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

Recreation and its connection to our spiritual practice play a crucial role in forming our consciousness. With this episode, Hari expounds on the idea from Srila Prabhupada that chanting, dancing, and feasting are the essence of Bhakti Yoga, providing nourishment for not just the body but also the soul. By framing everyday activities as acts of devotion to Krishna, we find that our leisure can enhance our spiritual lifestyle, creating a joyful and engaging connection with the practice of japa.

Quotes

• "If we are actually using everything in the service of God, it is so joyful."  
• "Everything becomes recreational when it's for the benefit of others and our divine relationship with Krishna."  
• "Japa is not just a practice but a lifestyle."  

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.

The importance of regulated sleep in our lives is fundamental to maintaining a healthy consciousness. Hari looks at the balance between adequate rest and spiritual practice, noting how inadequate sleep affects our mood, concentration, and relationships. He shares the experiences of devotees, including monks, emphasizing that while we need a specific amount of sleep (typically around seven hours), too much can lead to laziness and indulgence.

Quotes

• "The best thing is to get to bed at the same time every night and to wake up at the same time every day."  
• "When Krishna is put in the center, everything has its place."  
• "Sleeping is very vital, and it will help us feel vibrant and eager to connect with Krishna."

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 
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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.

Regulated eating plays a critical role in shaping our consciousness and enhancing our spiritual practice. Hari explores how our eating habits, including what and when we consume food, can alleviate material suffering and minimize distractions during chanting. He emphasizes the transformative power of offering food to Krishna, illustrating how such acts create a deeper connection to the Divine.

Quotes

• "You are what you eat; whatever comes into your system affects your consciousness."  
• "Offering our food transforms what we eat into something transcendental."  
• "Real bhakti connoisseurs can taste the difference between unoffered food and offered food."  
• "If you offer with love and devotion, Krishna will accept it, and all grace comes from that."

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 
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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 reflects on the impact of regulating our eating on our spiritual practice. By fulfilling our physical needs very mindfully, we can enhance our spiritual connection to Krishna. Hari emphasizes that great souls prioritize their spiritual practices over material desires, highlighting that true hunger lies in our quest for divine connection.

Quotes

• "What you put into your system has an effect on your consciousness."  
• "Great souls generally won't eat until they've completed their spiritual practice for the morning."  

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.

Regulation plays a crucial role in spiritual practice, particularly in connecting with the Holy Names of Krishna. Hari explores how a balanced approach to eating, sleeping, recreation, and work creates a supportive environment for chanting and receiving divine grace. Reflecting on his experiences as a monk, he highlights the need for consistent commitment in our relationship with Krishna.

Quotes

• "Regulation actually gives balance to our life and gives grounding to our emotions and thoughts."  
• "Once you get a taste of how beneficial and necessary regulation is, it’s really difficult to just live like, 'Hey, whatever happens, happens.'"  
• "When you show up in your relationships consistently, the relationship quality is elevated to such a degree..."

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.

Today’s discussion revolves around the importance of dressing with intention. Hari explores how our external attire influences our internal consciousness and connection to Krishna. He emphasizes that dressing for God’s pleasure can uplift our spiritual practice and encourage us to treat our bodies as temples. Essential items like the kanthi-mala and tilaka serve as reminders of our devotion.

Quotes

• "Our externals affect our internals."  
• "Everything is meant to remind us of Krishna."  
• "When we really make the meditation that our body is a temple, our lifestyle shifts."  
• "The soul recognizes tilaka even if somebody doesn’t know what it is." 

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.

The time of day we choose for chanting can significantly impact our practice and connection with Krishna. In this episode, Hari speaks about how the quality of our chanting can vary depending on the time of day, influenced by the Modes of Material Nature: Goodness, Passion, and Ignorance. He emphasizes the benefits of morning chanting, including during the Brahma-muhurta – a spiritually charged period when our focus and energy are heightened. By understanding these energies throughout the day (from the clarity of the morning to the fatigue of the evening), we can better align our chanting practice with our spiritual goals, ensuring we keep Krishna very present in our lives.

Quotes

• "The mantra is non-different from Krishna; it's our connection with Him."  
• "At every moment, we want to be with Krishna, and His Holy Name is the most powerful way."  
• "Chanting in the morning is ideal; it aligns us with the Mode of Goodness."  

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.

Chanting in a conducive environment can greatly enhance our spiritual practices. Hari reflects on the diverse places where one might chant, from solitary spaces to the vibrancy of community gatherings. He shares insights on the importance of finding a personal sacred space, referencing figures like Bhaktivinoda Thakura, who sought solitude in a closet to engage deeply with his japa. He explores how the presence of other devotees can uplift our practice and create a sanctified atmosphere, whether in a temple or at home. Ultimately, the most important thing is the cultivation of a Krishna-centered mindset in any space we inhabit.

Quotes

• "This is not my home; this is Krishna's home, and I'm a servant of His."
• "The more we create an altar and invest in the area, the better our chanting becomes."
• "When we call upon Krishna, He appreciates and responds over time."

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.

Breathing plays a crucial role in both physical functioning and mental clarity, which impacts how we engage in Krishna Consciousness. Hari reflects on the relationship between breath and posture, emphasizing the importance of presence. Although there are no strict rules about breathing during chanting, incorporating pranayama practices prior to japa can create a sacred space that aids in connecting with Krishna. He explores practical tips, including the significance of taking deep breaths and pacing oneself.

Quotes  

• "The breath is very important because it controls the different functions of the body; it also has a huge impact on the mind."  
• "The point is to connect with Krishna. Whatever will aid you in doing that is welcome."  
• "Breathing beforehand is wonderful; it can help you create a more sacred space."  

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.

Chanting the Holy Names involves our physical presence. In this episode, Hari examines the principle of alignment, emphasizing the importance of proper posture. He reflects on how our body affects not only our mind and heart but also our ability to connect with Krishna. Drawing on insights from the teachings of Sacinandana Swami, he shares how aligning our body in the Mode of Goodness allows us to chant with greater absorption and devotion.

Quotes

• "The mind is affected by the body, and the heart is also affected by the body." 
• "When you are preparing to meditate, you want to sit straight."    
• "Chanting in the Mode of Goodness is sitting straight, aligned, and really being ready."

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.