Overcoming Vasanas and Impulsiveness through the Gradual Practice of Japa
The practice of japa, or the repetition of a sacred mantra, is a time-honored method in spiritual traditions for overcoming the deep-seated tendencies and impulses, known as vasanas, that bind the mind. When performed with dedication, japa can purify the mind and help a sadhaka (spiritual seeker) attain higher states of consciousness. The word "japa" comes from the Sanskrit root "jap," which means "to mutter" or "to repeat in a low voice." While simple in concept, the practice of japa carries immense transformative potential for a spiritual aspirant (sadhaka). Here, we explore a step-by-step approach to japa dedicated to Lord Muruga, which helps gradually overcome the impulsiveness caused by vasanas.
1. Loud Japa with Open Eyes and Visual Focus
The practice begins with loud chanting of the mantra while focusing on the vel (the sacred spear) or the deity of Lord Muruga. This stage is essential for grounding the mind and bringing all sensory distractions under control. By vocalizing the mantra loudly, the practitioner engages their entire being—body, speech, and mind—in the act of devotion. The visual focus on the vel or deity helps the mind to remain concentrated and prevents it from wandering. This step is particularly effective in addressing external distractions and calming the mind's impulsive nature.
2. Murmured Japa with Closed Eyes
As the mind becomes more stable, the next step is to close the eyes and perform the japa in a murmured tone. Closing the eyes removes the external visual stimuli, allowing the sadhaka to turn inward. The murmured repetition of the mantra helps to deepen concentration and shifts the focus from the external form of the deity to the inner presence of the divine. This stage begins the process of internalization, where the sadhaka starts to connect with the inner divine essence of Lord Muruga.
3. Mental Japa with Manaseeka Flowers
Once the murmured japa is steady, the practitioner progresses to mental japa, where the mantra is repeated silently within the mind. At this stage, every repetition of the mantra is accompanied by an offering of manaseeka (mental) flowers to the deity. This symbolic act of offering flowers within the mind helps to further purify thoughts and deepen the connection with Lord Muruga. The mental repetition requires greater concentration and begins to address the deeper layers of vasanas that reside in the subconscious mind.
4. Mental Japa without Moving the Tongue
As the mental japa becomes more refined, the next step is to repeat the mantra mentally without any movement of the tongue. By controlling the subtle movements of the tongue, the sadhaka begins to still the subtle inner energies that influence speech and thought. This stage is crucial for cultivating inner silence and reducing the mind's impulsive tendencies, as it requires a higher level of concentration and discipline.
5. Fixing the Gaze at the Middle of the Eyebrows
With the tongue stilled, the practitioner then fixes their gaze at the middle of the eyebrows, also known as the ajna chakra or third eye. This practice, known as trataka, is powerful in stilling the mind and focusing its energies. By concentrating on this point, the sadhaka begins to access higher states of awareness and deepens their inner connection with Lord Muruga. This stage helps to dissolve the residual vasanas and impulses by directing the mind's energies inward and upward.
6. Ajapa: Connecting with the Divine Energies in Complete Stillness
The final stage of japa is ajapa, where the dharana+dhyana becomes effortless and natural, leading to a state of complete stillness. In ajapa, the practitioner transcends the need for deliberate repetition and instead experiences a continuous connection with the divine energies of Lord Muruga. The mind becomes absorbed in the divine presence, and the vasanas are gradually dissolved in the light of divine consciousness. This state represents the culmination of the practice, where the sadhaka experiences unity with the divine and the mind is free from the bondage of impulses.
Japa is a time-tested, transformative practice that holds the key to inner purification, concentration, emotional stability, and divine connection. It is a powerful sadhana that requires patience, dedication, and faith. The journey from loud repetition to silent, effortless ajapa is a gradual process that reflects the inner evolution of the sadhaka.
As one perseveres in japa, the benefits unfold in all aspects of life, culminating in a profound experience of divine love, peace, and enlightenment. Hence, keeping up with the practice of japa is a deeply rewarding path for any spiritual seeker aspiring for higher consciousness and self-realization.
The Benefits of Japa
The practice of japa offers numerous benefits that contribute to the holistic growth of a spiritual aspirant:
Mind Purification: Regular practice of japa helps cleanse the mind of negative thoughts, emotions, and distractions. The repetitive nature of the mantra gradually reduces mental turbulence and brings about clarity and inner peace.
Concentration and Focus: Japa is a powerful tool for training the mind to concentrate. By continuously focusing on the sound and vibration of the mantra, the practitioner develops the ability to concentrate deeply, which is essential for advanced meditation practices.
Emotional Stability: The vibrations created by the sacred sounds of the mantra have a calming effect on the nervous system. This helps in balancing emotions, reducing anxiety, and cultivating inner tranquility.
Spiritual Connection: Japa serves as a bridge between the individual self and the divine. Through the repetitive chanting of divine names or mantras, the sadhaka invokes the presence of the deity, thereby establishing a strong connection with the divine energies.
Overcoming Vasanas (Deep-seated Tendencies): Japa is highly effective in overcoming vasanas, or subconscious impressions that drive one’s behavior and impulses. Through the constant repetition of a mantra, the sadhaka gradually purifies these deep-seated tendencies and aligns themselves with higher, divine qualities.
While the practice of japa requires discipline and persistence, the ultimate success of the practice is attributed to divine grace. In many spiritual traditions, it is said that the deity whose mantra is chanted showers their grace upon the practitioner, helping them overcome obstacles, providing protection, and guiding us towards self-realization. The continuous practice of japa is seen as a way to invoke this grace and align oneself with the divine will.
Through this gradual process of japa, a sadhaka can effectively overcome the impulsive nature of the mind caused by vasanas. Each stage builds upon the previous one, leading the practitioner from external focus to deep inner stillness. By dedicating the practice to Lord Muruga, the sadhaka invokes divine grace and guidance, making the journey towards self-mastery and spiritual liberation a fulfilling and transformative experience.
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