practical aids to japa

[Guest guest]

this is just some information that i am sharing with you all. Hope it is

helpful.

 

 

There is a Sakti or power in every word. The Name of God, chanted

correctly or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully, is sure

to give the desired result.The glory of the Name of God cannot be

established through reasoning and intellect. It can be experienced or

realized only through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the

Name. By Mantra japa, you can attain peace of mind quickly. By prolonged

and constant practice the inherent power of the Mantra (Mantra-Sakti)

will be awakened, which will fill your very existence with the Divinity

of the Mantra.

 

 

PRACTICAL AIDS TO JAPA

 

1. Select any Mantra or Name of God, preferably that given to you by

your Guru, and repeat it from 108 to 1,080 times daily (one to ten malas).

 

2. Always keep your Guru-Mantra a secret. Never disclose it to anyone.

It is better to stick to one Mantra only. Take a bath or wash your

hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for Japa in the morning. At

other times this is not absolutely necessary. Do Japa whenever you have

leisure, at the three junctions of the day - morning, noon and evening -

and before going to bed.

 

3 The early morning period (Brahmamuhurta) and dusk is the most

favourable time for Japa and meditation. This is when Sattva (purity or

steadiness) is predominant.

 

4. Face east or north during the practice. This enhances the efficacy of

the Japa.

 

5. Sit on a deer skin or rug. Spread a piece of cloth over it. This

conserves body-electricity. Sit in a separate meditation room or in any

suitable place, such as a temple, on a river bank or under a banyan or

peepul tree.

 

6. Maintain a steady pose. Attain mastery of the posture. You must be

able to sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana or Sukhasana for three hours at a

strech. Recite some prayers before starting the Japa. Reslove to

complete a certain minimum number of malas before leaving your seat.

 

7. A rosary is a whip to goad the mind towards God. Use a rudraksha or

tulsi mala of 108 beads. Do not allow the mala to hang below the navel.

Keep the hand near the heart or the nose. The mala must not be visible

to you or to others. Cover it with a towel or handkerchief, which must

be clean and washed daily. Use the middle finger and the thumb of the

right to roll the beads. The use of the index finger is prohibited.Do

not cross the meru while rolling the beads. Turn back when you come to it.

 

8. Do mental Japa for sometimes without a mala. When the mind wanders,

do the Japa aloud, or whisper the Mantra for some time and come back to

mental Japa again as soon as possible.

 

9. When you repeat the Mantra, have the feeling or mental attitude that

the Lord is seated in your heart, that purity or Sattva is flowing from

the Lord into your mind, that the Mantra is purifying your heart,

destroying desires, cravings and evil thoughts.

 

10. Do not do the Japa in a hurried manner. Do it slowly with feeling,

one-pointedness of mind and single-minded devotion. Pronounce the Mantra

distinctly and without any mistakes. Repeat it neither too slowly nor

too fast. Increase the speed only when the mind wanders. Be vigilant and

alert during Japa. Stand up when sleep tries to overpower you.

 

11. Try to associate the Japa with the rhythm of the breath and meditate

in the form of your Deity. Keep a picture or idol of the Deity in front

of you. Think of the meaning of the Mantra while repeating it.

Regularity in Japa Sadhana is most essential if success is to be

achieved. Sit in the same place and at the same time every day. Do not

beg for any worldly objects from God while doing Japa. Feel that your

heart is being purified and that the mind is becoming steady by the

power of the Mantra and the Grace of the Lord.

 

12. Observe silence and avoid distractions, calls and engagements. It is

important not to leave the place at once after the Japa is over and mix

with everyone or plunge into worldly activity. Sit very quietly for at

least ten minutes, humming some prayer, remembering the Lord and

reflecting upon His infinite love. Then, after devout prostration, leave

the place and commence your routine duties and activities. In this way

the spiritual vibrations will remain intact. Continue the current of

Japa mentally at all times, whatever be the activity in which you are

engaged. Carry on your Sadhana with tenacity and perseverance, without a

break. Realize the glorious goal of life and enjoy supreme bliss.