Mahamantra
When you truly wish to begin the path of
Krishna consciousness, it is a good idea to learn to chant the Hare Krishna Mantra.
The word mantra originates from Sanskrit. Loosely translated, it means “liberation from the mind” or “that which frees the mind.”
The Hare Krishna mantra is also often called the Maha-mantra, the great mantra. It goes as follows:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Meaning of the Maha-mantra
When you chant “Hare,” you are invoking the energy field of the Supreme.
“Krishna” means the All-attractive One, and “Rama” means the One who is the source of infinite joy.
Hare = the feminine divine potential of the Supreme (the creative power)
Krishna = the All-attractive One
Rama = the One who gives joy to everyone
How do you chant the Maha-mantra?
It is best to practice chanting the Maha-mantra using a string of beads called a mala. A mala has 108 beads and one larger head bead. Chanting with the help of beads on a mala is called “japa.”
The japa mala is traditionally held in the right hand. Your index finger does not touch the mala. You begin with the first bead next to the head bead, and while gently rolling the bead back and forth between the thumb and middle finger of your right hand, you chant:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Then you move to the next bead and repeat the mantra. In this way you continue chanting from bead to bead until you have gone through all 108 beads. This is called one Japa round, and for most people it takes about five to ten minutes. Of course, how long it takes is not important.
Never use the head bead. When you reach the head bead and wish to chant more rounds, simply turn the mala around and begin your second round. Never cross over the head bead, as it symbolizes Krishna.
Always chant toward the head bead, but without passing it.
Chant clearly and listen attentively to the sound of the holy names.
Hare Krishna!
Premdas