Japa meditation is the meditative repetition of mantras or the divine name. This practice is used in many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This article will talk about this ancient meditation practice.
Origin of the term
The Sanskrit word japa comes from the root jap, which means "to speak in a low voice, repeat to oneself, mutter." Experts say that this term appears in the Vedic literature, for example, in the Aiterey Brahmana (Rigveda) and Shatapate Brahmana (Yajurveda). Literally, the term "japa" means mumbling or pronunciation of passages from the Holy Scriptures or the names of deities.
Traditionally, the long chanting of a verse or mantra is counted with a rosary called a japa mala. A similar word appears in Book 12 of the Mahabharata, where the recitation of prayers is described as a form of religious sacrifice. The concept of japa is also found in early Buddhist texts and is very common in Tibetan Buddhist literature.
Essence of practice
Meditation involves focusing the mind on a specific goal, object or thought withblocking interfering external stimuli. Meditation and peace of mind can be achieved in many ways. One of them is mental repetition or chanting of mantras to relieve stress and tension. This method is also known as japa meditation.
This type of meditation involves the repetition of a mantra, which in most cases consists of Sanskrit letters, which are arranged in such a way as to evoke a certain response within a person. The vibrations of such mantras are extremely effective for transforming the consciousness and thoughts of a person. This practice helps to focus your strength in order to achieve a sense of calm within yourself.
The mantra can also be any word that evokes feelings of calm, inspiration, and even respect. These words can be the names of various spiritual deities.
Ways to pronounce the mantra
There are generally two ways people use to meditate japa. The first way is audible meditation, also known as vaihari japa, which involves repeating a mantra in a whisper or aloud so that it can be heard.
The second way is silent or psychic meditation, which is also known as manasika japa. It is considered to be an extremely powerful method as it involves total focusing of the mind. Therefore, this level of concentration tends to inhibit any outside influence.
How to practice this type of meditation correctly
A few rules for doing japa meditation:
- cross your legs on the mat or on the ground;
- chant your chosen mantra using a 108-bead rosary;
- try to concentrate and not be distracted by external stimuli.
These are general guidelines for doing japa meditation for beginners. The mental state of a person is gradually improving due to this ancient meditation practice. This, according to practitioners, is the best way to relieve stress and tension. When done correctly, the practice makes our personality more harmonious and contented by changing our consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada Japa Meditation
Srila Prabhupada was one of the founders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, he is also known as an Indian spiritual teacher, philosopher and researcher. His mantras and chants are often used for meditation.
Srila Prabhupada's japa meditation consists of hearing and repeating the mantras uttered by this spiritual master. You should turn this recording on loudly and repeat. No need to try to repeat in the same manner and speed. Your pronunciation will be individual. Srila Prabhupada's voice in japa meditation will help you with this. This is a fairly popular method for doing meditation practice.
The purpose of meditation
The purpose of doing meditation can vary greatly depending on the mantra used and the religious philosophy of the practitioner. In both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, mantras can be transmitted to disciples from a guru after some formdedications. The stated goal may be the attainment of a state of moksha, nirvana, bhakti, or simple personal communion with divine power, like prayer. Many gurus and other spiritual teachers, as well as other religious leaders, especially Hindus and Buddhists, teach that they give different names for the same transformed state of consciousness. However, to achieve these states, special mantras are used, which are designed for spiritual growth and self-realization.
After prolonged use of the mantra, which is designed to promote self-realization or intimacy with divine power, a person can achieve the state of ajapajapama (enlightenment). To achieve the state of ajapajapama, the mantra is repeated silently in the mind. Similar fortunes are achieved by adherents of other major religious traditions. However, they use prayers that exist in their religious traditions.
Using the rosary
In some types of japa, repetitions are counted using beads made of beads, which are called japa mala. Many different types of materials are used to conduct meditation and prayer. The number of beads in a japa mala is usually 108.
People often wear these beads around their necks, although some practitioners prefer to wear them in a beaded pouch to keep them clean. Various scriptures say that when the mantras are not recited, the rosary must be kept in a closed, clean place, after bowing to them. The rosary for chanting mantras issacred item.
The positive properties of meditation
Japa meditation reduces stress and calms the mind. The combination of deep breathing, sacred sound and slow rhythm has synergistic and calming properties. This practice relaxes the person in order to induce certain trance states. Japa meditation is the simplest and most effective method for activating specific brain states:
- alpha (focus and learning);
- theta (creativity and intuition);
- delta (healing and calming).
This type of meditation is very beneficial for the heart. Advanced yogis have been known to slow their heart rate to incredible levels. Scientific studies of meditation have shown that it reduces blood pressure and heart rate, as well as the risk of heart disease and stroke. Meditation has a strong and profound effect on the heart muscle.
Meditation improves concentration and focus. The meditation technique is simple, but the practice is difficult due to the need for focus and concentration. Just like exercising your muscles makes them stronger, meditation also strengthens your mind. Japa is the best meditation for the mind as it uses multiple focus points: the breath, the mantra, and the touch and movement of the rosary beads.
Meditation reduces negative thoughts and improves mood. Research shows that the vast majority of our thoughts are negative. Worst of all, the repetition of negative thought patterns in ourconsciousness strengthens them, and also increases feelings of sadness, anger, grief and loneliness. The repetition of mantras in meditation, which consist of positive and sacred Sanskrit syllables, reduces negative thoughts and creates new positive patterns in our minds.
The pronunciation of mantras increases the energy of shakti (divine energy) and endurance. Continuous practice of japa meditation develops a deep inner strength and strength of character that may surprise you. Mantras activate shakti energy. It is only through the repetition of these powerful mantras that this energy can increase over time so that it can be used.
Scientific research
Studies by many scientists have shown that this type of meditation cultivates positive emotions. Scientific studies also show that people who meditate have higher levels of compassion and empathy than non-meditators. Surprisingly, areas of the brain associated with positive emotions showed an increase in gray matter density after just 8 weeks of meditation practice.
Today there are a large number of japa meditation schools for learning. The great thing about this meditation is that it can be practiced anywhere and anytime - at home, at work, or even while driving.
