By Sri Arjuna das Brahmachari
During the 16th annual New Year’s Japathon, 2014, devotees and congregation members in Boise, Idaho chanted over 2.5 million names of Krishna. More than 75 members together chanted over 1,400 rounds of Hare Krishna maha-mantra over a period of 8 hours.
When the first Japathon was held on January 1st 1998, the goal was to chant one name of Krishna for every resident of Boise; the population of Boise then was 100,000 people. As the Temple community grew, we started to chant one name of Krishna for every resident of Idaho, which meant chanting at least 1.5 million names, and since then every year has been a tremendous event, with newcomers and congregation members joining together before Sri Sri Radha Bankebihari to chant together. Every year devotees sit before the Deities or circumambulate the altar and chant from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Little Vaisnavas aged two through twelve chanted on their beads, with some children chanting over 32 rounds by then end of the day. The beautiful scene reminded everyone of the Temple’s focus on raising children in Krishna Consciousness. Many young adults aged 13-18 also participated, some chanting 64 rounds. Among the adults, Bhakta Richard Cobey chanted 108 rounds. He chanted non-stop from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
This year we had the great fortune of having the association of H. G. Krsna Ksetra Prabhu. In his talk, he emphasized that we should continue to chant enthusiastically every day of the year and not just on New Year’s day. He was also impressed by the number of children who participated, and encouraged them to continue chanting.
At the end, Radhika Ramana Prabhu spoke about the history of Japathon, how it spread from Boise to many temples around the world. He then asked everyone, “What is necessary for a marathon?” Many answers were suggested, such as ‘participation’ and ‘endurance.’ Radhika Ramana Prabhu focused on endurance, and on doing our very best. He pointed out that although “for some that may mean 5 steps, and for others it may mean 5 miles,” it’s our best effort that counts, and with over 1,400 rounds chanted this Japathon was a success for the whole Temple. This valuable point reminded everyone that unlike material marathons, in which some “win” and some come last, Japathon is a spiritual achievement and everyone helps one another reach the goal. The Japathon concluded with a wonderful feast cooked by Aditya and Bipasha Ghosh. They have been sponsoring and cooking the Japathon feast since the past 14 years!!
In reflection, this year’s celebration gave all of us deep appreciation for Srila Prabhupada for giving us the Holy Names. As one participant shared, “After chanting for six hours with so many other devotees, we really start to realize what Srila Prabhupada has given us by starting this Krsna Consciousness Movement!”
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All Glories to Lord Gauranga!
Please click the following link for pictures and footage of this years Japathon chanting: https://plus.google.com/photos/113337909418283228840/albums/5968562161032250961