Shloka 24
Karmic Aspirations, Demigod Worship, and the Supreme Duty of Bhakti
Hari-kathā as Life’s True Gain
तदश्मसारं हृदयं बतेदं यद् गृह्यमाणैर्हरिनामधेयै: । न विक्रियेताथ यदा विकारो नेत्रे जलं गात्ररुहेषु हर्ष: ॥ २४ ॥
tad aśma-sāraṁ hṛdayaṁ batedaṁ yad gṛhyamāṇair hari-nāma-dheyaiḥ na vikriyetātha yadā vikāro netre jalaṁ gātra-ruheṣu harṣaḥ
Gewiss ist jenes Herz wie mit Stahl gerahmt, wenn es sich trotz konzentrierten Chantens des heiligen Namens Haris nicht wandelt; wenn Ekstase aufkommt, füllen sich die Augen nicht mit Tränen und die Haare am Körper stellen sich nicht auf.
We should note with profit that in the first three chapters of the Second Canto a gradual process of development of devotional service is being presented. In the First Chapter the first step in devotional service for God consciousness by the process of hearing and chanting has been stressed, and a gross conception of the Personality of Godhead in His universal form for the beginners is recommended. By such a gross conception of God through the material manifestations of His energy, one is enabled to spiritualize the mind and the senses and gradually concentrate the mind upon Lord Viṣṇu, the Supreme, who is present as the Supersoul in every heart and everywhere, in every atom of the material universe. The system of pañca-upāsanā, recommending five mental attitudes for the common man, is also enacted for this purpose, namely gradual development, worship of the superior that may be in the form of fire, electricity, the sun, the mass of living beings, Lord Śiva and, at last, the impersonal Supersoul, the partial representation of Lord Viṣṇu. They are all nicely described in the Second Chapter, but in the Third Chapter further development is prescribed after one has actually reached the stage of Viṣṇu worship, or pure devotional service, and the mature stage of Viṣṇu worship is suggested herein in relation to the change of heart.
FAQs
This verse says that when the holy names of Hari are truly received, the heart naturally transforms, expressed through tears in the eyes and hairs standing on end in spiritual joy.
Śukadeva is emphasizing to King Parīkṣit that mere contact with Hari-nāma should soften the heart; if no inner change appears, it indicates insensitivity or lack of deep absorption in devotion.
Chant attentively and humbly, focusing on the meaning and presence of Hari; over time, sincerity and steadiness in practice cultivate inner softness and authentic emotional transformation.