The goal of chanting is to remember Lord. If one truly remembers Him, chanting naturally flows from the heart. Without remembrance (smaraṇam), continuous kīrtan is not possible. We often chant to remember, but the real key is to remember so we can always chant.
To remember Lord constantly, we must cultivate three qualities from Śikṣāṣṭakam Verse 3:
- Humility (tṛṇād api sunīcena)
True humility means:- Accepting the words of guru and ācāryas, even when difficult.
- Genuinely appreciating other Vaiṣṇavas instead of seeing ourselves as superior.
- Avoiding praise-seeking. A humble devotee doesn’t feel joy when praised, nor asks for appreciation.
- Encouraging others in service and helping them grow, rather than hoarding responsibilities or thinking “only I can do it.”
Humility is not about bowing physically but serving with a genuine servant’s heart. When we stop thinking of ourselves, we naturally remember Lord more.
- Tolerance (taror api sahiṣṇunā)
In preaching and management, criticism is inevitable. Tolerance means:- Continuing service without being disturbed by mistakes or harsh words.
- Hearing even juniors and responding with care, not ego.
- Praising and encouraging those who criticize, so they feel supported and stay in bhakti.
If Lord tolerates our faults, should we not do the same for others? A true leader cures and lifts others, not drives them away.
- Respecting All, Expecting None (amāninā mānadena)
One should:- Avoid actions that invite praise.
- Not linger where one is being glorified.
- Offer help and respect to all, regardless of their eligibility, like Mahāprabhu did.
- Think: “Let me serve others without expecting anything back.”
When we serve this way, the mind becomes peaceful and Lord naturally stays in the heart.
By practicing these three qualities, the mind becomes absorbed in Lord. Then, remembrance and kīrtan go on effortlessly, without force. Śrīla Prabhupāda exemplified this verse—through deep humility, unwavering tolerance, and sincere respect for all, he constantly remembered and glorified Lord.
Conclusion
If we truly want to chant always, we must first purify the heart. Mahāprabhu shows us how: by becoming humbler than grass, more tolerant than a tree, and by respecting others without expecting respect in return. These are not just qualities—they are the doorway to constant remembrance of Lord. And when we remember Him with love, kīrtan naturally flows, not as a duty, but as our life’s joy.
Let us not just chant to remember—but remember, so we can truly chant—always.