Likhita Japa Yoga
Of the various methods of Japa described in the scriptures, viz., Vaikhari, Upamshu and Manasika, etc. Likhita Japa is very efficacious. It helps the Sadhaka in concenrtation of the mind and gradually leads to meditation.
An Aspirant should select the Mantra of his tutelary deity or Ishta, according to his liking or inclination. Repetition of the same Mantra with meaning and Bhava should be practised both orally and in writing. For oral Japa, the help of a Mala or rosary is required. For Likhita Japa a note-book and a pen should be used. In Mantra-writing (Likhita Japa) there is no restriction about any particular script. It may be written in any language. The following rules may be observed while practising Mantra-writing.
1. Regularity and punctuality of time should be observed. This would itself bring the requisite help and be of the utmost benefit to the Sadhakas.
2. Physical and mental purity should be observed. Before sitting for Mantra-writing, the face, hands and feet should be washed, effort should be made to keep the mind pure during Mantra-writing. Drive out all worldly thoughts while writing Mantra.
3. Continue to sit in one pose as long as possible. Frequent change of a pose or Asana should be avoided. Sitting in one Asana would increase your power of endurance and also considerable energy will be preserved.
4. Observe silence during the practice. Too much of speaking results in waste of energy and waste of time. Silence helps in an increased outturn of work.
5. Avoid looking hither and thither. Fix your eyes on the note-book. This would help concentration of mind during the practice.
6. Repeat the Mantra mentally also while writing it in the note-book. This will make a threefold impression in your mind. Gradually your whole being will be involved and engrossed in the Mantra.
7. Fix a particular number of Mantras for one sitting. This will keep your practice intact and you will never get out of touch with the Mantra.
8. When you have once started the practice, do not leave it till you have finished the daily quota of one sitting. Do not allow your mind to be diverted to other engagements as this would be an obstruction in the Sadhana. Have at least half-an-hour’s writing at one sitting.
9. To help concentration, one uniform system of writing from top to bottom or from left to right may be maintained during a particular sitting. The whole Mantra should be written at once in continuity. Do not break the Mantra in the middle when you come to the end of the line.
When a Mantra is selected by you, try to stick to it tenaciously. Frequent change of Mantra is not advisable.
The above rules, if strictly observed, will help you much in your quick evolution. You will develop concentration wonderfully. By prolonged and constant practice the inherent power of the Mantra (Mantra-Shakti) will be awakened, which will fill your very existence with the Divinity of the Mantra.
The note-book should be well kept and treated with respect and purity. When completed, it should be stocked in a box and kept in your meditation room in front of the Lord’s picture. The very presence of these Mantra-note books will create favourable vibrations requisite for your Sadhana.
The benefits of Mantra-writing or Likhita Japa cannot be adequately described. Besides bringing about purity of heart and concentration of mind, Mantra-writing gives you control of Asana, control of Indriyas, particularly the sight and the tongue, and fills you with the power of endurance. You attain peace of mind quickly. You approach nearer to God through Mantra Shakti. These benefits can be experienced only through regular and incessant practice of Likhita Japa. Those who are not conversant with this Yoga should start the practice immediately and even if they take to this practice for half-an-hour daily, they will realise its benefits within six months.
(pgs. 297-298, Yoga Samhita by Swami Sivananda)
1. Regularity and punctuality of time should be observed. This would itself bring the requisite help and be of the utmost benefit to the Sadhakas.
2. Physical and mental purity should be observed. Before sitting for Mantra-writing, the face, hands and feet should be washed, effort should be made to keep the mind pure during Mantra-writing. Drive out all worldly thoughts while writing Mantra.
3. Continue to sit in one pose as long as possible. Frequent change of a pose or Asana should be avoided. Sitting in one Asana would increase your power of endurance and also considerable energy will be preserved.
4. Observe silence during the practice. Too much of speaking results in waste of energy and waste of time. Silence helps in an increased outturn of work.
5. Avoid looking hither and thither. Fix your eyes on the note-book. This would help concentration of mind during the practice.
6. Repeat the Mantra mentally also while writing it in the note-book. This will make a threefold impression in your mind. Gradually your whole being will be involved and engrossed in the Mantra.
7. Fix a particular number of Mantras for one sitting. This will keep your practice intact and you will never get out of touch with the Mantra.
8. When you have once started the practice, do not leave it till you have finished the daily quota of one sitting. Do not allow your mind to be diverted to other engagements as this would be an obstruction in the Sadhana. Have at least half-an-hour’s writing at one sitting.
9. To help concentration, one uniform system of writing from top to bottom or from left to right may be maintained during a particular sitting. The whole Mantra should be written at once in continuity. Do not break the Mantra in the middle when you come to the end of the line.
When a Mantra is selected by you, try to stick to it tenaciously. Frequent change of Mantra is not advisable.
The above rules, if strictly observed, will help you much in your quick evolution. You will develop concentration wonderfully. By prolonged and constant practice the inherent power of the Mantra (Mantra-Shakti) will be awakened, which will fill your very existence with the Divinity of the Mantra.
The benefits of Mantra-writing or Likhita Japa cannot be adequately described. Besides bringing about purity of heart and concentration of mind, Mantra-writing gives you control of Asana, control of Indriyas, particularly the sight and the tongue, and fills you with the power of endurance. You attain peace of mind quickly. You approach nearer to God through Mantra Shakti. These benefits can be experienced only through regular and incessant practice of Likhita Japa. Those who are not conversant with this Yoga should start the practice immediately and even if they take to this practice for half-an-hour daily, they will realise its benefits within six months.
(pgs. 297-298, Yoga Samhita by Swami Sivananda)
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