What in the world is Japa? – Bharati Sunkara, Grade 9
Japa is a process that allows your mind to concentrate on God. For japa you need a mantra (chosen God’s name), a mala (string of beads), a picture of God in front of you, and your mind to focus on God.
The two most common mantras are the Panchakshari and the Ashtakshri. The Panchakshari mantra is chanted “Om Namah Shivaya” and the Ashtakshri mantra is chanted “Om Namo Narayana”. Om is called Pranava, Namah means salutations, and Shivaya/Narayana is the name of the God we choose to meditate on.
Usually a mala has 108 beads. One reason for this is that Lord’s names are exactly 108 in small pujas. There is another extra bead called the meru that specifies the beginning and the end of the mala. The meru should never be crossed. After a round is completed, the mala should go the opposite direction in order to keep from crossing the meru. We should never use our index finger to turn the beads. A Tulasi Mala is used when chanting the Vishnu Mantra and a Rudraksha Mala for Shiva Mantra.
For japa, you should sit cross-legged in an erect posture. Your left hand should be placed on your left thigh with the right hand resting on the right thigh. Your wrist should be resting on your right knee bone so that the mala is out in front of you without touching the ground.
Japa should be done daily in a neat place. The most valuable time for doing japa is between 4:00 to 6:00 a.m.. Japa should be done in an alert way. If you fall asleep in the middle of japa, it may be due to lack of sleep, illness or a blank mind. To prevent the last, you must actively think positive thoughts about God. Allowing any other thoughts results in a wandering mind!
A good way to see your progress doing japa is to keep a spiritual diary.
Remember, during japa you must always think only about God. If your concentration is firm, you will feel great joy rising in you. If you do japa properly, you will become a great devotee of God!