SS: We are on verse 4 of Upadesha Saar. We saw about pooja. It is performed involving body speech and mind. We move on to the next practice. Japa. Its is performed by speech and mind. Hence it is subtler.
What is meant by japa? Why japa? Will it not make the mind mechanical? Many philosophers say so
Su: It's the repetition of the Lord's name. It helps in single pointed focus of the mind. Mechanical or not depends on our attitude when we do japa. I can either sit and mechanically repeat 108 times, or do it with bhava and visualizing the Lord
From what I understand everything in the preparation stages is to bring the mind to single pointed focus
SS: Why not gaze at a candle-tip or focus on a dot on the wall or any other method for concentration and single pointedness. Why japa?
Su: Because with ishta devta or Guru there is a emotional connect. Hence mind is ready to cooperate. Plus when you are taking the Lords name you invoke His grace and blessings.
SK: Japa involves the body and mind too - chanting the Lords name, moving the beads of the japa mala, focusing on the Lord completely.
SR: Also it is difficult to develop love or devotion on a dot or lamp flame.
DN: The idea of japa whilst bringing single pointedness ultimately leads to purity of mind. Focusing on a flame or dot on the wall does not achieve that.
VS: Timely.. thanks a lot
NM: I think dat constant practice of japa also trains d mind to live in d present moment otherwise.
N it also gives an inexplicable inner strength to go along d day
Su: To do 20 mins of successful Japa, I need to be disciplined for 23 hrs and 40mins. Hence Japa also accomplishes BMI integration.
NG: The name and the qualities and values that the name implies help in purification of the mind. May not work with flame or dot unless flame is associated with agni / samata (treating all equally)
VG: 🙏 Thank you everyone for the beautiful insights
VS: Right from the time we are born, we are used to names and forms. When I take a name I get a form. Japa helps me meditate on the form by chanting a name and imagining the glories of the Lord with the name. It starts with imagining the attractive glory of the Lord and finally reaches the form of the Lord and beyond.
Sitting brings integration of the body... then the mind enjoys the glories and finally becomes silent wonderstruck thinking of the All perfect being.
AT: Japa limits the chattering of mind, helps meditate and strengthens the bond with the Lord.
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