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Parts of a mantra
Every mantra has six parts
| Rishi | - | The seer of the mantra. The one who discovered the mantra. | | Metre | - | The structure in which the mantras are written. | | Devata | - | Each mantra has a Deity. Mantra is the sound body of the Deity. | | Bija or seed | - | This gives a special power to the mantra. | | Shakti | - | The energy that is potentially contained in the mantra. | | Kilaka | - | This is the plug or device that conceals the power of the mantra. As soon as the plug is removed by constant and prolonged repetition the energy is released. | Three types of Japa
Vaikhari Japa.
Loud audible repetition. Suitable for beginners.
Upamsu Japa
Soft whispering repetition. Sound not audible, the lips and the tongue moves.
Manasika Japa
Mental repetition. Good for advance practitioners. It is more powerful than the other two.
Rules of Japa -
Repeat Guru given mantra from 108 to 1728 times daily ie. One to Sixteen malas. -
Use Rudraksha or Sphatic or Tulsi mala of 108 beads. -
Use the ring finger, middle finger and the thumb of the right hand for rolling the
heads. The index finger is prohibited. -
Do not allow the mala to hang below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart. -
Do not cross the meru (crown) of the mala. Turn back when you come up to it. -
Japa can be done by co-ordinating with the breath. First half of the mantra while
inhaling the next half while exhaling. -
Sit in Siddhasana and apply moola bandha during japa as long as you can. Akhanda Japa
This can be done from 6 to 12 hours or more. Can be conducted on Sunday or holidays. A group of people can take part in Akhanda Japa. Every member should be allotted a specific time to do the Japa. It is beneficial if the members fast on that day. Start the Japa at 6 a.m. and continue up to 6 p.m. Towards the end of the Akhanda japa all members can assemble together and repeat the mantra. At 6 p.m. have Aarti of the Lord and distribute sacred prasada (food offered to God).
Mantra Diksha
Initiation into the Divine Name known as "Mantra Diksha" is one of the holiest and most sacred rituals in spiritual life. To receive the Guru-mantra from a realized saint and Sad-Guru is the rarest of good fortune and the most precious of the divine blessing that may be bestowed upon the aspirant. The process of Mantra Diksha is one of the most sacred and |