How to do japa (repetition of mantras)?

Nama Article 19th February 2008

 

Source: Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi

 

Talk 241.

 

DEVOTEE : How to do japa (repetition of mantras)?

 

BHAGAWAN RAMANA MAHARISHI : It is of two kinds - gross and subtle. The latter is meditation on it, and it gives strength to the mind.

 

DEVOTEE : But the mind does not get steady for meditation.

 

BHAGAWAN RAMANA MAHARISHI : It is due to lack of strength.

 

DEVOTEE : Sandhya is usually done mechanically. Similarly other religious duties. Is it useful? Is it not better to do japa, etc., knowing their meanings?

 

BHAGAWAN RAMANA MAHARISHI : Um! Um!

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare