Q&A by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Thakura Prabhupada
Q : Where is the Hare Krsna maha-mantra mentioned in the Vedas?
A : Hari’s name is Hari Himself. The maha-mantra was present before the sastras appeared. The Bhagavatam’s catuh-sloki verse, beginning with aham evasam evagre, offers proof of this. The supremely independent holy name is not under the sastras’ control. In fact, the sastras have manifest by the holy name’s supreme will. It is not a fact that the sastras came first and the holy name followed. The Brahma- samhita states that the holy name appeared first in Brahma’s heart. The Rg Veda also mentions the holy name.
The maha-mantra or the importance of the Lord’s holy name is mentioned in various literature, such as Kali-santarana Upanisad (from the Yajur Veda), Brhat Naradiya Parana, Jnanamrta-sara, Pippalada-sakha (from the Atharva Veda), Sri Krsna Caitanya-carita- mahakavya, Sri Caitanya-bhagavata, Sri Caitanya-mangala, Brahma- yamala, Radha Tantra, Padma Parana, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Brahmanda Parana, Sanat-kumara Samhita, Agni Parana, Ananta- samhita, Caitanya Upanisad (from Atharva Veda), Sri Caitanya- caritamrta, Brhat-Bhagavatamrta, Sri Nama Kaumudi. We have also received instructions regarding the maha-mantra from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Gaurasundara.
Q : How can we become determined ?
A : Hari-katha should be heard from
Hari’s devotees. By constantly hearing the powerful topics about Hari from the lotus mouths of those who always serve the Lord, we will be able to understand the Lord’s energies and glories. By faithfully and attentively hearing hari-katha from a living source or a powerful saintly person, we will become determined. Gradually, as we attain faith, attachment, and love of God, we will achieve perfection. Then Maya’s prowess cannot defeat us.
Q : What does true humility means ?
A : In other words, true humility means to develop a taste for chanting and to become a true servant of the holy name. Service to Guru and the Vaisnavas is the gateway through which we develop such taste
Q : What result do we attain when we chant the holy names?
A : Chanting Krsna’s holy name means directly cultivating Krsna consciousness. Chanting destroys anarthas such as material desire and the thirst for liberation. By the holy name’s mercy all our anarthas are gradually destroyed. Krsna’s holy name is nondifferent from Himself. The holy name is unlimitedly powerful; nothing is impossible by His mercy. Therefore if we chant, our anarthas will be destroyed and we will quite easily attain the goal of life. That is, we will attain love of Krsna. Thus, the Lord’s holy name is the only shelter for all living entities. In Kali-yuga, the only way to realize God is to chant Krsna’s name. If we do not chant, we will neither find fortune nor remove misfortune.
