Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

hmm interesting that you point this because sometimes chanting with devotees can be more disturbing than anything.

I guess we should discriminate as with everything else

Id say depends on the level of the devotees you chant with. If they are advanced you will benefit, if they are spaced out you certainly run the risk of ending likewise.
So, as in everything else, we might choose the best association for best results in spiritual life.

Many years ago,I use to live across the street from a Temple. I worked night shift at a hospital. When I worked night shift I would try to go to the Temple to chant my rounds before I went to bed to sleep. I was always being pressured to do Temple service despite having already worked night shift. I was also interrupted by people wanting to talk instead of chanting. So I quit going and just chanted at home instead. I was then accused of "not chanting my 16 rounds everyday." Thank Goodness my neighbor upstairs heard me chanting everyday and defended me.

"God, save me from your followers"

Interesting comments blackcat99....although service to the Deities is recommended (not necessarily arati or offerings etc.) chanting is the basis of our spiritual lives and is normally done before service (to purify our consciousness)....anyone wants to add something to this?

To my recollection, Srila Prabhupada was asked about this very situation by a disciple and his Divine Grace replied (to my recollection and therefore subject to error) that hearing the chanting of others is also potent. I am not certain how to verify this. <s> Hare Krsna

In my small experiences, Ive liked chanting with devotees. It gives me inspiration to be more concentrated on my japa.. but everyone is different and maybe for others it is harder to do.
Hare Krsna!