THE BENEDICTINE TREE OF DIVINE ASPIRATION: APPENDIX II

Chanting the Mahamantra

From The Search for Sri Krsna, Reality the Beautiful
by
His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswaml Maharaj

Before chanting the Holy Name of Krsna, we must first chant the Panca-tattva Mantra:

Sri Krsna-Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda
Sri Advaita, Gadadhara, Srivasadi Gaura-bhakta-vrnda

The Panca-tattva, or five features of the Absolute Truth, came to give the Hare Krsna Mahamantra to the fallen devotees of this age, so they are the general representation of Guru for us. They help us to enter into the domain of Krsna and also the plane of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

After chanting the Panca-tattva Mantra, we should chant the Mahamantra:

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

This Harinama Mahamantra is found in the Upanisads, as well as in the Agni Purana and the Brahmanda Purana. In the Kalisantarana Upanisad, it is recommended as the highest Mantra, and the scholars have mentioned this Mantra as a means of address only; no appeal should be attached to that. This Hare Krsna Mahamantra is the yuga dharmma nama, or the process of God realisation especially meant for the present age: Kali-yuga. We find the Mahamantra mentioned everywhere in the Puranas. This Mantra can be chanted silently, mentally, or aloud. It has been given to us by Mahaprabhu as the general recommendation for the fallen souls. He has given it for all, whether they are qualified or unqualified. The only condition for receiving it is sraddha, faith.

CONTENTS

Part I

1: Divine Benevolence Abroad*
2: Universal Grace
3: Demolishing Pillars of Ego

Part II

4: The Eye-Opener*
5: Life's Destination
6: Reaping the Eternal Fruit
7: Our Super Benefit
8: Everyone's Real Friend*

Appendices