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
10 episodes
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...
3 - Sanga 2: The Effect of Devotees on Our Personal Practice
Hari explores the significance of chanting in the company of devotees, emphasizing how this practice can uplift one’s spiritual connection. Referencing teachings from Ramanujacharya and insights from Sacinandana Swami, the conversation highligh...
2 - Sanga 1: The Need for Collective Practice
In this episode, Hari emphasizes the significance of chanting together in a supportive environment and the unique benefits of collective spiritual practice. He explores the balance between individual focus in chanting and the uplifting influenc...
1 - The Meaning of the Hare Krishna Mantra and the Importance of Japa
The discussion focuses on the transformative practice of japa, which is a way to invite Krishna into our daily lives. Hari explores the significance of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, emphasizing its role as the prescribed duty for this age a...