Beginners guide to Japa yoga

                                       What is Japa?

The repetition of mantras is an ancient meditation technique designed to purify the mind by focusing it on frequencies related to higher states of consciousness.
I have been practicing Japa meditation since I was very young, I remember my father teaching me how to use malas and repeat Hari-nama on tulsi beads. I really enjoy this type of meditation as over time the mantras really awaken and reveal deeper experiences that cannot properly be articulated.
Japa can be used for healing, strength, wealth, attraction, enlightenment, and devotion. Its best to chant for enlightenment and devotion.
Over time I've learned a few key elements to bring to every Japa meditation session, I hope you find them useful!

Posture
Yogis like Buddha, Kapila, Patanjali, Datta, and our Favorite Sripada Nityananda avadhuta, all Suggest we learn to first still the body by applying a comfortable posture.  Asanas like Virasana, padmasana, siddhasana, are the best postures to keep the spine straight and allow the body to fall into the state of "perfect ease"

Breathe
Next, we should settle the breath and regulate its flow, extending the duration of both the exhalation and inhalation. We breath in and exhale during the recitation and should learn to chant as many mantras in a single breathe as comfortably possibly. When you do this you will find it a lot easier to allow the body to relax and the mind will slow down, making it easier to concentrate.

Gaze 
We should fix our gaze, either internally with Ajnamudra, or externally by allowing it to settle a single image or point in front of us. Keeping the eyes half closed and trying to allow them to relax. This reduces distraction and further encourages concentration.

Mantra
There are an infinite number of mantras in circulation through Sanatana-dharma. The best mantras to recite during this age are generally Nama mantras and Siddha mantras. Other mantras require initiation and other preparatory sadhanas to safely use. My personal practice is to chant mantras related to the mandala of Sri Krsna, Baladeva, and Shakti. These have been passed down in my lineage since the time of the great saint and Avatar, Sri Krsna Chaitanya mahaprabhu.

The primary mantra we use is the Maha mantra "Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare" and this does not require any rules, regulations, qualifications, or initiation to be safely chanted. It is a powerful vibration that will deeply cleanse the heart and allow the mind to become peaceful.

Closing
When you have finished your prescribed number of repetitions, don't immediately get up and leave but continue to stay in the relaxed pose.  Experience the sensations, feelings, thoughts, judgments, and patterns of identity present in the silence.
Feel your heartbeat, be present to your breath....and just be.



When you've completed your meditation, It is so powerful to dedicate the results of your practice to all sentient beings who are suffering through samsara so that they may attain lasting happiness and spiritual enlightenment.




I hope this helps your next Japa session! Like, share and comment bellow!
 #Jainitai