Chanting Hare Krishna: The Best and Easiest Meditation

Title:  Chanting Hare Krishna: The Best and Easiest Meditation

Author:  Compiled from the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Publisher: Torchlight Publishing

Publication Date:  2011

Language:  English

Format: Paperback

Pages: 246

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare . Iti sodasakam namnam kali-kalmasa-nasanam natah parataropayah sarva-vedesu drsyate

"The sixteen words Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare are especially meant for counteracting the contaminations of Kali (the present age of quarrel and hypocrisy). These sixteen names composed of thirty-two syllables are the only means to counteract the evil effects of Kali-yuga. After searching through all the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Krsna."

While numerous works by Srila Prabhupada and his disciples already expound on the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, this particular edition aims to present his instructions in a progressive and accessible format. It begins with foundational teachings, progresses through the various stages and types of chanting, and ultimately guides readers toward achieving perfection in chanting and the ultimate test at the time of death. The book is not exhaustive, as compiling all of Srila Prabhupada's instructions would require many volumes, but it draws concisely from existing works and the Bhaktivedanta Vedabase. This effort owes much to the Bhaktivedanta Archives, whose extensive preservation work made this publication possible.

This concise collection is aimed at a wide audience—from newcomers to seasoned practitioners. It aims to motivate new chanters to embrace the practice, help serious aspirants understand initiation and avoid offenses, encourage newly initiated devotees to practice with greater sincerity, inspire practiced devotees to deepen their commitment and spread the holy name, and enable senior devotees to find renewed joy in chanting as they prepare for life's ultimate transition.

Srila Prabhupada's movement, formally registered in New York in 1966 as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, quickly became known as "the Hare Krishna Movement." Proudly referring to his followers as "Hare Krishna people," Srila Prabhupada once remarked, "In 1966 this movement was registered in New York, and from 1966 it is spreading. So within four or five years it has spread all over the world... Our name is ‘Hare Krsna People.’”

Reflecting on the movement's early days, Srila Prabhupada shared his surprise at the acceptance of the Hare Krishna mantra in the West. When he arrived in New York in 1965, he did not anticipate the widespread reception it would receive. Yet, simply by inviting people to join in chanting at a small storefront, many fortunate young individuals were drawn to Krishna consciousness, captivated by the spiritual potency of the Lord's Holy Name.