Transcendental sounds, such as kirtan (devotional chanting), bhajan, japa, mantra, or prayer, differ profoundly from ordinary sounds. In worldly speech, words are symbols distinct from their objects; in spiritual sound, the name and the named are one. The divine name descends from a higher plane and becomes accessible to our imperfect senses only through divine grace. When received with humility and sincerity, these sounds awaken dormant consciousness. For instance, the name Krishna is not a mere label—it is Krishna Himself.
The spiritual quality of sound we absorb profoundly shapes our awareness. Because the Supreme Being is beyond material attributes, His name is never mundane. Hearing God's divine names and pastimes (śravanam), the heart is gradually purified, restoring our original spiritual identity. Vyasadeva compiled vast Vedic texts specifically to aid this attentive hearing. Of all scriptures, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam most clearly advocates the chanting of God’s names (nāma-saṅkīrtana) as the primary path in this age of discord, Kali Yuga. When done in love, this sweet chanting is a divine gift known as prema-saṅkīrtana.
Authentic spiritual learning doesn't rely on intellect alone. It comes through focused listening to trustworthy sources or the descent of knowledge through hearing. When the seed of devotion is planted in the heart through such hearing, one must nurture it like a gardener, watering it through hearing and chanting. waters it through śravaṇa (hearing) and kīrtana (chanting)."
. While in the material world, saying “water” doesn’t produce the actual liquid, in the spiritual realm, uttering “Krishna” manifests His presence directly.
The journey toward the Divine is swifter in spiritual life when the heart is soft like butter. The more the heart is purified through sincere practice, the more it resonates with divine sound.
This monumental audiobook is from celebrated yogi Sripad Jagannatha Das.
