There is no shortage of devotional hymns arousing ecstatic devotion and overflowing joy sung to the Most High in every religious tradition . But perhaps my personal favorite is one that comes from no single formal religious tradition at all, but instead might be considered a cross-traditional hymn. That makes it even better – a hymn for the perennial way, demonstrating beautifully that devotion to God playfully and joyously transcends the borders between religions. From a 1960s pop star, no less:

The Hare Krishna mantra is ancient in its origins, and has been upheld by great sages and Vedic scriptures for thousands of years. From the 1960’s, the mantra gained recognition outside of India through A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s movement: the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (commonly known as the “Hare Krishnas”). As a result, the Hare Krishna mantra has since been referenced in popular culture and song, including George Harrison’s solo single, “My Sweet Lord.”

The full text of the mantra is:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण

Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे

Hare Rama, Hare Rama,

हरे राम हरे राम

Rama Rama, Hare Hare

राम राम हरे हरे

Repetition of these sacred words is said to generate a transcendental vibration, surpassing the stages of physical senses, mind and intelligence to connect the practitioner with Krishna consciousness. This is a subtle state of awareness, in which complete connection and harmony with the Divine frees the self from the illusion of separateness. As such, it is an effective means of shedding ego and experiencing bliss….

The Hare Krishna mantra can also be chanted as a group, such as kirtan. Kirtan tends to use musical instruments or a harmonium in order to incorporate melody with the mantra.

Source: Yogapedia, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/9248/hare-krishna-mantra