Maha mantra, japa, and kirtan

What it is: The repetition of the Hare Krishna maha mantra, both individually in japa and collectively in kirtan, is one of the most visible signs of this tradition.

How the tradition understands it: The chanting of the divine name is seen as effective means of purification of mind, awakening of devotion, and contact with Krishna.

Textual basis and context: The practice is strongly associated with the heritage of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the modern expansion of ISKCON.

Objections and debates: There are different emphases on the daily number of repetitions, the role of music, devotional spontaneity, and the adaptation of practice in missionary environments.

Supportive

Bhagavata Purana 11.5.32

hare-krishna,bhagavata,sankirtana,kirtan

Verse associated with congregational chanting and the present era.

Reference: Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.32.
Content: The text is read in the Gaudiya tradition as support for worship through congregational chanting of divine names.
Use in debate: Frequently cited to justify sankirtana as main practice for the present era.

Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-lila 17.21

hare-krishna,chaitanya-charitamrita,kirtan,sankirtana

Importance of sankirtana in the tradition of Chaitanya.

Reference: Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-lila 17.21 and nearby context.
Content: The work presents the congregational chanting of the divine name as central practice associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Use in debate: Important source to link kirtan, mission, and Gaudiya identity.

Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-lila 7.76

hare-krishna,chaitanya-charitamrita,divine-name,japa

Exaltation of the divine name in the present era.

Reference: Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-lila 7.76 and nearby context.
Content: The text reinforces the centrality of the divine name as practice appropriate for the present era.
Use in debate: Sustains japa, kirtan, and public mission of chanting.

Kali-Santarana Upanishad

hare-krishna,upanishad,maha-mantra,divine-name

Text associated with the maha mantra in the age of Kali.

Reference: Kali-Santarana Upanishad.
Content: The text is known for presenting the repetition of divine names as means to cross the age of Kali, including the maha mantra formula in a later widespread tradition.
Use in debate: One of the most cited references for the chanting of divine names in the Hare Krishna movement.