What is the barometer to measure progress when we take up the chanting of the Lord’s Name? Bhagawan lovingly explains today with the examples of two contrasting devotees!

Ravana used to repeat the five-syllable Shiva Mantra "Namah Shivaya" constantly but did not give up any of his demonic qualities, because recitation was done mechanically. On the other hand, Prahlada, though the son of a demon, repeated Narayana Mantra - "Om Namo Narayana" continually with all his heart and soul. This served to save him from all the terrible ordeals his father Hiranyakashipu, subjected him to. His father cast him from a precipice, had him trodden over by elephants, got him bitten by venomous reptiles, pushed him into the sea, and so on but he came out unscathed from all these ordeals by chanting the Lord's name from his heart. Every instrument of torture turned into the Lord's form! Reciting the Lord's name with one's whole heart is true Smarana. Chanting of the Name should not be done to earn the approbation of others or for show. It is enough if one is able to please the Lord. In the process, one becomes united with the Divine!