Is Krishna consciousness polytheistic? A discussion of panchopasana provides a clear answer that also helps us understand all religions. At first blush, Vaishnavism may seem polytheistic, given the various gods associated with the Vedic pantheon. But if we look slightly beneath the surface, we see there is more to this so-called polytheism than meets the eye. The concept of monotheism – that there is only one God – tends to be associated with the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), but it is found elsewhere as well. So the first point to be acknow...

There are many extraordinary benefits that come from chanting the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, but in order for us to receive those benefits we need to endeavor to chant in the right way. If we approach our chanting not simply as a form of meditation, but rather as an encounter between the soul and the Divine, we will be able to bring a mood of heartfelt prayer to our chanting which can help us tremendously.