A little while ago I talked with my friend Dina-Dayala about different aspects of devotional service and our attraction to them. When we discussed chanting the Holy Name, she made a great observation that I wanted to share: “The Holy Name is a safe place.”
Anyone who has a little faith and experience in chanting can confirm this. In our day to day lives, so much can be thrown at us by the external world, especially in this age of Kali. There is so much confusion and so many differing opinions (even amongst devotees), but the Holy Name is always personal and direct.
We can experience so many varieties of emotions but no matter what we are going through, our true friend Kṛṣṇa is always there in the form of His Holy Name. Ultimately we don’t have to worry about anything when we are chanting; we are in a safe place.
Kṛṣṇa guides us; He comforts us; He inspires ideas for our devotional service; He helps us overcome the problems we face; and if we keep His pleasure as our motivation for chanting, then we also make a great deal of spiritual advancement.
Whatever your external situation may be and whatever life may throw at you, don’t forget to spend lots of time in your safe place.
