This question arose in my mind as I listened in on the conference call today, while Swami was discussing focusing on the service we're doing and, alternatively, listening to tapes or CDs while doing service.
What about chanting japa with a tape of Srila Prabhupada (or, I guess, one's own guru) chanting in the background? I think this is still a common practice in many ISKCON centers (in the morning, after mangal arati and Tulasi puja), and I know some devotees who think having Prabhupada chanting creates an atmosphere conducive to better chanting. What do other devotees think about this?
Doesn’t work for me. I always had difficulty to chant in the room with many devotees in temple as well -- too many people chat asynchronously, so my mind tries to follow one, then another, then another, too much. I’m forgetting about concentrating on the Name and instead just trying to keep up. I cannot handle it. I do much better chanting alone with my own rhythm and pace. None the less, I think that it is essential to hear how pure devotees chant and I think that tapes like that are important. If not to follow along, but to just listen and meditate.
Personally I find the tapes and cds useful. While driving I always have a lecture cd in the car, and while chanting I do enjoy listening sometimes to the Prabhupada japa. I also found it beneficial for my ipod when I am on a plane. I think the beauty of it all is you can have sadhu sanga anywhere at anytime.