The Power of Mantra Meditation


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based on the teachings of
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness



The Benefits of Chanting Dr. Daniel Goleman, associate editor of Psychology
Today and author of The Meditative Mind: Varieties of Meditative Experiences,
after studying the meditational techniques of members of the Krishna
consciousness movement, said, "I found the Hare Krishna devotees to be
well-integrated, friendly, and productive human beings. In a culture like ours,
in which inner, spiritual development is almost totally neglected in favor of
materialistic pursuits, we might have something to learn from their meditational
practices." Everyone knows that a happy life requires good health. Proper diet,
adequate exercise, and sufficient rest are necessary to keep our bodies strong
and fit. If we neglect these demands, our bodies become weakened and resistance
wanes. Highly susceptible to infection, we eventually become ill.
More important, but less well known, is the inner self's need for spiritual
nourishment and attention. If we ignore ourspiritual health requirements, we
become overwhelmed by negative material tendencies like anxiety, hatred,
loneliness, prejudice, greed, boredom, envy, and anger.
In order to counteract and prevent these subtle infections of the self, we
should, as recommended in the Vedic literatures, incorporate into our lives a
program of self-examination and steady inner growth, based on spiritual strength
and clarity of thought.
The transcendental potency necessary for developing complete psychological and
spiritual fulfillment is already present within everyone. It must, however, be
uncovered by a genuine spiritual process. Of all such authentic processes,
India's timeless Vedas tell us that meditation on the Hare Krishna mantra is the
most powerful.
The initial result of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is summarized by Srila
Prabhupada in his commentary on the Bhagavad-gita: "We have practical experience
that any person who is chanting the holy names of Krishna (Hare Krishna, Hare
Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare)
in course of time feels some transcendental pleasure and very quickly becomes
purified of all material contamination."
In the preliminary stages of chanting, the practitioner experiences a clearing
of consciousness, peace of mind, and relief from unwanted drives and habits. As
one develops more realization by chanting, he perceives the original, spiritual
existence of the self. According to the Bhagavad-gita, this enlightened state
"is characterized by one's ability to see the self by the pure mind and to
relish and rejoice in the self "
And in the Caitanya Caritamrta, a seventeen-volume commentary on the life and
teachings of Sri Caitanya, founder of the modern-day Krishna consciousness
movement, the ultimate benefit of chanting is described. "The result of chanting
is that one awakens his love for Krishna and tastes transcendental bliss.
Ultimately, one attains the association of Krishna and engages in His devotional
service, as if immersing himself in a great ocean of love."
So by chanting Hare Krishna, one reaps innumerable benefits, culminating in
Krishna consciousness and love of God. We can realize the fruits of chanting by
adopting the process of mantra meditation and applying it systematically. For
clear understanding of the progressive effects of chanting, some of the more
important benefits are discussed separately.

The Benefits of Chanting

Peace of Mind
Knowledge of the Self
Real Happiness
Liberation from Karma
Freedom from Reincarnation
Love of God
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