Chanting Of The Divine Name
and enables him to realise oneness with Him. Namasmaran is capable of granting the
universal vision by which one sees everything as God.”
— Swami Ramdas
By giving a Name to the Divine Power and chanting the Name with love and devotion, individuals establish a constant awareness of the Divine within themselves. Hence, the Divine Name is the link between the individual and the First Cause from which everyone and everything originated. The purpose of chanting the Name is to remember the Divine constantly, ensuring that our thoughts, words, and deeds are imbued with universality rather than self-centeredness.
It is crucial to understand that chanting is not merely uttering a name but a practice that connects us to the universal presence of God. Without this understanding, chanting can become a mechanical exercise devoid of deep impact. Therefore, genuine remembrance of the Divine through chanting is only effective when it encompasses the recognition that the Name represents the Omnipresent Force behind all Existence.
Four types of chanting
Japa serves as an aid for concentration where the mind contemplates upon His attributes.
Japa is of four kinds
Chanting of God’s Name loudly and hearing the sweet music that comes from it.
Chanting God’s Name silently with the movement of lips and tongue while mentally hearing the chanting although the voice will not be audible.
Chanting God’s Name mentally. This is purely a mental process. Lips or tongue do not move. (Here also voice will not be audible.)
The last is what is called Ajapajapa. God’s Name is repeated with the incoming and outgoing breath. When mingled with breathing, the Japa becomes automatic without any effort whatsoever. This Japa is possible only after a long and constant verbal Japa and when the mind is completely absorbed in God-thought.
