The aforesaid supernormal benefits of japa are attainable
only if the japa is performed as a spiritual Sadhana -with absolute faith,
sincerity and piety (of thought, sentiments and conduct) under unperturbed
observance of the prescribed disciplines.
Some common
disciplines essential for every kind of japa Sadhana are - the cleanliness of
the body and mind of the sadhaka and that of the place and its surroundings
where the japa is performed. The calm and stable state of the sadhaka's mind is a natural requirement for
meditation during japa. The following guidelines are usually prescribed to meet
these prerequisites. Japa should be performed in a neat and tidy condition of
the body, after having bath, wearing clean cloths etc. The clothing should also
be such that the body would be free and relaxes while sitting in the posture of
sukhasana, which is supposed to be the most soothing sitting posture for japa.
Wearing shoes or use of leather is also prohibited during all japa sadhanas.
The sadhaka should sit on a clean cloth sheet or kusasana spread over the floor
in a silent corner of the house or any suitable place outside, which is neat
and peaceful.
While performing a
japa, the sadhaka should let his mind free from every kind of negative
thinking, anger, jealous, excitement etc. The sadhaka should face the East in
the morning, North in the noon and the West in the evening and should feel the
presence of the divine illumination in the corresponding direction. According
to the scripture entitled "Tantra Sara", the purity and engrossment
of the mind and continence over the body functions- is a mmust for a sincere
practice of japa. The Kulanava Tantra adds that the sadhaka should eat self
earned austere vegetarian (Satvika) food.
The speed of japa
should be normal and set at one's natural frequency of speech. It should not be
too slow so as to cause dullness, neither too fast that would cease the clarity
of pronunciation. The Sastras also mention that grasping control over the
bodily actions, vital energy and mental agility and strengthening the sraddha
and visvasa in the presence of Siva and Sakti is necessary for the attainment
of ultimate success (siddhi) in a jap Sadhana.
Pictures and idols of
the manifestation of God in whom the sadhaka has affectionate faith, or
posters/ photographs of some saints and great personalities often provide
inspiring company at such places. Performance of some rituals of worship,
presence of fresh flowers and plants in the surroundings add a purity and
serene beauty of this atmosphere. With gradual progress in the Sadhana, the refinement
of the sublime domains of consciousness in and around the sadhaka also becomes
more important. In order to maintain the sacred ambience, only the people of
high moral character and piety of mind should be allowed to visit the place of
Sadhana.
According to the Ling
Purana (85/106-8) the japa performed in the house gives average benefit, that
performed on a bank of a river is over one lakh times more effective and this
positive impact is further enhanced if the japa is performed at a spiritually
energized temple or asrama of a saint at a mountain of the holy Himalayas or in
fromt of a cow, the divine Dhruva Tara (the pole star), rising Sun, fire of a
havan kunda or a dipaka (a lamp of refined ghee). The effect of japa is
maximized if it is performed with an awakened feeling of thou presence in the
sadhaka's own inner self.
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