This month we will practice Ajapa Japa in each class.
Ajapa Japa is the repetition of a memorised mantra, with constant awareness of it’s meaning. We will chant the mantra “So Ham” (pronounced “So Hum”), which translates to “I am He”, meaning “I am the Universe, Divine, Creative Consciousness, God” or your interpretation of “All”.
The sadhana of Ajapa Japa is an ancient mindfulness practice. The practice helps withdraw your awareness of the outside world, and find an inner focus, where you can be free from everyday stress, and find a sense of quiet and calm.
To practice . . .
- Sit in a comfortable meditation posture, like Sukhasana, with blankets, bolsters, zafus or other props as needed. Ensure the knees are lower than the hips.
- Assume a mudra if you choose. Jnana mudra with the tips of the thumb and index finger touching and the back of the hand resting on the knees in Sukhasana is a mudra for knowledge and wisdom, and is a common meditation mudra to use.
- As you inhale, mentally repeat “So”.
- As you exhale, mentally repeat “Ham”.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 up to 108 times (a complete mala).
- Reverse the breathing (inhale to “Ham” and exhale to “So”) and repeat up to 108 times.