Chanting & Meditation
vedic philosophy states that through chanting one can attain peace. There is no right or wrong way for chanting. Once one begins to chant it is recommended to continue as it is the consistency of practice which will give one a solid foundation to grow.
There are various kinds of chants and various ways to do chanting. Kirtan is a lively way to celebrate the Lord through chanting. It is done collectively, with a group of people playing musical instruments such as kartals, mrdanga drums, harmonium and a hearty amount of hand clapping. It is said in vedic culture this is the best way to chant as there is full support for spiritual life and it uplifts the soul.
Individual chanting can be done on beads, something like the rosery. This is done to keep count of the amount of chanting being done. When one gets serious about chanting there is a prescribed amount of chanting to keep on a daily basis. This becomes the foundation of the daily spiritual practice. Individual chanting can be done in a temple, your living room, a garden, somewhere comfortable where the focus can remain on the words being spoken. We want to be able to hear the words we are speaking.
There are various chants for various outcomes. Here the Maha mantra is recommeded. Maha translates as BIG or the highest. This tells us that if one chants the maha mantra then all aspects of material life and spiritual life are looked after. Nothing is higher than this mantra.
Maha Mantra: HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE.
There are various kinds of chants and various ways to do chanting. Kirtan is a lively way to celebrate the Lord through chanting. It is done collectively, with a group of people playing musical instruments such as kartals, mrdanga drums, harmonium and a hearty amount of hand clapping. It is said in vedic culture this is the best way to chant as there is full support for spiritual life and it uplifts the soul.
Individual chanting can be done on beads, something like the rosery. This is done to keep count of the amount of chanting being done. When one gets serious about chanting there is a prescribed amount of chanting to keep on a daily basis. This becomes the foundation of the daily spiritual practice. Individual chanting can be done in a temple, your living room, a garden, somewhere comfortable where the focus can remain on the words being spoken. We want to be able to hear the words we are speaking.
There are various chants for various outcomes. Here the Maha mantra is recommeded. Maha translates as BIG or the highest. This tells us that if one chants the maha mantra then all aspects of material life and spiritual life are looked after. Nothing is higher than this mantra.
Maha Mantra: HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE.