Nothing More Stupendous

There is nothing more stupendous and more exhilarating than rising early in the morning before sunrise, taking bath, and then diving deeply into the Hare Krishna mantra by chanting it on japa beads. It is the perfection of the tongue, the ears, the mind, and the hand to be totally merged in producing, hearing, and meditating on the marvelous transcendental sound vibration of the Hare Krishna mahamantra while meticulously counting on the beads with one's fingers.

By total absorption of his consciousness in this way, the japa chanter journeys from the material ocean of birth, death, old age, and disease to the wondrous spiritual sky where life is eternal, full of knowledge, and full of bliss. If he pays close attention to his chanting, his consciousness becomes so deeply steeped in Krishna consciousness that by the time he completes sixteen rounds of japa chanting he is fully prepared for total absorption in Krishna consciousness for the entire day no matter what his activities may be.

So if you have not already begun a daily routine of early morning japa chanting, the time is now to begin. You've got to nothing to lose except for your anxieties and absolutely everything to gain!

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Early Morning Japa Chanting

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Lightheaded and Tired While Chanting

First off I would like to let you know that this is a wonderful thing that you are doing. My question is: Why do I get light headed/ tired when I chant? I've recently acquired some beads and a bead bag. I've been chanting for only a week, so I am new at this. Sometimes I don't get tired, sometimes I do. Is this a normal beginner thing?

Hope I haven't made any offenses and thank you so much for helping me learn about Krishna.

-A student

Answer: Tolerate Them and Keep Chanting

I am very happy to hear that you have begun chanting. Thank you very much! I wish you all success for becoming fully fixed in Krishna consciousness.

Physical sensations such as feeling lightheaded while chanting are not very important. They will come and they will go. Just try to tolerate them without letting them distract you from focusing on the chanting. If you are feeling sleepy you may stand up to chant your japa, or you may even pace back and forth in your room, if this will help you to be more alert. The important thing is to dive deeply with love and devotion into the transcendental sound vibration of the Hare Krishna mahamantra. This will carry you far beyond the miseries of material existence and your temporary body into the transcendental dimension of Lord Sri Krishna where life is eternal, full of bliss, and full of knowledge. It takes time, and it takes a lot of practice. But if you will seriously dedicate yourself to chanting japa every day, your spiritual perfection will gradually become more and more manifested like a beautiful sunrise on a glorious spring morning.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari