As mentioned earlier, japa or chanting of divine hymns has been regarded as an important spiritual practice in almost all the religions of the world. In the Indian scriptures of yore the japa-Saadhana of mantras has been designated as a yagnaa. God Krishna has therefore indicated it a paramount yagnaa by stating (in the Holy Geeta) – ‘Yagnaanaam Japa Yagnosmi’; Meaning: Among all the yagnaas I am (existing in) the Japa Yagna.

Lord Manu has mentioned (Manusmriti 2|87) that disregarding what other spiritual practices one performs, a true Braahmana can attain supernatural powers only through a dedicated endeavors of japa. Mahaabhaarata(Ashwa. 44|8) quotes that –– “The Vaidika Yagnaas performed by herbal sacrifices in the fire along with disciplined chanting of mantras are indeed important. However, the Japa Yagna alone, without any other requirements (of fire etc.) is sufficient for realizing thy love”.

In the later centuries as well, many saints and experts of the Indian Philosophy have expressed similar views on japa. The following quote by Goswami Tulasidas, though written in a simple language, conveys a lot about the significance of japa – ‘ Naama Japata Mangal DisiDasahooam, Japahi Naamu jan Aarata Bhaari, Mitahi KusankataHonhi Sukhaari’. Meaning: the japa of the omnipresent thy name eliminates the evil tendencies and generates blessed happiness.

Japa is a spiritual exercise, it affects our mind and intellect by a subtle scientific procedure. Increase in inner strength, self-confidence, clarity and refinement of thoughts and sentiments etc. – are its definite effects that gradually lead to the illumination of the innermost core of the individual self. The following excerpts from religious and spiritual scriptures on Indian Philosophy further signify the great role of this apparently simple practice.

From Linga Puraana, (8|5|124-125) – “One who sincerely performs japa would never face any calamity. The devil powers of Yaksa, Raaksasa, Pisaacha, Beesana (ghosts, witches etc.) can never reach near him. Japa helps uprooting the Kusamskaaras.Japa also excels one’s virtues and destiny”.

God Krishna preaches in the Holy Geeta– ‘Trayat Mahto Bhayaat’; Meanig: Practising japa can destroy the mighty fears...

The Manu Smriti (4|146) mentions – “One who sincerely practises japa will never perish’. It also states that – “Japa cultivates divinity in the inner self”. Further (c.f. Manu Smriti 5 - 86),

Ye Paaka Yagnascatwaaro Vidhiyagnanah Samanvitah |Sarve Te Japa Yagnasya Kalaa Naahinti Paadraseema ||

Meaning: The Yagnaas like the Darsa, Paurnmaasa, Jyotistoma, Raajasooya or the rituals of Vaisvadeva, Balikarma, DainikaSaadhana etc carry only one-sixteenth fraction of the benefits as compared to those of the japa of the thou name with true faith.

Maharseenaam Bhraguraham Giraamasyekamaksaram |Yagnanaam japayagnosmi Sthaavaraanaam Himaalayam ||      -Geeta

Meaning: Among the great risis, I (God Krishna) am Bhragu; among the apparent powers of Sabda, I am Oamkaara; among the Yagnaas, I am the Japa Yagna and among the great mountains, I am the Himalayas.

The following sloka from Bhaardwaaja Gaayatri Vyaakhya further emphasizes the importance of japa:

Samasta Saptatantubhyo Japayagna Parah Smratah |Hinsaanye Pravartante Japayagne na Hinsayaa ||Yaavantah Karma Yagnscha Daanaani Cha Tapaansicha |Te Sarve Japa Yagnascha Naaheti Sodaseekalaam |Japane Devataa Nityam Stooyamaanaa Praseedati ||Prasannaa Vipulaan Bhagaan Dadhaanmuktincha Saasvateema ||Yakia, Raaksasa, Vaitaalah Bhootapretapisaachakah |Japaasrayeem Dvijam Drastaa, Doorante Yaanti Bheetitah |Tasmaajjapah Sadaa Sresthah Sarvasmatpuraaya Saadhanaat |Ityesam Surwatha Jnaatvaa Vipro Japaparo Bhavet ||

Meaning: Japa Yagna is superior to all yagnaas as it does not involve any material sacrifices. Different religious acts like devotional alms, charities, sacrifices (of luxuries) for thy service and observance of continence etc, are only as significant as the one-sixteenth fraction of the japa. All the mighty powers of the devil are scared of the saadhaka who, endeavors disciplined japa every day. Japa is therefore the best source of enhancing the punyas (good fortunes). Knowing this, a true Braahmana must always practise japa through the heart (i.e. with complete faith and sincerity).

Maasa Satatrayam Viprah Sarvaankaamaanvaapnuyaat |Evam Satottaram Japtvaa Sahastram Sarvamaapnuyaat ||

Meaning: Enunciation of the Gayatri mantra for about three hundred times per day performed this way – i.e., under proper discipline, faith and control of the body, mind and emotions – regularly over a period of one month, helps attain significant success. A more devoted and ascetic practice of this japa at a consistent rate of over eleven hundred mantras per day for specific periods (spanning over several months), indeed leads to the complete fulfillment of all noble desires.

Rooddhaa Praanamapaanam cha Japonmaasam Satatrayam |Yadicchetadavaapnoti Sahastraatparamaapnuyaat ||

Meaning: A devotional japa of thousand Gayatri mantras per day continuously for a month along with proper controlling of the AppanaPraana during the japa fulfils all the worthy desires of the devotee.

Eka Paado Japedoorddhwam Baahurooddhanila Vasah |Maasa Satamavaapnoti Yadicchediti Kausikah ||

Meaning : The japa of hundred Gayatri Mantras per day – performed regularly for a month – under the discipline of standing on one leg alone, keeping both the arms up towards the sky and restraining the respiration to the maximum possible extent during this daily practice, takes the devotee to the desired noble goal.

Evam Satatramya Japtwaa Sahastram Sarvamaamapnuyaat |Nimajjyaapsu Japenmaasam Satamistamavaapnuyaat ||

Meaning : Consistent performance for a month of the japa of the Gayatri mantra – at a regular rate of about thirteen hundred mantras per day, along with a (Hatha Yoga) discipline of dipping (plunging) the body inside the water – certainly results in the attainment of all the noble desires (of the saadhaka).