A mantra is a religious syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Their use varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra. They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words and vibrations that instill one-pointed concentration in the devotee. Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in India with Vedic Hinduism and were later adopted by Buddhists and Jains, now popular in various modern forms of spiritual practice which are loosely b ...

Including:

• Mantra - Introduction
• Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism
• Mantra - Mantra Japa
• Mantra - Some Hindu mantras
• Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth
• Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
• Mantra - The shanti mantras
• Mantra - Universal prayer
• Mantra - Other examples
• Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra
• Mantra - Remarks
• Mantra - What is Dharma?
• Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om
• Mantra - Mantras and Prayers
• Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan
• Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound
• Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism
• Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism
• Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
• Mantra - Om mani padme hum
• Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists
• Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia - Mantra

See also:

Mantra, Mantra - Introduction, Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism, Mantra - Mantra Japa, Mantra - Some Hindu mantras, Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth, Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Mantra - The shanti mantras, Mantra - Universal prayer, Mantra - Other examples, Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra, Mantra - Remarks, Mantra - What is Dharma?, Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om, Mantra - Mantras and Prayers, Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan, Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound, Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Mantra - Om mani padme hum, Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists, Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia II - Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism

Buddhism, naturally following from Vedic society, also developed its own system and understanding of mantra, which while similar to that of Hinduism's, also took on its own particularities, especially according to region. Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism. Kūkai advanced a general theory of language based on his analysis of two forms of Buddhist ritual language: dharani (dhāra.nī) and mantra. Mantra is restricted to esoteric Buddhist practice whereas dharani is found in both esote ...

See also:

Mantra, Mantra - Introduction, Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism, Mantra - Mantra Japa, Mantra - Some Hindu mantras, Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth, Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Mantra - The shanti mantras, Mantra - Universal prayer, Mantra - Other examples, Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra, Mantra - Remarks, Mantra - What is Dharma?, Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om, Mantra - Mantras and Prayers, Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan, Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound, Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Mantra - Om mani padme hum, Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists, Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia II - Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism

The Hare Krishna mantra, also referred to as Maha Mantra ("Great Mantra") is a sixteen word Vaishnava mantra, outside of India notably popularized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Hare Krishna - The mantra. The words "Hare Krishna" are part of a mantra comprising three Sanskrit names of God (Vishnu), Hari, Krishna and Rama, in the vocative case. Hare may also be interpreted as the vocative of a female name Harā, a name of Radha. All three nam ...

Including:

• Hare Krishna - The mantra
• Hare Krishna - History
• Hare Krishna - Hare Krishna movement
• Hare Krishna - Hippie culture
• Hare Krishna - Other scriptural references
• Hare Krishna - Notes

Read more here: » Hare Krishna: Encyclopedia - Hare Krishna

The term Vedic chant refers to recitation of hymns of the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of India, and the basis of the many Hindu traditions. Chanting of these hymns has continued for at least last three millennia and is believed to the oldest such religious tradition. Before the introduction of printed texts, the Vedas were passed from one generation to the next only by the oral tradition, which necessitated chanting and memorizing of these hymns. Vedas, Mantra, Yantra, Japa, Hare Krishna, ...

Including:

• Vedic chant - Introduction
• Vedic chant - Divine Sound
• Vedic chant - Unesco
• Vedic chant - Popular Vedic Chants

Read more here: » Vedic chant: Encyclopedia - Vedic chant

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly called Hare Krishna, is a new religious movement founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, referred to by followers as "Srila Prabhupada," in New York in 1966. ISKCON is a society formed for practitioners of bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, as practiced within Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The bhakta's devotion is specifically directed towards Krishna, along with Radha, his divine consort. International Society for Krishna Consciousness - An overview< ...

Including:

• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - An overview
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The great mantra
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Philosophy and history
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Seven Purposes of ISKCON
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Spreading the word
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - ISKCON after Prabhupada's Death
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Scandal and controversy
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Controversial Points
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Sources
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Reform Issues Replies

Read more here: » International Society for Krishna Consciousness: Encyclopedia - International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Radha refers to either one of two figures in Hindu religion. By far the most important is Radha, the gopi, who participates in the Rasa Lila with Krishna. Radha - The Mahabharata. Radha - Radha the gopi. In the story of Krishna, as told in the Puranas and the Mahabharata, she is one of the gopis (cow-herding women) of the forest of Vrindavan, and was brought up in this community with Krishna. In the orginal story she is briefly mentioned as one of the gopis who Krishna plays wit ...

Including:

• Radha - The Mahabharata
• Radha - Radha the gopi
• Radha - The foster mother of Karna
• Radha - Radha the Gopi in later Vaishnava traditions
• Radha - Festivals
• Radha - Radha the most important Gopi of Krishna
• Radha - Radha the beautiful one

Read more here: » Radha: Encyclopedia - Radha

Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In the West, yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga, which are popular as fitness exercises. Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and has influenced other religious and spiritual pr ...

Including:

• Yoga - Yoga practice and intention
• Yoga - The word yoga
• Yoga - Diversity of yoga
• Yoga - Yoga and religion
• Yoga - Common themes
• Yoga - Origins
• Yoga - Hindu yoga
• Yoga - Bhagavad Gita
• Yoga - Patanjali
• Yoga - God in Yoga philosophy
• Yoga - Hatha yoga
• Yoga - Natya yoga
• Yoga - Buddhist yoga
• Yoga - Yoga and tantra
• Yoga - Notable Yogis

Read more here: » Yoga: Encyclopedia - Yoga

maha-mantra

the great chant for deliverance: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

(See also: maha-mantra, Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

The words "Hare Krishna" are part of a mantra comprising three Sanskrit names of God (Vishnu), Hari, Krishna and Rama, in the vocative case. Hare may also be interpreted as the vocative of a female name Harā, a name of Radha. All three names are in the Vishnu sahasranama, Rama and Krishna are the 7th and 8th Maha Avatara of Vishnu. As names, Hari translates to "golden one", Krishna translates to "black". The words of the Maha Mantra or "Great Mantra" are (in anglicized spelling, the IAST of t ...

See also:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna - The mantra, Hare Krishna - History, Hare Krishna - Hare Krishna movement, Hare Krishna - Hippie culture, Hare Krishna - Other scriptural references, Hare Krishna - Notes

Read more here: » Hare Krishna: Encyclopedia II - Hare Krishna - The mantra

The practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is recommended in Puranic, Pañcaratra, and throughout Vaishnava literature in general, for example: "All the grievous sins of one who worships Lord Sri Hari, the Lord of all lords, and chants the holy name, the Maha-mantra, are removed."—Padma Purana; Svarga Khanda 50.6 "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare: Whoever chants this mantra, even neglectfully, will attain the supreme goal of life. Of this there is no doubt."— Agni P ...

See also:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna - The mantra, Hare Krishna - History, Hare Krishna - Hare Krishna movement, Hare Krishna - Hippie culture, Hare Krishna - Other scriptural references, Hare Krishna - Notes

Read more here: » Hare Krishna: Encyclopedia II - Hare Krishna - Other scriptural references

Hara:

Refers to the feminine side of god, or Shrimati Radharani. When used as an address it becomes Hare; the first word of the Hare Krishna Maha or great mantra, which is declared by many of the vedas- Puranas and Upanishads to be the supermost mantra for deliverance of the soul from material bondage to the highest spiritual destinations. The maha mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

(See also: Hara, Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

The popular nickname "Hare Krishnas" for devotees of this movement comes from the maha-mantra (great chant) they either sing aloud or chant quietly on rosary-like beads. The sound vibration created by repeating these names of God is said to gradually induce pure God-consciousness. (see below) HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE The maha mantra appear ...

See also:

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Great Mantra, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Presence in City Streets, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Philosophy and History, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Seven Purposes of ISKCON, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Spreading the word, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - ISKCON after Prabhupada's Death, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Scandal and controversy, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Points of Philosophical Contention, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Sources, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Reform Issues Replies

Read more here: » International Society for Krishna Consciousness: Encyclopedia II - International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Great Mantra

The Hare Krishna mantra, also known as the 'Maha'-Mantra: (pronounced ha-ray, krish-nah, and rar-mah respectively) 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.' Om : (pronounced as in home) Widespread in most paths of Hinduism, and used as a seed sound for many of the more complcated mantras. It is the sound representation of the Supreme Divine Energy. Om Tat Sat is said in the Bhagavad- ...

See also:

Vedic chant, Vedic chant - Introduction, Vedic chant - Divine Sound, Vedic chant - Unesco, Vedic chant - Popular Vedic Chants

Read more here: » Vedic chant: Encyclopedia II - Vedic chant - Popular Vedic Chants

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE The popular nickname "Hare Krishnas" for devotees of this movement comes from the maha-mantra (great chant) they either sing aloud or chant quietly on rosary-like beads. The sound vibration created by repeating these names of God is said to gradually induce pure God-consciousness. The maha mantra appear ...

See also:

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - An overview, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The great mantra, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Philosophy and history, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The Seven Purposes of ISKCON, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Spreading the word, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - ISKCON after Prabhupada's Death, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Scandal and controversy, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Controversial Points, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Sources, International Society for Krishna Consciousness - Reform Issues Replies

Read more here: » International Society for Krishna Consciousness: Encyclopedia II - International Society for Krishna Consciousness - The great mantra

Harinama

Used in ISKCON to refer to public chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

(See also: Harinama, Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Namamrita

A book of Srila Prabhupada’s written instructions on the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

(See also: Namamrita, Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

hari-nama-diksha

formal initiation of the disciple by the spiritual master into the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

(See also: hari-nama-diksha, Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Rama (-chandra)

An incarnation of the Supreme Lord as a perfect righteous king, born as the son of Dasharatha and Kaushalya. Rama is also a name of Lord Krishna, meaning “the source of all pleasure,” and a name of Lord Balarama and Lord Parashurama. As part of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, refers to the highest eternal pleasure of Lord Krishna; may also refer to Lord Balarama or Lord Ramacandra.

(See also: Rama, Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

The mantra is first attested in the kalisaṇṭāraṇopaniṣad (Kali Santarana Upanishad), a Vaishnava Upanishad associated with the Black Yajurveda. In this Upanishad, Narada is instructed by Brahma (in the translation of K. N. Aiyar): "Hearken to that which all Shrutis (the Vedas) keep secret and hidden, through which one may cross the Samsara (mundane existence) of Kali. He shakes off (the evil effects of) Kali through the mere uttering of the name of Lord Narayana, ...

See also:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna - The mantra, Hare Krishna - History, Hare Krishna - Hare Krishna movement, Hare Krishna - Hippie culture, Hare Krishna - Other scriptural references, Hare Krishna - Notes

Read more here: » Hare Krishna: Encyclopedia II - Hare Krishna - History