Is interpreting the holy names an offense?

Hare Krishna to all!All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

According to the Nectar of Devotion, there are ten offenses against chanting the holy name which should be avoided. The offenses are as follows (probably everyone of you know those): 

1) To blaspheme the devotees who have dedicated their lives for propagating the holy name of the Lord.

2) To consider the names of the demigods like Lord Siva or Lord Brahma to be equal to, or independent of, the name Lord Visnu.

3) To disobey the orders of the spiritual master.

4) To blaspheme the Vedic literature or literature in pursuance of the Vedic version.

5) To consider the glories of chanting Hare Krsna to be imagination.

6) To give some interpretation on the holy name of the Lord.

7) To commit sinful activities on the strength of chanting the holy name of the Lord.

8) To consider chanting of Hare Krsna one of the auspicious ritualistic activities offered in the Vedas as fruitive activities (karma-kanda).

9) To instruct a faithless person about the glories of the holy name.

10) To not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy names and to maintain material attachments, even after understanding so many instructions on this matter.

My question is regarding the sixth offense stated herein. I am not sure what does this offense really mean. Aren't we supposed to know the meaning of the sixteen names in Mahamantra? 

Srila Jiva Gosvami reveals the meaning of each of the sixteen Names in the Hare Krishna Mahaamantra which is posted on this website too (http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/profiles/blogs/meaning-of-the-mahamantra). In our ISKCON temple one exalted devotee interpreted the holy Names of the lord in Hare Krishan Mahamantra in different way. There might also be other interpretations from other exalted devotees. 

My inquiries in this regard are:

- Is it an offense to know or interpret the Names in Mahamantra even if it is authentic? 

- If it is not offensive, then which interpretation should we accept as the most authentic interpretation of the sixteen Names in the 'Hare Krishna' Mahamantra?

I will appreciate your kind response to eliminate darkness of my understanding. 

Please accept my dandvat pranam!

Your insignificant servant,

Amal 

  

 

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Replies

  • Hare Krishna Dean Prabhu! Thank you for your amazing response as always. As you know I do not have easy access to 'Sadhu Sangha'  here, I depend on this forum especially exalted devotees like you to get answers of my inquiries.

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Hope to receive your continual support and compassion in my future inquiries.  

    Hare Krishna!

    Please accept my dandvat pranam!

    Amal 

  • E-Counselor

    Hare KRsna Prabhuji,

    PAMHO.

    Offence No 6 means interpreting by novices like you and me, not by acharyas. We have hardly read any scriptures and more importantly, we hardly have any spiritual realisations. I can say for myself, I am at best practising to become a sadhaka. I cannot call myself a devotee.

    I remember the first time I started to chant - in the first week itself it happened - while chanting, my mala fell from my hands. I was certain there is great meaning to it and God is sending me some direct message. I asked, incidentally, we were in Mayapur. We were told, simply pick up your beads and start afresh. They were so nonchalant about it that I was suitably snubbed.

    When we are new to the path of spirituality, we naturally think we are the greatest devotees around and God is directly looking only at us and giving us personal directions. It is only as and when we grow that we realise how fallen we are. In fact, it is one of the characteristics of spiritual growth, the more we grow, the more we grow humble, the  more we realise how fallen we are.

    This offence is for new chanters - who are trying to interpret everything that comes their way.

    Srila Jiva Goswami is explaining what Srila Rupa Goswami has written - both are exalted souls - manjaris from Vrindavan leela. We cannot compare ourselves to them.

    I hope you are able to understand.

    Haribol,

    Your servant,

    Rashmi

    • Hare Krishna Rashmi Mataji!

      Thank you for your clear explanation how a novice fallen soul like me can move forward towards the spiritual path. Now it is crystal clear what does the  Offence No. 6 mean.

      I am always afraid of committing offence that's why I have posted the question to you. I am so happy to have clarification from an exalted devotee like you. I would also like to express my gratitude to you for helping me through your practical life experience, valuable advice and compassion. This forum is my virtual 'Guru'  as well as "Sadhu Sangha" to me and I try to read current and previous discussions to understand how fallen I am and how can I advance towards the spiritual path with Krishna's mercy and blessings from you. I hope I will get your continual support, kind advice, guidance and suggestion in my future inquiries. 

      Hare Krishna!

      Please accept my dandvat pranam!

      Amal 

  • Knowing is different and giving its some one's own assumption is different.
    Holi name is non different than Krishna so one should not try to make their own assumption on this.

    If you are new in Krishna Consciousness better read the basic books before going to Nectar of Devotion.
    Hari Bol.
    ys
    • Hare Krishna Pratap Prabhu! Thank you  for understanding that I am new in Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for your time. 

      Hare Krishna!

      Amal 

    • Yes, just chant Hare Krishna and think of Him.

      Though I do remember from my beginning days, that I was told the mantra was ' Sri Sri Radha-Krsna appearing  personally in sound vibration'.  I was told that if i needed a dialogue for chanting, so that I could feel some intent, I could think of myself saying the following "O Radharani, engage me in Krishna's service".

      But, after a few years, one begins to abandon internal dialogue, and simply chant.

      • Hare Krishna Rankin Prabhu! Thank you for your valuable advice, compassion and time. It is very helpful to listen from an exalted devotee like you. I hope I will get your advice, guidance and suggestion in my future inquiries. 

        Hare Krishna!

        Please accept my dandvat pranam!

        Amal 

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