When we are chanting the holy names in congregation, if the leader of the kirtan sings one melody and everybody in the group decides to sing whatever melody they like best, the resulting sound won’t be melodious. Therefore, whether we like the melody
Japa must be heart deep and not only with the lips like something mechanical – in other words, chanting with the heart is our goal. - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
Everyone begins his devotional life from the neophyte stage, but if one properly finishes chanting the prescribed number of rounds of hari-nama, he is elevated step by step to the highest platform, uttama-adhikari. - Nectar of Instruction