Shloka 19
Ajāmila Delivered: Viṣṇudūtas Establish the Supremacy of the Holy Name
यथागदं वीर्यतममुपयुक्तं यदृच्छया । अजानतोऽप्यात्मगुणं कुर्यान्मन्त्रोऽप्युदाहृत: ॥ १९ ॥
yathāgadaṁ vīryatamam upayuktaṁ yadṛcchayā ajānato ’py ātma-guṇaṁ kuryān mantro ’py udāhṛtaḥ
यथा औषधं वीर्यतमं यदृच्छयोपयुक्तकम् । अजानतोऽपि तद्वीर्यं कार्यं कुर्यात् स्वभावतः ॥ तथा मन्त्रोऽप्युदाहृतो हरिनामात्मकः सदा । अजानतोऽपि प्रभावं फलदः स्यात् न संशयः ॥
In the Western countries, where the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement is spreading, learned scholars and other thoughtful men are realizing its effectiveness. For example, Dr. J. Stillson Judah, a learned scholar, has been very much attracted to this movement because he has actually seen that it is turning hippies addicted to drugs into pure Vaiṣṇavas who voluntarily become servants of Kṛṣṇa and humanity. Even a few years ago, such hippies did not know the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, but now they are chanting it and becoming pure Vaiṣṇavas. Thus they are becoming free from all sinful activities, such as illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating and gambling. This is practical proof of the effectiveness of the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement, which is supported in this verse. One may or may not know the value of chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, but if one somehow or other chants it, he will immediately be purified, just as one who takes a potent medicine will feel its effects, regardless of whether he takes it knowingly or unknowingly.
FAQs
This verse explains that a mantra has inherent potency; even if spoken without understanding, it can still produce its spiritual effect—like potent medicine acting by its own nature.
In Ajāmila’s case, calling out “Nārāyaṇa” at death brought divine intervention; this verse supports the principle that the name’s power can act even when uttered unintentionally.
Make regular nāma-japa and kīrtana a habit; even imperfect or distracted chanting still carries benefit, and sincere practice gradually awakens clear devotion and remembrance.