Question 2: With what attitude should we chant the name of Śrī Bhagavān?
Answer: Śuddha-bhaktas (pure devotees) never call out to Bhagavān to destroy their own sin, to accumulate piety or attain the heavenly planets, or to dispel a famine, epidemic, disturbance of the peace, revolution or disease. Nor do they call out to Him to attain objects for their enjoyment, such as wealth or a kingdom. The very names of Śrī Bhagavān directly indicate the Supreme Controller (Parameśvara) Himself. If we attempt to engage that Supreme Lord in accomplishing any act for our personal sense enjoyment, it means that we are trying to appoint Him, our most worshipful object, as our servant. This is a great offence.
Therefore, unless we call out to Bhagavān for the sake of serving Him, our calling Him will go in vain. Jesus Christ has said, “Do not take God’s name in vain.” But this does not imply that we are not to call out to Him continuously – while sleeping, dreaming, eating, or during times of recreation – and at any time and in any place. If we call out to Bhagavān with a desire to serve Him, then our call will not go in vain; indeed it is our sole obligation. However, if we merely imitate the process of genuinely calling to Him by soliciting Him to fulfill our personal desires then our effort will be in vain. That the name of Bhagavān should not be taken in vain means that one should not call His name with a desire to attain dharma (religiosity), artha (material prosperity), kāma (selfish gratification) or mokṣa (liberation); rather, the sole reason one should continuously call to Him is to serve Him.
Replies