Japa — What to Chant?

This is the second chapter of the Japa, Namajapa, or Dhyānajapa series. In the first chapter, I discussed the definition and reasons for practising Japa. Now, in this chapter, I shall take up the question: what exactly should one chant? I shall try to explain with examples and details.

Japa — In Quest of a Word 

To begin Japa, you first need a word. It could be one word, a group of words, or even a name. However, in the end, they are all words. 

It is true that repetition does not always have to be with words. One may also focus on images or feelings. Yet, word-repetition is the most common, the most popular, and usually the easiest form. Dwelling on an image or on a feeling is not the subject of this chapter, but let me give a brief example. Suppose you are fond of someone: you keep recalling that beloved person's face again and again, their smile appearing in your mind's vision. Here, you are not necessarily repeating their name; you are just holding on to an image. That is visual Japa. Similarly, if you return again and again to a particular feeling, it becomes emotional or feeling Japa.

Visual or feeling Japa does not have to be practised separately. Through the Japa of specific words, you can also practise different levels like name-form, name-quality, form-quality, and so on.

Japa — With Meaning or Without?

When you choose a word, it may or may not carry meaning. In most cases, people repeat meaningful words because they evoke images in the mind. For instance, suppose you repeat a name. Along with the name, your mind may bring up a form. If I say the name several times—

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

The mind at once recalls a familiar picture of Jesus. Alongside may appear events from his life or fragments of his teachings.

Another example—

Satnam Waheguru.
(Punjabi Gurmukhi: ਸਤਿਨਾਮ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ)

This sacred invocation of Sikhism slowly fills the mind with a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Saying "Waheguru" does not necessarily bring up a fixed image of God, as Sikhism does not have a universally accepted image or idol of God. Instead, a pure, uplifting presence arises.

Guru Nanak gave great importance to name-chanting (Namajapa). 
19th century painting. 
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

So, when you practice Japa, you can use meaningful words. For example—

Theme	Words for Japa
Divine Names	Ram, Krishna, Kali, Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Nanak, Durga, Bhavani, and so on. These may be repeated singly or in combinations like Hare Krishna, Radha-Krishna.
Feelings	Words like love, power, victory, valour, and courage can be used. You can choose any such word. Phrases like— Shivoham (I am Shiva),  Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman),  Charaiveti (keep moving forward),  Vandemataram (recalling the motherland of India),  Allahu Akbar (Allah is great),  La Ilaha Illallah (there is no deity but Allah),  Buddham Sharanam Gacchami (I go to the refuge of the Buddha),  Hallelujah (praise be to God),  Baba Naam Kevalam (in memory of Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar),  Ramakrishna Sharanam (recalling Shri Ramakrishna),  Jai Shri Gurumaharajki Jai, and similar phrases, can also be chanted.
Inspiring personalities	Shivaji Maharaj, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Mother Teresa, Mansur al-Hallaj, Socrates, Isaac Newton — any figure who gives you strength. One's own parents, children, teacher, or beloved may be remembered.
Seed syllables & mantras	Hrim, Klim, Aim, Krim, and Gam (linked with Kali, Krishna, Durga, Lakshmi, and others).

One may also repeat sounds without meaning, like Trara, Aiyu, Omi, Brihmi. In such cases the mind is not tied to a definite form. If meaningful words cause the mind to become restless, meaningless sounds can help anchor attention.

Whatever the choice, the real question is how much devotion and attention one can bring into regular practice. Without love, even grand names uttered endlessly may not lead to much progress.

The Hare Krishna Mahamantra

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534), a great figure of the Bhakti movement, spread the practice of remembering God through Japa. He gave the Hare Krishna Mahamantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,

Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.

Hare Rama, Hare Rama,

Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

This is more than mere repetition. With its rhythm, cadence, syllables, and meaning, it is a profoundly powerful mantra. When repeated, the sound merges naturally with breathing and heartbeat. Unlike some other words, it does not cause strain or agitation; instead it flows with ease. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu selected and strung together the choicest flowers into one garland — the Mahamantra.

Following the Great Teachers

Across religions one finds great mantras: the Shiva Stotram, the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, the Buddhist Trisharana. Scriptures advise— Sanskrit: महाजनॊ येन गतः स पन्था (IAST: Mahājano Yena Gatah Sa Panthāh) — follow the path trodden by the great ones. You are free to choose any word or phrase, but there is special value in using what has already been sanctified by tradition.

The Meaning of Words and Their Effect on the Mind

Let me give you an interesting piece of information. When you repeatedly utter a word, it has an effect on your mind. So, from a psychology perspective, you should carefully decide what password you will use for your online accounts or devices. If you use a strong and positive word as a password, it can have a positive effect on your mind since you are using it repeatedly. On the other hand, using a negative or weak word can diminish your mental strength.

There is a concept in psychology called priming. Priming is a process where a stimulus (like a word) influences thoughts or behaviour. Please pay attention when choosing the name, word, or phrase you use for Japa.

Mansur al-Hallaj
Declared the powerful statement Ana al-Haqq (أنا الحق, I am the Truth)
Image source: Wikimedia Commons 

Should I Chant the Name of a Loved One?

You can certainly chant the name of a loved one. You can use the names of your Guru (teacher), mother, father, etc., and your relationship with them in your Japa. One advantage of this method is that, since you have direct personal experience with that person, your mind can easily focus. Your mind will not be in a state of indecision. 

However, this method can also have a significant drawback in some cases. For instance, if one keeps remembering a beloved figure, but later feels neglected or disappointed by them, the Japa practice could suffer a major setback. Perhaps after some time, one might even stop their Japa and contemplation. This issue is less likely to occur with relationships like mother, father, or Guru. In any relationship, the greater one's expectations, the higher the possibility of disappointment and hurt!

With this, let's conclude the second chapter of the series on Japa.

Japa (জপ)

• ● Read in English: First Chapter, Second Chapter
• ● বাংলায় পড়ুন: প্রথম অধ্যায়, দ্বিতীয় অধ্যায়
• ● Tools: Japa Counter

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