Here are reminders to help with chanting japa. The number one rule would be to -rain or shine, somehow or other, whether giving birth or seriously ill or more busy than humanly possible- always finish your rounds. Make it your "harinama habit", and then, some time down the road, you will be able to look back and will see, by Krishna's grace, the holy name as an old friend and most dear. Sri Nama has been and will remain your life companion through thick and thin and, as time continues to relentlessly march onward, your only shelter.
EARLY MORNING CHANTING
Before sunrise is the best time to chant. There's nothing obliging to do or think about and we feel more conscious, refreshed, awake and therefore, better able to chant. And by getting up same time every day no matter what, for the sake of japa, one will eventually become a "morning person" and have great energy during this time.
JAPA WARMUP
A great way to prepare for each day's session of japa is mangala artik. By offering our respects and feelingly praying to the spiritual masters and Krishna, we may enter deeply into an internal remembrance.
A SANCTIFIED SPOT
It helps to chant in the association of devotees, especially next toTulsi Maharani and or Srila Prabhupada. Also before one's altar at home or a picture of Panca tattva or the spiritual master has been recommended. But sometimes one's home is just too full of distractions, so chanting at the temple if possible is really helpful. Sanctified means the lower modes of nature are absent.
HELPS FOR KEEPING ALERT
These include:
- Sufficient lighting.
- Sitting properly- A straight back helps focus the mind. (SB 3.28.8)
- Breathing through the abdomen- Breath normally but deeply, through the nostrils as usual, and slowly exhale while chanting until all breath is expelled. With practice this becomes very natural and automatic. There should be no strain.
- Sitting very still - The birds and animals of Vrndavana would hold very still intently listening to the sound of Krishna's flute.
- Clear enunciation- That means moving your mouth and chanting distinctly each syllable.“Sometimes one mechanically produces a hissing sound instead of chanting with the proper pronunciation with the help of the lips and tongue. Chanting is very simple, but one must practice it seriously”--Adi 17.32
- Fingering your japa beads- Employing the sense of touch increases alertness and paying attention to when a round is done.
- Consciously relaxing- This also brings the mind back from wandering.
- Listening to Srila Prabhupada chant- There is a recording available to hear the highest standard of chanting.
- Praying to Sri Nama prabhu. Everything in the spiritual world is a person, and Krishna's holy name is non different than Him.
THREE STAGES IN CHANTING: Name Aparadha, Nama Abhasa and Suddha Nam
NAMA APARADHA, the offensive stage. We all start here. There are ten offenses to avoid in the matter of chanting Hare Krishna (see list in Adi 8.16). It is very important to understand them clearly (it may take years), what to avoid and what to work on or what the positive action is for each prohibition.
NAMA ABHASA the clearing stage or alertness and for avoiding offenses to the holy name.
"The namabhasa stage (the unclarified name or chanting with offenses) is not to be underestimated, for it avails many positive benefits to the jiva and increases his piety. Verily, namabhasa is one of the jiva's greatest virtues. It offers him more good fortune than religiosity, vows, yoga, sacrifices and so on, put together. Now by chanting all his sins are absolved; he is thus liberated from the effects of Kali-yuga. Instead Kali becomes a well-wishing servitor of the jiva providing security and equanimity. The miseries inflicted by demons ghosts, hobgoblins, evil spirits and malefic planetary influences are easily averted. Even if a jiva is destined for the hellish planets he attains liberation; all his prarabdha-karma (sinful reactions of previous lives' activities that are taking effect now) is counteracted. Namabhasa is greater than the result of studying all the Vedas, of visiting every pilgrimage place or of performing every possible altruistic and pious work.
"The four goals offered in the Vedas-religiosity, wealth sense enjoyment and liberation-are all available from namabhasa chanting. It is endowed with unimaginable power that can reclaim any living entity. It bestows unlimited joy and elevates even the derelicts to a very exalted stage of realization. Namabhasa offers eternal residence in the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha, especially in Kali-yuga; this is stated in the scriptures.” - Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura, Harinama Cintamani
Srila Bhaktivinoda's statements are very encouraging, but one must be diligent not to become inattentive (10th offense) and commit the 7th offense of continuing to commit offenses while thinking the holy name will counteract them.
SUDDHA NAMA, pure chanting of the name, has the greatest efficacy upon the hearers and causes others to chant or awaken to Krsna conscious.
"Sound is the origin of all objects of material possession and that by sound one can also dissolve this material existence." SB 3.26.32
MORE HELPS:
KEEPING JAPA BEADS PROTECTED AND RESPECTED
Cover your beads with a bead bag. Do not put them on the floor. Do not take them into a bathroom. Keep the bead bag very clean. Do not touch japa beads with dirty hands. If you accidentally make offense, touch your japa beads to your head.
KEEPING TRANSCENDENTAL ASSOCIATION
Chanting is repeating what is heard. So chanting develops from hearing about the thoughts and activities of the Lord's intimate associates. By transcendental association we imbibe their loving mood for serving Krishna and the desire to surrender fully at His lotus feet and glorify His holy name. And Srila Prabhupada's association is available also, by reading and hearing from his purports and so on to enthuse us.
"He is not morose. He is jolly. That is the nature of God. Änandamayo 'bhyäsät. This is the sütra, in the Brahma-sütra, that 'God is änandamaya, always jolly, always cheerful.' So you can become also cheerful when you go back to home, back to Godhead...
"Therefore how we can go there? The first thing is we must hear... Just try to hear what is God, what is His kingdom, how He acts, how He is cheerful. These things are to be heard. Sravanam. Then as soon as you are convinced, 'Oh, God is so nice,' then you will be eager to demonstrate or to broadcast this news to the whole world. This is kirtanam. This is kirtanam."
CHANTING THE PANCA TATTVA MANTRA before every round of chanting Hare Krishna. Some devotees do this only one time, before chanting.
RECITING SIKSASTAKAM Lord Chaitanya left eight valuable prayers illustrating the stages of chanting. Regarding the third sloka, Lord Chaitanya said, "Raising my hands, I declare, 'Everyone please hear me! String this verse on the thread of the holy name and wear it on your neck for continuous remembrance..
“'Hear from Me the symptoms of how one should chant the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra to awaken very easily one’s dormant love for Krishna. One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.’ These are the symptoms of one who chants the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra. Although he is very exalted, he thinks himself lower than the grass on the ground, and like a tree, he tolerates everything in two ways. When a tree is cut down, it does not protest, and even when drying up, it does not ask anyone for water. The tree delivers its fruits, flowers and whatever else it possesses to anyone and everyone. It tolerates scorching heat and torrents of rain, yet it still gives shelter to others. Although a Vaisnava is the most exalted person, he is prideless and gives all respect to everyone, knowing everyone to be the resting place of Krishna. If one chants the holy name of Lord Krishna in this manner, he will certainly awaken his dormant love for Krishna’s lotus feet.” -Anty 20.21-28
"A Vaisnava is always tolerant and submissive like trees and grass. He tolerates insults offered by others, for he is simply interested in chanting the holy name of the Lord without being disturbed." -Antya 3.207
MORE ON HUMILITY
"My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of [material] progress, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage, great opulence, high education and bodily beauty, cannot approach You with sincere feeling." -SB 1.8.26
"Actually the Lord’s holy name has such powerful potency. But there is a quality to such utterances also. It depends on the quality of feeling. A helpless man can feelingly utter the holy name of the Lord, whereas a man who utters the same holy name in great material satisfaction cannot be so sincere. A materially puffed up person may utter the holy name of the Lord occasionally, but he is incapable of uttering the name in quality." SB 1.8.26p
"Pingalä was a prostitute who said, 'To hope against hope produces only misery. Utter hopelessness is the greatest happiness.' Remembering this statement, Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu became ecstatic." --Antya 17.54p
"When one is fully qualified with all these transcendental attributes and his consciousness is thus completely purified, he is immediately attracted simply by hearing My name or hearing of My transcendental quality." -SB 3.29.19
"The Hare Krishna mantra is a prayer for protection and deliverance, a prayer to the Lord for His divine presence and for the opportunity to serve Him. Chanting is compared to the helpless cry of a child for its mother. It is a prayer from the core of the repentant heart. It is chanted, therefore, in humility. "- Srila Prabhupada
DETERMINATION
We can tell when we are spacing out. Our chanting will change, slow down or cease, and posture slumps. Or we start doing other things... But we can show Krsna we care by bringing the mind back no matter how many times it may wander or how pathetic our chanting may be. We just need to tune into the Krishna channel, but we don’t have to freak out when this is difficult. Krishna sees our struggle and blesses us. With patience, the holy name gradually works everything out and taste develops. We become aware of passing thoughts as a detached viewer instead of becoming caught up in them.
IT'S A TUG OF WAR WITH MAYA
If we keep chanting faithfully, sooner or later we get tired of poor chanting. It becomes a choice- good japa or maya. Of course, we want good japa, so it will be maya that has to go. In this way the heart becomes more and more free and cleansed, finding out what is holding us back and letting it go in order to chant nicely for Krishna's pleasure. In this way the holy name wins out. It is the devotion the Lord is looking for, the dedication. He gives the intelligence. (Bg 10.10)
Once a disciple asked, “How is it possible, Prabhupada, for a man whose mind is clouded to constantly chant Hare Krsna? A man who is always thinking thoughts about family, friends, country and nation?”
Srila Prabhupada replied, “Yes, think of but at the same time chant. Two things will go on and this chanting of Hare Krsna will conquer. As maya is forcing you to drag you from Krsna consciousness, you also force maya by chanting Hare Krsna. There is a fight. And maya will go away."
So no matter what happens, we just need to keep chanting, steadily choosing japa over maya. Never quit, never quit, never never never quit!
NAMA APARADHA, the offensive stage. We all start here. There are ten offenses to avoid in the matter of chanting Hare Krishna (see list in Adi 8.16). It is very important to understand them clearly (it may take years), what to avoid and what to work on or what the positive action is for each prohibition.
A whole other post was made for this one: Avoiding the First Offense
Bhaktivinoda Thakura called the tenth offense, inattention, the "gateway" to all other offenses. It includes indifference and distraction. Here are some of the most common pitfalls in this regard to guard against:
JABBER JAPA
To avoid the problem of talking during japa, the best thing to do is chant in a place where the only business is japa, such as at the temple during the morning program amongst fellow chanters. Similar to peer pressure. Otherwise, it is tempting to speak while at home in a more casual mood. If there is not such opportunity, make a decision to get through at least one round entirely without stoppage. If you can do that, you usually find the strength to continue, one full uninterrupted round at a time. Another thing some devotees do, if the problem is really bad, is to do a round over if they must stop before completing it.
MULTI TASK JAPA
Often when chanting japa at home, there arises the urge to accomplish tasks while simultaneously chanting. Inside one's home there are a multitude of duties beckoning. Other times distractions are more subtle. I may even be thinking, "I have something important to do that involves my service." But it's better to just surrender for the designated japa time to Krsna and let Him remind you later what is really important. Or thinking, "Instead of sitting here chanting, I must give Krsna consciousness to others." But this is also maya's trick. How can you give to others what you don't have yourself? Even if one thinks about saving the whole world it doesn't matter because Krsna already has countless devotees trying to do that. Even ordinary living beings are working on that. All He wants is our complete devoted attention and surrender to His will to await His dictation within, not maya's.
We may think it so expedient to chant while doing other things or thinking about other things, but actually we’ll get more done in the long run, and with better quality we'll feel good about it, too. Simply chanting while chanting, therefore, is best. Utsaha means chanting wholeheartedly with great enthusiasm.
COURTESY JAPA: This is when we do japa just to get it over with- we took a vow, so we think we must do it at least as a courtesy- and move on to "better" or "more important" things. Ugh! There's nothing more important than chanting Hare Krishna, people! And
"Just as the celestial waters of the Ganges flow unobstructed into the ocean, so when My devotees simply hear of Me, their minds come to Me, who reside in the hearts of all." -Adi 4.205
"So this material existence means because he is insane, he is thinking there are so many problems, 'The tiger is there. He is attacking me. This, that, so many enemies, friends...,' creating so many things. But they are all false. But he is attacked by that false hallucination. That’s all. This is mäyä. Everyone is thinking, 'Oh, there are so many problems I have to solve. I have to make this, that, this, so many.' But he has no problem. He has no problem. His only problem is how to accept Krishna. That’s all. And Krishna is so kind. He says, ‘Yes, you accept Me. Simply chant Krishna. I am yours. That’s all.'"--SP room conversation
CHANTING PURIFIES CHANTING
The best way to deal with inattention is to keep chanting: “If you simply hear and chant, then you will be purified. One who is chanting and one who is hearing, both of them will be purified. And gradually, as soon as one is purified, he becomes pious. If you argue that 'Somebody is hearing for so many years,' so then there is question of offense. Offense, ten kinds of offense, you know... So even one is in offense, still, if he continues hearing and chanting, he will be purified. It is so nice thing.” --SB 6.1.15 lecture
"In his commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura quotes a verse from Padma Purana stating that even if in the beginning one chants the Hare Krsna mantra with offense, one can become free from such offenses by repeated chanting. By the immense purificatory power of the holy name, constant chanting frees one from offenses to the holy name and gradually elevates one to the transcendental platform of pure chanting, by which one can attain pure love of God.” -- Sri Namamrta
Bhaktivinoda Thakura called the tenth offense, inattention, the "gateway" to all other offenses. It includes indifference and distraction. Here are some of the most common pitfalls in this regard to guard against:
JABBER JAPA
To avoid the problem of talking during japa, the best thing to do is chant in a place where the only business is japa, such as at the temple during the morning program amongst fellow chanters. Similar to peer pressure. Otherwise, it is tempting to speak while at home in a more casual mood. If there is not such opportunity, make a decision to get through at least one round entirely without stoppage. If you can do that, you usually find the strength to continue, one full uninterrupted round at a time. Another thing some devotees do, if the problem is really bad, is to do a round over if they must stop before completing it.
MULTI TASK JAPA
Often when chanting japa at home, there arises the urge to accomplish tasks while simultaneously chanting. Inside one's home there are a multitude of duties beckoning. Other times distractions are more subtle. I may even be thinking, "I have something important to do that involves my service." But it's better to just surrender for the designated japa time to Krsna and let Him remind you later what is really important. Or thinking, "Instead of sitting here chanting, I must give Krsna consciousness to others." But this is also maya's trick. How can you give to others what you don't have yourself? Even if one thinks about saving the whole world it doesn't matter because Krsna already has countless devotees trying to do that. Even ordinary living beings are working on that. All He wants is our complete devoted attention and surrender to His will to await His dictation within, not maya's.
We may think it so expedient to chant while doing other things or thinking about other things, but actually we’ll get more done in the long run, and with better quality we'll feel good about it, too. Simply chanting while chanting, therefore, is best. Utsaha means chanting wholeheartedly with great enthusiasm.
COURTESY JAPA: This is when we do japa just to get it over with- we took a vow, so we think we must do it at least as a courtesy- and move on to "better" or "more important" things. Ugh! There's nothing more important than chanting Hare Krishna, people! And
"There is no stronger obstruction to one’s self-interest than thinking other subject matters to be more pleasing than one’s self-realization." -SB 4.22.32
SO HOW TO CURB INATTENTION?
Chanting is our yajna. That means sacrificing everything for attentive japa time, putting everything else aside. It is the yajna for this age. Therefore, before beginning japa each day, it helps to say to oneself, "Just for now, while chanting my 16 rounds, I am giving myself permission to forget about all other things. It's time to put the iron in the fire, to simply associate with Krishna in the form of His holy name." As one devotee put it, "Simply hear the holy name". Don't worry about this, that... or even all the mechanical methods and suggestions for how to chant... Just. Hear."Just as the celestial waters of the Ganges flow unobstructed into the ocean, so when My devotees simply hear of Me, their minds come to Me, who reside in the hearts of all." -Adi 4.205
"So this material existence means because he is insane, he is thinking there are so many problems, 'The tiger is there. He is attacking me. This, that, so many enemies, friends...,' creating so many things. But they are all false. But he is attacked by that false hallucination. That’s all. This is mäyä. Everyone is thinking, 'Oh, there are so many problems I have to solve. I have to make this, that, this, so many.' But he has no problem. He has no problem. His only problem is how to accept Krishna. That’s all. And Krishna is so kind. He says, ‘Yes, you accept Me. Simply chant Krishna. I am yours. That’s all.'"--SP room conversation
CHANTING PURIFIES CHANTING
The best way to deal with inattention is to keep chanting: “If you simply hear and chant, then you will be purified. One who is chanting and one who is hearing, both of them will be purified. And gradually, as soon as one is purified, he becomes pious. If you argue that 'Somebody is hearing for so many years,' so then there is question of offense. Offense, ten kinds of offense, you know... So even one is in offense, still, if he continues hearing and chanting, he will be purified. It is so nice thing.” --SB 6.1.15 lecture
"In his commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura quotes a verse from Padma Purana stating that even if in the beginning one chants the Hare Krsna mantra with offense, one can become free from such offenses by repeated chanting. By the immense purificatory power of the holy name, constant chanting frees one from offenses to the holy name and gradually elevates one to the transcendental platform of pure chanting, by which one can attain pure love of God.” -- Sri Namamrta
"The namabhasa stage (the unclarified name or chanting with offenses) is not to be underestimated, for it avails many positive benefits to the jiva and increases his piety. Verily, namabhasa is one of the jiva's greatest virtues. It offers him more good fortune than religiosity, vows, yoga, sacrifices and so on, put together. Now by chanting all his sins are absolved; he is thus liberated from the effects of Kali-yuga. Instead Kali becomes a well-wishing servitor of the jiva providing security and equanimity. The miseries inflicted by demons ghosts, hobgoblins, evil spirits and malefic planetary influences are easily averted. Even if a jiva is destined for the hellish planets he attains liberation; all his prarabdha-karma (sinful reactions of previous lives' activities that are taking effect now) is counteracted. Namabhasa is greater than the result of studying all the Vedas, of visiting every pilgrimage place or of performing every possible altruistic and pious work.
"The four goals offered in the Vedas-religiosity, wealth sense enjoyment and liberation-are all available from namabhasa chanting. It is endowed with unimaginable power that can reclaim any living entity. It bestows unlimited joy and elevates even the derelicts to a very exalted stage of realization. Namabhasa offers eternal residence in the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha, especially in Kali-yuga; this is stated in the scriptures.” - Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura, Harinama Cintamani
Srila Bhaktivinoda's statements are very encouraging, but one must be diligent not to become inattentive (10th offense) and commit the 7th offense of continuing to commit offenses while thinking the holy name will counteract them.
SUDDHA NAMA, pure chanting of the name, has the greatest efficacy upon the hearers and causes others to chant or awaken to Krsna conscious.
"Sound is the origin of all objects of material possession and that by sound one can also dissolve this material existence." SB 3.26.32
MORE HELPS:
KEEPING JAPA BEADS PROTECTED AND RESPECTED
Cover your beads with a bead bag. Do not put them on the floor. Do not take them into a bathroom. Keep the bead bag very clean. Do not touch japa beads with dirty hands. If you accidentally make offense, touch your japa beads to your head.
KEEPING TRANSCENDENTAL ASSOCIATION
Chanting is repeating what is heard. So chanting develops from hearing about the thoughts and activities of the Lord's intimate associates. By transcendental association we imbibe their loving mood for serving Krishna and the desire to surrender fully at His lotus feet and glorify His holy name. And Srila Prabhupada's association is available also, by reading and hearing from his purports and so on to enthuse us.
"He is not morose. He is jolly. That is the nature of God. Änandamayo 'bhyäsät. This is the sütra, in the Brahma-sütra, that 'God is änandamaya, always jolly, always cheerful.' So you can become also cheerful when you go back to home, back to Godhead...
"Therefore how we can go there? The first thing is we must hear... Just try to hear what is God, what is His kingdom, how He acts, how He is cheerful. These things are to be heard. Sravanam. Then as soon as you are convinced, 'Oh, God is so nice,' then you will be eager to demonstrate or to broadcast this news to the whole world. This is kirtanam. This is kirtanam."
CHANTING THE PANCA TATTVA MANTRA before every round of chanting Hare Krishna. Some devotees do this only one time, before chanting.
RECITING SIKSASTAKAM Lord Chaitanya left eight valuable prayers illustrating the stages of chanting. Regarding the third sloka, Lord Chaitanya said, "Raising my hands, I declare, 'Everyone please hear me! String this verse on the thread of the holy name and wear it on your neck for continuous remembrance..
“'Hear from Me the symptoms of how one should chant the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra to awaken very easily one’s dormant love for Krishna. One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.’ These are the symptoms of one who chants the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra. Although he is very exalted, he thinks himself lower than the grass on the ground, and like a tree, he tolerates everything in two ways. When a tree is cut down, it does not protest, and even when drying up, it does not ask anyone for water. The tree delivers its fruits, flowers and whatever else it possesses to anyone and everyone. It tolerates scorching heat and torrents of rain, yet it still gives shelter to others. Although a Vaisnava is the most exalted person, he is prideless and gives all respect to everyone, knowing everyone to be the resting place of Krishna. If one chants the holy name of Lord Krishna in this manner, he will certainly awaken his dormant love for Krishna’s lotus feet.” -Anty 20.21-28
"A Vaisnava is always tolerant and submissive like trees and grass. He tolerates insults offered by others, for he is simply interested in chanting the holy name of the Lord without being disturbed." -Antya 3.207
MORE ON HUMILITY
"My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of [material] progress, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage, great opulence, high education and bodily beauty, cannot approach You with sincere feeling." -SB 1.8.26
"Actually the Lord’s holy name has such powerful potency. But there is a quality to such utterances also. It depends on the quality of feeling. A helpless man can feelingly utter the holy name of the Lord, whereas a man who utters the same holy name in great material satisfaction cannot be so sincere. A materially puffed up person may utter the holy name of the Lord occasionally, but he is incapable of uttering the name in quality." SB 1.8.26p
"Pingalä was a prostitute who said, 'To hope against hope produces only misery. Utter hopelessness is the greatest happiness.' Remembering this statement, Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu became ecstatic." --Antya 17.54p
"When one is fully qualified with all these transcendental attributes and his consciousness is thus completely purified, he is immediately attracted simply by hearing My name or hearing of My transcendental quality." -SB 3.29.19
"The Hare Krishna mantra is a prayer for protection and deliverance, a prayer to the Lord for His divine presence and for the opportunity to serve Him. Chanting is compared to the helpless cry of a child for its mother. It is a prayer from the core of the repentant heart. It is chanted, therefore, in humility. "- Srila Prabhupada
DETERMINATION
IT'S A TUG OF WAR WITH MAYA
If we keep chanting faithfully, sooner or later we get tired of poor chanting. It becomes a choice- good japa or maya. Of course, we want good japa, so it will be maya that has to go. In this way the heart becomes more and more free and cleansed, finding out what is holding us back and letting it go in order to chant nicely for Krishna's pleasure. In this way the holy name wins out. It is the devotion the Lord is looking for, the dedication. He gives the intelligence. (Bg 10.10)
Once a disciple asked, “How is it possible, Prabhupada, for a man whose mind is clouded to constantly chant Hare Krsna? A man who is always thinking thoughts about family, friends, country and nation?”
Srila Prabhupada replied, “Yes, think of but at the same time chant. Two things will go on and this chanting of Hare Krsna will conquer. As maya is forcing you to drag you from Krsna consciousness, you also force maya by chanting Hare Krsna. There is a fight. And maya will go away."
So no matter what happens, we just need to keep chanting, steadily choosing japa over maya. Never quit, never quit, never never never quit!
SERVING SRI NAMA PRABHU
By chanting and glorifying Krishna's holy names, we are surrendering ourselves, sacrificing everything for serving the holy name. More ways to serve Sri Nama include assisting the Vaisnavas in varieties of ways for the spreading of the holy name.
If other reasons are absent, we should chant simply because the Lord wants us to and it is guru's order.
ALWAYS CHANTING
Srila Prabhupada has instructed us to always chant. This is easy if we understand the many forms chanting may take. We may constantly chant whether it's our japa, chanting mentally, singing in kirtana, on harinama, during an exchange of Krishna katha, by serving the Vaisnavas who distribute the holy name, by writing about Krishna...always and everywhere. Prabhuada chants "Krishna...Krishna...Krishna" on every page of his books .
We can especially try to increase our chanting on holy days such as Ekadasi.
Advancing devotees are always chanting. Bhaktivinoda said that except for the name, there is nothing left to be had in all the fourteen worlds. Thus, the holy name is always on their lips or constantly reverberating within their hearts. Even in dreams.
MAKING THE EXPERIMENT!
So what will happen if we chant attentively everyday and give up offenses? We can make the experiment to find out! We can chant, chant, chant every day. Otherwise, how will we ever know? Curiosity should be there to see every day- what will happen next?
WHAT IS STOPPING US? STOP IT!
The order of Srila Prabhupada is to “Chant”. We should never say, “Can’t”. Don't let maya stop us from chanting or make excuses
We must never neglect our chanting. Also chanting in all conditions helps us prepare for the time of death ,so we may chant then, too. Just as we never neglect brushing our teeth, how much more we should never neglect our spiritual health. So, always remember to:
"Hear, chant, and remember; love, serve, and surrender."
-Mahanidhi Swami, The Art of Chanting
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So what will happen if we chant attentively everyday and give up offenses? We can make the experiment to find out! We can chant, chant, chant every day. Otherwise, how will we ever know? Curiosity should be there to see every day- what will happen next?
WHAT IS STOPPING US? STOP IT!
The order of Srila Prabhupada is to “Chant”. We should never say, “Can’t”. Don't let maya stop us from chanting or make excuses
We must never neglect our chanting. Also chanting in all conditions helps us prepare for the time of death ,so we may chant then, too. Just as we never neglect brushing our teeth, how much more we should never neglect our spiritual health. So, always remember to:
"Hear, chant, and remember; love, serve, and surrender."
-Mahanidhi Swami, The Art of Chanting
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