Ten Offenses to the Holy Name
Remembering the ten offenses helps a practitioner approach the Holy Name with humility, care, and a sincere desire to improve.
This guide is offered as a practical devotional aid for personal sādhana. It does not replace the guidance of guru, sādhus, śāstra, local ISKCON authorities, temple pūjārīs, or senior Vaiṣṇavas. For formal Deity worship and temple service, please follow your local authorized standards.
This guide is offered as a practical reminder for sincere chanting. It does not replace guidance from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books, guru, sādhus, and local ISKCON authorities.
The ten offenses
- To criticize saintly devotees who have dedicated their lives to spreading the glories of the Holy Name.
- To consider the names of Lord Viṣṇu or Kṛṣṇa material, imaginary, or independent of the Supreme Lord.
- To disregard the instructions of the spiritual master and the ācāryas.
- To criticize the Vedic scriptures and authoritative śāstra.
- To consider the glories of the Holy Name exaggerated.
- To give imaginary or materialistic interpretations of the Holy Name.
- To commit sinful activities while relying on chanting the Holy Name for purification.
- To equate chanting the Holy Name with ordinary pious activity, vows, or rituals.
- To disclose the confidential glories of the Holy Name to those who are hostile, faithless, and likely to mock them.
- To maintain material attachment to “I” and “mine” even after hearing the glories of the Holy Name.
Attentiveness: Inattention during japa is also regarded as a serious obstacle to pure chanting. Correction can begin gently: hear one name at a time and prayerfully return when the mind wanders.