Why speech matters so much in devotion – In its second verse, the Chatur-Shloki Bhagavad-gita (10.08-11) states the characteristics of the devoted in terms of their thinking, living and speaking. Significantly, while it mentions their thinking and living both in just one-quarter of the verse (10.09), it describes their speaking over the remaining three-quarters. Why this emphasis on speech?
This question gathers further force if we consider sayings such as “Words are cheap” or “Walk your talk.” True as these sayings are, they refer to specific situations where words aren’t backed by actions. The Gita has already characterized devotees as being internally absorbed (mac-citta) and externally dedicated to Krishna (mad-gatah pranah), conveying thereby that their talking about Krishna isn’t just for show; it’s a natural expression of their devotion, manifesting how they think and live.
By emphasizing speaking as a characteristic of devotion, the Gita highlights the social dimension of bhakti spirituality. Bhakti is essentially about relationships — and not just about a relationship with Krishna, but also about relationships with Krishna’s devotees.
Few things can bond people together as much as discussing a shared object of love. And few objects of shared love can be discussed as extensively as Krishna — he is God and his glories are unlimited; therefore, discussions about him can be illuminating, enriching and unending.
Krishna’s glories are unlimited; and he reveals varying aspects of those glories to various devotees, reciprocating with their individual natures and levels (04.11). Thus, different devotees appreciate and relish him from different perspectives. When they discuss Krishna with each other, they all can learn to appreciate him from multiple perspectives, thus expanding their devotion and increasing their delight therein.
One-sentence summary:
Devotees delight in speaking about Krishna, sharing their devotion with other devotees and relishing his glories as seen from various perspectives.
Think it over:
- “Words are cheap” — when does this saying apply to devotion and when not?
- What makes Krishna the supreme object of shared love?
- Why is speaking about Krishna such an important characteristic of devotion?
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10.09: The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
No word is better than KRISHNA