Sirona Posted October 21, 2003 Report Share Posted October 21, 2003 Hello, I am looking for your advice. I like chanting merciful Krishna's names but I just don't get along with a mala. Everytime I try to use mine I get a feeling as if I was counting money and then I begin to feel petty and stingy and so very guilty that I drop it altogether. At least I *think* Krishna doesn't count when doing good to me so why should I count when doing good to Him if it does not make me happy? /images/graemlins/confused.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kulapavana Posted October 21, 2003 Report Share Posted October 21, 2003 mala use in mantra meditation is very helpful: aids concentration, etc. but there are no hard and fast rules for chanting of the Holy Name. If you take formal vows (like during initiation) to chant certain number of Names daily, mala is almost indispensable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanamali Posted October 21, 2003 Report Share Posted October 21, 2003 I think the mala is helpful if you want to count, and aids with helping concentration. At first it may be hard for a devotee to chant the whole 108, let alone multiple rounds. But if you are so much into chanting that it no longer feels like a duty but a joy, then if the japamala hinders you, I say leave it behind! In other words, it's an means and not an end, so don't let it worry you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaurasundara Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 How else would you be able to know if you have chanted 16 rounds or not? /images/graemlins/grin.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShegavichaRana Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 should not tell such excuses while doing spiritual austerities. Use of Japamala is enforced, so that, our mind with one pointed concentration would be engaged in chanting and listening to the holy name. Apart from this too, we can chant while doing other chores, but that is additional. But chanting without mala might lead to wavering of our attention to whatever we are engaged in doing. The analogy between Krishna not counting His mercies shown to you and your counting His holy name is not appropriate. It is escapism. I sincerely think, you should continue using mala. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gHari Posted October 23, 2003 Report Share Posted October 23, 2003 The sense of touch becomes engaged in remembering Krsna through the mahamantra. As the restless mind polls the sense of touch it is reminded of japa, "Oh yes, I am chanting japa; listen". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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