An extract from the book Bhajana Rahasya by Bhaktivinoda Thakur :
In the sixteen word Hare Krishna mantra there are eight pairs of names. Corresponding to these eight pairs, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has recited the eight shlokas of the Shikshashtaka.
The first pair of names—Hare Krishna—signifies the subduer of ignorance and the performance of nama-sankirtana with faith. The second pair—Hare Krishna—means Krishna's names are invested with all potencies. One should have attachment for bhajana by taking shelter of the holy names in the association of sadhus. Gradually by performing bhajana, anarthas (unwanted contaminations) are destroyed. As anarthas are removed, nishtha (firm faith) develops. The third pair—Krishna Krishna—indicates the company of pure devotees and becoming fixed in firm faith throughout the day and night. By the fourth pair—Hare Hare—unmotivated devotion is awakened along with a taste for nama-sankirtana.
The fifth pair—Hare Rama—represents the taste for pure service along with rememberance of the holy names as prescribed in the Shikshashtaka. In the sixth pair—Hare Rama—chanting in the beginning stage of transcendental emotion leads to material detachment and complete attachment to Krishna. The seventh pair—Rama Rama—awakens attachment for the mellow of conjugal rasa, the shelter of Radha's lotus feet, and feelings of separation. The eighth pair—Hare Hare—leads to attainment of the goal of life—loving service to Radha and Krishna following in the mood of the gopis of Vrindavana throughout the eight divisions of day and night (ashta-kala).
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