08 One chants the holy name due to devotional service performed in previous lives
Only one who has worshiped Krsna for many births can chant the holy name:
In the Padma Purana it is stated: "The chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra is present only on the lips of a person who has for many births worshiped Vasudeva."
– The Nectar of Devotion
Devotional service performed in a previous life may lead one to the chanting of the holy name:
The leader of the elephants was much distressed when he was attacked by the crocodile. Although the elephant is always stronger than the crocodile, the latter is stronger than the elephant when it is in the water. And because the elephant was a great devotee of the Lord in his previous birth, he was able to chant the holy name of the Lord by dint of his past good deeds. Every living entity is always distressed in this material world because this place is such that at every step one has to meet with some kind of distress. But one who is supported by his past good deeds engages himself in the devotional service of the Lord, as confirmed in the Bhagavad gita (7.16). Those who are supported by impious acts cannot be engaged in the devotional service of the Lord, even though they are distressed. This is also confirmed in the Bhagavad gita (7.15). The Personality of Godhead Hari appeared at once on the back of His eternal bearer, Garuda, and delivered the elephant.
– Srimad Bhagavatam 2.7.15
