Guru and Namakirtan: Therefore, just as we bathe, wear clothes, eat food, etc. whether our mind is involved in it or not, so too, should we do a certain amount of Năma japa, părayana, kirtana, vandanam every day.

Nama Article 24th May 2013

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Bhakti has to be practiced as a 'sadhana' (spiritual practice) to begin with. It is true, indeed, that Năma japa, kirtan, puja performed without involvement of the mind is useless; but how is involvement born? This is not a matter that comes about either on its own or suddenly. That which arises suddenly might disappear just as suddenly.

Therefore, just as we bathe, wear clothes, eat food, etc. whether our mind is involved in it or not, so too, should we do a certain amount of Năma japa, părayana, kirtana, vandanam every day. If we practice this ceaselessly we would find that gradually involvement comes about and thus one feels moved ('urukkam') and one-pointedness born.

Please check these: Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Mechanical chanting is the only starting point we can attempt. It matures to love by grace.

Mechanical chanting is the starting phase. It will soon graduate to mental chanting and soon this mental one-pointed chanting will lead to the source of the chant, which is the truth.

Those who chant the Mahamantra even once in this Kali Yuga are assured of 'Moksha' (liberation)

Nama Kirtan, whether done knowingly or unknowingly, certainly has to give its effect

Nama Chanted unknowingly also wipes out all of one's sins

Japa even once uttered has its own good effect, whether the individual is aware or not.

The same scriptures also state that one should follow the words of the Guru without any doubts or questions and act accordingly.

Is chanting while doing work considered as meaningful chanting ?

Don't stop chanting for any reason. The rest of the things will be taken care of automatically.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :