Three levels of Japa-Yajna

Introduction

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says - among all yajna (spiritual processes), japa-yajna (chanting process) is special.

Chanting is not only important in vedic spirituality but also in almost all other religious spiritual processes.

In Vedic spirituality, upanishads, bhagavat gita & brahma-sutra play central role. Tantra-agama, purana…etc play a supplementary role.

Shandilya upanishad says that japa-yajna can be done at three levels: Vaikhari (uchhai or vachika), Upamshu and Manasa.

Vyakta is where we chant loudly; upamsu is where we chant with mild whisper; and manasa is where chanting occurs at mental level without making any sound or bodily movement.

Tantra scripture also focuses on “written form of mantra”, where there is neither utterance nor mental observance. This is clearly visible in Tibetean buddhism (which has adopted many aspects of tantra) where mantras are written on cloth banners which flap & flutter in the wind.

Lalita-japa is a combination of writing a mantra & reciting it at the same time.

Vedic Tribe is happy to bring you this series on three levels of japa-yajna purely from upanishad’s perspective.

We hope to inspire you to study the vedic literature and adopt them in day-to-day life.

In the next write-up we will discuss vaikhari aspect of japa-yajna

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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1. Vaikhari / ucchai:

In Vedic tradition, “shiksha” deals with phonetics and phonology of veda-mantras. 

Methodical recitation is codified in eleven variety of “pathas” (Samhita, Pada, Krama, Jata, Maalaa, Sikha, Rekha, Dhwaja, Danda, Rathaa & Ghana)

This tradition involves loud utterances of veda-mantras and it is single handedly responsible for preserving oral tradition for thousands of years.

The individual worship tradition (upasana) also contains loud utterance of veda-matra. The idea behind loud utterance in upasana is to activate the senses and enforce deliberate practice of focused attention. It also activates subtle consciousnesses around the reciter, which are called deva/ devata / dieties.

So, vaikhari / ucchai form of chanting mantra is a major part of external worship (bahya pooja) very clearly visible in the temple worship process. 

It is very helpful for someone who is at the starting stage of a spiritual journey. It will help him / her to achieve focused attention without much effort.

In the next write-up, we will discuss the upamsu aspect of japa-yajna.

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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2. Upamsu:

In the spiritual journey, one must progress to “ekanta sadhana” i.e., practice in solitude.

Solitude is great for introspection, contemplation & internal worship.

In the beginning, the sadhaka generally finds it difficult to acclimatize to solitude. As a result, many sadhaka abandon the practice. Only those who cross the mental threshold of solitude - advance in their spiritual journey.

Upamsu method of japa is a great way to acclimatize oneself to enkanta-sadhana. In upamsu method, mantra is either whispered or recited by only moving the lips & not making any sound.

Upamsu helps the sadhaka in focusing the attention on the target of worship…etc, yet enabling the benefit of solitude. This becomes a stepping stone for the highest level of japa-yajna i.e., manasika (purely mental chant - without any movement of the body).

While conducting the upamsu method of japa, one can also take support of a japa-mala, counting in fingers, holding a mudra or using a yogasana…etc. Any such combination will enhance the mental strength of sadhaka and helps him / her progress faster in spiritual journey.

In the next write-up, we will discuss manasika aspect of japa-yajna

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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3. Manasa:

Once a sadhaka has mastered ekanta-sadhana, he / she moves towards the first milestone.

In the spiritual journey, the first milestone is to completely turn the mind inward and where it is focused upon the cosmic consciousness immanent in the bodily consciousness. In Vedanta tradition it is presented as aparoksha-jnana / mano-laya / jeevanmukti…etc

This is the milestone where sadhaka operates purely in the mental plane of existence. For an outsider, sadhaka may appear as muni (silent meditator), siddha (master of unnatural techniques), avadhuta (indifferent to worldly affairs), buddha (the enlightened)...etc

In the journey towards this first milestone, one of the important practices is manasa-japa (mental chant of mantra).

Though it sounds simple, in the initial stages, sadhaka finds it extremely difficult to focus on the mantra as the mind constantly floats away. This requires persistence and detachment from the external affairs.

In the daily practice of sandhyavandana, kids are taught from a young age to concentrate their mind on the cosmic consciousness via Gayatri-Mantra-Japa. This enables them to acquire the necessary mental strength to advance in their spiritual journey. 

Nonetheless each one of us can start using all three levels of japa in our daily spiritual practice so that we can slowly but surely progress in our spiritual journey.

Vedic Tribe is happy to have brought you this series on three levels of japa-yajna.

We encourage you to study the vedic scriptures and adopt them in day-to-day life.

All the best.

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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