Japa or “mantra repetition”

Japa is the spoken or mental repetition of a mantra, or a divine name; it is one of the simplest ways to internal purification and concentration. It is important that our mantra should be that of our Ishta Deva, or the chosen divine aspect, and that it is received directly from an authentic enlightened master.

The practice starts with a suitable prayer and is then carried out with the help of a mala, a 108- bead rosary, made of either Rudraksha seeds or Tulasi wood, depending on our Ishta Deva. In circumstances such as traveling and waiting, when given the opportunity, it is also recommended to repeat the mantra without the mala.