Truly, the loving and devoted service we offer to Krishna, which alone allows us to approach Him with certainty, begins with the chanting of the Holy Names.

The chanting of the Holy Names is the easiest path and the essence of spirituality for the present age.

In the present age, mere trifles are enough to provoke serious conflicts. This is why the original scriptures recommend a method of spiritual realization common to all: the chanting of the Lord's holy names.

People, each in their own language, may gather together and glorify the Lord with melodious chants. This practice must be performed without offense, and those who participate in it will be assured of gradually attaining spiritual perfection without having to follow a more exacting method.

Here are the ten offenses against the Holy Names that should not be committed.

Blaspheming a devotee of the Lord.

Equating the Lord with celestial beings, or believing in the existence of many gods.

Disregarding the orders of the spiritual master.

Minimizing the authority of the Vedas, the original holy scriptures.

Interpreting the Holy Name of the Lord.

Knowingly committing reprehensible acts, relying on the chanting of the Holy Name to nullify the consequences.

Telling unbelievers about the glories of the Lord's Name.

Comparing the chanting of the Holy Name to material piety.

Being inattentive while chanting the Holy Names.

Remaining attached to material things despite chanting the Holy Name and having heard so many instructions.

At such gatherings, scholars and illiterates, rich and poor, Hindus, Christians, Jews, and Muslims, Europeans, Americans, Africans, Asians, the homeless or the destitute, and spiritual guides and priests will all be able to listen to the spiritual vibrations of the chanting of the Holy Names, and thus remove from the heart all the defilement that contact with matter has left there.

Responding to the Lord's mission, all people will then accept His Holy Name as the commonplace of the universal religion. We will then be delivered from the dangers of this dark age. By chanting or reciting the Hare Krishna hymn, we will be delivered from all the difficulties of this material world.

Such is the essence of truth.