48. Meaning and Type of japa 3

11    Manasika Japa: This japa is performed silently only in the mind. The syllables of the selected mantra are mentally visualized and along with this mental recitation, the mind is focused upon the meaning of that mantra. The importance of this type of japa Sadhana is quoted significantly in the Manu smriti (2/86), Visnu Purana (9/56), Vrada Parasara (4/57). The effect of this japa is described as thousands times more powerful than that of the vidhi yajna.

        According to a noted scholar, Pt. Dinanath Shastri the voice (namely, the Baikhari Vani,) used in speech has a limited power as compared to that of its successively subtler forms - the Madhyama, ,Pasyanti and Para Vanis. As the Manasika japa involves use of the subtle vani, it is significantly more effective than the vacika japa.

        As per the ancient quote - 'Mantri Gupta Bhasan', the sublime power of a mantra can be activated by the manasika japa. The Sadhana of this japa helps the activation and kproper utilization of the bioelectrical field inside the body of the sadhaka. This japa also affects the etheric vibrations with the help of the latent power of Sabda indwelling in the mantra.

12    Akhanda Japa: Although the word meaning here suggests some kind of nonstop japa, but, practically it implies that - apart from spending time on the daily routines essential for the healthy maintenance of the physical body, the sadhaka's mind should always be engaged within the domain of mantra japa. This means that the mind should be consistently engrossed in either of the following; (a) mental or vocal enunciation of the specified mantra; (b) practicing meditation (upon the aim of the mantra); (c) deeper introvert pondering for self analysis; or, (d) swadhyaya - study of spiritual or other inspiring literature pertaining to the refinement and realization of the individual self and altruist service of the world, etc.

        The word 'Akhand' (meaning, without pause or break….) is used here to represent the continuous controlling of the mind. Simple guidelines for this type of japa are given by the risis in the following terms:

        If one (the sadhaka) is tired of the japa, he should begin meditation……. If tired of meditation then japa should be restarted……; when tired of both, one should begin self analysis or swadhyaya.

13    Ajapa Japa: With normal respiration rate we breathe (in and out) about 21600 times per 24 hours. While inhaling, it sounds like 'Soa' and makes a natural sound of 'Ham' upon exhaling. This way the Kamsa Mantra Soham is always begin 'practiced' by us in a natural way without each breathing cycle…… This cyclic 'japa' with due concentration and feeling of exhaling the ego and vices with the sound of 'so' and inhaling and absorbing thy Sabda with the sound of 'Ham' - is termed as the ajapa japa of the Gayatri Mantra or the Atma Mantra.

14    Pradaksina Japa: The enunciation or chanting of a mantra while consistently moving along the circular boundary/ path around jyotirling, temples or around any of the sacred trees like the Bada (Banyan), Audumber or Pipala is termed as a pradaksina japa.

        The process of pradaksina (encircling) symbolizes the eternal cycle of the Brahm (reflected in the cycle of life and death….) If performed with faith and sincere sentiments engrossed in the divine thoughts of the Brahm, this simple process of japa offers remarkable benefits at the spiritual level.