Morning Rounds: Opening Up the World of Bhakti Through Japa Meditation
In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.
Like a doctor making rounds to support healing, Morning Rounds is about tending to the soul. Through the chanting of the Holy Names, we gradually quiet the mind, soften the pull of the ego, and reconnect with our deeper spiritual nature.
Drawn from our weekly japa meditation gatherings at Upbuild, these reflections offer a few minutes of inspiration to support your meditation and begin your day with greater clarity, humility, and joy.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna describes japa, the chanting of the Holy Names, as the highest form of sacrifice. This timeless practice has the power to transform our consciousness through the simple act of returning, again and again, to the sound of the Holy Names.
Whether you are new to chanting or have an established practice, these reflections are an invitation to deepen your relationship with the maha-mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Through consistent practice and the support of community, we begin to experience a deepening sense of joy and connection that arises simply from hearing and chanting these sacred names.
Episodes
29 episodes
28 - The Consciousness of Speech 2: Criticizing Others
Hari continues to clarify the effects of prajalpa – our idle talk that distracts us from Krishna and lowers our consciousness. He examines the implications of what’s also called gramya katha, or village gossip, and how s...
27 - The Consciousness of Speech 1: All of Our Worldly Talks
Consciousness and speech are deeply intertwined. Hari sheds light on how preoccupations with prajalpa – all of our habitual mundane talk that actually distracts us from Krishna – is undermining our spiritual experience. He highli...
26 - Becoming Consciousness Connoisseurs
Consciousness is everything in our japa practice, and understanding its influences is thus essential for attaining Krishna Consciousness. Hari speaks about the significance of discerning the Modes of Material Nature – Goodness, Passion, and Ign...
25 - Unplugging from The World to Plug into the Soul
To effectively connect with the Holy Names, we must recognize what we're often plugged into when we’re not chanting. Hari shares about the crucial distinction between identifying with the body and mind versus connecting with the soul. He delves...
24 - Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness 2: Clarifying Our Consciousness by Attunement to Sacred Hygiene
Hari highlights the connection between physical purity and spiritual awareness. He reflects on the idea that consciousness is influenced by our environment, noting how clutter and disorder can hinder our ability to connect with Krishna. Hari dr...
23 - Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness 1: Habits that Freshen How We Show Up and Attract God
Cleanliness plays a vital role in enhancing our consciousness and centering our japa practice. Hari reflects on the internal and external aspects of cleanliness, underscoring that a clean heart and mind are necessary for spiritual growth. He sh...
22 - How Exercise Helps Take Us to the Mode of Goodness
The discussion centers on how our lifestyle choices can influence our ability to chant the Hare Krishna mantra effectively. Hari explores the importance of creating a supportive environment for japa, conveying that pure chanting stems from a pu...
21 - Purity in Eating, Sleeping, Fearing, and Mating
In this episode, Hari looks at the purport from Prabhupada to SB 1.3.34: “No one can give rapt attention who is not pure in mind. No one can be pure in mind who is not pure in action. No one can be pure in action who is not pure in eating, slee...
20 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 8: Work II – Making Our Work an Offering to Krishna
Hari shares insights on how to make our work and every endeavor we engage in a form of devotional service. He makes clear that thoughtful regulation and sincere intention undoubtedly allow us to connect with our true selves and fuel our spiritu...
19 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 7: Work I – Occupations and Contributions on the Path
Work plays a pivotal role in our lives, not only as a means to survive but as a way to contribute meaningfully to the world. Hari reflects on how regulation in our work can alleviate material miseries. He emphasizes that we each have a natural ...
18 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 6: Recreation II – A Meditation on Where to Find Joy in Bhakti
Hari, referencing Prabhupada, emphasizes how Krishna Consciousness is fundamentally about recreation, where joy is found in serving Krishna. He explores how understanding the nature of pleasure can guide our habits and enhance our spiritual pra...
17 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 5: Recreation I – The Place for Fun in Krishna Consciousness
Recreation and its connection to our spiritual practice play a crucial role in forming our consciousness. With this episode, Hari expounds on the idea from Srila Prabhupada that chanting, dancing, and feasting are the essence of Bhakti Yoga, pr...
16 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 4: Sleep: How Rest Affects Consciousness
The importance of regulated sleep in our lives is fundamental to maintaining a healthy consciousness. Hari looks at the balance between adequate rest and spiritual practice, noting how inadequate sleep affects our mood, concentration, and relat...
15 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 3: Diet II – The Magic of Offering Our Food to God
Regulated eating plays a critical role in shaping our consciousness and enhancing our spiritual practice. Hari explores how our eating habits, including what and when we consume food, can alleviate material suffering and minimize distractions d...
14 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 2: Diet I – Eating Mindfully to Optimize Your Chanting
Hari reflects on the impact of regulating our eating on our spiritual practice. By fulfilling our physical needs very mindfully, we can enhance our spiritual connection to Krishna. Hari emphasizes that great souls prioritize their spiritual pra...
13 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 1: Discipline – The Importance of Regulation
Regulation plays a crucial role in spiritual practice, particularly in connecting with the Holy Names of Krishna. Hari explores how a balanced approach to eating, sleeping, recreation, and work creates a supportive environment for chanting and ...
12 - Dress: The Significance of Our Attire in Devotional Practice
Today’s discussion revolves around the importance of dressing with intention. Hari explores how our external attire influences our internal consciousness and connection to Krishna. He emphasizes that dressing for God’s pleasure can uplift our s...
11 - Time: The Best Hours for Chanting
The time of day we choose for chanting can significantly impact our practice and connection with Krishna. In this episode, Hari speaks about how the quality of our chanting can vary depending on the time of day, influenced by the Modes of Mater...
10 - Place: The Importance of Sacred Spaces
Chanting in a conducive environment can greatly enhance our spiritual practices. Hari reflects on the diverse places where one might chant, from solitary spaces to the vibrancy of community gatherings. He shares insights on the importance of fi...
9 - Breath: The Role of Respiration in Chanting
Breathing plays a crucial role in both physical functioning and mental clarity, which impacts how we engage in Krishna Consciousness. Hari reflects on the relationship between breath and posture, emphasizing the importance of presence. Although...
8 - Posture: The Alignment of Our Body During Chanting
Chanting the Holy Names involves our physical presence. In this episode, Hari examines the principle of alignment, emphasizing the importance of proper posture. He reflects on how our body affects not only our mind and heart but also our abilit...
7 - Volume: How Loudly Should You Chant?
Volume plays a critical role in our japa practice. Hari explores three distinct volumes of chanting: manasika (mental), upamsu (soft), and vacika (loud), emphasizing how each can be suitable depending on circumstances...
6 - Duration: How Long Should a Round of Chanting Take?
Hari focuses on the relationship between speed and time when chanting japa. He shares practical benchmarks for beginners and the potential pitfalls of rushing. Ultimately, what’s most important is that we see chanting as a dynamic practice that...
5 - Speed: How Quickly Should We Chant the Mantra?
The discussion focuses on finding the right speed for chanting the mantra, highlighting the balance between pace and pronunciation. Hari explores how some individuals naturally chant at a faster pace, while others naturally go at a slower, more...
4 - Pronunciation: The Strength of Uttering the Sound Properly
This episode centers on the importance of pronunciation in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, emphasizing that while perfect pronunciation isn't essential, a sincere desire to connect with Krishna is. The discussion explores how Western influenc...