Concentration on Japa why its Important

[Pankaja_Dasa]

 

Another point established in this verse is that meditation should be carried on with the chanting of a mantra. Chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra is the easiest process of meditation in this age. As soon as one chants the Hare Krsna mantra, he sees the forms of Krsna, Rama and Their energies, and that is the perfect stage of trance. One should not artificially try to see the form of the Lord while chanting Hare Krsna, but when the chanting is performed offenselessly the Lord will automatically reveal Himself to the view of the chanter. The chanter, therefore, has to concentrate on hearing the vibration, and without extra endeavor on his part, the Lord will automatically appear.

__SB 4.8.53 {Purport extract}

 

The mumuksus, persons desiring to be liberated, do not depend on the pleasures of the senses; instead, they concentrate fully on becoming liberated by chanting the holy name of the Lord.

__SB 10.1.69 {Purport extract}

 

 

Everyone begins his devotional life from the neophyte stage, but if one properly finishes chanting the prescribed number of rounds of harinama, he is elevated step by step to the highest platform, uttama-adhikari.

__NOD 5 {extract}

 

 

When one fully engages in chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, he gradually realizes his own spiritual identity. Unless one faithfully chants the Hare Krsna mantra, Krsna does not reveal Himself..

__NOD 5 {extract}

 

 

At the present moment, attempts to engage in that type of yoga are artificial. Rather, the recommended method is chanting loudly and hearing Hare Krsna. Then, even if the mind is diverted, it will be forced to concentrate on the sound vibration "Krsna." It isn't necessary to withdraw the mind from everything; it will automatically be withdrawn, because it will be concentrated on the sound vibration.

__The Path of Perfection 5 {extract}

 

 

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, as soon as the mind wanders, we should immediately drag it back to concentrate on Krsna. While chanting, our mind sometimes wanders far away, but when we become conscious of this, we should immediately bring the mind back to hear the sound vibration of "Hare Krsna." That is called yoga-abhyasa, the practice of yoga. We should not allow our mind to wander elsewhere. We should simply chant and hear the Hare Krsna mantra, for that is the best yoga system.

__The Quest for Enlightenment 6 {extract}

 

 

Always meditating upon the lotus feet of Krsna. This Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama... As soon as we hear this sound, immediately we remember the form of Krsna. Immediately we concentrate on the lotus feet of Krsna. This chanting is perfect. But I am chanting and I am thinking of and planning something else, that is aparadha. But that does not mean we shall stop. But we should try, abhyasa-yoga, we should try to make it our habit by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, we should immediately remember the form, quality, pastimes of Krsna. Tat-padamburuha-dhyanat. The lotus feet of Krsna, dhyanat, that is meditation.

__Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.7.28, Mombassa, September 11, 1971