I once read in the Bhagavad Gita that Sri Krishna himself recommends to chant 10 oms thrice daily. (If anyone can find the exact reference I would appreciate it). How come ISKCON does not recommend this?
69-11 "Regarding omkara you may know that om is the impersonal sound form of Krsna. Those who are unable to utter immediately the sweet name of Krsna, they are recommended to chant om. Just like a child is taught to make a particular type of sound, and thus he learns the name of the father, mother and other relatives. This is the beginning. So in the beginning, om is the right sound vibration of transcendental sound, and the meaning is to address the Supreme Lord. Our business is directly with the Supreme Lord. Impersonal feature of the Lord is just like the illumination of the lamp. The lamp is the more important thing." (from SPL to Harold Torf, 15th November, 1969)
68-12 "In the Bhagavad-gita, this omkara is mentioned as being the sound vibration of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, the Hare Krsna mantra is also the sound representation of Krsna. So practically we do not make any distinction between the omkara and Hare Krsna, but the spiritual path is to follow the footprints of the path of the great acharyas. Lord Caitanya encouraged the sankirtana movement, or the chanting of Hare Krsna, as the means for God realization for this age and it is in pursuance of the revealed scriptures." (SPL to Mr. Chagan Govind, 10th December, 1968)
BG 8.13 After being situated in this yoga practice and vibrating the sacred syllable om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the spiritual planets.
From purport (by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada): It is clearly stated here that om, Brahman and Lord Krsna are not different. The impersonal sound of Krsna is om, but the sound Hare Krsna contains om. The chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra is clearly recommended for this age. So if one quits his body at the end of life chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, he certainly reaches one of the spiritual planets, according to the mode of his practice.
Thanks for that. it seems clearer to me that it is better to emphasis devotion in the mahamantra than meditation in om, because it is perhaps a more active way of worship needed in this age
I had the same question, thanks to Kesini for asking this. And thanks for the wonderful and clear replies by Carol. Very well said, my doubt it completely cleared.
From Srila Prabhupada
From Srila Prabhupada Siksamrta:
69-11 "Regarding omkara you may know that om is the impersonal sound form of Krsna. Those who are unable to utter immediately the sweet name of Krsna, they are recommended to chant om. Just like a child is taught to make a particular type of sound, and thus he learns the name of the father, mother and other relatives. This is the beginning. So in the beginning, om is the right sound vibration of transcendental sound, and the meaning is to address the Supreme Lord. Our business is directly with the Supreme Lord. Impersonal feature of the Lord is just like the illumination of the lamp. The lamp is the more important thing." (from SPL to Harold Torf, 15th November, 1969)
68-12 "In the Bhagavad-gita, this omkara is mentioned as being the sound vibration of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, the Hare Krsna mantra is also the sound representation of Krsna. So practically we do not make any distinction between the omkara and Hare Krsna, but the spiritual path is to follow the footprints of the path of the great acharyas. Lord Caitanya encouraged the sankirtana movement, or the chanting of Hare Krsna, as the means for God realization for this age and it is in pursuance of the revealed scriptures." (SPL to Mr. Chagan Govind, 10th December, 1968)
bhaktincarol
Hare Krsna
BG 8.13 After being situated in this yoga practice and vibrating the sacred syllable om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the spiritual planets.
From purport (by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada): It is clearly stated here that om, Brahman and Lord Krsna are not different. The impersonal sound of Krsna is om, but the sound Hare Krsna contains om. The chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra is clearly recommended for this age. So if one quits his body at the end of life chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, he certainly reaches one of the spiritual planets, according to the mode of his practice.
Thank you
I didn't know that either.
Thanks for that. it seems
Thanks for that. it seems clearer to me that it is better to emphasis devotion in the mahamantra than meditation in om, because it is perhaps a more active way of worship needed in this age
Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Thanks
I had the same question, thanks to Kesini for asking this. And thanks for the wonderful and clear replies by Carol. Very well said, my doubt it completely cleared.
Hari Bol