Devotee (4): Is chanting Vaiṣṇava songs on an equal level with mahā-mantra?
Prabhupāda: Yes. Yes, that is also . . . but first of all understand what is the mahā-mantra. He kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, "O the energy of Kṛṣṇa, please accept me." This is the prayer. This is addressing, He Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, "Harā, please, now I am engaged in this material service; kindly accept me in Your service." This is meaning of Hare Kṛṣṇa. So a relationship, requesting something. So all these songs are like that, requesting relationship. Therefore they are the same. Nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe yuktaṁ vairāgyam ucyate (Brs. 1.2.255).