Importance and Meaning of Japa Series: 6

Japa mantra meditation, is a simple and effective technique that can be used both as a meditation practice, and in daily life. It focuses on calms the mind, while also creating a subtle vibrations a spiritual nature.

Japa is the Sanskrit name given to the repetition of a mantra. The use of mantra is a spiritual practice is not limited to the traditions of the East. Catholic and Orthodox Christianity for example both utilize the repetition of mantra.

As meditation practice, Japa is usually done with the use of a mala. A mala is a necklace of beads used for counting the mantra as it is spoken or thought. Commonly a mala has 108 beads and a larger head bead, sometimes called the Guru bead. Upon reaching this bead, the mala is turned in the hand and the count begins back again, the head bead isn’t passed.

This use of a mala, gives another dimension to the focus and attention of the mind while the mantra is being repeated. This focusing on the attention is one of the objectives of the practice. The mind likes to have something to do, the mantra meditation gives it something to do. The discipline and attention is to keep the mind focused on only that one thing.

Some people say that the word or words you use as the mantra are not important, as long as they have some positive meaning for you. The science of mantra, is one that is largely lost in a real and living way. However the power and importance of the vibration of words and their effect upon us, is becoming understood again through the work of Masuro Emoto. Basically each word has a unique vibration and that vibration has an effect. Therefore the word or words used will resonate their vibration within the user as they are spoken or thought.

The most powerful mantra is one given to us by a fully realized, or perfect Master. This can be a form of initiation with the Master, as they whisper the mantra in your ear, they imbue it with their consciousness. The mantra then is a means of connecting with the consciousness of the Master and regardless of the actual mantra can be a means of devotion.

The quality that the repetition is done with also has a significant effect. The mantra can be repeated mechanically which may focus the mind and have a certain benefit. When the mantra it is repeated with feeling the effect is greatly heightened. This effect reaches its pinnacle when the mantra is repeated the feeling of love.

Reaching this quality of love in the practice of japa its probably easiest when the mantra is of a particular deity or god. For example Om Namah Shivayah. For such mantras, the repetition becomes a communion with the beloved and invites the consciousness of the chosen aspect of the divine into the devotee. Like any form of spiritual practice there is the development of a deeply intimate and personal relationship. It is true the development of this intimacy with that any mantra will eventually reach feelings of love.

Ideally the repetition of mantra ultimately leads to silence. In practice, this may come from a period of chanting the mantra aloud, followed by repetition is a barely audible whisper, leading into silent repetition, ultimately leading into silence. If silence does not arise it is not an indication that something is being done wrong, it is not something that can be created or forced artificially. As with all spiritual practice patience, discipline and dedication lead to the subtler rewards.
With time as we begin to experience these subtler levels of mantra meditation we will find that willpower is no longer necessary to remember and repeat the mantra. Instead, the mantra rises and repeats itself and the practice is more one of paying attention to this process. When this happens the speed and feeling also become spontaneous. We will probably also naturally drop counting as the mantra repeats.

By this time a mala, as well as all the other aspects that we formulated as part of the ritual practicing Japa may seem unnecessary. They do however still have roles. Over time they have become the familiar conditions associated with entering meditation. So while it may no longer be necessary to counter is the mantra is repeated, it may be the simple act of picking up the mile that initiates connection with this deeper inner state.

We may also find that by now a part of our mind is constantly repeating the mantra, and are we are not aware of it all the time. Certain simple repetitious actions, walking for example, will connect us with this on-going repetition of the mantra in our minds. This is obviously made easier when in the past we have made these connections consciously. The action of chewing while eating is another good place to establish this connection.

Another aspect of this shift to subtler dimensions of mantra meditation is that instead of repeating the mantra we feel as if we are listening to it. It is from this place of listening that the mantra will lead us into silence.

Ray Baskerville is a healer, meditation teacher, certified hypnotherapist, yogi and proud father. He has worked as a healer, taught meditation and yoga worldwide. Ray is also the creator and editor of lifedivine.net an online magazine for yoga, meditation, spirituality and personal development.

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