Japa - Recalling thou name in silence, through the mind and the inner self

Nama Article 22nd May 2008

 

The word japa in the Sanskrit language is defined as - 'Japa Vyaktaayaam Vaaci' and 'Japa Maanase Ca';

 

Meaning: Enunciate the mantra clearly and also say it mentally.

 

Repeated rhythmic enunciation of a mantra with unperturbed mental concentration is defined as the japa of that mantra.

 

The Agni Puraana explains this as below -

 

Jakaaro Janma Vicchedaha Pakaarah Paapa Naasakah |

Tasyaajjapa Iti Prokto Janma Paapa Vinaasakah ||

 

Meaning: 'Ja' implies the transition of birth (life) and 'pa' means - calling for thee through the inner heart. Thus 'japa' is equivalent to be the spiritual endeavor that destroys all sins and the bonds of birth and death.

 

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa explains it more perspicuously as - "japa means recalling thou name in silence, through the mind and the inner self ".

 

Japa is described by some scholars as the procedure for the realization of the Almighty and is therefore also defined as - 'consistent illumination of the deepest inner self'.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

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