The Holy Name

“At the time of death one is certainly bewildered because his bodily functions are in disorder. At that time, even one who throughout his life has practiced chanting the holy name of the Lord may not be able to chant the Hare Krishna mantra very distinctly. Nevertheless, such a person receives all the benefits of chanting the holy name. While the body is fit therefore, why should we not chant the holy name of the Lord loudly and distinctly? If one does so, it is quite possible that even at the time of death he will be properly able to chant the holy name of the Lord with love and faith. In conclusion, one who chants the holy name of the Lord constantly is guaranteed to return home, back to Godhead, without a doubt.” (SB 6.2.49)

For some, the repeated recitation of God’s names may seem a mechanical and somewhat elementary spiritual practice. How can the utterance of mere sounds - linguistic formulations - transform consciousness and invoke spiritual experience? A scholar once approached Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura with the same query, wondering why established and experienced members of his monastery (asrama) were still dedicating so much time and energy to the simple practice of chanting. The Thakura answered through example: a primary school child writes alphabets, and a university professor uses the same alphabets in algebraic equations. Though externally they look similar, the professor’s usage is on a completely different platform. The depth of chanting is unlimited, and though the external practice may look simple and easy, the transcendental vibration has the unlimited potential to thrust one into a deeper and deeper relationship with the divine.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu travelled on foot for six years and, through exuberant chanting processions, accompanied by drums and cymbals, swept through cities, towns, and villages, inundating countless people in a tidal wave of spiritual ecstasy. He expanded the religion of the holy name into a gigantic movement. Chanting was no longer confined to the retreats of solitary mystics and hermits, but was made available to all, and became central to the spiritual lives of the masses. Everyone from stuffy intellectuals to village simpletons, ministers and officials to housewives and children, temple priests to social outcastes – all were swept up in the delight of the holy name.

Later, Srila Prabhupada travelled West and spread this movement to every town and village. His message was simple: “Chant and be happy.” The theology behind the holy name, however, is extremely intricate and profound. An academic approach may seek to demystify the spiritual potency of the maha-mantra, the great transcendental vibration, attributing it to quantifiable psychological or pathological causes. Such a reductionist approach will fail to grasp the exhilarating and profound experiences of those who meet Krishna in His unique incarnation as the holy name.