What Mistakes Should a Naam Japak Avoid?
10 Naamaparadh as Explained by Premanand Ji Maharaj
Chanting the Divine Name (Naam Jaap) is one of the purest and easiest paths to spiritual upliftment. But as Premanand Ji Maharaj explains in his satsang, Naam gives its full spiritual fruit only when the devotee avoids the Ten Naamaparadh—the ten serious offenses committed during Naam recitation.
These ten offenses are clearly explained by Shri Sanat Kumar Ji, and every seeker should know them.
Let’s understand them in simple English.
1. Guru Avagya – Disobedience to the Guru
This is the first and greatest offense.
Disobeying, disrespecting, or ignoring the Guru who has given the mantra blocks the power of the mantra.
Without the Guru’s grace, no spiritual progress is possible.
Premanand Ji Maharaj emphasizes:
“Disobedience to the Guru destroys the benefits of Naam Jaap.”
2. Criticizing Saints or Devotees
Speaking ill of sadhus, Vaishnavas, or sincere practitioners is a direct offense.
Saints are the guiding lamps on the spiritual path.
Criticizing them makes the heart impure and weakens the effect of Naam Jaap.
3. Creating Division Between Shiva and Hari
Thinking that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (Hari) are separate or opposed is a Naamaparadh.
Both are forms of the one Supreme Reality.
Creating division between them blocks spiritual purity.
4. Criticizing the Vedas or Sacred Scriptures
The Vedas are divine and eternal.
Doubting them, insulting them, or treating them as false is an offense, because scriptures are the foundation of dharma and devotion.
5. Committing Sins Intentionally, Relying on the Power of Naam
A very serious offense is to think:
“I can commit sin. Naam will purify me later.”
Using Naam as a shield to support sinful actions disrespects the holiness of the Divine Name.
6. Considering the Power of Naam as Mere Praise
If a person thinks the glories of Naam are just poetry, exaggeration, or storytelling, and not actual spiritual truth—
this is an offense.
Naam is not just sound—it is divine energy.
7. Using the Divine Name for Hypocrisy, Personal Gain, or Immoral Activity
Chanting the Name while:
– doing hypocrisy,
– misleading others,
– hiding sins,
– or chasing personal benefit
is a grave Naamaparadh.
One cannot deceive God with outward show.
8. Giving the Divine Name to the Unprepared or Unwilling
Teaching or preaching the Divine Name to:
– atheistic,
– lazy,
– or spiritually unprepared individuals
is considered an offense.
Naam should be given to those who have respect, readiness, and sincerity.
9. Hearing the Glory of the Name but Not Chanting It
Listening to satsang, hearing the greatness of Naam, but still ignoring Naam Jaap in one’s own life is also an offense.
It shows carelessness toward something sacred and powerful.
10. Disrespecting the Divine Name Through Careless Use
Misusing the Name in improper places or ways—such as writing it casually on objects, using it in dirty places, or handling it without respect—is a serious offense.
The Divine Name must always be treated with dignity.
How to Avoid These Naamaparadh? – Premanand Ji Maharaj’s Guidance
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Always respect and follow the Guru’s instructions
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Never criticize saints or scriptures
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Stay away from sinful actions
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Chant with faith, humility, and sincerity
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Do not use the Name for personal benefit
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Recite the Name daily with devotion
A devotee who avoids these ten offenses experiences divine grace, inner purity, knowledge, and devotion in this very lifetime.
