The Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra

Srila Prabhupada began his movement in the Western world simply by chanting the maha-mantra, or the Great Chant for Deliverance: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. The Vedic scriptures repeatedly emphasize that no other method of spiritual realization can be as effective in the present age as the chanting of this maha mantra. It is the sublime method for reviving our transcendental consciousness. Krsna and Rama are names of the Supreme Lord, and Hare calls upon the spiritual energy of the Lord. By chanting these holy names, one can derive unlimited benefit, for this chanting can free one from all material entanglements and revive one's dormant natural consciousness of unalloyed love of God. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the great apostle of love of God who appeared in India some five hundred years ago, desired that the benediction of these holy names of God be bestowed upon all living entities, and He predicted that one day the chanting of these holy names would be heard in every village and town of the world. It was Srila Prabhupada who established a worldwide movement-the Hare Krsna movement-to fulfill Sri Caitanya's prediction and desire.

Wherever Srila Prabhupada went, on fourteen journeys around the globe, he constantly spread the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra, and when he finally departed he was surrounded by loving disciples from around the world, loudly yet sweetly chanting these names of God he had given them. He began his movement by chanting Hare Krsna, and when he left, "Hare Krsna" were the last words he spoke. This was Srila Prabhupada's mission: Let the chanting of Lord Krsna's holy name be glorified!

No one can find the limits of the glories of these holy names, carried around the world by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.