An Analytical Study of the Nature Classifications and Spiritual Levels of Mantra Chanting in Chaitanya s Thought

Subject Areas : Indian religions

mahdie aminzadeh gohari ^{1 *}

1 -

Received: 2025-07-14 Accepted : 2025-10-27 Published : 2025-11-16

Keywords: Mantra, chaitaniya, kirtan, sankirtan,

Abstract :

In Hindu thought and tradition, from the earliest Vedic and Upanishadic texts to the present day, mantra has been regarded as one of the primary and most effective means of spiritual development, possessing divine power and direct efficacy granted by the Supreme. Among the notable figures who placed special emphasis on the significance of mantra is Chaitanya (1486–1533), the founder of the last major school of Vaishnavism and a pioneering figure in the Bhakti movement.

This study explores the nature of mantra from Chaitanya’s perspective, particularly his view that there is no distinction between the divine name and the Divine Being itself. The research further examines the levels of mantra practice, including japa (individual recitation), sankirtana (collective chanting with dance), and kirtana (musical invocation). Special attention is given to key mantras such as the Maha-mantra “Hare Krishna”—regarded as the great liberating chant, “AOM”—as the seed mantra, and the Gayatri Mantra—as the invocation of divine glory. The poetic mantra verses composed by Chaitanya are also analyzed, along with the mystical process of divine presence manifested through the recitation of these sacred utterances.

 

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