Mantra Chanting is the process of repeatedly
reciting a mantra. Read more about how to do mantra jaap / mantra
japa.
Mantra Chanting
Chanting of mantra was a concept of the Vedic saints that includes
mantras as one of the main forms of worship, whose end is seen as
salvation. Basically, Mantra Jaap means repeating the mantra. Reciting
Mantra has become an established feature of the Hindu practices. Mantra
Japa involves repetition of mantra again and again, usually 108 times
completes one cycle. Due to this, the rosary (mala) used for mantra jaap
has 108 beads in it.
It is believed that through mantra jaap, the devotee attains
concentration and focus on the chosen deity or the main idea of the
mantra. One can attain peace of mind quickly by chanting mantra. With
prolong and constant practice, the inherent power of the Mantra
(Mantra-Shakti) will be awakened, which will fill your very existence
with the Divinity of the Mantra.
Practical Aids to Japa
- Select any Mantra and repeat it from 108 to 1,080 times daily
(one to ten malas).
- Take a bath or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before
sitting for Japa in the morning.
- Sit facing east or north during the practice. This enhances the
effectiveness of the Jaap.
- Sit on a rug to conserve body-electricity. Sit in a separate
meditation room or in any suitable place, such as a temple, on a
river bank or under a banyan or peepul tree.
- Maintain a steady pose. You can sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana or
Sukhasana. Resolve to complete a certain minimum number of malas
before leaving your seat.
- Use a rosary of 108 beads. Do not allow the rosary to hang below
the navel. The rosary (mala) must not be visible to you or to
others, so cover it properly. Use the middle finger and the thumb of
the right to roll the beads. The use of the index finger is not
allowed. Do not cross the meru (main bead) while rolling the beads.
- Do mental Jaap for sometime without a rosary or mala. When the
mind wanders, do the Japa aloud, or whisper the Mantra for some time
and come back to mental Japa again as soon as possible.
- Do not chant mantra in haste. Do it slowly with feeling,
concentration of mind and devotion.
- Try to associate the chant with the rhythm of the breath and
meditate in the form of your Deity. Keep a picture or idol of the
Deity in front of you. Think of the meaning of the Mantra while
repeating it.
- Observe silence and avoid distractions, calls and engagements. It
is important not to leave the place at once after the Japa is over
and mix with everyone or get into worldly activity. This keeps the
spiritual vibrations intact.
One can leave the place after a dedicated
prostration, with a feeling that everything belongs to that almighty.
The Puja, Sadhana, Meditation and Jaap etc, any kind of prayers offered
to the Almighty must be done with a sincere heart. The Supreme Being
answers all the questions and doubts of the devotee, sooner or later.
One must understand that the ultimate purpose of life is the realization
of divine.
