How many times should I chant the Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya mantra?

The number of times you chant "Namaḥ Bhagavate Vāsudevāya" or any other mantra depends on your intention, the time you have, and your personal spiritual goals. Here are some standard practices:

Daily Practice for Well-being and Spiritual Growth:
- Chanting the mantra 108 times (a full mala) is common for daily practice. Using a mala helps you keep count.
Specific Intentions or Desires:
- If you have a specific purpose or Sankalpa (resolve) in mind, you might chant the mantra several times daily until your intention comes to fruition. This could be 108, 216, 324 times, or more, depending on your commitment and the significance of your choice.
Intensive Spiritual Practice:
- Suppose you are on a spiritual retreat or are dedicating a specific day to intensive mantra japa (repetition). In that case, you might choose to chant the mantra for thousands of repetitions—for example, 1,008 times, 10,080 times, or even more.
Short on Time:
- If you have limited time, you might chant it a smaller number of times, such as 9, 21, or 27.
Constant Remembrance:
- Some advanced practitioners aim for ajapa japa, which means the mantra becomes a constant undercurrent in one's mind, whether consciously chanting it or not. This is a state where the mantra continues to "chant itself" in the background of your awareness.
Special Occasions or Rituals:
- In certain rituals, pujas, or yagnas, the number of repetitions might be prescribed based on scriptural or traditional guidelines.

Remember, while quantity has its significance, quality is paramount. The devotion, concentration, and depth of feeling truly matter. It's better to chant with sincere devotion a few times than to mechanically repeat it many times without feeling or focus. Find a balance that suits your life situation, available time, and spiritual aspirations.