Japam
JAPAM
Japa, is the constant repetition of a sacred word, syllable, name,
phrase, prayer, or mantra to bring the mind into a state of heightened
concentration, stability, and devotion. It is a popular, ancient
practice which is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures as the best
sacrifice, and which is believed to be purifying and transformative.
The repetition of God’s name is a common practice among many religions. Japam is considered a shortened and heightened form of personal prayer or sacrifice.
Words have the power to change your thinking and state of mind. They can distract your mind from problems and worries and offer you a temporary relief from stress and anxiety. If you constantly remember or repeat a word or a phrase, it can greatly influence your thinking and change your behavior and attitude. Modern psychology recognizes the importance of positive affirmations. Japa is an ancient practice, which is based upon a similar principle. Both acknowledge the importance of faith in their application.
Japa brings to the fore the significance of God as a name and word. In ritual worship we use images and symbols. In Japa we rely upon words and names and the vibrations they generate to establish a personal connection with ourselves, or with the deities we worship.
God has many gross and subtle forms. He is hidden not only in objects and elements but also in words and thoughts. The Vedas are significant because they are believed to embody the power of Brahman in sounds. When you utter those sounds, the power of Brahman manifests and makes the worship effective and fulfilling.
The same is true with Japa. When you constantly utter the name of God, you bring to life the power that is hidden in the name and manifest it in your life, mind and body or in the desired direction. It is believed that each mantra or sacred name contains a hidden deity, who is awakened when it is uttered several times with devotion, loyalty, and concentration. “Ja” means that which is inside, born from or caused by, and pa mean protector. Literally speaking japa means that which protects the life breath, mind and body, actions, and the embodied Self.
Ancient Hindus combined the power of mantras and of Japa to fulfill their desires or to overcome their impurities in their quest for liberation.
According to Hindu scriptures, Japa is higher than ritual worship, but lower than meditation and concentrated meditation. If you are not inclined to practice the ritual worship of your personal deities, or if you cannot easily concentrate or meditate, the practice of japa is best suited to you. Compared to the other methods, japa is easier to practice, less cumbersome, and less ceremonial. It is very convenient to practice, irrespective of your lifestyle. When you practice the mental japa, people may not even notice that you are practicing it.
HOW TO:
Various schools of Hinduism prescribe rules pertaining to Japa mainly with regard to the following. 1. Surroundings, 2. Posture, 3. Place, 4. Time, 5. Pronunciation, 6. Number of repetitions and how to keep the count of it, 7. Seat, 8. Pace, 9. State of mind, 10. Reflection on the meaning, 11. Faith, loyalty and devotion to the name and instruction, 12. Concentration, 13. Geographical direction, 14. Intention, and 15. Conduct and purity.
It is however not necessary that you have to observe all rules unless you are a Tantric worshipper. You can follow your methods and decide how you may practice japa as long as you keep it simple and avoid sinful behavior, irreverence, and disrespect to the teacher or the deity.
According to Manu Smirti II.85
85. Fruits of three kinds of Japa-The act of repeating Gayatri loudly (Vaikhari Japa), is 10 times better than the appointed sacrifice; a 100 times better when it is heard by no man (Upamasu Japa), done in a whispering tone; and a 1, 000 times better when it is purely mental (Manasic Japa).
Vachka japa. In this method the worshipper loudly repeats the chosen word.
Upamsu japa. In this method the worshipper moves his lips and tongue only while doing japa, but does not utter any loud sounds. At the most they are inaudible or semi-audible.
Manasa japa. This is a purely mental japa in which neither sounds are uttered nor are the lip and tongue moved. Because it is a purely mental practice, it is considered to be superior to the previous two, suitable to those who are good at concentration and do not fall asleep while practicing it.
Likhitha japa: In this method the worshipper writes down the name of the deity either continuously or for a certain number of times, each day, until the fixed number is reached. This practice is common in many parts of rural India, especially in the South. For example, devotees write the name of Lord Rama at least 10 million times (Ramakoti) in notebooks or papers and leave them in a temple as an offering to him.
Akhanda japa: As the name suggests, this japa has to be performed continuously without a break for a specific number of hours, days or times. Usually it is practiced loudly and rhythmically in a congregation by a group of people who assemble for the specific purpose. In India many gods and goddesses are worshipped in this manner on auspicious occasions.
Ajapa japa: This method is used to practice silent and continuous repetition of a sacred name with each breath. It is a kind of pranayama japa, in which the power of the word is joined with the power of breath for effective spiritual transformation of the mind and body.
Chakra Japa: In this method the worshipper concentrates on the six chakras in succession while repeating the name. He starts with the lowest chakra and with each repetition moves upward until he reaches the sixth. Then he starts again with the first.
Purascharana: This is a ritualistic japa, which is already mentioned before. The worshipper practices japa as part of a vow or ritual and strictly follows all the rules and restraints prescribed for it until he completes it. During its practice, he adheres to strict code of conduct, and practices virtue and charity as recommended. In some cases, the practice may continue for months and years.
However, words can be a great source of distraction and delusion. Words can hurt and harm people. Words can destabilize the minds and disrupt the order and regularity of the worlds. The Vedas declare that speech is divine and the medium of speech is space, which is Brahman. Through speech, human can communicate with gods and establish rapport. Through speech, they can accomplish supernatural tasks and transcend their limitations. However, as the Upanishads affirm, speech can be pierced by evil and corrupted, which in turn lead to evil actions and consequences.
Hinduism prescribes various ways in which speech can be divinized and how the power of words can be harnessed for individual as well as common good. The practice of Japa is one proven technique to cleanse all the organs in the body, the senses, the speech, the breath, the mind, the ego, and the intellect. The beauty of japa is that it is very easy to practice, and it is a great purifier. You can also use it to reinforce positive thinking and improve your behavior, actions, and attitude. With discretion, you can use it for both worldly and spiritual purposes and achieve the four chief aims of human life.
Source:
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/japa.asp
Japa, is the constant repetition of a sacred word, syllable, name,
phrase, prayer, or mantra to bring the mind into a state of heightened
concentration, stability, and devotion. It is a popular, ancient
practice which is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures as the best
sacrifice, and which is believed to be purifying and transformative.The repetition of God’s name is a common practice among many religions. Japam is considered a shortened and heightened form of personal prayer or sacrifice.
Words have the power to change your thinking and state of mind. They can distract your mind from problems and worries and offer you a temporary relief from stress and anxiety. If you constantly remember or repeat a word or a phrase, it can greatly influence your thinking and change your behavior and attitude. Modern psychology recognizes the importance of positive affirmations. Japa is an ancient practice, which is based upon a similar principle. Both acknowledge the importance of faith in their application.
Japa brings to the fore the significance of God as a name and word. In ritual worship we use images and symbols. In Japa we rely upon words and names and the vibrations they generate to establish a personal connection with ourselves, or with the deities we worship.
God has many gross and subtle forms. He is hidden not only in objects and elements but also in words and thoughts. The Vedas are significant because they are believed to embody the power of Brahman in sounds. When you utter those sounds, the power of Brahman manifests and makes the worship effective and fulfilling.
The same is true with Japa. When you constantly utter the name of God, you bring to life the power that is hidden in the name and manifest it in your life, mind and body or in the desired direction. It is believed that each mantra or sacred name contains a hidden deity, who is awakened when it is uttered several times with devotion, loyalty, and concentration. “Ja” means that which is inside, born from or caused by, and pa mean protector. Literally speaking japa means that which protects the life breath, mind and body, actions, and the embodied Self.
Ancient Hindus combined the power of mantras and of Japa to fulfill their desires or to overcome their impurities in their quest for liberation.
According to Hindu scriptures, Japa is higher than ritual worship, but lower than meditation and concentrated meditation. If you are not inclined to practice the ritual worship of your personal deities, or if you cannot easily concentrate or meditate, the practice of japa is best suited to you. Compared to the other methods, japa is easier to practice, less cumbersome, and less ceremonial. It is very convenient to practice, irrespective of your lifestyle. When you practice the mental japa, people may not even notice that you are practicing it.
HOW TO:
Various schools of Hinduism prescribe rules pertaining to Japa mainly with regard to the following. 1. Surroundings, 2. Posture, 3. Place, 4. Time, 5. Pronunciation, 6. Number of repetitions and how to keep the count of it, 7. Seat, 8. Pace, 9. State of mind, 10. Reflection on the meaning, 11. Faith, loyalty and devotion to the name and instruction, 12. Concentration, 13. Geographical direction, 14. Intention, and 15. Conduct and purity.
It is however not necessary that you have to observe all rules unless you are a Tantric worshipper. You can follow your methods and decide how you may practice japa as long as you keep it simple and avoid sinful behavior, irreverence, and disrespect to the teacher or the deity.
According to Manu Smirti II.85
85. Fruits of three kinds of Japa-The act of repeating Gayatri loudly (Vaikhari Japa), is 10 times better than the appointed sacrifice; a 100 times better when it is heard by no man (Upamasu Japa), done in a whispering tone; and a 1, 000 times better when it is purely mental (Manasic Japa).
Types of Japa
Based upon how it is practiced and for what ends, the practice of japa can be classified into Sattvic, Rajasic, and tamasic. The purpose of Sattvic japa is to experience peace, happiness and divine grace, that of Rajasic japa is to fulfill one’s desires and achieve worldly ends such as name, fame, and power, and that of tamasic japa is to practice sorcery and magic to hurt and harm others or delude them. In his book, Meditation and Its Practices, Swami Adiswarananda identified the following types of Japa 1.Vachka japa. In this method the worshipper loudly repeats the chosen word.
Upamsu japa. In this method the worshipper moves his lips and tongue only while doing japa, but does not utter any loud sounds. At the most they are inaudible or semi-audible.
Manasa japa. This is a purely mental japa in which neither sounds are uttered nor are the lip and tongue moved. Because it is a purely mental practice, it is considered to be superior to the previous two, suitable to those who are good at concentration and do not fall asleep while practicing it.
Likhitha japa: In this method the worshipper writes down the name of the deity either continuously or for a certain number of times, each day, until the fixed number is reached. This practice is common in many parts of rural India, especially in the South. For example, devotees write the name of Lord Rama at least 10 million times (Ramakoti) in notebooks or papers and leave them in a temple as an offering to him.
Akhanda japa: As the name suggests, this japa has to be performed continuously without a break for a specific number of hours, days or times. Usually it is practiced loudly and rhythmically in a congregation by a group of people who assemble for the specific purpose. In India many gods and goddesses are worshipped in this manner on auspicious occasions.
Ajapa japa: This method is used to practice silent and continuous repetition of a sacred name with each breath. It is a kind of pranayama japa, in which the power of the word is joined with the power of breath for effective spiritual transformation of the mind and body.
Chakra Japa: In this method the worshipper concentrates on the six chakras in succession while repeating the name. He starts with the lowest chakra and with each repetition moves upward until he reaches the sixth. Then he starts again with the first.
Purascharana: This is a ritualistic japa, which is already mentioned before. The worshipper practices japa as part of a vow or ritual and strictly follows all the rules and restraints prescribed for it until he completes it. During its practice, he adheres to strict code of conduct, and practices virtue and charity as recommended. In some cases, the practice may continue for months and years.
Japa as a manifestation of thought and sound
Sound has a great significance in Hinduism. The Vedas are essentially books of sounds. Sounds are primordial. Even animals and birds recognize sounds or respond to them. They are the source of all words, syllables and languages. Creation theories indicate that God is the source of all sounds. The highest of them is the sound of life (Pranava nada), which is symbolized as Aum, the sound of breath. Existence began with the emergence of sounds. They play a vital role in the preservation of life upon earth. Eventually, all sounds resolve into eternal silence. Thus, sound has all the highest aspects of Manifested (Saguna) Brahman. One can also use sounds to manifests thoughts as well as to achieve liberation and return to the source.However, words can be a great source of distraction and delusion. Words can hurt and harm people. Words can destabilize the minds and disrupt the order and regularity of the worlds. The Vedas declare that speech is divine and the medium of speech is space, which is Brahman. Through speech, human can communicate with gods and establish rapport. Through speech, they can accomplish supernatural tasks and transcend their limitations. However, as the Upanishads affirm, speech can be pierced by evil and corrupted, which in turn lead to evil actions and consequences.
Hinduism prescribes various ways in which speech can be divinized and how the power of words can be harnessed for individual as well as common good. The practice of Japa is one proven technique to cleanse all the organs in the body, the senses, the speech, the breath, the mind, the ego, and the intellect. The beauty of japa is that it is very easy to practice, and it is a great purifier. You can also use it to reinforce positive thinking and improve your behavior, actions, and attitude. With discretion, you can use it for both worldly and spiritual purposes and achieve the four chief aims of human life.
Source:
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/japa.asp
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