“In this age of Kali there is no alternative, there is no alternative, there is no alternative for spiritual progress than the holy name, the holy name, the holy name of the Lord.” (Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa)
It's not a typo, the message of this verse was so important it had to
be repeated 3 times!
Hearing and chanting are the first two stages of devotional service.
Mantra meditation is fundamental for spiritual progression as Krishna's names
are transcendental sound vibrations that can purify and cleanse the heart as
well as bring one closer to Krishna. Chanting awakens the dormant love
and Krishna consciousness within, making the individual qualified to execute
devotional service.
Types of Mantra Meditation.
- Japa: Personal chanting in a soft voice while counting on a set of 108 beads (japa mala)
- Kirtan: Chanting in rhythmic form, accompanied by musical instruments and audience participation. The leader of the kirtan will sing/chant one mantra and the audience are encouraged to repeat, as well as clap along and dance.
- Harinaam Sankirtanam: Congregational chanting of the Holy names of Krishna, which takes kirtan to the streets for all to hear and benefit from - as inaugurated by Lord Chaitanya.
Japa - Mantra Meditation.
Kirtan and Harinaam sankirtanam are both very enjoyable and fun,
however Japa is the most potent of the types of chanting as it is considered
the most selfless and more austere of the 3. It is recommended to chant a set
amount of rounds (108 mantras) every day.
Regular silent meditation is very difficult as the mind is always
active. There is no focal point. One may only experience temporary relief and
peace and quiet until the mind once again takes control.
Mantra meditation however helps to free the mind.
Man = Mind, -tra = Free. Mantra = Free from the mind
It does this by engaging all the senses, with the mantra being the
focal point. If the senses are controlled then the mind is also controlled and
fixed upon the remembrance of Sri Krishna.
- Ears - engaged in hearing the mantra
- Tongue - engaged in chanting the mantra
- Touch - the fingers count the mantra on beads
- Eyes - can meditate on images of Krishna
- Nose - breathing is controlled and regulated through every repetition of the mantra
The Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra is world renowned and is the single most
recommended mantra to chant in this day and age. The names of God are
non-different to Krishna himself and have a deep spiritual significance.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
The meaning behind this mantra is:
O Hare (energy of Krishna) O the all attractive one (Krishna) O the
reservoir of all pleasure (Rama), please engage me in your loving devotional
service.
Hey,Could you tell me, a) what does word "maakaral" mean? And what variant is more correct: "maakaral" or "maha-karal"? Are they the same? b) what mantra is better to repeat: "Om gam ganapatayei namaha" or "Om shri dhanvantre namaha" ? And how much time is it necessary to repeat them that they will really help me? :) Thank you for answers!
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`>>>
sant kirpal singh ji
Hare Krishna
DeleteThank you for visiting Hare Krishna Yoga. My article here specifically mentions mantra meditation using the Hare Krishna maha mantra. The Hare Krishna mantra is said to be the top most mantra for the age we are living in and the most beneficial for spiritual advancement as it invokes love and devotion to the Supreme personality of Godhead Lord Krishna. I shall go indepth in a later post about how to chant the hare krishna mahamantra.
To answer your questions...
a) I'm not too sure myself but after some googling i've found that maakaral is derived from "maha-karal" meaning remover of Karma, refering to Lord Shiva.
b) As a Gaudiya Vaishnava my answer would be the Hare Krishna mahamantra is the best and most powderful mantra to repeat!
The mantras you have mentioned to my knowlege are for these benefits:
"maakaral" remove bad karma
Om gam ganapatayei namaha - Remove obsticles (Lord Ganesh)
Om shri dhanvantre namaha - for healing & ayurveda (Lord Dhanvantari)
These mantras to specific deities source their power from Krishna himself and so the benefits of these mantras can also be found from the Hare Krishna maha mantra.
Lord Krishna says the in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, verse 66 "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
I do not belive mantras can be 'quick fixes' but when incorporated into daily life and chanted with Love, sincerity and devotion, you will feel more peacefull, the benefits will change your karma and will benefit your current life and next life according the Krishnas plan for you. To start with, chant the mantra in sets of 108, this is called 1 round. Increase your number of rounds as you wish.
I hope I have helped you.
Hare Krishna