Now that I know what BoG was asking, I can share my humble (not my own creation in any way though) ideas:-
Reciting names of God is called Japa in Hindu Dharma.
It's not exactly vedic chanting, as it is one pointed focus on a particular sound name. For a beginner, Ram Swarup's "word as revelation" can be a good source of understanding the mystery of reciting the lord's various names.
Japa is per haves like a universal practice as all sects and philosophies employ it. Destroy Karma - may be it does, but my understanding is word vibrations have direct effect on our mental-body and destroys avidya in it, increases merit and thus help in increase of awareness and knowledge. And to me knowledge is self development which leads to mukti. Thinking this way not all mantras are of similar power. Because not all vibrations are similar. Bija mantras which are sharp and crisp combination of a 2 o 3 matrika varnas cut through mental ignorance and clears up the mind fast. Mantras like Hrim (durga) or Krim (Kali) are sharp and piercing if you recite them (one can chant it inside and see). Vedic mantras are more peace-giving. It is said various mantras are to be practiced at various stages. Also in this science of japa, recitation aloud is not regarded as proper. After some stage one must move to manas japa where even there no movement in tongue, but the sound is repeated in mind.
But not all people will like to think it this way. Those who are rather strict bhaktas may argue that chanting lord’s name will destroy karma. Vaishnavas I think believe that calling lords name is actually calling the lord who will then personally help us out. They per haves believe in nama japa more than bija japa. The ancient phrase to of "Hari Om" was replaced by "Hari Bol" on such grounds.
It is unto the practitioner what (s)he wants to follow.
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