I would like to conclude this week’s blog by sharing a few more insights I discovered whilst I was researching this beloved topic. Below are extracts from various sources:
The Benefits of Chanting
In the preliminary stages of chanting, the practitioner experiences a clearing of consciousness, peace of mind, and relief from unwanted drives and habits. As one develops more realization by chanting, he perceives the original, spiritual existence of the self. According to the Bhagavad-gita, this enlightened state “is characterized by one’s ability to see the self by the pure mind and to relish and rejoice in the self”.
Peace of mind
Initially meditation focuses on controlling the mind, for in our normal condition we are slaves to any whimsical thoughts, desires and appetites that the mind may generate. We think of something and immediately we want to do it. But the Bhagavad-gita tells us that the meditator must learn to control the mind: “For one who has control over the mind, then the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will be the greatest enemy.”
Mantra is a Sanskrit word. Man means “mind” and tra means “to deliver”. Thus mantra is a transcendental sound vibration with potency to liberate the mind from material conditioning.
Liberation from Karma
The law of Karma means that for every material action performed, nature forces and equivalent reaction upon the performer, or, as the bible states, “As you sow, so shall ye reap.”
Material activities can be compared to seeds, initially they are performed, or planted and over the course of time the gradually fructify, releasing their resultant reactions. Enmeshed in this web of actions and reactions, we are forced to accept one material body after another to experience our karmic destiny. But freedom from Karma is possible by sincere chanting of God’s names. Since God’s names are filled with transcendental energy, when the living being associates with the divine sound vibration, he is freed from the endless cycle of karma.
The Ultimate Benefit – Love of God
The final goal and highest fruit of chanting is complete God realization and pure love of God. As our consciousness becomes increasingly purified, our steady spiritual advancement is reflected in our character and behaviour. As the sun approaches the horizon, it is preceded by increasing warmth and illumination.
Similarly as we the Holy names are revived within the heart, the increasing spiritual awareness manifests in all aspects of our personality. Ultimately, the eternal, loving relationship between God and the living being is revived.
Before entering the material world, each soul had a unique spiritual relationship with God. This loving relationship is thousands of times greater and more intense than any love experienced in the material world.
“Pure love for God is eternally established in the heart of living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, the living entity is awakened” – Caitanya-caritamrta
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