Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa - The Way to Become Free from Contamination
In the material world, the living entity is constantly in contact with the modes of nature, which cover the original pure consciousness like dust covers a mirror. Śrīla Prabhupāda refers to this covering as "contamination." This contamination takes many forms: sinful reactions, material desires, and false bodily identifications. However, in the current age of Kali, which is characterized by an abundance of faults, there is a special process for purification. This article explores how the simple act of chanting the holy names can free one from lifetimes of accumulated impurities.
Special Boon of Kali-yuga
The Age of Kali is described as an ocean of faults. It is very difficult in this age to perform severe austerities or elaborate sacrifices. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights a verse from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam that offers a powerful solution: kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet. Simply by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa, one becomes free from all contamination and eligible to return to the spiritual world. This is the "great boon" of this age.
- A very nice thing is there," mahan gunah, "very great opportunity, great boon. Simply by chanting this Hare Krsna mantra, one can become freed from all contamination, and he'll be eligible to be promoted to the spiritual param.
- By chanting this mantra - Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, - one becomes free from the contamination of this age. And not only he becomes free from the contamination of this age, but param vrajet, he goes back to the spiritual world.
- All over the world people are chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra. And practically we see, those who are chanting, they're becoming free from the contamination.
Purification through Prasādam
Another major source of contamination is the food we eat. The Bhagavad-gītā states that those who cook for their own sense gratification verily eat sin. This is especially true regarding the killing of animals. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the only way to eat without becoming implicated in sinful reactions is to offer the food to Kṛṣṇa. Eating prasādam (offered food) acts as a vaccine, immunizing the devotee against the contamination of material life.
- Bhagavad-gita says that if you take the remnants of foodstuff after offering sacrifice, you become freed from all contamination. Otherwise, one who cooks to eat personally without offering to Krsna is simply eating sinful reactions. This is our position.
- The eating process is the same, but if you eat directly then you become materialistically encumbered. If you offer to Krsna, however, and then take it, then you become freed from all contamination of material life. That is stated in Bhagavad-gita.
Freedom from Bodily Designations
Ultimately, contamination means identifying the self with the body. We think, "I am American," "I am Russian," "I am white," or "I am black." These designations (upādhis) create conflict and anxiety. To become free from contamination means to wash away these false labels and realize one's eternal position as a servant of Kṛṣṇa. This purification of consciousness brings immediate peace.
- I am thinking, "I am this body." I am thinking, "I am Indian," "I am American," "I am Russian," "I am Pakistani." These are upadhis. But if you practice devotional service, Krsna consciousness, then you become free from this contamination of designation.
- He (Yudhisthira) became disinterested in his kingdom and family and thus became free from all material contamination, or material designation.
Conclusion
The process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a process of decontamination. By constant contact with the supreme purity—Kṛṣṇa—through His name, His food, and His service, the living entity is gradually cleansed of all material tinges. This purity is the qualification for entering the kingdom of God.
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 Becoming Free From Contaminations. 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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