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Chapter 18 Sri Ekadasi

ONE DAY, LORD GAURAHARI went from Gundica mandira to the Jagannatha-vallabha gardens and sat amongst the flowers. The day was ekadasi. He celebrated this auspicious occasion by chanting the holy name incessantly, day and night. Present with Him were Svarupa Damodara, Ramananda Raya, Vakresvara Pandita and the other resident Vaisnavas of Sri Purusottama-ksetra, Puri.

The Lord said, "Today, all of you should refrain from eating
and sleeping, and constantly chant Krsna's name. Some of you
should chant japa, some of you should circumambulate the temple
with prostrated obeisances and others should discuss the pastimes of
Lord Balarama and Lord Krsna." Everyone became spiritually
surcharged by the Lord' instructions and busied themselves with
different activities, chanting, "Govinda, Govinda!" They felt
intoxicated with prema.
Suddenly, Sri Gopinatha arrived from Gundica, accompanied by
Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. They were laden with Lord Jagannatha's
maha-prasadam! They placed the prasadam of cooked rice, a variety
of vegetables, pitha, pana, sweet rice, curd and yoghurt before the
Lord. At the Lord's bidding, devotees offered respectful obeisances
to the prasadam and then continued chanting the Lord's name deep
into the night in an ecstatic mood of devotion , free from all material
desires.
Early next morning, the devotees, begged permission from Sri
Gaurahari and, went to take bath. On returning, they sat down and
respectfully honoured maha-prasadam, breaking their ekadasi fast.
They experienced ineffable bliss, and falling to the ground they
offered obeisances to the Lord and spoke to Him in great earnestness
with folded hands:
Ekadasi in Puri
"Sri Harivasara (ekadasi), is considered to be the most
important vrata (vow of fasting). It is to be observed by maintaining
complete fast and without sleeping at night. We also know that Lord
Jagannatha's maha-prasadam must be respected at all times in
Purusottama-ksetra. It should be honoured by eating it immediately
upon receiving it. Therefore, we find ourselves in a dilemma as to
how to honour prasadam on ekadasi. Please tell us unequivocally the
conclusions of the scriptures on this subject in a manner that would
convince even spiritual stalwarts like Lord Siva and Lord Brahma.
This will dispel our disquietude."
Lord Caitanya's conclusion
Lord Caitanya replied, "To not observe complete fasting on
ekadasi will greatly endanger one's spiritual life. Honour prasadam on
ekadasi only by offering it obeisances and eating it the next day. In
this way, one can easily cross this material ocean. The fast is any
way over on the following day.
"All Vaisnavas, beloved associates of the Supreme Lord, are
very pleased when ekadasi is properly observed by simply relishing the
nectar of Lord Krsna's holy name. One should not taste anything nor
should any mundane topics be discussed on Ekadasi. All physical
pleasures should be proscribed. It is a Vaisnava's duty to daily
honour and eat only prasadam, for he never consumes unoffered food.
On ekadasi he observes complete fasting, and the next day he breaks
his fast with maha-prasadam. and if, for some reason, one has to eat
on ekadasi, then let the Vaisnavas take anukalpa, a light meal
consisting of merely fruits, roots and milk, without grains or beans or
other prohibited vegetables.
"The non-Vaisnavas gormandise without control, offering only
lame excuses that they are honouring maha-prasadam. They do this
on ekadasi, because they are engrossed day and night in sense
enjoyment. They enjoy grains and rice on ekadasi and thereby eat
the sins that enter grains on such days, disregarding the sanctity of
ekadasi-vrata. You must diligently execute devotional service and
respect the process of devotion. You will then surely receive the
blessings of Bhakti-devi Herself. Avoid the association of non-
devotees and properly observe the ekadasi-vrata by constantly chanting
the holy name.
"Try to realise in your heart that there is no offence or
contradiction in refusing maha-prasadam on ekadasi or any other
important fast day. It is inane to observe certain spiritual disciplines
and vows while neglecting others. Earnestly observe prescribed vows
on designated days and timings and in an appropriate devotional
manner. Sri Vrajendra-nandana, Krsna, is the Lord and ultimate goal
of all vows and devotional activities, so observe all spiritual vows for
His pleasure and satisfaction alone. Therefore, remember to abstain
from eating, drinking and sleeping on ekadasi, and so the next day
honour prasadam with full relish."
The devotees present, both from Bengal and Orissa were
experiencing intense joy upon hearing the Lord speak. They chanted,
"Govinda! Govinda!" in blissful appreciation. Svarupa Damodara,
Ramananda Raya and other stalwarts felt ineffable exultation.
O my dear brothers! Lord Gauranga is the most valuable
treasure of my heart. Worship His lotus feet, freeing yourself from
duplicity. This can help you to easily cross this insurmountable ocean
of nescience and experience everlasting peace, beyond anxiety and
death.
Chanting the holy name and observing ekadasi-vrata are both
eternal spiritual activities, hence they are on the same devotional
platform. Therefore, become sincerely fixed in executing these
activities.

Chapter 19 The Mysteries of the Holy Name

THE NIGHT WAS YOUNG, the moon bathed the dark shadows on the beach with her cooling rays. This attracted the Moon of Navadvipa, Sri Gauracandra. He came near the ocean with His associates, sat down in the midst of the Vaisnavas like an iridescent moon, and began to speak to the assembly. The best and only means to perfection

He said, "My dear devotees! In Kali-yuga there is no spiritual
activity and religious practice to surpass congregational chanting of
Lord Krsna's holy name. Fruitive activities, cultivation of knowledge,
yoga or meditation are extremely ineffectual processes for spiritual
elevation. They cannot lead one of the transcendental realm of
absolute realisation.
"Prescribed religious duties, penances, renunciation and sacrifices
are mundane activities. Hence, they cannot help one reach the
supreme absolute goal - the spiritual world. The sruti scriptures
declare that complete spiritual perfection is achieved only through
chanting, hearing and remembering Krsna's name, fame, pastimes, etc.
All scriptures have revealed the highest esoteric truth about the holy
name and Its glories. One experiences spiritual bliss immediately
upon chanting the holy name.
In the Padma Purana Sri Saunaka Rsi says:
namoccarana mahatmyam
sriyate mahad adbhutam
yaduccarana-matrena
naro yayat param padam
tad vadasv adhuna suta
vidhanam namkirtane
sri suta uvaca
srnu saunaka vaksyami
samvadam moksa-sadhanam
naradah prsthavan purvam
kumara tad vadami te
ekada yamuna-tire
nivistam santa-mansam
sanatkumaram papraccha narado racitanjalih
srutva nanavidhan dharman
dharmavyatikarams tatha
sri narada uvaca
yo'sau bhagavat prokta
dharmavyatikaro nrnam
kantham tasya vinasah syad
ucyatam bhagavat priya
The Supreme Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu continued, "I will
explain in some detail the meanings of these slokas. O Svarupa
Damodara and Ramananda, pay special heed to this!
Uccharana defined
The meaning of the word uccarana in this context is to chant or
sing the holy names loudly or audibly. The devotees generally chant
their prescribed number of holy names either on their fingers or on the
tulasi beads. Many chant extra or sing in kirtana which are in
addition to the prescribed number. Whenever the holy name is
chanted audibly it is referred to as uccarana.
Japa and kirtana defined
"Soft, but barely audible chanting is known as japa, and kirtana
is always loud and clear. Both of these are a part of smarana or
remembrance, meaning meditation on the Lord and His pastimes.
Kirtana is also loud singing. It is imperative for everyone to know
how to properly chant the holy name and accrue the best results from
it.
Perform kirtana always and everywhere
"Chanting the holy name is the eternal religion of the living
entities. It is his prime duty whether he is living in the material world
or is in Vaikuntha in a liberated existence, for the conditioned souls,
chanting is the process to achieve liberation, and for the liberated jiva,
chanting remains an eternal, integral part of his existence as a servitor
of the Lord.
Activities devoid of bhakti are to be rejected
"According to the scriptures, religion that does not include
devotional service, vrata that is not intended to arouse devotional
fervour, renunciation that is not spontaneously inspired by devotion,
and sacrifice that is against the principles of devotional service are all
mundane activities. Even though they are considered pious activities,
they are, in fact, unfavourable to the execution of devotional service.
"But these same activities, when performed in relationship to
devotional service, become favourable spiritual activities, and they
constitute true bhakti. This is the verdict of the revealed scriptures.
In Kali-yuga these activities have become degraded to the level of
material activities, having lost all spiritual flavour due to being
performed divorced from bhakti. The oppose the principles of pure
devotional service.
"All devotees should therefore listen attentively: In Kali-yuga
there is no religion other than the chanting of the Supreme Lord's
holy name. Other religious practices that exist outside of the chanting
process should be strictly avoided. The spiritual vision you attained
through bhakti will help you to properly discriminate the truth.
sri sanatkumara uvaca
srnu narada govinda
priya govinda dharmavit
yat prshtam lokanirmukti
karanam tamasah param
You are famous as Narada Muni, one who is enlightened about
the process of devotional service to Lord Govinda, Krsna. You are
dear to Lord Govinda, and you can cut asunder the chains of material
entanglement that keep the souls eternally enthralled. Your inquiry is
aimed at liberating the conditioned souls, and its answer will allow the
jiva to surmount the insurmountable ocean of nescience."
"In Kali-yuga, irreligious acts, as well as all other religious
practices, are performed in gross ignorance. Therefore, the only path
of liberation open to the jivas is the chanting of the holy name.
The holy name alone can purify all sins
sarvacara-vivarjitah sathadhiyoh vratya jagadvancakah
dambhahankrti pana-paisunyaparah papasca ye nisthurah
ye canye dhanandaraputraniratah sarve ''dhamaste' pi hi
srigovinda-padaravindasaranah suddhah bhavanti dvija
"'For one who takes shelter of Lord Govinda's lotus feet,, all of his
sins are eradicated by chanting the Lord's holy name. He may be an
abominable wretch, the biggest liar and cheat, arrogant and egoist,
always given to sinful ways, and a grossly materialistic person attached
to wife, children and wealth. If one recognises his offenses and
remorsely weeps and chants Lord Krsna's name, then very soon, due
to his advancement in devotional surrender, his sin are expiated. He
is elevated to become a pure brahman.
Ritualistic penances cannot destroy material desires
"Formal prayascitta, or atonement and penance, the process of
knowledge and fruitive activities are all too feeble to purify even a
single tendency of a fallen soul. However, the amount of sinful
activities that can be cleansed by once chanting Lord Krsna's name is
of such magnitude that a sinner cannot commit so much sin in many
lifetimes. Sinful activities of any enormity, that is mentioned in smarta
scriptures (scriptures of the ritualistic brahmanas: karma-kandis), can
facilely be effaced by chanting a single name of Krsna.
"One may then ask, "Why do the ritualistic perform prayascitta?
The answer is that they lack sukrti, or sufficient piety. Therefore,
they prefer ritualistic activities or fruitive activities. The desire to
commit sins never goes away by performing ritualistic prayascitta, or
penance according to karma-kanda. With the execution of jnana-
prayascitta (atonement with knowledge), the desire may only be
temporarily curbed, but soon that desire becomes rampant again and
needs expression.
"Devotional service roots out nescience, which is the cause of all
material desires. Souls who surrender at Lord Govinda's lotus feet
entreat the Lord for deliverance by chanting His name and by hearing
the Lord's direct instructions in the Bhagavad-gita. These practices
will act like nectarean salve for the benefit of human society. The
blessed Lord has said:
sarva dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
ham tvam sarva papebhyo
moksyayisyami ma sucah
"Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I
shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear." (Bg. 18.66).
api cet suduracaro
bhajate mam ananya bhak
sadhur eva sa mantayah
samyag vyavasi to hi sah
"Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is
engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because
he is properly situated." (Bg. 9.30).
ksipram bhavati dharmatma
sasvacchantim nigacchati
kaunteya pratijanihi
na me bhaktah pranasyati
"He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son
of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes. (Bg.
9.31).
The results of chanting
"Therefore, one should give up the practices of prayascitta and
other such fruitive activities, because a truly intelligent person worships
the Supreme Lord Hari, knowing Him to be the dearmost Lord of
the heart.
tam api devakaram karuna-kara
sthavara-jangama muktikaram param
aticaranty aparadhapara jana
ya iha tanvapati dhruvanama hi
The holy name of Krsna is compassionate and invested with
Krsna's full potencies. It can easily liberate all moving and non-
moving beings. One who chants but commits offenses against the
holy name, is burdened with grievous sins. This causes upheavals in
his spiritual life. The only way he can be exonerated is to take
complete shelter of the holy name. There is no greater well-wishing
friend in the entire world surpassing the holy name of the Lord.
sri narada uvaca
ke te 'paradha vipendra
namno bhagavatah krta
vinighnanti nrnam krtyam
prakrtam hy-anayanti ca
"O Sanatkumara, my dear spiritual master, kindly enumerate the
different offenses to the holy name. Chanting the holy name is the
prime duty and religious practice of the jiva and his ultimate shelter.
Caution must be taken that the aspiring devotee is not thrust down
into maya due to offenses. Offenses can misguide the devotee into
believing that chanting is a mundane activity. In this way, he ends up
with meagre material benefits from chanting, depriving him of real
benediction."
sri sanatakumara uvaca
satam ninda namnah parama aparadham vitanute
yatah khyatim yatam kathanamu sahate tad vigarham
sivasya sri visnor ya iha guna
namadi sakalam dhiyabhinnam pasyet sa khalu
hari-namdhitakarah
"Try to understand each of the ten offenses to the holy name
individually. Then you can avoid them. This sloka analyses two of
the offenses. Avoid them and try to chant purely."
"According to the verdict of Vaisnava saints one who takes
complete shelter of the holy name, can break the shackles of material
existence. He must have given up all endeavours for cultivating
material knowledge and fruitive activity and is simply engaged in
chanting the holy name purely. Only such saintly persons are eligible
to propagate the holy name. any criticism against them is intolerable
to Krsna and His name."
Anyone who minimises the gravity of such an offense is as
seriously implicated as the offender himself. Therefore meticulously
refrain from committing this offense and instead aspire for such saintly
association, for this will add tremendous potency to one's devotional
life. Krsna's name, beauty, qualities and pastimes are all
transcendental and are in truth non-different from Him.
"Lord's name and the Lord Himself are of the same
transcendental, spiritual substance. There are no equivalent examples
found in material nature. This spiritual knowledge can be attained
only through the process of devotional service, or bhakti, not mental
speculation nor contentiousness. The two greatest aids in installing
the living entity in this platform of realisation are a combination of
rigid discipline, endeavour, together with the mercy of elevated saintly
Vaisnavas and guru.
"Until one realises this truth he cannot transcend material
consciousness, nor will his chanting produce the desired result:
achieving one's original spiritual form. Instead he remains on the
undesirable platform of namabhasa chanting, or the stage of merely
clearing one's offenses. Diligently endeavour for favourable results in
chanting. You can reach the ultimate goal of Krsna's lotus feet by
chanting the holy name purely. Therefore, avoid this offense and take
full shelter of the holy name, because by His mercy you can revive
your original, spiritual form (svarupa).
"Lord Krsna is the Supreme Absolute Lord, controller and
master of all other lords. Lord Siva and the demigods are His parts
and parcels. The demigod's names, forms, potencies, etc., are but
transformations of Lord Krsna's energy. When one is situated in this
knowledge, he realises that the Supreme Lord Visnu and Lord Siva
are just qualitatively the same - as is the verdict of the Vedas. One
should circumvent its offense and advance on the spiritual path by the
indispensable mercy of the guru. The demigods can never be on the
same level as the Supreme Lord.
Disobeying the spiritual master
guror avajna sruti-sastra-nindanam
tathartha-vado hari-namni kalpanam
namno balad yasya hi papa-buddhir
na vidyate tasya yamair his suddhih
"The guru directs the conditioned soul to the Supreme Lord
Hari, Krsna, reminding him of his forgotten kinship with Him. He
also introduces him to the process of chanting the Lord's holy names.
Such a perfect spiritual master is like the helmsman for the
conditioned soul, steering the boat of life across the ocean of
nescience. To disrespect and disobey him is a serious offense against
the holy name; namaparadha
"Only a foolish rascal will try to pass judgement on the guru
who initiated him into the chanting of Krsna's holy name, on the basis
of material considerations such as birth in a low family or lack of
expertise in the chanting of Vedic mantras etc.
Disrespecting the Vedic Literatures
"The sruti scriptures and Vedas unequivocally establish with
impeccable logic and widely propagate the transcendental nature and
limitless glory of the holy name. It is therefore a grave offense to
criticise these scriptures, or show preference for and praise the less
intelligent path of fruitive action propounded in the karma-kanda
section of the Vedas. This is yet another namaparadha.
Considering the glories of the holy name imaginary
"The holy names of Krsna are absolutely spiritual and are eternal
priceless treasure to the jivas. The holy name is positioned on the
transcendental plane. To consider the name and Its transcendental
qualities as imaginary is a serious namaparadha.
Committing sin on the strength of chanting
"The next namaparadha is to commit sin on the strength of the
holy name. This mentality will render all devotional performances
ineffective, and one will become addicted to sinful activities, therefore
shun this offense."
Interpreting the holy name
"That fleeting pleasures are accrued as results of fruitive activity
is certainly a fact. But by chanting the holy name within the realm of
bhakti, one is crowned with immense spiritual results which are eternal.
The transcendental holy name is unlimitedly glorious, so to give a
mundane interpretation to the holy name, considering its qualities to
be exaggerated, is very offensive.
"These five offenses, which are effects of gross ignorance, should
be strictly avoided. Only then can an aspiring devotee attract the
mercy of the Lord and His holy name to help him on the spiritual
path."

All pious activities are material dharma-vrata-tyaga-hutadi sarvasubha kriya samyam api pramadah asraddadhane vimukhe'py asmvati yas copadesah sivanamaparadhah

Mundane activities are works recommended in the section of the
scripture which propagates the varnasrama system and its religious
practices. Fasting on the new moon and full moon days is in the
mode of ignorance. Renunciation by taking sannyasa, living as a
mendicant, performing daily ritualistic sacrifices and the different
branches of yogic practices may be considered auspicious but are
factually not spiritual.
"These activities are actually meant to help a practitioner achieve
a higher goal, but if the aspiration to reach the supreme objective
Krsna, is missing in such practices, then these same become mundane
activities."
Chanting is the means and the goal
Chanting the holy name purely, on the other hand, is a perfect,
and transcendental activity, thus entirely different from these other
activities. On the stage of practice, or 'sadhana' the holy name is the
only means (upaya) to reach the supreme absolute goal, Krsna. But
when perfection in chanting is attained by ('upeya'), chanting the holy
name purely, then chanting itself becomes an indispensable necessity
'sadhya'. Therefore, the holy name and the chanting process are both
transcendental, supremely spiritual and impossible to realise through
any fruitive, mundane methods. Hence considering the chanting of
the holy name of Krsna synonymous with cultivation of material
knowledge, fruitive activities and other such mundane endeavours is a
serious offense, or namaparadha.
Instructing the faithless in chanting the holy name
"Another namaparadha is to instruct those persons who, due to
insufficient piety, have not been able to develop faith in the holy
name. Only by the blessings and the instructions from a bona fide
guru can one rid himself of these two formidable namaparadhas. At
that time it is possible to achieve a degree of perfection in chanting.
srutvapi nama mahatmyam
yah priti-rahito'dhamah
aham-mamadi-paramo
namni so'py aparadha-krt
Even after hearing unlimited eulogies of the holy name from the
different scriptures, a person may not develop deeper attachment for
the holy name. This is due to gross material consciousness: being
attached to the body and material objects, false ego, and thirsting
after material gains, adoration and distinction.
"Engrossed in sinful activities, he cannot give them up, and
makes no attempt to chant the holy name even with a little sincerity.
He has no attraction for saintly association, and prefers the company
of the depraved. He finds pleasure in following the dictates of his
uncontrolled senses, rather than in the silent promptings of his
conscience which advise him self-restraint. His lower nature goads
him to commit namaparadha, and he never develops a taste for
chanting the holy name. Thus, he is debarred from joining the
blissful family of Krsna.
"These, then, are the ten offenses against the holy name which
keep one from taking advantage of the full shelter of the holy name
and ensuring one of redemption and eternal peace.
sarvaparadha-krd-api
mucyate hari-samsrayah
harerapyaparadhan yah
kuryad dvipadapamsanah
namasrayah kadacit syat
taraty eva sa namatah
namno hi sarva-suhrdo
hy aparadhat pataty adah
All sinful reactions, sufferings and offenses of the jiva are
immediately destroyed as soon as he comes under the supreme shelter
of the Supreme Lord, Hari. At this point, the jiva develops distaste
for material existence, and because he is gradually becoming free from
his offenses, he joins Krsna's family of devotees without ulterior,
material motives.
"When jiva receives formal initiation from a bona fide guru into
the chanting of the holy name of Hari, Krsna, he is pardoned from all
his sins of previous births. Then, when he guilelessly surrenders
himself to Krsna's lotus feet, Lord Krsna nullifies all his offenses
accumulated over innumerable lifetimes. One does not have to
separately perform prayascitta (penance), for his sins, for simply by
receiving initiation he becomes freed from sinful reactions, such is the
scriptural verdict. From the moment of sincere surrender, he no
longer delights in sinful, sensual pleasures. The desire to sin becomes
further weakened, and he conquers over maya (illusion).
Offenses while performing devotional service
"Thereafter, the jiva may accidentally commit mistakes and
offenses in the execution of devotional service, known as sevaparadha.
These offenses prevent the supremely purifying process of devotional
service from taking full effect. To counteract this ill effect, one must
take shelter of chanting the holy name in the association of elevated
Vaisnavas. Only then will the holy name give one protection against
committing seva-aparadha, as well as nullifying any previous offenses.
The holy name purifies everyone from all sins and elevates them to
the highest state where they are able to render pure devotional service
to Lord Krsna.
Namaparadha must always be avoided
"And if, inadvertently one commits namaparadha, he certainly
falls down from grace and loses his spiritual direction. The holy name
is jiva's greatest well-wishing friend so any offense against the holy
name can almost never be exonerated. Hence, one should be
extremely cautious and avoid committing namaparadha, and in this
way perfect one's human life by attaining the lotus feet of Lord Hari.
evam naradha sankarena krpaya mahyam muninam param
proktam nama sukhavaham bhagavato varjyam sada
yatnatah
ye jnatvapi na varjayanti sahasa namaparadhandasa
kruddha mataramapyabhojanaparah khidyanti te
balavat
"Long ago I placed this same question on namaparadha before
Lord Sankara in his residence in Sivaloka. In the presence of many
sages Lord Siva, seated on Mount Kailasa, mercifully instructed me.
"The Lord's holy name is the source of supreme bliss for the jiva.
Offense against the holy name augurs untold despair and suffering.
One who wants the utmost benefit for himself will carefully shun
namaparadha."
"He will humbly approach his guru and other elevated Vaisnavas
to learn from them how to avoid the ten namaparadhas. He should
explicitly understand all of the imports and avoid these offenses.
Then, very soon the holy name will crown him with the success of
achieving Krsna-prema. Even after being instructed about the
chanting of the holy name, if one remains unconcerned and does not
avoid namaparadha, he at once comes under the ominous shadow of
all ten offenses, and a foolish man as he drowns in the whirlpool of
distress. Just as a child who refuses to eat because he is angry with
his mother will naturally always be debile and susceptible to disease,
in the same way, without abrogating the ten offenses, the idiot may
chant the holy name but his offenses hinder his path to salvation and
happiness.
aparadha-vinukto hi
namni japtam sadacara
namnaiva tava devarse
sarvam setsyati nanyatah
"Sanatkumara said, 'O Devarsi Narada: The proper way to
chant the holy name is to always avoid the ten offenses. There is no
need for any other process of spiritual elevation other than chanting
the holy name, for the holy name alone can award one the highest
perfection.'
"Sri Narada Muni replied,
sanatkumara priya sahasanam
viveka-vairagya-vivarjitanam
deha priyarthatmy-aparayananam
ukta aparadha prabhavanti no katham
"O Sanatkumara! You are perfect and a highly elevated devotee
of the Supreme Lord Hari, so it was possible for you to
unambiguously elucidate the esoteric truth about the holy name. We
are all simply practitioners and who are always fearful of committing
mistakes, so please explain to us how we can scrupulously desist the
offenses of the holy name. Material nature is presently acting as our
friend and supplying us with strength and courage to act, but all such
activities are illusory. We are considering the body our dearest
kinsman and have become callous to the voice of conscience. Too
lazy to accept voluntary renunciation, we are greedy to earn money
and accumulate material holdings. Under the circumstances, please
reveal to us how a sadhaka (practitioner), can root out the slightest
possibility of committing the ten offenses."
Sri Sanatkumara replied,
jate namaparadhe tu
pramade vai kathancana
sada sankirtayen nama
tad ekasarano bhavet
namaparadha-yuktani
namanyeva haranty agham
avisranta-prayutani
tany evartha-karani hi
"As soon as a person humbly surrenders himself to the holy name
(the holy name and Krsna being non-different), all the offenses he
has committed are immediately nullified. Yet, if due to some
negligence, he once again commits namaparadha, it will jeopardise his
progress in bhakti. The only antidote to such an accident is to
intensify chanting. By continuous chanting one should solidly reaffirm
his faith and mood of surrender to the holy name, and on the strength
of such sincere chanting namaparadha will once again be extirpated.

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