Namsankirtanyoga

What is the effect of 'Number Chanting' ?

Faith helps, but one can still derive benefit from number chanting even if one does not have faith in it. This is akin to the fact that one does not need faith in an aspirin to derive the benefit of the aspirin. So also, number chanting is a spiritual med"

At which stage does the chanting occur automatically?

The Madhyama mode refers to chanting which occurs automatically. It is so named as it is the intermediate stage between the Vaikhari and Pashyanti modes.

How can one prevent other thoughts from occurring while chanting?

Just as sugar has sweetness as its quality, so also the nature of the mind is to think continuously or to harbour a certain emotion arising from some thought. In the beginning when chanting, everyone gets various thoughts due to the impressions from previous births.

How does chanting improve concentration of mind?

As long as chanting is going on it prevents the development of new impressions about other things on the subconscious mind.

Meditation and chanting

Explains the difference between meditation and chanting. Also defines what is meditation and what is chanting.

What is a bijamantra?

The energy of any mantra lies in its bija. The chanting of a mantra is efficacious only if an appropriate bija is selected. The bijas activate the deity of the mantra.

Why does a japamala consist of 108 beads?

The japamala (rosary) usually consists of 108 beads in addition to the merubead. The four parts (charans) of each of the twenty-seven lunar asterisms (nakshatras) that is 27 x 4 equals one hundred and eight. These are represented by 108 beads in the mala.

Why is chanting The God's Name superior to meditation?

Meditation [superconscious state (samadhi)] is not continuous but chanting can occur continuously. In order to blend with The Infinite Principle continuous spiritual practice is essential.

Why is Lord's Name superior to His form?

The form is associated with the tej (absolute fire) element while the Name (that is its sound) with the akash (absolute ether) element.

Why is Omkar called as pranav mantra?

All mantras originate from Om. It is a symbol of Brahman, God and the Vedas. Hence, the mantra ‘Om’ can bestow the Final Liberation (Moksha). This itself is the bija or the gist of the Vedas.

Why should one chant Name of benevolent deity based on the trigunas in oneself?

When chanting the Name of one’s favourite deity (ishtadevata) out of all the Names one should select the Name matching one’s constitution. A seeker finds it easier to chant such a Name.