PREFACE
The present edition of this immensely useful work ‘Japa Yoga’ by His Holiness Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj is brought out in response to several requests that we have
received from devotees everywhere. We need not emphasise the importance of this
work as its subject matter forms the foundation of spiritual Sadhana. Yajnananm
Japayajnosmi—I am the sacrifice of Japa among all sacrifices, says the Lord in the Gita. It
is the continuous recitation of the Divine Name that forms the first rung in the ladder of
Yoga, as also the undercurrent that flows beneath the different processes of Yoga.
The subject of this book is such that it will become a vade mecum for all seekers on the
path. We cannot think of another book on the subject so handy and exhaustive to be
placed in the hands of Sadhakas. The chapters are methodically arranged to suit the
conveniences of readers and provide a graduated series of lessons on this significant
aspect of Bhakti Yoga.
We have no doubt that this incomparable treatise will be received by one and all with
the rich approbation and the commendation that it deserves. May the Grace of Almighty
be upon us all?
—The Divine Life Society.
1. I prostrate myself before that Sat-Guru, the Brahman, who is Bliss, who is the giver of
supreme happiness, who is the Absolute, who is the Form of Knowledge, who is beyond
the pairs of opposites, who is (vast) like ether, who is attainable through assertions like
"Tat Tvam Asi", who is one, eternal, pure and changeless, who is the witness of all the
states of the mind, who transcends modifications, who is devoid of the three modes (of
Prakriti).
2. Prostrations to that Sri-Guru, who is Consciousness, eternal, peaceful, beyond ether,
spotless and beyond Nada, Bindu and Kala.
3. Prostration to that Sri-Guru, who is himself the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesvara,
and who is verily the supreme Absolute itself.
4. Om! Prostration to the Guru, who, is Siva (bliss and auspiciousness), who is the
embodiment of Existence-Knowledge-Bliss, who is free from world consciousness, who
is peaceful, without (any other) support, and self-effulgent.
DHYANA SLOKAS
I always contemplate upon the ever-pure, all-pervading Omkara (Pranava), which can be
known only through the Vedas, which is the essence and the support of the Vedanta,
which is taintless, which is the cause of the creation, preservation and destruction of the
universe, which includes the whole universe within itself, which is the saviour of the
universe, which is proclaimed by countless Srutis, and which is the Pure Truth,
Knowledge and Infinity in one.
I prostrate myself before the lotus-feet of Vighnesvara, the son of Uma, the cause of the
destruction of sorrow, who is served by the host of Bhuta-Ganas, etc., who has the face
of an elephant, who partakes of the essence of Kapittha and Jambu fruits.
I adore Vishnu, the embodiment of Peace, who sleeps on the serpent, whose navel is
the lotus (of the universe), who is the Lord of gods, who is the support of the universe,
who is of the form of (the omnipresent) ether, whose colour resembles that of clouds,
whose body is auspicious, who is the Lord of Lakshmi, whose eyes are like lotuses, who
is attainable by Yogis through meditation, who is the destroyer of the fear of birth and
death, and who is the One Lord of all the worlds.
I prostrate myself, before the Lord of Parvati, who is peaceful, who is seated in the
Lotus-pose, whose crown is adorned with moon, who has five faces, who has three eyes,
who holds the trident, bolt, sword and the fearlessness-giving axe on the right side, who
holds the noose, bell, Damaru and spear on the left side, who shines with various
ornaments and who is luminous like the crystal-jewel.
I worship the three-eyed Durga, whose lustre is like that of a streak of lightning, who is
seated on the lord of animals (lion), who is the dreadful, who is served by maidens
holding weapons and clubs in their hands, who holds with her hands discus, conch,
liquor clubs, arrows, bow with its string drawn in with the fingers, who is blazing like fire
and who wears the moon (on the crown).
I worship that Lakshmi, the daughter of the king of the milk-ocean, the queen of the
abode of Lord Vishnu, whose servants are the wives of all the gods, who is the one light
and the sprout of the universe, through a side glance of whose benign grace Brahma,
Indra and Siva have attained their high positions, who is the mother of the three worlds,
who is called Kamala, and who is the consort of Bhagavan Vishnu.
May that goddess Sarasvati, who wears a garland white like the Kunda-flower on the
moon or the snow, who is adorned with pure white clothes, whose hands are
ornamented with the Vina and the gesture of blessings, who is seated on a white lotus,
who is always worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Siva and other gods, who is the remover
of all inertness and laziness protect me.
One should meditate upon Sri Ramachandra, with hands reaching the knees, holding the
bow and the arrows, seated in the locked-up lotus-posture, wearing a yellow clothe,
with eyes vying with the newly blossomed lotus-petals, with a pleasant gait, with his
eyes mixing with the lotus-face of Sita seated on his left thigh, who is blue like the
clouds, who is shining with various kinds of ornaments, and who has a big circle of Jata
on the head.
I know not any other reality than the lotus-eyed Krishna, with hands adorned with the
flute, looking like a newly laden cloud in lustre, wearing a yellow silk garment, with his
lips like a ruddy Bimba-fruit, and with his face beautiful like the full-moon.
I always take refuge in Guha of six faces, who is of deep red colour like Kumkuma, who is
possessed of great knowledge, who has the divine peacock to ride on, who is the son of
Rudra, and who is the leader of the army of gods.
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Salutations to that God whom Brahma, Varuna, Indra, Rudra, and the Maruts praise with
divine hymns, whom the Sama-chanters sing by Vedas with their Angas and in the Pada
and Krama methods and by the Upanishads, whom Yogis see with their minds absorbed
in Him through meditation, and whose end the hosts of Devas and Asuras know not.
PRAYERS TO THE LORD
I
O Adorable Lord of Compassion! Salutations unto Thee. Give me inner spiritual strength
to resist temptation and melt in Thee this ego which is harder than granite or diamond.
Let me always be Thy chosen playmate in the wonderful game you play in all the worlds.
Let me understand Thy mysterious Lila or sporting. Let me be a perennial channel of Thy
sweet love to all Thy children. Utilise my body, the senses and the mind for Thy
unhampered play. O hidden Love! O undecaying beauty! Let my soul rest peacefully in
Thee for ever and ever.
O Light of lights! O shining one! I live for Thee. I behold Thee in the smiles of children, in
the tears of the afflicted, in my thoughts, emotions, sentiments, in the morning dew of
the Himalayan land-scape and in the rays of the sun. My room is filled with Thy sweet
Presence. I eat Thy benign grace in my daily food. I taste Thy radiant love in my daily
drink. Thou art the ocean of love and compassion. Let my love for Thee become a
roaring flame. Withdraw from me whatever evil there is. Fill my heart with purity,
goodness, love and sublime virtues. Make me Immortal.
O Lord! Reveal unto me Thy enchanting Form. Make me feel Thy living Presence. Fill my
heart with love. Let me merge myself in Thee. Let me walk in the path of righteousness.
Cleanse my mind of all evil thoughts. Help me to concentrate my mind on Thy lotus-feet.
Embrace me and make me pure. Teach me to be still and enjoy Thy magnificent Vision.
Illumine my mind with the light of true Knowledge. Make my stony heart melt and flow
towards Thee.
a life Thou art, O Lord, the creator of this universe. Thou art the protector of this world.
Thou art in the grass and in the rose. Thou art in the sun and the stars. Salutations unto
Thee. O Bestower of joy and bliss!
Sweet Lord! Let me be free from the clutches of death. Let me be able to look upon all
beings with equal vision. Let me be free from impurity and sin. Give me strength to
control the mind. Give me strength to serve Thee and the humanity untiringly. Make me
Thy fit instrument for Thy work. Make me pure and strong I bow to Thee, O Indweller of
all hearts! O Secret of secrets! Remove my weaknesses, defects and evil thoughts. Make
me pure, so that I may be able to receive Thy grace and blessings. O Lord! Thou art the
thread-soul that connects all beings. Thou pervadest all, permeatest and
interpenetratest all things of this Universewithout disease. Let me remember Thee
always. Let me develop all the sublime virtues.
Thou art self-luminous. Thou art my Father, Mother, Brother, Friend, Relative and
Guide. Let me realise the Truth. Let me be free from greed, lust, egoism, jealousy and
hatred. Prepare me as Thy sweet messenger on this earth, so that I may radiate joy;
peace and bliss to the whole world. Let me utilise my body, mind and senses in Thy
service and in the service of Thy creatures. Breathe into me Thy breath of Immortality.
Let me recognise the Universal Brotherhood of Man. Let me love all as my own Self.
Salutations unto Thee! O Lord of Compassion!
O Adorable Lord of Compassion! Salutations unto Thee! Thou art Infinite Beauty, Joy,
Bliss and Peace! Thou art Perfect, Independent and ever free! Give me the spirit of
sacrifice, strength and indomitable will to serve humanity! Vouch safe to me Thy grace
and mercy O Almighty! Thou art my Redeemer and Saviour. Free me from the bondage
of this body and round of births and deaths. Make me drink the nectar of Immortality!
O Supreme Being! Fill my heart with unflinching devotion unto Thee. Let the flame of
devotion to Thee grow brighter every day!
O Supreme Being! Fill my heart with unflinching devotion unto Thee. Let the flame of
devotion to Thee grow brighter every day!
O Infinity! O Eternity! O Immortality! Free me from all sorrows, dependence, delusion,
weakness and defects! Grant me equal vision, balanced mind, divine virtues, such as
courage, tolerance, forbearance, humility, mercy, purity, cosmic love, etc.
O Omnipotent Lord! Strengthen my resolve to stick to the spiritual path and to do my
daily spiritual routine vigorously and regularly. Forgive my sins. Free me from the
obstacles in the path and from all temptations. Give me inner strength to resist
temptations!
O Indwelling Presence! Thou art my sole prop, support, refuge and solace! Thou art the
Life of my life. Thou art the Soul of my soul. Thou art Transcendental Bliss, Peace and
Joy. Thou art the one homogeneous essence. Let me be established in Non-violence,
Truthfulness, Devotion and Purity. Teach me to be steadfast in my devotion unto Thee.
Give me Light and Wisdom O Supreme Love! Salutations unto Thee! Thou art the
Indweller of my heart. Give me the inner third eye of intuition or wisdom. May Self-
realisation be my inexhaustible spiritual wealth, dispassion my crown, virtuous deeds
my asset in the divine bank, and renunciation the jewel of my heart! Crores of
prostrations unto Thee, O Lord, I am Thine. Save me, protect me, guide me and
enlighten me. Make me pure, perfect and free! Through Thy grace may all attain health,
long life, prosperity and Self-realisation!
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love!
Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient;
Thou art Satchidananda.
Thou art the Indweller of all beings.
Grant us an understanding heart,
Equal vision, balanced mind,
Faith, devotion and wisdom.
Grant us inner spiritual strength
to resist temptations and to control the mind.
Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealousy.
Fill our hearts with divine virtues.
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us ever remember Thee.
Let us ever sing Thy Glories.
Let Thy Name be ever on our lips.
Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever.
(Sanskrit)
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(Hindi)
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MAHA-MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA
Om Tryambakam yajamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam;
Urvarukamiva bandhanaan-
Mrityormuksheeya maamritaat.
"We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Siva) who is fragrant and who nourishes all
beings; may He liberate me from death, for the sake of Immortality, even as the
cucumber is severed from its bondage (of the creeper)."
1. This Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra is a life-giving Mantra. In these days, when life is very
complex, accidents are an everyday affair; this Mantra wards off deaths by snake-bites,
lightning, motor-accidents, fire-accidents, cycle-accidents, water-accidents, air-accidents
and accidents of all descriptions. Besides, it has a great curative effect. Again, diseases
pronounced incurable by doctors are cured by this Mantra, when chanted with sincerity,
faith and devotion. It is a weapon against all diseases. It is a Mantra to conquer death.
2. It is also a Moksha-Mantra. It is Lord Siva’s Mantra. It bestows health (Arogya), long
life (Deergha-Ayus), peace (Santi), wealth (Aisvarya), prosperity (Pushti), satisfaction
(Tushti) and Immortality (Moksha).
3. On your birthday, repeat this Mantra one lakh times, or at least 50,000 times,
perform Havan and feed Sadhus, the poor and the sick. This will bestow on you health,
long life, peace, prosperity and Moksha.
PRAYER TO THE SUN
"Om Suryam sundarlokanathamamritam vedantasaram sivam,
Jnanam brahmamayam suresamamalam lokaikochittam svayam;
Indradityanaradhipam suragurum trailokyachudamanim,
Brahmavishnusivasvarupahridayam vande sada bhaskaram."
I always adore Surya, the sun, the beautiful Lord of the world, the immortal, the
quintessence of the Vedanta, the auspicious, the absolute knowledge, of the form of
Brahman, the Lord of the gods, ever-pure, the one true consciousness of the world
himself, the Lord of Indra, the gods and men, the preceptor of the gods, the crest-jewel
of the three worlds, the very heart of the forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, the giver of
light.
Om Hiranmayena palrenn satyasyapihitam mukham,
Tattvam pushan apavrinu satyadharmaya drishtaye.
Pushan ekarshe yama surya prajapatya vyuha rasmin samuha,
Tejo yatte rupam kalyanatamam tatte pasyami yosavasau purushah sohamasmi.
"The face of Truth is covered by a golden vessel. Remove Thou, O sun, that covering, for
the law of Truth to behold (It)."
"O Pushan (sun, nourisher), the only Seer (sole traveller of the heavens), controller of all
(Yama), Surya, son of Prajapati; disperse Thy rays and gather up Thy burning light; I
behold Thy glorious resplendent form; I am He, the Purusha within Thee."
. (Om Mitraya Namah)
Prostration to Him who is affectionate to all.
. (Om Ravaye Namah)
Prostration to Him who is the cause for change.
. (Om Suryaya Namah)
Prostration to Him who induces activity.
. (Om Bhanave Namah)
Prostration to Him who diffuses Light.
. (Om Khagaya Namah)
Prostration to Him who moves in the sky.
(Om Pushne Namah)
Prostration to Him who nourishes all.
. (Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah)
Prostration to Him who contains everything.
. (Om Marichaye Namah)
Prostration to Him who possesses rays.
. (Om Adityaya Namah)
Prostration to Him who is God of gods.
. (Om Savitre Namah)
Prostration to Him who produces everything.
. (Om Arkaya Namah)
Prostration to Him who is fit to be worshipped.
. (Om Bhaskaraya Namah)
Prostration to Him who is the cause of lustre.
In the words of Yajurveda:
"O Sun! O Sun of suns! Thou art All-energy, give me energy; Thou art All-strength, give
me strength; Thou art All-powerful, give me power."
Repeat the above Mantras and Names of the Sun at sunrise. He who repeats these
before sunrise, early in the morning, will possess wonderful health, vigour and vitality.
He will be free from every kind of disease of the eye. He will have wonderful eye-sight.
Pray to the sun in the early morning, before sunrise: "O Lord, Suryanarayana, the eye of
the world, the eye of the Virat-Purusha; give me health, strength, vigour and vitality."
Offer Arghya to the sun during the three Sandhyas (morning, noon and evening). Offer
prostrations to the sun, with these Mantras and Names.
PRAYER TO HARI
Thou abidest in all. Thou hast become all beings. Thou art the all. Thou assumest all
forms; all are from Thee; hence Thou art the all, the Soul of all. Glory unto Thee, the Self
of all beings.
As Thou art the Soul of all, the Lord of all, and present in all beings, what shall I speak
unto Thee? Thou knowest everything in (my) mind (being scaled in the hearts of all
beings.
Dear brothers,
Japa is the repetition of any mantra or name of the Lord.In this Iron Age Japa is the
easiest and surest way for God-realisation.
Repeat 200 malas of Japa daily. Mala or rosary is a whip to goad the mind towards God.
Wear a mala on your neck. It is the most precious jewel or ornament as it reminds you
of God.
Practice of Japa removes the impurities of the mind, destroys sins and brings the
devotee face to face with God. Japa must become habitual. Be regular in your Japa.
-Sivananda
Friends,
The glory of the name of God cannot be established through reasoning. It can certainly
be experienced through faith, devotion and constant repetition. Have reverence and
faith for the name. Do not argue.
Every name is filled with countless powers. Just as fire has the natural property of
burning things, so also the name of God has the power of burning the sins and desires.
O Man! Take refuge in the name and cross this formidable ocean of birth and death.
Name and Nami are inseparable. Glory to the Lord. Glory to His name. Hari OM. Sri Ram.
Sivananda
INTRODUCTION
I
In this Kali Yuga (Iron Age) Japa alone is the easy way to the realisation of God. The
famous author of a commentary on the Gita and of the Advaita-Siddhi, Swami
Madhusudana Saraswati, had direct Darsan of Lord Krishna through Japa of the Mantra
of Lord Krishna. The reputed Swami Vidyaranya, the author of the Panchadasi had direct
Darsan of Mother Gayatri through Japa of Gayatri Mantra.
At the present moment many educated persons and college-students have lost faith in
the power of Mantra, owing to the morbid influence of the study of science. They have
entirely given up Japa. It is highly deplorable indeed. When the blood is warm they
become hot-headed, proud and atheistic. Their brains and minds need a thorough
overhauling and drastic flushing.
Life is short. Time is fleeting. The world is full of miseries. Cut the knot of Avidya, and
drink the Nirvanic Bliss. That day on which you do not perform any Japa is simply
wasted. Those who simply eat, drink and sleep and do not practise any Japa are
horizontal beings only.
A Mantra, in the Hindu religion, has a Rishi who gave it to the world; a metre which
governs the inflection of the voice; and a Devata or a supernatural being, higher or
lower, as its informing power. The Bija, seed, is a significant word, or series of words,
which gives it a special power. Sometimes this word is a sound which harmonises with
the key-note of the individual using it and varies it with individuals; sometimes this word
expresses the essence of the Mantra, and the result of the Mantra is the flower
springing from this seed. The Sakti is the energy of the form of the Mantra, i.e., the
vibration-forms set up by its sounds. These carry the man to the Devata that is
worshipped. The Kilaka, the pillar, is that which supports and makes strong the Mantra,
or the pin which fastens the Mantra together; this is the ceasing of sorrow, by the
freeing of oneself from imperfections.
Do not bother yourself about Mantra, Para and Pasyanti, etc. Do Japa of your Ishta
Mantra mentally with its meaning and right Bhava. You will realise the spiritual benefits.
Why do you waste your time in counting the pebbles on the bank? Take a dip
immediately in the Ganges and enjoy the bath. Become wise.
All Mantras have equal potency or power. It is incorrect to say that Om Namo
Narayanaya is superior to Om Namah Sivaya or Radhesyam or Sri Ram, and so on. You
can attain God-realisation by doing Japa of any Mantra. Valmiki attained God-
consciousness by repealing even Mara-Mara. Some people think that Om or Soham is
superior to Om Namo Narayanaya, or vice versa. This also is wrong. The state gained by
doing Japa of Om or Soham can be attained by doing Japa of Sri Ram or Radhesyam also.
You should not doubt the teachings of the scriptures. Flickering faith will lead to
downfall. A man of weak will, who has no faith in Japa, cannot expect to have progress
in the spiritual path. If he says, "I am practicing ‘who am I’ enquiry"—this is all wild
imagination. Few are fit for "who am I" enquiry.
You must have the Bhava that Atman, Isvara, Devata, Mantra are one. With this Bhava
you will have to repeat your Guru Mantra or Ishta Mantra. Then alone you will have
Mantra Siddhi or God-realisation quickly.
The Japa of a Mantra can bring to the practitioner realisation of his highest goal though
he may not possess knowledge of the meaning of the Mantra. Such a mechanical Japa
may take a little more time in realisation than when it is practiced with a knowledge of
the meaning. There is an indescribable power or Achintya Sakti in the Mantras. If you
repeat the Mantra with concentration on its meaning, you will attain God-consciousness
quickly.
Form a strong habit of repeating the Name of the Lord. Then only it will be easy for you
to remember Him at the time of death.
To define God is to deny God. You can give the definition of a finite object. How can you
define limitless or the Infinite Being who is the source and ultimate cause for
everything? If you define God you are limiting the limitless one, you are confining Him
with concepts of mind. God is beyond the reach of the gross mind, but He can be
realised through Japa and meditation with a pure, subtle and one-pointed mind.
II
Manasika Puja (mental worship) is more powerful than external Puja with flowers, etc.
Arjuna thought that Bhima was not doing any kind of worship. He was proud of his
external worship of Lord Siva. He offered plenty of Bael leaves. But Bhima offered to the
Lord mentally the Bael leaves of all the Bael trees of the whole world. He was doing
Manasika Puja of Lord Siva. The attendants of Lord Siva were not able to remove from
the head of Lord Siva the Bael leaves offered by Bhima. Arjuna once saw a large band of
people carrying baskets of Bael leaves. He thought within himself that the leaves must
be those offered by him to Lord Siva and questioned them thus: "Brothers, from where
do you carry these Bael leaves?" They replied: "O Arjuna, these leaves are offered to our
Lord Siva by Bhima through Manasika Puja." Arjuna was struck with wonder. He came to
know that Manasika Puja was more powerful than external worship and that Bhima was
a better devotee than he.
Manasika Puja can be done by advanced students. Beginners should certainly do
worship with flowers, sandal paste, incense, etc. You will have more concentration
when you do Manasika Puja. Mentally enthrone the Lord in Simhasana set with
diamonds, pearls, emeralds, etc. Offer Him a seat. Apply sandal paste to His forehead
and body. Offer Arghya, Madhuparka and various sorts of flowers, clothes, etc. Burn
incense. Wave lights. Burn camphor. Offer various kinds of fruits, sweetmeats and
Maha-Naivedya. Offer to the Lord the fruits of the whole world. Do not be miserly even
in Manasika Puja. In Manasika Puja one man offered only one stale plantain fruit and a
handful of gram. A miserable miserly man! Even in Manasika Puja he cannot be very
generous and liberal! This world abounds with such deplorable misers! In the end
mentally repeat: "Kayena vacha manasendriyairva buddhyatmana va
prakritessvabhavat karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai narayanayeti samparpayami—
Whatever action I do by the body, by the speech, by the mind, by the senses, by the
intellect or by my own nature, I offer all of them to the supreme Lord Narayana." Also
say in the end, "Om Tat Sat Brahmarpanamastu." This will purify your heart and remove
the faint of expectation of reward.
III
Without love man’s life is empty. Without love man lives in vain. Love is vital. It is all-
pervading. Love is a greater power. Love is the sap of life. Give love. Cultivate this love
through service, Japa, Satsanga and meditation.
God is always with you. He will protect and deliver you. Take refuge in Him. His blessings
will overflow info your life and transform your mind and body. Develop your
consciousness of spiritual things. Make a special effort daily to exercise control over
your thoughts, words and actions. Feel His presence in your room. Pray and meditate
daily.
Prayer elevates the mind. It fills the mind with purity. It is associated with praise of God.
It keeps the mind in tune with God. Prayer can reach a realm where reason does not
dare to enter. Prayer can move mountains. It can work miracles. It frees the devotee
from the fear of death. It brings him nearer to God and makes him feel the divine
consciousness and his essential, immortal and blissful nature.
Surrender everything to Him. Place your ego at His feet and be at ease. He will take
complete charge of you. Let Him mould you in any way He likes. Let Him do exactly as
He wills. He will remove all defects and weaknesses. He will play beautifully on this
body-flute. Hear this marvellous music of His flute, the mysterious music of the Soul,
and rejoice.
Make your offerings to the Lord with the same mental attitude as that of Bhilini Sabari.
Call the Lord with the same Bhava of Draupadi or with the Bhava which Gajendra had
when he called Lord Hari. You will surely meet your Beloved. Develop this Bhava. You
will have the Darsan of the Lord immediately.
Feel his Presence everywhere. Strive ceaselessly to fix your mind on the Lord. Try to
constantly behold your Beloved in all these forms. Silently repeat His Names. Sometimes
sing His Names. Silently do Kirtan. Melt the mind in Him. Rejoice in silence in Him.
If you get up at Brahmamuhurta, at 4 a.m., you will have a clear mind. There is a
spiritual influence and mysterious silence in the early morning hours. All saints and Yogis
practise meditation at this period and send their spiritual vibrations to the whole world.
You will be highly benefited by their vibrations if you start your prayer, Japa and
meditation at this period. You need not exert much. The meditative stale of mind will
come by itself.
Gaze at the picture of the Lord, your Ishta-Devata, for a few minutes, and close your
eyes. Then try to visualise the picture mentally. You will have a well-defined or clear-cut
picture of the Lord. When it fades, open your eyes and gaze. Repeat the process 5 or 6
times. You will be able to visualise clearly your Ishta-Devata or tutelary deity mentally,
after some months’ practice.
If you find it difficult to visualise the whole picture, try to visualise any part of the
picture. Try to produce at least a hazy picture. By repeated practice the hazy picture will
assume a well-defined, clear-cut form. If you find this to be difficult, fix the mind on the
effulgent light in the heart and take this as the form of the Lord or your Ishta.
The thoughts you create in your mind and the images you form in your daily life help
you in making what you are or what you would become. If you constantly think of Lord
Krishna, you will become identical with the Lord. You will abide in Him for ever. You will
become one with the Deity you meditate upon.
In Bhava-Samadhi the mind of the devotee is highly elevated through pure emotion and
devotion. He forgets the body and the world. His mind is wholly absorbed in the Lord.
Contentment, unruffled state of the mind, cheerfulness, patience, decrease in
excretions, sweet voice, eagerness and steadiness in the practice of meditation, disgust
for worldly prosperity and success and company, desire to remain alone in a quiet room
or in seclusion, desire for association with Sadhus and Sannyasins, Ekagrata or one-
pointedness of mind, are some of the signs that indicate that you are growing in purity,
that you are progressing in the spiritual path.
When you enter the silence through deep meditation the world outside and all your
troubles will drop away. You will enjoy supreme peace. In the silence is the Supreme
Light of lights. In the silence is undecaying bliss. In this silence is real strength and
perennial Joy.
Shut out the doors of the senses. Still the thoughts, emotions and feelings. Sit
motionless and calm in the early morning hours. Ignore the visions and coloured lights.
Have a receptive attitude. Go alone with God. Commune with Him. Enjoy the abiding
peace in silence.
In the Srimad Bhagavata the Lord Sri Krishna says to Uddhava, "I am not so easily
attainable by Yoga, Sankhya or discrimination, Dharma, study of the Vedas, Tapas,
renunciation, liberal gifts, charitable acts, rites such as Agnihotra, fasts, vows, secret
Mantras, resort to pilgrimages, Yamas, Niyamas (moral rules), as by Satsanga (company
of Sadhus or the wise) which puts an end to all attachments. It is only by association
with the wise and the righteous, that many who were of Rajasic or Tamasic nature—
such as Vritra, son of the sage Tvashtri; Prahlada, the Daityas, the Asuras and the
Rakshasas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Nagas, Siddhas, Charanas, Guhyakas and Vidyadharas,
many beasts and birds, and among mankind Vaisyas, Sudras, women and outcastes who
are of the lowest birth, have attained Me. Vrishaparva, Bali, Bana, Maya, Vibhishana,
Sugriva, Hanuman; Jambavan, the bear; Gajendra, the elephant; Jatayu, the vulture;
Tuladhara, the merchant; Dharmavyadha, the fowler; Kubja, the hunch-backed
perfume-seller; the Gopis in Vraja, the wives of the Brahmanas engaged in sacrifices in
Brindavana, and others—all these did not study the Vedas did not sit at the feet of great
men of learning for the sake of knowledge. They did not observe any vows or fasts. They
did not perform Tapas but they attained me through association with saints and Sadhus.
Through love alone, developed through the company of saints, the Gopis and even the
cows, trees, beasts, serpents and others of dull-witted nature, became perfected and
easily attained me whom one does not attain by making great endeavours through Yoga
or Sankhya, charily, vows, Tapas, sacrifices, teaching and study of the Vedas or
renunciation.
Satsanga or association with the sages removes the darkness of the heart. It is a safe
boat to cross the ocean of Samsara. Satsanga elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or
purify. It eradicates vicious thoughts and impressions in the heart. It leads one to the
right path and causes the Sun of Wisdom to shine upon one’s mind.
You may do Japa of ‘Om Namah Sivaya’ Mantra if you are a votary of Lord Siva, or ‘Om
Namo Narayanaya’ if you are a devotee of Lord Vishnu. These are very powerful
Mantras. None can explain the benefits of Japa, Sadhana and Satsanga. Japa is the rod in
the hands of the blind Sadhakas to plod on the road to realisation. Japa is the
philosopher’s stone or divine elixir that makes one God-like. Through Japa alone one can
realise God in this life.
This book will throw much light on the important subject of Mantra Yoga and the
method of attaining perfection through Japa. The First Chapter gives the definition of
Japa. The Second Chapter deals with the glory and importance of the Name of God.
Different kinds of Mantras are given in the Third Chapter. The Fourth Chapter contains
many practical and useful instructions on Sadhana. The Fifth Chapter gives a short
sketch of the lives of some of the saints who realised God through Japa.
May God give you inner strength to control the Indriyas and the mind and to practice
Japa Yoga and worship uninterruptedly! May you have unshakable faith in the
miraculous powers and marvellous benefits of Japa Yoga! May you all realise the glory
of Nama, the Name of God! May you all spread the glory of Nama throughout the length
and breadth of the land! Victory to Hari and His Name! Glory to Hari and His Name! May
the blessings of Lord Siva, Hari, Rama and Krishna be upon you all!
CONTENTS
Preface
7
Satguru Stotram
8
Dhyana Slokas
9
Prayers to the Lord
14
Universal Prayer
17
Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra
20
Prayer to the Sun
21
Prayer to Hari
24
Introduction
27
Chapter One
PHILOSOPHY OF JAPA
What is Japa?
39
Mantra Yoga
40
Sound and Image
42
Chapter Two
GLORY OF THE NAME
Nama Mahima
46
Benefits of Japa
49
Chapter Three
MANTRAS
Pranava
55
Hari Nama
56
Kali-Santarana Upanishad
58
Japa Vidhana
59
Mantras for Japa
61
Glory of Mantras
75
Practical Aids to Japa
77
Rules for Japa
79
Gayatri Mantra
80
Chapter Four
SADHANA
Need for a Guru
87
Meditation room
88
Brahmamuhurta
88
Selection of Ishta Devata
89
Asana for Japa
89
Where to Concentrate
90
Three Sittings for Doing Japa
91
Need for a Maala
93
How to Use a Japa Maala
93
How to Count Japa
94
Three Varieties of Japa
94
Mulabandha and Kumbhaka in Japa
95
Japa Plus Karma Yoga
96
Likhita Japa
97
Number of Japas
101
Akhanda Japa
104
Time-Table for Japa
105
Power of Sound and Name
106
Bija-Akshara
106
Hints on Japa Yoga Sadhana
110
The Glory of Mantra-Diksha
116
Anushthana
118
Method of Mantra-Purasharana
122
Chapter Five
STORIES OF JAPA-YOGINS
Dhruva
128
Ajamila
130
A Disciple
132
The Milk-maid and the Pandit
133
Faith: Its Import in the Bhakti Cult of Religion
134
APPENDIX
Divine Namapathy
136
Nama –Aparadhas
137
God’s Name Is All-Powerful
138
Essence of Japa Yoga
140
Questions and Answers
144
Glory of god’s name
148
Glory of Rama Nama
153
Change tha Drishti
155
Concentration and meditation
156
Twenty hints on meditation
158
Mantra writing
161
Instructions to aspirants
163
Mantras for fulfilment of wishes and for Cure
163
Chapter One
PHILOSOPHY OF JAPA
1. What Is Japa
Japa is the repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord. In this kali Yuga or Iron Age
when the physique of the vast majority of persons is not good, rigid Hatha Yogic
practices are very difficult, japa is an easy way to God-realisation. Tukaram of Deo, a
Maharashtra saint, Dhruva, Prahlada, Valmiki Rishi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa- all had
attained salvation by uttering the Name of God.
Japa is an important Anga of Yoga. In The Gita You Will Find “Yajnanam Japa-Yajnosmi-
Among Yajnas, I am Japa-Yajna.” In Kali Yuga the practice of Japa alone can give eternal
Peace, Bliss and Immortality. Japa ultimately results is Samadhi or communion with the
Lord. Japa must become habitual and must be attended with Sattvic or Divine Bhava,
purity, Prema and Sraddha. There is no Yoga greater than Japa Yoga. It can give you all
lshta-Siddhis (whatever you want), Bhakti and Mukti.
Japa is repetition of the Mantra. Dhyana is meditation on the form of the Lord with His
attributes. This is the difference between Japa and Dhyana. There is meditation or
Dhyana with (Japa-Sahita); there is meditation or Dhyana without Japa (Japa-Rahita). In
the beginning you should combine Dhyana with Japa. As you advance the Japa drops by
itself; meditation only remains. It is advanced stage. You can then practise
concentration separately. You can do whatever you like best in this respect. Om is both
saguna and Nirguna, manifested and unmanifested Brahman. If you are a devotee of
Rama you can repeat ‘om Ram’ for worship of the manifested Brahman.
Name (Nama) and the object (Rupa) signified by the Name are inseparable. Thought and
word are inseparable. Whenever you think of the name of your son, his figure stands
before your mental eye, and vice versa. Even so when you do Japa of Rama or Krishna,
the picture of Rama or Krishna will come before your mind. Therefore Japa and Dhyana
go to gether. They are inseparable.
While you are doing the Japa of any Mantra, think that you are really praying to your
Ishta Devata, that your lshta Devata is really listening to you, that He is looking at you
with merciful or graceful eyes, and that He with open hands is giving you full Abhaya-
Dana (asking you to be free from all fears whatsoever) with a view to give you your
desired object (Moksha). Entertain this Bhava.
Do the Japa with feeling. Know the meaning of the Mantra. Feel His presence in
everything and everywhere. Draw closer and nearer to Him when you repeat the
Mantra. Think Hi is shining in the chambers of your heart. He is witnessing your
repetition of the Mantra as He is the witness of your mind.
One must take to Japa or Nama-Smarana (remembering the Name of the Lord) very
seriously and sincerely with full faith. The chanting of His name is but surving Him. You
must have the same flow of love and respect (devotion) in your heart at the time of
thinking of or remembering His Name as that you naturally may have in your heart at
the time when you really see Him. You should have full faith and belief in the eternity of
the Name.
2. Mantra Yoga
Mantra Yoga is an exact science. “Mananat trayate iti mantrah- by the Manana
(constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the
round of births and deaths is Mantra.”That is called Mantra by the meditation (Manana)
on which the Jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven
and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full fourfold fruit (Chaturvarga),
i.e. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. A Mantra is so called because it is achieved by
the mental process. The root ‘Man’ in the word Mantra comes from the first syllable of
that word, meaning ‘to think’ and ‘Tra’ from ‘Trai’ meaning ‘to protect’ or ‘free’ from the
bondage of Samsara or the phenomenal world. By the combination of ‘Man’ and ‘Tra’
comes Mantra which calls forth the four aims of being (Chaturvarga) viz., Dharma,
Artha, Kama and Moksha.
A Mantra is Divinity. It is divine power or Daivi Sakti manifesting in a sound body. The
Mantra itself is Devata. The aspirant should try his level best to realise his unity with the
Mantra of the Divinity, and to the extent he does so, the Mantra-power or the Mantra-
Sakti supplements his worship-power (Sadhana-Sakti). Just as a flame is is strengthened
by winds, so also the aspirant’s individual Sakti is strengthened by Mantra-Sakti, and
then the individual Sakti joins with the Mantra-Sakti to make it more powerful.
The Mantra is awakened from its sleep through the Sadhana-Sakti of the aspirant. The
Mantra of the Devata is that letter or combination of letters. Which reveals the Deity to
the consciousness of the aspirant who has evoked it by the Sadhana-Sakti. The Mantra is
a mass radiant Tejas or energy. Mantra awakens supernatural powers.
A Mantra accelerates, generates creative force. Spiritual life needs harmony in all parts
of our being. The whole being must be in perfect ease and in tune with the Divine. Then
only the spiritual Truth can be realised. Mantra produces harmony. A Mantra has the
power of releasing the cosmic and the supercosmic consciousness. It bestows on the
Sadhaka illumination, freedom, supreme Peace, eternal Bliss and Immortality. A Mantra
when constantly repeated awakens the consciousness (Chit or Chaitanya).
Consciousness or Chaitanya is latent in a Mantra.
Sound exists in four fundamental states, viz., (1) Vaikhari or dense, audible sound, sound
in its maximum differentiation; (2) Madhyama or an inner, subtle, more ethereal state
at which it is inaudible to physical ear; (3) Pasyanti, a still higher, inner, more ethereal
state; (4) Para which represents lsvara-Sakti and is the potential (Karana) state of the
sound which is Avyakta or undifferentiated. The Para sound is not, like the Vaikhari,
different in different languages. It is the unchanging primal substratum of them all, the
source of the universe.
The Japa of a Mantra can bring the practitioner realisation of his highest goal even
though he has no knowledge of the meaning of the Mantra. Only it will take a little more
time. There is an indescribable power or Achintya Sakti in the Name of God or Mantra. If
you repeat the Mantra with concentration on its meaning you will attain God-
consciousness quickly.
The repetition of the Mantra removes the dirt of the mind such as lust, anger, greed,
etc. Just as the mirror acquires the power of reflection when the dirt covering it is
removed, even so the mind from which the impurities have been removed, acquires the
capacity to reflect the higher spiritual Truth. Just as soap cleanses the cloth of its
impurities, so also, the Mantra is a spiritual soap cleansing the mind. Just as fire cleanses
gold of its impurities, so also Mantra cleanses the mind of its impurities. Even a little
recitation of a Mantra with Sraddha, Bhava and concentration on its meaning with one-
pointed mind, destroys all impurities of the mind. You should utter the Name of God or
any Mantra regularly every day. The recital of a Mantra destroys your sins and brings
everlasting peace, infinite bliss, prosperity and immortality. There is not the least doubt
about this.
3. Sound and Image
Sounds are vibrations. They give rise to definite forms. Each sound produces a form in
the invisible world, and combinations of sound create complicated shapes. The text-
books of science describe certain experiments which show that notes produced by
certain instruments trace out on a bed sand definite geometrical figures. It is thus
demonstrated that rhythmical vibrations give rise to regular geometrical figures. The
Hindu books on music tell us that the various musical tunes, ‘Ragas’ and ‘Raginis’ have
each a particular shape, which these books graphically describe. For instance, the
Megha-Raga is said to be a majestic figure seated on an elephant. The Vasanta-Raga is
described as a beautiful youth decked with flowers. All this means that a particular Raga
or Ragini, when accurately sung, produces serial etheric vibrations which create the
particular shape, said to be the characteristic of it. This view has recently received
corroborations from the experiments carried on by Mrs. Watts Hughes, the gifted
author of “Voice Figure”. She delivered an illustrated lecture before a select audience in
Lord Leighton’s studio to demonstrate the beautiful scientific discoveries on which she
has alighted, as the result of many years’ patient labour. Mrs. Hughes sings into a simple
instrument called an ‘Eidophone’ which consists of a tube, a receiver and a flexible
membrane, and she finds that each note assumes a definite and constant shape, as
revealed through a sensitive and mobile medium. At the outset of her lecture, she
placed tiny seeds upon the flexible membrane and the air-vibrations set up by the notes
she sounded danced them into definite geometric patterns. Afterwards she used dusts
of various kinds, copodium dust being found particularly suitable. A reporter, describing
the shape of the notes, speaks of them as remarkable revelation of geometry,
perspective and shading: “Stars, spirals, snakes and imaginations rioting in a wealth of
captivating methodical design.” Such were what were first shown. Once when Mrs.
Hughes was singing a note, a daisy appeared and disappeared and “I tried,” she said, “to
sing it back for weeks before; at last I succeeded.” Now she knows that precise
inflections of the particular note that is a daisy and it is made constant and definite by a
strange method of coaxing an alteration of crescendo and diminuendo. After the
audience had gazed enraptured a series of daisies, some with succeeding rows of petals,
delicately viewed, they were shown other notes and these were daisies of great beauty.
“How wonderful How lovely” were the audible exclamations that arose from the late
Lord Leighton’s studio, an exquisite form succeeded exquisite forms on the screen. The
flowers were followed by sea-monsters, serpentine forms of swelling rotundity, full of
light and shade and details, feeding in miles of perspective. After these notes came
there forms of other trees, trees with fruits falling, trees with a foreground of rocks,
trees with sea behind. “Why exclaimed the people in the audience, “they are just like
Japanese landscapes.”
While in France, Madame Finlang’s singing of a hymn to Virgin Mary “O Ave Marium”
brought out the form of Mary with child Jesus on her lap and again the singing of a
hymn to ‘Bhairava’ by a Bengali student of Varanasi studying in France, gave rise to the
formation of the figure of Bhairava with his vehicle, the dog.
Thus, repeated singing of the Name of the Lord builds up gradually the form of the
Devata or the special manifestation of the Deity whom you seek to worship, and this
acts as a focus to concentrate the benign influence of the Divine Being, which radiating
from the centre, penetrates the worshipper.
When one enters the state of meditation, the flow of the inner Vritti is greatly
intensified. The deeper one goes into meditation the more marked is tha effects. The
concentration of the mind upwards sends a rush of this force through the top of the
head and the response comes in a fine rain of soft magnetism. The feeling arising from
the downward power sends a wonderful glow through the body, and one feels as if he is
bathed in soft kind electricity.
The above experiments demonstrate the following facts:
1. Sounds produce shapes.
2. Particular notes give rise to particular forms.
3. If you want to generate a particular form, you must produce a definite note in a
particular pitch.
The repetition of the Panchakshara Mantra, ‘Om Namah Sivaya’ produces the form of
Lord Siva. The repetition of ‘Om Namo Narayanaya, ‘the Ashtakshara Mantra of Vishnu
produces the form of Vishnu. In a Mantra, the vibrations to be produced by the notes
are all important. Much emphasis is laid on the pitch (Svara) as well as form (Varna) of a
Mantra. Varna literally means colour. In the invisible world all sounds are accompanied
by colours, so that they give rise to many-hued shapes. In the same way colours are
accompanied by sounds. A particular note has to be used to produce a particular form.
Different notes in different pitches give rise to different shapes. In the science of
Mantras, we use different Mantras for the purpose of invoking different gods. If you
worship lord Siva you use ‘Om Namah Sivaya, but in worshipping Vishnu or Sakti you will
have to change the Mantra. What happens when a Mantra is recited? The repeated
recitation of the mantra produces in the mind the form of the Devata or the Deity
connected with the Mantra which is your lshta, and this form becomes the centre of
your consciousness when you directly realise it. It is, therefore, said that the Mantra of
the Deva is Deva himself. This may explain the much misunderstood dictum of the
Mimamsa philosophers that the gods do not exist apart from the Mantras
(Mantratmako Devah). This really means that when a particular Mantra appropriated to
a particular god is properly recited, the vibrations so set up, create in the higher planes a
special form which that god ensouls for the time being.
Chapter Two
GLORY OF THE NAME
1. Nama Mahima
What a lot of joy the repetition of His Name brings what a lot of power it infuses into
man! How it changes the human nature marvelously! How it exalts a man to the status
of divinity! How it destroys old sins, Vasanas, Sankalpas, Whims, fancies, depressing
moods, sex-impulses and various samskaras!
How sweet is God’s Name! What a tremendous power it possesses! How it transforms
quickly the Asuric, diabolical nature into Sattvic, Divine nature! How it brings you face to
face with the Lord and makes you realise your oneness with Him (Para Bhakti-Supreme
Love)!
The Name of God chanted correctly or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully
or carelessly, is sure to give the desired result. The Glory of the Name of God cannot be
established through reasoning and intellect. It can certainly be experienced or realised
only through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the name. Every Name is filled
with countless potencies or Saktis. The power of the Name is ineffable. Its Glory is
indescribable. The efficacy and inherent Sakti of the Name of God in unfathomable.
Just as fire has the natural property of burning inflammable things, so also the Name of
God has the power of burning sins, Samskaras and Vasanas and bestowing Eternal Bliss
and everlasting peace on those who repeat it. Just as burning quality is natural to and
inherent in fire, so also power of destroying sins with their very root and branch, and
bringing the aspirant into blissful union with the Lord through Bhava-Samadhi is natural
to and inherent in the Name of God.
O Man! Take refuge in the Name. Nami and Nama are inseparable. Sing the Lord Name
incessantly. Remember the Name of the Lord with every incoming and outgoing breath.
In this Iron Age Name-Smarana or Japa is the easiest, quickest, safest and surest way to
reach god and attain Immortality and perennial Joy. Glory to the Lord! Glory to His
Name!
It was the utterance of the Name of God alone that caused the salvation of a great
sinner of the type of Ajamila. Ajamila was a righteous Brahmin in the beginning. He fell
in love with a low-caste girl and committed many atrocious crimes. It was at the time of
death he uttered the name of his sons ‘Narayana’ and there came the Parshadas of
Narayana Himself to his rescue, and he (Ajamila) was released from this world for ever.
Mark here the extraordinary power of the Name.
You may be aware how the Ganika (prostitute) Pingala was mysteriously transformed
into a saintly lady by the power of the Name (repeating the Name of Sri Rama) through
her Guru, the parrot which she obtained a lovely present from a thief, and how she
easily obtained salvation. The parrot was trained to utter the Name “Sri Rama, Sri
Rama”. Pingala knew nothing of Rama-Nama. She heard the sound Rama-Rama through
the mouth of the parrot. It was very melodious and charming. Pingala was very much
attracted. She fixed her mind on Rama-Nama, uttered by the parrot, and mysteriously
entered into Bhava Samadhi (union with Rama). Such is the power of the Name of the
Lord. It is a pity that the present-day people who have studied science and who brag of
their worth-less secular learning have no faith in Name-Smarana. It is highly deplorable.
Just hear the glory of Rama-Nama. You must learn to take the Name of Rama with full
devotion and faith. When you study the Ramayana of Tulasidas you will learn how great
the Divine Power of that blessed Name is.
Gandhiji writes: “You might ask me why I tell you to use the word Rama and not one of
the many other Names of the Creator. True His Names are as many as and more than
the leaves on a tree, and might, for instance, ask you to use the world God. But what
meaning, what associations, would it have for you here? In order to enable you to feel
anything when repeating the word God, I should have to teach you some English. I
should have to explain to you foreign people thoughts and associations.
But in telling you to repeat the Name of Rama, i am giving you a Name worshipped since
countless generation by the people of this land-a Name familiar to the very animals and
birds, the very trees and stones of Hindustan, through many thousand years. You will
learn from Ramayana how a stone by the roadside sprang to life at the touch of Rama’s
foot as he passed by. You must learn to repeat the blessed Name of Rama with
sweetness and such devotion that birds will pause in their singing to listen to you, that
the very trees will bend their leaves towards you, stirred by the divine melody of that
Name.”
Kamal got a severe scolding from his father Kabir for pre-scribing to a rich merchant
Rama-Nama to be repeated twice for curing leprosy. Kamal asked the merchant to
repeal Rama-Nama twice and yet he was not cured of the disease. Kamal reported to his
father this incidence. Kabir was very much annoyed and told Kamal: You have brought
disgrace on me by asking the merchant to repeat Rama-Nama twice. Repe- tition of
Rama-Nama once is quite sufficient. Now beat the merchant severely with a stick on his
head. Ask him to stand in the Ganga and repeat Rama-Nama once from the bottom of
his heart." Kamal followed the instruction of his father. He gave a good thrashing on the
head of the merchant. The merchant re-peated Rama-Nama once only with Bhava, from
the bottom of his heart. He was completely cured of leprosy.
Kabir sent Kemal to Tulasidas. In the presence of Kamal, Tulasidas wrote Rama-Nama on
a Tulasi-leaf and sprinkled the juice over 50 lepers. All were cured. Kamal was quite
aston-ished. Then Kabir sent Kamal to blind Sur Das. Sur Das asked Kamal to bring the
corpse that was floating in the river. The corpse was brought. Sur Das repeated 'Ram'
only once (not the full Name Rama) in one ear of the corpse, and it was brought back to
life. Kamal’s heart was filed with awe and wonder. Such is the power of God’s Name. My
dear friends! My edu-cated college youths! My dear Barristers, Professors, Doctors and
Judges! Don't be puffed up with your false secular learn-ing. Repeat the Name of the
Lord with Bhava and Prema from the bottom of your heart and realised the Supreme
Bliss, Knowledge, Peace and Immortality right now in this very birth, nay, this very
second.
Kabir says: "If anyone utters 'Rama' Rama' even in dream, I would like to make for his
daily use a pair of shoes out of my skin." Who can describe the glory of God's sacred
Name? Who can really comprehend the greatness and splen-dour of the holy Names of
God? Even Parvati, the consort of Lord Siva, failed to describe in adequate terms the
grandeur and true significance of God's Name. When one sings His Name or hears it
sung, he is unconsciously raised to sublime spiritual heights. He loses his body-
consciousness. He is im-mersed in joy. He drinks the divine nectar of Immortality. He
gets Divine intoxication. Repetition of God's Name enables the devotee to feel the
Divine Presence, the Divine glory, the Di-vine consciousness within himself and also
everywhere. How sweet is Hari's Name! How powerful is the Name of the Lord! How
much joy, peace and strength His Name brings to one who repeats it! Blessed indeed
are those who repeat God's Name, for they will be free from the wheel of birth and
death and will at-tain Immortality!
The Pandavas were never burnt to death, though the Lakshagriha (house of lac) in which
they lived was burnt, be-cause of their immense faith in the Name of Hari; the
Gopalakas were not harmed by fire, when the wild fire broke out, because of their
immense faith in the Lord's Name; Hanu-man was never burnt though his tail was set
fire to by the Rakshasas, on account of his immense faith in Rama's Name; Prahlada was
not burnt by fire because he had taken refuge in the Name of Hari; Sita was not harmed
through fire though she had to undergo the fire-trial for testing her chastity, because
she had Rama's Name as her sole refuge; the palace of Vibhishana was not burnt when
the whole of Lanka was burnt to ashes, because of his immense faith in the Name of Sri
Rama. Such is the glory of the Lord's Name.
2. Benefits of Japa
I
Japa checks the force of the thought-current moving to-wards objects. It forces the mind
to move towards God, to- wards the attainment f eternal bliss. It eventually helps to
have Darsana of God. The Mantra Chaitanya is hidden in every Man-tra. Whenever the
Sadhaka or spiritual aspirant shows lack of vigour in his Sadhana, the Mantra-Sakti or
power of the Mantra reinforces the Sadhana-Sakti of the Sadhaka. Constant and
prolonged repetition for some months cuts new grooves in the mind and the brain.
During Japa all the divine qualities steadily flow into your mind from the Lord, just as oil
flows from one vessel to another vessel. Japa transforms the nature of the mind. It fills
the mind with Sattva.
Japa changes the mental substance from passion to purity, from Rajas to Sattva. It calms
and strengthens the mind. It makes the mind introspective. It checks the out-going
tendencies of the mind. It eradicates all kinds of evil thoughts and inclinations. It
induces determination and austerity. Eventually it leads to the direct Darsana of God,
the Ishta Devata, or tutelary Deity, or to God-realisation.
The mind is purified by constant Japa and worship. It is filled with good and pure
thoughts. Repetition of Mantra and worship strengthen the good Samskaras. "As a man
thinks, so he becomes." This is the psychological law. The mind of a man who trains
himself in thinking good, holy thoughts, develops a tendency to think of good thoughts.
His character is moulded and transformed by continued good thoughts. When the mind
thinks of the image of the Lord during Japa and worship, the mental substance actually
assumes the form of the image. The impression of the object is left in the mind. This is
called Samskara. When the act is repeated very often, the Samskaras gain strength by
repetition and a tendency or habit is formed in the mind. He who entertains thoughts
of Divinity becomes transformed actually into the Divinity itself by constant thinking and
meditation. His Bhava or disposition is purified and divinised. The meditator and the
meditated, the worshipper and the worshipped, the thinker and the thought, become
one and the same. This is Samadhi. This is the fruit of worship or Upasana or doing Japa.
Silent repetition of God's Name, HARI OM, or SRI RAMA, is a tremendous tonic and
potent specific for all diseases. It should never be stopped i even for a day under any
circum-stances. It is like food. It s a spiritual food for the hungry soul Lord Jesus says:
You can hardly live on bread alone' but you. Can live on the Name of God alone." You
can drink and live on the nectar that flows during Japa and meditation. Even simple
mechanical repetition of a Mantra has got very great effect. It purifies the mind. It
serves as a gate-keeper. It gives intima-tions to you whenever some worldly thoughts
enter the mind. At once you can drive those thoughts and do Smarana of the Mantra.
Even during mechanical repetition, a portion of the mind is there at work with it.
If you utter the word 'excreta' or 'urine' when your friend is taking his meals, he may at
once vomit his food. If you think of 'Garam Pakoda', 'hot Pakoda', your tongue will get
salivation. There is a Sakti in every word. When such is the case with ordi-nary words,
how much more power or Sakti should there be in the Name of God—HARI, RAMA, SIVA
or KRISHNA? Repeti-tion or thinking of His Name produces a tremendous influence on
the mind. It transforms the mental substance, 'Chitta', over-hauls the vicious old
Samskaras in the mind, transmutes the Asuric or diabolical nature and brings the
devotee face to face with God. There is no doubt about this. 0 sceptics and scientific
atheists! Wake up! Open your eyes. Chant His Name always. Sing. Do Kirtan.
It is only 'Nama-Smarana' that is free from difficulties and troubles. It is easy, comfort-
giving and simple. It is therefore said to be the 'head', the 'King' of all Sadhanas (means
to God-realisation).
When you repeat His Name, you must evince from the bottom of your heart Ananya
Bhakti (unflinching devotion to God without love for any other object). You must drive
off all other worldly thoughts from your mind. Fill the mind with thoughts of God and
God alone. You must struggle. You must exert hard. Remain absorbed in Him. You must
have Avyabhicharini Bhakti.
To love Lord Krishna for 3 months, Rama for another 3 months, Sakti for 6 months,
Hanuman for some time, Lord Siva for some time, is not good. This is Vyabhicharini
Bhakti. If you love Krishna, Love Him alone till the end. Just as you see wood alone at the
back of chair, table, bench, stick, almirah, cup-board, etc., see the Antaratman, Avyakta
(hidden) Krishna alone in a flower, tree, fruits, tumbler, and all objects. This is Ananya
Bhakti. This is Para Bhakti.
Just as you remember all the qualities of your son when you think of his name, e.g.,
Visvanathan, you should remember the qualities of God as Omnipotence, Omniscience,
etc., when you think of His Name.
When you repeat the Mantra, have Sattvic Bhava or Suddha Bhava (right mental
Attitude, Sattvic feeling). The Bhava comes slowly when the purification-process goes on
Even mere mechanical repetition has very great effect. The vibration in the mind set up
by the repetition purifies the Chitta (mind-stuff), brings Chitta-Suddhi.
A beginner should have a Japa-Maala or rosary. Later on he can take recourse to
Manasika Japa (mental repetition). If a man repeats the Mantra for 6 hours daily, his
heart will be puri-fied quickly. He can feel the purity. You must hear faith in your Guru-
Mantra. You must keep it a secret, also.
The shorter the Mantra you use, the greater will be your power of concentration. Of all
Mantras Rama-Nama is the best. It is easy to repeat also.
II
Japa purifies the heart.
Japa steadies the mind.
Japa destroys the Shadripus (six enemies).
Japa destroys birth and death.
Japa burns sins.
Japa scorches Samskaras.
Japa annihilates attachment.
Japa induces Vairagya.
Japa roots out all desires.
Japa makes one fearless.
Japa removes delusion.
Japa gives supreme Peace.
Japa develops Prema.
Japa unites the devotee with the Lord.
Japa gives health, wealth, strength and long life.
Japa brings God-consciousness.
Japa bestows Eternal Bliss.
Japa awakens the Kundalini.
III
Japa gives a nice, refreshing, exhilarating, spiritual bath. It wonderfully washes the
subtle body or Linga Sarira or astral body.
Japa is a marvellous divine soap for the mind.
It cleanses it of its various kinds of impurities.
If you are not able to form the image of your Ishta Devata,
If you are not able to fix the mind on your tutelary Deity,
You may try to hear the sound of the Mantra repeated by you, or think of the letters of
the Mantra in order.
This will stop mind-wandering.
IV
At any moment death will snatch you away.
For eating and drinking this life is not meant.
Very difficult it is to get a human birth,
O friend, wake up, do Japa of Hari Om or Sri Rama.
There is no better healer in this Iron Age than the Japa of the Mantra of God.
Japa keeps Lord Yama away.
Japa destroys the five afflictions and three Taapas.
Just as fire burns cotton, so does Japa burn all Karmas?
Just as the Ganga purifies a dirty cloth,
So does Japa purify the dirty mind?
The eager aspirant thirsting for God's Darsana
Punctually gets up at Brahmamuhurta,
With crossed legs in Padmasana he sits.
With Bhava and Prema the beads he rolls,
Silent Japa does he sometimes,
Whispers or hums he at other times,
Though near, his neighbour can't hear.
Sometimes loud Japa does he when the mind wanders.
Anushthana he performs on the banks of the Ganga,
Lives on milk and fruits or fasts sometimes,
Finishes Purascharana of Japa of lakhs,
Gets peace of mind and divine experiences.
Havan he does when Purascharana is over,
The Brahmins, the Sadhus, the poor he feeds.
Thus pleases he the Lord and gets His Grace,
And attains Bliss, Perfection and Immortality!
The fire of Japa imparts divine splendour to his face.
The Japa-Yogi now shines more resplendent than the Sun,
Through Japa alone all Siddhis and Riddhis he attains,
Even Adi-Sesha cannot now describe his splendour and glory.
Chapter Three
MANTRAS
I. Pranava
Om (Aum) is everything. Om is the Name or symbol of God, Isvara, Brahman. Om is your
real name. Om covers the whole threefold experience of man. Om stands for all the
phe-nomenal worlds. From Om this sense-universe has been pro-jected. The world
exists in Om and dissolves in Om. 'A' represents the physical plane. 'U' represents the
mental and astral plane, the world of intelligent spirits, all heavens. 'M' rep-resents the
whole deep sleep state, and all that is unknown even in your wakeful state, all that is
beyond the reach of the in-tellect. Om represents all. Om is the basis of your life,
thought and intelligence. Om is everything. All words which denote ob-jects are centred
in Om. Hence the whole world has come from Om, rests in Om, and dissolves in Om. As
soon as you sit for meditation, chant Om loudly 3 or 6 or 12 times. This will drive away
all worldly thoughts from the mind and remove Vikshepa (tossing of mind). Then take to
mental repetition of Om.
The Japa of Om (Pranava Japa) has a tremendous influ-ence on the mind. The
pronunciation of the sacred syllable Om, is one which had engaged the attention of all
Europeans de-voted to Eastern studies. The vibrations set up by this word are so
powerful that, if one persists in taking recourse to them, they would bring the largest
building to the ground. This seems diffi-cult to believe in until one has tried the practice;
but once hav-ing tried it one can easily understand how the above statement may be
true and perfectly correct. I have tested the power of the vibrations and can quite
believe that the effect would be as stated. Pronounced as spelt, it will have a certain
effect upon the student; but pronounced in its correct method, it arouses and
transforms every atom in his physical body, setting up new vibrations and conditions,
and awakening the sleeping power of the body.
2. Hari Nama
Every Mantra has the following six parts: it has got a Rishi who had Self-realisation for
the first time through this mantra and who gave this Mantra to others. He is the Seer for
this Mantra. Sage Visvamitra is the Rishi for Gayatri. It has a Metre also. There is a
particular Devata or presiding Deity of the Mantra. It has got a Bija or seed. This gives a
special power to the Man-tra. This is the essence of the Mantra. Every Mantra has got a
Sakti. Lastly it has a Kilaka (Pillar or pin). This plugs the Man-tra-Chaitanya that is hidden
in the Mantra. As soon as the plug is removed by constant and prolonged repetition of
the Name, the Chitanya that is hidden is revealed. The devotee gets Darsana of the Ishta
Devata.
"Mananat trayate iti mantrah"--By the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of
which one is protected or is released is Mantra. It is Mantra that leads to the realisation
of one's own Ishta Devata. And also, practically speaking, the Ishta Devata and the
Mantra are one and the same thing.
The mere remembrance of Hari's Name destroys all the accumulated sins of various
births.
"Harer-Nama Harer-Narna Harer-Namaiva Kevalam; Kalau Nastyeva Nastyeva Nastyeva
Gatiranyatha."In this Kali Yuga, there exists only the Name of Hari, Hari, Hari. In this Kali
Yuga, there is on other means, no other way, and no other method for attaining
salvation. Even the sins of the greatest of the sinners are brought to nothing by the
utterance of Hari's Name (Name of God). Not only this, but by doing so, we get eternal
safety, Self-realisation and eternal happiness. This is the importance of Hari-Nama.
"Rama Na Sakahin Nama Gun Gai—Even Rama, God Himself, cannot describe the
greatness of Narna." Then what to speak of us? It is all the more needed at this present
age of ours. Because in this Kali Yuga (Iron Age): "Kali Yuga Kevala Nama Adhara—the
only support in this iron n nothing but the Name of God." There is no other means, sim-
pler and easier than this, to obtain eternal happiness and peace.
"Rama Nama Manideep Dharu Jiha Dehari Dwar,
Tulsi Bhitar Baher Hun Jo Chahasi Ujiyar."
Put this jewel, light of Rama-Nama (the Name of Rama) at the gate of your door,
tongue, if you want to illuminate yourself, both inside and outside ('in' and 'out' of your
own self).
"Ulta Naam Japat Jag Jana,
Valmiki Bhaye Brahma Samana."
All the world knows that by uttering the Name even in its opposite form, by saying
Mara-Mara instead of Rama-Rama, the great saint Valmiki became Brahman Himself.
When such is the effect of Ulta Nama, then who can speak of the glory of the right and
the proper Nama (Name)?
"Gafil Tu Hai Ghadyal Yah Deta Hai Munadi
Gardoon ne Ghadi Umar Ki Teri Aur Ghata di.”
O careless one! The bell is reminding you again and again. The time has but brought you
near the limit of your life-time. And therefore:
"Ram Naam ki Loot Hai, Loot Sake to Loot, Anta Kaal Pachtayega Jab Pran Jayenge
Choot."
You must take for yourself in abundance the Name of Sri Rama. Otherwise, at the last
moment of your life, when death approaches you, and when Prana (life) will cease to
remain in this body of yours, you will but grieve and lament for it.
"Ram Naam Aaradhano Tulsi Britha Na Jay,
Larkayi KO Pairibo Aage Hot Sahay;
Tulsi Apne Ram KO Reejh Bhajo Ya Kheej,
Ulta Seedha Jaamihain Khet Pare Te Beef."
The well-known poet Goswami Tulsidasji says: "The wor-shipping of the Name of Rama
never goes in vain, just as the practice of swimming in one's boyhood is of great help at
some future time." He says that whether you remember Rama in your pleasant mood,
or unpleasant mood, it is sure to give its good effect, just as the seeds in the fields
thrown either rightly or wrongly give good results.
Those who do not believe in this may do this for the sake of examination or test and
then do as they like or think proper. It is not at all wise to while away the time in
arguments or vain dis-cussions merely. Life is short. Time is fleeting. The body is con-
tinually decaying. There is nothing but again only in doing Japa or Nama-Smarana.
3. Kali Santarana Upanishad
At the end of Dvapara Yuga Narada Rishi approached Brahma, the Creator, and asked:
“O Lord! How shall I be able to cross Kali, wandering in this world? Brahma replied:
“Hearken that which the Srutis keep as secret and hidden, by which one may cross the
Samsara in kali Yuga. One can shake off the evil effects Kali through mere uttering of the
Name of Lord Narayana. “Again Narada asked: “May I know the Name, my Lord?”
Brahma replied:
“Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare,
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.”
These 16 Names destroy, doubtless, the evil effects of Kali. They remove the Avarana or
veil of ignorance of the Jiva surrounded by 16 Kalas (rays). Then, like the sun which
shines in full effulgence after the clouds are dispersed, Para Brahman alone shines in full
splendor.
Narada asked: “O Lord! May I know the rules to be observed in the repetition of the
Mantras?” Brahma replied: “There are no rules. Whoever in a pure or in an impure state
utters these always, attains Salokya (the same world of), Samipya (proximity with),
Sarupya (the same form of) or Sayujya (absorption into) Brahman.”
Whoever utters 3 ½ crores (35 millions) of times this Mantra composed of 16 Names
gets rid even of the sin of the murder of a Brahmin. He becomes purified from the sin
thefts of gold. He becomes purified from the sin of cohabitation with a woman of a low
caste. He is purified of the sins of wrong done to Pitris, Devas and men. Having given up
all Dharmas, he becomes freed at once from all sins. He is at once released from all
bondages and gets Mukti. This is the Kali-Santarana Upanishad of the Krishna-Yajur-
Yajur-Veda. In Bengal this Mantra is repeated by a large number of people. It is the
favourite mantra of the Vashnavites of Bengal.
4. Japa Vidhana
Japa is the repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord with Bhava and feeling.
Japa removes the impurities of the mind, destroys sins and brings the devotee face to
face with the Lord.
Every Name is filled with countless powers. Just as fire has the natural property of
burning things, so also the Name of God has the power of burning sins and desires.
Sweeter than all sweet things, more auspicious than all good things, purer than all pure
things, is the Name of the Lord.
The Name of the Lord is a boat to cross this Samsara. It is a weapon to destroy the mind.
The repetition of a Mantra again and again generates great spiritual force and
momentum and intensifies the spiritual Samskaras or impressions.
Repetition of a Mantra raises vibrations. Vibrations give rise to definite forms.
Repetition of 'Om Namah Sivaya' gives rise to the form of Lord Siva in the mind;
repetition of 'Om Namo Narayanaya' gives rise to the form of Lord Hari.
The glory of the Name of God cannot be established through reasoning and intellect. It
can certainly be experienced or realised, only through devotion, faith and constant
repetition.
Japa is of three kinds, viz., Manasika Japa or mental Japa, Upamsu Japa or Japa with
humming, and Vaikhari Japa or loud audible Japa.
Mental repetition or Japa or Manasika Japa is more pow-erful than loud Japa.
Get up at 4 a.m., and do the Japa for two hours. Brahmamuhurta is most favourable for
Japa and meditation.
If you cannot take bath, wash your hands, feet, face and body, and sit for Japa.
Face the North or the East when sitting. This enhances the efficacy of the Japa.
Sit on Kusa-grass or deer-skin or rug. Spread a sheet of cloth over it. This conserves
body-electricity.
Do some prayer before starting the Japa.
Have a steady pose. Have Asana-Jaya or conquest over Asana. You must be able to sit on
Padma, Siddha or sukha Asana for three hours at a stretch.
When you repeat the Mantra, have the feeling or mental attitude that the Lord is seated
in your heart, that Sattva or purity is flowing from the Lord to your mind, that the
Mantra purifies your heart, destroys desires and cravings and evil thoughts.
Do not do the Japa in a hurried manner, as a contractor tries to finish his work in a
hurried way. Do it slowly with Bhava, one-pointedness of mind and single-minded
devotion.
Pronounce the Mantra distinctly and without mistakes. Do not repeat it too fast or too
slow.
Use not the index finger while rolling the beads. Use the thumb, the middle and the ring
fingers. When counting of one Maala is over, revert it and come back again. Cross not
the Meru. Cover your hand with a towel.
Be vigilant. Keep an alert attention during Japa. Stand up and do the Japa when sleep
tries to overpower you.
Resolve to finish a certain minimum number of Maalas be-fore leaving the seat.
Maala or rosary is a whip to goad the mind towards God.
Sometimes do the Japa without Maala. Go by the watch.
Practise meditation also along with Japa. This is Japa-Sahita-Dhyana. Gradually Japa will
drop and meditation alone will continue. This is Japa-Rahita-Dhyana.
Have four sittings for Japa daily—early Morning, none' evening and night.
A devotee of Lord Vishnu should repeat 'Om Namo Narayanaya: a devotee of Lord Siva
'Om Namah Sivaya'; a devotee of Lord Krishna 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaya' a
devote of Lord Rama 'OmSri Ramaya Namah' or 'Om Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Ram’ a
devotee of Devi, Gaytri Mantra or Durga Mantra.
It is better to stick to one Mantra alone. See the Lord Krishna in Rama, Siva, Durga,
Gayatri, and everyone.
Regularity in Japa Sadhana is most essential. Sit in the same place and at the same time.
Purascharana is repetition of the Mantra Akshara-Laksha, one lakh times for each letter.
Japa most become habitual. Even in dream you must be doing Japa.
Japa Yoga is the easiest, quickest, safest, surest, and cheapest way for attaining God-
realisation. Glory to the Lord! Glory, glory to His Name!
0 Man! Take refuge in the Name. Nama and Nami are in-separable.
5. Mantras for Japa
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Transliteration
No.
Mantras
Devata
1
Om Sri-Maha-Ganapataye
Namah
Lord Ganapati
2
Om Namassivaya
(Panchakshara Mantra)
Lord Siva
3
Om Namo Narayanaya
(Ashtakshara Manta)
Lord Hari
4
Harih Om
Lord Hari
5
Harih Om Tat Sat
Lord Hari
6
Hare Rama Hare Rama,
Rama Rama Hare Hare;
Maha Mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
7
Om Namo Bhagavate
Vaasudevaya
Lord Krishna
8
Om Sri Krishnaya
Govindaya Gopijana
Vallabhaya Namah
Lord Krishna
9
Om Sri Krishnaya Namah
Lord Krishna
10
Om Sri Rama, Jaya Rama,
Jaya, Jaya Rama
Lord Rama
11
Om Sri Ramaya Namah
Lord Rama
12
Om Sri Sita-
Ramachandrabhyam Namah
Lord Rama
13
Sri Rama Rama Rameti,
Rame Rame Manorame,
Sahasranama Tuttulyam
Rama Nama Varanane
Lord Rama
14
Apadamapaharttaram
Dataram Sarvasampadam;
Lokabhiramam Sri Ramam
Bhuyo Bhuyo
Namamyaham
Lord Rama
15
Artanamartihantaram
Bhitanam Bhitinasanam .
Dvishatam kaladandam
Tam Ramachandram
namamyaham
Lord rama
16
Ramaya Ramabhadraya
Ramachandraya Vedhase.,
Raghunathaya nathaya
Lord rama
Sitayah Pataye Namah
17
Sita rama ,.radhe shyam
Radhe Krishna
Jugal mantra
18
Om sri Ramah Saranam
mama
Saranagati
Mantra
19
Om sri. Krishna saranam
mama
Saranagati
mantra
20
Om sri. Sita ramah
saranam mama
saranagati
Mantra
21
Om sri. Ramachndra
saranam Prapadye
saranagati
Mantra
22
Om sriman Narayan
Charanau Saranam
prapadyae
Saranagati
Mantra
23
Sakrideva Prapannaya
tavasmiti Cha Yachate.,
Abhayam Sarvabhutebhyo
Dadamyeytad Vratam
Mama
Saranagati
Mantra
24
Om Sri Hanumate Namah
Sri hanuman
25
Om Sri Sarasvatyai Namah
Sri sarasvti
26
Om Sri Kaalikayai Namah
Sri Kaalika
27
Om Sri Durgayai Namah
Sri Devi
28
Om Sri Maha-Lakshmyai
Namah
Sri Lakhmi
29
Om Sri Saravanbhavaya
Namah
Lord
Subrahmanya
or Karttikeya
30
Om Sri Tripura-Sundaryai
Namah
Tripura Sundari
31
Om sri Bala-Paramesvaryai
Namah
Sarada
32
Om soham
Vedantic
Formula
33
Om Aham Brahma Asi
Vedantic
Formula
34
Om Tat Tvam Asi
Vedantic
Formula
35
OmTryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim
Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
mrityormukshiya maamritat
maha
mrityunjaya
mantra
GAYATRIS OF DIFFERENT DEVATAS
Ganesa-Gaytri I
I
II
Ganesa-Gaytri II
I
II
Brahma-Gayatri I
Brahma-Gayatri II
Vishnu-Gayatri
Nrisimha-Gayatri
Nrisimha-Gayatri II
I
II
Garuda-Gayatri
Rudra-Gayatri I
Rudra-Gayatri II
Nandikesvara-Gayatri
Shanmukha-Gayatri I
Shanmukha-Gayatri II
Surya-Gayatri I
Surya-Gayatri II
I
II
Surya-Gayatri III
I
II
Durga-Gayatri I
I
II
Durga-Gayatri II
I
II
Rama-Gayatri
I
II
Hanumad-Gayatri
I
II
Krishna-Gayatri
I
II
Gopal-Gayatri
I
II
Parasurama-Gayatri
I
II
Dakshinamurti-Gayatri
I
II
Guru-Gayatri
I
II
Hamsa-Gayatri I
I
II
Hamsa-Gayatri II
I
II
Hayagriva-Gayatri
I
II
Tantrika-(Brahma-) Gayatri
I
II
Sarasvati-Gayatri
II
II
Lakshmi-Gayatri
I
I
Sakti-Gayatri
I
II
Annapurna-Gayatri
I
II
Kaalika-Gayatri
I
II
Transliteration
1. Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakrutundaya Dheemahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat.
2. Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dheemahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat.
3. Om Vedatmane Vidmahe Hiranyagarbhaya Dheemahi Tanno Brahma Prachodayat.
4. Om Chaturmukhaya Vidmahe Kamandaludharaya Dheemahi, Tanno Vishnuh
Prachodayat.
5. Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vaasudevaya Dheemahi, Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat.
6. Om Vajranakhaya Vidmahe Tikshnadamshtraya Dheemahi, Tanno Nrisimha
Prachodayat.
7. Om Nrisimhaya Vidmahe Vajranakhaya Dheemahi, Tannah Simhah Prachodayat.
8. Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Suvarnapakshaya Dheemahi, Tanno Garudah
Prachodayat.
9. Om Tatupurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dheemahi, Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.
10. Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Shasrakshaya Mahadevaya Dheemahi, Tanno
Rudrah Prachodayat.
11. Om Tatupurushaya Vidmahe Nandikesvaraya Dheemahi, Tanno Vrishabhah
Prachodayat.
12. Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahasenaya Dheemahi, Tannah Skandah
Prachodayat.
13. Om Shammukhaya Vidmahe Mahasenaya Dheemahi, Tannah Shashthah
Prachodayat.
14. Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahadyutikaraya Dheemahi, Tannah Adityah
Prachodayat.
15. Om Adityaya Vidmahe Sahasrakiranaya Dheemahi, Tanno Bhanuh
Prachodayat.
16. Om Prabhakaraya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dheemahi, Tannah Suryah
Prachodayat.
17. Om Katyayanyai Vidmahe Kanyakumaryai Dheemahi, Tanno Durga
Prachodayat.
18. Om Mahasulinyai Vidmahe Mahadurgayai Dheemahi, Tanno Bhagavatee
Prachodayat.
19. Om Daasarathaye Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dheemahi, Tanno Ramah
Prachodayat.
20. Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dheemahi, Tanno Hanuman
Prachodayat.
21. Om Devakinandanaya Vidmahe Vaasudevaya Dheemahi, Tannah Gopalah
Prachodayat.
22. Om Gopalaya Vidmahe Gopijanavallabhaya Dheemahi, Tanno Gopalah
Prachodayat.
23. Om Jaamadagnaya Vidmahe Mahaviraya Dheemahi Tannah Parasuramah
Prachodayat.
24. Om Dakshinamurtaye Vidmahe Dhyanasthaya Dheemahi, Tanno Dheesah
Prachodayat.
25. Om Gurudevaya Vidmahe Parabrahmane Dheemahi, Tanno Guruh
Prachodayat.
26. Om Hamsaya Vidmahe Paramahamsaya Dheemahi, Tanno Hamsah
Prachodayat.
27. Om Paramahamsaya Vidmahe Mahatattvaya Dheemahi, Tanno Hamsah
Prachodayat.
28. Om Vagisvaraya Vidmahe Hayagrivaya Dheemahi, Tanno Hamsah
Prachodayat.
29. Om Paramesvaraya Vidmahe Paratattvaya Dheemahi, Tanno Brahma
Prachodayat.
30. Om Vagdevyai Cha Vidmahe Kamarajaya Dheemahi, Tanno Devi Prachodayat.
31. Om Mahadevyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnupatnayi Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Lakshmih
Prachodayat.
32. Om Sarvasammohinyai Vidmahe Visvajananyai Dheemahi, Tannah Saktih
Prachodayat.
33. Om Bhagavatyai Cha Vidmahe Mahesvaryai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Annapurna
Prachodayat.
34. Om Kaalikayai Cha Vidmahe Smasanavasinyai Dheemahi, Tanno Aghora
Prachodayat,
Anushtubha Mantra
Narasimha-Mantra
I
II
Rama-Mantra
I
II
Krishna-Mantra
I
II
III
IV
Hayagriva- Mantra
1. Om Ugram Viram Mahavishnum Mahavishnum Jvlantam
2. Visvatomukham. , Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityumrityum
Namamyham.
3. Om Ramabhadra Maheshvasa Raghuvira Naripottama Bho
Dasasyantakasmakam Raksham Kuru Sriyam Cha Me.
4. Om Krishnaya Vaasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane, Pranataklesanasaya
Govindaya Namo Namah.
5. Om Krishnaya Yadavendraya Jnanamudraya Yogine, Nathaya Rukminisaya
Namo Vedantavedine.
6. Om Vasudevasutam Devam Kamsachanuramardanam,
Devakiparamanandam Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.
7. Om Rigyajussamarupaya Vedaaharanakarmane, Pranavodgitavapushe,
Mahasvasirase Namah.
Mantra for Self Surrender
Solutions to Thee, O great Yogin! Pray, direct me that have fallen Thy Feet So that I may
find unfailing delight in Thy Lotus –feet.”
6. Glory of Mantras
A Mantra is Divinity. The Mantra and its presiding Devata are one. The Mantra itself is
Devata. Mantra is divine power, Daivi sakti, manifesting in a sound-body. constant
repetition of the Mantra with faith, devotion and purity augments the Sakti or power of
the aspirant, purifies and awakens the Mantra Chaitanya latent in the mantra and
bestows on the Sadhaka Mantra-Siddhi, illumination, freedom, peace, eternal bliss and
immortality.
By constant repetition of the Mantra, the Sadhaka imbibes the virtues and powers of
the Deity that presides over the mantra. Repetition of Surya-Mantra bestows health,
long life, vigour, vitality, Tejas or brilliance. It removes all diseases of the body and the
diseases of the eye. No enemy can do any harm. Repetition of Aditya-Hridaya in the
early morning is highly beneficial. Lord Rama conquered Ravana through the repetition
of Aditya-Hridaya imparted by Agastya-Rishi.
Mantras are in the form of praise and appeal to the deities, craving for help and mercy.
Some Mantras control and command the evil spirits. Rhythmical vibrations of sound give
rise to forms. Recitation of the Mantra gives rise to the formation of the particular figure
of the Deity.
Repetition of Sarasvati-Mantra ‘Om Sri Sarasvatyai Namah’ will bestow on you wisdom
and intelligence and make your a learned persons. You will get inspiration and compose
poems. You will become a Great scholar. Repetition of ‘Om Sri Mahalakshmyai Namah,
will confer on you wealth and remove poverty. Ganesa mantra will remove any obstacle
in any undertaking. It bestows wisdom on you, as also siddhi, wealth, etc. Maha-
mrityunjaya mantra will remove accidents, incurable diseases and calamities and
bestows long life and immortality. It is a Moksha- mantra too. Those who do japa of this
mantra daily will enjoy good health and long life and attain Moksha in the end “l bow to
that three-eyed Lord (siva), who is full of sweet fragrance, who nourishes the human
beings (always). Mey He free me from the bondage of Samsara and death, just as a ripe
cucumber fruit is separated from the stalk, and may i be fixed in immortality.” This is the
meaning of the Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra.
Repetition of Subrahmanya-Mantra ‘Om Sri Saravanabhavaya Namah’ will give your
success in any under-taking and make you glorious. It will dirve off evil influences and
evil spirits. Repetition of Sri Hanuman-Mantra, ‘Om Sri Hanumate Namah’ will bestow
victory and strength.repetition of Panchadasakshara and Shodasakshara (Sri Vidya) will
give you wealth, power, freedom, etc. It will give you whatever you want. You must
learn this vidya from a Guru alone.
Repetition of Gaytri or Pranava or Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namo Narayanaya, or Om
Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaya, one and a quarter lakh times, with Bhava, faith and
devotion will confer on you Mantra-Siddhi.
Om Soham, sivoham, Aham Brahmasmi are Moksha-Mantra. They will help you to
attain self-realisation. Om Sri Ramaya Namah, Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaya are
saguna mantras which will enable you to attain saguna-realisation first, and then
Nirguna-realisation in the end.
Mantra for curing scorpion- stings and cobra-bites should be repeated on days of eclipse
for getting Mantra-Siddhi quickly. You should stand in water and repeat the Mantra.
This is more powerful and effective. This can be recited on ordinary days also for
attaining Mantra-Siddhi.
Mantra-Siddhi for curing scorpion-stings, cobra-bites, etc., can be attained within 40
days. Repeat the Mantra with faith and devotion regularly. Have a sitting in the early
morning after taking bath. Observe Brahmacharya and live on milk and fruits for 40 days
or take restricted diet.
Chronic diseases can be cured by Mantras. Chanting ofMantras generates potent
spiritual waves or divine vibrations. Mantra penetrate the physical and astral bodies of
the patients and root –causes of sufferings. They fill the cells with pure Sattva or divine
energy they destroy the mi-crobes and vivify the cells and tissues. They are best most
potent antiseptics and germicides. They are more potent than ultraviolet rays or
Rontgen rays.
Mantra-Siddhi should not be misused for the destruction of others, those who misuse
the mantra power for destroying others are themselves destroyed in the end.
Those who utilise the Mantra-power in curing snake-bites, scorpions ting and chronic
diseases should not accept any kind of presents or money. They must be absolutely
unselfish. They should not accept even fruits or clothes. They will lose the power if they
utilise the power for selfish purpose. If they are absolutely unselfish, if they serve the
humanity with Sarvatma-Bhava, their power will increase through the grace of the Lord.
He who has attained Mantra-Siddhi can cure cobra-bite or scorpion-sting or any chronic
disease by mere touch on the affected part. When a man is bitten by a cobra a telegram
is sent to the Mantra-Siddha. The Mantra-Siddha recites the Mantra and the man who is
bitten by the cobra is cured. What a grand marvel! Does his not prove the tremendous
power of Mantra?
Get the Mantra-initiation from your Guru. Or pray to your lshta Devata and start doing
japa of the particular Mantra, if you find it difficult to get a Guru.
May you all become Mantra-Yogis with Mantra-Siddhi! May you all become real
benefactors of the world by becoming divine healers through Mantra-cure may Mantra-
cure divine healing centres be started all over the world!
7. Practical Aids to Japa
You have now a thorough knowledge of Japa Yoga and the glory of the name. Now start
real Sadhana from this Minute. I have given below a number of practical hints of great
use for your daily Sadhana. Note and follow them carefully.
Fixed Hours
The most effective time is early dawn (Brahmamuhurta) and Dusk, when Sattva is
predominant. Regularity and being systematic are very essential.
Definite Place
It is highly advantageous to sit in the same place every day. Do not change it now and
then.
A Study Pose
A comfortable Asana helps to make the mind also steady, controls Rajas and aids
concentration.
Face the North or East
This exercises a subtle influence and enhances the efficacy of Jape.
A Seat
Deer-skin or Kusa-mat or a rug should be used. This helps to conserve body-electricity.
Repeat Elevated Prayer
Invoking the aids of the Ishta Devata with appropriate prayer induces proper Sattvic
Bhava.
Clear Articulation
Now start the Japa pronouncing the Mantra distinctly and without mistakes.
Vigilance and Alert Attitude
This is a very important point. You will be fresh and alert when you commence. After a
time the mind will unconsciously begin to wander and drowsiness will overcome you.
Keep widely alert throughout.
Japa Maala (Rosary)
Using a Maala helps alertness and acts as an incentive to carry on the Japa continuously.
Resolve to finish a certain mini-mum number of Maalas before leaving the seat.
Variety in Japa
This is necessary to sustain interest, avoid fatigue and counteract monotony. Repeat
aloud for a time, then hum the Mantra and repeat mentally sometimes.
Meditation
Side by side with Japa think of the Lord as present before you and picture His entrancing
beautiful form. This Practice adds tremendously to the efficacy or power of your
Sadhana.
Concluding Prayer and Rest
This is important. After Japa is over, do not immediately leave the place, mix with
everyone or plunge into worldly activity. Sit very quietly for about 10 minutes at least,
humming some prayer, remembering the Lord or reflecting upon His Infinite Love. Then,
after devout prostration, leave the place and commence your routine duties. Spiritual
vibrations will be intact.
Carry on your Sadhana with perseverance and tenacity, without break, and realise the
glorious Goal of Life and enjoy the Supreme Bliss.
8. Rules for Japa
1. Select any Mantra or Mantra or God (preferably that given by your Guru) and repeat
it from 108 to 1080 times daily (one to ten Maalas).
2. Use a RudraKsha or Tulasi Maala of 108 beads.
3. Use only the middle finger and thumb of the right hand for rolling the beads. The
index finger is prohibited.
4. Do not allow the Maala to hang below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart or the
nose.
5. The Maala must not be visible to you or others. Cover it with a towel or kerchief,
which must be pure and washed daily.
6. Do not cross the Meru (crown or head) of the Maala while rolling the beads. Turn
back when you come up to it.
7. Do mental Japa for some time. If the mind wanders, take to labial Japa (whispering or
muttering) for some time, or loud Japa, by rotation, and come back to mental Japa again
as soon as possible.
8. Take a bath, or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for japa in the
morning. At other times this is not absolutely necessary. Do Japa whenever you have
leisure, specially during the Sandhyas or the junctions of the day (morning, noon and
evening) and before going to bed.
9. Associate the Japa with rhythmic breathing or Pranayama and meditate on the form
of your Deity. Keep a picture or idol of the Deity in front. Think of the meaning of the
Mantra while repeating it.
10. Pronounce each letter of the Mantra. Correctly and distinctly. Do not repeat it too
fast or too slow. Increase the speed only when the mind wanders.
11. Observe Mouna and avoid distractions, calls or engagements.
12. Face the East or the North and sit in a separate meditation-room or any good place,
such as temple, river-bank, under a banyan tree or a peepal tree, etc.
13. Do not beg of God any worldly objects while doing Japa. Feel that your heart is being
purified and the mind is becoming steady by the power of the Mantra with the Grace of
God.
14. Keep your Guru-Mantra a secret. Never disclose it to anyone.
15. Carry on the current of Japa mentally even at other times, in whatever works you
may be engaged.
8. Gayatri Mantra
……………………..Symbol of the Para Brahman
…………………………..Bhu-Loka (Physical Plane)
………………………… Antariksha Loka (Astral Plane)
……………………Svarga-Loka (Celestial Plane)
…………………..That, Transcendent, Paramatman
……………………. Isvara or Creator
………………Fit to be Worshipped or Adored
………………………. Remover of sins and ignorance: Glory, Effulgence
………………Resplendent (Jnana-Svarupa); Shining
…………………… We meditate
…………………………Buddhis, intellects, understandings
…………………………..Which, Who
………………………………… Our
………………Enlighten, guide, impel
“We meditate on that lsvara Glory who has created the Universe, who is fit to be
worshipped, who is the embodiment e of Knowledge and Light, who is the remover of
all sins and ignorance. May He enlighten our intellects?"
What is that enlightenment? Now you have Deha-Atmabuddhi, a Buddhi that makes you
to identify yourself with the body, to mistake the body for Soul. Now you are pray-ing to
the blessed Mother of the Vedas—Gayatri, to bestow on you a Suddha-Sattva-Buddhi
which will help you to realise "Aham Brahma Asmi"—"I am Brahman." This is an Advaitic
meaning of Gayatri. Advanced students of Yoga may take up this meaning: "I am That
Supreme Light of lights which gives light to the Buddhi or intellect."
In the Gayatri Mantra there are 9 names, viz., 1. Om, 2. Bhuh, 3. Bhuvah, 4. Svah, 5. Tat,
6. Savituh, 7. Varenyam, 8. Bhargah and 9. Devasya. Through these nine names the Lord
is praised. 'Dheemahi' signifies worship of or meditation on the Lord. 'Dhiyo Yo Nah
Prachodayat' is a prayer. Herein there are five halts or stops, viz., 'Om' is the first stop;
'Bhur Bhuvah Svah' the second; 'Tat Savitur Varenyam' the third; 'Bhargo Devasya
Dheemahi' the fourth; and 'Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat' the fifth. While chanting and
doing Japa of the Mantra, you should stop a little at every stop or halt.
Savita is the presiding Deity of the Gayatri Mantra, Fire (Agni) is the mouth, Visvamitra is
the Rishi and Gayatri is the metre. This Mantra is recited during the investiture of sacred
thread, practice of Pranayama and Japa, etc. What Gayatri is, the same is Sandhya, and
what Sandhya is, the same is Gayatri. Sandhya and Gayatri are identical. He who
meditates on Gayatri, meditates on Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Lord of the Universe.
A man can repeat the Gayatri Mantra mentally, in all states, even while lying, sitting,
walking, etc. There is no should thus commission or omission of any sort in its
repetition. One thus perform Sandhya-Vandana with this Gayatri Mantra three times
every day, in the morning, noon and evening. It is the Gayatri Mantra alone that can be
commonly prescribed for all the Hindus. The Lord commands in the Vedas. “Let (one)
Mantra be common to all”- “Samano Mantrah.” Hence the Gayatri should be the one
Mantra for all the Hindus. “The secret lore of the Upanishads is the essence of the four
Vedas, while Gayatri with the three Vyahritis is the essence of the Upanishads.” He is
the real Brahmana who knows and understands thus the Gayatri. Without its knowledge
he is a Sudra, though he may be well-versed in the four Vedas.
Benefits of Gayatri Japa
Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas and is the destroyer of sins. There is nothing more
purifying, on the earth as well as in the heaven, than the Gaytri. The Japa of Gaytri
brings the same fruit as the recitation of all the four Vedas together with the Angas. This
single Mantra repeated three times a day brings great good (Kalyana or Moksha). It is
the supreme Man-tra of the Vedas. It destroys all sins. It bestows splendid health,
beauty, strength, vigour, vitality and magnetic aura in the face (Brahmic effulgence).
Gayatri destroys the three kinds of Taapa or pain. Gayatri bestows on one the four kinds
of Purushartha, viz., Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desired objects) and
Moksha (Liberation or freedom). It destroys the three Granthis or knots of ignorance,
Avidya, Kama and Karma. Gayatri puri-fies the mind. Gayatri bestows on the Upasaka
Ashta-Siddhis. Gayatri makes a man powerful and highly intelligent. Gayatri eventually
gives Liberation or emancipation from the wheel of birth and death.
The repetition or Japa of Gayatri brings the Darsana of Gayatri and finally leads to the
realisation of the Advaitic Brah-man or Unity of Consciousness (Tanmayata, Talleenata.
Tadrupata, Tadakarata) and the aspirant who asked for light from Gayatri, in the
beginning, sings now in exuberant joy. “I am that Light of lights that gives light to the
Buddhi.
May Gayatri, the Blessed Mother of the Vedas, bestow on us right understanding, pure
intellect, right conduct and right thinking. May she guide us in all our actions? May she
deliver us from the Samsaric wheel of birth and death! Glory! Glory unto Gayatri, the
Creatress, the Generatrix of this Universe!
Glory of Gayatri
(Manu Smriti, Chapter lI)
Brahma milked out, as it were, from the three Vedas, the letter A, the letter U, and the
letter M, formed by their coalition the trilateral monosyllable, together with the three
mysterious expressions, Bhuh, Bhuvah and Svah, or earth, sky and heaven.
From the three Vedas, again, the Lord of creatures, in-comprehensibly exalted,
successfully milked out the three measures (feet) of that ineffable text, beginning with
the word Tat, and entitled Savitri or Gayatri.
And a twice-born man, who being away from the multitude, shall repeat 1000 times
those three (i.e., OM, the Vyahritis and the Gayatri) shall be released in a month even
from a great offence, as a snake from its slough.
The three great immutable words, preceded by the triliteral syllable and followed by the
Gayatri which consists of three measures, must be considered as the mouth or the
princi-pal part of the Veda.
Whoever shall repeat day by day for three years without negligence, that sacred text,
shall hereafter approach the di-vine essence, move as freely as air and assume an
ethereal form.
The triliteral monosyllable is an emblem of the supreme; the suppression of breath with
the mind fixed on God is the highest devotion; nothing is more exalted than the Gayatri;
a declaration of truth is more excellent than silence.
All rites ordained in the Veda, oblations to fire, and solemn sacrifices pass away; but
that which does not pass away, is declared to be the syllable OM, thence called Akshara
Brahman. All the words should be repeated slowly without mutilation and with Akshara-
Suddhi. You must not be hasty in the performance of Jape. You can make as many
Purascharanas as you like, but do them slowly and steadily.
The four domestic sacraments which are accompanied with the appointed sacrifice are
not equal, though all be united, of the sacrifice sixteenth pa he Gayatri. a repetition of
the Gayatri.
By the sole repetition of the Gayatri a Brahmana attains beatitude, let him perform or
not perform any other religious act.
Chhandogya Upanishad
"Verily, all this creation is Gayatri. Speech is Gayatri; by speech is all this creation
preserved. The Gayatri is verily composed of four feet, and possesseth six
characteristics. The creations constitute the glories of Gayatri. The Brahman, i.e., the
being indicated in the Gayatri, is verily the space which surroundeth man. This space is
the same as the one within surroundeth man” (Chap. III, Sec. XII).
Verily, man is Yajna (sacrifice). The first twenty-four years of his life constitute the
morning ritual, for the Gayatri includes 24 letters and it is the Gayatri through which the
morning ritual is performed" (Chap. III, Sec. XVI).
Gayatri-Purascharana
The Brahma-Gayatri Mantra has twenty-four Aksharas. So, one Gayatri-Purascharana
constitutes the repetition or Japa of Gayatri Mantra 24 lakh times. There are various
rules for Purascharana. If you repeat the Mantra 3,000 times daily you should keep up
the number daily all throughout till you finish the full 24 lakhs. Cleanse the mirror of the
Manas (mind) of its Mala (impurities) and prepare the ground for the sowing of the
spiritual seed.
The Maharashtrians are very fond of Gayatri-Purascharana. There are in Poona and
other places persons who have performed Purascharana several times. Sri Pandit Madan
Mohan Malaviyaji is a votary of Gayatri-Purascharana. The success in his life and the
establishment of a grand Hindu University at Banaras is all attributable to his Gayatri-
Japa and the benign grace of the Blessed Mother Gayatri.
Swami Vidyaranya, the reputed author of the celebrate° Panchadasi, performed'
Gayatri-Purascharana. The Mother gave him Darsana and granted him a boon. Swami
Vidyaranya asked: O Mother! There is great famine in the Deccan. Let there be a shower
of gold to relieve the immense distress of the people.” Accordingly, there was a shower
of gold. Such is the power or Sakti of the Gayatri-Mantra.
Only Yoga-Bhrashtas.and pure-minded persons can have Darsana of Gayatri by doing
only one Purascharana. As the minds of the vast majority of persons in this Kali Yuga are
filled with various sorts of impurities, one has to do more than one Purascharana
according to the degree of impurity of the mind.
The more the impurities, the greater is the number of purascharanas. The famous
Swami Madhusudana Saraswati did Seventeen Purascharanas of Krishna-Mantra. He did
not get Darsana of the Lord Sri Krishna, on account of the sins Committed in killing 17
Brahmins in his previous births. But he had Darsana of the Lord when he was on the half
way of the eighteenth Purascharana. The same rule applies to Gyatri-Purascharana also
only Yoga-Bhrashtas.and pure-minded persons can have Darsana of Gayatri by doing
only one Purascharana. As the minds of the vast majority of persons in this Kali Yuga are
filled with various sorts of impurities, one has to do more than one Purascharana
according to the degree of impurity of the mind. The more the impurities, the greater is
the number of purascharanas. The famous Swami Madhusudana Saraswati did
Seventeen Purascharanas of Krishna-Mantra. He did not get Darsana of the Lord Sri
Krishna, on account of the sins Committed in killing 17 Brahmins in his previous births.
But he had Darsana of the Lord when he was on the half way of the eighteenth
Purascharana. The same rule applies to Gyatri-Purascharana also.
Hints on Gayatri Japa
1. After the Purascharana is over perform Havan and feed Brahmins, Sadhus and poor
people to propitiate the Goddess.
2. Those who wish to do Purascharana may live on milk and fruits. This makes the mind
Sattvic. One will derive great spiritual benefits.
3. There are no restrictions of any kind when you repeat a Mantra with Nishkama Bhava
for attaining Moksha. Restrictions or Vidhis come in only when you want to get worldly
gains, when you do the Japa with Sakama Bhava.
4. When a Purascharana of Gayatri is done on the banks of the Ganga, underneath an
Asvattha tree or the Panchavrikshas, Mantra-Siddhi conies in rapidly.
5. If you repeat Gayatri 4000 times daily, you can finish the Purascharana in one year,
seven months and twenty-five days. If you do the Japa slowly it will take at least 10
hours to finish 4000 daily. Anyhow, the same number should be re-peated daily.
6. You must observe strict Brahmacharya when you do Purascharana. Then you can have
Darsana of Gayatri easily.
7. The practice of Akhanda Mouna (unbroken silence) during Purascharana is highly
beneficial. Those who are not able to practise this, can observe full Mouna for a week in
a month, or only on Sundays.
8. Those who practise Purascharana should not get up from the Asana or the pose till
they finish the fixed number. Also, they should not change the pose.
9. Counting can be done through Maala, fingers or watch. Count the exact number that
you can do in one hour. Suppose you can repeat the Gayatri-Mantra 400 times in one
hour, then Japa for ten hours means 10 X 400=4000. There is more concentration in
counting the number through watch.
There are three varieties of the forms of Gayatri, for medi- tation in the morning, noon
and evening. But many meditate on the five-faced Gayatri alone throughout the day.
Chapter Four
SADHANA
1. Need for a Guru
A Guru is necessary. The spiritual path is beset with many obstacles. The Guru will guide
the aspirants safely and remove all sorts of obstacles and difficulties.
Guru, Isvara, Brahman, Truth and OM are one. Serve the Guru with intense Bhakti (Guru
Sava). Please him in all possi-ble ways. Have the mind fixed on Guru as Atman (Alma-
Lakshya). Obey him implicitly. His words must be gospel truths for you. Then only you
will improve. You will get His Grace. There is no other way.
You will have to deify your Guru. You must superimpose all the attributes of lsvara and
Brahman on him. You must take him as an actual God incarnate. You must never look
into his Doshas or defects. You should see only the Divinity in him. Then only you will
realise Brahman in and through the Guru.
The physical form of the Guru will slowly vanish. You will realise the Vyapaka (all-
pervading) Atman in and through him. You will see your Guru in all forms, animate and
inanimate.
There is no other way for overhauling the vicious worldly Samskaras and the passionate
nature of raw, worldly-minded persons than the personal contact with and service of
the Guru.
An aspirant who, with great devotion, attends on his Guru in his personal services,
quickly purifies his heart. This is the surest and easiest way for self-purification; I assure
you boldly.
It is better if you get your Mantra from your Guru. This has a tremendous effect on the
disciple. The Guru imparts his Sakti along with the Mantra. If you cannot get a Guru, you
can select any Mantra according to your own liking and taste and repeat it mentally,
daily, with Sraddha and Bhava. This also has a great purificatory effect. You will attain
the realisation of God.
2. Medition Room
Have a separate meditation room under lock and key. Do not allow anybody to enter
the room. Burn incense there in the morning and in the evening. Keep a picture of Lord
Krishna, Lord Siva or Sri Rama or Devi in the room. Place your Asana in front of the
picture. When you repeat the Mantra, the powerful vibrations set up by it will be lodged
in the ether of the room (Akasic records). In six months' time you will feel peace and
pu