When one chants the Holy Name of the Lord with the aspiration of cultivating one’s eternal relationship with Krishna, it is considered to be chanting with self-identification. Initially, the devotee may simply identify as a servant of Krishna in a general sense—dāsanudāsa, the servant of the servant. This foundational humility is precious and powerful.

“jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya — kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’”

“The living entity’s constitutional position is to be an eternal servant of Krishna.”
— Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya 20.108

As the heart is gradually purified through sincere chanting and dedicated service, a more specific aspiration begins to awaken. This is referred to as tad-bhāva-lipsunā—a deep longing to attain the devotional mood (bhāva) of Krishna’s eternal associates. This longing does not arise from mere theoretical study, but from hearing the sweet pastimes of Krishna and His devotees through the association of saintly persons.

“kṛṣṇaṁ smaran janaṁ cāsya preṣṭhaṁ nija-samīhitam / tat-tat-kathā-rataś cāsau kuryād vāsaṁ vraje sadā // sevāṁ ca tad-bhāva-lipsunā kāmādy-anartha-nivṛttaye”

“One should always remember Krishna, His associates, and one’s own desired spiritual identity. Being attached to their stories and always residing in Vraja, one should serve in that mood, desirous of that bhāva, in order to overcome lust and other anarthas.”
— Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.294

Sadhu-saṅga, or the association of realized devotees, plays a vital role in this transformation. It is through the pure-hearted words and example of advanced Vaiṣṇavas that the subtle impressions of our eternal identity begin to form. In their company, we not only gain knowledge but also catch their mood—their loving devotion—which ignites our own dormant attraction to a specific relationship with Krishna.

“sadhu-saṅga’, ‘sadhu-saṅga’ — sarva-śāstre kaya / lava-mātra sadhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya”

“Association with devotees, even for a moment, brings all perfection—this is declared in all scriptures.”
— Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya 22.54

At a certain stage, when the disciple is mature and ready, the spiritual master may reveal the siddha-deha—the perfected spiritual form of the devotee in Krishna’s eternal pastimes. This revelation is not a mechanical or ritualistic act, but a deeply mystical moment, earned by the disciple’s unwavering sincerity and spiritual greed (lobha).

“lobhaḥ śāstra-śravaṇotpanno, rāgādi-lakṣaṇaṁ bhavet”

“Greed for following the moods of the Vraja-vāsīs arises from hearing the scriptures, and this is the symptom of rāgānugā-bhakti.”
— Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.292

The chanting of the Holy Name then becomes increasingly intimate. No longer is it only a practice of purification; it becomes an expression of one’s budding eternal identity, lovingly directed toward Krishna with a specific mood—whether as a servant, friend, parent, or beloved.

Though this process may seem lofty, the path is open to all. Progress is not measured by immediate results but by consistent, heartfelt effort and the mercy of Krishna and His devotees. Even if the specific svarūpa has not yet been revealed, chanting with a general aspiration to serve in Krishna’s eternal pastimes is powerful and purifying.

“kṛṣṇa-nāma-mahā-mantra ei tāra svarūpa / caitanya-rasa-vigraha, pūrṇa śuddha, nitya-rūpa”

“The Holy Name is the form of Krishna Himself. It is spiritual, complete, and eternal.”
— Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Adi 7.73

Let every name chanted be a seed of our eternal form. Let every repetition be a step toward the divine realm where Radha and Krishna eternally sport.

May all who chant with sincerity be blessed with remembrance of their spiritual identity and be ever guided by the shelter of the Holy Name.

“harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam / kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā”

“In this age of Kali, there is no other way, no other way, no other way to attain spiritual perfection than by chanting the Holy Name of the Lord.”
— Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa

Radhe Radhe!