And I always find myself back at Prabhupada’s first instructions on japa: “Just hear. What is the question of ‘controlling’ the mind?” The chanting will control the mind. That’s a solid, foundational instruction—hear the mantras. I am hoping that sixteen will now seem like I haven’t done enough.
“Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls worship Me with devotion.” (_Bg._ 9.14) Srila Prabhupada comments on this verse, “That glorification is this process of bhakti-yoga, the chanting of Hare Krishna.” (_Raja-Vidya_, pp. 36-7)
(Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name)
JAPA POEM
Prabhupada’s first instruction on japa:
“Just hear. What is the question of
‘controlling’ the mind?”
The chanting itself
will control the mind.
And he quotes the
_Bhagavad-gita 9.14_
“Always chanting My glories . . .”
Prabhupada comments on this verse:
“That glorification is the chanting of Hare Krishna . . .”
(_Raja-Vidya_)