Japayoga Ki Vilakshan Shakti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Japayoga ki Vilakshan Shakti" by Pushkar Muni:

The book "Japayoga ki Vilakshan Shakti" (The Extraordinary Power of Japayoga) by Pushkar Muni delves into the profound significance and practical application of chanting (Japa) in Jainism and beyond. The author emphasizes that Japa is far more than mere repetition of words; it is a potent spiritual practice with far-reaching effects on the individual and the universe.

What is Japa?

At its core, Japa is the repeated remembrance of a deity, the Supreme Being, or a virtuous soul (Vitaraga Prabhu), or the consistent recitation of a mantra or specific sacred word. It is a specialized form of meditation known as "Padistha Dhyana" (meditation through posture or seated position).

The Power of Word and its Impact:

The author argues that every word, whether spoken or thought, travels throughout the entire universe (14 Rajju). These words, whether good or bad, create ripples and gather similar-minded thoughts, thus shaping the environment. Positive words create a positive atmosphere, while negative words generate negativity. Most people underestimate the power of words, viewing them only as a means of communication.

The Potent Influence of Words:

Except for those who have attained equanimity (Samyogi) or detachment (Vitaragi), words have a profound impact on the minds of most people. The text provides compelling examples:

• The Mahabharata: Draupadi's insulting words to Duryodhana, "Sons of the blind are blind," triggered a chain of events leading to the devastating Mahabharata war.
• Swami Vivekananda: When scholars dismissed the power of words, Swami Vivekananda called them "fools." Their immediate angry reaction demonstrated the very power of words they denied.
• Prasannachandra Rajarshi: In Jain history, Prasannachandra Rajarshi, while meditating, was deeply affected by a servant's slanderous words against him and his child. This negativity caused him to mentally prepare for battle and, according to Mahavir Swami's revelation, led him to a lower realm. However, his subsequent remorse and self-condemnation reversed this, propelling him to a higher celestial realm. This illustrates the potent and subtle effects of words.

The Science and Spirituality of Mantras:

• Universal Impact: Scientists have observed that chanting mantras in unison creates powerful magnetic currents that interact with the Earth's ionosphere, influencing the entire atmosphere.
• Brainwaves: In a state of deep concentration during mantra chanting, the brain generates Alpha waves (7-13 cycles per second), demonstrating a connection between individual and collective consciousness.
• Types of Utterance: Mantras can be chanted in three ways: short (hrasva) for destroying negative karma, prolonged (dirgha) for wealth accumulation, and a stretched (pluta) sound for knowledge enhancement. Three more subtle levels are also mentioned: subtle, rhythmic, and extremely subtle.
• Om: The single word "Om," when chanted in different ways (hrasva, dirgha, pluta), yields distinct benefits. When chanted in its subtlest form or as part of "So'ham," it fosters deep connection with the meditative object.
• Energy and Healing: The subtle vibrations of mantra chanting can influence bodily glands and chakras, leading to desired changes in nature and promoting physical and mental well-being. Music, as a form of word power, can relieve stress and treat psychological disorders.
• Mantras and Well-being: Various mantras, including the Panch Paramesthi Namaskar Mantra, are used to overcome ailments, anxieties, and diseases.

The Power of Sound and Music:

Music is highlighted as another significant aspect of word power. Harmonious chanting and singing can alleviate diseases and offer psychological benefits. It can aid in disease prevention, emotional upliftment, energy enhancement, and even improve the productivity of plants and animals.

The Dual Nature of Words:

Words possess the power to create both friendship and enmity. A well-spoken word can be as beneficial as a wish-fulfilling cow, while harsh words can have devastating consequences.

The Miraculous Power of Subtle Sounds:

The text emphasizes that while gross speech has its impact, subtle and inaudible sounds possess even greater power. This is demonstrated by:

• Laser Cutting: The use of subtle sound waves to cut diamonds.
• Launderette: Washing clothes with subtle sound frequencies.
• Opening Doors: The ability of sound to open and close locked doors.
• Resonance: The principle of resonance, where continuous subtle sound attacks can cause a heavy iron girder to vibrate and even strong bridges to collapse under synchronized marching of soldiers. This illustrates the power of consistent, rhythmic sound.

The Significance of "JapYog":

The inclusion of "Yog" with "Japa" signifies that the chanting should be directed towards spiritual growth. The practice aims to cultivate deep absorption, concentration, and unwavering faith in the ultimate goal (Moksha). It awakens dormant inner powers and leads to the expression of the soul's inherent knowledge, perception, conduct, bliss, and strength.

Four Stages of Mind Training through Name Chanting:

1. Learning: Repeated remembrance and recitation.
2. Retention: Internalizing the information or process.
3. Recall: Bringing past positive experiences to the forefront of memory.
4. Recombination: Granting recognition and transforming it into faith and conviction.

These stages are crucial for connecting the individual soul (Atma) with the universal soul (Paramatma).

The Importance of "JapYog":

• Awakening the Subconscious: Japayoga is presented as a scientific method to awaken the subconscious mind and achieve union with the Supreme Being.
• Building Confidence and Purity: It strengthens the practitioner's morale, refines their faith, brings clarity and purity to their thoughts, and fosters devotion.
• Material and Spiritual Prosperity: Japayoga leads to material accomplishments and, more importantly, spiritual riches. It empowers individuals to transcend worldly attachments and progress towards liberation.
• Purification of the Mind: Just as bathing cleanses the body, Japa cleanses the mind from the impurities absorbed from the environment.

The Process of Name Chanting:

The path to spiritual realization through name chanting involves:

1. Remembrance: Recalling the chosen deity.
2. Invocation: Calling upon the deity.
3. Establishment: Fixing the deity in the heart.
4. Realization: Attaining the desired outcome.

This process is both scriptural and scientifically validated, training the untrained mind to connect with the divine.

The Power of Vibrations:

The continuous repetition of words in Japa creates vibrations that spread throughout the universe, influencing individuals, environments, and even specific circumstances. These vibrations stimulate and awaken divine energy centers within the practitioner, increasing inner power and vitality.

Dual Reaction of Mantra Chanting:

Mantra chanting produces a two-fold effect:

1. Removal of Mental Afflictions: It eradicates mental disturbances and negative emotions.
2. Development of Resistance: It builds inner resilience against negative influences and strengthens the body's natural defenses against mental afflictions like anger, greed, and attachment.

The Principle of Repetition:

The book highlights the power of repetition, likening it to how repeated footsteps create paths or how friction generates heat and electricity. Consistent repetition of mantra words creates a deep imprint on the practitioner's inner being, leading to its establishment in the subconscious mind, and even manifesting in dreams and sleep.

The Significance of Sound Waves:

The continuous chanting of mantra words generates magnetic thought waves that travel throughout the universe. These waves resonate and return to the practitioner, creating a cycle of energy. Specific mantras and seed syllables create distinct sound waves that influence the glandular system and endocrine glands, bringing balance and order.

Choosing the Right Mantra:

• Jain Tradition: The Panch Paramesthi Namaskar Mantra is considered the supreme mantra in Jainism.
• Vedic Tradition: The Gayatri Mantra is highly regarded in Vedic tradition.
• Sound Over Meaning: The author stresses that the efficacy of mantras lies more in their sonic science and vibrational patterns than in their literal meaning. Seed mantras, though often without clear meanings, possess immense power due to their vibrational configuration.

The "So'ham" Mantra and Ajapajapa:

• Meaning: "So'ham" signifies "That I am," indicating the inherent divinity within oneself and the oneness of the soul with the Supreme Being.
• Ajapajapa (Unspoken Chant): This is a natural, effortless form of chanting associated with the breath. As one inhales, one registers "So," and as one exhales, one registers "Ham." This practice, also known as "Hansayoga," integrates breath awareness with mantra.
• Spiritual Revelation: The "So'ham" mantra represents the ultimate truth of self-realization and the unity of the individual soul with the divine. It is considered a highly advanced form of Japayoga, leading to profound spiritual insights.

Concluding Message:

The book concludes by emphasizing that by understanding the benefits, significance, and proper methods of Japayoga, individuals can attain the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha). Japayoga is presented as a powerful tool for spiritual purification, inner strength, and ultimate self-realization, aligning with both ancient wisdom and scientific understanding.