Mantra and Japa Yoga

    Japa yoga is the repetition of mantra. The sound of the mantra keeps the mind focused on one pure vibration, thus counteracting the constant jumping and restlessness of the mind on many objects.  One can repeat the mantra verbally or mentally, daily, at all times or at specific times, using mala beads, or by writing the mantra.
    A mantra is Divinity. It is Divine Power manifesting in a sound body. The mantra is a significant word or series of words which give it a special power. Sometimes this word is a sound which harmonizes with the key-note of the individual using it. Sometimes this word expresses the essence of the flower springing from the seed.
    A mantra can be chosen by you on the basis of the sound that it makes, the meaning of it or the image of the deity which it may include. Mantras exist in all of the ancient languages and all traditions. Yes, you can also "create your own mantra", such as "I am Love" of "Peace is Here", but there is great benefit to utilizing an existing mantra as it has already cut a deep grove within the collective akasha (the space within which we all live). There are angels, sages and saints amongst us always, and many are involved in the offering of these mantras at all times. One practicing with these mantras gets the benefit of never being alone in their practice, and this intensifies the healing and connective power. 
    All genuine mantras will lead you to the same realization. It is strongly advisable to have and practice with a personal mantra. A personal mantra can be said to be a mantra that "picks you", one that resonates deeply with you and opens you up to the Peace and Love which are at your center, your own highest nature. This personal mantra is typically quite easy and natural to find. You will not need to seek out a "guru" to give you one, and please, by no means, should you purchase one. Mantra is free, they seek you, and they willingly reveal themselves to you.

     Swami advises to simply sit in a quiet place with one of the lists of mantras provided and linked below. Read each one of them a few times. Don't worry about pronunciation, just read them as you can, naturally and comfortably, and check in on how it feels within you. Go all the way to the end of the list in this way, and you will find one, or perhaps two or three, which open up within you. If there is one then this is clearly your mantra. If there are two or three then you will want to take more time with these. Feel free to reach out to Swami for support with this process as you go - you are supported in this journey. And when you feel ready, Swami welcomes requests for individual mantra initiation and support with the practice.
 

    For more on Japa Yoga Theory and Practice please review this essay by Swami Sivananda.

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     Here is a very helpful video on using a mala to count your japa mantra repetitions.