A simple mediation

A bhakti yogi is trained in the art of Dhyana or meditation, in order to still the mind and gain the direct perception of the Ista deva within the heart space. Many people who practice Gaudiya Vaishnavism are familiar with Japa meditation, however, the trend seems to be that Japa is not utilized in these communities for the practice of Samatha(calming the mind) and Vipassana(insight into the nature of the object of meditation) but as an aspect of sadhana fulfilling vows and obligations to recite a certain number of Mantras, purify the heart, and hopefully cultivate Bhava.
I would personally suggest a different approach to our Japa sessions that does not discount the need to keep a count of malas recited but does not make that the focus or intent.

I would like to outline an approach to our Japa sessions that is aimed at cultivating concentration, clarity, and relaxation of thought and mental clutter. Remember meditation takes time and patience as with all worth while endevours.

• In order to even entertain the notion of a meditative state it is important to become capable of holding a single Asana for a prolonged period of time, some shifting is normally at the beginning but we should be able to hold a posture for at least a Muhurta(45 minutes). Padmasa, virasana, and siddhasna are particularly approved of in yoga sastras, so for this session take up a posture and  try to stay with it till the end.
• Breath is a key to cultivating a clear mind and slowing down the speed of our thinking process; for this practice inhale deeply and chant as many mantras as possible in a single breath, start with 3 and see how you can increase over the duration of the japa session.
• Gaze is another important aspect of a good meditation and there a few options to choose from.
  Keep the eyes half closed and pick a single point of focus to relax your gaze on.
  Ajna mudra, or directing your gaze upwards towards the third eye. This has numerous positive effects on the mind and helps one attain pratyahara(the turning of the senses inward) This is uncomfortable at first for many people so don't strain but hold this position as long as comfortable
  Nasika mudra, keeping the eyes half closed, stare at the tip of the nose.
• For this japa session I would like to suggest using a short single, or dual syllable mantra such as om, Krsna, or Rama. These mantras are approved double syllable mantras that are very easy to hold in the mind and even visualize. Don't bother with a mala for now, just allow yourself to try to become absorbed one pointedly in the sound vibration.
• As you begin chanting aloud, try to allow the mind to rest in the sound vibration.  Everytime your mind wanders simply re-direct your attention back to the mantra sound and keep going. Don't try to interpret, visualize, or enhance in anyway the mantra. 
• Now move into upamshu japa or whispering japa and listen to the more subtle vibration, try to hear each syllable, don't chant to fast, or slow. Use your own heart beat as a tempo. Keep this going until you feel you are getting sleepy, relaxed, but conscious and aware.
• Next move into silent, mental japa. Try to hear the mantra internally and keep the concentration for as long as you can. When all that exists is that mantra...just keep going! 
• End the session when you feel you cannot continue and your mind has diverted too much to easily bring back.
  
  If you try this technique and found it useful, please comment and share your experience or questions on the matter.
  
  Until next time!
  
  Jai Nitai!