# 01. Conversations with God
*Krishna... where are you? We often dream of an audience with God. It can, however, seem extremely distant and way beyond our present perception. As George Harrison sang, “I really want to see you, Lord, but it takes so long.” Thankfully there is a way to perceive God’s presence here and now. How? Through sound.*
> Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
>
> Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
>
> Hare Rama Hare Rama
>
> Rama Rama Hare Hare
When we chant Krishna’s names, Krishna is fully present. Vedic scriptures state that all mantras and processes for self-realisation are compressed into the Hare Krishna mantra. In fact, the scriptures go on to explain that there is no other means of spiritual perfection in the present age. Lord Chaitanya, the 15th century incarnation of Krishna, made this sublime practice of chanting Hare Krishna available to everyone. He declared that anyone can chant, at any time, in any place, under any circumstances, and without any previous qualification.
Chanting on beads is known as japa and can be likened to the genuine call of a child for its mother. We whisper the sacred names and try to conscientiously hear the words. The human ear and mind are especially designed to receive these spiritual sound waves that flow from the spiritual world. You simply have to focus on the sound vibration. Nothing else. By making a daily commitment to the process of japa meditation, we gradually free the mind, cleanse the heart, and come into direct contact with God. The early morning hours are considered the most conducive for japa meditation since the mind can more peacefully flow towards Krishna. The environment is quiet, the body is refreshed and the mind is less distracted.
But be warned. We often have a romantic idea of meditation: *I’ll escape worldly distraction, access higher planes of peace and feel an internal spiritual buzz*. Japa doesn’t always work like that. There are good days and bad days. Sometimes we experience a sweet pleasure that comes from the simple and rhythmic repetition of the maha-mantra. Other days our chanting may feel mechanical, monotonous and uninspiring. It can become a real struggle when thousands of thoughts whizz through the mind and disturb our focus. But take heart and remember: Japa is a practice. It is a spiritual discipline. Great teachers attest that diligent and determined practice will reawaken the innate spiritual joy that comes from conversing with God.
**REFERENCE**: Please refer to the [‘Practical Guides’](https://bhaktilife.keshavaswami.com/practical-guides/chanting-japa) section for more details on chanting.
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