Japa may be performed while sitting in ameditation posture, while performing other activities,[7] or as part of formal worship in group settings. The mantra or name may be spoken softly, loud enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be recited silently within the practitioner's mind.[8]
The Sanskrit wordjapa is derived from the rootjap-, meaning "to utter in a low voice, repeat internally, mutter".[9] It can be further defined asja to destroy birth, death, andreincarnation andpa meaning to destroy ones sins.[10][11]
Monier-Williams states that the term appears in Vedic literature such as in theAitareya Brahmana (Rigveda) and theShatapatha Brahmana (Yajurveda).[12] The term means muttering, whispering or murmuring passages from the scripture, or charms, or names of deity.[12] Often it is the repetitive singing of a verse or mantra, sometimes counted with the help of a rosary which is calledjapamala.[12] A related word,japana appears in Book 12 of theMahabharata, where muttering prayers is described as a form of religious offering.[12]
The concept ofjapa is also found in early Buddhist texts, and is very common in Tibetan Buddhism literature.[13]
According to the sagePatanjali (400 CE),Japa is not the repetition of word or phase but rather contemplation on the meaning of the mantra,[14] this definition sometimes persists across different sources.[15][16]
In some forms ofjapa, the repetitions are counted using a string of beads known as ajapamala. Many different types of materials are used forjapa. The number of beads in thejapamala is generally108. It is not uncommon for people to wearjapa beads around their neck, although some practitioners prefer to carry them in a bead-bag in order to keep them clean.[citation needed]
Japa may be performed in varying degrees of loudness:
Vaikhari japa is spoken loud enough so that, although this is not why it is so loud (unless it is a groupjapa session), nearby people can hear it recited. It may be useful when there are other sounds nearby (though some consider this to be a mistake)[17] or when concentration is difficult and is thus considered most suitable for beginners.[citation needed]
Upamshu japa is said quietly, at a whisper. It is said to be one hundred times more effective thanvaikhari japa. Duringupamshu japa the practitioner's lips should barely move so it is difficult for an observer to see that anything is being said.[17]
Manasika japa is recited in the mind. It is said to be one thousand times more effective thanupamshu japa and thus 100 000 times more effective thanvaikhari japa. It is also said to be difficult or impossible to practice for those who are not already grounded invaikhari japa practice.[18][17]
Likhita japa is the writing of a mantra while, usually, reciting it aloud at the same time.[19] Proponents say it is more effective than simply reciting the mantra aloud.[19]Likhita japa is often written in a book dedicated to the purpose. Books intended for shorter mantras have a grid of rectangular cells with each cell holding one instance of the mantra. Practitioners may use different coloured ink to write in certain cells in order to make a decorative or symbolic pattern.[citation needed]
The stated aim, or goal ofjapa may vary greatly depending on the mantra involved and the religious philosophy of the practitioner. In bothBuddhist andHindu traditions mantras may be given to aspirants by theirguru, after some form ofinitiation. The stated goal could bemoksha,nirvana,bhakti, or simple personal communion with a divine power in a similar way to prayer. Manygurus and other spiritual teachers, and other religious leaders, especially Hindu and Buddhist, teach that these represent different names for the same transformed state of consciousness. However, this claim is not made about mantras that are not intended for spiritual growth and self-realization.[a]
SomeCatholic prayer forms that involve repetition, such as the use of theRosary or one of variouschaplets, are similar tojapa, such asHesychasm inEastern Christianity, although the practices are not identical because their aims differ. Mental methods of repeated short prayers, very similar tojapa are also used in Christian traditions, most notably the practice of repeating theJesus Prayer found in theEastern Orthodox Church.[21][22] Moreover, the goal ofajapa japa is quite similar to the Christian aim of "unceasing prayer". The practice ofdhikr bySufis is similar tojapa.[citation needed] The two main Sikh scriptures open with sections named after the term, and these are calledJapji Sahib andJaap Sahib.[23]
Apte, Vaman Shivaram (1890).A Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary. p. 447.
Ashley, Thomas (2006).Chakra Mantras: Liberate Your Spiritual Genius Through Chanting (1 ed.). San Francisco: Farrand Weiser Books. p. 11.ISBN9781578633678.
Sjögren, Per-Olof (1996) [1966].The Jesus prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy upon me (3 ed.). London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.ISBN0-281-04957-2.
Poddar, Hanumanprasad (1975).The divine name and its practice (13th ed.). Gorakhpur, India: Gita Press.ASINB0007ALM2S.
.jpg)
_of_Tulasi_wood_with_108_beads_-_20040101-02.jpg)
