The Five Qualities of Effective Mantra Meditation
Dhanurdhara Swami April 10th, 2012
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
I have noticed, and tradition confirms, that the efficacy of mantra meditation depends significantly upon the quality of chanting. It is not that one's effort creates the effect of the mantra, but one must make the effort not to block the effect of the mantra to open oneself fully to the mercy within it.
I would like to suggest chanting with five qualities, which I also think of as five “steps” towards efficacious, quality mantra meditation:
- Be Attentive
- Be Introspective
- Be Sincere
- Be Sweet
- Have Longing