What type
of clothes should be worn during performance of Japa?
Dhoti and
Kurta are cheap and convenient wears, which, besides meeting the above
objectives, also serve the purpose of religious and cultural integrity.
Dhoti and Kurta are also easily washable. In those regions where Dhoti-Kurta
are not traditional wears, clean-washed Pyjama may be used. Socks should
never be worn during the Sadhana. These are considered as dirty as shoes.
(However, to ward off extreme cold, one may wear clean socks reserved
exclusively, for this purpose). Though traditionally a yellow Dupatta (Angavastra)
on shoulders is recommended, it is not mandatory. Ladies may wear yellow
Saree or a loose traditional wear. For Group performance, it is advisable to
keep stock of spare clothes for the visiting participants.
What is the significance of Havan?
Jap and
Havan are basic ingredients of an Anusthan. After initiation (Dikcha) the
worshipper (Sadhak) makes a total surrender to Gayatri and Yagya (his
spiritual parents), which are inseparable. Invocation of both is done
through specified procedures during the Anusthan.
What is the ideal ‘Bramhabhoj’ after completion of the ‘Anusthan’?
After
Poornahuti in the Havan. Traditionally it requires feeding Brahmans or young
maidens. Qualified, deserving Brahmans are not easily available, these days.
Alternatively, maidens (who being symbolic of mother power of God the Matri
Shakti, are fed to augment faith) are offered food, but at times they are
not permitted by self-respecting parents to take food in a stranger’s house.
What is the time of the day recommended for Jap during an
Anusthan? Is it necessary to complete Jap at a stretch?
The best time is in the
morning for all spiritual activities.And yes mantra chanting can be done in
instalments ,the maximum breaks taken can be upto six.Although one should
try to talke less breaks.
Sadhanas
are carried out in two ways. These are designated as the ‘Dakchin Marg’ and
‘Vaam Marg’ or Tantra. The Vaam Marg, on the other hand, is the technique of
pulling out bio-energy from living beings and utilizing it for exercising
psychic control over others and for exorcist activities. Tantriks call this
energy as Durga or Kali. In practice, the Tantrik excites the bio-energy of
an animate being by violently killing it or inflicting excruciating pain on
it by extraction of flesh or blood. It is tempting for some highly egoistic
and ambitious persons to acquire extraordinary powers through Tantra, But
its practise is extremely complex and dangerous.
Is Akhand Yagya
permissible?
Yagya
should be completed in a fixed time during the day only. The reason being
the possibility of insects, worms etc. getting killed in the sacred fire,
which makes it a violent and profane act. It is not usually advisable. Is
taking a bath essential prior to Jap?
It is advisable to take a
bath before sitting for a jap,the saadhak should maintain cleanliness ,but
again changes,in daily routine can be taken into account.
We prescribe cleanliness of body and clothes, it is not considered
mandatory for all occasions. Situations may arise when the worshipper finds
it difficult to adhere to this rule strictly. Under such circumstances, one
should not discontinue the routine of worship. Besides cleanliness, the
objective of these preparatory rituals is to help the worshipper in getting
rid of lethargy. A sick or weak person may wash his arms, feet and face, or
if possible wipe the body with a wet cloth.
On what should one
concentrate during Upasana?
Saadhk
believing in Divinity ‘with form’ (Sakar) are advised to concentrate on an
idol or picture of Gayatri, whereas those having faith in formless God (Nirakar)
may concentrate in the central, part of the sun, all the while imagining
that the ethereal solar energy, it is necessary to concentrate one’s
thoughts exclusively on the deity.
Is Jap permissible
along-with other activities?
One may
perform Jap even while walking or without taking a bath or during other
physical activities. On such occasions, however, it should only be a mental
process without movement of lips, larynx and tongue. This is called an
Upaanshu jap. Instead of taking the help of a rosary, a clock may be used
for keeping a count.
How is it possible for
illiterate persons and children to do Gayatri Sadhana, for whom the
pronunciation of the Mantra is somewhat difficult?
Illiterate
persons who cannot utter Gayatri Mantra correctly, can perform Jap of
Panchakshari Gayatri “Om bhoor Bhuvaha Swaha.” If they cannot utter even
these words correctly, they can perform Jap of “Hari Om Tat-Sat.” This also
serves the purpose of Panchakshari Gayatri Mantra.
What is
the difference between a Yogi, a Guru and a Swami?
All these
terms define different concepts.
A Yogi is one who practices Yoga. It can be referred to occasional
practitioners or sometimes full-time aspirants
Having reached a certain degree of realization on the path the Yogi can
become a Guru and have disciples. The Gurus of the International Sivananda
Yoga Vedanta Centers are Sri Swami Vishnu-devananda and his own Guru Sri
Swami Sivananda.
The Yogis traditionally embrace either the householder path after their
training or sometime the monastic life by renouncing the world and becoming
a Swami or renounciate.
Why do
Yogis breathe through the nose both when inhaling and exhaling ?
Because it
is more natural and because the nose in an integral part of the respiratory
system, allowing the air to be heated, moistened and filtered.
I know
that one should not change one's Mantra, but I have been initiated into a
Mantra and since then, I have developed more devotion to a different deity
and I feel the vibration of its corresponding Mantra more powerfully. Should
I switch anyway?
Many
meditators share the experience described above. And yet it would be a major
mistake to switch Mantras. It is a common mental pattern to get bored with
something we have been doing over a long period of time. Everything else
seems very new and refreshing in comparison. However, regularity is
essential in order to go deeper and deeper in meditation.
Should I follow a Vegetarian diet during jap?
A healthy motto is: "Eat to live, not live to eat". It is best if we
understand that the purpose of eating is to supply our being with the
lifeforce,or Prana, the vital life energy. So the greatest nutritional plan
for the Yoga student is the simple diet of natural fresh foods. Any change
in diet should be made gradually. Start by substituting larger portions of
vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts until finally all flesh products have
been completely eliminated from the diet.
