Japa Yoga : 5.
5. VARIETIES OF JAPA :
Repeat the Mantra verbally for sometime, in a whisper for sometime, and mentally for sometime.
The minds wants variety. It gets disgusted with any monotonous practice.
The mental repetition is very powerful.
It is termed Manasika Japa.
The verbal or loud repetition is called Vaikhari Japa.
The loud Japa shuts out all worldly sounds.
There is no break of Japa here.
Repetition in a whisper or humming is termed Upamshu Japa.
Even mechanical repetition of Japa without any Bhava has a great purifying effect on the heart or the mind.
The feeling will come later on when the process of mental purification goes on.
Write down daily in a notebook your Ishta Mantra or Guru Mantra for half an hour.
When you write the Mantra, observe Mouna.
Write the Mantra clearly in ink.
On Sundays and holidays, write this for one hour.
This is Likhita Japa You can develop a wonderful power of concentration.
The benefits of Mantra-writing or Likhita Japa cannot be adequately described.
Besides bringing about purity of heart and concentration of mind, mantra-writing gives you control of Asana, control of Indriyas, particularly the sight and the tongue, and fills you with the power of endurance.
You attain peace of mind quickly.
By prolonged and constant practice the inherent power of the Mantra (Mantra-Sakti) will be awakened, which will fill your very existence with the Divinity of the Mantra.
In Mantra writing, there is no restriction about any particular script.
It may be written in any language.
Next : PRACTICAL AIDS TO JAPAM
Swami Sivananda
To be continued ....
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