[Text 74249 from SOCHI]

PAMHO AGTSP

Some camps claim there is no evidence that Lord Caitanya introduced kirtan
with Hare Krsna Mahamantra (they say it's only for japa or whatever). Of
course, there are many very sound arguments against this claim, but I would
like to share just one quote I came across today. This is the translation of
Kusakratha Prabhu (Sarvabhavana Prabhu's translation basicly matches it,
too).

Caitanya-bhagavata, Madhya-khanda, ch.23

75. The Lord personally taught them, “Please happily
hear from Me the mahä-mantra of Lord Kåñëa's names. It is:

76. “Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa
Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare
Hare Räma Hare Räma
Räma Räma Hare Hare”

77. The Lord said, “Regularly chant japa of this
mahä-mantra.
78. In this way you will attain all perfections. Chant at
any time and in any circumstance. There are no other rules for
chanting.
79. Gather together, five or ten, in your own homes, clap
hands and sing kértana of these holy names.
80. “You may also sing these words:

haraye namaù kåñëa yädaväya namaù
gopäla govinda räma çré-madhusüdana

81. Gathering at home with parents, wife, and children,
please sing kértana in this way.”


Pretty straightforward.

Your servant apd