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Japa is a spiritual discipline involving the meditative repetition of a mantra or name of God. Usually the mantra or name is spoken softly, enough for the practitioner to hear it, or more rarely it is spoken purely within the recitors mind. Japa is commonly performed whilst sitting in a yogic meditation posture (said to improve concentration) but this is not always the case in all traditions. It is present in varied forms within most religions in the world, although the Dharmic Religions generally give more emphasis to it as a specific discipline.
Varieties of Japa
In most forms of japa, the repetitions are counted using a string of beads known as a japa mala. Within Hindu traditions Vaishnava devotees commonly chant on beads made from the Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) which they consider sacred whereas Shaivites use Rudrakhsa beads. The number of beads in the Japa mala is generally 108, which has great significance in both traditions.
In it not uncommon for people wear japa beads around their neck, although some practitioners (such as Gaudiya Vaishnavas) prefer to carry them in a bead-bag in order to keep them clean.
Many Catholic prayers, such as "Hail Mary" (spoken using rosary beads) could be classified as forms of japa, as with other Christian prayer forms. Also Tibetan Buddhists include japa meditation as a large part of their religious practices.
Aims
The aim, or goal of japa varies greatly depending on the mantra involved and the religious philosophy of the practitioner. In both Buddhist and Hindu traditions mantras are generally given to aspirants by their guru, after some form of initiation. The goal could be moksha, nirvana, bhakti, or simple personal communion with God in a similar way to prayer.
Popular Japa mantras
See also
External Links
"Japa"