14 Japams
June 19, 2008In the Japa Yoga, the 14 kinds of mantra japams are as follows
1. Nitya – Nitya Japam is the daily recitation. It could be as simple as the repetitive names or short slokams one says as part of the daily prayer.
2. Naimittika – This type of recitation is done for specific circumstances or during specific times. An example could be the recitation one does before embarking on a journey.
3. Kaamya – This type of recitation is when a person has a specific goal in mind and meditates to obtain that specific result.
4. Nishidda – The forbidden recitations are called Nishidda. These could comprise of certain restrictions during certain times. An example is when Sandhyavandanam is beign performed, one is not allowed to recite certain Japa mantras.
5. Prayaschitta – These set of mantra japams are meant for atoning from one’s sins. It is when a person is cognisant of their mistake and want to do japams to repent their mistakes.
6. Chala – Chala is when the meditation is done when one is mobile.
7. Achala – Achala is when the meditation is done when one is immobile.
8. Upaamsu – This type of meditation is when the mantras are whispered rather than said aloud
9. Vaachika – This is the articulate type of meditation where one uses words to connote to the object of meditation.
10. Bramara – This is when the words are hummed like the buzz of the bees.
11. Manasa – This is when the meditation is done in the mind.
12. Akhanda – It is said that when one perseveres and consistently meditates, the habit will become sub-conscious like the very breath one takes. This is the incessant meditation.
13. Ajapa – This is the where words are not used. This form of meditation takes the breathing process of Inhalation and Exhalation as the object of the Japam. This is the inarticulate form of meditation
14. Pradakshina – This form of Japam is when the person circumambulates the source and chants the Mantra while doing so.
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