MAHAMANTRA

I am chanting maha mantra and following a normal life. How long will it take to attain the Lord? I want to know whether these sufferings will be there in my whole life.

You are already one among the blessed few, picked by the Lord Himself. Don’t get bogged down by any troubles or sufferings on your path. It might be a test for your devotion and faith on the Almighty. Hold on to the Maha Mantra strongly and continue to chant it with the same love and devotion. A sparkling bright future awaits you if you remain steadfast in your chanting.

Mahamantra has done a lot of good to me and takes me on the right path. These days, I cannot stand the negative attitude of people around me, and this is intolerable. Is this because of the Mahamantra?

When you progress in spirituality, your mind becomes more sensitive day by day. There are a lot of negative things around us. The mind tries to observe all these negativities. What you have to do is, try to neglect such observations and do more and more Japa. It will be alright slowly.

Does the Rama Nama in the Mahamantra denote Lord Ramachandra or Balarama?

It denotes both of them.

Can Mahamantra be written (like Rama Nama)?

Definitely. Do it.

We are chanting the Maha Mantra for one of my friend’s problems. But we are not able to concentrate because I am depressed about their state and they are crestfallen because of their problems too. An elderly family person keeps watching TV as we chant Nama and the cacophony disturbs our concentration. How do we correct this person?

When you perform Nama Kirtan, others’ condition will disturb you. But you should not give too much importance to that and continue with your Nama Kirtan. Faith is very important. Even if others influence us against chanting the Maha Mantra, we should not lose that confidence. In the same way, others will also try to disturb and distract us because of their noisy worldly affairs. Initially it will be difficult to gain the concentration, but over time, the Lord will give us the required concentration. We can also chant on behalf of them so that Bhagavan Sri Krishna gives them also the required devotion and faith in the Divine Name.

Is it right to Chant the Maha Mantra using the Japa Mala or we should chant it like the Kirtan?

You can chant the Maha Mantra either way. Whether you perform Nama Kirtan or chant it with japa mala, you should do it with love and devotion. That is the most important criteria.

I used to chant the Maha Mantra even when I circumambulate the Ganesha temple. Even if I start with Ganesha Pancharatna, automatically I would end up chanting the Maha Mantra. The same is with Shiva Temple etc. Why does this happen? This is confusing me. Please help!

The Mahamantra is the most invaluable and precious gem in the world and not to be taken lightly and discarded on the streets. You are indeed fortunate and blessed to be chanting the Maha Mantra all the time. The Lord will be definitely happy at your steadfastness. There is nothing to worry. You are definitely on the right track, or shall I say, you are only on the right track!

I know only Maha Mantra. Is it enough if I just chant this alone to reach His abode?

You are really fortunate to know only the Maha Mantra. Ignorance of other diverse forms of worship or other Mantra Sadhanas is indeed a boon and fortune, as they distract a Sadhak from concerted efforts. Concentration on chanting the Maha Mantra alone is enough. Catch hold of it. It is more than sufficient to take you to his abode.
Great mahatmas like Bhagavan Ramana who worshipped the Arunachala Mountain as Lord Siva, Seshadri Swamigal who worshipped Sri Krishna – all have worshipped only one form of God. Since Nama (the name of the God) and the Naami (the Named, who is the Lord Himself) are one and the same, chanting the Maha Mantra day and night, all the time will certainly lead one to liberation without an iota of doubt. So continue chanting the Maha Mantra alone and Lord Krishna will take you unto His fold.

If Mahamantra can give us everything, then is it necessary to recite other slokas?

If you have such a strong conviction and faith in the Mahamantra, then the rest are not necessary.

I get confused as to which God’s name I need to chant. There are so many gods in our religion and hence so many Names. I used to chant the Shiva Nama and after reading Bhagavatam and Bhagavat Gita, I chant the Mahamantra. Please clear my confusion.

Do not confuse yourself. You are the child of Krishna. Chant the Mahamantra and that is enough. You can also take this as the initiation. Continue to chant the Mahamantra and you will see for yourself how Krishna brings auspiciousness and happiness into your life.