Constituency of a Mantra Each Mantra is a combination of sound formed from 50 letters of the Sanskrit alphabets.

Types of Meditation /Japa through Mantra

1. Likhita Japa

This is the primordial form of meditation through mantra. The word “Likhita” means in written form. The word “Japa” means to repeat a particular word many times by writing, chanting aloud or mentally at a consistent amplitude and frequency. In Likhita Japa the meditator or the “sadhaka” repeats the mantra internally while writing it on paper. The pen and copy used in Likhita Japa is often considered sacred and kept at appropriate place. Care should be taken to not touch it with dirty hands and keeping it at in appropriate place. One should sit on chair with back straight and mind focused on the particular mantra while performing Likhita Japa. One can use different colors for writing to make it interesting and also to make it more powerful by the energy of colors.

This is the easiest form of Mantra Japa as it involves the use of maximum number of sense organs (eyes to see, tongue to chant internally, touch as you hold the pen) and organs of action (hands to write).This type of Japa involves the least level of concentration as the sensory organs and organs of action do not give much scope for the focus to be lost. It should be done daily, trying to keep the same time for at least 30 minutes.

2. Vaachak Japa/ Vaikhari Japa

The word “Vaachak” means to speak or chant aloud. So this type of Japa is the one in which the worshipper chants the particular Mantra aloud, audibly so that it can be heard by self and also possible to others. The worshipper repeats it a particular number of times. It should be done preferable in a sacred room, separate allocated place in home or temple or any place of worship. One should try to do it at the same time everyday, though there are no restrictions to place and time and duration, but if followed under a routine it gives more benefit to the sadhaka. One should preferably know the meaning of the mantra chanted and visualize its deity form at the time of chanting. This type of Japa is very motivating as you hear your own voice as a stimulus ad feel more energized and the sounds vibrations are heard and felt at the same time. It has a higher degree of calming impact on the physical as well as mental body by relaxing the mind and increasing blood circulation to the brain and entire spinal cord. It activates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. One should preferable sit in meditation pose(Sukhasan, Siddhasana, Padmasan) with back straight, over the ground with some cotton or woolen cloth spread over it(to check for energy loss), with eyes closed and hands preferably in Mudra. This type involves the maximum use of tongue, palate, lips and vocal cords. One should practice this type of Japa for at least 30-45 minutes daily. It not only brings peace to the sadhaka but also to the entire family or the surroundings owing to higher degree of positive vibrations. Some mantra are secret mantras and should not be chanted audibly like Guru Mantra or mantra directed by the teacher to be kept as secret.

3. Upaanshu Japa

The word “Upaanshu” means something which is not heard and yet spoken. In Upaanshu Japa the sadhaka performs the Mantra uchchaaran with the minimal movement of lip and tongue and the voice is as low as barely heard to self. The other rules for performing this type of Japa remains the same as Vaachak Japa. This type of Japa needs more focus then the Vaachak Japa as the number of Sensory organs involved is less in number. On one hand in Vaachak Japa one uses the audible sound as stimulus for self motivation and focus, here in Upaanshu Japa the chances to loose focus are more as it is performed at a subtler lever without any audible sound. It has more calming effect on the mind and is excellent for distressing the mind and ward off negative thoughts and vibrations.

4. Maansik Japa

The word “Maansik” means related to mind, intellect or buddhi. In Maansik Japa the sadhaka chants the Mantra internally or mentally without the use of lip or tongue. One needs to have a good level of concentration to perform this type of Japa as the chances to loose focus are very bright. There is almost no motivation form the sensory organs and the biggest problem in front of the sadhaka is to overcome sleep. As this type of Japa induces very subtle vibrations which induces sleep or drowsiness.

5. Japa-Ajapa

The Japa which goes on with the rhythm of breath all the time within selves is called japa-Ajapa like the unconscious repetition of the Mantra” SOHAM” within each human at all the times. After regular practice and meditation on nay one mantra one can adopt that mantra for Japa-Ajapa.