their household business. They even forgot about themselves as their interest in Krsna increased more and more.
- After hearing the vibration of the flute of Krsna, the gopis in Vrndavana remembered Him and began to talk amongst themselves about how nicely Krsna was playing His flute.
- The ladies' talks appeared to be more valuable than the learned brahmanas' benedictions.
- I (Radharani) know that once one begins to talk about Krsna, it is very difficult to stop, and I admit that I have insufficient strength to give up talking about Him.
Purifying the Tongue and Heart
Talking about Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate remedial measure for the soul. By restricting the tongue from mundane topics and engaging it in chanting and discussing the Lord, the heart is cleansed of ignorance, and the practitioner attains a state of samādhi.
- If you simply talk of Krsna, that is the measure, the real remedial measure to control the jihva.
- With the tongue begins spiritual life. If we restrict our tongue not to talk uselessly, simply talk of Krsna or chant Hare Krsna, read Krsna books, and when you are hungry, take krsna-prasadam, then it will be possible, you can control the tongue.
- The more we talk of Krsna, think of Krsna and preach for Krsna, the more we become purified. This means we no longer have to accept a hallucinatory gross and subtle body, but instead attain our spiritual identity.
- One should not hear anything about Krsna from a non-Vaisnava. Milk touched by the lips of a serpent has poisonous effects; similarly, talks about Krsna given by a non-Vaisnava are also poisonous.
Conclusion
Talking about Kṛṣṇa is the most sublime activity for the human being, offering a direct path to the spiritual world. It is the nectar that satisfies the soul and the process that transforms any place into Vaikuṇṭha. Whether it is a sannyāsī preaching on a mission, or a householder holding a festival at home, the act of discussing Kṛṣṇa's names, fame, and pastimes is the essential ingredient for spiritual success. As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, by talking about Kṛṣṇa we become Kṛṣṇa-ized, eventually reaching the stage where material suffering is no longer felt and our original spiritual identity is fully realized. This is the highest yoga and the greatest gift to human society.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Talking about Krsna. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.