Hour 37 Meditation – The Power of Mantra in Japa Meditation
The Power of Mantra in Japa Meditation
Introduction: The Living Vibration of a Mantra
Words were never simply words in the ancient yogic tradition; they were vibrations, powerful sounds, and doors to silence. The sages found that certain sounds could tune the mind, change consciousness, and ultimately dispel the ego itself when they were repeated mindfully. One of the most straightforward and effective methods on the yogic path is the sacred science of Mantra Japa, which is the meditative repetition of sound.
A mantra is not a set of beliefs. It is a living reality, a vibration, and a method. And Japa is its practice—the continuous repetition that polishes the mantra and the mind alike until they both become pure mirrors.
Japa Meditation: What Is It?
“Japa is the recitation of a divine name or mantra.”
— Sivananda Swami
The word “japa” is derived from the root “jap,” which means to mutter, whisper, or repeat quietly. It is possible to:
- Orally (Vaikhari Japa) Chanting that can be heard
- Whispered (Upamsu Japa): lips move, soft sound
- Internally (Manasika Japa): silent, motionless
Japa is more than just repetition. It is conscious, focused, and purposeful repetition.
Types of Japa
| Type | Description | Example |
| Vaikhari Japa | Spoken aloud, good for beginners | Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” audibly |
| Upamsu Japa | Whispered softly, lips barely move | Whispering mantra under breath |
| Manasika Japa | Repeated silently in the mind | Repeating mentally, no outer movement |
| Ajapa Japa | Repetition becomes automatic and constant | The mantra goes on like heartbeat |
Mantra’s Power
A mantra is not a form of prayer. It is a sound formula intended to:
- Relax the mind
- Make the nervous system better
- Create channels of spiritual energy
- Call forth the attributes of God
Principal Impact of the Mantra:
- Vibrational Healing: The body-mind system is aligned by the frequencies carried by mantras.
- Focus and Concentration: Disorganized thought patterns are lessened by repetition.
- Emotional Purification: It releases suppressed feelings.
- Spiritual Awakening: By bringing you closer to the Self, mantras can awaken dormant energies.
“Mananat trayate iti mantrah” means “that which protects” (trayate) by means of continuous remembrance (manana).
Selecting the Appropriate Mantra
There are three types of mantras: deity mantras, universal mantras, and guru-specific mantras. Each has a distinct frequency and function.
| Mantra | Meaning/Purpose |
| Om | Absolute consciousness, primordial sound |
| So-Ham | “I am That”: identity and breath |
| Om Namah Shivaya | Greetings to Shiva or the inner self |
| Om Mani Padme Hum | Tibetan compassion mantra |
| Gayatri Mantra | Invokes the divine light of wisdom |
| Hare Krishna | Bhakti mantra for love and devotion |
Even after you stop chanting, a mantra should still feel alive and reverberate inside of you.
How to Do Japa Meditation
Fundamental Method:
- With your spine straight, take a comfortable seat in a peaceful area.
- To relax, take a few deep breaths.
- Decide on a mantra.
- Start saying it again while holding your breath:
- Breathe in: “So”
- Exhale: “Ham” (or your preferred mantra).
- To keep track, you can use a mala, which is a 108-bead rosary.
- Allow the repetition to become fluid and rhythmic.
- Bring attention back to the mantra gently if you become sidetracked.
- Quiet down and express gratitude at the end.
Mala’s Function in Japa
A mala, or rosary, is a holy instrument that:
- Focuses attention
- Establishes rhythm
- indicates advancement
- Over time, it becomes charged with spiritual energy.
A typical mala One guru bead (not crossed during rotation) plus 108 beads
| Type of Mala | Spiritual Significance |
| Rudraksha | Shiva energy, grounding |
| Tulsi | Vishnu/Krishna devotion |
| Sandalwood | Cooling, calming, pure vibrations |
| Crystal (Spatika) | Clarity, magnification of energy |
Japa as a State of Meditation
Japa becomes non-verbal with constant practice; you no longer need to “do” the mantra; it takes care of itself.
- The sound starts to engulf the mind.
- Only the vibration is audible; there is no “me” chanting.
- This is the starting point for Ajapa Japa, where the mantra becomes a living current inside of you and flows naturally.
Combining Other Methods
| Combined Practice | Effect |
| Japa + Asana | Deepens internal awareness during movement |
| Japa + Pranayama | Supercharges breathwork with spiritual focus |
| Japa + Meditation | Leads mind into silent absorption |
| Japa + Bhakti (devotion) | Opens the heart, purifies emotions |
Japa is not restricted to formal sessions. It can play in the background as you go about your everyday activities, such as walking, working, or cooking. Your inner music is created by the mantra.
Japa’s Inner Transformation
| Before Japa | After Regular Practice |
| Restless, scattered mind | Calm, focused awareness |
| Emotional turmoil | Emotional balance and equanimity |
| Weak willpower | Inner strength and clarity of purpose |
| Ego-centric thinking | Humility and devotion emerge naturally |
Japa gradually eliminates the mental chatter and brings you back to your initial state of quiet.
Thought-Provoking Questions
- Which mantra speaks to my breath and heart naturally?
- Can I sense the mantra’s vibration outside of its words?
- Am I present when I chant, or am I just a machine?
- What mental effects does Japa have on me during the day?
- Have there been times when I have been able to repeat a mantra effortlessly?
Concluding Remarks:
The Mantra Becomes You Japanese is akin to water dripping on a stone; it is steady, rhythmic, and soft. You are reciting the mantra at the start. However, the mantra begins to chant you gradually. The lines blur. Silence and sound blend together. And what remains is a presence beyond thought.
“The divine will start to reverberate in your breath if you allow the mantra to become your heartbeat.”