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JAPA |
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Q: How
does one perform japa? Which method is the best? |
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A: Mainly
there are three types of japa: (1) Vachik japa - One that can
be performed by speaking or reading the holy name (2) Upanshu
japa - One that can be performed by uttering the holy name in such a
way that no one but oneself is able to hear the words and (3)
Manasik japa - One that can be done internally without any
external expressions.
Each method
described above is best and gives results. Initially, when it is
difficult to focus the mind an aspirant should take help of Vachik
japa. After a period of time when external thoughts subside, an
aspirant should take recourse of Upanshu japa. After regular
practice of Upanshu japa an aspirant would find Manasik japa more
beneficial. Thus, all the three types are useful.
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Q: If
one performs japa mechanically, does it help? |
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A: Try to
perform japa with love and affection. Initially it may happen that
japa is performed mechanically, this will not cause any harm. Once you
continue doing japa on a regular basis, your mind will begin to
concentrate. Divine love and affection will follow automatically. |
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Q: Can
one meditate while performing japa? Is this beneficial? |
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A: japa can
be performed in two ways: 1) only reciting the holy name or 2)
recitation and contemplation upon some divine form or figure.
The
advantage of the second method is that one part of the mind remains
engrossed in visualizing the divine form while another part is
performing japa thereby preventing the mind from wavering and thus
allowing it to be focused with lesser efforts.
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Q: Which
objects should one contemplate upon while doing japa? |
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A: There is
no fixed rule for that. One should select the object depending upon
one’s interest and choice. If it is difficult for one to decide which
object to contemplate upon, then one should take guidance from any
realized saints or an experienced person.
One can
contemplate upon any God or Goddess, any realized saint or sage or any
external objects such as light or a lotus flower. In the case where
one does not wish to focus upon external objects, one can concentrate
upon one’s own heart center or in the middle of the two eyebrows.
In the end,
it’s important that one should not often change the subject of
contemplation . Once selected, one should adhere to it otherwise it
will take longer to benefit from japa. |
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Q: Is it mandatory to take mantra only
from a Guru? |
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A: No, It’s
not mandatory. Those who have a Guru can take a mantra from him. If
one doesn't have a Guru, he/she shouldn’t sit idle. One has to start
reciting any mantra of one's choice.
It is not
advisable to waste the invaluable time of human life in waiting for a
Guru to provide a mantra. Whatever mantra one deems fit, he/she should
immediately start reciting it with utmost love and faith. For those
who haven’t encountered a Guru in physical form can always follow
his/her own soul - an internal Guru. One should march forward without
waiting for an external Guru. |
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Q: If one recites a mantra which has not
been given by a Guru, does it help in any way? |
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A: There is no reason to
doubt the benefit of a mantra. Believe that your mantra is given by
the Guru of all Gurus – the Almighty Lord, and recite it with much
love and affection. Remember that one day you will achieve the grace
of God. |
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Q: Are there any means by which one can
easily focus one’s mind? |
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A: If you
are asking about the methods or techniques for focusing the mind, I
would suggest the following:
The first
method is to recite the holy name in tune with your breathing. Slowly
inhale while reciting the mantra once and exhale while reciting it
again. If your mantra is short then you can recite it many times
during this process and if your mantra is long, you can divide it
between your inhalation and exhalation.
The second
method is to meditate upon any form of God. When you recite the holy
name of that God while concentrating upon his form, half of your mind
will be engaged in recitation while the other half will be engaged in
visualizing the form. Thereby, your mind will be easily focused.
You can
also make a habit of constant recitation thereby causing your mind to
be constantly engaged in reciting the mantra. Thus, your mind will
concentrate easily. |
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Q: It has been said in our scriptures to
perform a fixed number of japas in order to accomplish certain goals.
Do you think such ‘anusthans’ can be helpful in spiritual
advancement? |
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A:
Anusthans can or can not be helpful. Most of the anusthans are
performed for the achievement of worldly or material things. Some
perform it for wealth, status, position, cure of diseases, long life,
favorable solution of court cases, to have a baby boy, to marry with a
loved one or to defeat enemies etc. Some even perform them for their
political motives or to gain some extraordinary powers.
Rarely does
one perform anusthan with the sole aim of spiritual advancement. So
how can such anusthans be helpful? If one has spiritual advancement in
mind then such anusthans definitely helps. There is no doubt about it.
In fact the sole motive behind such anusthans should be to achieve
control over one’s senses, to solidify the love for the Almighty and
ultimately to realize the eternal power of the God. |
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Q: On average how many japa does one
need to perform to focus one's mind and to experience peace and
tranquility? |
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A:
There is
no such universal number. It all depends upon an individual and his
qualifications. If a person is taking recourse of japa in order to
establish divine love for the Supreme Self then his/her minds will
become focused comparatively easily. On the other hand if one’s japa
are not aimed at establishing love for the Divine it will take longer
for the mind to focus.
I would
advise that instead of having interest in the number of japa one
should direct all the efforts towards the purity of mind and try to do
as much japa as possible. One should think that until the mind becomes
focused or feels peace, the number of japa performed are not adequate
and therefore one should continue this practice. With the correct
state of mind, even one japa will suffice while in absence of it even
millions of japa would be fruitless. It all depends upon one’s
sadhana. So in answer to your question it would be unfair to tell
you any definite number. |
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Q: How does one measure one's progress
while performing japa? |
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A: The
simplest measure is the ability of the mind to concentrate. One
becomes so engrossed in japa that one forgets the external
environment, his/her whereabouts, time and place etc. When such a
state is achieved without much effort, it can be said that one has
made considerable progress.
Another measure is the love for the Divine. The heart becomes
pure and is filled with boundless love for the figure upon which he is
contemplating. A divine joy is experienced. Sometimes japa ceases
automatically and mind remains engrossed in deep emotions. Such a
state is different from sleep, dreaminess or laziness. This is also an
important sign of progress. |
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