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

Hari Prasada Das (Upbuild)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Spirituality

In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice. Like a doctor making rounds to support healing, Morning Rounds is about tending to the soul. Through the chanting of the Holy Names, we gradually quiet the mind, soften the pull of the ego, and reconnect with our deeper spiritual nature. Drawn from our weekly japa meditation gatherings at Upbuild, these reflections offer a few minutes of inspiration to support your meditation and begin your day with greater clarity, humility, and joy. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna describes japa, the chanting of the Holy Names, as the highest form of sacrifice. This timeless practice has the power to transform our consciousness through the simple act of returning, again and again, to the sound of the Holy Names. Whether you are new to chanting or have an established practice, these reflections are an invitation to deepen your relationship with the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Through consistent practice and the support of community, we begin to experience a deepening sense of joy and connection that arises simply from hearing and chanting these sacred names.

  1. 3d ago

    27 - The Consciousness of Speech 1: All of Our Worldly Talks

    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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  2. 6d ago

    26 - Becoming Consciousness Connoisseurs

    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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  3. Sep 17

    25 - Unplugging from The World to Plug into the Soul

    To effectively connect with the Holy Names, we must recognize what we're often plugged into when we’re not chanting. Hari shares about the crucial distinction between identifying with the body and mind versus connecting with the soul. He delves into the pervasive illusion of material engagement and the necessity of unplugging from worldly distractions outside our japa time in order to chant attentively during our japa time. Throughout the discussion, we examine the power of devotional service and the importance of actually realizing that our true essence lies beyond the material realm. This sets the stage for deeper spiritual practice and the transformative potential of the Hare Krishna mantra. Quotes "We are fully plugged into the world; we think that this is our home when it's not.""The world is made of matter; we are made of spirit.""These things of this world have nothing to do with us; they are simply Krishna's separated material energy.""I cannot really chant until I drill that home: I am not this body, I am not this mind.""The more we chant in the consciousness of unplugging from the world, the more the Holy Name becomes real.""Let us unplug from this world and plug into the Holy Names." 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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  4. Sep 14

    24 - Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness 2: Clarifying Our Consciousness by Attunement to Sacred Hygiene

    Hari highlights the connection between physical purity and spiritual awareness. He reflects on the idea that consciousness is influenced by our environment, noting how clutter and disorder can hinder our ability to connect with Krishna. Hari draws a distinction between being "muci" (unclean) and "suci" (clean), urging spiritual practitioners to be mindful about personal hygiene. He states that simple acts can elevate our consciousness significantly. Quotes "If we're not conscious of the reality that is right before our eyes, how on earth will we become conscious of the reality that is beyond our material eyes?""Cleanliness is a prominent understanding in the Vedic culture; it has a profound impact on our consciousness.""We want to become consciousness connoisseurs, paying attention to our environment and its sanctity.""It's helpful to be aware of what makes us 'muci' and what makes us 'suci’." 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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  5. Sep 10

    23 - Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness 1: Habits that Freshen How We Show Up and Attract God

    Cleanliness plays a vital role in enhancing our consciousness and centering our japa practice. Hari reflects on the internal and external aspects of cleanliness, underscoring that a clean heart and mind are necessary for spiritual growth. He shares about what it means to present oneself nicely, and all the more so when engaging in our foundational devotional activities. Quotes "The externals shape our internals... What we wear and how we present ourselves has an incredible effect on our consciousness.""I won’t touch my beads unless I’ve washed my hands; anything sacred deserves that consciousness.""As we take care of ourselves in this way, we will experience God more attracted to us and us more attracted 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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  6. Sep 7

    22 - How Exercise Helps Take Us to the Mode of Goodness

    The discussion centers on how our lifestyle choices can influence our ability to chant the Hare Krishna mantra effectively. Hari explores the importance of creating a supportive environment for japa, conveying that pure chanting stems from a pure mindset, which in turn requires pure actions. He highlights the role of exercise in promoting physical and mental well-being as fundamental to enhancing our connection with Krishna. Additionally, Hari discusses the significance of posture and presence during chanting, underscoring how being energized and seated comfortably can create a better meditation experience. Quotes "Exercise can ease the mind and body; it produces the Mode of Goodness.""Asana prepares the mind and body, so we’re not irritated or prone to sickness during meditation.""Our posture affects our consciousness; sitting up straight makes us more ready and peaceful.""Let us think in the Mode of Goodness, feeling energized and waiting for Krishna.""We want to be sitting happily for Him to appear through the Holy Name." 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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  7. Sep 3

    21 - Purity in Eating, Sleeping, Fearing, and Mating

    In this episode, Hari looks at the purport from Prabhupada to SB 1.3.34: “No one can give rapt attention who is not pure in mind. No one can be pure in mind who is not pure in action. No one can be pure in action who is not pure in eating, sleeping, fearing and mating.” He explores the necessity of living holistically for meaningful chanting and examines the principles of regulated eating, sleeping, and self-defense, recognizing how they impact our devotional practices. By maintaining a sacred approach to these fundamental activities, we can gradually elevate our consciousness and foster a stronger connection with Krishna. Ultimately, we look at how to fully harmonize our lives to enrich our chanting experience. Quotes "We have the chance to go beyond eating, sleeping, fearing, and mating.""Understand what will help our souls and what will help our divine relationship." 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-podcastSubscribe 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.

  8. Aug 31

    20 - Yogic Habits (BG 6.17) 8: Work II – Making Our Work an Offering to Krishna

    Hari shares insights on how to make our work and every endeavor we engage in a form of devotional service. He makes clear that thoughtful regulation and sincere intention undoubtedly allow us to connect with our true selves and fuel our spiritual mission. Quotes "The most important regulation is making our work an offering to Krishna.""I want to fuel [the] mission [of self-realization] with the resources that I get from my work.""Imagine that all of your work is an offering to Krishna with great affection and gratitude.""Feel how everything becomes harmonized and unified; that is yoga, that is Krishna 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-podcastSubscribe 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.

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In short, Morning Rounds is: How to make the most of our most important practice. Like a doctor making rounds to support healing, Morning Rounds is about tending to the soul. Through the chanting of the Holy Names, we gradually quiet the mind, soften the pull of the ego, and reconnect with our deeper spiritual nature. Drawn from our weekly japa meditation gatherings at Upbuild, these reflections offer a few minutes of inspiration to support your meditation and begin your day with greater clarity, humility, and joy. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna describes japa, the chanting of the Holy Names, as the highest form of sacrifice. This timeless practice has the power to transform our consciousness through the simple act of returning, again and again, to the sound of the Holy Names. Whether you are new to chanting or have an established practice, these reflections are an invitation to deepen your relationship with the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Through consistent practice and the support of community, we begin to experience a deepening sense of joy and connection that arises simply from hearing and chanting these sacred names.

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