Benefits of chanting are gradual and subtle, but they change your life for the better, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI

Chanting is a great way to connect with God. Having seen the advantages of chanting, often a question comes to my mind as to why don’t more people chant. A few reasons stand out. The first and foremost reason is ‘ahankar’ (ego). This is what stops most people. If it is a mantra, one appears weak or even defeated. The faulty general impression is that only such persons turn to God. If it is a name like “Rama”, then, there is an additional hesitation. What would repeating someone’s name, even if it is God’s will help. Such persons are not cognizant of the cosmic design. As we are small and quite helpless really, an easy way out has been offered.

You chant God’s names and He will notice you. You now qualify for his guidance, help, etc. Unfortunately, as simple as this process is, it still does not attract egoists, and they lose out.

Then, there are misconceptions about the efficacy of chanting, though it has been done from time immemorial. Yes, benefits are gradual and subtle, but they surely come as they did in my case. I wonder why people don’t understand that if fifteen to twenty years can be spent just to be able to earn a living, then, getting God’s help, which is crucial for a quality life, should not be expected in a jiffy. Most of us are copycats. If others are not doing it, we won’t either. The excuse is: if it was so beneficial why aren’t the majority doing it? The reason is the ‘tapasya’ involved in it. This modern man has no patience, not for such spiritual practices.

What has this pandemic taught us? That there is no help other than from God. Then, why not give chanting a try? Aren’t we being forced to stop socialising, etc.? Then, we should have plenty of time and opportunity to do so. I am sure many, who had some exposure to God in their previous lives, have already got started. Similarly, those whose ‘sanskars’ are excellent will be trying it out also. In case of chanting, quantum is as important as is the quality.

Every mantra or name adds up. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna has assured us thus, “Neither there is waste of effort here nor there is opposite effect. Even a little of this karma-yoga protects one from great fear. (2.40) We can all agree that we are facing a great fear. Fortunately, such chanting can even be done in the mind, i.e. not audible.

I have chanted ever since I started. It has been more than three decades of regular chanting. And I have had unimaginable experiences and countless benefits, about some of which I have written in my articles. Desperate times require desperate measures, if this can be called as such. What I am proposing is a very sensible effort, a spiritual effort. This is one such time, which comes once is a century. Help is available. Let us not lose out by default.

Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com