Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

In Topmost Yoga System, Srila Prabhupada delivers a wonderful illumination on the holy name:

“The transcendental vibration established by the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, is the sublime method for reviving our transcendental consciousness. As living spiritual souls, we are all originally Kṛṣṇa conscious entities, but due to our association with matter from time immemorial, our consciousness is now adulterated by the material atmosphere. The material atmosphere, in which we are now living, is called māyā, or illusion. Māyā means that which is not. And what is this illusion? The illusion is that we are all trying to be lords of material nature, while actually we are under the grip of her stringent laws.

“When a servant artificially tries to imitate the all-powerful master, it is called illusion. We are trying to exploit the resources of material nature, but actually we are becoming more and more

entangled in her complexities. Therefore, although we are engaged in a hard struggle to conquer nature, we are ever more dependent on her. This illusory struggle against material nature can be stopped at once by revival of our eternal Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

“Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare is the transcendental process for reviving this original pure consciousness. By chanting this transcendental vibration, we can cleanse away all misgivings within our hearts. The basic principle of all such misgivings is the false consciousness that I am the lord of all I survey.

“Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not an artificial imposition on the mind. This consciousness is the original natural energy of the living entity. When we hear the transcendental vibration, this consciousness is revived. This simplest method of meditation is recommended for this age.

“By practical experience also, one can perceive that by chanting this mahā-mantra, or the Great Chanting for Deliverance, one can at once feel a transcendental ecstasy coming through from the spiritual stratum. In the material concept of life we are busy in the matter of sense gratification as if we were in the lower animal stage. A little elevated from this status of sense gratification, one is engaged in mental speculation for the purpose of getting out of the material clutches. A little elevated from this speculative status, when one is intelligent enough, one tries to find out the supreme cause of all causes–within and without. And when one is factually on the plane of spiritual understanding, surpassing the stages of sense, mind and intelligence, he is then on the transcendental plane.

“This chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra is enacted from the spiritual platform, and thus this sound vibration surpasses all lower strata of consciousness–namely sensual, mental and intellectual. There is no need, therefore, to understand the language of the mantra, nor is there any need for mental speculation nor any intellectual adjustment for chanting this mahā-mantra. It is automatic, from the spiritual platform, and as such, anyone can take part in vibrating this transcendental sound without any previous qualification. In a more advanced stage, of course, one is not expected to commit offenses on grounds of spiritual understanding.

“In the beginning, there may not be the presence of all transcendental ecstasies, which are eight in number. These are: (1) Being stopped as though dumb, (2) perspiration, (3) standing up of hairs on the body, (4) dislocation of voice, (5) trembling, (6) fading of the body, (7) crying in ecstasy, and (

trance. But there is no doubt that chanting for a while takes one immediately to the spiritual platform, and one shows the first symptom of this in the urge to dance along with the chanting of the mantra. We have seen this practically. Even a child can take part in the chanting and dancing.

“Of course, for one who is too entangled in material life, it takes a little more time to come to the standard point, but even such a materially engrossed man is raised to the spiritual platform very quickly. When it is chanted by a pure devotee of the Lord in love, it has the greatest efficacy on hearers, and as such this chanting should be heard from the lips of a pure devotee of the Lord, so that immediate effects can be achieved. As far as possible, chanting from the lips of nondevotees should be avoided. Milk touched by the lips of a serpent has poisonous effects.

“The word Harā is the form of addressing the energy of the Lord, and the words Kṛṣṇa and Rāma are forms of addressing the Lord Himself. Both Kṛṣṇa and Rāma mean the supreme pleasure, and Harā is the supreme pleasure energy of the Lord, changed to Hare (Hah-ray) in the vocative. The supreme pleasure energy of the Lord helps us to reach the Lord.

“The material energy, called māyā, is also one of the multi-energies of the Lord. And we, the living entities, are also the energy, marginal energy, of the Lord. The living entities are described as superior to material energy. When the superior energy is in contact with the inferior energy, an incompatible situation arises; but when the superior marginal energy is in contact with the superior energy, called Harā, it is established in its happy, normal condition.

“These three words, namely Harā, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma, are the transcendental seeds of the mahā-mantra. The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His energy, to give protection to the conditioned soul. This chanting is exactly like the genuine cry of a child for its mother’s presence. Mother Harā helps the devotee achieve the Father’s grace, and then Lord Kṛṣṇa reveals Himself to the devotee who chants this mantra sincerely. No other means of spiritual realization is as effective in this age of quarrel and hypocrisy as the mahā-mantra.”

Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Hare–The enchanting beauty of Sri Kṛṣṇacandra steals the minds of all. But Srimati Radhika captivates the mind of Syama with Her alluring matchless cleverness. Therefore, She is known as Hara or Hare in the vocative case.

Kṛṣṇa–By His youthful beauty and the sweet sound of His flute, Sri Kṛṣṇa, who is decorated with the most charming qualities, attracts Srimati Radhika. Therefore, He is known as Kṛṣṇa.

Hare–The exalted devotees say that Sri Kṛṣṇa kidnapped doe-eyed Radhika and took Her to a secluded kunja within the rasa mandala. Therefore, Radhika is known as Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Kṛṣṇa–When Kṛṣṇa sports with Radhika, the splendid dark blue effulgence that emanates from His limbs makes shiny gold appear like blue sapphires. Therefore, He is known as Kṛṣṇa.

Kṛṣṇa–To fulfill the desire of Radhika, Sri Hari manifested Syama-kunda in the forest near Govardhana, and then pulled all the holy places there. The learned ones who know this secret call Him Kṛṣṇa.

Kṛṣṇa–Although He bewilders the world with His pastimes in the groves beside the Yamuna, Sri Hari is totally enthralled by the unparalleled love of Sri Radhika. For this reason, intellectuals call Him Kṛṣṇa.

Hare–When Kṛṣṇa killed the Aristasura demon, Sri Radha loudly chanted, “Hari! Hari!” Consequently She is known as Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Hare–Due to excessive love, Sri Radhika sometimes loudly sings the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, and other times She sings in soft indistinct tones. Learned rasikas, therefore, call Her Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Hare–When intense ecstasies overwhelm Kṛṣṇa, He sometimes drops His flute in the forest of Vrndavana. At such times, Radhika snatches the flute, and therefore, She is called Hara.

Rama–Sri Kṛṣṇa is known as Rama because He enjoys with Radhika in the kunjas of Govardhana.

Hare–The most merciful Sri Radha destroys (hati) the miseries of the devotees, and daily bestows inner joy (rāti). Thus, She is called Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Rama–The minds of the devotees who worship Kṛṣṇa always float in the topmost ocean of bliss. Thus that beautiful dark blue form of Kṛṣṇa is called Rama.

Rama–Sri Radha pleases Sri Hari in the flower cottages with Her unprecedented love. Because He gives unlimited pleasure to Radha during Their confidential pastimes, He is known as Rama.

Rama–Seeing the Vrajavasis crying loudly in fear of the forest fire, Sri Kṛṣṇa effortlessly swallowed it. For this reason, Kṛṣṇa is known as Rama, because He pleased the Vrajavasis by rescuing them, and because He always arranges for His devotees to enjoy with Him.

Hare–Sri Kṛṣṇa went to Mathura to kill Kamsa and other miscreants. By Her desire to enjoy intimate pastimes with Kṛṣṇa, Sri Radhika brought Kṛṣṇa back to Vrndavana. Thus, Radhika is known as Hara.

Hare–When Sri Kṛṣṇa returned to Vrndavana, He removed all the sufferings of the Vrajavasis. He is known as Hari (Hare in the vocative) because He captivated Radhika’s mind by His wonderful pastimes.

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Hare–O Rādhe, please attract my mind and free me from material bondage.

Kṛṣṇa–O Kṛṣṇa, please attract my mind by pulling it to You.

Hare–O Rādhe, captivate my heart by showing me Your incomparable sweetness.

Kṛṣṇa–O Kṛṣṇa, purify my mind with knowledge about devotional service given by Your pure devotee.

Kṛṣṇa–O Kṛṣṇa, give me steadiness to appreciate Your transcendental name, form, qualities and pastimes.

Kṛṣṇa–O Kṛṣṇa, may I develop a taste for serving You.

Hare–O Rādhe, please make me qualified for Your service.

Hare–O Rādhe, please make me eligible to relish Your transcendental name, form, qualities and pastimes.

Hare–O Rādhā, please instruct me how I can serve You.

Rāma–O Kṛṣṇa, let me hear of Your intimate pastimes with Your beloved Rādhārāṇī.

Hare–O Rādhe, please reveal to me Your pastimes with Your beloved Mādhava.

Rāma–O Kṛṣṇa, please reveal to me Your pastimes with Your beloved Śrīmatī Rādhikā.

Rāma–O Kṛṣṇa, please engage me in remembering Your sweet name, form, qualities and pastimes.

Rāma–O Kṛṣṇa, please make me qualified for Your service.

Hare–O Rādhe, having accepted me as one of Your maidservants, please enjoy me as You like.

Hare–O Rādhe, I beg You to be pleased with me.

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

There are three ista devas in the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra: Radha, Kṛṣṇa and Prema.

Hare Kṛṣṇa–means Radha-Kṛṣṇa together, united in love. They continually relish a unique type of inconceivably powerful, all-attractive, unlimitedly sweet love known as madhurya-prema. This prema binds Radha and Kṛṣṇa with its immense magnetic force. Radha-Kṛṣṇa relish this extraordinary prema in its highest expression. The living entities can also taste this wonderful madhurya-prema by assisting the meeting of the Divine Couple. Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa.

While chanting the maha-mantra one should deeply contemplate the pure beauty, taste and sweetness of the prema that forcefully pulls Hare (Radha) toward Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa toward Radha. Hare Kṛṣṇa-Hare Kṛṣṇa. Try to feel and understand this prema. Fervently pray for the day when Radha-Kṛṣṇa will bestow vraja-prema upon us. Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa.

Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa–means Radha is separated from Kṛṣṇa. Missing the splendid taste of His prema, Radha cries out, “Kṛṣṇa! Kṛṣṇa! Where is Kṛṣṇa? Where can I find Kṛṣṇa?”

While chanting the maha-mantra one should remember Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, absorbed in radha-bhava and crying out, “Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa He!” May we unite Radha with Kṛṣṇa by the purity of our service attitude toward the holy name. Kṛṣṇa-Kṛṣṇa.

Hare Hare–means Kṛṣṇa is separated from Radha. Missing the deliciously sweet taste of Her love, Kṛṣṇa cries, “Hare! Hare! Where is Radha? Where can I find Radha?” May we unite Kṛṣṇa with Radha by the purity of our service attitude toward the holy name. Hare-Hare.

Hare Rama–Hare means Radha the Ramani, the most beautiful, charming young lover who perfectly pleases Kṛṣṇa in unlimited ways. Rama means Radha Raman Kṛṣṇa who is perfectly expert in delighting Radha. Hare Rama Hare Rama–United again, Radha-Madhava’s madhurya prema overflows with an especially exuberant taste enhanced and nourished by Their recent separation. Hare Rama Hare Rama.

Rama Rama–means that Ramani Radha is again painfully separated from Her beloved Radha Raman Kṛṣṇa. Radha cries out, “Rama! Rama! Where is Rama? Where can I find My Raman?” Rama-Rama.

Hare Hare–means Kṛṣṇa tortured in separation from His beloved Radha. Feeling totally empty without Her, Kṛṣṇa cries out, “Hare! Hare! Where is Radha? Where can I find My Ramani?” Hare-Hare.

Thus vraja-prema compels Radha-Kṛṣṇa to continually experience union and separation in Their amorous pastimes within the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra. One should chant the maha-mantra with complete submission, the utmost humility, and a pure service attitude. By sincerely praying for the causeless mercy of Radha-Govinda, the maha-mantra may someday reveal these sublime truths and bestow the precious treasure of vraja-prema.

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting