Japa

Life In Vrindavan – Sataka 5

It is certainly not proper etiquette for a Vaisnava to advertise himself, so I feel uncomfortable posting this video of myself chanting on the original japa beads of Srila Jiva Goswami. I do so only in the mood of sharing my good fortune with others, so they too may be inspired to chant to the [...]

Srila Jiva Goswami’s Japa Beads!

In this photo album are the original tulasi japa beads of Srila Jiva Goswami. They are kept safely in the home of a Vrindavan Goswami, whose father was the head pujari at Radha Damodar Temple for many years, including the time Srila Prabhupada was living there.

No Nonsense

“Haridasa Thakura was chanting three hundred thousand holy names a day, but we have fixed the number at sixteen rounds. Nonetheless, we are so unfortunate and fallen that we cannot even perform them. We should not waste our time reading and talking nonsense, but should engage in the study of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Our time is very [...]

The Best Medicine

“If you are feeling tired, you may take rest. Your body is very valuable. It is dedicated to Krishna, so you must take care of the body very carefully. The best medicine is to rest and chant Hare Krishna Mantra, along with the doctor’s prescription. Hare Krishna Mantra is bhavausadhi, the panacea for all material [...]

Humility in Chanting the Holy Names

“Although we are representing Krishna, we are very much poor in strength. Our only strength is chanting Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.” [ Srila Prabhupada letter to Madhudvisa dasa September 15, 1971 ]

Chant without Offenses

We have to be very attentive to avoiding any offenses to the Holy Name, which may slow our progress down or in some cases take away all the benefits that we have gained through chanting Hare Krishna.

The Potency of the Holy Name

A vaisnava’s most valuable possession is the japa mala. The devotee is constantly chanting, digging for the treasure. By constant chanting we will find that treasure - the love of Godhead in due course of time.

Flight to India

I have a flight to India this afternoon. Rest, recuperation … and japa in the holy dhama.

Permission to Worship Deities

My dear disciple, Please accept my blessings. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Thank you for your letter. You are too young in the process of devotional service to begin worshipping personal deities. Deity worship is part of our sadhana. However, our main sadhana should be focusing on the chanting of the Holy Names. When you [...]

A Prayer Before Japa

Sri Nama-mala-grahana mantra (on taking one’s beads): avighnam kuru male tvam harinama-japesu ca sri radha-krsnayor dasyam dehi male tu prarthaye “O Mala, please destroy inauspiciousness in my chanting of the holy name of Lord Hari and grant me the position of service to Radha and Krsna. This is all I pray, O Mala.” Sri Nama-mala-samarpana-mantra [...]