Hare Krishna facts for kids
The religious movement can be found at International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
The Hare Krishna mantra is a special chant. It is also known as the Maha Mantra, which means "Great Mantra." This mantra became well-known around the world, even outside of Hinduism, thanks to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Contents
What is the Hare Krishna Mantra?
The Hare Krishna mantra is a series of words repeated in a specific order. It is found in many Hindu traditions, especially in India. People who believe in this mantra think that hearing it, speaking it, using it for meditation, or singing it can help them reach a higher state of consciousness. This means a deeper understanding or awareness.
What Does the Mantra Mean?
In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which is a part of Hinduism, this higher consciousness is seen as pure love for God. They often refer to God as Krishna. The words in the mantra are:
- Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
- Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
- Hare Rama, Hare Rama
- Rama Rama, Hare Hare
"Hare" refers to the energy of God. "Krishna" and "Rama" are names for God. So, the mantra is like a prayer asking for God's energy and love.
How is the Mantra Used?
People use the Hare Krishna mantra in different ways. Some people chant it quietly to themselves during meditation. Others sing it together in groups, often with musical instruments. This group singing is called kirtan. Many believe that regularly repeating the mantra helps them feel closer to God and find inner peace.
Where Did the Mantra Come From?
The Hare Krishna mantra is found in ancient Hindu texts called the Upanishads. These texts are very old and are considered important scriptures in Hinduism. Some experts believe that the ideas in the Upanishads, including this mantra, have roots in the even older Vedic period of India.
