Chanting - How would you reconcile these two verses?
Philosophy · asked by user [] · 2008-08-04 · 2 answers
"If one does not distinguish between the bhakti creeper and the other creepers, the sprinkling of water (chanting Hare Krishna) is misused because the other creepers are nourished while the bhakti creeper is curtailed." (CC Madhya 19.160)
AND
"As a fire burns dry grass to ashes, so the holy name of the Lord, whether chanted knowingly or unknowingly, burns to ashes, without fail, all the reactions of ones sinful activities." (SB 6.2.18)
One verse states that neglectful chanting will increase sinful desires, while the other verse is saying that even neglectful chanting frees one from sins.
AND
"As a fire burns dry grass to ashes, so the holy name of the Lord, whether chanted knowingly or unknowingly, burns to ashes, without fail, all the reactions of ones sinful activities." (SB 6.2.18)
One verse states that neglectful chanting will increase sinful desires, while the other verse is saying that even neglectful chanting frees one from sins.
user [154] · 2008-08-05
Both statements are true:-) However one talks about effects of offensive type of chanting and the second one praises the holy name (or even a shadow of it). So if as BSST states in the tika to the CC Madhya 19.160: "one hears and chants without trying to give up offenses, one becomes materially attached to sense gratification" - so the moral is do not commit the offenses (do not be neglectful), thus you will avail yourself to the actual power of the name (or even a shadow of it) as its described in the SB. SB 6.2.18 does not speak about offensive chanting without trying to give up offenses, ie it talks about ether pure or a shadow of a pure chanting, which can be neglectful but still effective by the power of the name.So one is about effects of offensive neglectful (watering) chanting and the other is about effects of (even if neglectful) chanting of the Holy name without offenses. Two different things and different effects that can be judged by the effects. Note that neglectful chanting is not a offense, but because it can lead to the offense it should not be done knowingly.
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Can I take this opportunity: calling to all the vaishnavas on this forum to forgive my offenses that I may knowingly or unknowingly committed against vaishnavas. That will help me to progress in my attempt to chant. Please. Hare Krishna!
ys Caitanya candrodaya das
user [265] · 2008-08-05
[quote][cite] deena:[/cite]"If one does not distinguish between the bhakti creeper and the other creepers, the sprinkling of water (chanting Hare Krishna) is misused because the other creepers are nourished while the bhakti creeper is curtailed." (CC Madhya 19.160)[/quote]
Example:
If one becomes proud after accepting the Holy Name, chanting increases his pride. If one uses his position of spiritual authority for material fame, profit, and distinction, chanting may increase and fuel such abuses. Worse yet are those who take advantage or abuse other Vaishnavas.
If you knowingly take material advantage of the Name you will not benefit. Mayavadis may also chant the Holy Name but their chanting is poison - to them and to those who listen.
You have to be sincere in spiritual life.