Hare Krishna
हरे कृष्ण
hare kṛṣṇa
Meaning
The opening of the mahamantra — Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. The tradition says that in Kaliyuga the name itself is the straightest road, and this name is the most open one — no ritual, no qualification, just saying it. When the mind runs, this is the name that sits it down.
How to do the jaap
No rules — that is its signature. Special on Janmashtami and ekadashi; regular jaap on a mala of 108, or countless, in kirtan.
Paths of this naam
Frequently asked questions
What does Hare mean?
Hare is a call — taken to point to both Hari (Krishna) and Radha (Harā). It is a word of address: O Hari!