🙏 How to Do Japa

What is Japa?

Japa (Sanskrit: जप) is the meditative repetition of a mantra, divine name, or sacred syllable. It is one of the most accessible and powerful practices in Sanatan Dharma, recommended in the Bhagavad Gita (10.25) where Krishna says: "Among all Yajnas, I am Japa-yajna."

• •Choose a clean, quiet space — ideally facing East or North
• •Sit in Sukhasana, Padmasana, or a chair with straight spine
• •Light a diya (lamp) and incense if available
• •Set an intention — dedicate the Japa to your deity or goal

• •Hold the mala in your right hand, draped over the ring finger
• •Use your thumb to draw each bead toward you after each mantra
• •Keep the mala covered with a cloth bag (gomukhi) if possible
• •Do NOT use the index finger — traditionally considered inauspicious

• •Start at the bead next to the Sumeru (guru bead)
• •Recite one mantra per bead — breathe naturally
• •Keep the mind on the deity/mantra — gently return if it wanders
• •Choose your mode: Vachika (vocal), Upamshu (whispered), or Manasika (silent)

• •When you reach the Sumeru bead, stop
• •Turn the mala around and count back in the reverse direction
• •Never cross the Sumeru — it represents the Guru
• •One round = 108 repetitions of the mantra

• •Complete your intended number of rounds (1, 3, 7, 11, 21, 108...)
• •After finishing, sit quietly for 1–2 minutes
• •Offer the fruit of the practice to your deity (Arpana)
• •Store the mala respectfully — not on the floor