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How to Practice Japa Meditation

There are many different forms of meditation in the world, and all stress that the single, biggest requirement of meditation is to clear your mind of all thoughts. But shutting out thought is not easy. Your mind is a very busy place and, as soon as one thought leaves, another takes its place repeatedly. How, then, can you ever truly quiet your mind? Through japa meditation, that’s how. In japa meditation, you chant a key word or phrase repeatedly during your meditation. This rhythmic chant keeps your mind focused, and prevents stray thoughts from taking control of your mind.

Things You'll Need

  • Candles of your choice
  • Incense of your choice
  • Mala
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Instructions

  1. How to Practice Japa Meditation

    • 1

      Decide on a mantra. Many people use names for the divine, such as God, Yahweh, Jehovah, or Buddha. Many people use the sacred OM. You can also use any word that has a calming effect on your mind, such as peace, tranquility, or serenity.

    • 2

      Go to a room where you can have complete privacy for at least 20 minutes. Shut the door and close the curtains, making the room as dark as possible.

    • 3

      Light a candle and light an incense stick. This helps set the mood for meditation.

    • 4

      Pick up your mala. A mala is a strand of 108 prayer beads. At the end of the 108 beads is a larger bead (meru), usually with some type of a tassel attached to it. This bead is made larger so that you can tell, even with your eyes closed, when you are at the end of the 108 beads. Using a mala while chanting helps focus your mind and intensifies your meditation.

    • 5

      Sit in a comfortable chair, with your spine straight.

    • 6

      Drape the mala over the palm of your right hand, with your index finger extended and your thumb touching the first bead.

    • 7

      Close your eyes and begin chanting your mantra. Push a bead forward with your thumb and third finger each time you chant your mantra. This keeps count of how many repetitions of your mantra you’ve completed.

    • 8

      Reverse the beads in your hand when you get to the end of the 108 beads. NEVER cross over the meru. Instead, begin pushing the beads backward with your thumb and third finger, traversing the mala in the opposite direction to complete another 108 repetition of your manta.

    • 9

      Repeat as many complete malas (108 beads) as are comfortable for you.

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