Sections 263–273

English witness · section(s) 265

Anuccheda 265

1 At the end of the second canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, King Pariksit expresses a desire to know what is the highest good. In the beginning of the second canto, Sri Sukadeva Gosvami gives this, the best of all answers (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.1.8-10): 2 "At the end of the Dvapara-yuga, I studied this great supplement of Vedic literature named Srimad Bhagavatam, which is equal to all the Vedas, from my father, Srila Dvaipayana Vyasadeva.* 3 "O saintly King, I was certainly situated perfectly in transcendence, yet I was still attracted by the delineation of the pastimes of the Lord, who is described by enlightened verses.* 4 "That very Srimad Bhagavatam I shall recite before you because you are the most sincere devotee of Lord Krsna. One who gives full attention and respect to hearing Srimad Bhagavatam achieves unflinching faith in the Supreme Lord, the giver of salvation."* 5 After thus explaining the supreme glory of Srimad Bhagavatam Srila Sukadeva Gosvami proceeds to recite the different parts of Srimad Bhagavatam. There he explains the supreme importance of chanting the holy name of the Lord. In the following words he describes the supreme goal and best way to attain it (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.1.11): 6 "O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and also those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge."* 7 Srila Sridhara Svami comments: "This verse means, 'No method of spiritual advancement is better than this'. Here the word 'icchatam' means 'of they who have material desires'. This method is the way for them to attain their desires. 'Nirvidyamananam' means 'of they who desire liberation'. This method is the way for them to attain liberation. 'Yoginam' means 'of the jnanis'. This method is the way for them to attain their goal. That is the conclusion (nirnitam). No further evidence is needed to prove this point. 8 In this way the chanting of the holy names of the Lord is greatly glorified. In Srimad Bhagavatam (1.6.26) it is said: "Thus I began chanting the holy name and fame of the Lord by repeated recitation, ignoring all the formalities of the material world. Such chanting and remembering of the transcendental pastimes of the Lord are benedictory. So doing, I travelled all over the earth, fully satisfied, humble and unenvious."* 9 In the Padma Purana it is said that ten kinds of offenses to the holy name are to be avoided. Sri Sanatkumara explains: "One who commits all kinds of offenses may become delivered by taking shelter of Lord Hari. One who commits offenses to Lord Hari is an animal, even though he may stand on two feet. 10 "One who takes shelter of the holy name of the Lord becomes delivered by the power of the holy name. He falls down who commits offenses to the holy name, the friend of all." 11 The offenses to the holy name are described in the following words (Padma Purana, Brahma-khanda, 25.15-18): "1. To blaspheme the great saintly persons who are engaged in preaching of the Hare Krsna mantra is the worst offense at the lotus feet of the holy name. One should not criticise a preacher of the glories of the Hare Krsna mantra. If one does so he is an offender. The nama-prabhu, who is identical with Krsna, will never tolerate such blasphemous activities, even from one who passes as a great devotee. The second namaparadha is described as follows: 2. In this material world the holy name of Lord Visnu is all auspicious. Visnu's name, form, qualities, and pastimes are all transcendental, absolute knowledge. Therefore, it one tries to separate the Absolute Personality of Godhead from His holy name of His transcendental form, qualities, and pastimes, thinking them to be material, that is offensive. Similarly, to think the names of the demigods such as Lord Siva to be as good as the name of Lord Visnu, or, in other words to think Lord Siva and the other demigods to be other forms of God and therefore an equal to Visnu, is also blasphemous. This is the second offense at the lotus feet of the Lord.* 12 "3. The third offense at the lotus feet of the holy name, which is called guror avajna, is to consider the spiritual master to be material and therefore envy his exalted position. 4. The fourth offense (sruti-sastra-nindanam) is to blaspheme Vedic literature, such as the four Vedas and the Puranas. 5. The fifth offense (tathartha-vadah) is to consider the glories of the holy name to be exaggerations. 6. Similarly, the sixth offense (hari-namni kalpanam) is to consider the holy name of the Lord to be imaginary. 7. The seventh offense is described as follows: To think that since the Hare Krsna mantra can counteract all sinful reactions one may therefore go on with his sinful activities and at the same time chant the Hare Krsna mantra to neutralise them is the greatest offense at the lotus feet of Hari-nama.* 13 "8. The eight offense is stated thus: It is offensive to consider the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra to be a religious ritualistic ceremony. Performing religious ceremonies, following vows, and practicing renunciation and sacrifice are all materialistic auspicious activities. The chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra must not be compared to such materialistic religiosity. This is an offense at the lotus feet of the Lord. 9. The ninth offense is described as follows: It is an offense to preach the glories of the holy name among person who have no intelligence or no faith in the subject matter. Such people should be given the chance to hear the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra, but in the beginning they should not be instructed about the glories of the spiritual significance of the holy name. By constant hearing of the holy name, their hearts will be purified, and then they will be able to understand the transcendental position of the holy name.* 14 "If one has heard the glories of the transcendental holy name of the Lord but nevertheless continues in a materialistic concept of life, thinking 'I am this body and everything belonging to this body is mine (aham mameti)', and does not show respect and love for the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, that is an offense."* 15 These verses should be understood in the light of the following passage from Sri Visnu-yamala, where the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains: 16 "I forgive many millions of offenses committed by one who faithfully chants My holy names in this world. Of this there is no doubt." 17 In the description of the first offense (text 11), no mentioned was made of physical violence to devotees of the Lord. Physical violence and other kinds of troubles presented before devotees of the Lord are all offenses, as described in the Skanda Purana, where Sri Markandeya tells King Bhagiratha: 18 "Only fools blaspheme the great devotees of the Lord. Accompanied by their ancestors, such fools fall into the hell that bears the name Maha-raurava. 19 "A person who attacks the devotees of the Lord, criticises them, hates them, refuses to greet them, is angry with them, and is not happy to see them, falls down into the six hells. 20 Even passively to hear criticism of the devotees is an offense. This is described in the following words of Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.74.40): 21 "Anyone who hears criticism of the Supreme Lord or of His faithful devotee yet fails to immediately leave the place will certainly fall down, deprived of all the pious credit of his past activities."*** 22 If one is unable to do anything else, one should at least go away. If one is able, one should cut out the blasphemer's tongue. If one is unable to do that one should commit suicide. Sati-devi explains (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.4.17): 23 "If one hears an irresponsible person blaspheme the master and controller of religion, one should block his ears and go away if unable to punish him. But if one is able to kill, then one should by force cut out the blasphemer's tongue and kill the offender, and after that one should give up his own life."* 24 The second offense to the holy name of the Lord (which is described in text 11) should be understood in the light of the following words spoken by Lord Krsna in the Bhagavad-gita (10.41): 25 "Know that all opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark of My splendour."* 26 The second offense should also be understood in the light of these words of Srimad Bhagavatam (10.68.37): "The dust of Krsna's lotus feet, which is the source of holiness for all places of pilgrimage, is worshipped by all the great demigods. The principle deities of all planets are engaged in His service, and they consider themselves most fortunate to take the dust of the lotus feet of Krsna on their crowns. Great demigods like Lord Brahma and Lord Siva, and even the goddess of fortune and I, are simply parts of His spiritual identity, and we also carefully carry the dust on our heads. And still Krsna is not to use the royal insignia or even sit on the royal throne.?"* 27 It should also be understood in the light of these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.28.22): "The blessed Lord Siva becomes all the more blessed by bearing on his head the holy waters of the Ganges, which has its source in the water that washed the Lord's feet. The Lord's feet act like thunderbolts hurled to shatter the mountain of sin stored in the mind of the meditating devotee. One should therefore meditate on the lotus feet of the Lord for a long time."* 28 It should also be understood in the light of these words spoken by Lord Brahma (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.6.32): "By His will, I create, Lord Siva destroys, and He Himself, in His eternal form as the Personality of Godhead, maintains everything. He is the powerful controller of these three energies."* 29 In his commentary on this verse, Sri Madhavacarya quotes the following verses from the Brahmanda Purana: "Because He chases away (dra) all troubles and sufferings (ru), Lord Visnu is known as Rudra. Because He is the supreme controller (isana) He is known as Isana. Because of His greatness (maha) He is known as Mahadeva. 30 "Freed from the ocean of repeated birth and death, the liberated souls drink (pibanti) nectar in the spiritual sky (nakam). Because He is the maintainer of the spiritual world, Lord Visnu is known as Pinaki. 31-32 "Because He happily removes all troubles, Lord Visnu is called Siva. Because he resides (vasa) in the bodies of the conditioned souls, bodies obtained by past karma (krtti), He is known as Krttivasa. Because He purifies the conditioned souls He is known as Virinca. Because He is the greatest He is known as Brahma. Because of His power and opulence He is known as Indra. 33 "Thus the one Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Visnu, is addressed by many different names in the Vedas and Puranas." 34 In the Vamana Purana it is said: "These names, beginning with Narayana, and also other names, the names of the demigods, are all names of Lord Visnu alone. Of this there is no doubt." 35 In the Skanda Purana it is said: "As a king can extend his rule far beyond the sphere of his palace, so the Supreme Personality of Godhead can claim the names of the various demigods as His names also." 36 In the Brahma Purana it is said: "The names of Lord Brahma, such as Caturmukha, Satananda, and Padma-bhu, and the names of Lord Siva, such as Ugra, Bhasmadhara, Nagna, and Kapali are also names of Lord Krsna." 37 Therefore in the description of the second offense to the holy name (in the Padma Purana verse quoted in text 11) the words "sri-visnoh sivasya guna-namadikam bhinnam yo dhiya pasyet" mean "one who sees that all-pervading, all-encompassing Lord Visnu's powers, names, qualities, and other features are different from those of Lord Siva". 38 Thus the words "Visnu" and "Siva" are not different, for they are both names of Lord Visnu. This is confirmed by the genitive case ending in "visnoh" as well as the use of the words "sri" and "ca" (also). Therefore in the compound word "siva-namaparadhah (in the verse quoted in text 13) the word "siva" is a name of Lord Visnu. 39 Now will be considered the fourth offense, blasphemy of Vedic literature. They who, claiming to be worshippers of Dattatreya and Rsabhadeva, actually follow the path of the blasphemers and atheists, think that the glories of the holy name are exaggerations (artha-vadah). They think the glories of the holy name are imaginary (kalpanam). This is described in the Vyasa-gita passage of the Kurma Purana: 40 "Atheism is millions and millions of times worse than committing offenses to the Lord and the spiritual master." 41 After hearing the glories of the holy name from the personal associates of Lord Visnu, Ajamila declared (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.2.29): "It is now clear that as a consequence of such activities, a sinful person like me must be thrown into hellish conditions meant for those who have broken religious principles and must then suffer extreme miseries."* 42 Seeing both his own misdeeds and the glory of the holy name, Ajamila said (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.2.32-33): "I am certainly most abominable and unfortunate to have merged in an ocean of sinful activities, but nevertheless, because of my previous spiritual activities, I could see those four exalted personalities who came to rescue me. Now I feel exceedingly happy because of their visit.* "Were it not for my past devotional service, how could I, a most unclean keeper of a prostitute, have gotten an opportunity to chant the holy name of Vaikunthapati when I was just ready to die? Certainly it could not have been possible."* 43 Now will be considered the seventh offense: to commit sin on the strength of chanting the holy name. Although the power of the holy name destroys sins, nevertheless, a person who strives to attain the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, feet that are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss and are the ultimate goal of all human endeavours, and who then commits sins, thinking the holy name is merciful and will certainly grant forgiveness, commits the greatest sin. The holy name will punish such a person with great troubles. Such an offense is equal to many millions of other sins. 44 Even if one performs atonement by performing many austerities (yamaih), such as the yamas and niyamas, or even if one is beaten by men holding sticks, he will not become purified of that offense. Even if one performs the atonement of again and again chanting the holy name, as described in the verse beginning with the words "namaparadha-yuktanam" and even if one is sincerely devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as is described in the verse beginning with the words "sarvaparadha-krd api", one will still fall down. 45 When Indra on the strength of worshipping the Supreme Personality of Godhead with an asvamedha-yajna, killed Vrtrasura, Indra did so on the order of the great sages who wished to rescue Vrtra from having to live as a demon, and he also did so with the purpose of saving the worlds from calamity. Therefore Indra's actions do not constitute the offense of committing sin on the strength of chanting the holy name. 46 The eighth offense is to consider the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra to be a religious ritualistic ceremony. This is explained in the following words of the scriptures: 47 "Chanting the holy names of Lord Hari is like reciting the mantras of the Vedas." Here the holy name is glorified by using the kind of comparison called atidesa. 48 It is also said: "The holy name of Lord Krsna is the sweetest of sweet things and the most auspicious of auspicious things. It is the transcendental fruit of the vine of all Vedic literature." 49 In the Sri Visnu-dharma Purana it is also said: "A person who chants the two syllables 'Hari has already studied the four Vedas: Sama, Rg, Yajur and Atharva."* 50 In the Skanda Purana, Goddess Parvati explains: "Don't study the Rg Vedas. Don't study the Yajur Veda. Don't study anything of the Sama Veda. O my son, instead of the Vedas, always chant 'O Govinda!' Always chant the holy names of Lord Hari." 51 In the Padma Purana, in the 108 Holy Names of Lord Rama, it is said: "To once recite one name of Lord Visnu is better than reciting all the Vedas." 52 Now will be considered the ninth offense, which is to instruct the faithless. It is an offense to reveal the glories of the holy name to persons rapt in thoughts of "i" and "mine". This is so because such persons will not be respectful to the holy name. 53 A person who chants the holy name in order to attain wealth, the happiness of his material body, or other material things, also commits an offense. This is explained in the following words of the Padma Purana, Namaparadha-bhanjana-stotra (quoted in anuccheda 153, text 16): "O brahmana, when, pronounced properly or not, it appears on the voice, walks on the path of the memory, a single utterance of the holy name of the Lord carries one beyond the world of birth and death. However, if the chanter commits offenses, or if he chants to attain wealth, followers, or the happiness of this material body, he will be thrown into the world of birth and death, and his chanting will not quickly bring the desired result." In this way the ten offenses are described. The fate of they who commit these offenses is described in the following statement of the Padma Purana, Vaisakha-mahatmya: 54 "They who are disrespectful to the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, for that sinful deed go to a terrible hell. 55 For these offenses there is not atonement other than continuing to chant the holy name of the Lord. This is described in the following words: 56 "The chanting of Hare Krsna is recommended for person who commit offenses, because if they continue chanting they will gradually chant offenseless. Even if in the beginning one chants with offenses, one will become free from such offenses by chanting again and again."* 57 Thus the repeated chanting of the holy name purifies one from offenses to the devotees and other offenses also. This is seen in the activities of King Ambarisa, where the offenses (of Durvasa) were forgiven in that way. 58 This is also described in the following words of the Nama-kaumudi: "Offenses to great devotees may be pushed away either by experiencing the calamities they bring, or by attaining the mercy of the offended devotee." 59 The conclusion, then, is that one should take shelter of the holy name alone. This is eloquently affirmed in the following statement of Srimad Bhagavatam (2.1.11): "O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and also those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge."* 60 The verse quoted in the beginning of this anuccheda was spoken by Srila Sukadeva Gosvami.

English witness · section(s) 266

Anuccheda 266

1 This is also explained in the Narada Purana, where Sri Narada declares: "Even the manus and the kings of the sages cannot cross to the farther shore of the glories of the holy name. How can I, whose intelligence is very weak, properly worship the holy name?" 2 Now will be considered the glorification of the transcendental form of the Lord. This is described in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.30.3): "Once their eyes were fixed upon His transcendental form, women were unable to withdraw them, and once that form had entered the ears of the sages and become fixed in their hearts, it would never depart. What to speak of acquiring fame, the great poets who described the beauty of the Lord's form would have their words invested with transcendentally pleasing attraction. And by seeing that form on Arjuna's chariot, all the warriors on the battlefield of Kuruksetra attained the liberation of gaining a spiritual body similar to the Lord's."*** 3 This verse explains that the poets who described the beauty of the Lord's form would have their words invested with transcendentally pleasing attraction. This is also confirmed by the four Kumaras in these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.15.49): "O Lord, we pray that You let us be born in any hellish condition of life, just as long as our hearts and minds are always engaged in the service of Your lotus feet, our words are made beautiful (by speaking of Your activities) just as tulasi leaves are beautified when offered unto Your lotus feet, and as long as our ears are always filled with the chanting of Your transcendental qualities."* This verse was spoken by the king to Srila Sukadeva Gosvami.

English witness · section(s) 267

Anuccheda 267

1 Now will be considered the glorification of the transcendental qualities of the Lord. This is described in these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.22): "Learned circles have positively concluded that the infallible purpose of the advancement of knowledge, namely austerities, study of the Vedas, sacrifice, chanting of hymns, and charity, culminates in the transcendental descriptions of the Lord, who is defined in choice poetry."* 2 Here the word "sruta" means "study of the Vedas", "svista" means "sacrifices and other rituals to worship the Lord", "sukta" means "japa-chanting of mantras", "buddhi" means "the knowledge attained by studying the scriptures", and "datta" means "charity". When these are offered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they bring a result that is eternal (avicyuto rthah). What is that result? The verse explains, "They culminate in the transcendental descriptions of the Lord, who is defined in choice poetry". When the descriptions of the Lord's transcendental qualities are manifest then attraction to the Lord and love for the Lord are also manifest. Because these are filled with eternal bliss and glory, the words "infallible purpose (avicyuto rthah) are used here. The word "avicyuta" here indicates that the result obtained here is attraction to the Lord and love for Him. This verse was spoken by Sri Vyasa to Sri Narada.

English witness · section(s) 268

Anuccheda 268

1 Now will be considered the glorification of the transcendental pastimes of the Lord. This is described in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.8.4): "Persons who hear Srimad Bhagavatam regularly and are always taking the matter very seriously will have the Personality of Godhead Sri Krsna manifested in their hearts within a short time."* 2 Here the word "nati-dirghena" means "in a very short time", and "visate" means "is manifested". This verse was spoken by Sri Pariksit.

English witness · section(s) 269–270

Anuccheda 269

1 It is also said (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.12.49-50): "Words that do not describe the transcendental Personality of Godhead but instead deal with temporary matters are simply false and useless. Only those words that manifest the transcendental qualities of the Supreme Lord are actually truthful, auspicious and pious."*** 2 "Those words describing the glories of the all-famous Personality of Godhead are attractive, relishable and ever fresh. Indeed, such words are a perpetual festival for the mind, and they dry up the ocean of misery."* 3 Here the words "asatir asat-katha na kathyate" mean "Words that do not describe the transcendental Personality of Godhead and His devotees, but instead deal with temporary matters are simply false and useless." The words "yad uttamasloka-yaso nugiyate" mean "Only words describing the glories of the pastimes of the all-famous Personality of Godhead are true." Why are such words true and auspicious? The reply is given with the word "bhagavad-gunodayam", which means "The Supreme Personality of Godhead personally appears in the heart of one who chants His glories. Thus the Lord gives the devotee the gift of love for Him." That is the meaning. 4 In the Skanda Purana it is said: "O King, as an affectionate cow goes to her calf, so Lord Hari goes wherever His glories are chanted." 5 In the Visnu-dharma Purana and Skanda Purana the Supreme Lord declares: "I will never leave any person who always recounts My glories, or delights in hearing My glories, or whose heart enjoys descriptions of My glories." 6 Srimad Bhagavatam 12.12.50 (quoted in text 2) means that if one has a sweet singing voice, one should sing songs describing the glories of the Lord. Such songs are praised in that verse. 7 The singing of the holy names of the Lord is described in these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.39): "An intelligent person who has controlled his mind and conquered fear should give up all attachment to material objects such as wife, family and nation and should wander freely without embarrassment, hearing and chanting the holy names of the Lord, the bearer of the chariot wheel. The holy names of Krsna are all-auspicious because they describe His transcendental birth and activities, which He performs within this world for the salvation of the conditioned souls. Thus the holy names of the Lord are sung throughout the world."*** 8 It is also said (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.69.45): "Lord Hari is the ultimate cause of universal creation, maintenance and destruction. My dear king, anyone who chants about, hears about, or simply appreciates the extraordinary activities He performed in this world, which are impossible to imitate, will surely develop devotion for the Supreme Lord, the bestower of liberation."*** 9 If one is not able to sing the glories of the Lord, or if a person very expert in singing those glories is present, one may hear those songs. Even if one thinks he will not like to hear, he will in truth feel great happiness by hearing these songs. 10 In the Sri Visnu-dharma Purana, Lord Visnu explains: "If one's heart is attracted by music, one should place his thoughts in Me and sing songs glorifying Me." 11 In the Padma Purana, Karttika-mahatmya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares: "I am not in Vaikuntha, nor in the heart of the yogis, I remain where my devotees engage in glorifying My activities.* 12 "When such devotees are worshipped with scents, incense, and other offerings, that worship is better than worship of Me. That worship brings Me great pleasure. I am not as much pleased when I am worshipped directly." 13 Such devotees bring great good to all other living entities, what to speak of to themselves. This is described in the Nrsimha Purana, where Sri Sri Prahlada explains: 14 "O Lord Nrsimha, the saintly devotees who cheerfully sing Your holy names are the true friends of all living beings." 15 When many people meet to glorify (kirtana) the Lord, such glorification is called sankirtana. Because it is very wonderful, sankirtana is better than kirtana. Nama-sankirtana (the great chanting of the Lord's holy name), is described in these words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead who descended to this world to deliver the people of Kali-yuga (Siksastaka 3): 16 "One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honour but is always prepared to give all respects to others, can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord."* The verse quoted in the beginning of this anuccheda was spoken by Srila Suta Gosvami.

Anuccheda 270

1 By engaging in the devotional activity of kirtana (chanting the Lord's glories) even the fallen souls who have neither wealth, birth in a good family, virtues, nor pious deeds, may attain the shoreless mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is confirmed by the Vedas, Puranas, and other scriptures. 2 The fallen condition of the people in Kali-yuga is described in the following words of the brahma-vaivarta Purana: "In the Kali-yuga even expert and intelligent persons will not perform austerities, yoga, Vedic study, yajnas or pious deeds." 3 The devotional activity of chanting the glories of the Lord appears among the fallen people of Kali-yuga, easily gives to them all the results of the different spiritual activities prescribed for the other yugas, and thus brings them all spiritual success. This is so because the Supreme Personality of Godhead is especially satisfied by the chanting of His glories. 4 In the Skanda Purana, Caturmasya-mahatmya, it is said: "Hari-kirtana (the glorification of Lord Hari) is the best of all austerities. Especially in Kali-yuga, one should perform Hari-kirtana to please Lord Visnu." 5 This is also confirmed by the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.3.52): "Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Visnu, in Treta-yuga by performing sacrifices and in Dvapara-yuga by serving the Lord's lotus feet can also be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra."* 6 Whatever was obtained by any spiritual path in the Satya-yuga or any other yuga is all obtained in the Kali-yuga by Hari-kirtana. 7 It is also said (Sri Visnu Purana 6.2.17): "Whatever is achieved by meditation in Satya-yuga, by the performance of yajna in Treta-yuga, or by the worship of Krsna's lotus feet in Dvapara-yuga is also obtained in the age of Kali simply by chanting and glorifying Lord Kesava."* 8 The verse quoted in the beginning of this anuccheda was spoken by Srila Sukadeva Gosvami.

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Anuccheda 271

1 It is also said (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.36): "Those who are advanced and highly qualified and are interested in the essence of life know the good qualities of Kali-yuga. Such people worship the age of Kali because in this age, simply by chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, one can advance in spiritual knowledge and attain life's goal."* 2 This verse means, "Knowing its good quality, which is the method of kirtana and not interested in its various faults, they worship the age of Kali." That good quality is revealed in these words: "In that age simply by sankirtana, and by no other means, one attains all that was obtained in the Satya-yuga and the other yugas by performance of meditation and by a thousand other methods of spiritual attainment."

English witness · section(s) 272

Anuccheda 272

1 The glory of kirtana is described in these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.37): "Indeed, there is no higher possible gain for embodied souls forced to wander throughout the material world than the Supreme Lord's sankirtana movement, by which one can attain the supreme peace and free oneself from the cycle of repeated birth and death."*** 2 Here the words "atah" and "yatah" both mean "than kirtana". "Paramam santim" means there is no peace better than what is obtained by performing kirtana. This is confirmed by the following words of Srimad Bhagavatam (11.19.36): "The word "sama" (peacefulness) or santa-rasa indicates that one is attached to the lotus feet of Krsna."* 3 These words of the Lord affirm that by performance of kirtana one attains faith in the Lord far greater than the faith attained by meditation or any other spiritual practice. By kirtana the cycle of repeated birth and death is brought to an end. By meditation performed in the Satya-yuga one does not attain this same deep faith in the Supreme Lord. 4 In the Skanda Purana it is said: "In Kali-yuga the great devotees worship the Lord by performing kirtana." 5 These words of the Skanda Purana glorify the performance of kirtana, which brings great faith in the Supreme Lord. The Lord, who is very merciful to the fallen souls, does not reveal any spiritual path better than kirtana. If someone says that simply by moving the lips in kirtana one does not attain the same result obtained by meditation or other spiritual practices, he should not be believed.

English witness · section(s) 273

Anuccheda 273

1 Hearing that the people who live in Kali-yuga have great faith in the Supreme Lord, the great souls pray that they may also take birth in Kali-yuga. This is described in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.38): 2 "My dear King, the inhabitants of Satya-yuga and other ages eagerly desire to take birth in this age of Kali, since in this age there will be many devotees of the Supreme Lord, Narayana."*** 3 In this way the people of Kali-yuga will have great devotion and love for the Lord, as was described in Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.37 (quoted in anuccheda 272, text 1). 4 Great devotion to the Lord is also described in these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.14.5): "O great sage, among many millions who are liberated and perfect in knowledge of liberation, one may be a devotee of Lord Narayana or Krsna. Such devotees, who are fully peaceful are extremely rare."* 5 It is not possible to adequately describe the virtues of performing kirtana in Kali-yuga. To chant the holy name of the Lord only devotion is needed. There are no restrictions according to time and place. This is described in the Visnu-dharma Purana, in the story of the ksatra-bandhu, where it is said: 6 "O hunter, in chanting the holy names of Lord Krsna there are no restrictions of time, place or accepting remnants." 7 In the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana-Vaisakha-mahatmya, and Visnu-dharma Purana it is said: "One should chant the holy names of Lord Krsna, who holds the cakra, always and everywhere." 8 In the Skanda Purana it is said: "The holy name of Lord Krsna fulfils all desires. It is independent. It does not depend on the restrictions of time, place, situated, or purification." 9 In the Visnu-dharma Purana it is said: "For one who has Lord Krsna in his heart, the Kali-yuga becomes Satya-yuga. For one who does not have Lord Krsna in his heart, the Satya-yuga becomes Kali-yuga." 10 One should not think, "It is because in the Kali-yuga it is not possible to attain success by any other means, that a little endeavour in kirtana brings a great result." 11 In Sri Visnu Purana (6.8.55) it is said: "One who fixes his mind on the Supreme Lord never goes to hell. When one meditates on the Lord even Svargaloka seems an obstacle. When one's heart goes to the Lord even Brahmaloka seems small and pathetic. Staying in His devotee's pure heart, the eternal Lord gives the gift of liberation. Why should anyone be surprised, then, that sins at once perish when the infallible Supreme Lord is glorified?" 12 These words of Sri Visnu Purana show that the glorification of the Lord is much more important than meditation, which leads in stages to samadhi. This is also confirmed by the following words of Srimad Bhagavatam (2.1.11): "O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and also those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge."* 13 In the Vaisnava-cintamani it is said: "By merely moving one's lips to glorify Lord Visnu, one attains a result better than what is attained by long and difficult meditations." 14 It is also said in the scriptures: "One on whose mouth the holy names of Lord Krsna always stay must already have worshipped the Lord for hundreds of births." 15 However, in the Namaparadha-bhanjana-stotra it is said: "One who commits all kinds of offenses may become delivered by taking shelter of Lord Hari. One who commits offenses to Lord Hari is an animal, even though he may stand on two feet." 16 In every yuga kirtana (glorification of the Lord) is equally powerful. However, by the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it is especially to be performed in Kali-yuga. Therefore in Kali-yuga it is praised as being most important. In Kali-yuga the other activities of devotional service should be performed in connection with kirtana. 17 The importance of kirtana in Kali-yuga is described by these words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.32): "In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead, who constantly sings the names of Krsna. Although His complexion is not blackish He is Krsna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions."* 18 That the chanting of the holy name of the Lord is supremely independent and important is confirmed by the following words (Sri Narada Purana 3.126): "In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way."* 19 This truth is also eloquently explained in Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.36-38. The verse quoted in the beginning of this anuccheda was spoken by Sri Karabhajana to Maharaja Nimi.

English witness · section(s) 274

Anuccheda 274

1 Thus it is shown that in Kali-yuga by the chanting the holy names of the Lord one attains great devotion to Him. However, they who commit offenses to the holy name remain outside of the sphere of devotional service. This is described in these words of Srimad Bhagavatam (12.3.43-44): 2 "O King, in the age of Kali people's intelligence will be diverted by atheism, and they will almost never offer sacrifice to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the supreme spiritual master of the universe. Although the great personalities who control the three worlds all bow down to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, the petty and miserable human beings of this age will not do so.*** 3 "Terrified, about to die, a man collapses on his bed. Although his voice is faltering and he is hardly conscious of what he is saying, if he utters the holy name of the Supreme Lord he can be freed from the reaction of his fruitive work and achieve the supreme destination. But still people in the age of Kali will not worship the Supreme Lord."*** 4 The meaning of this verse is clear. This verse was spoken by Srila Sukadeva Gosvami.

English witness · section(s) 275–276

Anuccheda 275

1 In this way kirtana is explained. To be included within kirtana are humble prayers and appeals to one's worshipable Deity. The Srimad Bhagavatam's description of the glorification of the Lord's holy names and other features are most substantial and significant than those found in other puranas. In Kali-yuga the Srimad Bhagavatam is especially praised. This is explained in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.43): 2 "This Bhagavata Purana is as brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Krsna to His own abode, accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. Persons who have lost their vision due to the dense darkness of ignorance in the age of kali shall get light from this Purana."* 3 If a person has a pure heart, engages in the devotional activities that begin with surrender, and does not abandoning the process of chanting the Lord's holy name, a process described in Srimad Bhagavatam 2.1.11), he will find himself engaged in smaranam (meditation) which his mind is fixed on the Supreme Lord. Meditation has many forms, beginning with meditation of the Lord's holy names. Meditation is described in a general way by the Supreme Lord Himself in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.13.14): 4 "The actual yoga system as taught by My devotees, headed by Sanaka-kumara, is simply this: Having withdrawn the mind from all other objects, one should directly and appropriately absorb it in Me."* 5 Here the word "yatha" means "properly". This verse means "One should absorb the mind in me." In the Skanda Purana, Lord Brahma declares: "By scrutinisingly reviewing all the revealed scriptures and judging them again and again, it is now concluded that Lord Narayana is the Supreme Absolute Truth, and thus He alone should be worshipped."*

Anuccheda 276

1 Meditation on the holy name is described in the following words of the Jabali-samhita: "One who desires liberation should always chant, sing, glorify and remember the holy name of Lord Hari." 2 A pure heart is needed in order to successfully meditate on the holy name. Meditation on the holy name is not as powerful and effective as chanting the holy name. This is so, although it is not expressly stated in this quote. Meditation on the Lord's form is described in these words of Srimad Bhagavatam (12.12.55): 3 Remembrance of Lord Krsna's lotus feet destroys everything inauspicious and awards the greatest good fortune. It purifies the heart and bestows devotion for the Supreme Soul, along with knowledge enriched with realisation and renunciation."*** 4 Here the word "paramatmani" means "Sri Krsna" and "bhaktim" means "loving devotional service". Love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the primary result obtained by devotional service. The other results accompany that primary result. This verse was spoken by Srila Suta Gosvami.