Mantra Meditation

Mantras are spiritual sound vibrations. There are two types of mantra meditation, Japa and Kirtan. Japa is a quiet and personal meditation where one chants on beads. Kirtan is the singing of mantras with others, often with musical instruments.

Japa

Japa is counted on a japa mala, the sanskrit word for prayer beads. These beads are used to count the number of mantras chanted. One chants the Hare Krishna mantra on each of the 108 beads of the mala to complete ‘a round’. The focus while chanting is to hear the sound of the mantra. If the mind wanders to other thoughts (which it will!) gently bring it back to the mantra. Though one can chant japa at any time of the day, the morning hours around dawn are recommended. The stillness and peace compliment focused and contemplative chanting.

Maha mantra japa by Srila Prabhupada

Maha mantra puport by Srila Prabhupada

Kirtan

Kirtan is another way to practice mantra meditation. There are lots of types of kirtan. Some can be quiet and soothing, some more energetic with various musical instruments. We chant the Hare Krishna mantra to draw out the spiritual happiness that is inside all of us, and to develop our Bhakti Yoga.

Sri_Krsna_Caitanya_-_Hare_Krsna

The Hare Krishna mantra is made up of three words – Hare, Krishna, and Rama: