Introduction:
The Art of Chanting Hare Krishna reveals the science of Mantra Yoga and describes over 60 scientifically proven meditation techniques while chanting by giving practical suggestions for improving concentration and controlling the mind.
This book is for those devotees who lack the requisite mental purity to “just hear the holy name.” By using the japa techniques described in this book, one can control the wandering mind by containing it within a large spiritual circle. This circle is filled with slokas and prayers, the meanings of the holy name, and transcendental meditations on Sri Krsna’s beautiful form, qualities and pastimes. Moving within the large spiritual circle will purify and calm the restless mind. Then it will be easier to focus the mind on the smaller circle of “just hearing the name,” and to chant with full concentration and rapt attention.
Hardcover
Language: English
Language: English
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Chapter:
Chapter 10 - Yoga Techniques of Concentration
Qualification to Hear
Although this book has explained various aspects of nama-tattva along with a rather lengthy discussion of nama-aparadhas, its main purpose is to provide practical techniques for improving japa. By emphasizing positive spiritual practices, the negative ones will automatically disappear. Srila Prabhupada used to say that a devotee should be so busy in Kåñëa’s service that he has no time for maya. A devotee who is busy crying out to Kåñëa, and sincerely trying to improve his japa will have no time to commit offenses.
On the other hand, a devotee, who is always afraid of making offenses and constantly dwells on them, surrounds himself with a negative aura. His mentality fills with the “mistake syndrome”, and prevents him from clearly thinking of the holy name. One acarya advises his followers not to worry so much about offenses. He says one needs only to chant attentively with a humble heart, contemplate the meanings of the holy name, and remember Kåñëa’s vraja-lilas.
When discussing the correct method of chanting japa, Srila Prabhupada generally advised his disciples to “just hear the name.” In Bhagavad-gita, Sri Kåñëa orders Arjuna to do the same, tat çåëu, “Just hear Me.” Once a disciple told Srila Prabhupada that it is very difficult to control the wandering mind during japa. In reply, Prabhupada said, “What is the use of controlling the mind? You have to chant and hear, that’s all. You have to chant with your tongue, and the sound you hear, that’s all. What is the question of mind?’ ” (SPW 3/2/75)
Although Srila Prabhupada makes it sound easy, the mind is a formidable enemy to control. The ablity to “just hear” with concentration and attention depends on the purity of one’s mind. In the following purport, Srila Prabhupada admits that attentive hearing depends on purity in thought and action:
“No one can give rapt attention who is not pure in mind. No one can be pure in mind who is not pure in action. No one can be pure in action who is not pure in eating, sleeping, fearing and mating. (SB 1.3.44 p.)
The Art of Chanting Hare Kåñëa is for those unfortunate devotees who lack the requisite mental purity to “just hear the holy name.” By using the japa techniques described in this book, one can control the wandering mind by containing it within a large spiritual circle. This circle is filled with slokas and prayers, the meanings of the holy name, and transcendental meditations on Sri Kåñëa’s beautiful form, qualities and pastimes. Moving within this large spiritual circle will purify and calm the restless mind. Then it will be easier to focus the mind on the smaller circle of “just hearing the name,” and to chant with full concentration and rapt atttention.
In summary, one should lead a positive and progressive spiritual life, holding God within and Guru above. Keep the heart clean and the mind clear–free from duplicity and cunning behavior. Live a joyful life of devotion; free from anxiety about offenses. The teachings of this chapter and the rest of the book deal exclusively with improving and perfecting the chanting of Kåñëa’s holy names. Practicing these japa meditation techniques will absorb one’s mind and heart in chanting properly, and fix one forever on the positive path of pure devotion.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------