Dependent

We just got back from visiting the 'Prabhupada Manor' in Cleveland and the 'Krishna House' in Columbus, Ohio. H.G. Malati devi gave a lecture in each Temple. The theme: JAPA

Here are a few things that stood out for me:

1. Chanting is like a disease, it is contagious. When a person, for example, has his/her first experience in kirtan, at first they may not move, or sing along, but shortly and gradually they find themselves tapping their foot in tempo, or making an attemp to utter out the words, and soon enough they are completely inmerse in the chanting. (sounds familiar? )

2. Is an acquired taste. Just like with some kinds of food, at first chanting may be bitter, but it doesn't take long before we start developing a taste for it.

3. "NO THINKING. JUST HEAR". H.G. Malati Prabhu tells us the answer Srila prabhupada gave to her when she asked about what one should be thinking of while chanting.

4. Pronounce every word clearly and correctly. We went over the common bad habits or tendencies of malpronounciation and tempo (too fast or too slow) that most of us are not aware or hesitate to correct or address.

5. Serving and worshiping the deity helps us keep that connection with Krishna of personal loving service, thus lifting our consciousness and establishing our relationship with Him. The moral here is: do your daily puja.

What should be the MOOD while chanting:

1. Chanting with affection and chanting for Krishna's pleasure
2. Enthusiasm
3. Krishna sees your sincere devotion - He reciprocates
4. Is a prayer between ourselves and the Supreme.
5. Call out like a child calling for his mother = be dependent
6. Service attitude while chanting
7. Attitude of gratitude

Lastly, but by no means least, we should have tolerance of our condition of life, patiently accepting all things that are coming to us knowing they all are coming from Krishna. Be dependent on Him.