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.
MAHAMANTRA
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.
Can the doshas that we incur in the day to day life for leading a path opposite to what is written in the Shastras be washed away completely by uttering Naama?
100%! Certainly! There is no doubt about it. You can take my word for it.
Why is ‘Aum’ not included in Mahamantra? Is it because its efficacy is already in the Mahamantra? Does Mahamantra represent all the three states (viz. wakefulness, dream and deep-sleep) that ‘Aum’ represent?
Whatever importance is accorded in the Vedanta to the ‘Aum’ syllable is accorded to the ‘Rama’ Nama in Bhakti Shastras.
Do we not need a formal initiation for the Maha Mantra? I hear and read that initiation from a Guru is indispensable for one to take up a Nama and chant it incessantly and thereby attain liberation, as while initiation, the Guru transfers a part of his spiritual powers to the disciple which creates a spiritual awakening in him. So without initiation, am I without any hope for liberation?
For the un-initiated, it is important to be initiated. However, you do not need to wait until you get initiated by a proper Guru. You can start chanting the Maha Mantra. In due course, the merciful Lord will definitely send a Guru at an apt time. At that time, you can take the Mantra from Him.
I am devotee of Sri Balaji Bhagavan. i do worship to Him. I chant the MahaMantra regularly. When I chant, my mind wavers. So I have to concentrate it on something. I get confused whether I should meditate on Balaji Pratima or on the Mahamantra. Please help.
You chant the Mahamantra thinking of the divine compassion and love of Balaji Bhagavan. That is the best meditation.
