(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 22 November 2018, Surabhi-Kunda, Govardhana, India, Parikrama 2018 Lecture)
Our chanting is not based on a technique. I read a book that described that certain types of music create alpha waves, causing the brain to become very receptive. I thought, “Rubbish!” Even if it would work, it would only be a temporary fix. It would not be substantial at all because if we really want to chant, we have to become attracted to Krsna. That is how we come to the point of chanting attentively.
It is said that currently, our consciousness is invested in the sensual platform, therefore we take prasadam to satisfy these senses. For the mental platform, we have kirtana. For the intellectual platform, we have philosophy. We can intellectually make plans for Krsna. We can use our senses to do things for Krsna and in this way, they become purified and they will not harass us so much because, indriyani mano buddhir asyadhisthanam ucyate (Bhagavad-gita 3.40) – lust is situated in the senses, the mind and intelligence. It is lust that creates the problem. We chant, but influenced by lust, we cannot focus. By engaging the senses, mind and intelligence in service, lust diminishes and then our chanting will improve. Our absorption will improve in this way.