Mantra Japa &c ...... जप -विधानम् (6)

This is the most important part ..... all the Nyasa and  PanchaPooja till this stage .... has been done... with a view to make our Japa more effective. Bhava, with which Japa is done, is more important than everything else.

Now do the

Mantra Japa

108 times

(or as pre-determined)

when done

offer

Hridayaadi Nyasa

followed with

भूर्भुवस्वरोम् इति दिग्विमोक:| 
Open eyes

recite Dhyana Sloka
and follow it up with
PanchaPooja
and finally,
Samarpanam

Keep your mind free from thoughts and simply recite the Mantra. Presiding Deity of the Mantra resides in the Mantra itself.  Leave it to the Deity to give us what's truly good for us. Easier said than done. We, as humans, have infinite desires and try to fulfil each of these without ever worrying whether it would prove to be good or otherwise. And invariably, all of us ...... including those who have renounced the world.... seek something or the other ..... from the Divine. What's the best way to go about it ? 

Direction

It's very important which direction we face while meditating or doing Japa. It is advisable to sit facing either East preferably during the day ... all energy flows from East to West  or North. 

Aasana or posture

Sit in a comfortable position ..... suit yourself .... either in Padmasana or Sukhasana.  Aasana Siddhi accrues to one who can remain seated in the same position for a period of 8 hours or more ..... unaffected by even thoughts of answering nature's call or passing wind .... clear obstacles in the path of a sadhaka and hence .... bhootashuddhi is a must before taking up the aasana. It may all seem difficult at start ..... but with practice .... one just gets into the groove effortlessly. 

Mind

Swami Sivananda repeatedly stressed on the point ..... a sound mind can rest only inside a fit body .....  An ailing body will require constant attention leaving the mind helpless. Physical activity by way of walk, aasanas and breathing exercises is a must .... at least till such time one is in a position to gain a reasonable control over one's mind. Mind is restless and will try to run all over ..... play along  ..... sooner than later .... it will come to a standstill and it is at this point of time, one will be in a position to coerce it to focus on the objective. For more on this, a perusal of Conquest of Mind by my gurudev is suggested. So much info .... so many tips .... all in one place.

It is possible to achieve communion with the Supreme through Japa. Japa becomes more effective when performed with intense bhakti devotion.  Nyasa helps one generate the necessary build-up ..... however .... a true devotee .... having had a taste of Supreme Bliss ... may not need any further push.

Lord Krishna says "I am the energy that resides in you.  I am the same energy that resides in your enemy. I am the same energy that resides in all living beings. Once you realize that .... all hatred, enmity, anger and base desires .... will vanish."

As per Sages, Kama is the greatest force on this Earth and enters the body through one's eyes and ears. One needs to get over this if there is to be any spiritual progress at all. If Lord Krishna's words ring thru one's ears ..... even this great force can easily be subdued. Try it .... it works for sure ! .... and the world becomes a better place to live in.

if you're drawn towards a member of the opposite sex

or

have intense hatred towards any specific individual/enemy

overcome it easily by meditating on your Ishta Devata around the other person's navel

when one feels agitated .... thinking of Ganges flowing ever so slowly near Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh.... soothes one's mind

One need not go to the mountains to meditate ...... instead... do it right at home. Inculcate the habit of Japa and experience that Supreme Bliss.

Time

 True... japa done at night is more effective and much more so, when manasika japa is done. And they become more effective on certain days like Sankranti when a new solar month begins, Maha Sivaratri. Prayers to Pithru Devata yield great results on Akshaya Thriteeya.

Guru - Preceptor

Importance of a guru cannot be overstressed ..... however, do not despair and most importantly, do not be in a hurry. Till such time you find a proper Guru (read books on Siva and Shakti by Sir John Woodroffe .... especially the chapter on choosing a guru), prostrate before Lord Dakshinamurthy Siva taking him as a Guru for HE is the Guru of all guru(s) and begin your japa.  Guru as per guru-parampara is a must only for some mantra(s) like Sri Vidya.

There's a simple sloka that my Gurudev taught me and I often recite ... to sail through the thick & thin. Works like a wonder !

कृष्ण  कृष्ण महयोगिन भक्तानाम् अभयकरम् । 

गोविन्दं परमानन्दं सर्वं मे वशमानय ||

For more, one may choose to read Japa Yoga by Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj of Rishikesh,  Divine Life Publications. Guruvey sharanam.....