Guest guest Posted December 13, 2008 Report Share Posted December 13, 2008 Hello, This is my first post. I have been perusing this forum with great interest. I have a question. If anybody, especially Narasimha Ji, has a spare moment to answer I would really appreciate it. Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra itself. 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without Mala. 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? Thank you so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2008 Report Share Posted December 13, 2008 Namaste, There is need at all to address me as Ji or Sir. > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > itself. Mind anyway preoccupies itself with many things! :-) By giving it an anchor to focus on (like handling of the maalaa), you are actually stabilizing it somewhat. If this specific pre-occupation minimized many other (and worse) pre-occupations, it is not a bad thing at all. It is like a monkey that keeps jumping from one place to another place being tied to a pole with a chain to limit its jumping. The monkey may still be jumping up and down, but the chain atleast *limits* its movement around one pole. Of course, if the monkey learns to stay in one place without jumping, it needs no chain or pole anymore. Chain was there in the first place to limit its jumping. Each person is the best judge of where one is and what is appropriate for oneself. We make progress by recognizing our weaknesses and addressing them. In addition, there are certain chakras in the tips of fingers that are directly connected to the brain. Objects like rudraksha and tulasi beads can stimulate those minor energy centers. Thus, there is *some* use in the beginning. > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? Upto you. For most people, I recommend using a maalaa. > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? What use is it to know? Avoid it as much as you can. If you cross it, so be it. Don't worry and move on. But, avoid crossing it again. > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > Mala. > > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? It is also given in a scripture that Rudraksha and Tulasi maalaas can be used for chanting any mantra and they are many more times powerful than other maalaas. My suggestion is to pick up either a Rudraksha maalaa or a Tulasi maalaa based on your taste and use it for *all* mantras. I want to categorically state that using a Tulasi maalaa for Shiva or a Rudraksha maalaa for Vishnu will NOT do you any harm. > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? Anything that works as an anchor to limit the mind from straying away too much is useful. An image or visualization of deity may work for some. Focussing on each sound and ups and downs in intonation may work for some. The goal is to minimize other thoughts. Thinking of one's goals will usually make the mind stray away into unnecessary pre-occupations. It is better to focus on deity or mantra. Best regards, Narasimha Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana Spirituality: Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org - " sbm_sharma " <sbm_sharma Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:59 AM Mala For Japa? > Hello, > > This is my first post. I have been perusing this forum with great > interest. I have a question. If anybody, especially Narasimha Ji, has > a spare moment to answer I would really appreciate it. > > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > itself. > > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > Mala. > > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > > Thank you so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2008 Report Share Posted December 14, 2008 Thank you! Will try with the Tulsi Mala. Sorry to get so technical but the Tulsi mala I have seems to be cracked in many places, is this is ok? Any suggestions for a good place to purchase? I bought mine from Organic farmers in India. I have heard best place to keep mala while doing Japa is near the heart, at least always above navel, is that correct? Lastly, I distinctly notice feelings of anger after doing Japa?I have just started doing Japa as a remedy, is this anger residue some kind of by product of the purification process? The mantra is a very common, Prasiddha Vishnu Mantra. Thank you , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr wrote: > > Namaste, > > There is need at all to address me as Ji or Sir. > > > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > > itself. > > Mind anyway preoccupies itself with many things! :-) By giving it an anchor > to focus on (like handling of the maalaa), you are actually stabilizing it > somewhat. If this specific pre-occupation minimized many other (and worse) > pre-occupations, it is not a bad thing at all. > > It is like a monkey that keeps jumping from one place to another place being > tied to a pole with a chain to limit its jumping. The monkey may still be > jumping up and down, but the chain atleast *limits* its movement around one > pole. > > Of course, if the monkey learns to stay in one place without jumping, it > needs no chain or pole anymore. Chain was there in the first place to limit > its jumping. > > Each person is the best judge of where one is and what is appropriate for > oneself. We make progress by recognizing our weaknesses and addressing them. > > In addition, there are certain chakras in the tips of fingers that are > directly connected to the brain. Objects like rudraksha and tulasi beads can > stimulate those minor energy centers. Thus, there is *some* use in the > beginning. > > > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > > Upto you. For most people, I recommend using a maalaa. > > > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > > What use is it to know? Avoid it as much as you can. If you cross it, so be > it. Don't worry and move on. But, avoid crossing it again. > > > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > > Mala. > > > > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > > It is also given in a scripture that Rudraksha and Tulasi maalaas can be > used for chanting any mantra and they are many more times powerful than > other maalaas. My suggestion is to pick up either a Rudraksha maalaa or a > Tulasi maalaa based on your taste and use it for *all* mantras. > > I want to categorically state that using a Tulasi maalaa for Shiva or a > Rudraksha maalaa for Vishnu will NOT do you any harm. > > > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > > Anything that works as an anchor to limit the mind from straying away too > much is useful. An image or visualization of deity may work for some. > Focussing on each sound and ups and downs in intonation may work for some. > The goal is to minimize other thoughts. Thinking of one's goals will usually > make the mind stray away into unnecessary pre-occupations. It is better to > focus on deity or mantra. > > Best regards, > Narasimha > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana > Spirituality: > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org > > > - > " sbm_sharma " <sbm_sharma > > Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:59 AM > Mala For Japa? > > > > Hello, > > > > This is my first post. I have been perusing this forum with great > > interest. I have a question. If anybody, especially Narasimha Ji, has > > a spare moment to answer I would really appreciate it. > > > > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > > itself. > > > > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > > > > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > > > > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > > Mala. > > > > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > > > > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > > > > Thank you so much. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 Respected sirs, just joined the group today and apologise if i am asking elementary things. Is it necessary that if one does japa or mantra chanting, the mantra should be given by a Guru ? I chant gayatri mantra, but its not guru given, does this make the mantra less effective ? Kindly guide. Thanks Usha , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr wrote: > > Namaste, > > There is need at all to address me as Ji or Sir. > > > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > > itself. > > Mind anyway preoccupies itself with many things! :-) By giving it an anchor > to focus on (like handling of the maalaa), you are actually stabilizing it > somewhat. If this specific pre-occupation minimized many other (and worse) > pre-occupations, it is not a bad thing at all. > > It is like a monkey that keeps jumping from one place to another place being > tied to a pole with a chain to limit its jumping. The monkey may still be > jumping up and down, but the chain atleast *limits* its movement around one > pole. > > Of course, if the monkey learns to stay in one place without jumping, it > needs no chain or pole anymore. Chain was there in the first place to limit > its jumping. > > Each person is the best judge of where one is and what is appropriate for > oneself. We make progress by recognizing our weaknesses and addressing them. > > In addition, there are certain chakras in the tips of fingers that are > directly connected to the brain. Objects like rudraksha and tulasi beads can > stimulate those minor energy centers. Thus, there is *some* use in the > beginning. > > > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > > Upto you. For most people, I recommend using a maalaa. > > > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > > What use is it to know? Avoid it as much as you can. If you cross it, so be > it. Don't worry and move on. But, avoid crossing it again. > > > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > > Mala. > > > > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > > It is also given in a scripture that Rudraksha and Tulasi maalaas can be > used for chanting any mantra and they are many more times powerful than > other maalaas. My suggestion is to pick up either a Rudraksha maalaa or a > Tulasi maalaa based on your taste and use it for *all* mantras. > > I want to categorically state that using a Tulasi maalaa for Shiva or a > Rudraksha maalaa for Vishnu will NOT do you any harm. > > > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > > Anything that works as an anchor to limit the mind from straying away too > much is useful. An image or visualization of deity may work for some. > Focussing on each sound and ups and downs in intonation may work for some. > The goal is to minimize other thoughts. Thinking of one's goals will usually > make the mind stray away into unnecessary pre-occupations. It is better to > focus on deity or mantra. > > Best regards, > Narasimha > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana > Spirituality: > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org > > > - > " sbm_sharma " <sbm_sharma > > Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:59 AM > Mala For Japa? > > > > Hello, > > > > This is my first post. I have been perusing this forum with great > > interest. I have a question. If anybody, especially Narasimha Ji, has > > a spare moment to answer I would really appreciate it. > > > > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > > itself. > > > > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > > > > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > > > > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > > Mala. > > > > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > > > > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > > > > Thank you so much. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Namaste, > Sorry to get so technical but the Tulsi mala I have seems to be > cracked in many places, is this is ok? Compared to the cracks in our determination, sincerity and surrender, cracks in a maalaa are far less problematic. Do not worry. It is not uncommon in Tulasi maalas to have cracks. > I have heard best place to keep mala while doing Japa is near the > heart, at least always above navel, is that correct? Yes. Keeping the current meditating bead of the maalaa close to the anaahata chakra is a good idea. Mooladhara, svadhishthana and manipoora chakras are the bhur, bhuvar and suvar lokas, which exist physically. Above navel are the lokas that do not exist physically and exist only spiritually. The goal of sadhana is, if not to get moksha, to go to a higher spiritual loka. Keeping the bead above navel is a good idea. > Lastly, I distinctly notice feelings of anger after doing Japa?I have > just started doing Japa as a remedy, is this anger residue some kind > of by product of the purification process? The mantra is a very > common, Prasiddha Vishnu Mantra. Possible. Certain prior vasanas and karamas need to be washed away or burned in sadhana in order to progress. When a room is being swept by a broom, some dirt may spill over at its door. Have patience and surrender to the Lord. Best regards, Narasimha Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana Spirituality: Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org - > Thank you! > > Will try with the Tulsi Mala. > > Sorry to get so technical but the Tulsi mala I have seems to be > cracked in many places, is this is ok? Any suggestions for a good > place to purchase? I bought mine from Organic farmers in India. > > I have heard best place to keep mala while doing Japa is near the > heart, at least always above navel, is that correct? > > Lastly, I distinctly notice feelings of anger after doing Japa?I have > just started doing Japa as a remedy, is this anger residue some kind > of by product of the purification process? The mantra is a very > common, Prasiddha Vishnu Mantra. > > Thank you > > > > , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr > wrote: >> >> Namaste, >> >> There is need at all to address me as Ji or Sir. >> >> > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this >> > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with >> > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly >> > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra >> > itself. >> >> Mind anyway preoccupies itself with many things! :-) By giving it an > anchor >> to focus on (like handling of the maalaa), you are actually > stabilizing it >> somewhat. If this specific pre-occupation minimized many other (and > worse) >> pre-occupations, it is not a bad thing at all. >> >> It is like a monkey that keeps jumping from one place to another > place being >> tied to a pole with a chain to limit its jumping. The monkey may > still be >> jumping up and down, but the chain atleast *limits* its movement > around one >> pole. >> >> Of course, if the monkey learns to stay in one place without > jumping, it >> needs no chain or pole anymore. Chain was there in the first place > to limit >> its jumping. >> >> Each person is the best judge of where one is and what is > appropriate for >> oneself. We make progress by recognizing our weaknesses and > addressing them. >> >> In addition, there are certain chakras in the tips of fingers that are >> directly connected to the brain. Objects like rudraksha and tulasi > beads can >> stimulate those minor energy centers. Thus, there is *some* use in the >> beginning. >> >> > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? >> >> Upto you. For most people, I recommend using a maalaa. >> >> > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? >> >> What use is it to know? Avoid it as much as you can. If you cross > it, so be >> it. Don't worry and move on. But, avoid crossing it again. >> >> > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu >> > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without >> > Mala. >> > >> > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? >> >> It is also given in a scripture that Rudraksha and Tulasi maalaas > can be >> used for chanting any mantra and they are many more times powerful than >> other maalaas. My suggestion is to pick up either a Rudraksha maalaa > or a >> Tulasi maalaa based on your taste and use it for *all* mantras. >> >> I want to categorically state that using a Tulasi maalaa for Shiva or a >> Rudraksha maalaa for Vishnu will NOT do you any harm. >> >> > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of >> > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? >> >> Anything that works as an anchor to limit the mind from straying > away too >> much is useful. An image or visualization of deity may work for some. >> Focussing on each sound and ups and downs in intonation may work for > some. >> The goal is to minimize other thoughts. Thinking of one's goals will > usually >> make the mind stray away into unnecessary pre-occupations. It is > better to >> focus on deity or mantra. >> >> Best regards, >> Narasimha >> >> Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam >> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana >> Spirituality: >> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net >> Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org >> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org >> >> >> - >> " sbm_sharma " <sbm_sharma >> >> Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:59 AM >> Mala For Japa? >> >> >> > Hello, >> > >> > This is my first post. I have been perusing this forum with great >> > interest. I have a question. If anybody, especially Narasimha Ji, has >> > a spare moment to answer I would really appreciate it. >> > >> > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this >> > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with >> > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly >> > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra >> > itself. >> > >> > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? >> > >> > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? >> > >> > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu >> > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without >> > Mala. >> > >> > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? >> > >> > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of >> > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? >> > >> > Thank you so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 Dear Narasimha, Thank you for this. My last question and a comment/question if you have a moment in your busy day. Is it always advisable to start out with a Ganesh Mantra just to be sure that our prayers are actually accepted by the Lord? Is " Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha " considered a Prasiddha mantra? Is " Om Hrim Gam Hrim Mahaganapataye Namaha " also considered Prasiddha? I have heard that Hrim bija can be very detrimental to 7th house so not sure about the later mantra. My following comment/question is meant in an purely inquisitve sense and not in a judgemental one. It always struck me as odd, that pronunciation of Mantra can be very critical, especially with mantra like Gayatri. This makes me think we are merely tapping into some kind of power to be sure, but not God himself as why would God care about things such as pronunciation/intonation? Same goes for Homa/Yagya and so forth. Why the need for such elaborate things? I also know some Kriya Yoga practioners and it can be quite complex. Why not something simple like sitting and concentrating at third eye center? Does one really need to undertake elaborate/ritualistic measures to " reach " God? I personally like the approach of Zen Buddhism or Surat Shabd Yoga. This is just my opinion and not meant to be construed as offensive or even abrasive in any manner, my apologies if it does. Thank you. , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr wrote: > > Namaste, > > > Sorry to get so technical but the Tulsi mala I have seems to be > > cracked in many places, is this is ok? > > Compared to the cracks in our determination, sincerity and surrender, cracks > in a maalaa are far less problematic. Do not worry. It is not uncommon in > Tulasi maalas to have cracks. > > > I have heard best place to keep mala while doing Japa is near the > > heart, at least always above navel, is that correct? > > Yes. Keeping the current meditating bead of the maalaa close to the anaahata > chakra is a good idea. > > Mooladhara, svadhishthana and manipoora chakras are the bhur, bhuvar and > suvar lokas, which exist physically. Above navel are the lokas that do not > exist physically and exist only spiritually. The goal of sadhana is, if not > to get moksha, to go to a higher spiritual loka. Keeping the bead above > navel is a good idea. > > > Lastly, I distinctly notice feelings of anger after doing Japa?I have > > just started doing Japa as a remedy, is this anger residue some kind > > of by product of the purification process? The mantra is a very > > common, Prasiddha Vishnu Mantra. > > Possible. Certain prior vasanas and karamas need to be washed away or burned > in sadhana in order to progress. When a room is being swept by a broom, some > dirt may spill over at its door. Have patience and surrender to the Lord. > > Best regards, > Narasimha > > Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam > Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana > Spirituality: > Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net > Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org > Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org > > > - > > Thank you! > > > > Will try with the Tulsi Mala. > > > > Sorry to get so technical but the Tulsi mala I have seems to be > > cracked in many places, is this is ok? Any suggestions for a good > > place to purchase? I bought mine from Organic farmers in India. > > > > I have heard best place to keep mala while doing Japa is near the > > heart, at least always above navel, is that correct? > > > > Lastly, I distinctly notice feelings of anger after doing Japa?I have > > just started doing Japa as a remedy, is this anger residue some kind > > of by product of the purification process? The mantra is a very > > common, Prasiddha Vishnu Mantra. > > > > Thank you > > > > > > > > , " Narasimha P.V.R. Rao " <pvr@> > > wrote: > >> > >> Namaste, > >> > >> There is need at all to address me as Ji or Sir. > >> > >> > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > >> > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > >> > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > >> > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > >> > itself. > >> > >> Mind anyway preoccupies itself with many things! :-) By giving it an > > anchor > >> to focus on (like handling of the maalaa), you are actually > > stabilizing it > >> somewhat. If this specific pre-occupation minimized many other (and > > worse) > >> pre-occupations, it is not a bad thing at all. > >> > >> It is like a monkey that keeps jumping from one place to another > > place being > >> tied to a pole with a chain to limit its jumping. The monkey may > > still be > >> jumping up and down, but the chain atleast *limits* its movement > > around one > >> pole. > >> > >> Of course, if the monkey learns to stay in one place without > > jumping, it > >> needs no chain or pole anymore. Chain was there in the first place > > to limit > >> its jumping. > >> > >> Each person is the best judge of where one is and what is > > appropriate for > >> oneself. We make progress by recognizing our weaknesses and > > addressing them. > >> > >> In addition, there are certain chakras in the tips of fingers that are > >> directly connected to the brain. Objects like rudraksha and tulasi > > beads can > >> stimulate those minor energy centers. Thus, there is *some* use in the > >> beginning. > >> > >> > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > >> > >> Upto you. For most people, I recommend using a maalaa. > >> > >> > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > >> > >> What use is it to know? Avoid it as much as you can. If you cross > > it, so be > >> it. Don't worry and move on. But, avoid crossing it again. > >> > >> > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > >> > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > >> > Mala. > >> > > >> > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > >> > >> It is also given in a scripture that Rudraksha and Tulasi maalaas > > can be > >> used for chanting any mantra and they are many more times powerful than > >> other maalaas. My suggestion is to pick up either a Rudraksha maalaa > > or a > >> Tulasi maalaa based on your taste and use it for *all* mantras. > >> > >> I want to categorically state that using a Tulasi maalaa for Shiva or a > >> Rudraksha maalaa for Vishnu will NOT do you any harm. > >> > >> > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > >> > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > >> > >> Anything that works as an anchor to limit the mind from straying > > away too > >> much is useful. An image or visualization of deity may work for some. > >> Focussing on each sound and ups and downs in intonation may work for > > some. > >> The goal is to minimize other thoughts. Thinking of one's goals will > > usually > >> make the mind stray away into unnecessary pre-occupations. It is > > better to > >> focus on deity or mantra. > >> > >> Best regards, > >> Narasimha > >> -------------------------------- - > >> Do a Short Homam Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/homam > >> Do Pitri Tarpanas Yourself: http://www.VedicAstrologer.org/tarpana > >> Spirituality: > >> Free Jyotish lessons (MP3): http://vedicastro.home.comcast.net > >> Free Jyotish software (Windows): http://www.VedicAstrologer.org > >> Sri Jagannath Centre (SJC) website: http://www.SriJagannath.org > >> -------------------------------- - > >> > >> - > >> " sbm_sharma " <sbm_sharma@> > >> > >> Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:59 AM > >> Mala For Japa? > >> > >> > >> > Hello, > >> > > >> > This is my first post. I have been perusing this forum with great > >> > interest. I have a question. If anybody, especially Narasimha Ji, has > >> > a spare moment to answer I would really appreciate it. > >> > > >> > Personally, I do not like to do Japa with a Mala, as I feel this > >> > makes the whole process very mechanical and preoccupies my mind with > >> > issues such as not crossing the Meru, handling the Mala properly > >> > etc..I find my mind dwelling on these issues rather than the mantra > >> > itself. > >> > > >> > 1. Does Japa have to be done with a Mala? > >> > > >> > 1. What are the ramifications of crossing the Meru bead? > >> > > >> > I know some scriptures say Japa done with Mala (in my case Vishnu > >> > mantra done with Tulsi Mala) is more effective then japa done without > >> > Mala. > >> > > >> > 2. Is this meant to be taken seriously? > >> > > >> > 3. What should one concentrate when reciting Japa for purpose of > >> > remedial measures? The mantra, the devata, one's goals? > >> > > >> > Thank you so much. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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