Japa is service by the tongue. Prabhupada says it will seem odd when we say that bhakti-yoga begins with the tongue. The tongue is usually the number one agent for sense gratification, even in the name of honoring prasadam. And remember those “japa walks” where you talk – about what? But when you agree to serve the holy name with the tongue . . .
” . . . One is understood to be an eternal servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead if he considers himself an eternal servant of the holy name and in this spirit distributes the holy name to the world” (_C.c., Adi_ 8.16, purport).
In this spirit, chanting without offenses, we will come to know that harer nama and Krishna are identical. O code word, please open all the doors to understanding.
(_Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name_)
Your last thoughts determine the
next body you’ll get. Krishna says
we should remember Him at the end.
The best method is to practice from
the beginning of life, not expect He’ll
suddenly pop into your mind after a life
of neglect.
And the best way to remember is to
chant His holy names, Hare Krishna,
Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare /
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama,
Hare Hare.
There may be many impediments to chanting
Hare Krishna. But one should tolerate
these and continue to chant. If one
constantly chants, he’s in the best
state of mind for successfully changing
his state of being at the end of life.
(_Soul Eyes_)