View source for Talking about God - Reviving our Original Consciousness

Talking about God is not a sign of craziness or outdated sentiment; it is the fundamental process for purifying the human mind and reviving our original spiritual awareness. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while modern society is often characterized by nonsense talk and the avoidance of the Divine, the human tongue finds its true perfection when it is engaged in describing the glories and pastimes of the Supreme Lord. In an increasingly secular world, conversations are overwhelmingly dominated by temporary, materialistic concerns that ultimately leave the soul unsatisfied. However, the Vedic tradition teaches that our speech is a powerful spiritual tool capable of bridging the gap between our current conditioned state and our eternal nature. By consciously shifting our dialogue toward the Absolute Truth, we actively cleanse our consciousness of anxiety and illusion. Ultimately, talking about God is the most practical and immediate way to experience spiritual joy in everyday life.

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=== The Cure for the Material Disease ===

Just as a psychiatrist uses conversation to help a patient regain their mental health, the process of talking about God acts as a clinical treatment for the soul's deep-rooted material conditioning. When we are overly absorbed in mundane topics, our consciousness becomes infected with the anxieties and complexities of temporary material life. However, constant hearing and speaking about Kṛṣṇa acts as a potent medicine, gradually clearing away these mental disturbances. Through this regular spiritual dialogue, the living entity is able to revive their dormant God consciousness, remember their original identity, and experience true psychological relief.

* [[Vaniquotes:A crazy fellow goes to the psychiatrist and he talks with him; gradually, he cures him - similarly, these living entity, if they associate with devotees and they constantly talk and hear about God, then again he revives his God consciousness|A crazy fellow goes to the psychiatrist and he talks with him; gradually, he cures him - similarly, these living entity, if they associate with devotees and they constantly talk and hear about God, then again he revives his God consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Mauna necessitates refraining from nonsensical talking, and engaging the talking facility in the pastimes of the Lord. In that way one can chant and hear about the Lord in order to perfect his life|Mauna necessitates refraining from nonsensical talking, and engaging the talking facility in the pastimes of the Lord. In that way one can chant and hear about the Lord in order to perfect his life.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Transcendental subject matter is so nice that no one becomes tired of hearing or speaking. Others, who are not devotees, may think, "How can people devote so much time simply to talks of God|Transcendental subject matter is so nice that no one becomes tired of hearing or speaking. Others, who are not devotees, may think, "How can people devote so much time simply to talks of God.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:There are many students of my ISKCON institution. This institution is open a little over a year; but some of the students, by simply chanting, by the grace of Krsna, have advanced in such a way that they can talk about the science of God|There are many students of my ISKCON institution. This institution is open a little over a year; but some of the students, by simply chanting, by the grace of Krsna, have advanced in such a way that they can talk about the science of God.]]

=== Distinguishing Human Life from Animal Society ===

The hallmark of a truly advanced human society is not its technological prowess, but its focus on discussing the Absolute Truth. Śrīla Prabhupāda starkly warns that any civilization—whether scientific, secular, or nominally religious—that actively discourages or mocks the discussion of God descends to the level of animal life. In the animal kingdom, communication is strictly limited to the necessities of bodily maintenance, such as eating, sleeping, mating, and defending. Therefore, humans who utilize their highly developed linguistic abilities solely for economic development and sensory pursuits are missing the very purpose of human evolution, which is spiritual inquiry.

* [[Vaniquotes:Every state is trying to become secular: "Don't talk of God." "Don't talk of God," then what you are? That is animal society. The animal society has no talk of God. There is only talk of how to fill up the belly. That's all|Every state is trying to become secular: "Don't talk of God." "Don't talk of God," then what you are? That is animal society. The animal society has no talk of God. There is only talk of how to fill up the belly. That's all.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Amongst the scientists this is an etiquette, not to talk of God. Everything science. Means everything nonsense, passing on as scientist|Amongst the scientists this is an etiquette, not to talk of God. Everything science. Means everything nonsense, passing on as scientist.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The most heinous type of atheist; not gentlemen. Whenever they hold some conference they say, "Don't talk of God. Then you cannot come to the conference." Do they not? What is that principle?|The most heinous type of atheist; not gentlemen. Whenever they hold some conference they say, "Don't talk of God. Then you cannot come to the conference." Do they not? What is that principle?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If we call all the dogs of your country, "Come here. We shall talk about God," no, there is no possibility of understanding. But in the human form of life there is possibility|If we call all the dogs of your country, "Come here. We shall talk about God," no, there is no possibility of understanding. But in the human form of life there is possibility.]]

=== Talking as a Form of Kīrtana ===

While ''kīrtana'' is most commonly associated with congregational singing accompanied by musical instruments, the simple act of discussing the Supreme Personality of Godhead is actually considered an equally vital form of this chanting process. God and His name, pastimes, and words are absolute, meaning there is no difference between the Lord and the discussion about Him. Therefore, engaging in philosophical or devotional talks creates an immediate, direct association with the Supreme Lord. This powerful spiritual sound vibration purifies the environment, transforming any ordinary room or assembly directly into Vaikuṇṭha, the anxiety-free spiritual world.

* [[Vaniquotes:Kirtana does not mean always that we have to chant loudly with drums and kartalas or musical instruments. Kirtana, this kind of talking about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, this kind of talking about our self-realization, that is also kirtana|Kirtana does not mean always that we have to chant loudly with drums and kartalas or musical instruments. Kirtana, this kind of talking about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, this kind of talking about our self-realization, that is also kirtana.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:When the pure devotees assemble to chant, hear and talk about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the place where they assemble becomes Vaikuntha. For the devotee there is no need to pray to the Lord for transferal to the Vaikuntha world|When the pure devotees assemble to chant, hear and talk about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the place where they assemble becomes Vaikuntha. For the devotee there is no need to pray to the Lord for transferal to the Vaikuntha world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Either you chant the holy name of Rama or you see the statue of Rama or you talk of His pastimes, transcendental pastimes, everything, that means you are associating with the Supreme Personality of Godhead|Either you chant the holy name of Rama or you see the statue of Rama or you talk of His pastimes, transcendental pastimes, everything, that means you are associating with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You do not forget this business of sravanam kirtanam visnoh (SB 7.5.23). Visnu is of the . . . we should always engage ourselves in hearing and talking. Talking is also chanting|You do not forget this business of sravanam kirtanam visnoh (SB 7.5.23). Visnu is of the . . . we should always engage ourselves in hearing and talking. Talking is also chanting.]]

=== Halting the Wastage of Time ===

The passage of time relentlessly consumes the lifespan of every living entity, but spiritual sound vibration offers a way to step outside this material countdown. Śrīla Prabhupāda vividly compares the tongue that does not talk of God to the tongue of a croaking frog, whose constant noise only serves to attract the snake of death. Conversely, by actively engaging in ''kṛṣṇa-kathā''—meaningful discussions about Kṛṣṇa—the devotee elevates their consciousness to the eternal platform. This divine engagement prevents their lifespan from being uselessly diminished by the rising and setting of the sun, effectively transforming their fleeting mortal time into eternal spiritual credit.

* [[Vaniquotes:The frogs, frog's tongue, very busy in croaking. But it, it, it is means inviting death. Similarly, by talking nonsense we allow our span of life being diminished by the sunrise and sunset, but if we talk about the SPG, then our life cannot be taken away|The frogs, frog's tongue, very busy in croaking. But it, it, it is means inviting death. Similarly, by talking nonsense we allow our span of life being diminished by the sunrise and sunset, but if we talk about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then our life cannot be taken away.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This verse is very important. Ayur harati vai pumsam udyann astam ca yann asau tasyarte yat-ksano nita. Simply krsna-katha, chanting. If you have no time, don't sit idly. If there is no facility for reading books or talking about Krsna, chant Hare Krsna|This verse is very important. Ayur harati vai pumsam udyann astam ca yann asau tasyarte yat-ksano nita. Simply krsna-katha, chanting. If you have no time, don't sit idly. If there is no facility for reading books or talking about Krsna, chant Hare Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:It is mentioned here (in SB 3.22.35) visnoh kurvato bruvatah kathah. When he (Manu) talked, he talked only of Krsna and Visnu, the Personality of Godhead; when he heard something, it was about Krsna; when he meditated, it was upon Krsna and His activities|It is mentioned here (in SB 3.22.35) visnoh kurvato bruvatah kathah. When he (Manu) talked, he talked only of Krsna and Visnu, the Personality of Godhead; when he heard something, it was about Krsna; when he meditated, it was upon Krsna and His activities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes: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|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.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Talking about God represents the most sublime, effective, and purposeful use of the human gift of speech. It is not a mere religious ritual, but a profound spiritual science designed to reinstate the wandering soul in its original, joyful constitutional position. By consistently hearing, chanting, and discussing the pastimes of the Supreme Lord, our consciousness becomes completely spiritualized, seamlessly transforming our temporary material existence into an eternal life full of knowledge and bliss.

=== 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 [[Vaniquotes:Category:Talking_about_God|Talking about God]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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