Shri Krishna says to Arjun in the Gita, 9.25, "Those who worship the celestial gods attain the celestial gods, those who worship their ancestors attain them, those who worship men, spirits, and so on, attain them, and those who worship me alone attain me."

The mahamantra from Kalisantarana Upanishad, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, is probably the most well-known Vedic mantra in the world, particularly for devotees of Shri Krishna and or Shri Rama. But for most, its huge potential and deep meaning remains untapped and unknown. How should this mantra be recited? Are there any rules regarding when and where it should be recited? How can we gain the maximum benefit from it?

Over two consecutive days in Bhakti Dham during the month-long sadhana programme of 1980, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji explained the science behind this mantra and its recitation. Quoting the Vedas, Gita, Upanishads, Brahma Sutra, and the writings of great rasik saints like Rupa Goswami,  Kripalu Ji unlocks the divine treasure that lies within this most ancient of recitations. In essence, Kripalu Ji explains that a reciter must consider it as a plaintative cry from a humble heart, one that intensely longs to be united with its beloved Lord above all else.

Kripalu Ji Maharaj's simple, lucid explanation makes Hare Rama Hare Krishna more accessible than ever before, not only to the budding spiritual aspirant or aspiring devotee, but to the intellectual, the critic, and even the sceptic.