Japa Kriya
Introduction
Japa Kriya refers to repeating a mantra over and over again. This is a
time-tested way to control the ever wandering mind. Japa replaces the
thoughts arising in the mind during the period of japa and thus induces
calmness. Japa also has sin-destroying effect if done correctly.
Technique
- Sit in any meditative posture
- Relax your whole body
- Take the rosary in your right hand and advance the beads as
you start chanting
- Focus your attention to Mooladhara chakra. Visualize a
yellow square at Mooladhara
- Start chanting Lam mentally but with full awareness at
Mooladhara
- Chant Lam mantra for 108 times
- Now move on to Swadhisthana chakra and perform Japa of its
bija mantra visualizing its Yantra.
- Likewise perform Japa on the six chakras.
- Once you reach Ajna, start in descending order.
Thus there will be 12 malas of Japa in a complete cycle. As a
variation you can use Om mantra or a mantra given to you by your
Guru or mantra of your Ishta Deva. The bija mantras
and yantras of all the chakras are given below:
| Chakra |
Bija Mantra |
Yantra |
| Mooladhara |
Lam |
Yellow Squate |
| Swadhishthana |
Vam |
Crescent Moon |
| Manipura |
Ram |
Red Traingle |
| Anahata |
Yam |
Blue Hexagone |
| Vishuddhi |
Ham |
Space filled Circle |
| Ajna |
Om |
- |
It is common to feel sleepy during the Japa. The clever mind just tries
to fool you. Be regular and aware so that this tendency will subdue.
If possible use rosary made of Rudraksha beads. If you do not have rosary
you can count the Japa for specified time on each chakra. However, using
rosary is recommended.
Signs of correct practice
- Feeling of calmness and peace during and after the practice
- Concentrated mind
- Concentration while performing daily activities
- Divine visions
- Five elements get purified
Signs of erroneous practice
- Disturbed mind after the practice
- Mind wanders during the practice even after prolonged practice
- Bodily functions such as digestion may get affected because of
imbalance in five elements
Scriptural references
The above technique is mentioned directly or indirectly in the
following Yogic texts:
- Kularnava Tantra
- Shiva Samhita
- Yoga Shikha Upanishad
Bipin Joshi is an independent software consultant and trainer by profession specializing in Microsoft web development technologies. Having embraced the Yoga way of life he is also a yoga mentor, meditation teacher, and spiritual guide to his students. He is a prolific author and writes regularly about software development and yoga on his websites. He is programming, meditating, writing, and teaching for over 27 years. To read more about him go here. More details about his Kriya and Meditation online course are available here.