What is Group Japa? (Bṛnda Japa)
Mantra
Sound has infinite power. A noble intention (sat‑saṅkalpa) has the ability to make it bear fruit in the right direction. Because various sounds are combined to express a lofty idea, it acquires the power to give a result. Mantras are those that protect one simply by being contemplated (manana).
Japa
Japa is the repeated recitation of a name‑mantra (Nāma Mantra) or a verse‑mantra (Śloka Mantra) addressed to a deity. Since a single recitation does not yield the full result, uttering a mantra many times repeatedly is called japa. (Because Vedic mantras are not to be recited by everyone, we take verse or name mantras.) The one who recites that mantra will certainly obtain the fruit that comes from it.
Group Japa (Bṛnda Japa)
When many people gather and perform japa together, that is Group Japa. If done individually, each person receives only his own share. But when others also join, the result of the japa done together becomes as many times (to the power of) the number of people. If ten people are there, the result is tenfold and is shared by all ten, and the intended purpose is accomplished more quickly.
Usage
Japa should be used only for righteous (dharmic) desires. Only noble intentions should be made. If you resolve for the welfare of all, your own welfare also becomes a part of that and reaches you. That does not mean we should not express our personal wishes; we may also do japa for individual needs. [The practice can be] once a week, just one śloka, just one mālā of 108. Regularity is most important.
Results
Generally, each mantra has a specific result. We may desire various results. If we wish to obtain a particular deity’s grace in a certain direction, we should follow the appropriate method. For example – health: Sūrya; wealth: Lakṣmī; strength: Hanumān; protection: Durgā, and so on.
Attainment of the Fruit
This is not in our hands. Whatever is done regularly and methodically will certainly have a good result. Sometimes the result may come quickly, or it may be delayed. We should not worry about it, nor be disappointed. If it comes quickly once, do not expect the same every time – hoping leads to disappointment. Therefore, one should remain neutral from the start and focus on the practice itself. As one continues, discipline becomes firm and gradually the result also becomes orderly. Any effort made with a noble intention will surely bear fruit.
Rules for Group Japa
For full benefits, certain rules must be observed:
Before the Session
Faith – 100% faith is required. Whether this effort succeeds or not should be left to God. We should focus only on whether we have followed the method 100%. If we listen attentively, keep the mind from wandering, and follow the instructions, they will surely contribute to the result.
Purity – One should be pure. Take a bath before coming. If not, at least wash your feet, hands, and face. (Women should not perform japa on ineligible days. If participating remotely, they must definitely refrain from this effort on those days.)
Clothing – Clothes should be clean, washed and dried. (Do not wear clothes that have been worn outside, unwashed, or unsuitable for worship.) As far as possible, wear traditional attire worn for worship. For women, a sari is best. If wearing a dress, wear a dupatta/shawl. For men, a pañca and upper cloth are best; otherwise, pants and shirt may be worn. It is better to avoid other types.
Place – Sit in a clean place at home. You may sit in the prayer room. Facing east is good; otherwise any direction is fine.
Seat (Āsana) – Sit on a seat made of darbha (kuśa grass) or cloth, on the floor. Sit in Ardha Padmāsana (half‑lotus) or another cross‑legged posture. After using, keep the seat clean in the prayer room. Take care that it is not touched at other times or by others.
Posture – Keep the spine straight. You may lean against a wall. Those who cannot sit on the floor due to health or age may sit on a small wooden plank or a plastic chair.
Japa Mālā – A japa mālā is not required. If you wish, you may use one after learning the proper method. Hold it in the right hand close to the heart. It should be covered with a cloth, not displayed openly.
Method of Chanting – You may chant aloud or silently within. You may chant while contemplating the meaning of the mantra or just listening to the sound. As much as possible, there should be devotion, faith, and an attitude of surrender. It is best to keep the eyes closed during japa. Choose a quiet place. Solitude is good for focusing the mind.
Focus – In the first stage, focus on the sound; in the second, on the meaning; in the third, on the essence of the verse or the deity; in the fourth, on the desired purpose. This develops gradually.
Number – There are certain auspicious numbers. Depending on our time and capacity, we may choose. 108 is a good number. For long mantras or hymns (stotras), one may do 3, 5, 9, 11, 21, or 51. (It is said that odd numbers, not even, should be taken. That does not apply to 108.)
Platform – Install the Zoom app and set it up beforehand. Only the name of the person leading the japa should be visible. If you need anything, it is better to send a personal message before the start or after everything is over.
During the Session (Zoom Meeting)
Audio (Microphone) – The microphone will be muted. There is no chance of accidentally speaking and causing disturbance. Do not write in the chat or send reactions.
Video (Camera) – We do not need to appear on camera. Keep it off.
Silence – From the moment you join until the end, attention must remain on the japa. There is no scope for any other conversation. Before starting, tell your family not to disturb you and sit down.
For Concentration – Keep your mobile phone and other devices away. Arrange so that attention does not get diverted.
Punctuality – Join the Zoom meeting five minutes before the scheduled time. It is best to be present from the beginning to the end – only then the full result is obtained.
Readiness – Sit steadily on your seat beforehand and then enter the meeting. After that, do not converse with anyone or engage in other distractions.
Display of the Verse/Mantra – The verse/mantra for that day will appear on the screen (in three scripts). You may read from the screen. Or you can practise in advance from the audio sent in the WhatsApp group.
Late Arrival – Those who arrive late due to unavoidable circumstances must follow the method – that is, they should start the japa only after following the initial instructions. Even if the count is reduced, it is fine; the method should not be lost. Similarly, those who leave in the middle should perform the closing observances before leaving.
Practice – When the verse/mantra is being taught to the group, everyone should remain muted and practice by chanting silently. The pronunciation should be as clear as possible, aloud [at your own place].
Structure of a Group Japa Session
Before the japa, there are some initial instructions. Listen to them and do as told. Then the main part is the 108 (one mālā) japa. After the japa is completed, there are again some instructions. Listen to them, do accordingly, and only after that, when instructed, open your eyes.
The session consists of:
- Prayer
- Practice of the day’s verse/mantra
- Opening instructions
- Japa
- Closing instructions
- Svasti Vācana (benediction)
1. Prayer
देवनागरी:
ॐ श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः
ॐ श्रीगणेशाय नमः
ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः
IAST:
oṃ śrīgurubhyo namaḥ
oṃ śrīgaṇeśāya namaḥ
oṃ śrīsarasvatyai namaḥ
देवनागरी:
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।
गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ॥
IAST:
gururbrahmā gururviṣṇuḥ gururdevo maheśvaraḥ |
guruḥ sākṣāt paraṃ brahma tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ ||
देवनागरी:
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
IAST:
vakratuṃḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭisamaprabha |
nirvighnaṃ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā ||
देवनागरी:
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि ।
विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥
IAST:
sarasvati namastubhyaṃ varade kāmarūpiṇi |
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi siddhirbhavatu me sadā ||
2. Practice of the Day’s Mantra
The instructor recites; one person reads aloud
(unmuted) while all others remain muted but chant aloud at their own places.
The instructor recites once, the reader repeats twice; everyone joins in
reciting that.
The verse is taught in small sections. Two rounds of practice are given. If the
pronunciation is not perfect within that time, do not worry – by listening to
others and chanting along, you will pick it up.
3. Opening Instructions
“Sit up straight. Perform five rounds of prāṇāyāma. Breathe in and out slowly. Contemplate the deity. Visualise the form of the deity in your mind and offer your salutations. State your personal wish in your mind.”
Then the group saṅkalpa (collective intention) will be recited. Listen to it and inwardly pray for its fulfilment.
Take five slow, deep breaths – or if you know Anuloma‑Viloma Prāṇāyāma, do that. Keep your eyes closed during the breathing.
At the time of making the saṅkalpa, you may silently tell your own wish in your heart.
It is good to have one saṅkalpa per session. Generally we pray for the welfare of the world.
When you are asked to salute the deity, visualise that deity. The image of the deity will appear on the screen. Offer your salutations with sincerity.
4. Japa
108 recitations of the verse. In the meeting, one person chants aloud; the rest chant along muted, following the same rhythm. It is important to chant together without losing the beat.
If you wish, you may count 108 using the finger method (kara‑mālā) or your own japa mālā. However, the responsibility for counting is not on the participants.
Everyone should stay muted during the meeting and do the japa. You may chant aloud at your own place.
At the end, three extra recitations are done slowly – that indicates the japa is complete.
Do not open your eyes immediately after the japa ends.
5. Closing Instructions
“Let the sound of the mantra ring in your ears. Remain listening to that sound for a while. Keep breathing deeply.”
“O deity, we offer you many thanks. May your grace ever be upon us. May you always look upon us with compassion. May we all receive the fruit of this japa. Grant us all auspiciousness.”
“Gently rub your palms together, place them over your eyes, and slowly open your eyes.”
6. Svasti Vācana (Benediction)
देवनागरी:
स्वस्ति प्रजाभ्यः परिपालयन्तां, न्याय्येन मार्गेण महीं महीशाः ।
गोब्राह्मणेभ्यः शुभमस्तु नित्यं, लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु ॥
IAST:
svasti prajābhyaḥ paripālayantāṃ, nyāyyena mārgeṇa mahīṃ mahīśāḥ |
gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubhamastu nityaṃ, lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu ||
After that, everyone may leave the Zoom meeting. If you wish to say anything, you may send a personal message or a message in the WhatsApp group.
