Japa essay – Bhajana Kutir #118

I like to chant my japa alone, or at most with one or two buddies. Some places practice japa in a packed room with many devotees. At 26 2nd Ave, Prahbupada used to chant a round with all the devotees. But I believe Raghunatha dasa Goswami and Haridasa Thakura practiced solitary bhajana. It is nice chanting alone with the Lord in intimacy. You hear your own sound vibration clearly, without mingling with others. It lends itself to good practice by the nature of its concentration. There are no hard and fast rules to chanting the holy names. Either with others or alone is allowable. I am just stating a particular preference. As the hours go by and I stay within myself, I feel myself getting closer to the Lord and Srimati Radharani. I am more aware of the speed and the accumulation of the rounds than when I am others. I’m able to concentrate without distraction from loud chanters. I chant humbly and call on my Lord in the sound vibration. My tendency is to chant at a low volume. It helps me to hear myself when I am alone. This is just one person’s opinion, but if it helps me, then it’s good.

Prabhupada used to criticize

persons who went alone,

chanting for fame as a

great saintly person.

He also criticized those who

didn’t help others but

tried only for their own

salvation.

But I don’t think he would mind

a solitary japa chanter

who didn’t look for fame

but practiced modestly

alone.

As long as he did other

preaching, the chanting alone

is not forbidden.

It is a peaceful way

for concentration,

hours spent alone with the Lord.

It’s a way of looking always

to the Lord of the heart

and listening for His response.

from #118→