Everything about Japa totally explained
Japa (
Sanskrit: जप) is a
spiritual discipline involving the meditative repetition of a
mantra or name of
God. The mantra or
name may be spoken softly, enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be spoken purely within the recitor's mind. Japa may be performed whilst sitting in a
meditation posture, while performing other activities, or as part of formal worship in group settings. The practice of repetitive prayer is present in varied forms within most religions in the world, although the
religions of India generally give more emphasis to it as a specific discipline.
Etymology
The Sanskrit word
japa is derived from the root
jap-, meaning "to utter in a low voice, repeat internally, mutter".
Varieties of Japa
In most forms of japa, the repetitions are counted using a string of beads known as a
japa mala. Within
Hindu traditions
Vaishnava devotees commonly chant on beads made from the Tulsi plant (
Holy Basil), held as a sacred manifestation of Tulsidevi; whereas
Shaivites use
Rudraksha beads. The number of beads in the Japa mala is generally
108, which has great significance in both traditions. In it not uncommon for people to wear japa beads around their neck, although some practitioners (such as
Gaudiya Vaishnavas) prefer to carry them in a bead-bag in order to keep them clean.
Independent of all beads or prayer devices, many
Hindus will recite mantras, either under their breath or in mental introspection, at any given time of the day. This sort of casual chanting is said to be a way of inspiring reflection on either the
self or
God at all times, thereby attaining a life which, though interrupted by daily chores and concerns, is a constant flow of prayer.
Some
Catholic prayer forms that involve repetition of prayers, such as use of the
Rosary or one of various
chaplets, could be classified as forms of japa, as with other
Christian prayer forms (see
Hesychasm). Also
Tibetan Buddhists include japa
meditation as a large part of their religious practices.
Aims
The aim, or goal of japa varies greatly depending on the mantra involved and the religious philosophy of the practitioner. In both
Buddhist and
Hindu traditions mantras may be given to aspirants by their
guru, after some form of
initiation. The goal could be
moksha,
nirvana,
bhakti, or simple personal communion with
God in a similar way to prayer.
Popular Japa mantras
Further Information
Get more info on 'Japa'.
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