By: Divya Venkat

 Please Chant With me: Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

 'Hare Krishna' is the mantra which is known to maximum number of western seekers thanks to the commendable work done by His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad (founder of ISKON - International Society for Krishna Consciousness in spreading its awareness world wide.

Evokes love of God Links one directly with the Lord Revives one’s dormant, eternal Krishna consciousness Eradicates material desires and sinful activity Cleanses the heart and frees one from material contamination Liberates one from the miseries of material existence Protects one from danger and fear Improves one’s power of concentration and memory Relieves stress and depression Helps one get rid of anxiety Helps one to understand & realize Krishna Fixes the mind Brings enlightenment Qualifies one to return home, Back to Godhead

 "A mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure and each mantra contains within its vibrations a certain power. But of all mantras, the “Maha-mantra “(the Hare Krishna mantra) has been prescribed as the easiest and surest way for attaining God Realization in this present age." George Harrison ( ), in his autobiography :'I, me and Mine'

Harer nāma harer nāma Harer nāmaiva kevalam Kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva Nāsty eva gatir anyathā In this age of kali, the only means of salvation is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way, no other way, no other way.

 Srila Prabhupada set the rule that one should chant at least sixteen rounds a day if one is initiated.  The best time for chanting is in the morning hours. Though Lord Caitanya mentions that there are no hard or fast rules for chanting, it is still important to know that the chanting is accompanied by following the regulative principles.  However, since there are no hard and fast rules one can chant anytime and at any place.  The most recommended way to chant is in association of devotees.  It is also advantageous to chant in front of Tulasi devi.  One main point that Mahaprabhu stressed is the attitude while chanting:  trnad api sunicena taror api sahisnuna amanina manadena kirtaniya sada hari  "One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw on the street, being more tolerant than a tree and always ready to offer all respects to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly."

1. Sit straight when chanting on beads 2. Chant each syllable aloud and clear 3. Think only about Lord and His pastimes 4. With attention, hear what you chant 5. Never keep beads or bag to touch floor 6. Keep the beads always inside chanting bag 7. Do not take beads or bag to unclean places 8. Beads & Bag should not go below the navel 9. Avoid chanting the beads out of the bag 10. Never touch beads with left hand 11. Keep index finger out of the bag 12. Never chant on the crown bead 13. Chanting near Tulasi Devi is the best

 Krishna Hare Jaya Krishna Hare  Karunā Sāgara Krishna Hare  Kamanīya Nayana Krishna Hare  Govardhana Dhara Krishna Hare  Gokula Pālana Krishna Hare  Rādhā Vilola Krishna Hare  Rāji Vaksa Śrī Krishna Hare

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