Premanand Maharaj is widely respected for his simple language, gentle tone, and deeply meaningful spiritual teachings. Through his discourses, he guides people toward devotion, inner peace, and a higher understanding of life. Recently, a woman devotee asked him a thoughtful question:

“Is chanting the name of God selfish? If we chant for liberation or salvation, isn’t that also a form of selfishness?”

Premanand Maharaj’s response touched the very core of devotion and human nature.

Chanting God’s name is not selfish

Premanand Maharaj explained that chanting connects the soul directly with God. It is one of the purest and simplest ways for the soul to move toward the Divine. Chanting the name of God brings peace to the mind, balance to life, and inner purity. Anything that purifies the heart and mind cannot be called selfish.

He clarified that the desire for liberation (moksha) is not a material desire. It is a longing for spiritual growth, truth, and freedom from ignorance. Therefore, it does not fall into the category of selfishness driven by ego or worldly gain.

“Devotion begins with self-interest”

In a very honest and insightful statement, Premanand Maharaj said that devotion often starts with self-interest. He compared God’s name to nectar: even if someone drinks nectar with a selfish motive, it will still make them immortal. In the same way, even if a person chants God’s name with some personal desire, it will still bring positive transformation.

As chanting continues, the mind slowly becomes pure. Over time, devotion naturally shifts from being self-centered to selfless.

Desire is necessary to begin the journey

Premanand Maharaj further explained that every journey begins with a desire. He shared that he himself once desired to conquer Maya (illusion), and that very desire led him toward service, compassion, and spiritual elevation.

“If there is no desire at all, how will a person move forward?” he said. The highest desire a human can have is the desire to attain God.

After attaining God, no desire remains

According to Premanand Maharaj, once a person truly attains God, all desires dissolve on their own. The mind becomes completely fulfilled. There is nothing left to want, because the ultimate truth has been realized.

Essence of his teaching

Chanting God’s name is not selfish. Even if it begins with personal motives, it purifies the heart, leads to selflessness, and ultimately takes a person beyond all desires. Devotion is a journey—and every journey has a starting point.