As mentioned earlier, japa or chanting of divine hymns has been regarded as an important spiritual practice in almost all the religions of the world. In the Indian scriptures of yore the japas adhana of mantras has been designated as a yajóa. God Krishna has therefore indicated it a paramount yajóa by stating (in the Holy Gita) – ‘Yajnanam Japa Yajnosmi’; Meaning: Among all the yajnas I am (existing in) the Japa Yajna.
Lord Manu has mentioned (Manusm–iti 2|87) that disregarding what other spiritual practices one performs, a true Brahmaña can attain supernatural powers only through a dedicated endeavors of japa. Mahabharata (Ashwa. 44|8) quotes that – “The Vaidika Yajnas performed by herbal sacrifices in the fire along with disciplined chanting of mantras are indeed important. However, the Japa Yajóa alone, without any other requirements (of fire etc.) is sufficient for realizing thy love”.
In the later centuries as well, many saints and experts of the Indian Philosophy have expressed similar views on japa. The following quote by Goswami Tulasidas, though written in a simple language, conveys a lot about the significance of japa – ‘Nama Japata Mangal Disi Dasahuam, Japahi Namu jan Ârata Bhari, Mitahi Kusankata Honhi Sukhari’. Meaning: the japa of the omnipresent thy name eliminates the evil tendencies and generates blessed happiness.
Japa is a spiritual exercise, it affects our mind and intellect by a subtle scientific procedure. Increase in inner strength, self-confidence, clarity and refinement of thoughts and sentiments etc. – are its definite effects that gradually lead to the illumination of the innermost core of the individual self. The following excerpts from religious and spiritual scriptures on Indian Philosophy further signify the great role of this apparently simple practice.
From Ling Puraña (8|5|124-125) – “One who sincerely performs japa would never face any calamity. The devil powers of Yaksa, Raksasa, Pisaca, Bisaña (ghosts, witches etc.) can never reach near him. Japa helps uprooting the kusamskaras. Japa also excels one’s virtues and destiny”.
God Krishna preaches in the Holy Gita – ‘Trayat Mahto Bhayat’; Meaning: Practising japa can destroy the mighty fears…
The Manu Smriti (4|146) mentions – “One who sincerely practises japa will never perish’. It also states that – “Japa cultivates divinity in the inner self”. Further (c.f. Manu Smriti 5 – 86),
Meaning: The Yajóas like the Darsa, Paurñm³sa, Jyotistoma, Rajasuya or the rituals of Vaisvadeva, Balikarma, Dainika- Sadhana etc carry only one-sixteenth fraction of the benefits as compared to those of the japa of the thou name with true faith.
Meaning: Among the great risis, I (God Krishna) am Bhragu; among the apparent powers of Sabda, I am Oamkara; among the Yajnas, I am the Japa Yajna and among the great mountains, I am the Himalayas.
The following sloka from Bhardwaja Gayatri Vyakhya further emphasizes the importance of japa:
Meaning: Japa Yajna is superior to all yajnas as it does not involve any material sacrifices. Different religious acts like devotional alms, charities, sacrifices (of luxuries) for thy service and observance of continence etc, are only as significant as the one-sixteenth fraction of the japa. All the mighty powers of the devil are scared of the sadhaka who, endeavors disciplined japa every day. Japa is therefore the best source of enhancing the puñyas (good fortunes). Knowing this, a true Brahmaña must always practise japa through the heart (i.e. with complete faith and sincerity).
Meaning: Enunciation of the Gayatri Mantra for about three hundred times per day performed this way – i.e., under proper discipline, faith and control of the body, mind and emotions – regularly over a period of one month, helps attain significant success. A more devoted and ascetic practice of this japa at a consistent rate of over eleven hundred mantras per day for specific periods (spanning over several months), indeed leads to the complete fulfilment of all noble desires.
Meaning: A devotional japa of thousand Gayatri Mantras per day continuously for a month along with proper controlling of the Apana Praña during the japa fulfils all the worthy desires of the devotee.
Meaning : The japa of hundred Gayatri Mantras per day – performed regularly for a month – under the discipline of standing on one leg alone, keeping both the arms up towards the sky and restraining the respiration to the maximum possible extent during this daily practice, takes the devotee to the desired noble goal.
Meaning : Consistent performance for a month of the japa of the Gayatri Mantra – at a regular rate of about thirteen hundred mantras per day, along with a (Hatha Yoga) discipline of dipping (plunging) the body inside the water – certainly results in the attainment of all the noble desires (of the sadhaka).
Source: Eternity of Sound and the Science of Mantra
