(HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, 4th March 2012, New York) Lecture: Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Adi-lila 9.37
We see that this chanting of the holy name not only captivates the tongue, it steals away the heart of the chanter. In this way, gradually it first breaks a crack into the false ego of the hard-core materialist, and it gradually brings us to a point of some appreciation for Krishna; of appreciating His qualities; appreciation of His pastimes, His teachings, and in this way, gradually the holy name completely captures us! This is the basis of our movement. It is here in these chapters of the Caitanya-caritāmṛta that we are finding the source of our faith. It is here that we are finding the strength to chant, because it is faith that is the source of our strength!
You cannot just depend on association:
‘As long as I am surrounded by people who are all chanting Hare Krishna, and by getting up early, I will also do it. Maybe, but then one day that shoe will be too narrow, and it will make me feel like I cannot wear that shoe anymore…. take this shoe off!’
So it is by deep faith of the holy name that one can remain fixed, and it is by entering deep into understanding the roots of this chanting and with faith of the associates of the Supreme Lord, then our own faith can become strengthened! Just as it is strengthened in remembering Srila Prabhupada, since we are here practically living around the corner from the roots of the Hare Krishna movement in America: Matchless Gifts…. Tompkins Park…. it’s the roots of where it started, and this place is kind of reflecting that! That mood is the root of our faith. This faith will ultimately make the difference. It is through faith that we will survive in chanting Hare Krishna!
