NÅMÅPARÅDHA
(6) To give an unauthorised and misleading explanation of çrî harinåma; in other words, to abandon the established and reputed meaning of the scriptures and foolishly concoct some futile explanation. For example, someone may argue that the Lord is incorporeal (niråkåra), formless (arüpa) and nameless (anåma), and that therefore His name is also imaginary. (7) To engage in sinful activities again and again, knowing that there is such power in the holy name that simply by uttering çrî harinåma all sins are vanquished. (8) To consider all kinds of religious or pious activities to be equal to çrî harinåma. (9) To instruct faithless persons about çrî harinåma. (10) To not have love for the name in spite of hearing the glories of çrî nåma. These ten offences must certainly be avoided. In the practice of hari-bhajana, one should first of all be very attentive to avoid all sevåparådhas and nåmåparådhas. One should know these aparådhas to be severe obstacles on the path of bhajana and vigorously endeavour to give them up. Without giving up these offences there can be no question of advancement in bhajana; rather, the sådhaka’s falldown is assured. The sådhaka should also be vigilant not to commit any sevåparådhas in the matter of worship of the deity. Sevåparådhas that are committed unknowingly in the course of serving the deity are mitigated by wholehearted surrender unto Lord Hari, by offering prayers unto Him and, in particular, by taking shelter of çrî harinåma. The holy name mercifully forgives all of one’s sevåparådhas. Çrî harinåma is even more merciful than the deity. But if in spite of taking shelter of çrî harinåma one is inattentive again in the matter of nåmåparådha, then his falldown is assured.
119