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I remember hearing a devotee talking about chanting...this is when I was watching video footage before joining the movement in the mid 1980's. He made a profound and simple statement: "We chant Hare Krsna to control the mind" - here are some tips to help us focus the mind on the mantra.

1. Don't do anything whilst chanting Japa
2. Pronounce each word very clearly (even if it means slowing down your chanting)
3. Listen very carefully to the sound coming out your mouth (some devotees stand in a corner, other hold their cupped hand to their ear to hear more clearly)
4. Try to chant in a non-distractive environment and if possible read the Mantra whilst you chant (in Temples this was a common addition to the Temple room...the Maha Mantra on the wall)..I personally found this a very effective way to keep the mind from wandering.

We all have to pray to Krsna to help us chant attentively...

Today I was reading through my notes on the Japa Room - here are the goals of the Japa Room but actually we can make these our personal goals in our Japa. We can also personalise the list and add the things that will help to improve our chanting.

• Become aware of the quality of our Chanting through proper hearing
• Identify the obstacles that are counterproductive in our Japa
• Develop good Japa habits
• Continue to monitor our Japa, maintaining the good habits
• Help others to achieve quality Japa