Importance and Meaning of Japa Series: 9

Japa Meditation is one of the best techniques of meditation you can practice daily to ease negative karma and sin. The reason it is so effective is because Japa focuses your attention on the Divine, the very source of your true self.

Japa meditation is the chanting of a repetitive saying or mantra associated with God.

This form of meditation is widely used by practitioners of all religious faiths by focusing on and repeating the name of their chosen deity, or by chanting a saying or prayer to their deity.

It is also used by spiritual aspirants who have evolved to the awareness that the Spiritual Masters who taught the truth are beyond religion. Spiritual is Spiritual, not religious.

You don’t have to be Hindu to believe in Lord Krishna, nor Buddhist to believe in Lord Buddha, nor Christian to believe in Lord Jesus Christ. Their teachings of spiritual reality and truth are beyond religion.

To practice this method you must simply chant a mantra or saying repetitively with devotion and surrender.

The human mind is limited by the ego. It is widely accepted that we cannot perceive reality. Everyone perceives their own reality based on the programs and influences that one has been exposed to throughout their lives. This is the grand illusion.

Aligning yourself with the powerful energy of God, by whatever name, or by one of the human Avatars of God, you will gain control of your mind, purify your spirit, and raise your level of consciousness.

The Power of God is infinite, and it is the source of all true love, joy, and happiness. God is also the source of Salvation, Liberation, Illumination, and Enlightenment.

Chants may be said out loud or within the mind. Thoughts are things, and God sees and hears all.

Japa may also be practiced at any time by merely chanting the mantra silently during daily activities. After a while the mantra will continue on its own in the back of your mind and you will be continually in a state of peace and protection. Your soul will remain pure as God is constantly held in mind.

Source: http://www.true-enlightenment.com

Japa is my favourite method for meditate, as it takes me straight to my almighty, in a very simple and easy way. I am starting a Japa articles which was published on various good websites. I hope you may like my effort.

Last but very important, I and KathaVarta.com is very very grateful for all those websites who has published the meaning and importance of Japa meditation and I am able to recycle those great articles for this KathaVarta.com. I hope they will forgive me for the copy and Paste those articles for KathaVarta.com.

If you have any objection please do not hesitate to contact me on Katha@ymail.com, I will immediately remove the article from KathaVarta.com

May Lord Hari bless you.

HariAUM from Saurabh

Importance and Meaning of Japa Series: 8

Meditation of many kinds is used by people all around the world to ease stress and calm the mind. There are a wide variety of types of meditation, all of which include removing all outside stimuli and clearing the mind to focus on one singular image or thought. Many meditative practices are done by listening to a recording of rainfall or bird songs, or by sitting in total silence and thinking of a calming scene such as a deserted beach or a vast desert. Some techniques involve the mental repetition of a word or phrase.

Japa meditation accomplishes clarification of the mind and spirit through the use of a spoken chant called a mantra. The mantra can be any word you like, as long as it is uplifting and encouraging to you. Many people use the name of the deity they worship, such as God or Jehovah, which can be a powerful and divinely inspiring mantra. The word can be the name of an item you find enjoyable or soothing, such as the name of a flower or a river, or a word that rolls smoothly off your tongue or you can use a phrase from a favourite poem or Bible verse.

There are various practical physical aids that can be used to progress in Japa medication, and they are based on sound psychological and natural principles. The telling of rosary beads is the most familiar form of Japa meditation to Western practitioners. The telling of rosary beads is a form of Japa meditation Catholics are familiar with. A Japa mala, which is similar to a string of rosary beads, is often used while repeating a mantra. Holding the beads in your fingers helps to foster alertness and offers a focus for releasing physical energy. Passing the beads through your hands is an aid to the rhythmic, continuous recitation of the mantra.

A mala consists of 108 beads, with one additional bead that is larger than the others. This bead is called the meru, and the finger should not cross the meru while the beads are passing through the fingers. It is slightly larger so that it can signal when 108 repetitions of the mantra have been done. When the meru is reached, the beads are reversed in the hand and the mantra recitations continue as long as desired. As the mantra is chanted, the thumb and the third finger are used to roll the beads, and the index finger is never used. The mala must not be allowed to hang below the navel, and it should be wrapped in a clean cloth when it is not being used.

Before beginning the mantra, a prayer should be said to induce purity of feeling and a meditative state. With eyes closed, concentrating either on your heart or your mind, you should ask for the aid of your deity and pronounce the mantra distinctly. The repetition that follows must be neither too fast nor too slow and careful thought must be given to the meaning of the mantra. If your mind starts to wander, you can increase or decrease the speed or volume of the mantra to keep alert. You can repeat the mantra aloud for a while, then whisper or hum it, and then recite it mentally. Variety in Japa is necessary to sustain interest, avoid fatigue, and counteract the monotony that can arise from constant repetition of the same syllables. The mind needs variety or it becomes tired. However, even mechanical repetition that is devoid of feeling has a great purifying effect.

When first beginning Japa meditation, a beginner may tire of the endless repetition and give up too soon, after five or ten minutes of repeating the mantra. The syllables may start to sound meaningless—mere syllables and nothing more. But by continuing to persevere for at least thirty minutes without interruption, you will give the mantra time to work itself into your consciousness and you will begin to notice the benefits within just a few days.

Meditating on the image of your chosen deity while repeating the mantra adds tremendously to the effectiveness. A prayer upon concluding the meditation is important. When Japa meditation is completed, you should not plunge immediately into the worldly activity that normally surrounds you. Sit quietly for about ten minutes, reflecting on God and feeling His presence. As you slowly return to routine duties, the spiritual vibrations created by your meditation will continue to remain intact. The more routine your meditation becomes, the more likely that this current will be maintained at all times, no matter what you are engaged in.

Many philosophers suggest that when you are doing manual work, you should give the hands to the work but give the mind to God. Like a woman who can talk to her friends while knitting continuously, the mantra repetition involved in Japa meditation can sustain the mind during daily activities. With practice, the manual work of tracking the mala beads will become automatic. When the mantra can be repeated throughout the day, God’s consciousness will permeate your life, bringing you peace and spiritual renewal each day.

By Linda Orlando, on buzzle.com

Japa is my favourite method for meditate, as it takes me straight to my almighty, in a very simple and easy way. I am starting a Japa articles which was published on various good websites. I hope you may like my effort.

Last but very important, I and KathaVarta.com is very very grateful for all those websites who has published the meaning and importance of Japa meditation and I am able to recycle those great articles for this KathaVarta.org. I hope they will forgive me for the copy and Paste those articles for KathaVarta.com.

If you have any objection please do not hesitate to contact me on Katha@ymail.com, I will immediately remove the article from KathaVarta.com

May Lord Hari bless you.

HariAUM from Saurabh

Importance and Meaning of Japa Series: 7

Japa Meditation to Lower High Blood Pressure:

There are various kinds of Meditation techniques, Japa meditation being one of them. If you have visited ashrams and monasteries you might have heard the chanting early in the mornings or before spiritual sessions. Mantra chanting done in silence leads to what we call Japa meditation. Japa meditation is one of the most subtle and powerful of meditation techniques, and it is good to know that all meditation techniques end up being beneficial. Meditation work well than any drug or psychotherapy.

Japa is a Sanskrit word which means a meditative repetition of a chosen word.

Through meditation we can begin to contemplate or just start observing our body and mind and living in awareness, and we benefit from doing this. Bringing awareness back to our own body, to the cells of the body, to our thoughts and feelings is like a soothing balm which releases inbuilt tensions.

This act alone can lower high blood pressure.

Meditation is Food for the Soul:

We take good care of our outward appearance, eat foods which satisfy our taste buds and give lots of good comfort to our bodies. In the process we forget to take care of our soul. Just being aware of the body and mind, helps to take care of all the other levels that we are made up of: the energy level, the intellect, the emotions and the soul.

Japa:

Japa is a Sanskrit word which means the repetition of a mantra and a Japa mala is like a rosary which helps beginners in the process. Advanced practitioners can also use a Japa mala. Japa meditation when linked with breathing, can affect our health positively and also the consciousness.

The repetitive verbal or mental sounds create waves and frequencies which target specific neurotransmitters in the brain. That in turn induces a variety of changes in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual state of the practitioner.

By turning within we make ourselves one with the cosmic energy, and create a state of peace, and reach a source of inner healing. This is how Meditation can heal the body and the mind. Meditation will help expand the awareness and make us feel a sense of oneness with the larger consciousness.

Japa Meditation as mentioned earlier is simply repeating a word or mantra while meditating. It helps to keep the mind from wandering a lot. It is one of the very effective ways of meditating. The sound vibration of words like Love, Peace, Joy and Gratitude can change the vibration of our energy levels. It can change the vibration of the cells in our body. Sick, weakened and low energy cells of the body can magically get transformed. It only has to be seen to be believed.

Can Meditation lower high blood pressure?

Yes it Can !!

Can Meditation turn back the clock?

Yes it can to a certain extent !!

Can Meditation heal us of our physical ailments?

Yes it can !!

Can Meditation reduce stress?

Yes it can !!

..and we could go on with the benefits of meditation.

Anti-aging:

No need of creams and facelifts! If you look around you might notice that people who meditate look much younger than their years. This is mainly because of knowing how to handle stress. Meditation is the best anti-aging medicine we have.

When the blood pressure is high, there is more stress created in the arteries. This leads to gradual damage and decline of the body cells. This damage can be reversed through the daily practice of Meditation.

Studies have shown that those who meditate for 5 years or more have reduced their biological age by up to 10 years !!

Meditation Tips for Beginners:

• Sit with the spine erect.
• Eyes closed.
• Relax the body.
• Relax the arms and shoulders.
• Let the hands rest on the knees with palms facing upwards.
• Let your face muscles relax.
• Relax the eyes.
• Be aware of the whole body.
• Breathe gently becoming aware of every inhalation and exhalation.
• Allow the breathing to slow down.
• Watch yourself breathing.

Every few minutes repeat any One of the following (at one sitting repeating only one of the words):

• Aum
• Peace
• Love
• Joy
• I am grateful

Observe the effect the repetition of these positive words can have on your whole being.

Continue for a few minutes.

It does require some amount of discipline in order to meditate, and the returns are HUGE.

Tip:

Japa meditation is a good way to begin your meditation practice. The repetition of a soothing word or mantra makes it easier and thus it is a good way to start, for beginners.

The Alpha State:

During Meditation, the brainwaves move towards an alpha state which trigger chemicals called endorphins and produce the ‘feel good’ effect. These endorphins boost the immune system and promote enduring good health.

You will be seeing more meditation tips and techniques, keep visiting KathaVarta.com 

Source: http://www.healthy-blood-pressure-tips.com

Japa is my favourite method for meditate, as it takes me straight to my almighty, in a very simple and easy way. I am starting a Japa articles which was published on various good websites. I hope you may like my effort.

Last but very important, I and KathaVarta.com is very very grateful for all those websites who has published the meaning and importance of Japa meditation and I am able to recycle those great articles for this KathaVarta.org. I hope they will forgive me for the copy and Paste those articles for KathaVarta.com.

If you have any objection please do not hesitate to contact me on Katha@ymail.com, I will immediately remove the article from KathaVarta.com

May Lord Hari bless you.

HariAUM from Saurabh

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.

Please visit for more free quality articles like this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Baskerville

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2266211

Japa is my favourite method for meditate, as it takes me straight to my almighty, in a very simple and easy way. I am starting a Japa articles which was published on various good websites. I hope you may like my effort.

Last but very important, I and KathaVarta.com is very very grateful for all those websites who has published the meaning and importance of Japa meditation and I am able to recycle those great articles for this KathaVarta.org. I hope they will forgive me for the copy and Paste those articles for KathaVarta.com.

If you have any objection please do not hesitate to contact me on Katha@ymail.com, I will immediately remove the article from KathaVarta.com

May Lord Hari bless you.

HariAUM from Saurabh

Kindly visit my another website www.Mandirs.com for Hindu Deities, Mandirs (Temples) and Festival information.

Importance and Meaning of Japa Series: 5

The Hare Krishna devotees follow a method of meditation called japa meditation where the practitioner chants the below Hare Krishna maha-mantra on beads.:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

The japa mala consists of 108 beads strung together, with one larger bead, known as Krishna bead, in the centre. The beads are either carved from Neem or Tulasi wood. Anyone can engage in this meditation using Neem beeds but Tulasi beads are reserved for those who are also following the other processes of bhakti. The beads should be kept very respectfully that is why the Hare Krishna devotees keep their beads in specially made bead bags.

The best time for japa meditation is early morning before the sun rises. This time, brahma-muhurta is tranquil and conducive for spiritual practices. Preferably one should sit upright to chant, but he may also walk. Chanting near a Tulasi plant increases the spiritual potency of the meditation. One may also chant with a recording of Srila Prabhupada chanting japa, playing softly alongside. You may listen to and download a file of Srila Prabhupada chanting one round of japa here.

Lord Krishna demands full surrender from His devotee but Lord Chaitanya is so merciful that he does not see anyone’s faults or limitations. Before chanting each round of japa take shelter of Lord Chaitanya by chanting the pancha-tattva mantra and pray that that the Lord forgives any offences committed while chanting.

The panca-tattva-mantra: jaya sri krishna chaitanya, prabhu nityananda, sri advaita, gadadhara, shrivasadi gaura bhakta vrinda

Start chanting on the first bead after the Krishna bead. Holding the bead between the middle finger and thumb of your right hand, chant each mantra on each bead. Chant softly but audibly and distinctly. The essence of japa meditation is concentration on the sound vibration. When you have chanted 108 mantras you will reach the Krishna bead. You have chanted one round! Do not cross the Krishna bead but after chanting the pancha-tattva-mantra, reverse the beads and chant in the opposite direction to which you started.

In the beginning it may take 10 minutes or more to complete one round but as you gain practice the speed will increase. But don’t forget to pay attention to correct pronunciation and concentration.

You may chant as many rounds as you feel like. Initiated devotees chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily. But what is important is that your chant the same number of rounds every day, and try to increase that number.

The mood of the practitioner is very important. One should chant in a prayerful mood, and with all humility beg the holy names to cleanse one’s heart so that one’s spiritual realizations can increase and the full potency of japa meditation can be experienced.

Source: http://www.iskconmauritius.com

Japa is my favourite method for meditate, as it takes me straight to my almighty, in a very simple and easy way. I am starting a Japa articles which was published on various good websites. I hope you may like my effort.

Last but very important, I and KathaVarta.com is very very grateful for all those websites who has published the meaning and importance of Japa meditation and I am able to recycle those great articles for this KathaVarta.org. I hope they will forgive me for the copy and Paste those articles for KathaVarta.com.

If you have any objection please do not hesitate to contact me on Katha@ymail.com, I will immediately remove the article from KathaVarta.com

May God bless you.

HariAUM from Saurabh

Kindly visit my another website www.Mandirs.com for Hindu Deities, Mandirs (Temples) and Festival information.

Importance and Meaning of Japa Series: 4

Reciting mantras or prayers is today’s topic. Now I don’t care about your religion or sect or whatever prayer or mantra you use, but if you want quick and sure spiritual progress from reciting prayers or mantras (“japa meditation” in India) as your form of meditation or spiritual practice, then here’s the principles to follow.

Follow them and you make progress. Don’t follow them and you only gain a bit of merit, and that’s about all.

First, you can recite mantras or prayers out loud in a rhythmical fashion, and that will tend to get your chi (vital energy) moving in a balanced fashion in your body. The same thing happens for Christian monks who sing Latins everyday at 4:00 in the morning; when they stop doing it, they no longer set up that rhythmical chi flow and tend to get depressed. In a sense, they are cultivating the chi of their body through their singing, but because they don’t know the higher principles of practice, never turn the singing into the spiritual progress achieved by meditation.

All because they don’t know the principles of practice…they only know they should sing.

The best way to recite mantras (japa practice) is internally. You recite a mantra within your mind and listen to it within. In fact, here’s the key: you recite the mantra or prayer CONSTANTLY and listen to it with one-pointed concentration (not trying to figure out the meaning, but listening to the sound), until all your thoughts die down and your mind quiets.

When THAT happens, you have succeeded.

Remember to listen to the mantra with MINDFULNESS, but not trying to fathom the meaning.

You can use any type of virtuous and time-tested mantra to do this…the website has several. Don’t use sounds like “Coca cola, coca cola” because they will plant the seeds of subtle psychological problems. Don’t make up your own sound either if time-tested ones are available. That would be stupid now, wouldn’t it?

“Ohm mani bei me hon,” “Namo Amitofo,” and so on will do just fine. They’re tested, they work. So will the Jesus prayer, “Hallelujah” or the Islamic prayer to Allah: “Laa ilaaha illallaah.” Most of these mantras, by the way, are based on the “Ah” sound, aren’t they? “Jehovah” is, too. Notice the Islamic mantra “Laa ilaaha illallaah,” and you’ll quickly realize why reciting it over and over again, according to the proper principles of cultivation practice, has led many dervishes and Sufis to samadhi attainments.

Now as I stated, it doesn’t matter what you use as long as it’s virtuous, it’s tested, your intent is virtuous and you follow the principles to calm your mind. On the other hand, if you just recite a prayer or mantra without listening within and don’t calm your mind, then all you can hope to have done is attain a little bit of merit from the practice and that’s about all. You don’t succeed in meditation that way. You put in all this time and you get nothing out of it when if you follow the correct principles of practice, you put in the same amount of time and get the REAL result.

Choose the outcome you want, okay?

If you want REAL spiritual progress, you must recite a holy sound (discovered by spiritual masters in the past) until you reach inner mental calming, and at that point, you try to forget yourself, the sound and everything and enter into samadhi. That’s what cultivation is all about, whether you use this meditation practice, that one, or yet another.

That’s mantra practice in a nutshell.

Remember, if you choose to recite a prayer or mantra, do it continuously all day long until it becomes a type of internal habit. Don’t do this with untested sounds or prayers, but with the ones that various traditions have found work.

Source: meditationexpert.com

Japa is my favourite method for meditate, as it takes me straight to my almighty, in a very simple and easy way. I am starting a Japa articles which was published on various good websites. I hope you may like my effort.

Last but very important, I and KathaVarta.com is very very grateful for all those websites who has published the meaning and importance of Japa meditation and I am able to recycle those great articles for this KathaVarta.org. I hope they will forgive me for the copy and Paste those articles for KathaVarta.com.

If you have any objection please do not hesitate to contact me on Katha@ymail.com, I will immediately remove the article from KathaVarta.com

May God bless you.

HariAUM from Saurabh

Kindly visit my another website www.Mandirs.com for Hindu Deities, Mandirs (Temples) and Festival information.