JAPA

Before learning How To Do Ganesha Mantra Jaap let us first understand

Japa- method of spiritual enhancement!

Japa- or mantra recitation- is the spiritual practice followed by Indians. It is the ancient
method of spiritual elevation, praying, chakra elevation and healing purpose also.

Japa or mantra recitation, is the spiritual practice of devotedly repeating a mantra,

generally a specified number of times, such as 9, 27 or 108, often while counting on a
strand of beads, called a japa mala, while conscientiously concentrating on the meaning
of the mantra.

The repetition should be done peacefully, with stable mind and not hurriedly. This brings
merit, to the devotee. It should not done hurriedly which demonstrate ignorance of the
person. Such casual, nonchalant negligence and disregard for contemplative traditions
brings demerit no benefit can be had through it.

As you know sound waves are longitudinal waves. There are two forms of sound waves
compression and rarefaction. The sound is formed when the longitudinal waves are
compressed and expands alternatively by the disturbance created by the tongue to the part
of mouth. It then travels in the atmosphere and the other person listen. Imagine you have
just entered in the room where the quarrel was going on but when you entered it was
stopped a minute before and everybody was normal but still you feel something wrong in
the atmosphere – this is because of the vibes present in that atmosphere. Similarly you
feel good when a happy discussion would take place. Therefore, by Japa – repeatedly
saying the same mantra number of times create vibes around you. Repetition makes your
sound travel for longer distance in the surrounding. That is why it is suggested to perform
japa peacefully so that you are able to create the waves to a longer distance from you.

Lord Krishna says in the Bhagvat Gita

Of all the Vedas I am the Sama Veda!
Of all the Yagnas I am the Japa yagna!!

Japa is a form of devotional worship, invocation, prayer, praise, adoration, meditation

and direct, experiential communion. Unless we are actually in a state of Samadhi (total
absorption), which is rare for most people, Japa provides a means to disengage from our
racing thoughts and our memories of the past- mostly the
bad ones.
The repetition of positive, uplifting, spiritual mantras over and over again lifts
consciousness and causes the muladhara chakra [ in the beginning ] to spin clockwise.
We feel uplifted. During the japa the chakra gets opened up one by one and the sadhak is
blessed by its power and gain benefits too. each chakra has its own function.
Life does not look so bad, and neither does the past. A sense of forgiveness comes and
the future looms bright. The past is forgiven and forgotten. Japa can be done by everyone.
However for anushthaan certain conditions are mentioned.
There are three ways by which one can do Japa
1. Vachik - recitation by speech- it is not a fix rule that how loud your speech should be -
however, the words are clearly spoken and heard by the other person who is sitting nearer
to you. The benefit of this method of japa is that your mind becomes stable and you are
able to concentrate on japa.
2. Upamshu - soft recitation-it is the next step of the japa method. It is not possible to
recite the Japa in loud voice anytime and everywhere. Upamshu Japa can be done without
disturbing others.
3. Manasik - within the mind- It is the highest level of the Japa method. It is said that
Upamshu Japa is 10% stronger than Vachik Japa and the Mansik Japa is 10% stronger
than Upamshu Japa. It is for experts who are stable minded. When your mind is not
restless by other thoughts. There you may feel rhythmic breathing and mind is in state of
bliss.
Many times people are attracted by the power of Mansik Japa as it is the strongest of all
these but it is possible to get distracted or go into sleep when you are not fully equipped
by the control of the stability of the mind. So, it is suggested not to get attracted by the
power of the Mansik Japa and one should perform the Japa which is suitable and are able
to perform it completely without any distraction. Then you will certainly get benefit by
the power of Japa.

Benefits of Japa are on all the three level of body. Physically - it energizes or tone
the physical system making it working properly [basically by activating the endocrine
system of the body]. Mentally - to remove depression or obstacles or even mental
blocks strengthening the mental power of the person. Spiritually - It activates
chakras that helps to attain Siddhi, self- development/ specific areas of
growth(strengthening the inner-personality by projecting positive powers inwards;
over-coming and also eliminating negative traits.

OM is the basic vibration of the cosmic universe. Hence all mantras begin with "OM".

Ganesh Mantra Siddhi Jaap- Invoking Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is invoked through the mantra Aum. The Mandukya Upanishad
elucidates the inner meaning of Aum, which embodies the highest wisdom. Aum has
three syllables. A represents the waking state. U represents the dreaming state. M
represents the state of deep sleep. Aum in its entirety, plus the moment of silence
which follows it,represents the shanti, the peace beyond understanding.

Thus, Aum japa performed as an invocation to Lord Ganesha, the Lord of Wisdom
and Knowledge — while love is welling up from our hearts and tears are for no
reason flowing simultaneously — calls forth the knowledge of the entirety of our
existence in these four categories of consciousness. These are realms that God
Ganesha rules over as Lord of Categories, and this is the knowledge that He can
grant devotees who perform Aum japa and meditation on the meaning of Aum.
Methods to do Aum japa

1. For Aum japa to be effective, the mantra must be pronounced

correctly. The first syllable is A, pronounced as the English
word "awe," but prolonged: "aaa." The second syllable is U, as
in "roof," pronounced "oo" but prolonged: "ooo." The third syllable
is M, pronounced "mm" with the front teeth gently touching and the
sound prolonged: "mmmm." Each repetition is sounded for about seven
seconds, with two seconds on A, two seconds on U and three seconds
on M, with a silence of about two seconds before the next repetition.
The three syllables are run together: AAUUMM (silence), AAUUMM
(silence), AAUUMM(silence) . On the first syllable, A, we feel the
solar plexus and chest vibrating. On the second syllable, U, the
throat vibrates. The third syllable, M, vibrates the top of the
head.

Thus, proper chanting of Aum also is a high form of yoga, moving

energy from the lower chakras of the body up to the highest chakra,
or energy center — the sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head.

2. Another traditional way to do this japa is to take a full breath

and then chant the AUM three times as you exhale. The first
repetition is audible, the second is more quiet and the third is
barely audible, as you concentrate within. Then inhale slowly as
you
visualize the image of our loving Lord Ganesha in your mind. Then
repeat the AUM again three times as you exhale. The breathing
should not be forced, but natural, slow, gentle and rhythmical. We can use
a japa mala with 108 beads and pass over one bead for each
repetition, or do the japa for a prearranged period of time.

Ganesha Siddhi Mantras:

Those so mystically inclined and knowledgeable of the seven chakras

below the muladhara use these powerful incantantions under the
direction of the guru to close off these regions of the mind one by
one and free consciousness from deep depression, confusion,
jealousy,
rage, lingering anger and fear. Some such mantras are given below
for
the spiritual benefit of the readers.

1. Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah

meaning "Praise to Lord Ganesha." This is the mantra of invocation,
adoration and worship. It is repeated at the beginning of pujas and
it can be used for japa, to invoke Ganesha's blessings for the
auspicious beginning of a task, project, change of life, community
undertaking or simply to offer Him our praise. This mantra is
usually
taught to children for their good education. It
increases their memory power, and they become successful in their
examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when
taking courses in a school or university, and for success in
attaining their degree.

2. Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah

This is Lord Ganesha's mula ("root") mantra. It is also known as
His
bija mantra, for it combines Ganesha's bija ("seed") sound, "gam,"
with the phrase, "Praise be to Ganapati." This mantra is used for
yoga sadhana in which we invoke Ganesha and merge ourself with His
supreme knowledge and
peace. These two mantras are not harmful if mispronounced, as
sometimes happens, though they
should be sounded as properly as possible to be most effective.
Most
importantly, they must be chanted at the same time each day, and
this
means exactly the same time, for full devonic support. This is a
mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before
beginning a journey, new career or job, or before entering into any
new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your
endeavor may be crowned with success.

3. Aum vakratundaya hum

This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana.
When something is not working properly, individually or
universally,
nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn
crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of
Ganesha
may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM
symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of
the
crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha
Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this
mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such
as
curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions
of
this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.

4. Aum kshipra prasadaya namah

Kshipra means instantaneous. If some danger or negative energy is
coming your way and you don't know how to get rid of that trouble,
with true devotion, practice this mantra for quick blessing
and purification of one's aura.

5. Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam ganapataye

vara varada sarva janamme vashamanaya svaha
There are several bija (seed) mantras in this mantra . Among other
things, it signals, "Shower Your blessings, O Lord. I offer my ego
as
an oblation."
 6. Aum sumukhaya namah
This mantra has a lot of meaning, but to make it simple, it means
you
will be always very beautiful in soul, in spirit,in face,
everything.
By meditating on this mantra, very pleasing manners and a beauty
comes on you. Along with that comes peace, which constantly dances
in
your eyes; and the words you speak are all filled with that power
of
love.

7. Aum ekadantaya namah

Ekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face, which means God
broke the duality and made you to have a one-pointed mind. Whoever
has that oneness of mind and single-minded devotion will achieve
everything.

8. Aum kapilaya namah

Kapila (red) means that you are able to give color therapy. You are
able to create colors around yourself and around others, bathe them
in that color and heal them. As per the mantra you create,so will
you
create the colors. Another meaning is "wish cow," the "cow of
plenty." It means that whatever you wish, that comes true. There is
a
wish-cow inside you. Whatever you wish, especially for healing
others, comes true immediately.

9. Aum gajakarnikaya namah

The ears of Ganesha, the elephant, are constant fanning, which
means
people may talk a lot,but you are not receiving inside anything
other
than that which is important.It also means that you can sit
anywhere
and tune this cosmic television (the body) with seven channels
(chakras) and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka and be able to hear
ancestors, angels, the voice of God or the voice of prophets. That
kind of inner ear you will develop through this mantra.

10. Aum lambodaraya namah

This means you feel that you are this universe. It means that all
the
universes are within you. Like an entire tree is in the seed, the
whole universe is in the sound of creation, which is Aum, and that
Aum consciousness in you makes you feel that you are the universe.
Therefore, if you say, realizing the oneness with the
universe, "shanti to the world" every day, then the grace of God
will
come and there will be world peace, universal peace. It is the
universes within Aum ad Aum within you.
 11. Aum vikataya namah
This means realizing this world as a dream or a drama. When you are
in that high consciousness, this whole world looks like a dream.
All
of us have taken a role. We have to play our role in life as wife
or
husband or children or citizens, all consistent with the role we
have
taken. When an actor bitten by a sponge cobra that is brought on
the
stage falls, the entire audience cries; but that boy who has fallen
knows it was not a real cobra and he is not dead. Life is a drama –
definitely life in this material world, this physical world of ego,
is a drama. But inside, like the boy on the stage who is quite
happy
knowing that he didn't die by the bite of the sponge cobra, like
that, the truth never dies in us; it is immortal. So everything
else
you consider as drama. That consciousness comes to you by knowing
this mantra.

12. Aum vighna nashanaya namah

This mantra invokes the Lord Ganesha to remove every impediment in
your life and in your works. By constant meditation on this mantra,
all obstacles and blocked energy in your physical and astral bodies
are released.

13. Aum vinayakaya namah

Vinayaka is the name of Ganesha in the golden age. So by realizing
this mantra, your life will have a golden age. In your office, in
your work, you'll be the boss. Vinayaka means something under
control. Vinayaka means the Lord of problems.

14. Aum ganadhyakshaya namah

This mantra is so important. Suppose you have a group, a country,
neighbors, or any kind of group therapy, group healing or a whole
country needing healing, then you have to bring that entire group
to
your mind's arena and say this mantra. A group healing takes place
by
this mantra.

15. Aum bhalachandraya namah

In Sanskrit, bhala means the forehead center. Chandra means the
crescent moon. Bhalachandra means that chakra from where the nectar
drips. That is the secret of all healing. It is to feel yourself as
Siva, identifying yourself with the Truth and feeling constantly
that
you are carrying the crescent moon, the symbol of growth and nectar
and peace.
 Feelings after Mantra Jaap
1. When the ganas and devas of Lord Ganesha are finally attracted
to
the home shrine, the room will feel filled with actinodic energy
even
if it is a closet or a small sacred alcove.
2. The energy will come out of seeming nowhere into the room. This
feeling indicates that Ganesha's ganas are present, eager and
willing
to do whatever they can to maintain shanti, peace, within the home
and bind the family together. Nothing bad, hurtful or harmful will
ever be performed by them, even if fervently prayed for. Only good
and goodness will be their actions. They do not condone revenge.
They
do not deny anything to anyone who is within dharma's calling. And
they do work within the prarabdha karmas of each individual within
the family. Theirs is a calculated job in doing what they have to
do
to maintain family togetherness, even at great distances.

Results of Ganesh Jaap

Ganesha mantras are siddhi mantras. Each mantra contains certain
specific powers of Lord Ganesha. When chanted with the proper
pranayama (rhythmic breathing) and sincere devotion, they will
yield
good results.
1. In general, Ganesha mantras will ward off all evil.
2. Bless the devotee with abundance, prudence and success.
3. Evil spirits dare not enter the home or the mind of the devotee
where Ganesha mantras are recited.

Precautions for Ganesh Jaap

1. One should bathe or wash the limbs before sitting for repetition
of the mantra.
2. One should do three or more pranayama before beginning the
mantra.
3. The minimum repetition of the mantra should be one full mala, or
108 times.
4. When this is done at a fixed hour and place regularly for 48
days,
it becomes an upasana, which means intense meditation, that will
yield siddhis, or spiritual powers.
5. One should use those powers only for healing the sick and other
such selfless actions for the benefit of mankind.
6. These powers should not be misused. Misuse of power may bring
the
curse of the asuras(Demons) .