Hare Kiss Kiss 😂

How many fingers do you use when chanting the holy names? Four: three fingers (middle, ring, and little finger) hold the beads, and the thumb moves them. So why isn’t the index finger used? Why is it kept outside the bead bag?

Gurudeva explained:This finger doesn’t have any service in chanting, so it becomes sad and says, “Oh no, I don’t get to serve the Lord…”

Then Krishna replies:“Okay, I will give you two kinds of service: First — point at anyone who criticises Guru or the Vaishnavas and say: ‘Hey, don’t criticise Guru and Vaishnavas!’  Second — use the finger to show people that they should look at their own faults, not at others.”

Tattva-siddhanta (conclusive truths) and all scriptures say:Never criticise others! That’s the first service of the index finger. The second — while chanting, turn the finger toward yourself. This reminds us to correct our own faults, not judge others.

(Gurudeva showed how to point the finger at himself while chanting — that’s the right way.  Then he pointed it outward and wagged it, laughing, saying: “This is not how to chant!”)

My Gurudeva (Srila B.V. Vamana Gosvami Maharaja) used to say:“You shouldn’t chant the Hare Krishna mantra too fast — you should chant it properly.”

Some devotees rush through it, and instead of a mantra, it just sounds like, “tak tak” — which in Sanskrit means “cheating.”

Take your beads and chant clearly:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Sometimes I tell a funny story about this:Once a husband and wife both received mantras from their Guru. The next morning, they woke up early to chant. The husband started chanting: “Hare Krishna, Hare kissna… kiss… kiss… kiss…” The wife got annoyed and said: “Hey! This is time to chant the holy name — not to think about kissing!” (Gurudeva laughs.)

We should chant the holy names clearly and attentively. Also, listen to your own voice while chanting — it’s important. Don’t go too fast, and don’t drag the words either. Chant with a peaceful mind, and with deep love and feeling.

Link: https://gurudevtv.com/2017/01/22/morning-class-cochabamba/

Time: 00.25.58-00.31.26

Date: 22 January 2017 Location: Bolivia

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Transcriber: Divya-premamayi dasi (Slovakia) Editors: Sanatana dasa (USA) Integrity check: Divya-premamayi dasi (Slovakia) Proofreader: Chandrika dasi (UK) Photo: Navina-krishna dasa (Holland)