Posted by paras nagpal on November 4, 2009 at 3:11pm
"One should note in this connection that chanting involves the activities of the upper and lower lips as well as the tongue. All three must be engaged in chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.The words “Hare Krishna” should be very distinctly pronounced and heard. 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."Srila Prabhupada, Caitanya Caritamrta Adi 7.32 purportThis is a very interesting quote and I especially like "Chanting is very simple, but one must practice it seriously."...it is something that I neglected for long (attentive Japa) and I thank Krsna for letting me see the low quality of my chanting and giving me the realisation and knowledge on how to improve my Japa.....
A very important point has been raised.This is very true and relevant. If we focus properly and call the Lord's name even once (when we really genuinely need the help from the Lord) He hears it and answers instantly.On the other hand chanting can become annoying if we mindlessly repeat the Mahamantra with imperfect pronunciation, unclear sound and eating up half the words.I remember once I was put off by a person chanting in such a way that whenever he uttered the name ram ram it sounded more like dam dam.If a person becomes aware of his own chanting and its imperfections such a person will be able to improve soon enough, but if a person continues to chant mindlessly without hearing what he is chanting, then it can be annoying.
Chanting is a private communion between the Lord and His Devotee, and it is the highest action that we are able to perform on this material platform, to serve the Lord directly.It must be pure, unadulterated with material activity.Chanting in vain (for eg:just to show off to people around us that we are spiritually elevated) can be considered offensive by advanced devotees.In the presence of other devotees one must be alert to the speech of the devotees, listen to them carefully,and avoid using chanting as a shield to keep away others, who may have important questions.We must not lose the sensitivity, and bring down chanting to a mundane level. That is the reason early mornings are the best times to chant seriously. (between 4 AM and 6 AM). Merely counting the number of malas becomes a futile exercise. With just one sincere call from us , uttering His Holy Name with sincerety and devotion,the Lord can answer us if we really need His presence. The chant must arise from the depths of the heart.........soft and sweet and determined chanting can transform mundane consciousness to Krishna Consciousness instantly.
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Chanting is a private communion between the Lord and His Devotee, and it is the highest action that we are able to perform on this material platform, to serve the Lord directly.It must be pure, unadulterated with material activity.Chanting in vain (for eg:just to show off to people around us that we are spiritually elevated) can be considered offensive by advanced devotees.In the presence of other devotees one must be alert to the speech of the devotees, listen to them carefully,and avoid using chanting as a shield to keep away others, who may have important questions.We must not lose the sensitivity, and bring down chanting to a mundane level. That is the reason early mornings are the best times to chant seriously. (between 4 AM and 6 AM). Merely counting the number of malas becomes a futile exercise. With just one sincere call from us , uttering His Holy Name with sincerety and devotion,the Lord can answer us if we really need His presence. The chant must arise from the depths of the heart.........soft and sweet and determined chanting can transform mundane consciousness to Krishna Consciousness instantly.