Krsna Bamani dasi:
I was going to say one more thing. You already explained it. But in today's world, fanatical Muslims or fanatics in any religion--they may be chanting God's names, yet so much violence is going on. They may chant, for example, "Allah, Allah," yet engage in so much violent activity. They are "God's warriors," so to speak. So, you have explained that there are ways to chant God's names properly.
Giriraj Swami: Correct. One must avoid that offense of offending devotees, and devotees are there in every tradition. One may take the name of God in one's own tradition, but if he is inimical to devotees in other traditions, that is an offense, not only against the devotees but against the holy name. And if one commits offenses against the holy name, one doesn't get the benefit. In fact, it is described that when you offend devotees, the holy name is offended and withdraws its mercy. So even though such fanatics are mouthing God's name, it is almost as if God has left. He has withdrawn His mercy from them, because they are offensive.
Of course, offending devotees is the worst, but offending anyone--causing pain to any living entity--is prohibited. That is the complete injunction. And that is one reason why we don't kill animals or eat flesh.
So, it is not just a question of mouthing God's name. One should be in the proper consciousness, the proper mood of service to God and to the devotees of God--in whatever tradition, culture, or community they may be. We should respect and appreciate all genuine devotees, servants of God, and encourage the devotees and chant the holy names. That will bring us all success, and one day the holy name will reveal Himself to us, and we will see Krsna face to face.
prabhu kahe,--"vaisnava-seva, nama-sankirtana
dui kara, sighra pabe sri-krsna-carana"
The Lord [Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu] said, "You should engage yourself in the service of the servants of Krsna and always chant the holy name of Krsna. If you do these two things, you will very soon attain shelter at Krsna's lotus feet." (Cc Madhya 16.70)
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