The Universal Mantra

We chant many different mantras at our Kirtan sessions, but there's one which quickly became the favourite of most of our chanters, both new and seasoned: the Maha-mantra or Hare Krishna mantra. Interestingly, it's also been one of the most famous and favourite mantras in India for hundreds of years, crossing all barriers of different faiths and persuasions. It's symmetrical rhythm and 'circular' nature, and it's particular combination of syllables makes it especially potent in drawing the chanter into a deep, blissful meditation.

This charming video shows a Chinese kirtaniya chanting the Maha-mantra at a Buddhist ceremony in Taiwan. I wonder how those monks managed, faced with such exquisite femininity!

The mantra goes like this: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Hare Hare