Author: Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja
Publisher: Tattva Vicara Publications
Format: Paperback
This book is a collection of lectures by Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami, discussing the various stages of chanting the Holy Name of Sri Krsna, culminating in the chanting of Suddha-nama. The Pure Name of Sri Krsna, or suddha-nama, leads to prema (divine love). By reading this book, one will journey through the stages of chanting, from nama-aparadha (offensive chanting) to nama-abhasa (shadow chanting) and finally to suddha-nama (pure chanting). The ultimate goal is prema, as stated by Mahaprabhu: "...prema pumato mahan..." (love is the highest goal). Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami also mentions in the Sri Chaitanya Caritamrta: "...purusartha siromani prema maha-dhana..." (prema is the greatest wealth). In the words of Srila Gour Govinda Swami, "...prema purusartha or parama pursartha..." (the topmost goal is prema). This is what Mahaprabhu came to give—prema through the chanting of the Holy Name. Therefore, attaining the stage of suddha-nama signifies reaching the highest level of bhakti, which is prema.
