Morning Rounds: Opening Up the World of Bhakti Through Japa Meditation

Receptivity is exactly what transforms our consciousness from material to spiritual, especially through hearing about Krishna's devotees. Hari illustrates how Krishna prefers His devotees to receive credit and recognition over Himself. By absorbing the teachings and lives of devotees, we align ourselves with the power of bhakti. 

Quotes

• "If we want to catch the flow of devotion, then we have to put ourselves in a humble position."
• "A devotee is all-powerful; they can do anything because they have contact with the most powerful person."
• "If we want the power of bhakti, which is the most powerful force, then we need to go to [Krishna’s] devotee."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

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_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

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In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Hari dives further into the spiritual reality of how Krishna loves His devotees even more than His own self. So, by surrounding ourselves with the stories and teachings of these beloved devotees, we cultivate an ever-deepening engagement with Krishna that fuels our practice. Our yearning for connection to Krishna is always nourished through sincere and heartfelt hearing.

Quotes

• "The more we saturate our consciousness with Krishna through this transcendental sound, the more we will really be able to engage with the person who is the name."
• "Devotees are dearer to Him than His own life."
• "Let us really have that hunger and seek out as much saturation of hearing from Krishna’s devotees as possible."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Hearing about Krishna's devotees is vital for our understanding and development of divine love. He speaks about the unique relationship Krishna has with His devotees, demonstrating how their connection is so profound that Krishna considers them His very heart. Embracing the stories and lives of these great souls inspires us to cultivate our own genuine devotion to Krishna. The act of hearing about Krishna's devotees, and doing so ongoingly, nurtures our spiritual journey to enrich our chanting like nothing else.

Quotes

• "Hearing about Krishna means hearing about Krishna's devotees."
• "Krishna never wants to be alone... He's always with all of His devotees."
• "We want to learn from the great souls how they've become so devoted to Krishna."
• "If we're hearing about Krishna's devotees, Krishna runs to the person who's hearing about His devotees."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Reflecting on the life of his guru’s guru, Srila Prabhupada, Hari highlights how attentiveness and a desire to hear will drive one's spiritual journey. Ultimately, we see that our capacity to receive sound vibrations without blockage most impacts our progress on the path of self-realization.

Quotes

• "When we become humble, there's no blockage."
• "What makes one person spiritually advanced while another struggles is really about how submissive we are and how much we are receiving."
• "All we have to do is fill our lives with transcendental sound whenever we have a moment."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Hari shares how humbling oneself to transcendental sound vibrations – both the Holy Names and spiritual discussions – awakens the soul's true nature. He sheds light on the stark differences in spiritual progress among individuals, attributing this to each person's receptivity to these powerful vibrations. We look at how figures like Srila Prabhupada impart transcendental messages that, when received with humility, lead to profound spiritual insights and connections. Ultimately, it is through this open reception that hearts and minds are transformed.

Quotes

• "Submissive aural reception means that I'm humbling myself to the sound vibration."
• "The soul does not know anything of this world; it can only speak or hear transcendentally.”
• "Somebody who is in tune with that vibration makes incredible spiritual advancement."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Submissive aural reception plays a crucial role in deepening our connection with Krishna as we engage in chanting. Hari drives home the importance of clearing our consciousness to make space for the Holy Names, emphasizing that this process should focus on receptivity. He discusses how attentiveness in hearing enhances our chanting experience, highlighting the need for both quantity and quality of hearing. By adopting a humble and open approach, we create a welcoming environment for Krishna to speak to us, allowing transcendental sound vibration to penetrate our heart and transform our practice.

Quotes

• "We don’t want to fill our minds with things that are unrelated to Krishna because then it crowds our consciousness."
• "The clearing is necessary, but it is for the purpose of filling that space with something positive."
• "When we're chanting the Holy Names, we can't be chanting and not hearing and expect to have the result."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Hearing occupies a central role in deepening our relationship with Krishna and the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. Hari explores the challenges of directing our consciousness toward Krishna amidst distractions, emphasizing the need to clear our minds to make space for the sacred sound vibrations. He shares how active listening and sincere engagement with spiritual texts leads to a profound internalization of Krishna's teachings. By immersing ourselves in the culture of hearing, we create a bridge that allows our souls to truly connect with Krishna through chanting.

Quotes

• "The soul actually must run to Krishna, and it must run to Krishna especially as soon as we hear His name."
• "When we're hearing or when we're reading, it's hearing the codified spiritual sound vibration and putting it internally in us.”
• "Hearing can't be just passive; it has to be present and eager."
• "If we inundate ourselves with hearing, then chanting is natural."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Hari continues to clarify the effects of prajalpa –  our idle talk that distracts us from Krishna and lowers our consciousness. He examines the implications of what’s also called gramya katha, or village gossip, and how such discussions distance us from our relationship with Krishna. He draws a clear distinction between constructive and destructive speech, emphasizing the importance of kindness, especially towards fellow Bhakti practitioners. Through the lens of jiva aparadha – offense to any living entity, Hari reflects on the responsibility we have to protect the dignity of others and cultivate a soul-centered consciousness. We must strive to uplift our speech to create an atmosphere of love and respect that directly pours into our chanting and spiritual practice.

Quotes

• "We have to see that everybody is trying to come back to Krishna.”
• "It's intolerable to [Krishna and His dear devotees when you negatively] speak about a pure devotee; you're staining their reputation and hurting Krishna's heart."
• "[As Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu advises]: From the same mouth that drinks poison, drink nectar. Focus on what is uplifting."
• "As we chant, let's cleanse our minds of critical thoughts and honor the dearness of everyone to God."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Consciousness and speech are deeply intertwined. Hari sheds light on how preoccupations with prajalpa – all of our habitual mundane talk that actually distracts us from Krishna –  is undermining our spiritual experience. He highlights that engaging in conversations not centered on Krishna reinforces our identification with the material world. He looks at how different Modes of Material Nature affect our discourse, from charitable discussions in Goodness to gossipy exchanges in Ignorance. Ultimately, Hari implores us to surround ourselves with uplifting, Krishna-centered conversations that light up our consciousness and invigorate our japa.

Quotes

• "The more we advance in Krishna Consciousness, the more attuned we become to the effects of prajalpa (talks that are not about Krishna)."
• "When Krishna is in our heart, that’s what comes out, no matter the topic."
• "Minimize prajalpa to create more space for Krishna in your consciousness."

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.

Consciousness is everything in our japa practice, and understanding its influences is thus essential for attaining Krishna Consciousness. Hari speaks about the significance of discerning the Modes of Material Nature – Goodness, Passion, and Ignorance – in our daily experiences and inputs, in everything from food to entertainment. We look at how these influences affect our ability to chant effectively and align our consciousness with Krishna. By streamlining our lives to focus on impressions of Krishna, we nurture a clearer and more substantive connection to our spiritual practices.

Quotes

• "We want to become consciousness connoisseurs."
• "What goes in is going to come out in the form of consciousness."
• "We must ask ourselves: What is my consciousness?"
• "It's very difficult to chant when we're exposing ourselves to the different Modes of Material Nature."
• "The more we streamline our lives to take in impressions of Krishna, the less we'll be attracted to other things."
• "Let us first become conscious, then Krishna Conscious."
• "[Let us ask ourselves]: What has been my nourishment for this japa or what has fed this japa but not nourished it?"

Join the live version of this program Tuesday mornings: https://www.upbuild.com/morning-rounds

Learn the skills necessary to support others in becoming their best self in our six-month coaching training: https://www.upbuild.com/coaching-training/

Upbuild's other podcasts: 

• Upbuilding the Self: https://www.upbuild.com/podcast 
• Upbuild Enneagram Library: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram-podcast

Subscribe to the Upbuild newsletter at the bottom of our https://www.upbuild.com/

_____

Our heartfelt thanks to Jahnavi Harrison for graciously allowing us to feature her recording, "Divine Maha Mantra," in our intro and outro. Learn more about her divine music: https://www.jahnavimusic.com/. 

______

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice.