11 offenses in chanting the holy name of Krishna
Question 1:
Please explain the sixth offence to chanting the holy name 'Hare Krishna' with examples. Please explain elaborately
in the light of Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu composed by Srila Rupa Goswami (The Nectar of Devotion composed by
Srila Prabhupada) in connection to Bhakti (pure devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri
Krishna).
Answer:
The sixth offense to chanting the holy name of Krishna is to give interpretations to the holy name rather than
accepting it as transcendental and absolute. This means that one should not distort or misrepresent the holy name
by attributing mundane, speculative, or impersonal meanings to it. Such offenses undermine the pure devotion
necessary for attaining Krishna’s mercy and hamper one's progress in bhakti (pure devotional service).
The Nature of the Holy Name
The holy name of Krishna is non-different from Krishna Himself. This is confirmed in scriptures such as the Padma
Purana:
> nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto
'bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ
This verse explains that the holy name is spiritual, full of bliss, eternally pure, and identical to Krishna. Any attempt
to interpret the holy name in a way that diminishes its transcendental nature is considered offensive.
What does "giving interpretations" mean?
1. Impersonal Interpretations: Claiming that the holy name refers to an impersonal or formless aspect of God,
denying the personal form of Krishna.
Example: A person may chant the name "Krishna" but say it signifies an abstract "divine energy" rather than
Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
2. Speculative Interpretations: Adding philosophical or symbolic meanings to the holy name that deviate from its
original purpose.
Example: Interpreting "Hare Krishna" to mean mundane love or allegorizing the mantra as a metaphor for
psychological processes.
3. Reducing the Name to Mundane Sound: Treating the holy name as an ordinary sound vibration or a linguistic
construct rather than accepting its spiritual power.
Example: Comparing chanting Hare Krishna to a form of self-help mantra or a stress-relief tool without
acknowledging its spiritual essence.
4. Sectarian or Commercial Interpretations: Using the holy name for material gains, sectarian agendas, or
commercial purposes while disregarding its sanctity.
Example: Selling "Hare Krishna" chants as a commodity without devotion or reducing its significance to a brand
name.
Explanation in the Light of Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu
In Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu by Srila Rupa Goswami, pure devotional service (uttama-bhakti) is defined as:
> anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānuśīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā
Pure devotion is free from all ulterior motives, speculative knowledge (jñāna), and fruitive activities (karma).
Misinterpreting the holy name introduces elements of jñāna (mental speculation) or karma (material
contamination) into one’s practice, thus obstructing pure bhakti.
Srila Rupa Goswami also emphasizes the importance of understanding Krishna as a person with transcendental
qualities and pastimes. Any attempt to reduce Krishna’s name to mundane or impersonal ideas contradicts this
understanding and deviates from the principles of rasa-tattva (the science of transcendental relationships with
Krishna).
Lessons from The Nectar of Devotion
In The Nectar of Devotion (Srila Prabhupada's summary of Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu), it is stressed that chanting the
holy name must be done with proper understanding and reverence. Srila Prabhupada explains that Krishna’s name
is so powerful that even when chanted unknowingly, it can grant liberation. However, deliberate offenses, such as
interpreting the name materially, destroy the possibility of developing love for Krishna (prema).
Example: The Danger of Mundane Speculation
Prabhupada often criticized speculative interpretations by impersonalists or Mayavadis who claim that chanting the
name is merely a way to attain some abstract liberation or meditative state. This attitude denies the true purpose
of the holy name, which is to establish a loving relationship with Krishna.
Why Is It an Offense?
1. Disrespect to the Supreme: The holy name is Krishna Himself. Misinterpreting it disrespects His transcendental
position.
2. Barrier to Bhakti: Pure bhakti thrives on surrender and humility. Misinterpretation reflects pride and a lack of
surrender.
3. Misguidance to Others: Teaching such misinterpretations can mislead others, obstructing their spiritual progress.
Positive Practice: Avoiding the Sixth Offense
1. Accept the Name as It Is: Recognize that the holy name is Krishna’s personal, absolute, and transcendental sound
vibration.
2. Chant with Sincerity and Purity: Follow the process of sadhana-bhakti with humility and faith in Krishna’s mercy.
3. Learn from Authentic Sources: Study the holy name under the guidance of bona fide spiritual teachers, such as
those in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Conclusion
Avoiding the sixth offense requires a deep appreciation for the absolute nature of Krishna’s holy name. Srila Rupa
Goswami’s Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu and Srila Prabhupada’s Nectar of Devotion teach us to approach the holy name
with reverence, purity, and faith, understanding it as Krishna Himself, free from mundane interpretations. By
chanting sincerely, without offenses, one progresses steadily on the path of prema-bhakti, the ultimate goal of life.
