What Is The Hare Krishna Mantra? - Definition From Yogapedia

Yogapedia Explains Hare Krishna Mantra

According to the Vedas, one of the most effective means of achieving self-realization and union with the Divine is through chanting. Chanting is an ancient spiritual practice, in which rhythmical repetitions of sacred words or phrases serve to deepen concentration and devotion. Bhakti Yoga uses chanting as a means of surrendering to supreme or universal consciousness, and the Hare Krishna mantra in particular is believed to awaken practitioners to their connection with this divine energy.

The Hare Krishna mantra is ancient in its origins, and has been upheld by great sages and Vedic scriptures for thousands of years. From the 1960’s, the mantra gained recognition outside of India through A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s movement: the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (commonly known as the “Hare Krishnas”). As a result, the Hare Krishna mantra has since been referenced in popular culture and song, including George Harrison's solo single, “My Sweet Lord.”

The full text of the mantra is:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण

Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे

Hare Rama, Hare Rama,

हरे राम हरे राम

Rama Rama, Hare Hare

राम राम हरे हरे

Repetition of these sacred words is said to generate a transcendental vibration, surpassing the stages of physical senses, mind and intelligence to connect the practitioner with Krishna consciousness. This is a subtle state of awareness, in which complete connection and harmony with the Divine frees the self from the illusion of separateness. As such, it is an effective means of shedding ego and experiencing bliss.

Devotees of Krishna perform japa recitation with the Hare Krishna mantra, using prayer beads known as mala to count the number of repetitions. This is a daily prayer or meditation by an individual practitioner. The Hare Krishna mantra can also be chanted as a group, such as kirtan. Kirtan tends to use musical instruments or a harmonium in order to incorporate melody with the mantra.