Japa
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2008-07-02T11:55:38Z
Dakinijones
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Quick-adding category "Tantric practices" (using [[WP:HOTCAT|HotCat]])
'''Japa''' ([[Sanskrit]]: जप) is a [[spiritual discipline]] involving the meditative repetition of a [[mantra]] or name of [[God]]. The mantra or [[Names of God|name]] may be spoken softly, enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be spoken purely within the recitor's mind. Japa may be performed whilst sitting in a [[meditation posture]], while performing other activities, or as part of formal worship in group settings. The practice of repetitive prayer is present in varied forms within most religions in the world, although the [[Indian religions|religions of India]] generally give more emphasis to it as a specific discipline.
==Etymology==
The Sanskrit word '''''japa''''' is derived from the root '''''jap-''''', meaning "to utter in a low voice, repeat internally, mutter".<ref>V. S. Apte. A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary. p. 447.</ref>
==Varieties of Japa==
[[Image:Japamala2.jpg|thumb|Japa Mala, or ''Japa beads'', consisting of 108 beads plus the head bead.]]
In most forms of japa, the repetitions are counted using a string of beads known as a [[japa mala]]. Within [[Hindu]] traditions [[Vaishnava]] devotees commonly chant on beads made from the Tulsi plant ([[Tulsi|Holy Basil]]), held as a sacred manifestation of Tulsidevi; whereas [[Shaivites]] use [[Rudraksha]] beads. The number of beads in the Japa mala is generally [[number 108|108]], which has great significance in both traditions. It is not uncommon for people to wear japa beads around their neck, although some practitioners (such as [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism|Gaudiya Vaishnavas]]) prefer to carry them in a bead-bag in order to keep them clean.
Independent of all beads or prayer devices, many [[Hindus]] will recite mantras, either under their breath or in mental introspection, at any given time of the day. This sort of casual chanting is said to be a way of inspiring reflection on either the [[Atman (Hinduism)|self]] or [[brahman|God]] at all times, thereby attaining a life which, though interrupted by daily chores and concerns, is a constant flow of prayer.
Some [[Catholic]] prayer forms that involve repetition of prayers, such as use of the [[Rosary]] or one of various [[Chaplet (Prayer)|chaplets]], could be classified as forms of japa, as with other [[Christian]] prayer forms (see [[Hesychasm]]). Also [[Tibetan Buddhists]] include japa [[meditation]] as a large part of their religious practices.
==Aims==
The aim, or goal of japa varies greatly depending on the mantra involved and the religious philosophy of the practitioner. In both [[Buddhist]] and [[Hindu]] traditions mantras may be given to aspirants by their [[guru]], after some form of [[initiation]]. The goal could be [[moksha]], [[nirvana]], [[bhakti]], or simple personal communion with [[God]] in a similar way to prayer.
==Popular Japa mantras==
*[[Aum|Om]]
*[[Hare Krishna mantra]]
*[[Ram Nam]]
*[[Gayatri]]
*[[Narayana|Om namo Narayana]]
*[[Pancha_Tattva#Pancha_Tattva_mantra|Pancha Tattva mantra]]
*[[Aum Namah Sivaya|Aum Namah Sivaya]]
*[[Om mani padme hum]]
*[[ShriRam Jay Ram Jay Jay Ram]]
==Notes==
<references />
==See also==
*[[Japa mala]]
*[[Ajapa]]
*[[Prayer]]
*[[Meditation]]
*[[Pranava yoga]]
*[[Hail Mary]]
*[[Jesus Prayer]]
*[[Nembutsu]]
*[[Hesychasm]]
* [[Svayam bhagavan]]
* [[Maha Mantra]]
==External links==
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*[http://www.krishna.com/node/631 'Hare Krishna' Japa Meditation]
*[http://www.dlshq.org/teachings/japayoga.htm Japa Yoga by Swami Sivananda]
[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Meditation]]
[[Category:Tantric practices]]
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