Reciting Hunuman Chalisa

Reciting Hanuman Chalisa

 

1)     Reciting the opening Doha of Hanumaan chaalisa many times will remove the doshas arising out of having insulted knowingly/ unknowingly one’s preceptor/ a Raama Bhakta.

2)     Reciting the second Doha will remove hardships in life and grant wisdom and strength.

3)     Reciting the opening chaupayi of the chaalisa “Jaya Hanumaan gyaan guna saagar…..” will bless one with Divine knowledge.

4)     Reciting the third Chaupaayi “Mahaaveer vikrama Bhajrangi…..” will help in reforming persons who are into bad company or have fallen into undesirable habits.  It will also give abundant strength.

5)     Reciting the 7^th and 8^th chaupaayis “Vidyaavaan gunii athi chaathur…..” will help one to cultivate Raama Bhakti and become dear to Lord Raama.

6)     Reciting the 11^th Chaupaayi “Laaya sanjeevan…..” will help in removing effects of poisonous bites and in removal of fear from snakes.

7)     Reciting the 12^th Chaupaayi will help in removing misunderstanding between brothers and promote unity between siblings.

8)     Reciting the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th chaupaayis will help in attaining fame.

9)     Reciting the 16^th and 17^th Chaupaayiis will help in recovering lost status or in attaining desired promotions/ posts.

10) Reciting the 20^th Chaupaayi will help in accomplishing even difficult tasks overcoming all obstacles.

11) Reciting the 22nd chaupaayi will give Divine Protection during adverse planetary periods.

12) Reciting the 24^th Chaupaayii will help in driving away Negative Energies including Boota, Pisachas, saakinii, daakini, and black magical deities.

13) Reciting the 25^th Chaupaayi will help in maintaining good health.  It will also give the ability to bear physical pain when one is injured.

14) Reciting the 26^th Chaupaayi gives relief from difficulties.

15) Reciting 27^th and 28^th chaupaayiis grants bestowal of desires by Divine Grace.

16) Reciting the 29^th Chaupaayii grants fame.

17) Reciting the 30^th Chaupaayii helps in victory over evil forces.

18) Reciting the 31^st Chaupaayii gives occult powers and great Wealth.

19) Reciting the 32^nd, 33^rd, 34^th and 35^th Chaupaayiis helps one to enjoy an ethical and fulfilling life without any worries/ frustrations at the end of such a contented life one will attain the Divine Abode of Shri Raamaa.

20) Reciting the 36^th Chaupaayii gives relief from all difficulties and pains.

21) Reciting the 37^th Chaupaayii secures the Grace of Hanuman.

 

Those who have major tasks to accomplish should recite the appropriate chaupaayii with devotion 1008 times on an auspicious Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday or on a Moola Nakshatra day. 

They can also tail pooja along with this (offering sandal wood paste and kumkum/sindoor to the tail of Hanumanji’s image for 48 days).

Others can just recite it 12 times, 24 times, 32 times, 36 times, 54 times, 108 times, 1008 times, or even 10008 times based on time availability and convenience. 

Absolute Faith and the correct attitudes combined with this recital can definitely help one to achieve all that one sets out for in life.  May the Grace of Lord Hanumaan Bless us all.

Gajendra Moksha Stuti (Prayer)

Gajendra Moksha Stuti (Prayer)

 

Aum namo bhagawate tasmay yat etcchidatmakam

purushaayaa dibijaay pareshaayaabhi dheemahee

yasminnidum yetascchedum yenedum eedum swayam

yosmaat parasmaasch parah tumprapadye swayambhoowam.

Sri Nrisimha Pranama / Prayer to Lord Nrisimha

Sri Nrisimha Pranama

(sung after arati)

namas te narasimhaya
prahladahlada-dayine
hiranyakashipor vakshah
shila-tanka-nakhalaye

ito nshimhah parato nrisimho
yato yato yami tato nrisimhah
bahir nrisimho hridaye nrisimho
nrisimham adim sharanam prapadye

I offer my obeisances to Lord Nrisimha-deva, who is always giving bliss to His devotees like Prahlada Maharaja and chiselling at the hearts of demons like Hiranyakashipu. The devotee always sees Lord Nrisimha everywhere. Lord Nrisimha is within and without. Therefore let us all take shelter of Lord Nrisimha.

Prayer to Lord Nrisimha

 

tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-sringham
dalita-hiranyakashipu-tanu-bhringam
keshava dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O my Lord Nrisimha, Your hands are very beautiful like the lotus flower, but with Your long nails You have ripped apart the wasp Hiranyakashipu. Unto You, Lord of the universe, I offer my humble obeisances.

 

http://www.hknet.org.nz/narasimha-mantras2.html

 

More Mp3 Downloads from Devipuram website

	Chakra meditation (30 MB)
	Chandi Saptashati
	Chandi Saptashati – New (85.5 MB)
	Khadgamala Stotram (10.1 MB)
	Maha Ganapathi Pancha-Avarana Puja (40 MB)
	Mahaganapathi Tarpanam (33.3 MB)
	Rashmi Mala Mantras from the Parashurama Kalpasutra (30 MB)
	Sri Sukta Puja (37.1 MB)
	Sri Vidya Mantras
	Viraja Homam
	Abhisheka Mantras (3.20MB) New

 

http://www.devipuram.com/downloads/mp3.html

Rudraksha Mantras from Padma Purana

Rudraksha Mantras from Padma Purana
	Some of the most Beautiful Mantras for the Holy Rudraksha are found in the Padma Purana Chapter 57 The Lord Spoke: O Kartikeya hear correctly about the assignment and wearing of Rudrakshas of different numbers of mouths. The merits already told are had without the recital of a sacred hymn. The merits and the importance of the person who on the earth wears it to the accompaniment of a sacred hymn cannot be told: Aum Rudra ekavaktrasya Aum Kham dvivaktrasya Aum Ambum trivaktrasya Aum Hrim caturvaktrasya Aum Hram pancavaktrasya Aum Hrum Sadvaktrasya Aum Hrah Saptavaktrasya Aum Kam astavaktrasya Aum Jum navavaktrasya Aum Aksam dasavaktrasya Aum Srim ekadasavaktrasya Aum Hrim Dvadasavaktrasya Aum Ksom trayodasavaktrasya Aum Nram caturdasavaktrasya A person becomes equal to me by wearing Rudraksas of all mouths (ie. by wearing Rudraksha having any number of mouths) Therefore O Son with all effort wear a Rudraksha. Posted on Rudraksha Beads Societies Club http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/showarticles.php?artid=184

Vishnupati

Vishnupati

Vishnupati helps boosts one’s beauty and finances. Check with your local temple or pandit exactly which day it is on.

Information from:

http://www.astroved.com/news/astronews.asp#head87

The final day to receive money miracles from Vishnu falls on Nov 15, 2008 (Sunday).This day is Vishnupati and there are four of them every year and occurs once in three months. Since each vedic year repeats once in 60 years, each of these Vishnupati periods occurs once only in 60 years. In other words, if you miss celebrating the upcoming Vishnupati of this year, you’ll have to wait 60 years for the next one! Hence seize the moment and celebrate each Vishnupati in accordance with Siddha procedures. Dattatreya Siva Baba advises each and every one of us to celebrate Vishnupati wholeheartedly as this is a great opportunity to improve your finances, beauty and your consciousness for greater things in life like spirituality.

During Vishnupati, Vishnu answers your prayers by providing unlimited wealth, beauty and a great spiritual lift. It’s a very special time period for both material and spiritual progress. Missing Vishnupati is like missing an opportunity in the material and spiritual world. It’s a time when blessings are available in abunadnce. Though all days are important for a spiritual person, there are certain days that are imbued with more spiritual potency. Prayers done on these days give manifold results and helps you to exhaust your karma faster.

For those who feel inferior because of their looks can expect great changes by observing Visnhupati. Observance of this Vishnupati will ensure that young men and women who are troubled with these problems get rid of their feelings of inferiority by undergoing a spiritual transformation; they will realize that it’s because of their past karma that they are facing their current problems. This enlightened outlook will make them a lot happier and content. Moreover, this Vishnupati will ensure their welfare in life too.

The Siddhas say that the food offerings to Maha Vishnu during Vishnupati should be black or blackish blue in color, once again to remember his having destroyed the dark forces of evil. For example, dishes made using grapes, dates, beets, figs. These dishes are offered to Sri Maha Vishnu, and then distributed to the poor and the needy. Astroved has arranged for distribution of these prasads after the completion of Vishnupati rituals.

According to Dattatreya Siva Baba, written mantras will be very powerful in the Golden age. Why not try the powerful ‘Brzee’ mantra for prosperity this Vishnupati. Click here to see Baba speak about this special mantra.

http://www.astroved.com/news/astronews.asp#head87

108 names of Shani

Shanya-astottara-shata-nama-vali

The 108 names of Shani

• Om shanaescaraya namah

• Om shantaya namah

• Om sarvabhistapradayine namah

• Om sharanyaya namah

• Om vagenyaya namah

• Om sarveshaya namah

• Om saumyaya namah

• Om suramvandhaya namah

• Om suralokaviharine namah

• Om sukhasonapavishtaya namah

• Om sundaraya namah

• Om ghanaya namah

• Om ghanarupaya namah

• Om ghanabharanadharine namah

• Om ghanasaravilepaya namah

• Om khadyotaya namah

• Om mandaya namah

• Om mandaceshtaya namah

• Om maha-niyaguna-atmane namah

• Om martyapavanapadaya namah

• Om maheshaya namah

• Om dhayaputraya namah

• Om sharvaya namah

• Om shatatuniradharine namah

• Om carasthirasvabhavaya namah

• Om acamcalaya namah

• Om nilavarnaya namah

• Om nityaya namah

• Om nilanjana-nibhaya namah

• Om nilambara-vibhushaya namah

• Om nishcalaya namah

• Om vedyaya namah

• Om vidhi-rupaya namah

• Om virodha-dhara-bhumaye namah

• Om bhedaspadasvabhavaya namah

• Om vajradehaya namah

• Om vairagyadaya namah

• Om viraya namah

• Om vitarogabhayaya namah

• Om vipatparampareshaya namah

• Om vishva-vandyaya namah

• Om gridhnavahaya namah

• Om gudhaya namah

• Om kurmangaya namah

• Om kurupine namah

• Om kutsitaya namah

• Om gunadhyaya namah

• Om gocaraya namah

• Om avidhya-mula-nashaya namah

• Om vidhya-avidhya-svarupine namah

• Om ayushyakaranaya namah

• Om apaduddhartre namah

• Om vishnu-bhaktaya namah

• Om vishine namah

• Om vividhagamavedine namah

• Om vidhistutyaya namah

• Om vandhyaya namah

• Om virupa-akshaya namah

• Om varishthaya namah

• Om garishthaya namah

• Om vajram-kushagharaya namah

• Om varada bhayahastaya namah

• Om vamanaya namah

• Om jyeshthapatni-sametaya namah

• Om shreshthaya namah

• Om mitabhashine namah

• Om kashtaughanashakartre namah

• Om pushtidaya namah

• Om stutyaya namah

• Om stotra-gamyaya namah

• Om bhakti-vashyaya namah

• Om bhanave namah

• Om bhanuputraya namah

• Om bhavyaya namah

• Om pavanaya namah

• Om dhanur-mandala-samsthaya namah

• Om dhanadaya namah

• Om dhanushmate namah

• Om tanu-prakasha-dehaya namah

• Om tamasaya namah

• Om asheshajanavandyaya namah

• Om visheshaphaladayine namah

• Om vashikritajaneshaya namah

• Om pashunam pataye namah

• Om khecaraya namah

• Om khageshaya namah

• Om ghana-nilambaraya namah

• Om kathinyamanasaya namah

• Om aryaganastutyaya namah

• Om nilacchatraya namah

• Om nityaya namah

• Om nirgunaya namah

• Om gunatmane namah

• Om niramayaya namah

• Om nandyaya namah

• Om vandaniyaya namah

• Om dhiraya namah

• Om divya-dehaya namah

• Om dinartiharanaya namah

• Om dainyanashakaraya namah

• Om aryajanaganyaya namah

• Om kruraya namah

• Om kruraceshtaya namah

• Om kama-krodha-karaya namah

• Om kalatraputrashatrutvakaranaya pariposhita-bhaktaya namah

• Om parabhitiharaya namah

• Om bhakta-sangha-manobhishta-phaladaya namah

• Shani seed mantra: Om pram prim praum sah shanaisharaya namah.

RESULT: The planetary deity Shani is pleased insuring victory in quarrels, over coming chronic pain, and bringing success to those engaged in the iron or steel trade.

Source: Shanya-astottara-shata-nama-vali (transliterated by Richard S. Brown in 1993)

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/showarticles.php?artid=154

Introduction to Mantras

Mantras

by Neil Campbell, Shiva Beads:  http://www.shivabeads.co.uk/

Introduction

It is perhaps fair to say that most people are familiar with the word “mantra”. Yet familiarity does not necessarily
suggest understanding or experience. Such is the case with what a mantra really is. So what is a mantra? A mantra,
in the context of this website, is a sacred or mystic Sanskrit formula.

To learn why Sanskrit is considered so important please click here.

‘A mantra is so called’ writes Swami Sivananda, ‘because it is achieved by the mental process. The root ‘man’ in the
word mantra means ‘to think’. And ‘tra’ comes from ‘trai’ meaning to protect or to free – from the bondage of samsara
or the phenomenal world.’ A mantra stills the mind, strengthens it and this effect resonates into all of one’s being.’
There is an indescribable power in the mantra (God’s name)’ continues Swami Sivananda, ‘ Shakti is the energy or form
of the mantra, i.e. the vibration form set up by its sound which carries a man to the devata that is worshipped. A
mantra accelerates and generates the creative force. Mantra produces harmony in body and mind and awakens
supernatural powers.‘ The Swami also suggests that ‘A mantra is divinity. It is divine power manifesting in a sound
body…The aspirant should try his level best to realise his unity with the mantra of the divinity…Just as a flame is
strengthened by winds, so also the aspirant’s individual sakti (power) is strengthened by mantra shakti. Then the
individual sakti joins with the mantra sakti to make it more powerful.’

Mantra in Daily Life

Eknath Easwaran writes of a traditional Indian tale that is used to illustrate the nature of the mind
and the purpose of mantra in daily life. He writes ‘In our villages in India, elephants are sometimes
taken in religious processions through the streets to the temple. The streets are crooked and
narrow, lined on either side with fruit and vegetable stalls. Along comes the elephant with his restless
trunk, and in one sinuous motion, he grabs a whole bunch of bananas. He opens his cavernous
mouth, and tosses the bananas in — stalk and all. From the next stall he picks up a coconut and
tosses it in after the bananas. No threats or promises can make this restless trunk settle down.
But the wise mahout will give that trunk a short bamboo stick to hold. Then the elephant will walk
along proudly, holding the bamboo stick in front like a drum major with a baton. He doesn’t steal
bananas and coconuts now, because his trunk has something to hold on to. The mind works in the
same way. We can keep it from straying into all kinds of situations if we just give it the mantram.
Through meditation on the forms of God and through repetition of mantras, the mind becomes
one-pointed. The mind will always be wandering. Just as when a chain is given to an elephant to
hold in its trunk it will go along grasping the chain and nothing else, so also when the mind is
occupied with a name or form it will grasp that alone. When the mind expands in the form of countless
thoughts, each thought becomes weak; but as thoughts get resolved the mind becomes one-pointed
and strong.’

Mahatma Gandhi said that “The mantram becomes one’s staff of life, and carries one through every
ordeal. It is no empty repetition. For each repetition has a new meaning, carrying you nearer and nearer
to God.” The strength, the purpose, and the worth of a mantra cannot be underestimated! To appreciate
it fully, it must be experienced. Only then, when you have felt it, abided in it, when it has left it’s
resonance within your body, only then can you begin to appreciate it’s worth. When your life pierces
new depths of awakened consciousness, when the mantra starts to penetrate through the mental veils -
this is when you really begin to experience it’s worth. When peace starts to flow more often and serenity
is deeper than ever before, this is the blessings of the mantra that is lovingly practiced.

Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami wrote that in the beginning of his own personal practice nothing much occured, but
once his sadhana (spiritual practice) started to progress ‘all the inner worlds opened, all the doors of the
mind. All the spiritual forces were unleashed, and the ability to control them came naturally…with all doors
open of understanding of the fourteen windows, the chakras of the mind, and even more than that.‘ With
some patience and regular practice results come sooner or later. The blessings of mantra are not out of
reach to anyone of us.

 

Read more about these mantras:

Om

Om Namah Shivaya

Gayatri

Mahamrityunjaya

Hamsa

 

by Neil Campbell from Shiva Beads: http://www.shivabeads.co.uk/

The Panchakshara Mantra by Neil Campbell

The Panchakshara Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya

hear mantra

 

This mantra can be chanted daily on a Rudraksha mala.

This mantra is said to be the heart of all the Vedas and Tantras. Namah Shivaya is found, quite literally,
in the middle of the Vedas, in the Rudram. In the Agamas its meaning is elaborated upon. Natchintanai
says that,

“Namah Shivaya is in truth both Agama and Veda. Namah Shivaya represents all mantras
and Tantras. Namah Shivaya is our souls, our bodies and possessions. Namah Shivaya has become
our sure protection.”

It is difficult to give a clear meaning to the mantra. The easy exposition of it would be “Om, I bow to Shiva”.
But this interpretation does not do it justice. Shiva means Auspicious, so it could be said that the mantra
means bowing to the Auspiciousness. Shiva however should be understood in the fuller context, and not in
the overly simplistic picture that is typically given in books and websites as a god of destruction. In
Shaivism and other Hindu systems, Shiva is the formless transcendental Being (often called Paramashiva),
the Divine source. This is the source that rests in each and everyone. It is not a god seperate from yourself,
it is the core being of your self. Nothing external or seperate from you, rather it is your heart of hearts. See
the Shiva page for more info.

More important than the literal translated meaning of this mantra is it’s sound, it’s vibration. Just as with all
mantras the sound of it is more important than its literal meaning. This mantra is also known five syllabled
mantra, for it consists of five syllables, Na – Ma – Shi – Va – Ya. The start of the mantra, Om, does constitute
as a syllable because it is the Mahabija, the great seed from which all other mantras and sounds arose. The
syllables within the mantra are said to have a range of meanings and attributes. Satguru Sivaya
Subramuniyaswami writes that

‘Na is the Lord’s concealing grace, Ma is the world, Shi stands for Siva, Va is His revealing grace, Ya is the soul.’

He continues,

”The five elements, too, are embodied in this ancient formula for invocation. Na is earth, Ma is water,
Shi is fire, Va is air, and Ya is ether, or akasha. Many are its meanings.’

Paramahamsa Muktananda also eloquently explains this point and tells of how it benefits ones mind
and spiritual path, he speaks of the nadi’s, the channels of pranas and the purity of mind. Repeating
this mantra rids the mind of tamas and rajas, making it suitable for lofty spiritual experience. Muktanandaji
says

“Underlying this mantra is a great secret. As we chant the five syllables Namah Shivaya, the five
elements that comprise the body are purified. Each of the syllables corresponds to one of these
elements: the syllable na to the earth element, the syllable ma to the water element, the syllable
shi to the fire element, the syllable va to the air element, and the syllable ya to the ether element.
Each syllable purifies its corresponding element. As long as the body and the mind are not
completely pure, we cannot fuly benefit from our spiritual practice. Therefore, we repeat Om Namah
Shivaya to help cleanse them.”

In Yoga Magazine, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati expounds somewhat on the vibrational
quality of the mantra and its relationship with the main chakras, he says

“When we repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, for example, we are not becoming a Shaivite,
we are not adoring or worshipping a deity, but we are stimulating the force of these different chakras.
Om is the sound of ajna chakra which is responsible for clarity, for creativity, for the intuitive faculty
of mind. Ya or Yam is the mantra of anahata, Va or Vam is the mantra of swadhisthana. Similarly Na,
Ma, Sha are different sounds or syllables corresponding to the different chakras.”

Subramuniyaswami again offers some elucidation on the mantra’s relationship with the chakras,
and other matters such as prana and the astral. The sage says that

“When “Aum Namah Sivaya” is repeated, we go through the chakras, Na Ma Si Va Ya Aum.
The Aum is in the head chakra. Within Namah Sivaya is each of the elements–earth, water, fire,
air and ether–which in the mind are transmuted into all-pervasive consciousness, and that is
also transmuted into the great chakra way above the head at the end of the Aum. In just the breath,
the space of time between the next repetition of “Aum Namah Sivaya Aum Namah Sivaya Aum
Namah Sivaya,” the pranas, having reached Parashiva, fall back into the spiritual, mental, astral
and physical worlds, blessing them all with new energy, new life and new understanding. “Namah
Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum” is the constant process
of life. It is the essence of life itself.”

It is really only in the repeating of this mantra, whether aloud or mentally, that a true taste of what
it is can be had.

 How to Repeat the Panchakshara Mantra

Paramahamsa Muktananda suggests that we should ideally repeat the mantra silently
(Manasika – mental repetition) and at the same speed at which you talk. It is also possible
to coordinate it with your breath, repeating once when you inhale and then once when you
exhale. Muktananda says that if you do it in this fashion the mantra will saturate your mind,
circulate round your body and permeate your blood cells with its vibration. He even suggests
that the walls of the room in which you daily sit to repeat it will become infused with it. On this
matter he tells of his own account, he says

In my ashram in India there used to be a special room where I lived for a long time and where
I meditated and repeated the mantra . Eventually I moved into other quarters, and the room
was kept locked. Several years ago, a government official came to the ashram. He told me,
“I have heard many people say that if anyone stays in your ashram, he can get into meditation
very easily.” I took him to the room, showed him inside, and told him to sit for meditation. “What
mantra should I repeat?” he asked. “If you hear a mantra in this room, repeat that,” I told him.
When he came out, he said, “I heard Om Namah Shivaya coming from the walls! The entire
room was repeating it!” Mantra is a living force. If you repeat it one-pointedly for a long time,
it will permeate your whole environment.

Since truly ancient times many of India’s greatest sages and illuminated ones (both men and women)
have praised this mantra and the practice of japa in general. A further insight as to why this mantra
is so special is given by Swami Subramuniyaswami, who says that it

 

“is such a precious mantra because it is the closest sound that one can make to emulate the sounds
rushing out of the Self into the mind. Chanting it is profound because it is a sound channel which you
can follow to get close to the Self of your self [i.e. Shiva, your own Divine Essence or Higher Self]”

 

The sage Upamanyu explained its secret in that it nullifies the need for special rituals, particular times
or external needs, the sage said:

“If this mantra vibrates continually in your heart, then you have no need to perform austerities, to meditate,
or to practice yoga. To repeat this mantra you need no rituals or ceremonies, nor must you repeat it at
an auspicious time or in a particular place.”

 

Also put forth is the fact that this mantra is open to all. Paramahamsa Muktananda tells that this mantra
is not bound by rules and regulations, he expounds,

 

“This mantra is free of all restrictions. It can be repeated by anyone, young or old, rich or poor, and no
matter what state a person is in, it will purify him. The sages said, “This mantra is mysterious. Repeat it,
repeat it, repeat it.”

 

This mantra is said to be the mantra that will take those who earnestly practice it across the ocean of
samsara, to the shores of realization. The great woman saint of Kashmir, Lalla or Lal Ded, chanted this
mantra and wrote of it

With right knowledge, open your ears and hear
how the trees sway to Om Namah Shivaya,
how the wind says Om Namah Shivaya as it blows,
how water flows with the sound Namah Shivaya.
The entire universe is singing the name of Shiva.
Pay a little attention!

 

If given the chance the mantra will offer so much in return for the effort given to it. In modern life finding the
time for such practices can be difficult. But if time can be found for activities such as tv, socializing, etc.
then if we are sincere we can find 10 minutes on most days to do japa and repeat the mantra. Once given
the opportunity to let it’s worth shine through in experience, the practitioner sees that the benefits derived,
such as stress, anxiety and negativity disappearing while peace and serenity increase, are worth more
than gold. Siva Yogaswami encouraging those who are receptive said inspiringly:

 

“Wear rudraksha beads, repeat the Panchakshara, let your heart grow soft and melt. Chant the letters five,
and in love you will discover Siva’s will. Chant so that impurities, anxieties and doubts are destroyed.”

 

Read more about these mantras:

Om

Gayatri

Mahamrityunjaya

Hamsa

http://www.shivabeads.co.uk/

Japa by Neil Campbell

Japa

By Neil Campbell

Shiva beads:  http://www.shivabeads.co.uk/

 

Japa by definition is the repeating of a mantra, traditionally performed on a mala to keep count. For quotes on
the power and blessings of japa by some of the rishis and sages please click here. The japa mantra generally
recommended for use with Rudraksha malas is:

Om Namah Shivaya

(Pronounced: Ong Na-mah Shi-va-ya)

hear mantra

For more information on this auspicious mantra please click here

 

The Range of Benefits from Japa

As a fundamental aspect of traditional and authentic yoga, japa harnesses inner energies and calm
the mind. Through practices such as japa yoga, prana is energised, the mind (manas) is stilled,
serene thought patterns (sattva-vikalpas) are established, nadis are purified & Devi Kundalini may
even awaken. According to one noteable Swamiji the vibrations of the practice of japa attracts positive
astral forces and strengthens the protective aura. On the physical level, the seven bodily constituents
are purified, while sleep, energy levels, the immune system & all-round health are improved, stress
levels decrease. Japa fills the mind with sattva (purity, peace), cleansing the mind of tamas (torpor, sloth)
& rajas (agitation). Once free of impurities the mind is capable of reflecting higher reality.

As a fundamental aspect of traditional and authentic yoga, japa has many wonderful benefits and effects. These include:

Harnessing of inner energies and calming the mind. Filling the mind (manas) with sattva (purity, peace).
Cleansing the mind of tamas (torpor, sloth) & rajas (agitation). Prana is energised. Serene thought patterns (sattva-vikalpas)
are established. On the physical level, the seven bodily constituents are purified. Sleep, energy levels, the immune system &
all-round health are improved. Stress levels decrease. Nadis are purified. Devi
Kundalini may even awaken.

According to one noteable Swamiji the vibrations of the practice of japa attracts positive astral forces
and strengthens the protective aura. Once the mind is free from obscuring impurities it is capable
of reflecting higher reality.

The Three Levels of Japa

There are 3 levels of japa. This has much esoteric significance and corresponds to the different bodies
and states of consciousness. It is also of practical benefit and allows each person to find the level that
suits best. The three levels of performing japa are -

Vaikhari – Audible repetition

Upamsu – Whispering repetition

Manasika – Mental repetition

 

Vaikhari, or audible repetition, is performing japa aloud at one’s normal volume of speech. This
level of japa is very good if the mind is highly agitated and difficult to calm down. This level of
japa also has a strong effect on one’s environment and thus purifies their immediate surroundings
as well as their own body, emotions and mind. Upamsu, or whispering repetition, is the middle
stage. It is performed either in a very quiet whisper or just by moving the lips and silently saying
one’s chosen mantra. The third level, manasika, is purely mental repetition. There is no audible
sound or movement of the lips here. All repetition is done mentally. This is considered the best
of the three means, for it is said to be the deepest of the three.

How to Perform Japa

Performing one round (108 repetitions), beginners would generally be best to start with vaikhari,
audible repetition. It would probably be wise for the beginner to perform japa this way for about
3 weeks. After that they may wish to try moving on to upamsu japa. Alternatively, if one is new
to japa, yet feels confident that they could be successful beyond vaikhari, then they may wish
to try splitting the round (the 108 repetitions) equally between the 3 levels. Start with vaikhari
for roughly the first third, then move onto upamsu for the second third, and lastly for the final
third perform only mental repetition, manasika japa.

Traditionally the mala is draped over the ring finger & rotated round with the thumb. It is the
traditional practice to not cross the Sumeru bead (the bead that sits at the top of the mala).
Whenever the Sumeru bead is reached japa is either completed or continues back in the
opposite direction i.e. going back in the reverse direction to the starting point. For example,
if you have a 27 beaded mala (+ the sumeru bead) this would mean that to perform one full
round of japa (108 repetitions) would require going round the mala four times (4 x 27 = 108).  

Ideally japa should be practiced daily & always with focus and feeling. However, ideals can take time
to acheive. Swami Sivananda’s words are worth noting on japa, he says:

“Even mechanical repetition of Japa without any Bhava has a great purifying effect on the heart or the mind.

The feeling will come later on when the process of mental purification goes on.”

 

Further Japa Information:

• Frequent changing of one’s japa mantra is not recommended.
• One should follow the instruction given to them by their teacher or from a reliable source.
• If a reliable source cannot be found or if questions are unanswered, please feel welcome
  to write to us here at Shiva Beads. We cannot guarantee that we have the knowledge
  or wisdom to successfully answer all questions, but we can try or perhaps point you in
  the direction of where you can find your answer.

Please also see the page Meditation 1 for general instructions. Many of the basic requirements of meditation and japa are the same.

By Neil Campbell

Shiva beads:  http://www.shivabeads.co.uk/