Jayapataka Swami: If the person had been chanting the holy names for years, why would he have the same mentality? Naturally, his mentality should change. Bharata Mahārāja, he had left the empire of the world, to engage in austerities and practice of spiritual life. But he became attached to a deer. So therefore, he had to take birth as a deer. But because he was spiritually advanced, he could remember his previous life. So, then he realized his mistake that he had unfortunately become attached to a deer when he had left the empire of the world to engage in self-realization. He should not have become so attached to a deer. Yes, the consciousness we have at the time of leaving, will lead us to a future birth. But hopefully, by chanting the holy name, one will be able to remember Kṛṣṇa at the time of death. Anyway, Kṛṣṇa will certainly help one who has been chanting for a long time.
15-June-2020 SRI DHAM MAYAPUR, INDIA
