Constantly Chanting about God
The instruction to constantly chant the holy names of God is the essence of the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this practice is not reserved for a specific time or place but is meant to be the continuous state of consciousness for a sincere devotee. By constantly chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, one transcends the material platform and engages directly with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The Qualification for Constant Chanting
To chant the holy name of the Lord twenty-four hours a day requires a specific spiritual qualification. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently refers to the third verse of Lord Caitanya's Śikṣāṣṭaka, which states that one must be free from false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. Without the qualities of extreme humility and tolerance—being more tolerant than a tree—one will be distracted by material duality and unable to maintain the constant flow of the holy name.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu said in Siksastaka (3): one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.
- One should be in a humble state of mind, should be devoid of all sense of prestige and ready to offer all kinds of respects to others. In such a state of mind, one can chant the Vedanta philosophy or the holy name of God constantly.
- One should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.
The Recommended Sacrifice for the Age
In previous ages, spiritual perfection was achieved through meditation, elaborate sacrifices, or temple worship. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in the current Age of Kali, the population is short-lived and unfortunate, making these paths impossible to execute perfectly. Therefore, the scriptures recommend saṅkīrtana, the constant chanting of the holy name, as the only effective sacrifice. Even strict brāhmaṇas like Śukrācārya admitted that chanting covers all defects in ritualistic performances.
- Hardly anyone can chant the Vedic mantras with perfect pronunciation or accumulate the paraphernalia for Vedic performances. Therefore the sacrifice recommended in this age is sankirtana, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord.
- Although Sukracarya was a strict brahmana addicted to ritualistic activities, he also admitted, nischidram anusankirtanam tava: "My Lord, constant chanting of the holy name of Your Lordship makes everything perfect."
- People in general in Kali-yuga are so fallen that it is not possible for them to obtain perfection simply by studying the Vedanta-sutra. One should therefore seriously take to the constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord.
Protection from Illusion
The illusory energy, māyā, is extremely strong, but it can be overcome by those who take shelter of the holy name. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that constant chanting keeps a devotee aloof from illusion and fixes the mind on the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. This is the perfection of the yoga system. Even if one is surrounded by temptation, the constant vibration of the Lord's name protects the consciousness from falling down.
- Mayam etam taranti te: constant chanting of the maha-mantra will keep us always aloof from the illusory energy of maya.
- By chanting the Hare Krsna mantra constantly, one can fix the mind on the lotus feet of Krsna (sa vai manah krsna-padaravindayoh) and in this way achieve the perfection of yoga.
- This constant chanting of Krishna's names will assure you of not falling down from His service. Never leave the association of devotees, otherwise it will be very difficult to chant constantly.
Transcendental Ecstasy
When a devotee advances from the stage of practice to spontaneous love, constant chanting produces symptoms of spiritual ecstasy. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how a pure devotee, tasting the nectar of the holy name, may laugh, cry, sing, and dance like a madman. This is not a show for the public but a genuine manifestation of kṛṣṇa-prema.
- When a person chants constantly, he exhibits transcendental ecstasies and sometimes laughs, sometimes cries, sings and dances - not exactly in an artistic way, but just like a madman.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has prescribed: Let people chant the Hare Krsna mantra constantly. Then their demoniac tendencies will be killed, and they will become first-class devotees, happy in this life and in the next.
- The actions of devotees who have surrendered unto the lotus feet of the Lord and who constantly chant the holy name of the Lord are praised by the demigods and the residents of Siddhaloka.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant to train people in this art of constant chanting. By following in the footsteps of Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Lord Caitanya, devotees can purify their existence and attain the highest platform of life. Whether in danger or happiness, the prescription remains the same: chant Hare Kṛṣṇa constantly.
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