The God name is self-evident in its greatness; that’s why it is entirely free of any need for titles or embellishments. Yet, often we attach worldly intentions or ego to it—like chanting the Name for material gain or with the pride that “I am the one taking the Name.” Such attachments create obstacles in our spiritual progress. Hence, the Name should be remembered solely for its own sake, with the deep belief that it is the guru who makes us chant it. This mindset dissolves the ego and nurtures surrender. In fact, surrender itself can be achieved most effectively through chanting the GOD Name—it is a foolproof remedy. We must take to it sincerely.
The glory of the Name cannot truly be captured in words, but even to express its inexpressibility, we must still try. Human beings are constantly struggling in the ocean of worldly existence. Just as a boat is needed to cross a physical sea, the Name of God is the vessel to sail across the ocean of life. The only caution is to prevent the seawater from entering the boat—likewise, don’t let worldly troubles disturb your practice of chanting the Name.
Don’t use the Name as a tool to fix worldly problems; instead, chant it purely for the sake of devotion. When done so, the Name carries us safely to the other shore—that is, to God. Just like anything worthwhile, progress in this too comes only with consistent practice.
There’s no certainty about when death might come, so don’t postpone chanting until old age. Can we even be sure about tomorrow? Life is fragile—that’s why people take life insurance, isn’t it? A guest attending a wedding doesn’t worry much about how the event turns out, but the family hosting it feels the weight of responsibility. In the same way, let us move through life like guests—offering our body and all actions to the Lord and living with inner peace.
Whether a woman wears rich gold and diamond jewelry, modest ornaments, or just a simple mangalsutra and silver toe rings, they all wear the same red vermillion (kumkum). In the same way, the Name of God is accessible to all—regardless of class, status, or wealth. The sun simply gives light; in its presence, darkness vanishes naturally. Similarly, the Name of God nurtures love for Him, and as that love grows, our flaws begin to fade on their own.
If we start experiencing a stronger connection to the divine, or begin seeing more signs of God’s presence and power in our lives, we can be assured that we are advancing spiritually.
Just as breathing is essential to staying alive, chanting the Name with every breath is essential for reaching God.
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