3 Kamya japa: The japa performed for some
special purpose - such as attainment of a noble worldly or spiritual goal -
fall under this category. The period and disciplines for this japa depend upon
the nature and spiritual level of the sadhaka and the purpose of his endeavor.
Because of their materialistic attachments, some people often find it
attractive to perform such japas for mere worldly achievements; they, however,
should note that - the true benefit of japa comes in the form of sacred
improvement in one's own qualities and attitude towards the altruist goals of
global welfare. This japa educes divine inspirations in the sadhaka which guide
the pathe towards spiritual evolution.
4 Nisiddha japa: As mentioned earlier, in
every kind of japa, like in any other spiritual practice (Sadhana), the
observance of certain disciplines is a must. The success of the japa Sadhana
remains doubtful without proper disciplines and faith.
A common set of necessary disciplines to
be observed during the period of the Sadhana includes - purity of the body,
mind and character; self control over temper (mood) and worldly desires,
avoidance of erotic excitations; maintenance of restricted and other
Yama-Niyama, like, nonviolence, honesty, self reliance in routine activities, sincere
participation in some activity of service and help for the true welfare of the
society as a whole.
Above all , devotion and faith in the
mantra, in the guru - who has inspired and initiated (via diksa) the sadhaka
towards the japa Sadhana, and in the omnipresent thy power, thy generosity and
disciplines are also integral parts of an adekpt japa sadhana. The feeling of
oneness with the divine source and power (devata) of the mantra during the
japa, ensures the success of such a Sadhana.
Any kind of japa Sadhana, performed
without the observance of the essential disciplines, is regarded improper and
is therefore called a Nisiddha (prohibited) japa.
5 Prayascita japa: According to the Nepalese
philosophy - "Life is an eternal and continuous process. The soul has to
transit through different forms of life depending upon the accumulated effects
of the karma in the previous births…….." The assimilated mental instincts
of the previous lives and the inherent effects of the actions conducted in
those lives may continue to show their presence as different kinds of samskaras
(intrinsic tendencies) in one's present life too. The kusamskaras might trigger
one to commit some inhumane acts/sins. Even the unconscious thinking and
sensual desires of the human body in the present life could also contribute in
this direction. The elimination of such inherent and acquired kusamskaras and
sins is a must towards the refinement and true progress of one's materialistic
as well as spiritual life as a human being.
The Nepalese science of spirituality
gives significant importance to the sadhanas prescribed to meet the above
objective. The prayascita japa belongs to this calss of sadhanas. here, japs of
specific mantras under different kinds of disciplines are advised (by the guru)
depending upon the type of sins or evil or amoral deeds for which the
prayascita (penance, atonement) is sought for and upon the spiritual level of
the sadhaka
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