The rudraksha mala is one of the most familiar symbols of Hinduism.
Swamiji answers some questions about malas and recitation of a mantra ( japa):
1. What is a mala?
According to the dictionary, the term mala is
derived from the Sanskrit word “Japamala,”
which is a string of beads used for prayer and
meditation by Hindus and Buddhists (similar to
the concept of a Rosary in the Catholic faith).
The number 108 has spiritual significance and
is considered sacred in the Hindu religion.
In actual usage, a mala is a collection of similar
types, strung together like a necklace, or a
garland. So we have a flower garland, a garland
of mantras, of divine names, a garland of
deities, and many other examples.
2. What is japa?
Japa means the continuous recitation of a mantra or mantras for the purpose of quieting the mind and expressing devotion to divinity.
Japa may be audible or silent, but the idea is
that we repeat a sound or phrase or text of
mantras designed to take us away from our
thoughts.
3. How should I start off with japa?
We will start off with japa in the same way we
commence any new undertaking: with an
inspiration. We see someone who has achieved
a state of peace or an attitude of behavior that
we like, and we research what they did to
become like that. To begin we need a Guru, an
example.
4. Where and when are japa appropriate?
There is no inappropriate time or place to love
God! There are certain environments which are
more conducive to achieve a state of absorption
than others, but the is no place that is wrong!
5. If I am sitting down for japa in a temple, are
there preliminary mantras or practices that will
make my japa more effective? Should I make
offering of light and dhoop before beginning?
As much as we can do, so many are the
preliminary steps which will make japa more
effective. Many of the preparatory mantras
included in the pujas, set a stage or purify the
environment so that it is easier to achieve a
state of meditation.
6. What are the effects of persevering with japa,
and of wearing a mala?
Persevering with japa trains us to focus our
attention and thereby to be more efficient in our
every action. We only make mistakes when we
do not pay attention. As we become more
efficient in japa and meditation, we feel less
stress in our worldly activities, and greater
absorption in our spiritual practices. There are
no deleterious effects that come from japa and
meditation.
7. Do I need to receive an initiation to begin?
NO! After you have been practicing for some
time, initiation may be beneficial in bringing you
to the next level of intensity, but it is by no
means required to begin! First we fall in love;
then we get married. First we fall in love with
the example of the Guru, we practice what he
or she practices, and later when appropriate,
we solemnify our relationship through a
ceremony of initiation, with intensifies the
commitment of communion.
8. How do I know which mantra to start with?
How do you know when you fall in love?
You know!
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