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Mantras
are words or prayers that are composed of psychically potent
sound syllables that influence the human system. Repeating
mantras with or without a counting device is known as japa.
Japa is a practice used by aspirants of all religions - Jews,
Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Zoroastrians,... - as a powerful
tool to control the mind. They all believe that an idle mind
is the devil's workshop, and they work on themselves by doing
prayers, often with a rosary.
In Tantric Japa one repeats mantras for
a prescribed number of times. After nine tenth of the total
number of repetitions have been done or after completion of
the prescribed number, offerings of ghee and herbs are made
to the fire. When it is done without any desire, it needs
no such fire worship or Homa.
Silent japa (upanshu japa) is supposed
to be more powerful than when said aloud. An easy way to exercise
silent japa is to perform it aloud for a period of time so
that the ears will hear the mantras and the brain will register
it. The aspirant should keep on decreasing the volume of the
sound, using bass sounds, and should gradually start doing
the japa silently. This japa method is effective because the
cerebral cortex will keep on repeating the mantras for a period
of time even after the audible japa has stopped. The speed
of japa should remain uniform, and it should be done in sustained
tones.
Written Japa is a powerful variation
of silent japa. It entails writing the name of the deity on
paper, birch bark or tree leaves. Written japa creates a habit
of silent japa and is supposed to be ten times more powerful.
Written japa can be made even more powerful if a picture of
the deity is composed by the writing. Also, the use of different
colors can make it more aesthetic and powerful. Below are
some examples of written japa :
All these japa images are
protected by digital watermarking - if you like to use them
click here.
The first, last, and best mantra is "AUM".
It is the supreme consciousness in sound form. It is Creator,
Preserver, and Destroyer all in one. Using AUM before and
after any mantra in japa harmonizes the two hemispheres of
the brain and creates a magical effect.
If the mantra "AUM GANG GANAPATAYE NAMAH"
is repeated 5000 times for 25 days one will see the efect
of the mantra. Ganapati or Ganesha
is supposed to be the obstacle remover. He gives all kinds
of physical and mental powers. He gives peace and prosperity.
A very good story to explain how Japa works
is that of "The
Genie and the Pole".
Click to hear Mantras
online.
OM
card - OM
cards - OM
poster - OM
t-shirt - OM
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