Re: Hari Krishna and Forgiveness
Originally Posted by
SylviaRNexus
I was wondering, I read this line:
"Simply by chanting one holy name of Hari, a sinful man can counteract the reactions to more sins than he is able to commit." (Bṛhad-viṣṇu Purāṇa)
I know the chanting the Hari Krishna mantra can free one from their sins HOWEVER, the above line, from my understanding, if a person once says the words "Hari Krishna" are they still free from their sins? Is this true?
There are many statements like that in the smRiti. Some may dismiss it as mere arthavAda, i.e. to induce sinful people to do harinAma. Others see it as true, and as evidence of the glories of the Lord's holy names. Me, I have some doubts as to whether or not I am forgiven, each time I chant His names. After all, I see myself, like many that I meet, as a "part-time spiritualist" lacking in sincerity. Then again, I often note that the true devotee does not take up the chanting of His name for any purpose other than the pleasure of glorifying Him.
I tend to think that it is the Lord's prerogative whether or not to forgive us our sins. But otherwise, I would tend to believe what the shAstras say on this subject, viz that the Lord cleanses us of our sins via the chanting of His name, but also that He reserves the right not to do so if we lack in sincerity.
Interesting question. I would be interested to hear about other devotees' insights on this subject.
Philosoraptor
"Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something." - Plato
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